What About Those Gnomes?

On November 30, 2020October 18, 2023 By JanetIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Hello Friends!

Today I sat down to create after looking at the various card challenges out there for a little bit of inspiration. The Color Throwdown Challenge ends in short order, so I set about rapidly making this card to fit their challenge, as well as the challenge from Freshly Made Sketches. Unfortunately, the FMS challenge ended at 3:00PM EST and I missed the deadline. But, this card may be found at CTD621 – I did get it done in time for that 3:00 PM PST deadline!

Who doesn’t love gnomes? I don’t know what it is about those gnomes, but they’re just so darn cute and surely seem to be trending right now! I should be just about done with my Christmas cards, though I haven’t counted them up yet! But, here’s one more just because!

Continue reading “What About Those Gnomes?” →

Just One More Curve

On November 30, 2020October 18, 2023 By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have recovered from the self-induced food coma that inadvertently follows the Thanksgiving meal! Our Thanksgiving was extra special this year. My son, Adam, who’s a cowboy in Nevada, called me Wednesday morning just to chat. During the course of our conversation he mentioned that he was driving on icy roads. I asked him where he was headed and his reply was, “To see you!” This momma instantly got teary, as it’s been several years since he’s been able to join us for Thanksgiving, or any holiday for that matter! What a fantastic surprise that was! It’s been too long time since I’ve had all three of my beautiful kids home together under the same roof! Yes, Thanksgiving was truly a day to give thanks!

I love the holidays and I love cooking for family and friends. As usual, I told myself I’d keep it simple this year, stick to the tried and true recipes. But…what fun is THAT? I love trying new recipes and always manage to throw in something NEW and untried when large gatherings are anticipated! This year was no exception!

Dean wanted to smoke our turkey(s) this year which left me with a dilemma… What would I do about GRAVY? Thanksgiving REQUIRES mashed potatoes and gravy, right? So to the internet I turned and found a “Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy”. Perfect! The recipe called for 6 turkey wings which are then roasted in order to get the drippings for making gravy. I thought sure, why not; turkey wings are SURELY super cheap, right? I mean, who would buy turkey wings after all – they’re not exactly the prime piece of turkey! Well, was I ever in for a surprise! I ended up paying $5 per turkey wing (x6)! The recipe said I would yield about 8 cups of gravy…NOT! I followed the directions to the “T”, using 2 quarts of chicken broth, and even throwing in an extra cup of “Better Than Bouillon”. All said, I only ended up with about 4 cups of turkey gravy. Thankfully it turned out to be enough, but that gravy ended up costing about $35! It was delicious, however, and received several compliments! Note to self… next time use chicken wings/thighs/drums which ARE cheap – pretty sure nobody would know the difference!

I also elected to try a new corn casserole this year. For years now, our Thanksgiving dinners have included a type of creamed-corn casserole that we affectionately call “Landon’s Corn”, as my nephew, Landon, absolutely went nuts over this corn when he was a little boy (he’s now 32)! Given the Covid concerns this year, we didn’t do our usual huge family gathering and I elected to try something different with the corn, since Landon wasn’t going to be there anyway. Thankfully the new corn casserole was delicious also and will now go into the Thanksgiving meal repertoire! I think Landon will approve of this one too, once we’re able to gather in large groups again!

At any rate, my crafting time has been minimal the last few weeks between cattle and Thanksgiving. We finally bought the last of our cattle a week ago – our herd is now complete! Unfortunately, a few of them have started coughing so the round-up of the coughers ensued with treatment of antibiotics. There’re still a few looking a bit droopy today, so we’re keeping a close eye on them and will treat with antibiotics again if needed!

I decided to make “just one more curve” before I move onto some of the other new items in the upcoming catalog! Today’s card is a quick and easy Christmas card using the Christmas Curvy stamp set and Curvy dies. It also features the Classic Christmas DSP which is only orderable NOW during the pre-release, as is the Christmas Curvy stamp set! Neither of these items will be in the new catalog, or orderable, once the new catalog goes live on January 5! If you’re interested in either, order NOW while you can!

LET’S GET INKY!

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Are you the KIS type; or Give It Everything You’ve Got?

On November 21, 2020October 18, 2023 By JanetIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Hello Friends!

Just wondering how many of you out there are the Keep It Simple (KIS) type of crafter, versus “I’m going to put a little bit of everything I have in my crafting supply” type of crafter? I tend to be the latter, and often have to remind myself that “it doesn’t all have to go on ONE card!”.

It’s a tendency I’ve always had, I think. I tend to over-complicate things, and over-think things. Sometimes it takes a gentle nudge from family or friends to remind me that sometimes simple is better! Be it preparing for the holidays, i.e. I’ve got to decorate every room in the house, have all matching dishes, silverware, tablecloths, centerpieces, for every table (our family has gotten quite large over the years!), the exact same number of presents for everyone under the tree; to I want to know all there is to know about a certain subject and won’t rest until I feel I’ve studied it to death; to did he/she really mean what he/she said, or is there more to the story? – and come up with all sorts of scenarios in my head.

