Thanksgiving 2010!

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! We were totally relaxed. We didn't go anywhere and no one came to see us, so there was no stress about what time dinner got put on the table and no stress about what the house looked like - and that was WONDERFUL! Now, don't get me wrong, it's very nice to be with family and friends for Thanksgiving, but when circumstances don't work out that way, you have to be happy with what you've got, right? I'm 53 years old and had never cooked a turkey - so this was the year! It turned out quite nice! My husband was in charge of carving the turkey, my son was in charge of the rolls (and we make our own butter on Thanksgiving, which is so much fun to do), and my daughter was in charge of the fruit salad. It all came together very well and we had an enjoyable Thanksgiving meal together! And of course there was pumpkin pie and buttermilk pie (my daughter's favorite)! I received this adorable pumpkin pie card in the mail from my sister, Pam D'Urso, who has a phenomenal blog, www.sweetpeabunny.blogspot.com. Now remember, this is someone who several years ago didn't care the least about Stampin' Up!, but I recruited her!!!!! Good move on my part! She's on fire now and makes the most adorable things that I periodically steal! I'm putting this Thanksgiving card away and will definitely make it next year at my fall stamp camp! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I'm thankful for every single one of you!

Christmas Card No. 18!

Isn't this just GOJUS, as Jan Tink would say? Yes, it is absolutely GOJUS! I cased this card from Stampin' Connection and enjoy just having it on my desk! I smile when I look at it. Yes, cards make me happy! They don't talk back to you; they don't talk about you; they don't want anything from you - they're just happy you made them! The card recipe is below. To order these awesome products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and get started making your own cards today! IT'S THERAPY! Recipe: Paper: Sahara Sand (121043); Early Espresso (119686); Always Artichoke (105119); Very Vanilla (101650); Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810); Newsprint Designer Series Paper (117166) Stamps: Peaceful Season (A Level 2 Hostess Set - Page 5 of the Holiday Mini Catalog) Inks: Early Espresso (119670); Sahara Sand Marker (105105); Always Artichoke Marker (105113) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Cutter Kit (106958); Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon - a retired ribbon, but you could easily substitute it with Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon (109071)

Christmas Card No. 17!

I don't know about you, but I don't get tired of ANYTHING Christmas! I've made lots of different Christmas cards this season and I'm still looking at samples and saving them into my favorites! This is one I cased and saved. I saw it on Stampin' Connection and it reminds me of my kids. We always make gingerbread cookies during the holidays and it's something I always look forward to. My son can eat them faster than anyone I know. As fast as I can make them, he can eat them, so my heart felt all warm and fuzzy when I came across this card! Notice that someone has taken a bite from the gingerbread man's leg? IT WAS PROBABLY MY SON! The card recipe is below. To order these super-fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Very Vanilla (101650); Chocolate Chip (102128); Real Red (102482)

Stamps: Baroque Motifs (113490 - Page 132 of the catalog); Curly Cute (117014 - Page 149 of the catalog); Got Treats (119114 - Page 55 of the catalog)

Inks: Early Espresso (119670); Chocolate Chip (100908)

Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Paper Snips (103579); Scallop Square Punch (119884); Scissors

Christmas Card No. 16!

Vintage, vintage, vintage! I've never really been a big fan of anything vintage, but it's growing on me! I'm finding that lately that's about all I've done, so I guess I've turned the tide! I saw this card on Stampin' Connection. It used a totally different stamp set, but I made it into a Christmas card and I really like how it turned out! And my Big Shot? Well, my Big Shot and I are best friends. How did I make cards before it became a part of my life? I just can't imagine how I existed without it! Anyway, to order these wonderful products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Cherry Cobbler (119685); Very Vanilla (101650); Early Espresso (119686) Stamps: Christmas Collage (121279 - Page 20 of the Holiday Mini Catalog); Christmas Greetings (115448 - Page 44 of the catalog) Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669); Early Espresso (119670) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Top Note Die (113463); Antique Brads (117273); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (120175); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Sponge (101610)

Christmas Card No. 15!

