Birthday Card

Hi Stampers,

As Halloween weekend approaches I find us already in full swing. . . we've carved our pumpkins, went a Halloween event last weekend at the Mall, Trunk or Treat was Wednesday night and thinking about trick or treating the mall tonight . . . then we'll try to squeeze all of the family trick or treating in Sat & Sun before our regular Trick or Treat schedule for Sunday night. . . . I'm tired already. . . on top of that I still have many projects to get done for next Saturday's craft show at Oak Run!  I've made my list and checking it twice trying to prioritize it in case I doesn't get all done. :o)

Last night I finished Snowman Kisses and started on "homemade" Christmas Fudge. . . I still need to hit the store (for the last time I hope) and pick up a few more items.  I also need to have my hubby make something to hang my Rag Quilt Purses on. . . any suggestions???

OK . . enough chatter. :o)  Today I'd like to share with you a quick and easy birthday card we made at card club this month. (BTW - new clubs start in JANUARY!!! Details will follow!)

You'll notice I used the spiral punch along the basic black card stock.  The Melon Mambo and Tempting Turquoise square was stamped using Versa Mark.  I decided to use the actual Crush Curry color on the same card stock so it would show a little better.

Let me know if you have any questions, and enjoy your weekend!!!

Georgia

StampAttic's Swap

Hi Stampers,

Today I have another Christmas card to share with you from the StampAttic's swap I was in. . . . looks like they used a square punch to cut out pieces of Designer Series Paper and the star punches for the accents.

Thanks for stopping by today and let's hope we don't blow away out there today!

Georgia

StampAttic's Christmas Cards

Hi Stampers,

I have a quick post for you today and I'd like to share with you two cards I received in a Christmas Card Swap with my fellow StampAttic demonstrators.

I just love the colors on this first card, and see how she ran the ribbon through the punch!

Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for stopping by!

Georgia

Tic Tac Toe

Hi Stampers,

Today I'd like to share with you a project I made for the Fall craft shows. . . its Travel Tic Tac Toe!!!  For the outside of the tin I used my Big Shot, Dies and Snowflake Punch.  Colors used are Real Red, Old Olive and Whisper White. 

On the inside you'll find the Tic Tac Toe board as well as the "markers", which are attached to a magnet so the kids can play in the car.

The stamp set is a retired one I just couldn't part with, but colors used are current: Real Red, Old Olive and Pacific Point.

Let me know if you have any questions and THANKS for stopping by!

Georgia

Callie Ann's Blessing

Hi Stampers,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to a very fun Halloween week!!!  Blake has a very busy schedule this week and many Halloween events on the calendar.  He's excited, and we are excited for him!

One of the things we did this past weekend was have our little Callie Ann blessed at Church.  Here are a couple of pictures.

Callie Ann's cousin Mattoxx was also Blessed at Church yesterday.

I did have a little time to work on Craft Show Projects, but do not have any pictures to share with you yet. . . many work in progress projects. :o)

Thanks for stopping by, and make sure to register for the Christmas Card Class before it's all full.

Happy Stamping!

Georgia

~Christmas Card Make and Take Class~

Hi Stampers,

Today I'm very excited to invite you to attend my first make and take class since little Callie Ann joined our family in June.  On Thursday, November 11th at 10am we will be making 15 cards using Designer Series Paper, Colored Rub-Ons, Rhinestones and Grosgrain Ribbon. Cost is $20 and includes envelopes! 

I know not everyone has Veterans day off from work, so I designed these cards so that you can make them on your own!!!

Here is a close-up of one of the cards

 
This make and take will be held at my home in Galesburg, and space is limited, so RSVP by next Friday, October 29th to save your spot!! 
 
Hope to hear from you soon!
Georgia

georgia@mustainlaw.com
309-343-9356

Christmas Card

Hi Stampers,

I'm excited to share with you today a card club members made this past month.  It is a very quick and easy Christmas card. . . a few punches, one stamp and you're done!!!

When you open the card you'll find Merry Christmas is actually stamped inside the card.  I used a punch to make a "window" so you can see the stamp.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check back tomorrow as I hope to be able to share the details about my next make and take class!!!

Enjoy your day!!!

Georgia



The Latest My Digital Studio Update is Now Available

The My Digital Studio version 1.0.5 update is now available. With this latest update, you will receive functionality upgrades as well as access to seven new professional print output products--including a trifold card, a journal, a 5.5" x 6.5" calendar with easel, and four postcards.

