I'm ok, really, I am.

I am taking a "vacation."  I did have the Gettysburg gals for stamp club last night, but other than that, I am taking a short staycation and hanging at home, enjoying my all too quickly growing punks and my family.  I am working on stamp club and gearing up for Sale a Bration, but nothing blog worthy.  So, don't worry about me.  I'll be back in 2011!  Happy New Year, y'all! 

Remember those calendars I kept going on and on and on about?  The ones I made with My Digital Studio?  The ones I was giving my family for Christmas?  The ones I kept posting sneak peeks of?  Well......BIG hit......BIG!

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful stampers and scrappers.  I hope you are having a blessed CHRISTmas with all your loved ones.  I know it can be a crazy day at our house with farm chores, the madness of gift opening and visiting our families.....but we try to slow things down a bit and remember that "For unto us a child has been born, unto us a son is given."  Isaiah 9:6.  Happy Birthday, Jesus. 


And, here's a little gift for you:
This scrapbook wallet was a huge hit at my last class!  It uses 3 regular business sized envelopes with the ends cut off.  You can decorate and put pictures or even recipes on the inserts.  It's a really neat idea...and not just for the holidays.


I totally scrap lifted this idea and I'll give you the link below.  I always find it easier to see full color, step by step tutorials then to try and read written instructions.

 For a complete tutorial on this project, click HERE

12 Weeks of Christmas- week 1

Wow!  That's all I have to say about that.  I am in frantic holiday mode, so this baby is short and sweet. 

I found this capital A- dorable gift card holder on the web and quick like a bunny, I made one for myself!  Too cute not to share!  I'll send you straight to the source so I don't have to recreate the instructions.

To see the instructions from a super stamper, click HERE

Filled With Love Special

Oh la la!  A great special just in time for Valentines Day!  From now until January 24th, you may purchase this bundle which includes, the Filled with Love stamp set,  Love Designer Series paper and a package of Bitty Buttons for free!

To view the flyer click HERE

12 Weeks of Christmas....week 2

Yup, that's right...heading into the home stretch, homies.  Here is a neat idea for a card, scrapbook page or gift topper.  Easy, peesy, lemon squeezy paper medallion.

Pick out some cool designer paper of your choice.  If you haven't heard by now, I really love Deck the Halls from the Holiday Mini.  Punch out 2 large scallop circle s( 2 3/8 to be exact)  The punch was not available for awhile, but it's back now!!

Make creases between each scallop so it looks like the picture on the right.  Then make 1 cut between 2 scallops into the center.  Fold accordion style so you have 2 half circles.  Use sticky strip or some type of adhesive and attach the 2 half circles together.

Add a lovely brad, button or even cardstock in the center and you have a lovely medallion for whatever your little heart desires. 

12 Weeks of Christmas.....week 3...say wah?

I apologize for being SO behind on this one.  Computer crashes make things crazy!

Here is a video that Taryn and I made ....super cute and super easy origami flower.  Add many of these flowers together and you get a super cute holiday kissing ball!  I may just get mine done yet!!!

Ok, so due to technical difficulties, I can't get the video to upload.  Here is the link to a youtube that will help you out.

origami 5 petal flower

500 Club

Each year, I host 500 club for my hostesses who have held $500 (or more) workshops through the year.  I try to make it a special night for them to thank them for working hard and going that extra mile.  I have snacks, free make n takes, door prizes and grand prizes.  Last night was great fun and I want to give a shout out to those special ladies!
Barb D $776.20
Brenda E $526.55
Muriel T $551.90
Becky L  $1676.30
Brenda G $1001.22
Becky S $ 504.10
Patti McC $539 AND $568.85
Linda H $622.45
Trish E  $691.00
Linda I $555.35
Kristi $509.50

I appreciate all my hostesses and hold 2 appreciation events through the year, but I try to do a little extra for 500 club.  Not everyone can make it, so here are the neato burrito things we did:

This set uses Button, Button and is in the Occasions mini coming out in January.  Colors are Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Soft Suede.  Thanks Color Coach...wouldn't have thought about using those 3 together!  We used the scallop trim corner punch and the Birthday Bliss set.  Added a little brown button and there ya go.

