Teri's Stamping Ground

Tis' the Season

2009-11-07T10:02:00.000-05:00

I love trees and I love that I have stamp sets with trees on them. This card can be used a number of ways. I left it blank so far because I will use it as a template for a sympathy card, or a note card, etc.

Warm Winter Wishes

2009-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Working on some Christmas card ideas. I think if I use this, I'm going to emboss the red bird. My collegue suggested that I draw an extra part so it looks like a cardinal. She's the artist, not I.

Krazy for Kari (cheesy, I know)

2009-11-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

I always love what Kari Lyn comes up with. She has a unique style about her cards. Check out her other stuff here.

Don't be scared... it's just me!

2009-11-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't made a card, well, since the last entry you see. I've been being a mom and a wife. That's all I'm going to say, so enjoy the entires!

Thanks Kari!

2009-04-16T16:28:00.003-04:00

My friend Kari Lyn gave me this idea to use contact paper as a window to use with dazzling diamonds. Everyone just loves making these cards. Too cool. Thanks, Kari.

My first Three tier 3-D cake

2009-04-16T16:23:00.002-04:00

I didn't put too much effort into this one in case it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. However, I did die cut the cake edges. A wedding cake cannot be without some frill.

Here's a couple more...

2009-04-16T16:18:00.003-04:00

I'm coming to the close of my vacation... can you tell? Depressing. I've had a lot of fun making cards, however. Here a few more.

Mojo Monday #82

2009-04-16T15:44:00.006-04:00

Here is my contribution to the Mojo Monday Sketch #82.

A couple of cards...

2009-04-02T21:20:00.005-04:00

I want to quickly post a couple of cards I made (based on ideas I found on Splitcoast). I will post the details soon.

Mojo Monday Week #71

2009-01-29T09:20:00.006-05:00

We had for the first time yesterday an actual snow day. I was able, after shoveling snow, to make a Mojo Monday Card.

Thank You So Much Thank You Card

2009-01-13T13:05:00.003-05:00

I'm forever playing catch-up, but we had a water-main break at the school late yesterday afternoon and it was unable to be fixed by this morning. Thus, I have been fortunate enough to make a card today and finish up a couple others. I just "subscribed" to Mojo Monday (see the bottom of my sidebar). Although not making yesterday's "Monday card", I was able to use a template from a few weeks ago that I like.

The recipe for this card is as follows: whisper white, pink pirouette and bella rose DSP paper; pretty in pink taffeta ribbon; Best Kind of Friend and Live Like You Mean It stamp sets; pink pirouette, Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss Ink

Thank You Card

2009-01-13T10:16:00.005-05:00

I never thought I would put these colors together, but I really like them. I have so much retired wallpaper, buttons, ribbon, etc. I just have to start using it! I was able to make 9 "thank you" cards with this particular retired wallpaper.

My Snowman Thank You Card

2009-01-11T20:09:00.005-05:00

Very simple card, but I like it!

Recipe:

Paper: Real Red, Bella Rose Designer Series Paper (If I got the name wrong, I'm sorry, but I'm already in bed)
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Basic Black
Stamps: Festive Favorites, Mr. Twigster
I doubled up on the dimensionals and used gingham ribbon for the scarf

Hello November!!!

2008-11-16T20:50:00.004-05:00

Okay... I can explain. Summer's over and school has started along with football, soccer, scouts and Matt got a new job. I'm done. Having said that, I was able to clean my stamp room this weekend and took a few minutes to stamp a card for my cousin who is about to have a baby. Hopefully she'll wait until we come next week because I have the baby's car seat!

I won't post the card I made for her in case she sends one to you.

I finished a couple of projects and Blaine joined me while I stamped and made the cutest cards ever! My card is the whale card. Blaine made the sheep and bird card.

Bob's Stamping Stuff Organizers

2008-08-14T15:36:00.003-04:00

I want to let you know that I have just added a list of stamping organizers that I have for sale in case you're interested. My friend Bob (the Builder...he can fix it yes he can), has made these for me and then I asked him to make some more. I sell quite a few and they not only make great gifts, but they make a lot of stampers happy and organized.

You can visit my little display of Bob's stuff here.

B is for Birthday

2008-08-12T09:35:00.003-04:00

A quick card to post for a birthday idea. I really like this Just B stamp set.

Never Before Seen Promotion!!!

2008-08-06T13:09:00.005-04:00

From August 11 through September 30, Stampin' Up! is providing never-before-seen savings on brand-new stamp sets: 15% off select new, die-cut stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog--no additional purchase necessary. Click here to see brochure details.

Big News...BIG SHOT

2008-08-06T12:24:00.004-04:00

Well, you've been asking and it looks like SU! has finally delivered a [die cutting machine used to die cut materials for use on crafts, home décor projects, and even clothing--it's a big deal! You'll love what the Big Shot machine, a 6-time winner of Creating Keepsakes Reader's Choice Award for best die cutting equipment and dies, can do for you.
Design your own custom pillow appliqués using the Tulipe Bigz die or make custom fabric flowers to embellish a quilt. From sewing to quilting to home décor, the Big Shot is the perfect tool for many types of crafting. The wide appeal to various types of crafters will help you expand your business in new circles. The Big Shot makes incorporating paper crafting into these customers' hobby an easy progression. Use our Stampin' Up! exclusive dies to create die cuts and stencils with our artwork and designs for all your craft needs.] Quoted from the website...it's just easier!
There are 50 different types of materials the Big Shot can cut through:

Brass (.055)
Light weight steel
Aluminum (.016)
Tin (.008)
Aircraft plywood (1/64")
Basswood (1/16")
Balsa (3/32")
Paperwood
Mat board (adhesive or none)
Chipboard
Fabric
Silicone
Foam with chipboard (.1)
Corrugated pad
Adhesive-backed cork
Fine sandpaper (.00)
Strene
Extra thick template plastic
Template plastic
Plastic canvas (7 mesh)
Bubble wrap
Sheet foam
Friendly (jewelry) plastic
100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax)
Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
Ruffleboard
Static cling vinyl
Warm & natural batting
Fusible fleece
Quilt batting
Adhesive and non-adhesive flexible magnet
Heat n' shrink plastic
Adhesive and non-adhesive felt
Pop-up sponge
Shiny self-adhesive and non-adhesive paper
Iron-on fabric
Poly foam adhesive and non adhesive
3-D illusionary plastic
Glow in the dark adhesive and non adhesive
Suede paper
Funky fur
Personal Embossing Plastic (PEP)
Shaggy plush felt
Canvas
Vinyl flooring
Shelf lining
Placement
Embossing rubber
Thin leather
Gasket material

Click here for a product brochure.

Updated Retiring List August 2, 2008

2008-07-31T17:38:00.004-04:00

Click here for the updated retired list. These items are going fast! I have been updating the list daily.

Sock Monkey Madness

2008-07-31T17:26:00.003-04:00

Playing with my new Sock Monkey stamp set. After this new retirement list, I barely have anything left, but I will have a lot to go up for sale.

Here's What You Missed!

2008-07-26T17:33:00.010-04:00

Purely Pomegranate base with Pretty in Pink, Whisper White spritzed with Pretty in Pink.

I don't care how many times I took this picture, it just wouldn't turn out!!!! Sorry. Base soft sky, blue bayou, black with whisper white using Petals roller.
Here's the inside of the card...
We made an "edge" using the new scallop punch.

Kari and I had a great cards-in-motion class! I'm sorry if you weren't able to attend, but I thought I would post the cards we made. I have a couple of people to thank for their casings. Cards-in-motion are a lot of work and there are a lot of talented stampers who were willing to share their ideas and their cards with us. Thank you Vera for the idea with the Pick-A-Petal card. I just loved that! I would also like to thank Becky for the great idea of the pop up flower card. Both Becky and Vera gave me permission and direction for their cards. Thanks!!!

Quick thank-you's for my sister Amy

2008-07-23T19:05:00.004-04:00

Soft Sky, Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Basic Black
Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Basic Black

Groovy Guava, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke
Soft Sky, Basic Black, Whisper White and Blue Bayou Designer Series Paper

My sister Amy is getting married in August. I was asked to make her wedding shower invitations and enjoyed being able to accomplish that before the shower deadline. My mom is really overwhelmed by the short engagement and the million other things that need to get done to prepare for the wedding. I decided to throw together some thank-you's for my sister and her soon-to-be, so that my mom could have a break.

