Coffee Time

I hate to say this, but I haven't spent much time in my stamp room the past several weeks.  Obviously, things are very tense at work and it just leaves me emotionally drained when I get home.  Today, I made it down there, put a few things away and that was it.  Hopefully, Sunday will be spent in my stamp room.

I made this card several weeks ago for a food or beverage swap.  The Coffee Cafe stamp set came out for this one.  I was glad to use it again.  It has been awhile.

The emboss resist technique was used for the words under the coffee cup.  I used clear embossing powder and VersaMark on the words then sponged color over.  The ink brings out the words more so you can see them.  It's a super easy technique and fun to do.

What do you think of this color combo?  As I was making this card, it was definately growing on me.  Growing up, a near by high school had school colors very similar to Real Red and Balmy Blue.  Using Rich Razzleberry bring out the more classy version of that.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 31958

Product List

 

Big Shot
$110.00
Heat Tool
$30.00

 

Coming Soon...NEW Storage by Stampin' Up!

I am so excited for this new product coming out starting April 1st.  Stampin' Up! is coming out with new modular storage for all your Stampin' Ink Pads,  Stampin' Write Markers, Stampin' Blends and Stampin' Re-Inkers.  You will be able to see everything at a single glance.

It's a modular product so you can experiment for what works best for you.  This also means that you can add and adapt these modular pieces to your needs.  You can purchase exactly what you need.

Here are some details about the specific pieces.  The ink pads are stored right by the markers!  Perfect since the markers should be stored on the side.

These pieces are meant to be stored vertically, on any flat surface.  The material is a lightweight, but durable plastic.  They can be easily  transported for any event or just if you need to reorganize.  Just take what you need.   They are also free-standing which means they are not mounted to the wall.    

They will be available to order starting April 1st.  No order limits will apply.  The Storage by Stampin' Up! will also be available to order in the next Annual Catalog.

By the way, this is not an April Fools joke.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

 

Cute little gifts

It's always nice to have a few little "gifts" on hand in case of emergency.  Now, I use the term gifts very loosely.  They are actually just little things to give someone if they aren't feeling well.

Being sick is just no fun.  We all hate it when we have a runny nose and run out of tissue.  Wouldn't it be nice if you were handed one of these when you are just feeling lousy? It's practical, inexpensive and can just make you smile.

Make a tag.  Wrap a piece of DSP around the outside with some ribbon and you are done.  Wouldn't you smile if you received this?  

It's been a long cold winter this year.  There was plenty of snow that needed to be shovelled.  Look at this idea.

This little hot cocoa holder would warm any heart.  Wouldn't you just love to hand one or two of these out to someone who just came in from the freezing cold?  I don't know how anyone wouldn't appreciate this little gift.  Change the tag to anything you need.  

So, here are two super easy little "gifts" that can be made very inexpensively and kept on hand for last minute ideas.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Cactus Birthday

This morning I needed a birthday card.  Talk about waiting until the last minute, but it escaped my mind this week.  I wanted to use the Flowering Cactus stamp set since I haven't used it lately.  

I will admit, it's the first time since the Color Refresh that I have used Poppy Parade.  When it was an In-Color several years ago, I really liked it, but with all the brand new colors we had to play with, Poppy Parade just pushed off to the side.  

Actually, this card is pretty much all new or returning colors.  Interesting how things turn out that aren not planned.  I didn't even think about that until I am just now looking at the card. .  Ok, Blushing Bride isn't new, but the rest are.

 

This Flowering Cactus stamp set would not normally be my style, but it's good to try new things.  I do LOVE the versatility of this set.  It can literally be used for anything - birthday, sympathy, get well, just because.  Should I go on? 

The saying is from Itty Bitty Birthday stamp set.  There are so many sayings that cover just about anything.  And also a few that I probably won't use.  That's bad on my part.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 31733

Product List

 

Aqua Painters
$17.00

 

Lindt Chocolate Holder

My Friday was not very productive.  After this week, I deserved a day off.  Alyssa is now home for Spring Break.  We ran a few errands and then went to lunch.  That's a great way to spend a day.  Tonight I went downtown to a new place in town where you can do Glass Fusing, Pottery, Painting, Jewelry Making, Mosaics.  At first I really didn't want to go, but my husband kind of talked me into getting out of the house.  I meet my friend Erin, from work.  We both did glass fusion and I was glad that I did go.  We had a good time getting out for a little while.