Eat Chocolate?  No need to tell me twice!  This set is coming up in the Occasions mini as well.  I know you can't see it that well, but it says " All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate.....I'm that friend."    We used Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White cardstock. 
The designer paper is Crumb Cake from the asst pack.  If you haven't seen that pack yet.....GORGEOUS!!!   The sentiment is punched out using the XL designer label punch- and yeah!  It's moving to the new mini, so we get to keep it for awhile!  Punch out 2 in chocolate chip and layer them behind the white.  Looks like a mat.   I used cherry cobbler seam binding....next to Deck the Halls paper, my favorite thing from the holiday mini.

I added a "fork bow" and .....super cute card.  If you attended my Camp Eder Retreat, you were privy to Debi C teaching us how to tie a bow with a fork.  If you weren't there...ask me sometime and I'll show you. Awesome!!

Now,  Taryn and I made a video for the next project.  It also happens to be a 12 weeks of Christmas project.

Uh Oh

One of my downline accidentally orders this bad boy twice.....anyone interested?  It's wood mount and she's asking $19.95.  Let me know.

TO GO Kit for December

• each month I post the make n take kit of the month on the first of the month.
• you may order online via paypal and pay with your credit card or contact me with your order. Order as many kits as you'd like.
• be very careful when using Paypal- make sure to select the correct amount
• kits are shipped to you or you may pick up within 1 week of your order

Cost is $12.95 for 8 cards/envelopes (add $3.00 for shipping)

Kits include:
pre cut/pre scored/pre textured cardstock, all accessories (brads, buttons, ribbon, diecuts etc), 8 envelopes.....all kits are ready for you to stamp and assemble (this allows you to customize them for whatever you may need) NOTE: inks/stamps are NOT included in kit.

 If you would like your cards pre-stamped, add $2.00. When you order, you'll also receive a full color, step by step instruction sheet e-mailed to you for easy assembly of your cards.  Contact me to order yours today!


**note- designer paper/ribbon may change due to supplies**

OPTIONS

1 Month TO GO kit $12.95 1 Month TO GO kit w/shipping $15.95 1 Month TO GO kit stamped $14.95 1 Month TO GO kit stamped w/shipping $17.95

Wow Wednesday became Terrific Tuesday this month!

Due to the craziness of holiday festivities- I rescheduled WOW Wednesday for the week after Thanksgiving.  That gave us plenty of time binge and purge and enjoy the pure bliss that are the holidays.  We had WOW Wednesday on Terrific Tuesday- November 30th....and here's what we made:

This ornament was featured on one of the 12 weeks of Christmas, so you can back track and find all the fine details there.

A neat use of the lattice die for Mr Big.  Cut 2 out of brushed silver and attach them offset to make a beautiful snowflake.   The project last night had the sentiment embossed in silver.  We added a silver glimmer brad and  Boy Howdy, does this puppy sparkle!

This card uses Welcome Christmas and the Vintage Wallpaper folder for Mr Big.  If you brayer Crumb Cake in on the depressed side of the folder (the flourishes are what should be depressed) then lay in your white cardstock, run thru Mr Big and out comes a neat, tea stained background. 

Layer with Early Espresso and Crumb Cake....and a scallop ribbon trim and some antique brads and it has the vintage-y feel.

Enjoy! 

12 Weeks of Christmas.....HOLY CRAP.....Week 4

This little treat box is so beautiful  1) because of the glorious Deck the Halls designer paper and B) because it's so easy to make!
As easy as it is to make, I sure did have one heck of a time getting a good photo of it.   I've included the tutorial at Splitcoast for you to see a full color version to follow along.    The only difference on mine is that I used the Top Note Die for Mr. Big and did not trim off the side and I ran my ribbon around the box itself....which you probably can't see because of my crappy photography skills.   Seriously,  I even tried outside in bright sunlight, I'm wondering if the Espresso was just too dark to capture it? 

Anyway- all I did was cut out 2 top notes using Deck the Halls and I did mount it onto a top note cut out of Espresso cardstock, just to give it a bit more stability.    Made the box out of Espresso as well and attached it all together....added a little bling to the poinsettia and ran a satin ribbon around the box.......BAM.....all ready for a nice holiday gift!

Enjoy!

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/topnotebox/

OH YES!

Great news! The Watercolor Wonder Crayons are now available for purchase. As we mentioned in a previous current update, the Watercolor Wonder Crayons were delayed due to a relocation of our supplier. We now have inventory and you can start ordering today!
When you and your customers receive your Watercolor Wonder Crayons, you may notice that some of the crayon sleeves feature old artwork on them. This does not affect the quality of the crayons; we simply need to deplete inventory of crayons with the old artwork before we use crayons featuring the new artwork.
Use the following item numbers to purchase your Watercolor Wonder Crayons:

• 120949 New Color Kit
• 119802 Subtles
• 119803 Regals
• 119804 Brights
• 119805 Neutrals

Thanks for your patience!

Thank You!

Black Friday Virtual Shopping was a success and many of you got MDS for 50% off and took advantage of FREE Shipping!  Thank you for your orders.  I am placing an order Monday morning, so I'm still offering free shipping if there are any last minute items you are in need of. 

Here are a few more of my calendar pages.......it totally rocks!  I am so excited to give these as gifts on Christmas!  Thanks to tflo and her mad photo skills!

Happy Thanksgiving! (and blog candy winner)

On this cold, rainy Thanksgiving morning, I really am able to say with 100% honesty that I am truly thankful for you!  I started this stamping gig 7 years ago hoping to be a stay at home mom and have a little extra money on the side.  Well, here I am....still staying at home, raising my gorgeous children, working on our farm and doing something that I absolutely love, love, love!   It is because of God's plan for me, of that I am 100% sure ....and He has provided me with fantastic customers (who become friends) who support everything I do!  Thank you -God Bless Us, Each and Every one!

The blog candy winner of the Holiday Best stamp set is Barb D!  Congrats Barb...I'll put it in with your stamp club order.   Keep reading, folks.....you never know when blog candy will show up!

And here's a few more things I am thankful for:






My Fun, Farmin' Family!

Punk Number 1:  this child melts my heart with her smile and the most contagious giggle you've ever heard. 

Punk Number 2:   He just makes me shake my head and think "boys are weird."  But, he has embedded himself in my sole.









Ya'll enjoy your holiday with your friends and family and don't forget- shop Virtual Black Friday with me tomorrow.  As you can see....the pages of my family- they are pages from my calendar that I made with MDS!

12 Weeks of Christmas Week 5....and a hidden agenda

Well, it's not so hidden since I'm going to tell you what my agenda is.  It is to sell you on My Digital Studio.  DagNabbit, I love this thing.  I will say, I am a traditional stamper and scrapper, I love the feel of paper, ribbon, ink and stamps and I wasn't sold on this new fangled stuff when it first came out.  But, as a good demo, I bought it and was determined to not like it.   Well,  that didn't work.  I was sold the minute I made my first album for my dad and stepmother for Christmas last year.  

Then I whipped out a calendar in no time for this Christmas.  In the meantime, I actually did make some cards.  Quickly and painlessly, I might add.  The great thing is, you can 3D them all you want by adding stamping, ribbons and brads to what you print out.  BAM....I was in love.   The best part is, I still love traditional stamping and scrapbooking!   But, I love MDS too!  It's a win win! 

So, here is your week 5 of the 12 weeks......one of a kind Christmas photo greeting cards!  NO ONE else has ones like mine.  They aren't cookie cutter from those online snapfly shutterfish places.  Although....I can upload them and have them print them for cheap, cheap, cheap!  Or I can upload them to Stampin' Up! and have them print them for me.  Or, I can burn them to a disc and take them to good ole WallyWorld.    The world is my oyster folks! 