It is important that you have the most recent version of the My Digital Studio software prior to installing the Professional Print Product Update.

Updating your software:

•If you have installed the initial update (version 1.0.1), simply click "Help" and select "Check for Updates" in the My Digital Studio software. The update will be performed automatically.

•If you have not completed the initial update, download the My Digital Studio update for a PC (version 1.0.1), or download the My Digital Studio update for a Mac (version 1.0.1). Then, complete the steps listed above to get the most recent update.

•Please note: once you download and install the update, your My Digital Studio software will display as My Digital Studio "1.0.5.665" in the About My Digital Studio screen under the Help menu.

Along with these great additional project options, nearly all of our current professional print products have been permanently reduced approximately 15-60 percent--just in time for all your holiday printing needs! Click here to see the updated pricing!

Candy Box

Hi Stampers,

Today I'd like to share with you a Christmas Candy Box.  It was made using SU's Matchbox Bigz XL die . . . now is the time to get a jump start on all of those holiday projects. . . .

Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks for stopping by!
Georgia
 

Up Coming Craft Shows . . Save the Date!!!

November 6th ~ Oak Run

November 13 ~ Time for Tots, Alwood Grade School, Alpha

November 20 ~ Monmouth VFW Hall

My Digital Studio Professional Print Price Reduction!

Hi Stampers,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was great! We started Saturday with Blake's soccer game, and then had the fans aka Rocky's family over for lunch.  Saturday afternoon we took Blake and his friend Gaeb to Monkey Joes to jump and play.

Sunday was just a nice R&R day for the family.  We had to run to Peoria to pick up Rocky's new shot gun, then home for the Bears game!  While the game was on I was busy in my stamp room working on items for the craft shows. . . . I'm not worried yet, but the first show is just two weeks out!!!  I have lots done, but so much more I'd like to do.

Well enough Chat let's talk Stamps, or in this case, My Digital Studio (MDS).  Starting tomorrow you can order your MDS projects at a reduced price. . . Get Excited!!! 

Stampin' Up! is bringing sparkle to your holiday season a little early this year with a very special gift for our customers! Beginning October 19, 2010, nearly all of our My Digital Studio professional print products will be available at approximately 15-60 percent off regular retail prices! Want to know the best part about this money-saving holiday gift? It never ends! Beginning October 19, most of our professional print products will be permanently reduced! Be sure to take advantage of this significant print product savings--beat the December rush and start creating your holiday photo album books, calendars, and cards today!

Click here for professional print pricing details and discounts!

Thanks for stopping by, and let me know if you have any questions.
Georgia

FYI - TODAY is the last day for the Clearance Rack Blitz, so make sure to check out http://www.georgiacaulkins.stampinup.net/.

Stamping on Candles

Hi Stampers,

Have you ever stamped on candles?  I love to "stamp" on candles and they make wonderful gifts.  Last night I used a retired snowman to make a few candles for the Fall craft shows and today I'd like to share them with you.

The first one is a single snowman. . .

This next candle is a whole bunch of "flakes" aka snowmen.

If you'd like to learn how to make your own candles check out SplitCoast Stampers HERE as they have a tutorial. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!!!

Georgia

Clearance Rack Blitz Ends on 10/18

The Clearance Rack Blitz has been a big hit with, but if you want to take advantage of up to 80 percent off of discontinued Stampin’ Up! products, you need to act fast. The Clearance Rack Blitz ends on October 18th visit: http://www.georgiacaulkins.stampinup.net/ before it's to late!!!

Handmade Holiday

Hi Stampers,

I'm excited to share with you a promotion that is starting soon! 

ABCs of the Perfect Handmade Holiday

Dates: October 19-December 16, 2010

You will have the opportunity to purchase select products--perfect for Amazing cards, Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts--at a 20 percent discount! Click HERE to view the flyer.

Things to Remember:

•This offer is available on all order types (customer, workshop, and online). Additional products from current catalogs may be purchased on the same order.

•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.

•You must use the bundle item codes provided. The 20 percent discount will not be applied if individual bundle item numbers are entered separately.
And remember you can shop 24/7 at http://www.georgiacaulkins.stampinup.net/

Season of Hugs

Hi Stampers,

Today I'd like to share with you a card club members stamped last night, and Wednesday club members will stamp tonight.  It uses the Season of Hugs stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog as well as the Beary Best Friends stamp set. 

The Season of Hugs stamp set was designed to be an accessory set for the Build-a-bear line.  It has Christmas,  Thanksgiving, Halloween and even teacher accessories to make your Build-a-bears so cute.

