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Have you checked out this suite?  It's pretty awesome.  The best part is that anyone can order it!  It's perfect way to get a jump ahead if you are anxious for product that is in the new Annual Catalog.  Look at some of the cards you can make using this suite.

            

           

Aren't these cards great?  Never would have thought to put Grapefruit Grove with Mint Macaroon together.  But they look great together!  In the card with the Rich Razzleberry, I love background stamp.  Looks exactly like a watermark.  I want the stamp set just for that one stamp.  It's such a nice detail on the card without a lot of effort.  The Rich Razzleberry Velvet Ribbon is to die for.  

Click on the first picture for the complete product flyer.  You can also order the new In-Color ink pads.  The colors are gorgeous.  Can't wait until I can really play with them.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

 

The countdown has started.  In 7 days it's Vacation Time!  We wil be out of here!  It's hard to believe that it's here.  My to-do list is a mile long before then.  I got one thing checked off that list...I planted most of my flowers with Megan's help this afternoon.  We ran out of dirt for the pots, otherwise planting flowers would have been checked off.  There's always tomorrow.

Rice Krispie Treats. They are just good old fashioned comfort food.  They go back to everyone's childhood.  Add chocolate and it's even better.  I'm talking Scotcharoos.  By adding the chocolate and butterscotch adds another layer of goodness.  

Scotcharoos Recipe

6 cups of Rice Krispies
1 C light karo syrup
1 C sugar
1 C peanut butter
6 oz. butterscotch chips
6 oz. chocolate chips

Pour your Rice Krispies into a large bowl and set aside.

In a small pan mix your karo syrup and your sugar and bring just barely to a boil, stirring constantly. When it just starts to boil, add your peanut butter and mix it in.

Take it off the heat and pour your mixture over your Rice Krispies and mix it all together.

In a well greased 9 x 13″ pan press your Rice Krispie mixture in, just like you would for Rice Krispie treats. You want them in there good but don’t press too hard because you don’t want them too packed in. (I grease my hands and just use them to press the mixture down into place.)

Mix your chips in a bowl and put them in the microwave for 1 minute. About halfway through your minute though, take them out and stir them, then put them back in. When they are good and melted, smear it all over the top of your Rice Krispie layer.

You’re done but you need to let the chocolate set up a little. If you need to rush it, pop them in the fridge for a few minutes (but don’t leave them there because you want them chewy, not hard).

Cut into small pieces and enjoy!

It's an easy recipe for a lot of flavor.  This is a dessert that everyone will love.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Sorry I haven't been around but my schedule has been very hectic the past couple days.  Between work, demo meeting, card swaps, and club, I haven't had time to breathe.  Now it's onto getting ready for vacation.  I so can't wait.  My checklist to do before we leave is a mile long.  You know how that feels right?

We made this card last month in club.  Sometimes it's good to challenge them a bit. 

We used some Stampin' Blends on the dragonfly.  The colors are Dark and Light Calypso Coral and Light Bermuda Bay.  I added the Bermuda Bay on the top.  Dark Calypso was in the middle with the Light Calypso Coral towards the bottom.  Just play with the markers.  See what you like best.  I know they aren't in stock yet, but hopefully the Blends will be orderable by the end of the month.  My friend who was on the backorder list finally received some of hers in the mail.  I topped the dragonfly with the Wink of Stella.  Here is a close up of the dragonfly.

Now, the slit was probably the most complicated part of the card.  It's one inch up from the bottom, half from the edge.  There is half inch between the two.  I used a sharp edge and cut just over 1 3/4 inch.  Before I did the second, I made sure the Old Olive and DSP would fit through it.  You can always make the slit larger, but you can't make it smaller.  Don't rush this part and you will be fine.  Once the slits are made, adhere the papers with Tear and Tape.  

To me, the left side of the card seemed a little plain.  Bring out the embossing folders.  I choose the Layered Leaves embossing folder.  It added just enough texture but doesn't take your eye away from the dragonfly.  It's still the star of the card.  

I used the part between the slits for my sentiment.  The Thoughtful Banners stamp set was just the right size.  What's nice is that you can make your own sentiment for any occassion.  

Here is the color combo.  Definately wouldn't think that would work, but it does.

This card was a fun one to play with.  A little challenge is good for everyone.

Click on the card picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

It definately doesn't feel like spring again.  We went from the 70s, which is perfect weather, back to the lower 40s.  I actually had to turn the heat back on.  I couldn't believe it myself.  I was actually cold.  And we have a saying in this house...if Mom is cold, you know it's cold.  I never, ever turn the heat back on.  My family was actually shocked I did.  

Aren't these little pouches adorable?  They measure 1 by 1/2 inch.  Perfect size to add some Lemonade packets.  You can easily fit 2 packets, maybe 3. inside  I hadn't tried it, but maybe a travel size sunscreen would fit.  Lipgloss would be another great suggestion.

The pouch itself is super easy to make.  Score, cut, and adhere.  That's it.  I opted to have the top flair out.  It would be cut if you would have the sides folded in for a straight look.  

I had a bunch of these mini clothes pins leftover from Megan's graduation party.  They fit perfectly.  I didn't have time to decorate them, but I've seen others use Washi tape on them.  A super easy but cute idea and we always have some Washi Tape laying around.

