As promised........................

Sorry to be posting so late today. I haven't felt the best. I have inner ear problems and I think the barometric pressure is getting to me today. I quit fighting it and finally went and laid down for awhile. Nothing too major going on and my work will no doubt be there for me tomorrow.

As promised here is a what we made at Bay Shore this weekend. Well this is mine and I taught the other ladies how to make these. They loved them. Here is the photo wallet folded up and with a belly band on it.......

Open to the first section.......

and then completely open.

Aren't these babies just the cutest? I know the ladies were probably getting tired of me talking about them, they are just so sweet. The are the children of some friends of ours and we love 'em like they were family. I can't wait until they call me Aunt Renee. I have another friend who has a little guy that will be 2 in May and he says Renee. Have to get that aunt part put in there Dalton!

Anyway that is what I wanted to share today. If you are interested in learning how to make these, why not book a party with me and I'll show you how. Sale-a-bration starts on Sunday. Yeah! Free stamps, paper or ribbons. It's a great time to host a party. So what are you waiting for? Contact me and I'll give you all the details.

Until later.................

Renee

What a Weekend!

Hi stampers, sorry it's been a few days since I've posted. Last week I spent preparing for the Bay Shore Camp Scrapbooking Retreat, then the retreat was on the weekend and the last two days I've spent recovering. I guess I'm getting a little old to be staying up so late. I didn't know that 2:00 am still existed. LOL

I want to share a few pics from the weekend and tell you what a blessing it was. A great time of getting away and spiritual refreshment. If you've never been, may I encourage you to attend. There will be another one at Bay Shore Camp in October.

This is Wendy and Linda (better known as Spike). I've known these girls for probably 25 yrs. I know they don't even look that old, do they? Wendy was actually the devotional leader this weekend. She is such a blessing to listen to and it truly amazes me every time I hear her speak. The Lord has a done great and mighty works in her life. These gals are people that I can say "I knew them when" and it's even more of a pleasure to know them now.

This is is Karen and Melissa. Karen is actually one of my SU recruits. I met Karen and Melissa several years ago at Bay Shore and they are such sweet ladies. It's always great to see them and catch up.

And last, but certainly not least this is a super sweet and funny lady named Marsha. I met Marsha back when she was a Tupperware consultant. I can trace a lot of my Tupperware in my cupboards back to Marsha. LOL I had to take this picture because Marsha certainly must have had the most Cricut cartridges there this weekend. Need a certain image? Marsha was so great to share with everyone. Not sure she got much scrapbooking done herself, but it was great she was so willing to share.

So I'm not sure if I'm so tired from lack of sleep or from laughing. Let me tell you when you are with these ladies you can count on lots of laughs. It truly was a great weekend. Thanks to everyone involved.

I'll be back tomorrow with pictures of the projects I taught on the weekend so come visit tomorrow.

Blessings,

Renee

A Notebook Tutorial

You asked for it so here it is.............the notebook tutorial.


You'll need a small journal type notebook and a piece of DSP that measures 6 3/4" x 4 1/2". Well that was my measurements. You'll have to measure yours to be sure. I bought my notebooks at the $ store, but you can find them lots of places.


Apply Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (page 191, price #3.95) to the front cover.



Apply your paper making sure to line it up correctly on the edge.



Apply glue on the other side and then bring your paper over and glue in place. At this point you can trim if any of your measurements are off. Sometimes these notebooks can vary is sizes. Then decorate as desired.

I used an oval Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware piece on this one. (page 175) In the center of the flower I used a Filigree Designer Brad (page 175) and a Felt Fusion Flower (page 177)

Want to know about how the flower was made? Book a Sale-a-bration workshop and I'll show you and your guests how to make one. SAB is February and March this year and it's a great time to host a workshop. Don't know what SAB is? Contact me for all the details.

Wow! Two Tutorials in one week. I know they aren't anything real special compared to a lot of them out there, but if you enjoyed them and would like to see more, please leave me a comment and let me know how you liked them.

Blessings,
Renee

A Pen Tutorial

I'm not real good at doing tutorials so please bare with me. Now if I had an extra hand, it might be different, but I don't think I'd want to grow a third hand. *grin* I had posted a week or so ago the little notebooks and pens I'd made and told you I'd show you how if I had requests. So for those of you that requested here it is.

Here are two types of pens that can be used. The top pen is a RSVP pen and is actually the easiest to use to make these with because you just have to unscrew the top. The other pen has a flat top and you need to push it up and out the barrel by applying pressure to the ink tip, but be careful with this. You don't want to damage your pen. It's really not hard, but just be careful. There may be other pens you can do this with, but you just have to experiment to see if the barrel opening is big enough as you'll see later.


Now take a piece of DSP cut approximately 1" x 2 3/4". You'll have to measure the length of your pen barrel, but the 1" width is usually good. Roll it around the ink cartridge of your pen. I usually use two hands to do this so this would be where my third hand would come in handy taking pictures. *grin*

Here it is completely rolled around the ink cartridge of the pen.

Now insert it into the barrel of the pen.

Voila' you've got a DSP pen. I used the Bella Rose DSP. It's one of my favorite papers. It's on page 159 of the New Spring/Summer 2009 catalog and sells for $9.95.

Stay tuned for tomorrow when I show you how I made the notebook to match the pen. Until then Happy Stampin'!

Renee

Inauguration Bible Verse

As I was reading my devotion yesterday this was the verse that was used and it really struck me with all the hoopla going on with the inauguration this verse was so appropriate to add to my journal. Regardless of ones political views we are responsible to pray for our leaders. If we do our part it's up to them to do theirs.

All products used are SU! Bible verse was printed on the computer.


Since you probably can't see this well enough to read, here is what the verses say:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. I Timothy 2:1-3


Blessings,
Renee

A Bible Verse Challenge

Last year I followed a Bible verse challenge over on SCS. I didn't find this until mid year so I didn't actually join in and post any creations. My OCD just doesn't allow me to do things like that since I'm an all or nothing type person. *grin* So I decided that come the new year I would join in. The time for posting is the 9th of the month or whenever you want to join in. Even though the 9th of the month is past my OCD allowed me to create and post it as long as it was in the month. *grin* I know there are some of you out there just like me, but you are afraid to admit it. Come on now, you know you are.

Anyway, here is the front of my journal and in my post tomorrow you will see my actual January posting and the reason that really made me take the plunge and get started on this challenge. All supplies used are SU! of course. The book is the On Board 5" x 5" Art Journal and it's available on page 183 of the New Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog which debuted today. Didn't get yours yet? Contact me to purchase or even better, get one free by hosting a Stampin'Up! party.

Check back tomorrow for the January verse I chose.

Blessings,

Renee

Cabin Fever Anyone?

Do you get cabin fever? I think I do. We got about 8 inches of snow here last night and it's snowing again right now. We didn't have church either today. Something about a water pump not working and the church being too cold. So today just has been a weird sort of day. Frank and I slept in which is really unusual and then I made a late brunch for us. Sausage gravy and biscuits. Yum! It's our girls fav, but too bad for them they weren't here due to staying the night in Saginaw. I was glad they did since the roads were not good. Then this afternoon I made homemade bread and chili for supper. Can you believe it? I actually cooked two good meals in one day. Frank is wondering where his wife is. *grin*

Now onto what else I did. I made this little box to hold a test tube. A fellow demonstrator did a bulk buy on these, but you can find them at craft stores I've been told.

I made my own pattern since these seem to be a little different size tube than some others have made. Hopefully you can tell what I did, if not feel free to contact me.

Ok, I've got to go check my bread. Have a good evening.

Blessings,

Renee

Good Afternoon.............

My blog visiting friends. Well what do we talk about today? Of course we could talk about the weather, but that's getting to be an old subject unless you are my friend Patty and then we are talking beautiful California weather. Don't you (those of us in Michigan anyway) wish you were there. I sure do on a day like this. That sun is nice, but the wind is brrrrr baby!

Ok, onto why you stopped by.........

This box was a challenge over on SCS. Check it out if you want to know how to make one. I used the new Love You Much stamp set that is still on special through January 31 at 20% off. The best part is that the little hearts were punched out and all three at one time. How's that for quick and easy? The stamp set and punch will all appear in the New Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog that debuts on Monday, January 19.

And speaking of catalogs. My catalogs have arrived. If you didn't order one or you did order please give me a call to get yours. As an added bonus to those who pre-ordered, I have a special bookmark you will receive with your catalog. Here's what they look like.

They are a folded bookmark with magnets on the inside to hold your bookmark in place.

Have a great weekend!

Renee

Love You Much

Good afternoon! Guess what I have to share today? Yes, a new stamping project.

I had discovered this cute basket idea using the Sizzix petal envelope die and believe it or not I actually already had this die from way back when I had the old red sizzix machine. I had to make one quick and this is what I came up with. I know I can make a much better one, so stay tuned. I used the new set Love You Much that is on special through the end of the month. This set will be available in the new catalog that will be debuting on January 19, but not at this great bundle price. So order now and save 20%. See the full details HERE about the stamp set, designer paper and special punch.

Well before I close I wanted to let you all know that my cases of catalogs should be delivered tomorrow if all goes well with UPS. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. I can't wait to see it. How about you? If you haven't already contacted me about getting a catalog please do so.

Have a great day!
Renee

Brrrrrrrrrr It's Cold

Isn't it cold? Well it is if you live in our "neck of the woods" and your outdoor wood stove gets a hole in it. Last night that is what happened here. Poor Frank, he worked until 2:30 this morning getting it fixed and then got up to go to work at 5:30 am. I'm not sure how that man does it, but I know I wouldn't trade him for a lot of reasons. So it did take a little time to get the house heated back up today, but it's toasty now. Thank you honey for keeping my butt warm.

As far as stamping goes, here is what I've been up to the last couple of days. Last year I made 120 some of these little notebook and pens for Bay Shore Camp's ladies day and of course I put my contact info in them and lo and behold a lady called me needing some for a bridal shower to use as table favors. She wanted them light blue, burgundy and a snowflake theme. I looked through my stash and this is what I came up with. They all sort of varied as far as paper patterns and such, but they met the specifications and she seemed pleased. I ended up making 40 sets of notebooks with a matching pen. Oops! forgot to get the pens in there, but trust me they had matching paper in the barrel of the pen. Maybe I can show you how to do that if you've never done it before. If you'd like to know, post a comment here and I'll be glad to show a little tutorial on it.

That's all for now. Hope you are having a good weekend.

Renee

I'm Back!

At least I think I am. I have really been under the weather as they say. I thought I had just a cold, but ended up going to the doctor and I have bronchitis. I am feeling a little better today and am actually able to be up and around some.

Oh BTW, Happy New Year! Are you looking forward to a great year? I certainly am. Our 2008 had a few bumps for us, but I'm looking forward to a much better 2009. I hope your 2009 is better as well and I hope that your visits to my blog will give you a little creative lift this year as you visit.

Now to do a little catching up on somethings. Here's the cards that were made at my Christmas
card stamp-a-stack class. They made 4 of each card. If you would like any specific info on them please feel free to contact me.


Here is a frame that I made for my daughters' boss. He just opened another location in Pigeon and had the first $ in this frame. Of course Brooke couldn't stand to see it just in a plain frame with the cardboard backing showing. She told him, "my mom will make it look nice for you to display." This is what I came up with.

Yum! Papa's Pizza! They have great pizza, subs, salads and a line of grill food as well. Fast service and great food. Stop by in Pigeon and you will be likely to catch one of our girls there working. Brooke loves her job. Lindsay on the other hand........it's a job. Maybe she's a little more jaded since she has been working for sometime now and has had several part time jobs. This is Brooke's first and I'm glad she likes it so well. The funny part is the guy who owns it is someone I hung out with as a very young adult. Who would have ever thought? LOL I am so proud of both of them. They are good workers and good students to boot. Oh and they are terrific daughters. Mom loves you girls!

Ok, and last but not least here is a picture of my dad and the sweatshirt that Brooke and Lindsay bought him for Christmas. I thought it was way too cool. The picture of my dad looks like he only has half a head, really he has a whole head.

Ok, that's all for today and hopefully I'll be back to my regular posting schedule with lots to share in the coming New Year!

Many blessings to you all in 2009
Renee