Fun Friday Sketch Challenge

Prize Patrol

Hi Everyone,

I love when I have a chance to gift someone with a wonderful prize. Today is the day with my Fun Friday Sketch Challenge. You have a chance to create a project using this template as your inspiration for your project. Upload it to me and see if you win. Here are the details:

• Create a project using the template as inspiration
• Upload your project to me at lennyandmary1@msn.com 
• Be sure to include your e-mail so you can be contacted if you win
• Have your project entered by October 15th 
• Winner will be announced October 18th
• The winner will win the Stampin' Up! Embossing Paste, Decorative Masks, and Palette Knives

Your Chance to Win

Embossing Paste is a huge trend in cardmaking today. I'm so happy to spoil someone with the tools you need to create wonderful projects. Embossing Paste add so much texture to your projects. There are many different techniques you can try as well. One lucky winner will win the Embossing Paste, decorative Masks, and the Palette Knives. WOW!

These cards I created featured different techniques using the Embossing Paste. I love the affect of the tree and the multicolored medallion. Okay, Spooky Cat is fun too. I hope you are beginning to get inspired to create a project for your chance to win. 

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. There are just a couple of days left to get in on the September Hostess code, so don't delay.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Beginning today through September 30th, you receive double Loyalty Bucks. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Another Holiday Stamp-A-Stack

Sneak Peek

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share with all of you two more of the make-n-takes for the Holiday Stamp-A-Stack that is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st and repeated on Sunday, October 8th. I have two dates so more people can attend. I can have up to 12 people per session, so if you are local and would like to attend, just let me know. Participants can complete 2 cards each of 6 designs for a total of 12 cards for $16.00. 

I really like how the designer series paper is so striking with the white background. I used the gold Wink of Stella to give the harp and the center of the snowflakes some sparkle.

This cute reindeer is out of the Santa's Sleigh stamp set. The new 1/8" Real Read Solid Ribbon is so nice and silky. I also used Clear Wink of Stella to add some sparkle to the trees in the background.

I hope you like these two projects. I'm getting excited for the Stamp-A-Stack events. It's great to get together with other stampers. This really helps me get motivated to do more stamping.

If you have many people on your list for cards this holiday, I am so excited about the next two months with the news of two Paper Pumpkin kits that will get your holiday cheer started. The Paper Pumpkin team is always tracking products that make our customers happy and (no surprise!) holiday kits are a huge favorite. Knowing this, Stampin' Up! decided to create a simple and fun holiday crafting experience as the perfect way to streamline Christmas prep. Welcome to a Season of Style!

To give you more of what you love, during October and November Stampin' Up! is offering two straight months of perfectly coordinated Christmas cardmaking and gifting projects. I think this is so great! I know that I get so busy in the next couple of months, that the holidays are upon me and I haven't gotten my holiday cards and gift packing done and I'm rushing. 

In order to receive the Paper Pumpkin kits, you need to sign up by October 11th to receive the first kit and November 10 to receive the second kit. I would suggest signing up as a prepaid three month subscriber. This way you only need to sign up by October 11th to get both kits this way. There is also a slight discount when you prepay for three months. Now you don't have to have both kits to complete your projects. They are coordinated, but can stand alone. If you are like me, you can purchase more than one kit too. If you have a lot of holiday cardmaking and gift packing, more than one kit might be a great option. I can't wait to open my box when it arrives. This season will be the best ever for Paper Pumpkin. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about Paper Pumpkin or any of your stamping needs.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Stitched with Cheer

Clearance Rack Deal

Hi Everyone,

If you don't know about Stampin' Up! and their Clearance Rack, you are really missing out on some spectacular good deals. The one I want to highlight today is the Stitched with Cheer card making kit from the 2016 Holiday Catalog. This kit makes 18 wonderful cards with coordinating envelopes. This kit originally cost $24.00. Today the price has dropped to $9.60. WOW! These cards follow a popular trend of stitching and the cards are wonderful. 

For an up close look at this kit, watch this Stampin' Up! video

I really loved working with this kit during the holidays last year. I'm going to stock up again this year because I just love the cards and I happen to work in a different school location, so I don't have to worry about giving the same card out to the same people. Win-Win!

There are many, many other wonderful products at the Clearance Rack. Now is the perfect time to stock up on needs for the upcoming occasions. Stocking up now is also perfect because you are being rewarded to earn double Loyalty Bucks for every $50.00 you spend by September 30th. When shopping on-line, remember to use the hostess code for September. 

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Beginning today through September 30th, you receive double Loyalty Bucks. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Double Loyalty Bucks 

Flash Sale

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share the wonderful opportunity to get your holiday stamping products in time for the upcoming holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For a very limited time, for every $50.00 you spend, I will reward you with double Loyalty Bucks. Collect 20 bucks and you earn $30.00 in free products of your choice. You can find all of the details about Loyalty Bucks here.

I wanted to share a few of my must have products for the fall occasions.

My favorite Fall inspired suite is the Painted Harvest Suite. This has such a wonderful color scheme. The 2-step stamp system also creates such a realistic touch to your projects.

Okay, to be honest, I think that Halloween is my ultimate favorite time. Look at these fun treats. How can it not be a favorite? I have been in education for the past 25 years and I have always enjoyed making treats for my students as well as teachers. I no longer have my own classroom, but I still spoil the teaching staff I work with each year.

Check out this great video on a fantastic Spooky Suite

Wow! How fantastic is the Graveyard Gate Bundle!? I have a plan to use the Detailed Gate Thinlit together with the Mini Treat bag framelit set to make super creepy treat bags. How fun!

As you can see, there are so many wonderful stamping products to spark your creative side. Now it's a win-win. Double Loyalty Bucks for every $50.00 you spend. Be sure to print off a copy of the tracking sheet because you will want to record your loyalty bucks each time you earn. 

Be sure to subscribe to my blog. Each Monday I will highlight project ideas from the holiday catalog that my demonstrator friends and I have created. I hope I have helped you get into the stamping mood to spread some spooky fun and thankful thoughts this fall.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Beginning today through September 30th, you receive double Loyalty Bucks. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Stamp of the Month

Nature Sings

Hi Everyone,

It's time to share news of the Stamp of the Month Stamp set for October. It is Nature Sings by Stampin' Up! What I really like about this stamp set is that I can use it for the holidays, but I also can use it for the masculine cards that I have need for. One area that I feel we need more of is having stamp sets that can be used for the men in our lives. This stamp set is perfect for this. Do you know what else is perfect? You can participate in the Stamp of the Month and get this stamp set without shipping and tax and also get 3 exclusive projects to create and a PDF tutorial is included. 

October 14th is the local workshop to come and make your projects. If you aren't local, you can still participate by registering for it by the 5th of October. Once you let me know you want to participate, I will send you an invoice through PayPal or coordinate payment. You can find details by clicking on Stamp of the Month.

This is a beautiful stamp set. For more information about how you can participate in this Stamp of the Month, simply click the Stamp of the Month link along the top bar of my blog. I hope you are excited about the Nature Sings Stamp set. It has so many all occasion possibilities.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Ring the Holiday Bells

Holiday Stamp-A-Stack Sneak Peek

Hi Everyone,

Well it's that time to think about the holidays and the Christmas cards you need to get started. One of the ways I help stampers is to host a Holiday Stamp-A-Stack where participants get to make 12 cards for $16.00. I design 6 projects and everyone makes 2 of each. This is such a fun day because everyone gets a head start on their Christmas list and I also have prizes to giveaway while people stamp. HOW FUN!

Today I thought I'd share a sneak peek at 2 of the projects that stampers will get to make. If you are in the area and would like to participate, there are 2 sessions to choose from October 1st and October 8th. I can have up to 12 people per session, so reserve your spot ASAP.

Emerald Envy is such the perfect Christmas green. It is so rich in texture. I paired it with Crumb Cake and the Christmas Pines Stamp set. The Label Me Pretty punch is becoming one of my favorite. The Layering Oval dies can layer all of your punches perfectly. Of course bling your projects using the basic Rhinestones. 

Okay there is something about the silhouette effect in stamping. The Night in Bethlehem bundle is beautiful! The Holy Family is one of the most traditional and adored Christmas symbols especially in my Catholic Faith. For this project, I wanted that evening feel using Night of Navy and Crushed Curry. I added the 1/8" gold ribbon and gold Wink of Stella for the star. 

Well these are just a peek at a couple of the projects for the Holiday Stamp-A-Stack. I know it seems too early to think about Christmas. I would usually agree. I love fall and Halloween, but if you don't get started now, the Christmas season will be upon you and you will end up buying cards to send. A handmade card is so much more personal and enjoyed.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Welcome to the Season of Style!

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited about the next two months with the news of two Paper Pumpkin kits that will get your holiday cheer started. The Paper Pumpkin team is always tracking products that make our customers happy and (no surprise!) holiday kits are a huge favorite. Knowing this, Stampin' Up! decided to create a simple and fun holiday crafting experience as the perfect way to streamline Christmas prep. Welcome to a Season of Style!

To give you more of what you love, during October and November Stampin' Up! is offering two straight months of perfectly coordinated Christmas cardmaking and gifting projects. I think this is so great! I know that I get so busy in the next couple of months, that the holidays are upon me and I haven't gotten my holiday cards and gift packing done and I'm rushing. 

In order to receive the Paper Pumpkin kits, you need to sign up by October 11th to receive the first kit and November 10 to receive the second kit. I would suggest signing up as a prepaid three month subscriber. This way you only need to sign up by October 11th to get both kits this way. There is also a slight discount when you prepay for three months. Now you don't have to have both kits to complete your projects. They are coordinated, but can stand alone. If you are like me, you can purchase more than one kit too. If you have a lot of holiday cardmaking and gift packing, more than one kit might be a great option. I can't wait to open my box when it arrives. This season will be the best ever for Paper Pumpkin. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about Paper Pumpkin or any of your stamping needs.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Cards in a "Flash"

Hi Everyone,

I recently held my Wednesday Stamp class and featured a great way to create quick cards. If you are like me, you can spend so much time trying to design a card, or go to Pinterest for hours looking at cards and layouts. Well a fellow demonstrator, Connie Stewart, has created "Flash" cards for years. I decided to use this technique, and I can't believe how quick and easy it was to create my projects for class. I usually do three projects at class, but I decided to create four because it was so fun. Take a look at the class projects.

I featured the Painted Harvest Stamp set for my class this week. I love the texture that the flower gives when stamped. This set is a 2-step stamp set. 2-step stamping always create such realistic images.What's a "Flash" card? Look at all the projects and see if you can guess.

I am a designer series paper fan. Whenever I can feature it I use it. For this project, I used the coordinating leaf punch and the Painted Autumn DSP. The stamp set and punch can be purchased as a bundle at a 10% discount.

My class participants really liked the Cajun Craze color of this project. They really felt that this project felt like fall. 

This card was my on the spot bonus project. I had so much fun with the "Flash" cards that I didn't want to stop. Again, let DSP help give your project that WOW that it needs. I used the Be Merry DSP. I really was surprised at how quickly I designed my projects. For class, I often spend hours deciding on my focus, products, embellishments, etc.. and this gets me stressed sometimes. I'm sure that has happened to you too. For this class, once I decided that I wanted to focus on Painted Harvest Stamp set, I was done with all three projects in 30 minutes. Yep, 30 minutes. From there I prepped my supplies. 

Okay, I know you want to know what a "Flash" Card is. Maybe you guessed, but a "Flash" card is created by taking 2 pieces of cardstock, one as the base, and the other the layer. Cut the base piece to 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" and the layer to 4" x 2 1/2". That's it. By starting with this for each project, I was then able to design the rest of the card. You can see the "Flash" card in each project as the focal point. For the Cajun Craze project, I began with my basic layer and then I trimmed 3/4" off each piece for perfect layered image and saying. Even though all of my cards have a "Flash" card, I feel that each project is so different from each other.

Now that you know what a "Flash" card is, create your own projects and let me know how they came out. I'd love to see what you come up with. 

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ77ZPW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

#Giftalittlejoy

A New School Year

 Hi Everyone,

My favorite time of year is when the bells at school begin to ring to welcome students back to the classroom. I have been in education for over 25 years. One of my roles is mentoring new teachers. I decided to surprise one of my new teachers with a back to school pail. I included many treats and things and created a letter for her.

This project was so fun for me. A brand new teacher has so many challenges and just a little gift is all that you need to give joy and take out some of the stress beginning a new career. 

If you know someone in need of a little cheer, simply "Gift a little joy" to them and lift their spirits. If you do "Gift a little joy" post it with #Giftalittlejoy. Let's fill the nation with joy.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The Powerhuff Stamper

Embossing Paste Rewind

Hi Everyone,

Well I am so thankful for the cooler weather here in the Northwest to hopefully help firefighters battle the overwhelming fires that are happening. My prayers continue for them and all who are struggling severe weather. Please take some time to pray for everyone. Take that minute with me.

I recently blogged about an embossing paste class that I hosted. I had two nights. The second night recently finished, and I wanted to share a couple of alternate things that my friend Jessica did. She already has many masks (stencils) from Stampin' Up! and other companies, so she decided to bring those along. I wanted to share how she did a couple of the projects using her masks.

Our main focus is from the stamp set Window Shopping.
My sample uses the diamond mask and Jessica used
a dotted mask that is retired.

Jessica also used the Happy Birthday stamp and
a bit of retired washi tape. It looks great!

My original designed card used the medallion mask. Jessica
decided to use the stars and moon stencil with Spooky
Cats.

If you've been with Stampin' Up!
for years, you might remember the
stencil with the moon and stars.
I loved the edging for clouds.

The Embossing Paste continues to be a really fun medium for me. I really love all the different techniques you can do. If you haven't gotten any yet, you will want to. There are many tutorial videos out there too. I think fall is the most exciting time of year for crafting. Stampin' Up! also wants to put the joy of crafting to you. 

I love that hostesses have an opportunity to earn this wonderful Merry Patterns Stamp set. It's a beautiful photopolymer set perfect for the holidays. This promotion runs through October, so just ask me how to earn yours. 

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ772PW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

It's a Merry Pattern Kind of Day

Hi Everyone,

One of the things I love most about Stampin' Up! is the incentive and rewards that come up often. Today is no different. During the months of September and October, customers can earn the Merry Patterns stamp set free with a qualifying party. Stampin' Up! loves their hostesses, so why not get out your calendar and set a workshop date. Check out the fun projects you can create and even create more.

This stamp set is a photopolymer set, so you can see right where you are stamping. This makes stamping so easy. The candles in this set are really cool. There are different design stamps, so when you stamp, the candles have texture to them.

Watch the video to get a close up look at this stamp set.

I know that I'll be getting this stamp set for sure. I really like the majestic deer in this set. The holidays will be here before you know it, so be sure to get started on your Christmas list. This includes stamps, paper, and ink. Gift packaging, cards, and memories.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ772PW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

Gift a Little Joy

with the New Holiday Catalog

Hi Everyone,

I know everyone is getting their kids back to school and may not have given any thought to the holidays yet. My girls are older. Julianne, 20 just moved back home to work and save money to apply for graduate school next fall. Samantha, 17 is in her senior year this year. I'm heading back into my education job too. With all the business of fall, the holidays are going to creep up quickly. I think it's time to kick off "Gift a Little Joy" by gifting small things to friends and family. Even give a little joy to strangers. 

The Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog has many wonderful packaging ideas and products to make this easy. In our school district, we have a new superintendent starting, so I decided to "Gift a Little Joy" to welcome her. One of the new products are the Acetate Card Boxes. These boxes can hold up to 5 hand stamped cards with envelopes. I used a box to include 5 thank you cards as a welcome gift to our new superintendent.

I love the designer paper and ribbon with this project. The Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper is beautiful. I love how well the colors match perfectly with the Lemon Lime Twist Ombre Ribbon. The ribbon and Colorful Seasons stamp set are found in the annual catalog. It's amazing the reaction when you gift a little joy to someone. The superintendent really loved this gift and it also allowed us to get to know each other a little bit.

Check out this little Gift of Joy commercial

This is so much fun. I want all of you to think about the joy you can bring to someone's life by a simple hello, thanks, and how are you doing. #Giftalittlejoy is my challenge to you all. If you join this challenge, I'd love to hear your story, so let me know. Simply post a blog, post to Instagram, or contact me to let me know what you've done. I'll continue to blog and share stories.

If you are in need of any products or want to place an order be sure to use my September Hostess Code #9AZ772PW for your chance to win hostess rewards. A minimum $25.00 qualifies you. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you if you win the September Hostess. 

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. You can subscribe at the top or side of my blog.

Happy Stampin'
Mary Blocher
The Power Huff Stamper

New Stamps, Ribbons, and Paper

oh My!

Blogging Friends Blog Hop

Hi Everyone,

It's an exciting time with the release of the new 2017 Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog running through December 31st. What's more fun is that it's time for Blogging Friends Blog Hop, so you can hop to many other demonstrators sharing projects they created using the Holiday Catalog products. The projects I'm sharing a couple of projects I created for an embossing paste class I am holding. Enjoy your time hopping along to everyone's blog.

Spooky Cat Bundle with Embossed Embossing Paste.

Santa's Sleigh and a tree with Dazzling Diamonds and
the tree framelit and Embossing Paste. Then die-cut.

A very cool affect.

I really had a bunch of fun with these techniques using Embossing Paste. When you do the powder embossing with it, be sure to put the embossing powder on right away. The paste dries quickly, so you'll want to do that. Also, the embossing paste will bubble up when heated. That's the water content bubbling. It dries great and shiny.

It's finally time to enjoy the great things the Stampin' Up! holiday catalog has to offer. There are wonderful stamp sets and accessories just in time for your holiday needs. Stamping Up! is also launching a new Host Promotion. You can earn a wonderful set, not found in any catalog, for having a qualifying $300.00 party. The Merry Patterns free set can be earned September 1st-October 31st. 

I know that the other Blogging Friends have great projects to share with you, so be sure to check them all out. Be sure to leave a comment and share. I love to chat. 

Happy Hopping,

Mary Blocher

The Power Huff Stamper

Crystal Komara 

Anna ConettaMasciovecchio 

Libby Fens (Back next month)

Mary Blocher (You are here)
Danica Farrante 

Jodi Horsley

 Leanne Dillon Johnson

Michelle Clark

Lorene Yoshimura-Tanigawa

Mary Ann Kay Rossiter

Rick Adkins

Lisa Harvey Reber