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It was definately a whirl wind weekend. The girls both came home, left for Chicago, came back and are now back at school.  It kind of felt like it the door was revolving, but I'm not complaining.  They were both home.  Alyssa will be home next weekend because she has to work.  Megan doesn't know when she will be home again.  Depends upon when she needs to get away from school.  I figure she will come home only one more time before Thanksgiving. Not much, but better than nothing.  

Plaid Christmas Tree.  How awesome is that?  Mix in a little bit of gold and look what you get!

The base of the card is Cherry Cobbler with a Shaded Spruce plaid.  It's a relatively simple card, but the layers make it look more elegant.  And the gold helps that out too.  

The card came about by the piece of Wrapped in Plaid DSP.  I had it left over from another card and wondered how to make it work.  After fiddling around, this is the result.  Don't discard those scraps!  You never know what will come of them.  

Take a glance at the detail under the tree.  It's from the Christmas Gleaming Stamp Set.  I carefully took my Cherry Cobbler ink pad and inked just 2/3 of the stamp.  The remaining seemed like it really didn't belong.  You could also color the stamp with your marker.  This little detail was the perfect thing extra detail this card needed.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

Perfectly Plaid Photopolymer Stamp Set (En)	Pine Tree Punch	Perfectly Plaid Bundle (En)	Christmas Gleaming Cling Stamp Set (En)	Wrapped In Plaid 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper
Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Golden Glitz Delicata Metallic Ink Pad	Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad	Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad
Stitched Rectangle Dies	Shaded Spruce/Gold 3/8" (1 Cm) Striped Ribbon	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals	Tear & Tape Adhesive

My girls came home this weekend!!  Well, kind of.  They both came home last night, but only because they had tickets in Chicago to see the Jonas Brothers concert.  They were both excited to go into the city together.  I figure they have been all over Europe, mostly by themselves, so I shouldn't have to worry about them in Chicago.  The Milwaukee concert got a good review, so hopefully so will Chicago.  They will be home tomorrow.  I was hoping to talk them into going back to school on Monday morning, but no such luck.  Too much homework.  I'm glad to see that school is a priority.

Over the summer, I did this whitewash technique at a stamp n' stack event.  Two of my club people weren't able to attend, and I figured they wanted to learn it themselves, and the one wouldn't mind doing different whitewash card.  I was right.

The flower is embossed with the gold embossing powder.  The lines of the flower really stand out now.

When whitewashing, use the aqua painter and White Craft Ink.  Color until you get the whiteness you like.  Don't worry about avoiding the gold embossed lines.   They  resist the ink!  Makes it much easier. 

The center is just  Petal Pink and a sponge dauber.  I colored the center and swished outward.  I didn't want a specific circle, but more of the ombre effect.   

I also used the same whitewash technique with the leaves, but used Mossy Meadow ink pad.  LOVE how they turned out too.

Add a ribbon and a cork embelishment and you are good to go.  I like these little cork embellishments.  Actually, I had forgotten that they were in my drawer.  Oops.  Don't you hate when that happens?

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

Good Morning Magnolia Cling Stamp Set	Magnolia Memory Dies	Good Morning Magnolia Bundle	Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad	Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill
Versamark Pad	Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder	Heat Tool (Us And Canada)	Aqua Painters	Petal Pink 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Organdy Striped Ribbon
Magnolia Lane Cork Embellishments	Sponge Daubers	Multipurpose Liquid Glue	Stampin' Dimensionals

So, you know that we all pin things in Pinterest and then they go so far down on our boards that we forget about them.  Well, this recipe was one of those, pinned but forgotten.

I am trying to go low-carb whenever I can.  That means avoiding pastas, potatoes, rice and bread as much as I can.  I made those side dishes for my family, but don't eat them much myself.

So, I came across this recipe that was intriguing.  Shrimp and sausage.  That's a good combo for me.  Add zucchini, I'll try it.

20-Minute Shrimp & Sausage Paelo Skillet Meal

Ingredients

• 1 lb of medium or large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 6 oz of pre-cooked smoked sausage, chopped (choose your favorite)
• 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 3/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 of a medium yellow onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some olive oil or coconut oil
2. Season shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning
3. Cook shrimp about 3-4 minutes until opaque – remove and set aside
4. Cook onions and bell peppers in skillet with 2 Tbsp of olive oil or coconut oil for about 2 minutes
5. Add sausage and zucchini to the skillet, cook another 2 minutes
6. Put cooked shrimp back into skillet along with the garlic, and cook everything for about 1 minute
7. Pour chicken stock into pan and mix through to moisten everything
8. Add salt, ground pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
9. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and serve hot

OMG.  Was this good.  Even my husband said to make this again.  For the sausage, I used andouille sausage.  It's not a plain sausage so that added extra flavoring too.  And all that bell pepper.  Not for me.  I did add some red bell pepper for my husband and gave most of what was on my plate to him.  He was happy.  Cooked peppers are not my thing, but are his.

This was all we had for dinner.  It was filling and no need for any side dish at all.  What's nice about this recipe, is that you can substitute any protein you want.  Chicken would taste fabulous in here.  

Also, it was super easy to make during the week.  Another added bonus.

You can find the original recipe here: Trina's Paelo Newbie

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

The Clearance Rack has been updated!!!  Yahoo!

There are all kind of goodies. Stamps, markers, ribbon, punches, embellishments. You name it, it's there.   And the prices are way too good to pass up.  Don't forget that Christmas is coming up pretty quickly.  Grab a few items for presents.  Or, think about those stocking stuffers.  Some people struggle with those.  The Clearance Rack will make that super easy for you.

Here are some of my favorite items:

Product List

2017-2019 In Color Stampin' Write Markers	2017–2019 In Color Flower Buttons	Coastal Cabana & Lovely Lipstick Stampin' Write Markers
Duet Banner Punch	Delightfully Detailed Note Cards & Envelopes	Happy Birthday Thinlits Die
Stampin' Write Markers New Color Assortment	Striped Treat Bags	Sweet Cups

What would you pick off the rack?  I would go for the New Color Assortment of markers.  Under $20...that's a steal!

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

There are two things I like about fall.  1.  The temperatures are starting to get cooler.  I'm not a fan of the hot and humid temps.  Even though lately, I think the weather is kind of psycho lately.  It's cooler, but still humid.  2.  The fall colors are the absolute BEST.  The trees around here are just starting to change.  In a month or so, the colors will be at their peak.  Great for drives to visit the girls.

I love bringing the fall colors into my cards.  The Regals Collection just screams fall.  Add in a little Pretty Peacock and look what you get.  

Pretty Peacock

Cajun Craze

Crushed Curry

Gray Granite

The leaf colors are stamped with their own ink.  I really liked the tone-on-tone look.  Add in a little leaf trinket for a touch of metal.  

Speaking of  metal, I'm really liking the Celestial Copper Delicata Ink Pad.  The Copper was used in this card.  On my Wish List are also the Gold and Silvery Shimmer. Can't wait to get those too!

I have a quick story.  When designing this card, the only piece of Crushed Curry I could find was a tiny piece about 4 x 5.  I needed about 8 leaves for my card and for club.  I stamped and cut out with the dies 8 leaves.  Normally my club does their own, but I had to make sure I could get enough leaves. and the die didn't shift while going through the machine.  I was lucky and nothing shifted and I got all 8 leaves.  Only then, I  finished designing the card.  (I was too afraid to completely design and assemble the card until I knew there was enough Crushed Curry  leaves.) 

Needless to say, Crushed Curry cardstock was on my next order.

Click on the picture for dimensons and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always, 

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 37103

Product List

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set	Rooted In Nature Cling-Mount Stamp Set	Gray Granite 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad	Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
Celestial Copper Delicata Metallic Ink Pad	Nature's Roots Dies	Stitched Nested Labels Dies	Tin Tile 3D Embossing Folder	1/4" Copper Trim
Leaves Trinkets	Stampin' Dimensionals	Mini Glue Dots

How was your weekend?  Yesterday, we worked on the deck...again.  I soooo can't wait for it to be finished.  But, it is looking really good.  Tonight some former co-workers got together at a local resturant.  Last time I've seen some people was the day we closed, June 23.  It was awesome seeing them again.  We are going to try and make it a monthly thing.  

I haven't seen many cards made with this Beauty & Joy Stamp Set.  So, in my mind, this was definately the stamp set I wanted to use in my swap cards and club this past week.

Again, the middle piece of Very Vanilla came about by using a scrap piece.  Don't forget to use those scraps!  They are very useful.  Then, I found a Stitched Rectangle die.  Tweak the measurements to fit, and this is what you get.

The background Tufted Very Vanilla was way too bright for my taste.  By sponging Night of Navy around the edges was perfect.  It actually made the tufting stand out even more.

The ribbon is actually from the Wraped in Plaid Suite Bundle.  Now, if you are familiar with that suite, you will know that is totally Christmas themed.  But, what's Christmas from this ribbon?  Nothing.  Don't be afraid to use it on non-Christmas cards.  Consider it a Multi-Purpose ribbon.  

Have a great week!

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 37106

Product List

Beauty & Joy Photopolymer Stamp Set	Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	Classic Label Punch	Tufted Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Shaded Spruce/Gold 3/8" (1 Cm) Striped Ribbon	Stitched Rectangle Dies	Stamping Sponges	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

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So far, my week has been very chill.  I haven't done a project this week for a change.  Next week I'll have to come up with a project.  Coming up with one isn't the issue.  It's more which project.  

I've had these Silver Foil-Lined cards & Envelopes forever.  What am I saving them for?  So, I got them out and used them for club this week.  They would make any card look elegant.  I can't wait to use more of these.

Product List

Silver Foil-Edged Cards & Envelopes

The background is done by two different techniques.  The water is Night of Navy colored with aqua painters.  Make sure you don't use too much water!!!  The sky is sponged Pool Party.  You get one chance at this, so be careful. 

Take a closer look at the card detail.  The sailboat and celebrate are the only two items that are adhered with dimensionals.  Can't forget about the Sailing Trinkets either.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

Sailing Home Cling Stamp Set

Smooth Sailing Dies

Sailing Home Bundle

Itty Bitty Birthdays Cling Stamp Set

Silver Foil-Edged Cards & Envelopes

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Smoky Slate Light Stampin' Blends Marker

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

Aqua Painters

Stamping Sponges

Layering Circles Dies

Sail Away Trinkets

Neutrals Stampin' Write Markers

Stampin' Dimensionals

Mini Glue Dots

I completelly forgot about this card.  We made this back in August at my Stamp a Stack event.  

I was so excited Stampin' Up! came out with colored vellum.  It's such a fun medium to use in cards.  Here, it's used in the flowers and also the leaf.  

The sentiment is embossed using the White Embossing Powder.  I tried the Craft White, but it didn't get white enough for my taste.  I love how it stand out against the Mossy Meadow.

Tip:  When adhering the bakers twine or even ribbon, many times I use old Washi Tape.  We all have a lot sitting around, so why not use it up?  It's not doing any good just sitting in our craft rooms.  Or, another possability would be to use blue painter's tape.   One wonderful feature about both, is that they are re-positionable.  It's not right the first time, untape and do it again!

Just a quick reminder about the paper sale going on until the end of the month.  The Perennial Essence DSP used in this card is one that is included in this sale!  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 36960

Product List

Floral Essence Photopolymer Stamp Set	Perennial Flower Punch	Floral Essence Bundle	Perennial Essence 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Vellum Cardstock	Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad	Leaf Punch	Versamark Pad
White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Heat Tool (Us And Canada)	Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine	Stitched Rectangle Dies	Gold Faceted Gems	Stampin' Dimensionals