My goal was to use the upcoming discontinued card stock and not much else. I was able to use up all of my River Rock and all of the Soft Sky. I finished off my Blue Bayou and I'm hoping to get rid of the remaining Purely Pomegranate.

ACCESSORIES ARE EVERYWHERE!

2008-07-22T18:52:00.008-04:00

The retiring accessory list has been posted. If you are interested in purchasing any retiring products, your time to do so will go quickly! There is a long list of retiring accessories which you can view at the end of this post and there is also a 25% off promotion for retiring accessories that you can view here.

Either way, if you see something you need/want, don't wait too long! I promise, these items go fast!

You can contact me via email any time!

Retiring Accessory Items in RED are no longer available.

* Items in bold are 25% OFF and included in the Discontinuing Retiring Accessories Promotion

177 Accents & Elements Build A Flower

177 Accents & Elements Lucky Star

177 Accents & Elements Messenger

184 Acrylic Graph & Grid

163 Card Stock 12 X 12 In Color

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Blue Bayou

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Groovy Guava

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 In Color

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 River Rock

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Soft Sky

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Wild Wasabi

163 Card Stock 8-1/2 X 11 Purely Pomegranate

166 Card Stock Brushed Copper

163 Card Stock Textured 12 X 12 In Color

167 Cards & Envelopes Gift Whisper White

167 Cards & Envelopes Greeting Whisper White

167 Notes & Envelopes Long Notes

167 Notes & Envelopes Love Notes

167 Notes & Envelopes Pocket Notes*

167 Notes & Envelopes Scallop Notes

167 Notes & Envelopes Gift Notes

163 Classic Stampin' Ink Blue Bayou

163 Classic Stampin' Ink Groovy Guava

163 Classic Stampin' Ink Purely Pomegranate

163 Classic Stampin' Ink River Rock

163 Classic Stampin' Ink Soft Sky

163 Classic Stampin' Ink Wild Wasabi

163 Classic Stampin' Pad Blue Bayou

163 Classic Stampin' Pad Groovy Guava

163 Classic Stampin' Pad Purely Pomegranate

163 Classic Stampin' Pad River Rock

163 Classic Stampin' Pad Soft Sky

163 Classic Stampin' Pad Wild Wasabi

171 Designer Series Paper Azure*

169 Designer Series Paper Bali Breeze

169 Designer Series Paper Berry Bliss

169 Designer Series Paper Cutie Pie

168 Designer Series Paper East Coast Prep*

170 Designer Series Paper Fall Flowers

169 Designer Series Paper Flowers For You*

169 Designer Series Paper Ginger Blossom

168 Designer Series Paper Jersey Shore*

170 Designer Series Paper Le Jardin

170 Designer Series Paper Notebook*

171 Designer Series Paper Olive Press

170 Designer Series Paper Porcelain Prints*

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Almost Amethyst*

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Always Artichoke

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Blue Bayou

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Brilliant Blue

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Certainly Celery

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Close to Cocoa*

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Groovy Guava*

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Lovely Lilac

171 Designer Series Paper Prints More Mustard

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Old Olive

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Pumpkin Pie

171 Designer Series Paper Prints River Rock*

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Rose Red

171 Designer Series Paper Prints So Saffron

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Soft Sky

171 Designer Series Paper Prints Tempting Turquoise

168 Designer Series Paper Spring Break

169 Designer Series Paper Spring Fling*

170 Designer Series Paper Spring Silhouettes

170 Designer Series Paper Western Sky

167 Envelope Confetti Cream Medium

189 Eyelets Basic

189 Eyelets Bold Brights

189 Eyelets Earth Elements

189 Eyelets Fresh Favorites I

189 Eyelets Fresh Favorites II

189 Eyelets Rich Regals

189 Eyelets Soft Subtles

188 Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter

188 Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass

188 Hodgepodge Hardware Aged Copper

183 Metallic Art Pencils

179 On Board Accents

178 On Board Blossoms & Basic

178 On Board Ginormous Pieces

179 On Board Simon Lower

166 Mulberry Paper White

181 Punch Box Three For You

180 Punch Handheld Rectangle

183 Pure Color Pencils

191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Blue Bayou

191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Groovy Guava

191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Purely Pomegranate

191 Ribbon Double-Stitched River Rock*

191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Soft Sky

191 Ribbon Double-Stitched Wild Wasabi

190 Ribbon Originals Beachfront*

190 Ribbon Originals District*

190 Ribbon Originals Fairy Tale

190 Ribbon Originals Jersey*

190 Ribbon Originals Sherbert

190 Ribbon Originals Theater

191 Ribbon Striped Grosgrain Wild Wasabi*

182 Rub-Ons Cherished Memories*

182 Rub-Ons Eastern Elegance*

182 Rub-Ons Urban West*

174 Simply Scrappin' Boho Blend

174 Simply Scrappin' Confetti

172 Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Boy

173 Simply Scrappin' Crew Kids Girl

175 Simply Scrappin' Home Again

174 Simply Scrappin' Rose Cottage

173 Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Boy

173 Simply Scrappin' Special Delivery Girl

175 Simply Scrappin' Summer Days

175 Simply Scrappin' Tie The Knot

15 Simply Sent Friendly Notes

16 Simply Sent Simple Delights

16 Simply Sent Three Thoughts

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Daisy Field

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Garden Annuals

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Good Dog

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Kisses

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Lily Pad

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Meow

197 Stampin'Around Wheel Mistletoe

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Basics Outline

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Birthday

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Baby

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Friends

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Dilly Dally Party

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Leaves A La Carte

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Nature Hike

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Petals

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Rough Texture

196 Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel Spunky Spots

193 Stampin' Color Index Labels

194 Stampin' Kids Markers

185 Stipple Brushes

183 Zig Painty

The Final Look

2008-07-14T19:07:00.003-04:00

Before

After

I needed a template to show the shower-givers down south for my sister's shower. It was "okay", but certainly missing something.

I'm happy now with the final card.

certainly celery paper

regal rose paper

simply beautiful jumbo roller

whisper white craft pad

whisper white paper

vellum

voila accessories bride/groom stamp set

regal rose ink

3/8" regal rose ribbon

1 1/4" punch

1" punch

silver thread ribbon

dimensionals

Matt's Birthday Card. Killing 2 Birds w/ 1 Stone

2008-07-12T15:18:00.003-04:00

I wanted to use this set for my cards-in-motion class and so while I made a card for Matt for his birthday, I was able to accomplish both tasks. I think it turned out pretty cool if I say so myself.

My Sister's Wedding Shower

2008-07-12T15:11:00.002-04:00

I think I'm going to have to make the wedding shower cards for my sister's shower. Her colors will correspond with SU!'s certainly celery and regal rose. Not easy! I played with this card over and over again. This is not the final card, thus the handwritten piece on the circle, but I wanted to show you the way I ended up using the vellum. I was able to use versamark on the vellum and it turned out well. You may not be able to see it unless you look at it up close or in the right light. I used the bride/groom stamp from Viola to stamp the vellum. I think it will work . I'm going to suggest that they use this as a "postcard" and not waste paper. That way they can just adhere the shower info on the back.

Color Challenge

2008-07-11T12:52:00.005-04:00

This was certainly a COLOR challenge from Kristina Werner. You should see my stamping area! Whew! Was having a hard time deciding on a stamp set.

Cards in Motion Class

2008-07-10T11:24:00.002-04:00

Have you ever made a card in motion? I'm offering a class along with my friend Kari Lyn on July 24th at 6:30 pm. The class will be held at Kari's house and the cost is $10! We will be making 5 cards that move in one way or another. Above are just a couple of cards I have been playing with, but may not reflect what we will be offering at the class.

I am asking for a final count on July 14th. Please email me or contact me by phone.

I always cut two...

2008-07-09T17:04:00.003-04:00

Usually when I make a card, I make enough for a duplicate in case I like the template and I actually use the card. Do you find yourself keeping your cards because you don't make copies?

My friend Kari Lyn gave me the idea for this card. It was a sympathy card that she made. I cased that one using the same paper. I came home from vacation and had the paper sitting out and finished another card, but I made a "thank you" card instead and tied with the 3/8" ribbon (love that stuff).

River Rock Cardstock
Regal Rose 3/8" ribbon
Ginger Blossom Desginer Series Paper
Regal Rose Paper
Heartfelt Thanks Stamp Set
Groovy Guava

Jersey Boys and Jersey Paper

2008-07-09T16:57:00.004-04:00

Here's an idea for the inside of a card.