With Thanksgiving next month I decided to use the cute little baskets from the Season of Hugs stamp set as well as the phrase to make a Thanks card and here's what I came up with.

As you can see it's another simple and quick card.  I'm really loving the Build-a-bears and now that I have a little girl it's just that much more fun!

I only used two layer of card stock, Whisper White and Pumpkin Pie.  The ribbon is 1/4" Grosgrain Pumpkin Pie and it was knotted and glued in placed.  Ink used was Basic Black and Stampin' Up!'s awesome markers.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions!

~ Georgia

Tag Alongs

Hi Stampers,

Today I'd like to share a very simple card with you that uses the stamp set Tag Alongs.  Tag Alongs is this years Ronald McDonald stamp set.  $2 from each set sold goes to the Ronald McDonald Foundation.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and gift tags should too! The sweet shapes of tag images in this set put a fun twist on the business of “to”s and “from”s, and add something a little extra to the exciting experience of giving and receiving gifts. Pair them with punched or die-cut shapes to create layered tags for even more special effect! Available both in wood-mount and clear-mount.

This stamp set is all "tags", but I just knew I could make a card from the tags.  So what I did was use a marker to color the stamp, and I just didn't color the to and from part of the stamp.

As you can see the card is very simple and finished with a stapler.

Let me know if you have any questions!  Thanks for stopping by!

Georgia

Medallion Card

Hi Stampers,

I hope you all were able to get out and enjoy the wonderful weekend we were blessed with.  Saturday Blake had a soccer game and he was blessed to have so many family members and friends there to support him.  Here are a couple of pictures from Saturday.  The first one is Blake and the second one is Callie Ann and myself watching Blake!

Saturday night we enjoyed the Clover Fire Department's Annual Fish Fry. It was the first time we have ever been there and ate with the doors open!!! It was great!

Sunday our family hit the scenic drive for a couple of stops and rode on a wagon pulled by horses at Walnut Creek Barn. (I think that was the name.)  Once we got home and put Callie Ann down for her afternoon nap Blake and I went for a bike ride.  This was the first time I got to use my new bike, and I've decided I need a better seat!

OK . . .Stamp Time!

I'm so excited today to share with you a very simple card I made last week.  This card could be used for many occasions . . . from birthday to get well and anywhere in between.  It also uses on of the 5 in color colors, Poppy Parade!

This card was so quick and fast to make.  I used my Poppy Parade ink pad, Medallion stamp and Poppy Parade Ribbon.

I just LOVE the new In Color ribbon . . . . don't you?  Here's a close up.

If you would like to get a little sample pack of the ribbon I have some for sale.  You get approximately one yard of each of the 5 ink colors for $5.50.  If you are interested in the ribbon sample let me know and I'll get one ready for you to pick up!

Thanks for stopping by!

Georgia

What's going on this week?

Tonight ~ Kiri's workshop ~ Woodhull!

Tuesday ~ Card Club - Stacey is the hostess!

Wednesday ~ Card Club - Jadyn is the hostess!

Happy 10-10-10!

Happy 10-10-10 . . . I hope you enjoyed this special day!

Gingerbread House

Hi Stampers,

Thanks goodness it's Friday!!!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend planned out, or maybe some much needed R&R!  Whichever way it is I hope you enjoy every minute of it. 

Our weekend is planned!  Blake has a soccer game Saturday morning, and then we might hit the Spoon River Drive a little bit.  We'll finish our Saturday in Woodhull at the Fire Department's Annual Fish Fry.  Rocky's dad has been on the department for the last 25 years and we always go and support them.

Sunday is a day to relax!  Rocky might take the boat out and go fishing with Blake.  I'm not sure if Callie Ann and I are joining him our not, but I did get a new infant life vest, so we are good to go!  It was on clearance at Target for $7 and it's PINK!!!  Love it!!!

Today I'd like to share another sample from Stampin' Up!, but next week I will have my own art work to share with you!  Card clubs are Tuesday & Wednesday so I've been busy working on those cards for you.

