Saturday, February 27, 2010

Virtual Stamp Night

I've blogged before about the great supportive website, www.splitcoaststampers.com. This weekend is Virtual Stamp Night--Olympics! I'm pretty busy, but am finding a chance here and there to complete a few of the challenges.

If you've never played in a VSN before, I encourage you to try it out. The idea is simple: every hour, a new challenge is posted, complete the challenge in 45 minutes (no official "start time"), and then post your entries by the date/time specified. Usually, that's 10:00 PM ET on the Sunday night.

These challenges are great fun, and are a super way to help you focus on getting the job done. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in less than an hour!



Here's a card I made this afternoon for a challenge with a "Curling" theme. It uses the Rolling Marble Technique and SU!'s Medallion stamp.












The Grateful Giraffe card with one of my favorite color combinations (Always Artichoke, So Saffron and Elegant Eggplant) was for a sketch challenge. Can you see the inukshuk?



I earned the "Animal Stories" stamp set FREE with a $50 order earlier this month. There are so many options for Sale-A-Bration freebies this year. And, speaking of SAB, I notice that the other two stamp sets on this card ("Define Your Life" and "Defining Alphabet") are both sets I earned as a Demonstrator from sales and recruiting during 2009 SAB. I'd love to answer your questions about what it's like to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator--now is a great time to join!





The blue sky and white snow of a clear, cold winter day is the inspiration for this color challenge. I made this sympathy card to send to the family of a church member who passed away this week.



The "Close as a Memory" stamp set seems to look good in whatever color I decide to use that day. Today it was three shades of blue: Bashful Blue, Brocade Blue and Night of Nave.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Stampin' Up! Supports TCGIS!

I am PROUD to be an Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up!, a company which puts people first in many ways. Check out the Twin Cities German Immersion School's Maskenball Silent Auction website (http://tcgispto.org/maskenball2010/auction/index.php?item=068) and see the generous basket of stampin' goodies donated by Stampin' Up!

Since these products are discontinued, you won't be able to order them, so this is a great chance to get some great products--stamp sets, papers, inks, embellishments... There is an estimated $350 of product offered! Bid now!

Thanks to Heidi Z.for letting me know about this great way that SU! is supporting our local community.

Interested in joining my small and easy-going team of demonstrators? It is Sale-A-Bration season at SU!, and it is the best time of year to join. Contact me for details; I'd love to answer your questions.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Scones!

I've promised the recipe, and here it is at last. Giving credit where credit is due, I'd like to note that this recipe is adapted from "Joy of Cooking."

Classic Cream Scones

Pre-heat oven to 400F.

Stir together in a medium bowl with a fork:
2 C all-purpose flour (option: substitute 1/2 C whole wheat flour for some of the white flour)
1/3 C granulated sugar (this can be reduced to 1/4 C)
1/2 t salt
2 t baking powder

Add 1/2 C of fruit, nuts or chocolate if desired. (Currants, mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, orange zest ...).

Pour most of a pint of whipping cream into bowl, and stir with fork until moistened.

Scoop batter onto baking sheet (I use my Pampered Chef Large Scoop), sprinkle with crystal sugar if desired. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack or serve warm.

I've served these scones and Banana Chocolate Chip muffins at many a Morning Stampers Meeting, to critical acclaim. I'd love to hear your snack tales!