Here's a pretty Christmas card for you! It will have to go down as one of my favorites! I saw this beautiful card idea on Stampin' Connection. The recipe is below. To order these supplies, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953); Real Red (102482); Very Vanilla (101650)

Stamps: Friends 24/7 (Page 138 of the catalog); All Holidays (Page 154 of the catalog)

Inks: Real Red (103133)

Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Top Note Die (113463); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Decorative Label Punch (120907); Extra Large Oval Punch (119859); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Real Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119768); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Brights Designer Button (119747); Antique Brads (117273); Scissors

Decor Accents Christmas Houses!

As part of our November Stampers' Night Out last night, demonstrators volunteered to design cute Decor Accents Christmas Houses for us to enjoy! I haven't had a chance to make one yet, but I am going to do that over the holidays! I REALLY want to make one and all of the samples really inspired me. They all turned out so cute! I believe the house below was designed by Dorothy Erdely. The wonderful log cabin below was designed by Carolyn Gray.

The adorable house below was designed by Kirsteen Gill.

The cute house below was designed by Blanca Cortez-Keister!

The sweet little house below was designed by Tracy Fraser.

My apologies to Faye Wilson , Joy Hancock, and Amy Hansen! I failed to get pictures of your houses. I was bound and determined to get pictures of them all, but the evening got away from me! SORRY! Thanks to all of you for participating by bringing a Christmas house! It was so much fun to see them all and your creativity always amazes me!

Karen Burniston's Visit!

Last night, The TOPICS! had our November Stampers' Night Out. We had a beer and pizza night at my house - and I LOVED IT! Karen Burniston was a guest speaker - and I think we were all blown away by her creativity and her amazing creations! Karen Burniston is the person who designed the O Christmas Tree Pop-Up die, the Pop-Up Three-Tier Cake die, and the 3D Pop-Up Ball die for Stampin' Up! Karen showed us how to put the pop-up Christmas tree together and then showed us tons of samples of different trees! She showed us lots of samples of the three-tier cake die, as well! I enjoyed her presentation so much and I am now inspired to make a Christmas tree garland to hang from my fireplace! Enjoy the samples below - they are over-the-top and awesome! I wish I had taken better pictures for you, but I was sort of in a WOW frenzy!!!!

The picture below is the three-tier cake die turned upside down to resemble a flower pot! I KNOW, right?

The picture below is a gift that Karen made for me! The Christmas tree is inside an explosion box. When you pull the lid off, the box falls open, and up goes the Christmas tree! CUTE! No, no, not cute.........MAGNIFICENT! Don't you love how she used the Medallion stamp for the tree skirt?

The picture below is the three-tier cake die with an added "Sweet" banner that pops up! I wish I could live in Karen's head! What a cute birthday cake!

The picture below is the three-tier cake die that has ribbons attached all around the three cake tiers so it ends up resembling a dress! Never would have thought of that!

This is what I was excited about! The picture below is a fall tree. It never would have occurred to me to use the Christmas tree die at any other time of year than Christmas! But Karen's right, why can't it be a fall tree or a winter tree or a Halloween tree? Then you can pull your die out all year long, not just at Christmas. I LIKE THAT!

Below, I love the bird on top from our bird punch! An adorable wedding cake or anniversary cake!

The cake below was one of my favorites. The colors are just gorgeous and it really looks good enough to eat!

You know Halloween is one of my favorite occasions, so I was all over the tree below! It has cute little black spiders hanging down from some of the limbs, which you can't see very well in this picture! So spooky and so cute - and I never would have thought of making a tree with our designer paper!

Wow! How in the world did she string that red garland through all those eyelets on the tree below? And when you close the card up, it all folds neatly right where it's supposed to! If I made this card, it would be very similar to stringing Christmas lights - there'd be some choice words thrown in there somewhere and a bad attitude, too, I'm sure!

I love the beaded garland and the tri-color tree below! Would have never thought of doing that!

The cake below is a birthday cake with photos of the birthday girl on the bottom. Truly magnificent - especially for an 11-year-old girl! That lucky duck to get a card like that!

I tried to abscond with the cake below and hide it somewhere so that Karen wouldn't notice it was missing, but then my better judgment took over and I placed it back on the table! GOSH, IT'S SO CUTE! A HALLOWEEN CAKE!

The tree below is covered in Valentine's Day hearts! Never in a million years would I have ever thought of that. Guess I'd better pull out my O Christmas Tree Pop-Up die and give it more consideration. There are so many things you can do with it than I had ever thought of!

My favorite tree is the one below. The picture doesn't do it justice. The tree is in Soft Suede and is embossed with the Finial Press embossing folder. Then Karen adhered buttons all over it. It is absolutely precious and I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO making one for my own pleasure and enjoyment.

I hope you've enjoyed these pictures! If you would like to order the O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Die (116822) or the Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Die (116760), you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now" to get your Christmas tree factory going and all your cakes in the oven!

Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop!

This past weekend, we made 1,500 Christmas cards - believe it or not! We had a super time at the Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop and I appreciate your stamping enthusiasm SO much! You keep me inspired and that's why I love what I do! This is one of the cards we made at the workshop - a beautiful vintage card! The recipe is below. To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." HO HO HO!

Recipe:

Paper: Cherry Cobbler (119685) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Very Vanilla (101650) - 5-1/4 X 4; Cherry Cobbler (119685) - 5 X 2-7/8; Very Vanilla (101650) - 4-3/4 X 2-3/4; Cherry Cobbler Scrap (119685)

Stamps: Christmas Collage (121279) - Page 20 of the Holiday Mini Catalog

Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669); Early Espresso (119670)

Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Cutter Kit (106958); Stampin' Sponge (101610); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Antique Brads (117273); Linen Thread (104199) - 13" long; Scallop Circle Punch (119854); Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992) - 17" long; Scissors; Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826)

Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop!

What a beautiful Christmas card! We made this card at the Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop. It's easy, but so stunning - I love that type of card. The recipe is below. To order these amazing products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2

Stamps: Contempo Christmas (118734)

Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669)

Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963); Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480) - 11-1/2" long; Sticky Strip (104294); Scissors; Neutrals Button (119743); Linen Thread (104199) - 4" long; Mini Glue Dots (103683); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop!

This one is my favorite! It's just so perfect and it SPEAKS to me! I'm gooing all over it! We made this card at the Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop. The recipe is below. To order these gorgeous products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Crumb Cake (120953) - 4 X 2-1/2

Stamps: Peaceful Season (A Hostess Set) - Page 5 of the Holiday Mini Catalog

Inks: Early Espresso (119670); Cherry Cobbler Marker (119681); Old Olive Marker (100079); Early Espresso Marker (119680)

Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (120175); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Early Espresso 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119961) - 19" long; Scissors; Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop!

Here's another SUPER card we made at the Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop! I love the vintage look of this card. The recipe is below. To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953) - 11 X 4-1/4; Crumb Cake Scrap (120953); Cherry Cobbler (119685); Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810)

Stamps: Bright Christmas (121678) - Page 22 of the Holiday Mini Catalog; Bells & Boughs (120831) - Page 19 of the Holiday Mini Catalog; Tags Til Christmas (120847) - Page 24 of the Holiday Mini Catalog

Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669); Crumb Cake (121030); Always Artichoke Marker (105113); Cherry Cobbler Marker (119681); Early Espresso (119670)

Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402); Stampin' Sponge (101610); Ornament Punch (119847); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992) - 16-1/2" long; Scissors; Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop!

Here's another card that we made at the Jolly Jingle Christmas Card Workshop! He was a hit! The Marina Mist Satin Ribbon is so beautiful - and along with the sparkling Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, it's all good! The recipe is below. To order these wonderful products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Marina Mist (119682) - 11 X 4-1/4; Whisper White (100730) - 5-1/4 X 4; Marina Mist Scrap (119682)

Stamps: Holiday Hoopla (116912); Contempo Christmas (118734)

Inks: Basic Black (101179); Marina Mist (119668); Blushing Bride Marker (119786)Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); 2-Way Glue Pen (100425); Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023); Paper Snips (103579); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Marina Mist Satin Ribbon (119751) - 16-1/2" long; Scissors

Give Thanks Decor Elements!

I have a cookbook hutch in my kitchen that gives me the perfect opportunity to try out seasonal Decor Elements images. Every once in a while I'll find one that I'd be happy to leave there permanently, like this one! I like how it looks in my kitchen and it's perfect for Thanksgiving, but it's also perfect all year long. It's going to be hard to take this one down to replace it with a Christmas image, but at least I have the next several weeks to enjoy it! To order this beautiful Decor Elements Give Thanks - white and small - 14-5/8 X 6 - (117950), visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." You'll love it in your kitchen, too!

Christmas Card No. 14!

I love this card! The beautiful Marina Mist color makes this card feel cold, to go right along with the snowflakes! The color combo is WONDERFUL and makes me wish for winter (temporarily)! I got this great card idea from Stampin' Connection and changed it slightly. The supplies I used are as follows: Sahara Sand Card Stock (121043); Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650); Marina Mist Card Stock (119682); Serene Snowflakes (115438); Many Merry Messages (116586); Sahara Sand Classic Ink (105208); Marina Mist Classic Ink (119668); Very Vanilla Craft Ink (104308); Early Espresso Classic Ink (119670); Eyelet Border Punch (119853); Marina Mist Satin Ribbon (119751). To order these beautiful products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Why not make your Christmas cards this year? It's great YOU time!

Fall Hostess Gifts!

On the Stampin' Up! website, I saw a wonderful idea for hostess gifts. You take five of our Whisper White Notecards with Envelopes, stamp an image on the front, add a greeting, and then paper-pierce across the front. Bundle them all together, add a satin ribbon and a tag, and you've got an adorable hostess gift! Since 20 notecards come in a packet, you will have enough for four hostess gifts! I gave the packet above to Nancy Schraub, who held a party last Wednesday night, and she LOVED it! I'm going notecard crazy now and am making them for all of my fall hostesses! This is cute for any holiday or any season of the year. I used the following supplies: Whisper White Notecards with Envelopes (107311); Paisley Prints (120817); Grateful Greetings (116511); Day of Gratitude (120835); Tiny Tags (118091); Cajun Craze Classic Ink (119671); More Mustard Classic Ink (103162); Early Espresso Classic Ink (119670); Early Espresso Marker (119680); Cajun Craze Marker (119678); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631, 105826); Early Espresso Satin Ribbon (119753); Large Tag Punch (119876); Hemp Twine (100982). To order these wonderful products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Christmas Card No. 13!

When my customers were at my house for my All About Fall Camp Wannastamp, this card was one of their favorites out of my Christmas card stash! Very simple and elegant! I got this card idea from Stampin' Connection, and I used the following supplies: Cherry Cobbler card stock (119685); Whisper White card stock (100730); Peaceful Season (120819 - this is a hostess set that you can't purchase, but schedule a party with me and we'll get you this hostess set for free!); Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink (119669); Old Olive Marker (100079); Cherry Cobbler Marker (119681); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding (120992); and a Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049). To order these great products, just visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Christmas Card No. 12!

Awww, isn't he cute? I just love this simple and sweet Christmas card. It's quick and easy, but with the spiral border punch on the side and the cute button to add some interesting elements, it's just PERFECT! I got this great card idea from Stampin' Connection. I used the following supplies to make this card: Crumb Cake card stock (120953); Real Red card stock (102482); Whisper White card stock (100730); Holiday Hoopla (116912); Contempo Christmas (118734); Basic Black Classic Ink (101179); Real Red Classic Ink (103133); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Spiral Border Punch (119872); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); and Brights Designer Buttons (119747). To order these wonderful products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."