I’ve heard the exasperation in others’ voices many times in my life – “You’re making it too complicated, you’re overthinking it – QUIT!” And, it’s true; I do have that tendency and I know it. And, it carries over into my crafting as well.

So, today I decided I would start simple, and gradually add to my creation. I’ve been paper crafting for decades now and have a, ah-hmmm, “very comprehensive collection of supplies”. However, I know that isn’t necessarily the case for all of you, so I wanted to scale back, starting simple if you’re a crafter with minimal supplies, and step it up gradually.

I often have a hard time knowing where to stop when I’m working on a project, and by the time I’m done, I’ve thrown “a little bit of everything” onto it and for the most part, am generally happy with the results.

But today, in dialing things back and then comparing all three cards – simple, moderate, more complicated – I learned something. I actually like the more moderate card (middle) the best. While I’m overall pleased with the final result (more complicated), in comparison of the cards, I don’t really think it needed the extra supplies, time and effort.

Here are the three versions below. Let me know in the comments which one you like best. I actually went ahead and submitted the second one to the CASology card challenge this week; the theme is “stag”. Of course, CAS stands for Clean And Simple, hopefully the the second one is clean and simple enough!

Are you able to see the progression?

The first card is quite basic but still very effective.

Continue reading “Are you the KIS type; or Give It Everything You’ve Got?” →

Quite Curvy – My New Go-To

On November 18, 2020October 18, 2023 By JanetIn Uncategorized

Hello Friends!

I’m back today after a bit of a blogging pause due to increased activity on our ranch. It’s cattle-buying season and we’ve been busy going to auctions, hauling cattle home, and “working” them once they’ve had a couple days to settle in. What does “working” them mean, you may ask? Well, each calf we buy, we run through the “squeeze-shoot” and give each one a numbered ear tag, a series of vaccinations and wormer, antibiotics if they have any sign of cough or runny nose, and use a scalpel to turn any bulls into steers. It’s sometimes wild, always loud, and a very busy time for sure! I always sleep well after a day of working cattle, and I don’t even do the hard part! Dean does all the man-handling, I just draw-up the multiple injections, make sure the ear tag and back (think over-sized earring) is loaded in the “tagging pliers”, log the new ear tag number with the auction number/color of the animal and whether they got antibiotics; and hand Dean the scalpel and latex gloves when he hollers “BULL”.

I know it’s not for everyone, but I sure do enjoy ranch life! There’s just something about going out each day to feed and care for the animals, listening to the cattle “moo” , the horses “neigh”, the smells, the muck after a heavy rain, and getting the boots and jeans dirty. There are days in the middle of winter when it’s just downright cold and nasty outside that I think I’d rather snuggle up by the fire with some cardstock and rubberstamps, but once out there with the cows and horses, it’s all good again. And when the morning chores are done, I kick off my muddy barn boots (outside), hang my coat over a chair to dry, and cozy up to the fire to warm up. Life on the ranch is good!

But, back to why you’re here!

Did you know that the new “Spring” catalog will be out very shortly? Along with the January-February SALE-A-Bration catalog?

As a demonstrator, I have them in my hands already and because of my attendance at OnStage, (Stampin’ Up’s event for demonstrators only which was done virtually this year due to “the virus”), I was able to order a select number of products from the new catalog which I received a few days ago! While I can’t show you the inside pages of the catalogs yet, I can show you the covers of them! And, I’ll be sharing some of my new products with you soon!

For those who may not remember, SALE-A-Bration, it’s that time of year when, for every $50 or $100 you spend on Stampin’ Up product, you earn FREE products from the SALE-A-Bration catalog! There are multiple exclusive stamp sets and designer series papers (DSP) in the Sale-A-Bration catalog that you can get for FREE! Yes, I said FREE! Trust me, you’re going to want it ALL!

There’s so much crafting goodness between those covers, I just can’t wait to begin giving you glimpses of what’s in store!

The stamp set and dies I used for today’s card is in the new catalog and IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW! That’s right, the new Quite Curvy stamp and die set can be ordered NOW! Just click here to go to my Stampin’ Up online store where you can get a better look at all this set has to offer! I must confess, it’s fast becoming a favorite of mine!

I know this card looks very similar to my last post. If you follow through my instructions on that last post, under “Let’s Get Inky!”, you’ll see that I forgot to take pictures of the process of putting together the front panel, so I made another one with a different DSP across the middle for “instructions” sake.

Today I used that panel to create this card using the same layout, just different stamps. I think I already mentioned this, but Quite Curvy is fast becoming my “go-to” stamping bundle!

So, here we go!

LET’S GET INKY!