The other day, I posted a birthday card using the same papers.  Now, here is the treat holder I made to match it.

Inside the tissue are three Lindt truffles.  I don't know too many people who can resist these chocolates.  On the ends are two different kinds of ribbons that are now retired.  I chose two different just for more texture and I had plenty to use.

The Mint Macaron is just rolled around the truffles and adhered with Tear & Tape.  The card stock is a little bit stiffer than the DSP.  So, first run the card stock over an edge, like the table or counter.  It will curl just a little, but it helps break down the fibers in the paper so it rolls better. 

The cakes are stamped in Crumb Cake and colored with Blender Pens.  On the back side, I did write a short birthday note.   

I've seen party favors that are similar to this and it was my inspirition.  Believe they are called firecrackers(?).  These are just a quick but cute party favor or candy holder.

Click on the above picture for dimension and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

  tams# 31680

Product List

 

Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
$11.00
Blender Pens
$12.00

 

Tasty Thursday - Cannoli Dip

TGIF people!!!  That's right.  Today is my Friday and it couldn't come any sooner.  Today the store went into liquidation and it was bad end to a even worse week.  I'm so tired of everyone asking the same questions, being in general, nosy, and complaining that they couldn't use their coupon that should have started today.  I've always said I would stay until the end, sometime in June.  But after today and this week, I am not sure anymore.  

Last week I had to make a sweet snack, so I tried a recipe that I've been want to make for quite a while.  Cannoli Dip.  I am Italian and love cannolis.  They are an acquired taste.  They weren't my favorite while growing up, but now I LOVE them.  

Back in 2012, my family and me went to Italy on vacation.  My goal was to taste just one to see if the ones in Milwaukee are made the same in Italy.  They were!  Ok, the one in Italy probably tasted just a tiny bit better, but only because it was in Italy.  

Cannoli Dip

1.5 pounds of whole milk ricotta
1/2  cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
1/4 cup whole milk
1box of waffle cones, broken into pieces

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta and powdered sugar.

Slowly add the milk until smooth (you may not need all of the milk).

Mix in the 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.

Spoon the Cannoli Dip into a serving bowl.  Top with 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips.

Break up the Waffle cones and place them into a separate serving bowl.

I actually couldn't believe how easy this was to make.  Basically stir together and done.  The only change I made was by adding 1-2 teaspoons vanilla.  Made a huge difference.  I served it with the waffle cones, like suggested, but also put out Nilla Wafers for another option.

Would totally make this recipe again.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Amazing Life Birthday Card

So here's the deal with my work.  I have mentioned that I am in retail.  There has been some financial trouble and over the past several months, many stores was closed.  Mine survived.  Until yesterday that is.  The big announcement came down that all the remaining stores will be closed.  Liquidation will start on Thursday and the stores will be closed by June 15.  

It was exhausting answering all the questions regarding the closing. I almost wished they would have an explanation over the intercom.  And for the next several days, I don't think it's going to get any easier.  So, if I don't post much this week, you know why.  It's been a little overwhelming to deal with. It's been my job for 19 years.  It will be sad to say good-bye to that family.

Onto fun business. 

I had to made a birthday card for my friend.  I wanted a spring look since we are all so done with winter. 

Get out the Amazing Life Stamp Set.  I love this saying because who doesn't love birthday cake?  I know it is not me!  The Mint Macaron and Blushing Bride definately give off the Spring vibe.  

Both cakes in this card are colored with Blushing Bride and Blender Pens.  I should have done Wink of Stella, but it's a little too late now since I already gave it away.  My mistake.  

Sorry, but this is all I can do tonight.  I'm just exhausted and have to get ready for another day tomorrow.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
$11.00
Blender Pens
$12.00
Big Shot
$110.00

 

Hamburger Card

This is going to be a super quick post tonight.  It's been a tough day at work and I'll share more soon.  

I did a swap at my demo meeting last week.  The swap theme was to make a food or beverage card.  

I wish the person who made this creative card would have put their name on it!  

My favorite part about this card is all the layers on the hamburger.  About the only thing missing is a onion.    There is even a burger wrapper included.  

Notice the french fries are even crinkled.  A lot of thought was definately put into this card.

Hopefully, tomorrow I'll share more.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper