Make it Monday

Paper Players Challenge

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to another Make it Monday blog. Whether it's about memories or things to come, there is always time to stamp. Today I'm creating for the Paper Players #411 sketch challenge. I really liked this sketch layout.

As you can see from this sketch, the possibilities are endless. You can use any shape as your focal point and the background really let's me have my fun with Designer Series Papers. 

The only stamping on my project is the "Merry Christmas". Everything else is cardstock and designer series paper. I used the Santa's Workshop Specialty Designer Series Paper. This paper has some fun textures in it as well. I cut-out Santa and his list. I also cut out some gifts for the inside of the card.

You can see more entries at the Paper Players post. You can also entry your own project. I hope you get inspired to stamp.

The Holiday Catalog products are now available to purchase, so be sure to check out all the wonderful items. Also, don't miss out on the Dashing Along Host Promotion during September. 

Ending Soon Promotion for Hosts

Host Promotion Details

• Promotion period: September 1–30
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper is exclusive to the host promotion and will not be available after September 30.
• In order to qualify, the event merchandise total must reach $250 USD/$300 CAD (before shipping and handling).
• One package of Designer Series Paper may be redeemed per qualifying order, with no limit on how many packages of Designer Series Paper can be earned.
• Demonstrator, Customer, Workshop, and online orders qualify.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be redeemed using Stampin’ Rewards. Customers will receive this FREE gift with a qualifying order in addition to any Stampin’ Rewards they may earn.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be exchanged for other paper.

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the September hostess code #62QNDMPU. If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Wonderful Wednesday

More Holiday Projects to Share

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for joining me today on this crisp fall morning. At my Holiday Catalog Stamp-A-Stack recently, I offered a bonus project for Halloween. Many of my stamping friends don't do Halloween cards, but for me, I love fall and Halloween is my favorite! I have a 21 year old daughter who is obsessed with Halloween. I love the cute critters and things. She loves the old time scary things. Is sure is fun decorating for it too. So my favorite set at the moment is the Trick or Tweet Stamp set.

For this project, I used the Buffalo Check background stamp (a must have!) as well as the Spooky Sweets stamp set for the bats and Bat Punch. I used Stampin' Write Markers to give the cat and pumpkin some color. The Designer Series Paper is called Toil & Trouble. I can't get enough of this stamp set!

Here are a couple other projects I created using the Trick or Tweet and Spooky Sweets stamp sets. I recently blogged about these as well.

For this project, I also used the Twinkle Builder Punch for the moon and stars from the annual catalog.

Thanks again for stopping in. These Halloween products are perfect for those fun spooky treats you need for your kids, coworkers, and friends. Be sure to check out the fall promotions going on now.

New Promotion for Hosts

Host Promotion Details

• Promotion period: September 1–30
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper is exclusive to the host promotion and will not be available after September 30.
• In order to qualify, the event merchandise total must reach $250 USD/$300 CAD (before shipping and handling).
• One package of Designer Series Paper may be redeemed per qualifying order, with no limit on how many packages of Designer Series Paper can be earned.
• Demonstrator, Customer, Workshop, and online orders qualify.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be redeemed using Stampin’ Rewards. Customers will receive this FREE gift with a qualifying order in addition to any Stampin’ Rewards they may earn.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be exchanged for other paper.

Making it Monday

Sketch Challenge with CTS

Hi Everyone,

Happy Monday! It is so fun to join in on the CTS #289 sketch challenge is inspired by a 2013 Sketch challenge by Karolyn Lancon. This retro CAS(E) is so cute! 

I love taking part in the sketch challenges because it helps my creativity. Sometimes I don't use a stamp set all that much, but then a sketch challenge might spark some ideas using that set. For my project, I thought about doing fall or the holidays, but I just love the background stamp from the Graceful Garden Stamp set. 

I combined the Graceful Garden Stamp set and the Southern Serenade Stamp set. I really like this bunch of flowers. I colored my rhinestones black for the center of the card. 

You can see more entries at the CTS #289 blog post. You can also entry your own project. I hope you get inspired to stamp.

The Holiday Catalog products are now available to purchase, so be sure to check out all the wonderful items. Also, don't miss out on the Dashing Along Host Promotion during September. 

New Promotion for Hosts

Host Promotion Details

• Promotion period: September 1–30
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper is exclusive to the host promotion and will not be available after September 30.
• In order to qualify, the event merchandise total must reach $250 USD/$300 CAD (before shipping and handling).
• One package of Designer Series Paper may be redeemed per qualifying order, with no limit on how many packages of Designer Series Paper can be earned.
• Demonstrator, Customer, Workshop, and online orders qualify.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be redeemed using Stampin’ Rewards. Customers will receive this FREE gift with a qualifying order in addition to any Stampin’ Rewards they may earn.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be exchanged for other paper.

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the August hostess code #62QNDMPU. If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Something to Stamp Saturday

Freshly Made Sketches 354

Hi Everyone,

It's wonderful to sip coffee and create on a Saturday. I was inspired today by the Freshly Made Sketch challenge. The design this week is a clean and simple design.

This sketch really made me consider getting my designer series papers that I love out, but instead I wanted to work more with the Winter Woods stamp set found in the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog. I had just used this set for my Holiday Stamp-A-Stack and I love the stamp with the three tree trunks, so I thought it would be perfect. 

As you can see, I used some Dazzling Diamonds to add some sparkle. I used Shimmery Cardstock as well. The leaves are from the In the Wood Thinlits. 

It's really fun to challenge yourself with the sketch challenges. There are many out there and I follow a few. I try to create with them. Often I will use my designs in weekly class as well. You can create using this sketch and upload to the Freshly Made Sketches blog. You can also visit there to see all the submissions. 

Thanks so much for stopping in today. I hope my post has inspired you to try out some of the sketch challenges posted on blogs.

The Holiday Catalog products are now available to purchase, so be sure to check out all the wonderful items. Also, don't miss out on the Dashing Along Host Promotion during September. 

New Promotion for Hosts

Host Promotion Details

• Promotion period: September 1–30
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper is exclusive to the host promotion and will not be available after September 30.
• In order to qualify, the event merchandise total must reach $250 USD/$300 CAD (before shipping and handling).
• One package of Designer Series Paper may be redeemed per qualifying order, with no limit on how many packages of Designer Series Paper can be earned.
• Demonstrator, Customer, Workshop, and online orders qualify.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be redeemed using Stampin’ Rewards. Customers will receive this FREE gift with a qualifying order in addition to any Stampin’ Rewards they may earn.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be exchanged for other paper.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Finding Inspiration Friday

Angels in our Midst

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my Finding Inspiration Friday blog. I recently hosted a Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog Stamp-A-Stack and I will share projects that were created at the swap. One of my favorite cards that I created was using the Angels on Earth Stamp set. This set is so nice with a beautiful angel image. Just adding a touch of color on the wings and hair is all you need for a beautiful card. 

Another set that can compliment the Angels on Earth set is the His Light Stamp set. Both celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. 

For this project, I used Highland Heather cardstock and ink as well as Smokey Slate. For the Angel, I used the Gorgeous Grape and Crushed Curry Watercolor Pencils. (these were from the limited edition set of pencils that are currently not available)

Thanks so much for stopping in today. My start back to work in my school district has made it a little challenging to blog as much as I would like, but never fear, I will keep up because I love to share my love of stamping. 

The Holiday Catalog products are now available to purchase, so be sure to check out all the wonderful items. Also, don't miss out on the Dashing Along Host Promotion during September. 

New Promotion for Hosts

Host Promotion Details

• Promotion period: September 1–30
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper is exclusive to the host promotion and will not be available after September 30.
• In order to qualify, the event merchandise total must reach $250 USD/$300 CAD (before shipping and handling).
• One package of Designer Series Paper may be redeemed per qualifying order, with no limit on how many packages of Designer Series Paper can be earned.
• Demonstrator, Customer, Workshop, and online orders qualify.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be redeemed using Stampin’ Rewards. Customers will receive this FREE gift with a qualifying order in addition to any Stampin’ Rewards they may earn.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be exchanged for other paper.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Wonderful Wednesday Stamping

More Holiday Projects

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today. I've recently been sharing projects that were designed for my Holiday Catalog Stamp-A-Stack. Today, I wanted to share the Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder as well as a bit of the Country Home Suite. 