Break out the sunglasses in the Pocket Framelits!   Stamp on the Lemon Lime Twist, and they are amazing.  Make sure when you stamp, the stamp is well inked.  With the lenses all black, you want to even coverage.  I wish the weather would cooperate so we could actually wear the real one here.  

My color combo was very interesting.  When looking at it, you think really?  But it works once you see the finished product.

 

Do you need a simple party favor?  These would be great.  If you need to make a bunch of these, it would be easy to do.  The deorations would take long than the actual pouches.  Think of what fun they could be!

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

 

I've been in a slump for quite a while and have trouble thinking of different things to make for dinner.  Ever get that way?  I even try to plan my meals around what is currently on sale at the grocoery store.  That only helps some of the time.

So, I came across this recipe on Pinterest.  Just about anything Italian catches my eye so I noticed this recipe.  Pasta and mushrooms.  Sounded pretty good and claimed to be quick and easy.  I gave it a try.

Mushroom Spaghetti Aglio Olio

8 oz Spaghetti

1 + 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

8 oz mushrooms  cleaned and sliced

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

1 1/2 teaspoons parsley, dried

1 teaspoon butter

2 - 3 tablespoon parmesan cheese

salt, to taste

Boil the spaghetti in salted, water per directions on the package.

While the spaghetti is boiling, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and add mushrooms. Saute on medium high heat for a few minutes till golden brown on all sides.

Push the mushrooms to one side of the pan and add the remaining olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes. Saute for about a minute, making sure not to burn the garlic and add spaghetti, butter, parsley and salt. Toss well till the herbs coat the spaghetti and the butter has melted. Serve hot with some crusty bread and a salad.

This is the original recipe found on My Food Story.   

As usual, I changed a few things.  The recipe was in grams, not ounces, so I just googled the conversions to get the rough measurements. 

I'm Italian so I add garlic in almost everything I make.  This wasn't an exception.  I added some while cooking the mushrooms.

Also, I figured my husband would want some meat added, so I chose to add some beef.  It happened to be on sale otherwise I would have chosen chicken.  The beef was cut into bite size pieces and cooked in a fry pan.  When the beef was almost fully cooked, I added the mushrooms and followed the rest of the recipe.  

It must have turned out ok because my husband said to make it again.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

Starting today...I've started selling my cards at the Vintage Flip Consignment Shop in Lake Mills, WI.  

I've been in the store several time and absolutely love the feel of the store.  Old and new mixed together.  The owner, Jennifer is super nice and easy to talk to.  I went there today to purchase some Dixie Belle Paint and came out a consignmentee.  Jennifer recently opened up a Studio area where you can do projects right there in the store.  I'm hoping to maybe do some classes for those who are interested.  I'll have to keep you posted 

Here is the link to the website if you would like more information - Vintage Flip.com . Check out her Facebook page too!

If you are in Fort Atkinson, I also sell cards at Capputan.  It's a coffee, tanning and gift store.  I've been going there for coffee, more years than I can count.  My friends and I go almost every Sunday morning.  Katie, the owner, and all the workers are very friendly.  It's a good feeling when you walk in and they know your order.  

Here is the link to their website - Capputan.com

That's it for me tonight.  I wanted to share my good news with everyone.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

Stampin' Up! surprised us all and are putting some of the retiring products on sale!  Yes, a sale!  Yippee! Who doesn't love a good sale?

The discounts start at 15% off and go all the way through 50% off!  There is a whole page full of Embellishments, Tools, and Paper included in this sale.  The only catch is that once these items are gone, that's it.  They are gone.  

 Click on this Image for a list of the Sale Discounts. 

You can head to my shop if you want to place an order.  It's available 24/7.  Just click on the Shop Now button and it will take you right to the website.  Remember don't wait...No guarantees how long these items will last.

If you want the retirement list from the annual catlaog, click on the Last-Change picture and it will bring up the list.  

Happy Shopping!

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

 

It's finally Spring in Wisconsin.  The weather was great last weekend.  Upper 70s to low 80s.  It was sunny and no snow.  It didn't seem like Spring was ever going to come.  I've decided to actually turn the heat off in the house.  Once it's off, don't even think about turning it back on. 

I participated ina DSP swatch challenge.  My upline sent random pieces of dsp out and the challenge was to turn it into a card.  Funny thing...I did another challenge several months ago, and got the same piece of dsp!  Too funny.  The swatch is from Foil Frenzy Speciality DSP and one that I do not own.  

So what I did first, was to find the angle patterns in the swatch.  If you look at it closely, you can see the pattern.  Then, cut along the angles and you get the uneven bottom edge.  Paired against the Crumb Cake, I really like how it turned out.

There are two things that are new (ish) on the card.

1st - The Sentiment - You Are Wonderful.  You probably won't recognize it, but it's from a brand new stamp set Rooted in Nature.  I hated to use something so new, but it fit perfectly.  It was short, sweet, and to the point.  

2nd - The card base is returning Blackberry Bliss.  I had some of the retired paper stashed away in my Stamp Room, so I dug it out and put it to use.  The foil color is more of the Berry Burst, but I love the the two different colors.  If you go to the card recipe, it wll show Berry Burst as the card base.  The program I use, didn't have the Blackberry Bliss loaded yet, but I did make a note of that.  Besides, it would look great if you would decide to use the Berry Burst.

Look at the Color Combo that was used in the card.  It all works together.

                                             

So, that's how you turn a dsp swatch into a pretty cool card.  

Click on the picture above for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

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