Even better, MDS is 50% off until November 30th!  That's right- only $39.98!   Even, Even better, you can get free shipping when you order it from me on Black Friday!   Even, Even, Even better, we  have discounted digital downloads until November 30th.  Even, Even, Even, Even better, MDS downloads DO work with other software (and with Mac if you're one of those people), so you don't have to have the starter software to use this stuff!

Ok, are you sold yet?   No?  Well.....here are my photo greeting cards for Christmas 2010!

Black Friday Virtual Shopping Trip

You are welcome to order online ANYTIME between now and November 30th to take advantage of the Online Spectacular.....but to receive extra savings and benefits, shop with me on Black Friday!    An email is all it takes to earn you free goodies!

BLACK FRIDAY VIRTUAL SHOPPING TRIP!

Why fight all the traffic, crowds and rude shoppers on Black Friday?  Just shop from home with Stampin’ Up! and me!

I will be hosting a virtual shopping trip for you, my wonderful customers!  Shop from the comfort of your own home, all you need to do is e-mail your order to me! 

**if orders reach $150, I will raffle the hostess sets and you’ll receive FREE shipping!!! 

**Each order receives 1 ticket

**Each $30.00 order (before shipping/tax) will earn you FREE Goodies and 1 extra ticket

** receive 1 extra ticket for every $30 you purchase

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE SPECTACULAR ON MY WEBSITE FOR INCREDIBLE SPECIALS! 

(MAKE OUT YOUR WISH LIST AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!  THEY CAN EMAIL ME TOO WITH GIFT PURCHASES FOR YOU!)

WHEN:  Friday, November 26. 2010

TIME:  7am-9pm

EMAIL:  cjbrechbill@earthlink.net

In your email- please be sure to include item number and description of items- the online catalog may be viewed on my website at www.jodybrechbill.stampinup.net

FREE GOODIES: (orders must be $30 or more to qualify)

1^st email- free classic ink pad and 2 extra tickets

2^nd email- free stampin’ write marker

3^rd email- free signo gel pen

4^th email- free package of stampin’ dimensionals

5^th email- free package of linen thread and 2 extra tickets

6^th email- free container of dazzling diamonds glitter

7^th email- free roll of ¼ inch grosgrain ribbon

8^th email- free classic ink refill

9^th email- free package of rhinestones or pearls

10^th email- free smooch spritz and 2 extra tickets

**Once 10 emails are received, we will start over from the beginning**

Due to the nature of this special, I can not accept credit cards.  Cash or checks only.  Orders will be shipped to me and I’ll deliver.  Items WILL be here in time for the holidays.

I am having computer troubles, which I think I fixed today.  I will respond to your email by 9pm that night,  If you do not have a response from me by 9pm on Friday, please contact me again. 



Blog Candy Glitch

I became aware of the fact that some folks are having trouble commenting on my blog.  I think I have resolved this issue.  But, then again, I'm kind of a computer idiot, so my "resolving" is just pushing random buttons until I like what I see.

Due to the glitch, I'm extending my blog candy drawing until Wednesday Morning!  Don't forget to leave your name in your comment so I know who you are!  Otherwise, Anonymous might just win and we can't have that!!! 

If you still can't comment- email me and that will count.

IT'S HERE!

The Online Extravaganza has been announced!  And, as the Lord said on the 6th day, "it is very good!"  I have attached a link on the right hand side.   It's about 4 pages long.  To take advantage- simply go to my website at http://www.jodybrechbill.stampinup.net/.


Here are a few things to remember:

1.  Special runs November 22- November 30 ONLY
2. ONLINE orders ONLY over $150 receive free shipping!  (order must be $150 before shippingt/tax)
3. If you are ordering a bundle- use the bundle number, NOT the item numbers from the catalog. 
4. I WILL be doing my Black Friday Virtual Shopping Trip...more info to come!

Don't forget about our recruiting special as well- only $87.50!  Happy Shopping!

Shhhhh.......a sneak peek......

Well, I promised some good Black Friday specials....and you'll soon find out what they are.  Our special starts TOMORROW and since it is Sunday and since God gave us a glorious fall day here in PA and since Taryn is home sick with a sore throat and since I am feeling generous, I'll throw you a bone.....just to get you drooling.

*You will be able to get My Digital Studio for 50% off!  That's right, peeps, our super cool paper crafting software will be available for 40 bucks!  Just in time for the holidays!  If you have not seen what this baby can do, you are missing out!  I just made some cards for my 500 club and downline is about 5 minutes!   And, if you are by my stampin' studio, ask to see my calendar for 2011...and then prepare to DIE!  It is so fabulous!    I am giving them as gifts for the g-rents (as my kids call them).  It took me a couple hours to make them, I uploaded it to Stampin' Up! for printing in seconds and guess what?  I received hostess benefits since my order was over $150.00!   Sweet deal, yo!

*You will also be able to purchase our brand spankin' new fabric for 50% off as well.  Now, I am not crafty in the sewing department at all, but I have seen some awesome projects made with our fabric...from stuffed animals, to tree skirts, to ornaments, to using scraps on cards.  Even better, Mr Big knows how to cut fabric!  Most of our dies work great with fabric!

*You will receive free shipping on online orders over $150.00!  Think about what all you'll need for your Christmas cards, now is the time to stock up.   Grab a couple friends and submit your order together- free shipping can't be beat!

There will be much more and I'm sure you'll be thrilled when you get your update from me tomorrow! 

And since it's Sunday and I'm in a really great mood, it's time for some blog candy!   This stamp set can be yours, just leave a comment and your name will be entered in the drawing.   I'll announce the weiner tomorrow morning.  Gosh, peeps, how will you sleep with all this excitement going on?????

Black Friday Virtual Shopping Trip

I normally do a big Virtual Black Friday event- all via email and phone calls, so can spend the day in your jammies, cringing in the corner and sucking your thumb....like I do.  Real life Black Friday scares me. 

Anyway- Stampin' Up! is running a special starting November 22nd.  I don't know what it is and I don't know if it will affect my Friday event.  So, stay tuned for more information to come. 

12 Weeks of Christmas Week 6

Better late than never, huh?  Sorry this one is behind, I was hoping for a nice sunny day to get the best pics, but these will have to do.

Here is a super neat ornament?  Gift topper?  Suncatcher?  It's very quick and easy to make and the fun part is, it can be whatever size you want! 

This one uses 12 strips of Deck the Halls paper cut 1/4 inch x 6 inches.

Weave 6 strips as seen on the left.  You will have 2 "sets."

Bring the left horizontal strip up to meet the left vertical strip and fasten.  I used mini glue dots and they worked perfectly.  Do this will the rest of the strips until it looks like this:

You'll want to make sure that both of your "sets" look like this.




Next, you'll attach them on top of each other- making sure they are "offset."  I used mono and then added a larger brad in the center.

Use mini glue dots again and attach those strips to the middle of the loops.  Then trim off any paper that sticks out.  

And that's it.  I punched a hole in the top of one and ran some thread thru and hung it in my window. 

Here is one I made using Deck the Halls and 1/4 inch x 12 inch strips.  It's much larger, but still neat. 



Have fun!

New Digital Downloads

If you have My Digital Studio.....or other scrapbooking software <gasp>, you better jet on over to my website to see all the Holiday Downloads!  Awesome!  I just added Autumn Spice, Deck the Halls and Jolly Holiday designer paper.

November Stamp Club

I can't believe it is November already!  This year has flown by and it was our last stamp club meeting of 2010!  I love stamp club and I love my club gals.  I also look forward to another fabulous stampin' year in 2011!
 If you are looking for a fun night out, free stamping and purchasing the best stampin supplies on the market while staying within your budget....stamp club is for you!  Contact me today! 

Here are the November projects.  This one uses Day of Gratitude and Define Your Life sets.  The colors are Cajun Craze, Garden Green and Very Vanilla.   I had compliments from my gals when I kept things simple.  So I did it again this month.  Simplicity is key.

Love this one!  Peaceful Season hostess set from the Holiday Mini and the scallop trim punch.  Colors are Always Artichoke, Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler...the "it" colors for the holidays.  Add a little bling over the "i" with our rhinestones and you have the perfectly simple Christmas card.

Well, hello Mr Big!  Here we used a technique called embedded paper.  I attached the Autumn Spice designer paper to More Mustard cardstock and ran it thru Mr Big using the lattice folder.     Then......I ran a piece of Chocolate Chip thru Mr Big using the top note die- turn the top note 1/4 turn and run thru again to get the awesome shape!  I actually hand stitched the piece....but I REALLY don't recommend that, the white gel pen works just as well.   I used the bird punch and Three Little Words for the sentiment. 

and......there ya go!

C'mon In......

the water is just fine!  If you have EVER thought about signing up as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator...your time is now!!!  We are offering our standard starter kit for only $87.50 for 2 short weeks!  The kit is normally $175.00 but contains over $300 worth of products, including all your paperwork (order forms, catalogs, mini's etc)

From November 15- November 30, you can sign up to to what I do.  What do I do?  Let me tell you.....I have a great job, one that is super fun, flexible and I get paid to do what I love to do!  Stampin' Up! allows me to work my own schedule....so I can still stay at home with my kids and work on our farm, I can still volunteer at their school and clean my house, I can keep up with the laundry and still have time to have lunch with my friends.  It's a great gig....and I'd love to share more with you.   Contact me today!

12 Weeks of Christmas Week 7

Here ya go!  Week 7 of our 12 weeks of Christmas.  This card looks a lot harder than it really is.

I used the Northern Flurry embossing folder from the Holiday Mini and ran Shimmery White cardstock thru Mr. Big.  I then rounded the corners and used my Pacific Point marker to color in the raised snowflake images!

Add a bit of silver cord and VIOLA!  A beautiful card that took seconds to make!

I seriously do not know how I could live without Mr. Big.  He makes everything easy!

Camp Eder Retreat

Tree of Peace....sounds nice, right?  That's cuz it is!  Join me on December 3, 4, 5 for a fantastic weekend away in the woods of Fairfield, PA. 

Cost is $100 for the weekend.  Arrive after 3pm on Friday and leave by 2pm on Sunday.  The weekend is yours to do whatever you wish:  stamp, scrapbook, sew, sleep, read!   

Our lovely cabin in the woods has 8 bedrooms...each room has 1 double, a set of bunks and a trundle single.  You'll also have your own private bathroom.  Please bring linens and towels.

This is the view our front door.....seriously, if I'm lying, I'm dying. 



C'mon.....you know you wanna!

12 Weeks of Christmas Week 8

Here we have a very easy to make Tri Shutter Card to celebrate that we have about 8 weeks until Christmas!  Did you hear me, people????  EIGHT WEEKS!!!  My kids are singing carols in the shower, Halloween candy is gone at The Walmart- replaced in one day by Christmas candy and of course....my shopping is done. 

And, next time I put my own nasty hand in a picture....I'll get a mani.  I just wanted to show, that even though this is 3-D ish....it still fits in a standard A2 envelope. 




The easiest thing to do at this point---after you've "ohhh'd" and "ahhhh'd" and declared that, Yes! Yes!..I AM the stampin' queen, is to send you to my favorite place.  Splitcoast Stampers....here is the link with step by step, full color instructions.  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/trishuttercard/

Of course, Deck the Halls designer paper just makes this card gorgeously vintagey and the crocheted ribbon helps!

Enjoy!!