I have a lot of Jersey Shore paper. I'm not pleased with any of these cards, but I thought I would try and use up some of the paper before the new catalog comes out.
I was able to see Jersey Boys last night. I totally recommend it! It will have you making cards with Jersey Shore paper for a week!

Button Bouquet Preview

2008-07-04T13:44:00.002-04:00

Here's a sneek peek of some of the new colors and styles of embellishments that will be coming your way very soon! I really like the new style of buttons. I like using buttons, but having designs and new colors is going to make it all the more fun.

Sympathy Card

2008-06-28T16:05:00.001-04:00

Still trying to use up designer series paper and ribbons, etc. before the new colors and catalog come out. I cased this card from my friend, Kari (see card below). I love the Heartfelt Thanks set, and unfortunately, I had to make a sympathy card. This is what I came up with.

Thanks, Kari!

Kristina's Challenge

2008-06-28T15:47:00.007-04:00

Although a little late, I went ahead and did Kristina Werner's Weekly color challenge. I have never submitted a card before, and was reading someones blog about this particular challenge. Typical, I didn't pay attention to dates or deadlines, but I made this cute card with the required colors: whisper white, regal rose, wild wasabi, river rock and purely pomegranate.

Variety of Thanks

2008-06-26T22:08:00.001-04:00

Still trying to use up paper...I could go on like this for weeks.

Kari's Sympathy Card

2008-06-26T22:01:00.002-04:00

My friend, Kari, makes the most amazing cards. I took the initiative to post this sympathy card that she made. I put a little copyright thing on the card, too, incase someone recognized the card and then wanted to call the card squad to come get me. She always has the coolest cards to display. You can see the other great cards she makes on her blog.

Simply Scrappin' Kit

2008-06-26T21:57:00.002-04:00

I had an older Simply Scrappin' Kit and took it apart to discover that you can make like 32 cards from one kit! Here are a couple of samples from that particular kit.

Blaine's Thank you card

2008-06-26T21:48:00.003-04:00

Blaine celebrated a birthday and he was baptized all in the same week, so we had a lot of "thank-you's" to send out. Which, by the way, we're still working on. Here is his card. I'm trying to continue to use all the paper that is going to be leaving when the new catalog arrives.

Trying to use up my paper...

2008-06-24T22:18:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of cards that I have made from a simply scrappin' kit. You can make about 32 cards from one kit and still have a ton of stuff left over. That's a great deal!

Summer is here... as well as fond farewells

2008-06-15T16:21:00.004-04:00

Right before we left on our vacation, I had the fortune of sitting down for an entire day to stamp! I was thrilled. Working full time and getting the kids to where they need to be each day has proven to slow down the stamping aspect of my life.

However, I will be posting a great deal of cards within the week.

Stampin' Up! has posted their retired list and after August 10th, stamps sets posted on the list will no longer be available for purchase.

Stampin' Up! accessories will go on sale beginning July 21st and I will post that list as soon as I receive it. Once the accessories are gone, that's it, so watch for that notice!

I have seen the new colors coming our way, and they're pretty cool.

You do not have to be at a workshop to make a purchase. If you need supplies or would like a retired stamp set, please contact me and I'll be happy to send your purchase directly to you, without an additional shipping charge.

Kits

2008-04-30T17:41:00.001-04:00

My kits are sold out. Working on more. Will update with details.

Kits are still available

2008-04-25T08:33:00.001-04:00

I still have 2 Just Celebrate kits available for anyone interested. The cost is $15.00 per kit.

New Family Blog

2008-04-17T20:39:00.003-04:00

I have been trying to find a few minutes to connect to anything besides helping with Math homework and spring cleaning.

While I do the things I don't like to do, I think.

I have decided to seperate my family from the stamping aspect of my life. Although they come first, many of you may not want to hear about Blaine and his scouting experiences or Ethan and his rock climbing whatevers.

So, I have created a blog specific to my family. Please feel free to check us out. I will add things as frequently as I can, but that way, when you want to see cards, that's all you'll get. The stencil family blog will just be a bonus or at best a seperate entity all together.

http://www.stencilfamily.blogspot.com/

More California Pictures

2008-04-07T20:40:00.005-04:00

Here is a picture of Ethan and Blaine on the USS Midway. They really liked this exhibit. To be honest, I thought it was really cool. I'm sure there are a lot of Armed Forces officers who would clearly disagree with me. Oh sure, it's cool to spend a day on, but try 9 months. Could never handle a sub. Brave men and women. Thank you.

Well, Ethan had to take a turn freaking me out, too.

Here are Ethan and Blaine at Sea World. The boys decided to sit in the soak zone. It worked. They were soaked. Shamu or Tatoo, maybe it was Bamboo soaked the boys, Matt and my Dad. Pam and I decided not to risk it, so we sat above them. We watched them get drenched.

Here we are in Old San Diego. We were able to visit the historical site of the Mormon Battalion. An amazing group of men that traveled for 6 months on foot from Iowa to California. Unbelievable. Check out this site for more historic details.

I'm so tempted to use this in some way for Matt's office staff...What's great is Blaine's gun is bigger than Matt's.

California

2008-04-06T19:39:00.003-04:00

We made it! And now Skybus has not!

This time we made our trip out to California and had a fabulous time indeed. We were so fortunate to have fabulous weather and just a fabulous time all the way around. We didn't do a lot of "commercial" vacation things, but instead tried to stay away from Spring Breakers.
We did however, go to Sea World one day and to Mission Beach where I kept my clothes on to make up for the lack thereof around me. Some people really need to buy a gym pass instead of a bathing suit. Oh, you know you think the same way...

The boys touched grass for the first time this year. We went to downtown San Diego where the Padres play.
This is Coronado Beach. So cool. We were sooo white! I love this beach because it is quiet, as far as people are concerned. There is so much Naval activity on this beach, however. The fighter planes come right in over your head. We saw a group of Navy seals running on the beach in their combat boots. Both Matt and I marveled ( I maybe marveled a bit more) at how huge those guys were. They were ginormous and could probably kill me 50 different ways with just a thumb.

Blaine has always been our little billy-goat ever since he was little. We took a trip to Sedona one time and he refused to let me hold his hand when we were hiking around. Scared me to death. We took the opportunity to go hiking one day in the Cleveland National Forest. This was a stage coach road and so we walked around a bit. Blaine climbed more than he did walk. I was scared, but I didn't want him to know it.

This is the San Diego Temple that belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is just an amazing structure and I was taken by its beatuy. Next year, Ethan will be able to attend the temple with me and the youth...I don't even want to think about him being old enough for that, but he is. The grounds surrounding the temple were so pretty.

I'm going to tell you in more detail when time permits about this dog and the luxury life he leads. Here, Camo is playing dead and Blaine is mourning his death. I think this picture is hysterically funny. Later, Blaine climbed on a tree swing that was in the shape of a saddle and the dog pulled him all over the place. Blaine looked like he was riding a bull.

More Just Celebrate Cards

2008-04-06T19:36:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple more cards from the class...

Just Celebrate Cards

2008-04-06T18:56:00.004-04:00

Here is what you missed if you weren't able to attend the Just Celebrate Class. I have kits put together with instructions and pre-stamped for $15.00 if you would like one. Once they're gone, that's it.
This card was stamped on Groovy Guava textured paper and the little notecard is a bi-fold where you can write a short note versus a lot of words. There is vellum paper over the top of the flowers. There is a rhinestone eyelet in the center of the middle flower. I used black staz-on to stamp the flowers and colored them in with markers. The ribbon is the new taffeta ribbon from the Idea Book and Catalog. This card was inspired by Krystie Hersch.

I will give more details later, but Matt needs to get on the computer for school.

Purely Celebrating!

2008-03-20T13:12:00.002-04:00

This is such a fun card! I was able to use textured paper, vellum, the rhinestone eyelets and Designer Series paper. This card will not be a part of the Just Celebrate class, but I wanted to give you a sneek peek as to what will be posted in the next day or two. Stay tuned...I think it's gonna be great!

Pinewood Derby

2008-03-15T17:31:00.004-04:00

Blaine has spent a long time planning out his car, cutting it and sanding it. He and Matt strategically put the weights where they thought they should go.

He did very well! He took first in his age group and 3rd overall. It was cool. The troop has a new track this year and it not only recorded the times, but the place.

It's a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooong day. I almost can't take it with the sugared up kids and the noise, but I'm okay.

Blaine's friend, Jimmy, did well this year, too. Go Jimmy!!!

Oh no. I'm not Kidding

2008-03-08T14:25:00.002-05:00

It's not supposed to stop snowing here until Sunday morning. I haven't seen the boys since breakfast ( I can visually see them, they just haven't been inside). We have about 24" on the ground with a steady fall.

Each year, we get a good storm like this one, but I have never seen this much snow in a long time, maybe since I lived in Idaho.

It's crazy!

Playing Catch-up

2008-03-05T13:39:00.004-05:00

I made several cards last week, but didn't want to post them until I used them. May sound strange, but I hate a ruined surprise.

I made this card using a cool fold that takes off the bottom 1" of your long-fold card. I have so much retired DS paper, so I used it to make several birthday cards. I had a few ideas for a shoebox swap we had at church. This is the one I ended up using. It's made with Big Bold Birthday.

I'm never quite sure how I feel about using the coluzzle, but I grabbed this idea from Kristina Werner. She always has great ideas. Again, I used the Big Bold Birthday set.

This card...I don't know, but it's a tri-fold card. You fold down the center of a long-fold and then at 2 3/4" from each end. I used the Many Thoughts stamp set.

I'm preping for my March 20th class. If you're interested in attending, I'd love to have you. There are still spots left. I have two classes being offered. See my SU! website for details.

Hanging out with the D family

2008-03-05T13:25:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, we were able to go with our friends the "D's" (I'll do that in case they don't want their name plastered on my ever-so-popular blog). We had a lot of fun. Blaine and Will are classmates and it was fun hanging out with this great family. They are such good people and we always enjoy their company no matter what we do.

The boys were super excited, however, because they were able to go to a Cav's game and they had a ton of fun and laughed. That's what matters the most to me, fun and laughter. The "D's" have a younger son, Benjamin, that if he would let me, I'd squeeze like a stuffed animal. He is a super funny kid.

Spicy Sausage Sauce

2008-03-05T13:14:00.002-05:00

This is a household favorite and I thought I would share it with you. If you don't like to use Italian Sausage, you can also substitute turkey sausage and my mom likes to use the bulk sausage versus the links.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound spicy Italian sausage links
1 tablespoon thinly sliced garlic
2 serrano chilies
1 cup lightly packed, torn fresh basil leaves
1 (28 oz.) whole tomatoes, pureed with their juices
Gray salt (whatever that is)
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the sausages and enough water to come about half way up the sausages. Cover, reduce the heat to medium low, and cook until done, about 10 min. Remove the lid and allow the water to evaporate. The sausages will then fry in their oil when water evaporates. Remove the sausages from the saucepan and drain them on paper towels. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the saucepan. Add the sliced garlic and chilies and cook until the garlic begins to brown, about 1 min., stirring occasionally. Add the basil and cook for 15 seconds, then add the tomato puree. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cut the sausage links in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces, creating half-moons. Return the sausages to the saucepan and heat through.

This is a spicy recipe, so if you're bothered by spicy, you may want to omit the serrano peppers or at least one of them. I cook them separate for Matt because Blaine, Ethan and I won't eat spicy foods. I like to be able to taste my food.

Me and Mr. Jones

2008-02-25T08:36:00.005-05:00

I found this picture of me and my brother while I was cleaning my craft room. It was taken on the 12th of September, 1981 at Rodger Williams Park. We were celebrating my cousin Sariah's birthday. I love how all the pictures of me during my childhood are so scary. I really must have had some bad days! But my brother, Donny, looks so cute. My maiden name was Jones, thus the title of this post. The picture I took of this page is terrible, but I was inspired by a Stampin' Up! "demo it" scrapbook page and so I ran with it with this page. I used the new rub-on's which are really easy and fun to use. The DS paper is from the new mini catalog along with the rub-on's. I would love to tell you what they are, but I'd have to run downstairs and I should be working out right now, so I won't. Sorry. By the way, the 6x6 page is not crooked, it's because of the way the picture was taken.
I must add, too that my cousin gave me a blog banner that I had up for about a month (see above picture). I forgot to thank her for that. I'm sorry Sariah. Thank you for the great blog banner you had made for me. I change things around a lot, so don't take offense that I took down your design.

The birthday card I made is a tester. I was just playing around last night. I want to tell you, however, because you may not be able to see, but on the whisper white card stock, I stamped-off in soft sky some balloons. The whisper white by itself was plain.

I really like the colors here. I saw a diaper bag at church yesterday and these were the colors they had in them. Actually the chocolate chip was the dominating color in the bag, but I didn't want the recipient of this card to feel dark and sad on their birthday. Hey, birthdays can hurt.

Blue and Gold or Wicked?

2008-02-24T18:01:00.002-05:00

I bought tickets to see Wicked a long time ago. Yes, I have seen it already (be quiet some of you), but this time, we were going with a group of friends and I planned a very nice dinner and Matt was finally going to be able to go see it with me.

But then it happend...this is what I get for planning things out so early...Ethan and Blaine's Blue and Gold for scouts. I wouldn't miss seeing Ethan and Blaine's Blue and Gold banquet for the chance to see Fiero one more time, but I have to be honest and say it wasn't the easiest thing to give up either.

I have to give kudos to my boys, however. Ethan earned his Super Over Achiever badge, which means he earned everything he could in his scout book. With that, he was able to earn his Arrow of Light badge. Not a lot of scouts achieve that. His den, however, did really great. Mr. Kulp, Ethan's Den leader, did an excellent job with those boys.

Blaine earned some belt loops and earned his Bear rank. He has an amazing den leader. In fact, thanks to Mr. Parker, we were able to learn how to make marshmallow guns and share the exciting fun with our uncles. Dogs love marshmallows.

Just Celebrate Cards

2008-02-23T12:18:00.003-05:00

A lot of you have mentioned having received your Mini Occassions Catalog. I am posting a couple of samples I have made using the Just Celebrate stamp set. The last two pictures are the inside of the third picture taken.

Stampin' Up! has a couple of great promotions that are going on beginning March 1st. This will count towards the Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration promotion and my special offer (see side info) as well.

Wild Wasabi Card Stock Special Product Offer
Dates: March 1 - April 30, 2008
Special Offer Details:
Purchase a special-offer Wild Wasabi card stock pack for only $3.95 !!!!!!
The pack includes 16 sheets of 4-1/2" x 11-1/2" Wild Wasabi textured card stock that has been scored at 1-1/8" and 5-5/8".
This special product offer is the result of a miscalculation in cutting and scoring on one batch of Wild Wasabi textured card stock for the Holiday Glitz promotion; while this paper did not meet specifications for the Holiday Glitz kits, it is excellent for creating other fun and exciting projects (see flyers for several great ideas).

Also, beginning March 18th, anyone who hosts a $350 workshop will receive an extra $25.00 in free product. That's super cool! See flyer for more details.

Marley's Exciting Weekend

2008-02-23T12:10:00.003-05:00

I had to throw in a couple more pictures for the boys. They had so much fun with that dog. I love the last picture of Blaine with Marley asleep on her bed.

Quick trip "home"

2008-02-23T11:46:00.003-05:00

We were able to take a trip "home" to Connecticut this past weekend. I feel I'm still recovering with the piles of laundry and typical craziness that fills a week.

Most of my family lives in CT, and anyone who doesn't comes back for summer vacations or is hoping to retire there or round-a-bouts.

We were able to go on a seal watch. Blaine said he counted 41 seals. It was a lot of fun and I was able to see my Auntie Dana and my cousin Laura.

We ate a lot and played with my cousins' dog, Marley. She's getting really big now and the boys had another cousin to play with. It was good times.

I would give anything to move even close-by. Oh. Well.

Valentine's Day Treats for Blaine's Class

2008-02-13T21:59:00.003-05:00

Here is Blaine's Valentine Treat for the class. I think kids eat pencil erasers. They never have an eraser on their pencil. If your child is really smart and doesn't have an eraser on their pencil, it's because they're eating it. My boy? He's using his eraser.

Blaine wrote every child's name on a flower and I attached them to the pencils. I used white craft ink on the flower pot and added the blow pops for a bit of a candy treat. We have been encouraged not to go crazy on the candy. I agree. It makes the kids go bonkers.

Well, it's late and there is definitely no chance for a snow day tomorrow.

Here are the notebooks...

2008-02-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature you rock, but I hate my head!

2008-02-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

Finally! It's too cold to go to school. Unless we get 3 feet of snow, we'll go to school, but when it's only 5 degrees and the wind makes is -15, we stay home.

I was so excited. In fact, we were just putting the kids to bed when I received "the call".

I wasn't able to enjoy the celebration or the party however, because life wouldn't be interesting or fun if you didn't get a migrane every once in a while. And hey, why not on a night when you can stay up late and be creative? No...no. It would seem I would much rather be in bed praying that someone would take a screwdriver to my head to release the pressure.

It's all good though. Today, I utilized my time as well as I could and I'd like to post a couple of projects for you.

The pink notebook is for my friend, Susan. She is always quick to think of me and it's time I give back. If you don't like the pink one, the green one is yours. You decide.

I had fun making the frappacino bottles. I would do them one step at a time and then come back and add something else.

Teri's February/March Special

2008-02-07T06:25:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to post this quickly this morning for anyone interested. You do not have to live close by to participate. I will ship your order to you.

February/March Special- I will take individual customer orders, combine them and give the selected customers the hostess benefits.

Final order will be placed on the 7th of March.
For every $50 in orders, you will receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set of your choice and a chance to win hostess benefits.
Benefits may include free stamp set(s) and, or free hostess dollars to spend on SU! Product.
I will deliver the product to you unless of course you are out of state, and I will ship the items to you.

It's either a snow day, or a sunny day...let's go Mother Nature!

2008-02-05T22:12:00.000-05:00

Now, for the record, I love my job and the kids that I teach are some of the best kids around! However, this has got to be the worst time of the year at school. Anyone who lives in the "Gray Land" can testify. Not only have we not seen blue sky in like a month, but the kids have not been able to go outside for recess. There is not really supposed to be a pun in this next statement, but you do the math.

So, I have been doing everything I can to make deals with the Mother Nature Person. Evidentally, she's too busy trying to convince Al Gore that a two-seated airplane will lessen his carbon footprint instead of the ginormous personal jet he flies around in. I digress. My demands are simple, either we have a snow day, so the kids can romp around in the snow all day until I unlock the doors, or we need some sun here so the kids can romp around outside until I unlock the doors. Whatever the case may be, it really should happen rather quickly because I'm a woman on the edge.

I decided to put some of my pent up energy into treading to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and then I put two 12X12 scrapbook pages together. I LOVE looking at pictures of the boys when they were little. It has to be one of my most favorite things on earth to do.

This page was put together using the Simply Scrappin' supplies. There is no rhryme or reason to the pages, I was just enjoying the colors and the fun times we had a few years back at the lake in Connecticut.

The background paper is old olive textured and the other colors are rose red, taken with teal and summer sun. Fun colors to work with. I used a whole bunch of punches and a button or two. I used the Big Deal alphabet, Big pieces, Polka Dots & Petals and Little Flowers stamp sets.

Pomegranate is Good For You!!!

2008-02-04T22:53:00.000-05:00

I can't get away from Purely Pomegranate this week. It's like a disease. Even when I sleep I see that color. Okay, not really when I sleep, but at least when I stamp, I can't seem to veer from the ultra potent antioxidant power of the paper!

Even the DS paper is Berry Bliss...maybe I'm lacking some vitamins.

The new taffeta ribbon was used with this long note. I like it a latte!

I was Tagged and now I'm weird!

2008-02-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Being new to the blogging world, I was tagged from my friend, Susan. I'm going to do this "tag" thing and try to think of all of the weird things I have done in my life. Hopefully it will keep the fact that my son went to bed crying because the Patriots lost out of my head.

I do feel bad for him...he puts his heart and soul into the game and several times this year, he has really been hurt. Now it's really going to stink getting them up tomorrow. I simply can't count on Mother Nature anymore to bring me a load of snow. I'm sure she'll come through when I'm about to leave on a trip, but not when I could stand a couple extra hours of zzzzz's.

The rules of the game:

• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, as we all want to know them. (Honestly, I didn't think I was weird so who knows what you'll get here)

• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

It's really going to be hard for me to think of weird things about myself...

1. Okay, I know one. When I fall asleep on a plane, the droan from the engine knocks me out so hard that I drool really badly. I have become smart enough to bring a pillow and now I know I'll fall asleep and won't drool.

I hate this tag thing...

2. When I was little, I wrote a song. It went something like:

Mr. Sun please help, we need you badly, there is no sun and Jesus is here.

(I was like 5!!!!)

3. I love to get stains out of clothes. If I can get an impossible stain out of clothes, I feel so good about myself.

4. I really like to fix things. I once made a meal for a man at church in exchange for showing me how to change the spark plugs in my car.

5. I delivered both of my boys natural and popped the blood vessels in my face and eyes both times.

That's not really weird, more like stupid, but I can't think of anything else.

6. I had the chicken pox when I was 26 years old and was also one of the first kids to ever have Kawasaki syndrome. No, I didn't ride a motorcycle around. It's real!

7. I absolutely love the dry climate and could hike, bike, camp, live run for weeks at a time in it. I love dry climate. I remember how fast my laundry would dry on the line when I lived in Idaho. I also remember when I needed to get away from my roommates, I would ride my bike as far as I possibly could to hear silence. Have you ever heard silence? That's not weird, that's beautiful.

I'm going to bed.

Criss Cross Card with Directions

2008-02-03T21:42:00.001-05:00

Stamping With Roxy gave me a couple ideas for this card. However, I was able to use half the paper, which when you make a ton of these bad boys, you can save a lot of money.

cut your cardstock as usual using a half sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper

fold like you're making a regular landscaped card

hold it with the fold at the bottom

cut a diagonal line (you can use your cutter once you figure it out, but I want you to visualize what is being cut) that runs from the top left hand corner of the "front" of the card down to the bottom right hand corner. This will cut off a triangle.

flip the loose triangle upside down (so the 90% angle is at the bottom) and slide it in place on the right hand side of the card

glue the far right and far left sides of the card (you don't need to glue the bottom of the triangle down because it is now resting in the fold and you don't want glue getting in the way of your insert.

create an insert and embellish as usual

(Directions and pictures from Splitcoast)

Just a Reminder

2008-01-30T17:17:00.000-05:00

I wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to sign up for this cool club that I have going for the new Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog. If you're interested, I would love to hear from you. teristencil@centurytel.net

Teri’s Personal January Promotion
This is what I like to call the “try-it” club. It’s a great way to see and try the new products. I only have 7 spots left available to anyone interested. The cost is $31 ($36 if you want items mailed to you).

Each club member will receive the following items:
*1 6x6 sheet of EACH design from the new double sided papers (total 60 sheets)Spring Break, Jersey Shore, East Coast Prep, Spring Fling, Bali Breeze, Ginger Blossom, Berry Bliss, Western Sky, Notebook, Spring Silhouettes*2 yards of each of the four new striped grosgrain ribbonBashful Blue, Pumpkin, Real Red, Wasabi*1 set of the Sticky Cuts Letters*Felt Flowers (apprx 10 each)

Deadline to sign up for this club is January 30.

Anything but traditional

2008-01-30T16:45:00.001-05:00

I sent an email to a stamper that I really admire and I entitled the email: Don't think I'm a weirdo. I have never heard back from this gal. Then I really did feel like a weirdo. Anyway, I'll try again in six months or so. She's young (just kidding if you read this oh-stamper-that-I-admire-in-a-crafty-kind-of-way).

The stamper that I speak of gave me some great ideas on color. So I wanted to share those with you today. (The two with Groovy Guava)

I really don't like Valentine's Day and I have been using a lot of non-traditional colors to make my cards. I have a workshop on Friday and I have been struggling to put a final idea together. I know, I should already have the house clean and brownies made. Leave me alone.

The Purely Pomegranate card is a favorite...This is used with the textured paper and purely pomegranate designer series paper, too.

It's who I am.

2008-01-29T07:32:00.000-05:00

It occured to me yesterday that I don't share one of the more importatnt details of my life with people and that is that I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I'm not sure why I don't. I love answering people's questions, even the dumb ones. But being a member of my faith has been a great blessing to me and my children.

Our church lost its president on Sunday evening and I wasn't sad, simply humbled by him. Gordon B. Hinckley was an unbelievable figure to anyone of any faith.

I saw an excerpt from Glenn Beck (you can pause the music down below in order to hear)...now you're getting to know me even more, and I was impressed with how he described President Hinckley. And like Mr. Beck, I was not saddened by the news of his passing. My first thought was how happy he will be to reunite with his dear wife Marjorie whom he loved and respected so much.

I think President Hinckley's example was a very outstanding reminder that I have a lot of work to do to carry the qualities of such a man, husband, and father.

Thank you card

2008-01-28T17:13:00.000-05:00

I'm stuck on these crazy 3x3 cards. They are so simple and inexpensive to make. Maybe it's because I don't have to work with such a big space and try to fill it, but I have another 3x3 to share. It's similar to the earth tone ones I made before, but who cares.

The second one is debatable. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I'm leaning towards not liking it. Let me know what you think. All two of you who visit my website. I appreciate your opinions.

Maybe I should start offering blog candy...that is such a weird concept, but it works for a lot of people I know!!

Here are a couple more toppers

2008-01-27T15:10:00.001-05:00

Valentine Class Cards

2008-01-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

Here are the cards and bag toppers we made for the Three for Three class I had on Friday. I already showed you the 3x3's....

Don't Look if You Don't Want a Ruined Surprise.

2008-01-25T15:25:00.000-05:00

I am going to post a couple of the 3x3 cards I have been working on for my workshops and classes. I love making these little ones. Don't put them in the mail, however, because the postal service will not be happy with you and will have to declare another federal holiday in your honor because you mailed a 3x3 card when you weren't supposed to. I'll have to think of a name for that holiday and get back to you...

I used the Happy Heart Day stamp set and the Sealed with a Kiss set. The rest is easy to see.

Tah Dah!

2008-01-24T22:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm going to be totally honest, I love Blaine's shirt! Ethan has one, too. My dad and step-mom got them for the boys for Christmas. I'm also going to tell you that I don't deserve the boys to be wearing those shirts this week.

It may be that Blaine is trying to butter me up. I have been referring to myself as "The Dragon Lady" this week. I swear I could breathe fire if I needed to. I would love to blame exhaustion, but that's no reason to have scales and breathe fire on my kids. Well...maybe.

With all of this "heated" energy, I finally went to town on my craft room. Ideally, I would love to have a counter top and cabinets, but I'm pleased to have the space I have and it's tidy and organized now.

You can refer to a couple weeks back when I attacked the craft room with the raging energy I had from missing our trip to San Diego because I didn't turn my alarm clock on. I'm over it now, but I was able to get a lot of things done that week. Believe me, I would have rather been in San Diego.

So, now that you think I'm a psychopath and are tempted to call social services, rest assured that Blaine and I spent quality time calming ourselves down to the sounds of Michael Buble while he stamped and I cleaned. I even made him homemade hot chocolate. Ooooooh Yeah.

The recipe is as follows (Brace yourself, I don't think it's high in fat):

Mix 1/4 cup water with 2 TBS cocoa powder and 2TBS sugar (I use Splenda or half Splenda, half sugar). Put in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.

Then add 1 1/2 cups fat free milk and put in the microwave for 3-4minutes. Times vary. I have the world's smallest microwave. When finished, make sure the chocolate doesn't have bits left at the bottom. Be advised, these chocolate bits are not tasty because it's pure cocoa powder. Ugh.

Add 1/2tsp of vanilla and then ruin the weight-conscious goodness with a wollop (that's about 4 dollops) of whip cream. I like the stuff out of the can or homemade, but either way...bring it on big time.

At this point, you'll want to make sure the kids are wearing their "Mom Rocks" t-shirts because this is a really good recipe and they will be too busy drinking the goodness to tell you how cool you are!

My mom and step-dad were able to come up for a quick visit, too. It was a blurr because we crammed a lot into the short weekend, but it was fun. We have been so fortunate to see the Grand-P's for two weekends in a row and from all over the nation!!!

I will be posting card pictures after tomorrow. I have a workshop and don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone who may be attending.

Sell-A-Bration Swap Card

2008-01-22T18:06:00.000-05:00

Here is my card for the Sell-a-Bration swap I am in. It's not my favorite card, but for the time that I have, it will have to do. I used the Lots of Thoughts stamp set.

Disney's Desperate Housewives

2008-01-17T16:47:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful Friday here in Northern Ohio. Sadly enough, when the sky is this blue this time of year, it's usually because it's too cold for clouds to form in the sky. It's supposed to be only 7 degrees on Sunday. You'd think we could catch a break on a Sunday!

I think this comic is funny. However, we totally love going to Disney World. In fact, I might try to start saving again to go. I think I'd even be willing to sell a kidney. That would make for a great trip. We could even stay in one of the resorts and I could get on the rides before everyone else because hey, I donated a kidney!

I'm not sure if donating a kidney would be better than donating a liver. Did you know that your liver grows back! I think that is so stinking amazing!

Can you tell I'm simply procrastinating the fact that I need to get on the "tread mule"? Blaine calls it the tread mule. Ethan tries to correct him, but I tend to correct Ethan because I don't want Blaine to stop using those kinds of terms.

Ethan until just recently called a cell phone a "cell-a-phone".

It's what it's all about!

Retired Stamp Sets for Sale

2008-01-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

I am listing the following retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets for sale. I accept the following forms of payment: Cash,Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Paypal and Money Order (If you are a local customer, I will also check). Items will be mailed upon receipt of payment.

__________________________________________________________________

You may click on each of the stamp sets listed. From there you will be directed to the stamp index of Splitcoast Stampers which displays each stamp set and includes the number of stamps in a set. If you have any further questions, you may contact me.

As the sets are sold, they will be removed.

Hung Up On the Holidays $9.50

Bundle of Joy $14.00

Bitty Boos Too $10.50

11. By Definition $9.50

12. 13. Word on Word Hostess Set $15.50

14. 15. So Very (unmounted) SAB $9.50

16. Looks Like Spring $18.50

19. Stipple Celebrations $14.50

21. Gently Falling $11.00, pending

22. Olive You $11.00

23. Big Blossom $8.00

26. Alphabet Soup (Hostess Set) $11.00

27. The World Over (Hostess Set) $11.00

28. Simply The Best $14.00, pending

29. Toucan of My Love $14.00, pending

32. Bitty Boos Too $10.50

A Quick Visit with Dad and Pam

2008-01-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

There wasn't any time for pictures, but we certainly will have a memory of this past weekend. My dad and step-mom were able to come for a very short weekend visit this weekend. I found incredible airline tickets for them and they took the offer and flew with it.

The boys were really happy to have a set of grandparents around and I was thrilled to see my dad and step-mom. Plus, it gave me a reason to throughouly clean the house.

On Sunday, we watched the Chargers beat the Colts which no one expected. I was kind of glad because it gave me hope to think the game of football isn't really rigged. We finally exchanged our Christmas gifts and that was so cool for the boys. We are all Charged up...each of us have a piece of San Diego Charger wear.

Monday, with permission, I let the boys stay home from school. I never do that, in fact it makes me quite nervous, but Ethan prepared himself ahead of time and it was all good.

We played educational games and had a great time. Dad and Pam were able to see the boys practice soccer and enjoyed that.

Dropped them off this morning at the airport and poor Blaine cried.

Closing off for now, Matt and I are going to check for flights for the Spring to go to San Diego.

Our Christmas Letter

2008-01-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

My aspirations of doing anything on time for Christmas came to a halt. I decided, as I did last year, to send out an end-of-the-year card. I'm such a dork, too, because I made a card using Bravo Burgundy Paper, Very Vanilla and Bravo Burgundy ink and celery 5/8" ribbon. The colors look really nice together. You would think I would have taken a picture of such card... May you enjoy the guts and the final picture. I do feel bad, however, because I took the picture very early in the morning and Ethan still looks a bit sleepy. Sorry bud.

The Stencil family, which still consists of Matt, Teri, Ethan, Blaine, Archie and Keesh (we lost Goldie the fish at Thanksgiving) would like to wish you a Happy New Year.

Another year gone away and another one of these letters telling you all of the things that have happened to us this year…if you don’t want to read on from here, that’s okay because I’ve already missed Christmas greetings and who knows how the rest of this saga will go on from here.

Ethan is in 5th grade and Blaine is in 2nd. I’m the kids’ Spanish teacher and I assist the 1st grade teacher on the days I don’t teach Spanish. It’s great really. We all go to the same school and I get to spy on the kids.

Matt is finishing his second Masters Degree Program. I don’t know if it’s that he really likes to stay up late or we just want to one-up other grad students with student loans. There are moments where we know not to bother him (usually when his hand is on his head and he’s tapping the table while his legs are fidgeting very fast) and other moments when we all scatter because he’s taking a study break. Even the dog has learned to hide. He just gets that weird “I’ve been studying too long” look and he’s ready to harass anyone in his reach. We have very few friends, very few.

Ethan played his second year of football this year with his dad and grandpa Stencil as two of the coaches. Football is Ethan’s true love and often you will find him sleeping with a football or some sort of football camp t-shirt. He’s well versed in football stats, players and plays. I think it’s great and I’m happy to say that he puts almost the same amount of effort into his schoolwork, especially history.

When he’s not playing football, he is honing up on his foot skills in soccer. Presently he and Blaine are in a futbol club together and practice and work on their foot skills. Blaine’s still unsure about facing girls…but he’s getting the hang of it. Soccer has taught Ethan a great deal about patience and communication and gives him great field vision. He plays on a travel soccer team which should be starting up again soon. Can you feel the excitement in my voice? Yeah.

Blaine loves soccer and is playing for a league out of our city. I can’t tell you what it is, but I know I wrote a check for it a couple of weeks ago. I’m certain he has his ability to play so well from playing with his brother and the two neighbor boys across the street. The boy doesn’t need camps, just friends.

I’d love to tell you that Blaine loves playing baseball, but he doesn’t. All of us love going to see the Tribe play. We had great times at the Jake this season and when the Indian’s were in the play-off’s we would go down to the field to watch the games on the jumbotron for FREE! We’ll be back there next year, I’m sure.

I don’t really know what else to tell you. I’m hoping next year will be filled with an amazing amount of good news and information. However, in the meantime, you’re welcome to visit my blog. Sometimes you’ll see stamping stuff and crafts there, but I put a lot of stuff about the family, etc., too.

www.teristencil.blogspot.com or email us: teristencil@centurytel.net

May the new year find you in a good place!

One More Thing and then I'm Done

2008-01-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has read my blog the last week knows that we were supposed to be in blue sky, sunny California right now. Not really going to rehash the story. We were able to go down to WV to visit Matt's grandma which was a nice visit.

But do you remember that Thank You card I made for Mother Nature? Well, I'm taking it back. I spent all of last night shoveling snow. Nothing like rubbing winter right in my face! Thanks a lot!

I'm not mad or anything...

Hang in there...

2008-01-03T17:14:00.000-05:00

Someday, I hope to have this portion of the basement furnished like the other half. Someone is going to come and build shelves and counterspace for me. Let me tell you, it's an icebox down there right now! Ugly picture #1

Ugly picture #2

Somewhat of an organized picture #3

Love my stamping organizers #4

I have been working on rearranging and straightening up my craft room after all of the Christmas preparations, soldier cards and overall madness that ends up in my room.

Now! For the record, this is not how bad it really is. I started rearranging furniture and tables, etc., so the room looks disastrous. In fact, I'm certain I could collect money from some sort of relief fund somewhere.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I'm speaking the truth and I'm actually quite meticulous about almost everything. In fact, it has at times made my husband question his yearning to be married to "Monk".

I will say, however, that 2 small boys and 1 big boy, working, churching, crafting, soccering, footballing, baseballing...all that will cause one to slow down quite rapidly and not be so worried about every little thing.

I also have a hard time starting new projects if the area around me is cluttered, so that is why I haven't had time or the desire to stamp recently.

Am I rambling a lot? I'm just really embarrassed about posting this picture. So I'm posting a couple of pictures to show you the work in progress. Please remember that furniture moving was the major reason for the mess. More pictures are coming later.

By the way, the stamping organizers that you are viewing have been made by my friend Bob. I have a lot of them in stock for purchase in my really clean side of my basement. If you are interested, feel free to contact me.

As the Angry Cowboy once said...

2007-12-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

Blaine let me know that he is the Angry Cowboy. He also told me that he's a farmer and he doesn't care. But as this day could not get any worse than it already has, I think the most important thing Blaine said is, "Mom, we forgot to pray." I have been doing a lot of that today with hope that we'll be able to dress up and play with Nannie and Papa.
Don't worry Angry Cowboy, I won't forget! And I'll never forget you putting on this outfit and becoming the "Angry Cowboy".

This is a Fat Head

2007-12-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

I have had a couple of people ask me what a Fat Head is. It is a big giant sticker. That's the only way I know how to describe it.

Personally, I wanted an AJ Hawk or a Santonio Holmes Fat Head because Ethan's room is totally decorated in OSU decor.

But Santa brings what the child wants, not what the mother wants. I know this because I didn't get what I wanted this year. Just kidding big man!

So here is Ethan's Tom Brady Fat Head.

My Hearth

2007-12-28T21:23:00.000-05:00

My hearth was filled with creative beauty this Christmas. I think what I loved most about my directions was that almost all of my decorations are homeade. Blaine and Ethan have worked so hard to make Christmas special this year and you will notice how hard they have worked to make that happen. These are the most memorable things about Christmas.

Have you ever...

2007-12-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had the worst day? You know that there are people around you that are suffering from illness or other trials, but this one day is so bad that you just have to be sad and maybe even cry all day long?
This was my day. It's not over yet and nor am I giving up on what I'm about to tell you, but my day really stunk.
I should be in San Diego right now, but for no other reason than I forgot to turn the alarm clock on, I'm presently sitting at home wallowing in sad songs and refusing to give up on the hope of making it to see my Dad and Pam (my step-mom).
So, if any of you are flying on Skybus tomorrow and are willing to give up your seat... I'm waiting for just one more. I heard the intestinal flu is running rampant through the airports... I'm just saying.
I figured while I sit to refresh the skybus website until tomorrow morning (I can be one stubborn mama), I will utilize this time to show you Christmas pictures. The first series will demonstrate what it's like to make a Christmas picture of Ethan and Blaine. Please enjoy. You may want to microwave a bag of popcorn.

My friend Emily

2007-12-27T21:37:00.001-05:00

This is my friend Emily. She is also one of my students. Emily was diagnosed last year with Leukemia and just returned to school a couple of months ago. Blaine is Emily's classmate and he has been praying hard for her recovery and return to home and school. Obviously, Emily is doing great and is just an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with.

I will NEVER forget the day she returned to school for the first time since last Easter. She was so excited to be back, she could have thrown herself away.

Although I would never wish any illness on a child, I will tell you that this particular trial in Emily's life gave life back to others. I am so impressed at what Emily has done with her trial and how she has made a difference to her family, friends and the community alike.

This Christmas, I had the opportunity to share in Emily's hope for the holiday. Emily wanted to make the children on the 2nd floor of Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital happy for Christmas. When all was said and done, Emily, with the help of her family, was able to collect enough items to fill a Uhaul truck and collected over $8,000 for families having trouble meeting their medical bills.

I was so grateful to be a part of this Hope for the Holidays. Ethan and Blaine came along with me and I was so happy to see them happy about serving others.

On Christmas Eve, I returned with a friend and Emily's family to bring dinner to the staff who were working over the holiday.

I can only hope that we are able to fill another truck next year! Emily, you have a special spirit and I'm so happy to know you!

Ethan's Fat Head

2007-12-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick video of Ethan opening up his "Fat Head" of Tom Brady from Santa. It was pretty cool. Ethan loves Tom Brady... I hope he only follows his sporting tactics and not his social ones. Sorry, Tom...

Just Like a Wedding

2007-12-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

You plan, you shop, you invite, you eat, you don't sleep, you don't care, you give... and now it's all over! The only difference between a wedding and Christmas is that Christmas comes back every year.

I was "in charge" of Christmas Eve dinner for the first time in 15 years (since Matt and I have been married). I have moved up from vegetable trays to the whole shibang. Although my father-in-law went out and got everything to place on the table, I made a lot of desserts and cleaned the house, etc. Personally, I think he was nervous that I would screw it up.

Today, I will sit in my pajamas until I have to go to bed... I'm spent. No shopping, no sales, no nothing. I need to make some "Thank-you cards" and I will work on that today.