Continue reading “Quite Curvy – My New Go-To” →

Love The Curves – Quite Curvy Bundle That Is!

On November 6, 2020October 18, 2023 By JanetIn Uncategorized6 Comments

Hello Friends!

I’m back today with another Quite Curvy card. I do love the curves! Did you know that YOU can now order this fantastic bundle? As a demonstrator, I was able to pick this up before it went “public” and I’ve been experimenting with it for a little while now. AND NOW YOU CAN ORDER THIS SUPER-DUPER SET, TOO!

I’ll admit that when I first saw this bundle of products, I was not overly excited about them. I waited several days before I went ahead and ordered it. But, Oh My! I’m so glad that I did! The Quite Curvy stamp set is extremely versatile with sentiments for birthday, thinking of you, love you, and even a simple hello. And birds…they’re adorable! Who doesn’t like birds, right?

As far as Curvy Christmas, what an easy way to make beautiful Christmas cards! I combined the curves with poinsettias on my last post, but I’ll be bringing you MORE ideas using this exclusive stamp set, and the exclusive “Classic Christmas DSP” in the next few days!

However, today I needed a birthday card for the first man I ever loved… my dad! His birthday is coming up in the next few days and I have to say, at age 84 (almost), he’s still looking good and could likely out walk, out work, and out think me! I am blessed indeed to have a mom and dad as devoted to God and family as they are.

Another big announcement! Starting today I get to attend the Stampin’ Up OnStage event which is held every year for demonstrators only. It’s an event that spans three days and is held in multiple locations across the country. Ours (for the western region) is generally in Portland, OR. I attended last year for the first time and oh-my-goodness, such fun! Unfortunately, this year because of “the virus”, it’s being held virtually and I’m “attending” with my sister and other team members from home. Thanks to you all…I’m being recognized for achieving my sales goals this year! So, a huge thank you to all of you who’ve placed orders with me over the past year! I thoroughly enjoy being your Stampin’ Up demonstrator and look forward to continuing to serve you in this manner, hopefully giving you some creative inspiration along the way!

As part of the OnStage event, I get an early look at the new January-June, 2021 Mini Catalog (spring catalog) and even get to place an early order from it! I’ll be giving little sneak peeks of new products as I’m allowed per Stampin’ Up guidelines over the next several weeks! May I say (sing), “I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it, I’m about to lose control and I think I like it!”

Okay, so that’s the Pointer Sisters and I’m aging myself here! (Yes, I was an ’80’s teen!) Stampin’ Up hires special music for these events and this year’s musical artist is ….. Pat Benatar! So, hit me with your best shot, fire away!!! Again, (heavy sigh) the concerts will be virtual, so not nearly as fun as in person, but I’m sooo looking forward to new ideas, networking with other demonstrators to learn how I can better serve you, my loyal customers and blog subscribers, during our OnStage event! Fingers crossed that next year we’ll be back to “normal” and able to meet up in person!

Continue reading “Love The Curves – Quite Curvy Bundle That Is!” →

Curvy Celebrations: It’s Almost Here!

On November 2, 2020October 18, 2023 By JanetIn Uncategorized4 Comments

Hello Friends!

Are you ready for some fresh stampin’ inspiration? Get ready for Curvy Celebrations! It’s almost here…just a few more days!

In anticipation of the new January – June, 2021 Mini Catalog’s release on January 5, 2021, Stampin’ Up is offering an early release bundle from this catalog! It’s just in time for the holidays and the WHOLE variety bundle is only available during the pre-order period which begins on November 3 and runs through January 4!

The Quite Curvy Variety Bundle is shown below.

After January 4, you will no longer be able to get the Curvy Christmas stamp set, or the Classic Christmas DSP – these two items are EXCLUSIVE to the preorder period.

The Quite Curvy stamp set, which is very versatile for many occasions, and coordinating Curvy Dies, will continue and be in the new catalog.

Remember, if you order products in a bundle, you’ll save 10% off the purchase price!

The Curvy Christmas stamp set is fabulous for it’s country rustic images, but add in the Curvy Dies, and suddenly you’ve taken your project from cute, to WHOA-worthy!

Here’s an up-close look at the Classic Christmas 6″ x 6″ DSP. I’ll be using it in tomorrow’s blog post!

Just look at that curved border edge on my project today, and the curved sentiment that runs so perfectly along it! May I say, WHOA? I’m loving this set so far and can’t wait to share more of it with you! These dies make it sooo easy to dress up a card to FABULOUS, especially when paired with that gorgeous Brushed Metallic Cardstock!

My color choices were inspired by Color Throwdown Challenge 617 (#ctd617):

To get that chartreuse green, I had to pull out some retired SU cardstock, Lemon-Lime Twist. I also chose to use my Wink Of Stella glitter pen to jazz up my Lemon-Lime Twist sprigs!

So with no further ado: