Stampin' Up! and Style Watch!

Stampin' Up! offers combinations of stamps and accessories specifically designed to work together to create a pleasing, consistent feel. These combinations simplify the project-making process--you can choose a theme, select its coordinating products, and plan your project. Here we present projects to demonstrate various project types you can make with one style.Each year we’re excited to share our exclusive collections inspired by the season’s hottest trends. We consistently refresh our Style Watch lines to make sure we’re providing up-to-date stamp sets and embellishments that fit your style and coordinate effortlessly.Product CoordinationEach collection features products that coordinate in color, texture, and theme. You may see different components in each line, but you’ll always see several stamp sets, a coordinating alphabet or wheel, and several embellishments (think Designer Series paper, punches, ribbon, Accents & Elements, Rub-Ons, and more) to put the finishing touch on your projects.

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Test Post

This is a test post to see if my Bravenet widget is working. Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Random-ness

I had to run errands today. Bank, returns, Costco, etc. I took my camera out of my purse to ease up on some of the weight. I wish I hadn't! I forgot it on Christmas Eve, used it on Christmas morning, took in to my in-laws the day after Christmas and forgot to use it. Today I needed it! It started when I went to Marshalls. I had to return a coat I bought for Connor. He didn't like it. So after I returned it, I walked over to the shoe area. I wanted a black half boot since the ones I went to wear for Christmas are a 1/2 size too small for my foot now! I saw these shoes and lost it! I only had my phone with me so I used the camera on it! Two boys were watching me and laughing!!! Not sure if they thought I liked the shoes or not! I saw the shoes, got a *mental* picture of me wearing them, and couldn't stop laughing! What do you think? Would they make me look slimmer and taller? Or like Herman Munster's wife? Then I walked down to Home Goods to see if there were any deals. I didn't buy anything.....but saw this woman. Not sure if you can see it when you click on the pic, but she is walking around with huge curlers in her hair! Do women STILL DO THIS???????? I hope she bought a curling iron! Then I left, and went to Costco. Walking around, doing my shopping. Passed someone at the meat case who had some stuffed salmon in his cart. I said, "Excuse me sir, have you had that before, and is it any good?" He said, "Sure have, and it's pretty good." That was when I got a better look at his face. It was "Roc" or Charles Dutton!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Gingerbread making is stressful!

Can you see that I am catching up on blogging! Last one for today! Connor and I made a gingerbread house. It was one of those pre-made kits that I got at Michael's. I was disappointed in the candy though. The ribbon type candy was all stuck together and we didn't have enough to make all the windows. I also used some starlight mints that I had for the roof. I could have used more icing too....but oh well! I of course didn't read the instructions and should have done the sides of the house first. But I didn't and put the roof on too....which was sliding all over the place! Finally took it off and waited for the sides to dry............It turned out okay! This is the back.

Close up of the front round window.

One of the sides.

The front of the house.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

*****UPDATE**********

When I was taking down the decorations, I threw this out for the birds and squirrels! They devoured it! So now you know what to do with yours next year!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Snowball is so festive!

Our dog Snowball, is such a good sport! I was playing with some ribbon and making wreaths. This one came out large enough to use as a decorative collar! I added a bell and put it around her neck! She was such a sport to wear it! She hates the camera and was giving me looks so I just had to share them!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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A Dashing Dasher!

I had every intention of making all our Christmas cards this year, but have run out of time. I did manage to get a few of these made. I started out at first with a 5-1/2 x 5-1/2 " card but then soon realized I didn't have enough Real Red to make them all that big. So I scaled down. This is an Easel card. The front folds back upon itself and stands up as a nice card for display. All items are SU accept for the large rhinestone. The reindeer is "Dasher" who is a single stamp in the back of our catalog. Great stamp for only $8.95! This also shows a *sneak peek* at a new punch coming January 5th in the Occasions Mini Catalog. It is called Pinking Hearts border!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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BRRRR.............

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted! Been busy with work and getting ready for Christmas...

We were hit with one hell of a snow storm that started last night around 10pm and it's still snowing! Haven't officially measured, but I would gander to guess it's at least 18", if not more! I had a pajama day and baked cookies all day!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Stampin' Up! and Christmas shopping!