The Country Home Stamp set combined with the Country Lane Designer Series Paper and Tin Tile embossing folder will create jaw dropping projects. There are so many possibilities with this suite.

For my project, I wanted the Tin Tile to be the focus. I know that many people will spritz their cardstock before using the Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder, but I find that if I simply slip an extra piece of cardstock under the plate, I get a really deep impression and then my cardstock isn't wet. 

Another great tip is to used the Designer series paper as your color palette choices. Crushed Curry and, Cajun Craze, and Blackberry Bliss are all coordinating with the DSP. I love DSP and will always begin with that before my cardstock base and layers.

Thanks again for stopping in. I hope you are enjoyed your time here and picked up a tip or two. Be sure to check out the host promotion for September.

If you are in need of any products you can place an order online. I appreciate you choosing me as your demonstrator. Be sure to use the August hostess code #62QNDMPU. If you place a $150 order, don't use the hostess code. You qualify for your own hostess benefits. Please do not mark "No Contact" when you order. I won't be able to contact you to award you with Loyalty Bucks or prizes.

Remember that when you order on-line, you can earn "Loyalty Bucks". For every $25.00 you order, you receive 1 loyalty bucks. Collect 20 loyalty bucks and you receive $30.00 free merchandise. Be sure to comment and share this blog. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

The PowerHuff Stamper

Blogging Friends Blog Hop

Photo Inspiration

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the September Blogging Friends Blog Hop. We are a group of Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrators from all over the United States and maybe even crossing the borders. This month our blog is all about inspiration from a photo. You know that September brings the back to school time as well as the kick off to fall. It is my favorite time of year, so when I saw our inspiration photo, I was excited. 

This photo is so beautiful! It is stunning with the rich fall colors. This gives so much inspiration for stamping. I can't wait for you to see my projects and hop over to the other Blogging Friends' posts.

The rich colors in the photo reminded me of some of my favorite fall colors in Stampin' Up! colors. My project uses Cajun Craze and Crushed Curry inks. The paper is Cajun Craze and Crumb Cake. The Gallery Grunge Stamp set really adds great texture to this project. The leaves are from the Rooted in Nature Stamp set.

The gold Metallic Pearls add a special touch as well for this card. The saying comes out of the Another Wonderful Year Stamp set. 

This project I decided to continue a leaf theme with the Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper (DSP). The colors in this paper matches the colors from my first project. The Cajun Craze leaves are so nice. For this card I also used Mint Macaron Nature's Twine and ink. The base of my project is Soft Suede. Notice the vellum leaves? These came out of the most recent Paper Pumpkin kit.

New Promotion for Hosts

Host Promotion Details

• Promotion period: September 1–30
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper is exclusive to the host promotion and will not be available after September 30.
• In order to qualify, the event merchandise total must reach $250 USD/$300 CAD (before shipping and handling).
• One package of Designer Series Paper may be redeemed per qualifying order, with no limit on how many packages of Designer Series Paper can be earned.
• Demonstrator, Customer, Workshop, and online orders qualify.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be redeemed using Stampin’ Rewards. Customers will receive this FREE gift with a qualifying order in addition to any Stampin’ Rewards they may earn.
• Dashing Along Designer Series Paper may not be exchanged for other paper.

You picked the perfect day to join us. Fall is in the air here in the Northwest. It's time for you to hop on over to the other Blogging Friends' posts. Thanks for stopping in.

Crystal Komara

Libby Fens

Mary Blocher (You are Here)

Jessica Mink

Michelle Clark

Mary Ann Kay Rossiter 

Tammy Habbit Gill 

Rick Adkins

Nikki Daigneau