The sample today is another cute Décor Accents Design-a-House

Stamps

Bells & Boughs Stamp Set

Welcome Christmas Stamp Set

Paper

Confetti White Card Stock

Always Artichoke Textured Card Stock

Cherry Cobbler Textured Card Stock

Early Espresso Textured Card Stock

Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper

Newsprint Designer Series Paper

Ink

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Distressing Essentials

Frost White Shimmer Paint

Accessories

Champagne Glass Glitter

Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim

Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding

Antique Brads

Neutrals Designer Buttons

Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons

Décor Accents Design-a-House

Deck the Halls Designer Fabric

Pewter Jumbo Eyelets

Pearls Basic Jewels

Mini Vintage Tags

Vintage Trinkets

Stampin' Dimensionals

Curly Label Punch

Decorative Label Punch

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Big Shot

Merry Details Sizzlits Die

Cream crochet thread

These look like so much fun to make, and so much easier than a gingerbread house!

Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for stopping by!

Georgia

Don't forget - - - AWESOME Clearance sale at www.georgiacaulkins.stampinup.net . . . some items are up to 80% off!!!  Shop now before they are gone!

Design-a-House Décor Accents

Hi Stampers,

Have you had a chance to check out the Design-a-House Décor Accents on page 37 of the Holiday Mini Catalog yet?  They look like so much fun! Today I'd like to share with you a Haunted House from the Stampin' Up! website.

Stamp set:

Dark & Dreary

Paper:

Basic Black Card Stock

Cajun Craze Card Stock

Old Olive Card Stock

Rich Razzleberry Textured Card Stock

Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper

White Vellum Paper

Waffle Paper Assortment 2

Ink:

Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

Distressing Essentials

Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

VersaMarker

Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz

Accessories:

Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter

Black Stampin' Emboss Powder

Circle Scissor Plus

Color Spritzer Tool

Bitty Bat Punch

Our Design-a-House is so versatile! One look at our Design-a-House Décor Accents and we bet you’ll instantly have multiple ideas of how to decorate this charming little cottage for all kinds of holidays and occasions. Whether it’s haunted, looks like it’s made of gingerbread and candies, or dressed up as a centerpiece for a housewarming party, there are all kinds of ways to use this piece for adding a special touch of beauty to your home or a friend’s home. Let your imagination guide you in choosing from our many Designer Series papers and other accessories to adorn your little house.

■ Charming and versatile holiday décor item

■ Create a Christmas village, gingerbread house, haunted house, or Build-a-Bear Workshop® Playhouse

■ Finished house size approximately 6-1/4” x 6” x 5”
■ Embellish as much or as little as you like
■ $5.95 each

Thanks for stopping by!
Georgia

Clearance Rack Blitz Continues

Stampin' Up! has updated their Clearance Rack with some amazing deals, up to 80% off! Contact me right away if you want to order anything. You can view the Clearance Rack HERE then click shop now at the top right side of the page!

Just a reminder that the Clearance Rack Blitz continues only while supplies last. The Clearance Rack is a great place for you to discover discontinued Stampin' Up! merchandise for fantastic prices.

You may have noticed that the Online Store web site was slow yesterday! Great news! We made some server optimizations and code changes to enhance the Online Store's performance, and now you'll notice that Online Store orders will be processed faster.

Pillowcase Dress

Hi Stampers,

Today I have another sample to share with you from Stampin' Up!  It's an awesome Pillowcase Dress!  I think it would be so fun to make one of these for my little Callie Ann.

Accessories and Tools:

Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon
Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric: Eight at 5" x 5" and four at 2" x 28"
Candy Cane Big Designer Buttons
Big Shot
Flower Folds Bigz XL Die
Pink and white thread
Pink pillowcase
Pillowcase dress pattern
Safety pin

Instructions:

1. Sew pillowcase dress using pattern of your choice. (We found our pattern on the Internet.)
2. Make spaghetti straps by running ribbon through front and back casing. Tie front and back ribbons at one shoulder to create a bow.
3. Make ruffle with four 2" x 28" strips of polka-dot fabric. Gather and sew to pillowcase dress using white thread. Sew ribbon on top of the ruffle.
4. Using the Flower Folds Bigz XL Die and polka-dot fabric, cut four 2-3/4" flowers and four 3" flowers.
5. Stack four 2-3/4" flowers and sew down the center of each petal using white thread.
6. Stack four 3" flowers and sew down the center of each petal using white thread.
7. Attach button and ribbon to the flower and pin to dress with safety pin.

Thanks for stopping by today!

~ Georgia

Introducing Designer Fabric from Stampin' Up!

Hi Stampers,

Starting with the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog, Stampin' Up! now offers a selection of exclusive designs and colors you love in a line of high-quality designer fabrics for use with the Big Shot die-cutting machine.

You don't have to be a seamstress--or even like to sew--to enjoy using Designer Fabric! The colors and patterns in the Designer Fabrics are designed to coordinate perfectly with Stampin' Up! inks, card stock, Designer Series Paper, and other accessories, and are perfect for adding a stylish touch to traditional paper projects. If you do enjoy sewing, however, the beauty and high quality of Designer Fabric, available in an extra-wide fat quarter (18" x 26"), makes it perfect for use in quilting, clothing, home décor, or any other project you can think of.

Today I'd like to share with you a cute little tote that was made using SU's Designer Fabrics.

Accessories and Tools:
Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim
Deck the Halls Designer Fabric:
Lining: 14" x 24"
Outside bottom: 10-1/2" x 14"; two at 7-1/2" x 14"
Handles: two at 4" x 28"
Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons
Big Shot
Flower Folds Bigz XL Die
Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die
Beige thread
Sage thread
Cotton batting
Beige fabric
Décor-Bond by Pellon

Instructions

1. Zigzag-stitch sides of the crochet trim together until you have created a big enough piece of fabric to run through the Big Shot.
2. Run crochet trim "fabric," beige fabric, and cotton batting through Big Shot using Flower Folds Bigz XL Die cutting one 3-3/4" flower, one 3" flower, and one 2-1/2" flower. Sew crochet trim "fabric," cotton batting, and beige fabric together to create three 3-D flowers.
3. Iron Décor Bond to wrong side of each piece of 4" x 28" fabric. Fold in half with right sides facing and sew along long sides, making handles the width you desire (ours are 3/4" wide). Turn fabric; iron flat and top stitch.
4. Create three ruffles for each side of bag by cutting four layers of each of the Deck the Halls fabric using the Big Shot and Perfect Settings Bigz XL Die (cupcake liner). Sew two ruffles together for each ruffle and sew to each side of the bag.
5. Sew Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim on the top of the bag.
6. To create outside bottom of bag, sew a 7-1/2" x 14" piece to each side of 10-1/2" x 14" piece to create a 14" x 24" rectangle. Iron Décor-Bond to wrong side of outside bag bottom.
7. Iron Décor-Bond on the inside of bag top. Sew bag bottom to bag top.
8. Fold lining in half and sew the side seams. Sew across corners at 2-1/2" to create gusset for the bottom of the bag. Repeat for the outside of bag. Turn outside of bag right-side out and slide lining inside. Fold the top of the bag down and top stitch closed, adding the handles as you do this.
9. Crisscross piece of Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim through Big Designer Button.
10. Attach flower to base of handle using Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim.

Thanks for stopping by today and let me know if you have any questions.

~ Georgia

BTW - Card Clubs are NEXT WEEK!

My Digital Studio

Hi Stampers,

There is a new destination to see and discuss all things My Digital Studio! Check out http://www.mydigitalstudio.net/!

Date: October 1-November 15, 2010

Stampin' Up! invites YOU to participate in its first ever digital design contest using My Digital Studio and Stampin' Up!'s digital downloads! The My Digital Studio Design contest was created to recognize the amazing digital design skills of our talented, creative customers and demonstrators! The contest is open to all customers and demonstrators who have access to My Digital Studio in the US and Canada; five customers and five demonstrators will be selected to win. To enter the contest you will need to design one digital card and two single-page layouts using ONLY My Digital Studio product and Stampin' Up downloads. Submit all samples along with an official entry form and photo release form (if applicable) to MDSContest@stampinup.com.

Winners will receive free My Digital Studio digital downloads from Stampin' Up valued at approximately $400! You will also receive a digital pin for your personal blog.

Don't own My Digital Studio or want to purchase new Stampin' Up! digital downloads? Contact me today!

Ready, Set, Create!

My Family

Hi Stampers,

OMGoodness. . . today is October 1st. . . where has this year gone???  It's moving very fast . . . Christmas will be here before we know it.  I have been very busying working on items for the Fall Craft Shows.  While I don't have samples to share with you of that yet today I'd like to share with you some pictures of my family!

The end of August my dad told told me he wanted to have a family picture taken and we were all very excited to have this done.  I just got the cd of the pictures yesterday so I haven't had any time to put them in My Digital Studio, but I hope to this weekend and share that with you next week.

First is a picture of two very important guys in my life!  My husband Rocky and son Blake!

This next picture is me with my little girl, Callie Ann!

And here I am with my world!  Children really do make your life complete.

And last I'd like to introduce you to my family, my father George and sister Carmen.

Thanks for stopping by today and I'll "see" you next week!

Georgia