Just a reminder that Christmas will soon be here! Is there something on your wish list from Stampin' Up!? In order for it to arrive by Christmas, please order no later than December 15th. Want me to order it, wrap it for you, and you pick up from me? Order with me directly, instead of through my site to do so. And remember.....I have gift certificates too! Any denomination! Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Stamps Sets- - - - going Bye Bye!

Stampin' Up! just announced this: Dormant Stamp Sets Discontinued on January 4, 2010 December 2, 2009 As promised, many of the stamp sets currently on our dormant list have been available for a year and now it is time to say goodbye. The following stamp sets will be discontinued on January 4, 2010. Item Number Stamp Set 113407 Back Woods 114492 Beautiful Baby 114486 Birthday Wish 113200 Branch Out 114496 Celebrations 113732 Central Park 113206 Classic Sketches 113226 Classy & Fabulous 114498 Flowers in Silhouette 113405 Font of You 113216 For the Bride 114494 Forever 109425 Friend by Definition 114488 Fun Flowers 113716 Garden Greetings 114490 Glad Friends 111580 Grand Soiree 113242 Hit the Road 113710 Lexicon of Leaves 113236 Man's Best Friend 114423 Ocean Commotion 113728 Playful Petals 109276 Polka Dot 111544 Putt Putt 113240 Quilt Quips 113754 Really Retro 113403 Sip by Sip 113726 Sweet Stems 113250 That's Funny 113688 Wonderful Watercolors 114028 Para la novia 114032 Acuarelas Maravillosas If any of these stamp sets are on your wish list (or your customers' wish lists), make sure to purchase them before they are gone for good! Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Merry Christmas!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Carmelized Pecan-Apple Pie

This is from my Demarle at Home rep table talk issue! November 23, 2009 Congratulations Melissa Cunnington! Winner of the December "A Dish to Pass" Melissa LOVES this recipe. When she baked the pie, it brought out many smiles and "Ooh's" and "Ahhs"! Recipe: 10-12 med. tart apples peeled and sliced thin 1/2 c. sugar Lemon juice 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. ground cloves 3/4 c. chopped pecans 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. butter 2 T. corn starch Pie crust (any will be fine): one for the bottom, one for the top 1 egg (whisked) The following Demarle at Home product was used: Fluted Pie Mold Pastry Brush Magnetic Measuring Trio Large Stock Pot Medium Baking Sheet Directions: Take the apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg and place into a large stock pot. Add about 1/4 cup of water. Simmer the apple mixture until apples are soft. Once they are soft take a small amount (about 2 T.) of cornstarch and mix with water. Add it to the apple mixture while it's simmering to make the juice a little thicker. Melt the butter and pour onto the bottom of the mold; add the sugar and the pecans and spread evenly on the bottom. Place one of the pie crusts over the top of the pecan mixture. Add the apple mixture and top the pie with the 2nd pie crust. Use the pastry brush to glaze the top of the pie with the egg mixture. Bake in the oven at 375° until the crust is golden (30-45 minutes). Take out of the oven and allow to cool for at least an hour. When pie is cooled flip it upside down onto a large serving platter and peal off the mold. Voila! A beautiful presentation and dessert everyone will remember! Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Deck the Kitchen!

I am making these wreaths for my Etsy shop. They are made with faux tarts and faux chocolate covered strawberries. Perfect for the kitchen! Hang in your kitchen on the wall or in your

window. Each tart is and strawberry is and made by me.

Be sure to check my Etsy shop in the next week! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jojoscraftshop

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Branch Out!

Branch Out is one of my favorite stamp sets. I love the way you can get a tree any color you like. I wanted a fall tree this time. I stamped the tree in Basic Brown onto my 4-1/4 " square of Very Vanilla CS. The leaves are done with Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red, and Old Olive. I put some leaves on the ground as well. I used my blender pen and added some grass around the bottom of the tree. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the VV is layered onto a piece of Chocolate Chip CS and then to the base card.

I also sponged some Pumpkin Pie and Ruby Red on the background and edges to give it a look of a fall sky.

And do you get the fence?????? It is a border punch of birthday candles! What do you think?

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Yummy Fall Cupcakes!

My nephew leaves this weekend for the Air Force boot camp. My sister threw a going away party for him this past weekend. I made these! So moist and yummy!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: 2 c. canned pumpkin 2/3 c. vegetable oil 2 c. granulated sugar 1/2 c. milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp. salt

Frosting : 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 4 Tbsp. butter, at room temperature 4 c. 10x sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line muffin pan with 24 cupcake liners. (I use my Demarle at Home without liners for our personal home consumption, but use liners for company) In a medium bowl, stir together pumpkin, oil, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gently whisk by hand until just combined, don’t use an electric mixer or overmix the batter.

Fill liners 2/3 full). Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting: In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing well.

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Want to make your own Christmas/Holiday cards?

I would love to show you and your family and friends how to make this card! It uses the same embossing folder for the backgrounds, but you get two different looks using two different techniques! Host a workshop with me so I can show you how!

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Rocky....a peeping Tom!

If you read my blog, you have met Rocky in the past. He came for breakfast yesterday. I was out of peanuts, so we have been giving him pistachios. (yes, he is spoiled) I was able to hand feed him some yesterday! Kind of scares me some though........brown finger nail polish may confuse him and think it's a nut! So later in the day..I heard this ruckus....has jumped from the top of your outdoor fireplace onto the window screen! Then back again! I ran and got the camera, and he was playing hide and seek with me! I was laughing to hard......cause every time I brought the came up to the window to snap a shot, he would duck down, then peek back up again! I think my photos tell it all!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Heartfelt Blog Award

This is the Heartfelt Blog Award, and it was given to me byWezz from The World of Wezz.. Wow Wezz! Thanks so much! It made my day! Here is where Wezz picked me as one of her nominees. This is a very special award given to blogs that give you a nice warm homey feel, full of heart. I don't post as often as I'd like, but do love to share my passion for stamping, knitting, and just about anything! I love hearing from those of you who stop by too! So comments are really appreciated!

Here are the rules:

1. Display the logo.

2. Nominate up to 9 blogs that make you feel comfy or warm inside. 3. Link to your nominees.

4. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting.

5. Link to the person from whom you received the award.

This is going to be hard for me to only pick 9! There are so many wonderful people out there in blog land! But here goes!

1.) Fresh and Fun by Beate Johns. Beate is a demo for Stampin' Up! as well as a designer for other companies and is very big part of SCS. I love her spirit, and her talent has me with my mouth hanging open half the time. She is on my bucket list to meet one day. A very beautiful woman with a kind and generous spirit.

2.) The Craftiblog is done by a mother/daughter team. I love to see what they come up with! It's nice to see a the variety they have on here for those of us who dabble in a little of this and that!

3.) to be continued...........

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Demarle at Home November Specials

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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Applesauce- via the Demarle at Home Large Round Mold!

I bought 1/2 bushel of apples in WV on the way home from my knitting retreat a few weeks ago. They have been in the garage waiting for me to finish using them up. Connor has been home from school all week with the H1N1 virus so I stayed home today too to keep an eye on him and was in the kitchen a big part of the day! I made two Apple Crunch pies, and 4 rounds of Applesauce. I have never made applesauce before.....but will from now on! This was sooooo easy!

I used my Large Round mold from Demarle at Home! (click on the highlighted words to view the mold and other items I am referrring to).

The recipe calls for 8 apples. I can't remember what the ones I bought were called, but they a little tartness to them. Core and peel the apples. Place in the Lg Round Mold on top of a plate. Add 1tsp. cinnamon, and a sprinkling of nutmeg, along with 1/4 - 1/2 c. water. Stir. Cover with Octagonal Silpat and microwave for 10 minutes. Stir, then microwave for another 5-6 min., or until apples are tender. Mash with a potato masher! That's it! How easy is that! And it's yummy too!

But what else can you use the mold for you ask????? I make a killer cheesecake in this!

Bake a cake, roast a chicken, or veggies, or anything for that matter, and clean up is a breeze!

And here is a recipe for Lasagna Pie.

http://shop.demarleathome.com/pages/lasagna_pie

Happy Stamping & Knitting!

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