Blaine and Ethan woke up the earliest they have ever woken before for Christmas madness. Santa hides the stockings in our house, however, so it took them 2 hours to find the last stocking. By 8 am Matt and I were ready. The boys had a great time and I can't help but think of "The Christmas Story" everytime we have Christmas music on and Matt and I are just sitting on the couch exhausted and Blaine and Ethan are playing on the floor with all of their sounds. It truly is the best part of the day.

First Snow...I'm sending mother nature a Thank You card early.

2007-12-05T22:47:00.001-05:00

Okay, here's the deal. We got our first good snow today... but it's always when it can be plowed in time for us to make it to school or the snow starts at 10pm and then is cleared by 3am when you really want it to start coming down. I figured if I send Mother Nature this pretty spring-like pre-thank you card, she will be so appreciative that I was thinking of her that she will start a huge snow storm around 3am and the school librarian will be giving me that "no school" phone call. I'm the last on the phone chain which is even cooler!

So, sleep with pajamas inside-out and put a potato under your pillow... Teri needs sleep and I need to finish my tree, and I need to finish some Christmas projects. I have needs!!!!

I had to post a couple more pictures....so funny!

2007-12-02T22:29:00.001-05:00

Blaine was cracking me up with the whole mullet thing...he's too pretty with that thing on!

There's Will with the Hanson Brothers.

Blaine and Jimmy taking it all in...Jimmy. He's too funny.

Will's Great Birthday Party!

2007-12-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

Blaine's friend, Will, had a birthday party this weekend to top all parties. We were able to go see the Lake Erie Monsters play and high-five the hockey players as they prepared to go out on the ice.

That's not all! The Hanson Brothers from the movie Slap Shot were there and came up to the party to take pictures with Will and the rest of us. We had so much fun! To top it off, they were handing out mullets tonight. You know Blaine was all over that.

Thanks Will for inviting all of us to your birthday party! It was great fun and I'm glad you thought of Ethan, too! You're a great kid. Seems like just yesterday you were 7.

My friend, Mary B!

2007-12-01T13:45:00.001-05:00

Mary, you won the door prize last night! Just thought I would show everyone what you won and then you can tear into it.

Besides, I figure if you view the blog, you might be excited and want to stop by and pick it up so I don't have to get out of my pajamas today...

Here's What You Missed!

2007-12-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

Ann, I'm sorry you weren't feeling well yesterday...we'll catch up.

We had a really fun time last night making Christmas Tags and various other creations.

Here are a couple of things we made last night. I will post the directions for the bow ingredients as well...

We also made candy bar holders which are so quick and easy to make and gift card holders. Here are the measurements for the paper bows.

Best to use a double-sided sheet of designer paper. If you invested in the Designer Series Paper Promotion from Stampin' Up!, then your bows will only cost .35 each. You are saving .13 per bow. Hey! Don't roll your eyes! If you make 24 bows, you'll save 3. 12. You could buy a snail refill or something.

Okay...You will need a 12 X 6 piece of double-sided paper. You will then cut 8 1" X 6" pieces. You will now have a 4" X 6" piece left. If you don't...well create a different kind of bow.

With the 4" X 6" piece you have left, you will need to first cut a 1" X 4" piece. Then you will need to cut 4 1" x 5" pieces.

Okay, if you attended the class you know what to do from there. If you didn't attend the class and want the rest of the instructions, I am happy to send you the rest of the information.

teristencil@centurytel.net

I know, that's lame, but I have very little time and 24 days left to freak out...

Cards for Soldiers

2007-11-27T18:43:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to report that we sent 210 cards to the soldiers in Iraq via a soldier heading back. And thank you dear man for your service to our country and the service you provide to other warriors in need of supplies. Thanks are also in order for the gals who participated in the soldier stamp-a-stack that made all of the cards you see above.

Thanks to Ann, Dawn, Dawn's sister, Autumn, Vicki, Carol, MaryJo, Robin and Diane,my aunt Steph and cousin Jillian. I thank you so much for your support and kindness in donating both time and money for such a great service!

The cards are on there way!!!!

The card shown above the pile of cards for Soldiers is another winter card I made with the colors I love to use. Have to go finish dinner...

Would you like to offer my husband a job?

2007-11-26T19:37:00.000-05:00

I put Blaine to bed last night and before I did, he came to me crying. I had anticipated him crying when we left my aunt and uncle's house in CT, but he held it in until going to bed. He was soooo sad about leaving. He said, "I miss everyone so much, I feel so connected to them." He's right! We have so much fun toghether and it's merely impossible to leave without getting upset. That's why I try to plan another trip so I have something to leave with. Okay, see you in a couple of months.

The guys even invented a new game (never leave them alone without toys). We call it Yoga Kickball. I think Jack broke his toe, but the sound an exercise ball makes when you kick it, is pretty cool.

We tried a family cook-off, but Jack took the grand prize and the only prize because the rest of us failed him miserably. Any time you want to come live with us and cook for us...

Come on, Matt! New England awaits you.

My cousins Jillian and Jay gave us a new addition to the family. Marley is a 6 week old boxer and Blaine cried because he misses her, too.

We even made Christmas cards and tags. Thought I would load up a couple of those, too. How lame is that! I have pictures of the dog and some cards. Where is everyone else?

What the Heck am I Doing...it's soooo late!!!

2007-11-21T00:35:00.000-05:00

I'm getting very close to rabbit hallucination time, but I will risk it to post these items before going to bed.

I love this! I had been eyeing this technique for some time and finally had time myself today to make this treat bag. It's featured on page 76 of the Stampin' Up! Idea book and Catalog. Obviously, I made my own, but the idea came from Page 76.

You use craft ink on vellum. I also added Hologram Highlights to the snowflakes to add a bit of Christmas "bling" if you will.

I hate how these pictures load...they load backwards. Anyway, here is another card similar to the one beneath these comments, but I punched the "texture" out like the card featured in the Stampin' Success magazine from December.

This is a "case" from the new Stampin' Up! Success catalog, but I altered it by using the light box and then I just love the colors of brown, blue and green together. I seem to be using it on everything!

I love the texture of the polka dots using this faux embossing technique, too.

Weekend Stutters

2007-11-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

There doesn't seem to be enough time for anything anymore. I hate to admit that I am glad Blaine was not feeling well yesterday so that I could have some down time.

My mom gave me some of her Altoid chewing gum tins and I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, so I started playing with them. I put craft ink on them, but it slid off. So, I went to the garage to find what kind of spray paint we have. I removed the top from the tin and then sprayed with the white spray paint.

I used the beast to punch holes into the top over the "Altoid" lettering and then of course used the 5/8 ribbon to cover up the "Altoid" word.

You have to use staz-on to stamp over the spray paint and I love the green and black gingham together. I don't know, I was just playing around, but I will tell you that the Christmas Tags from the new mini catalog fit into one of these tins. Your outside paper should be cut at 3" and it will be a perfect fit. Just another idea.

Is it over yet?

2007-11-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the college football season. It's such an ongoing game each and every week to see who will remain on top, who will move up and who will fall short. This weekend is one of the most bitter sweet weekends of the year for me because each time Ohio State plays Michigan I know our regular season is over until next year.

Every Saturday we sit together as a family and watch Ohio State play. It's so much fun. We eat ourselves into oblivion and scream and yell and sometimes even cry.

So, once again, I have to wait until next year for those special Saturday afternoons to sit in the Ohio State covered basement to watch another season of college football. Go Bucks!

Blaine's pick

2007-11-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

Well...between Ohio State blowing they're #1 spot in the NATION and my dumb craft fair that I lost sleep and money over, I had an amazing Sunday with my family. I was so excited that the weather was dull and gray, so there was nothing to do but "hang out" with each other. I love Sunday afternoons.

Today, Blaine went through some of the leftover craft items and found a pair of slippers that my mom had knit. He then called Nana on the phone and asked her if he could wear them. Hasn't taken them off since.

Ethan did a cool thing today, too. I was so impressed with his "braverism" because he gave a talk in church for the first time to the entire congregation. He even paused to look up to everyone and didn't run away or throw up! It was great!

Up All Night with Teri

2007-11-10T04:50:00.000-05:00

It's 4:55am and I'm afraid to go to bed now. All of my craft fair goods are sitting in the kitchen and I haven't gone to bed yet. The rabbits came, but I'm too tired to be scared. I used to be able to pull all-nighters all the time, but I stink at it now. There is simply no point in going to bed...I'll have to wake up in a half hour anyway. I might as well just suck it up.

I hope I make enough to take my family out to dinner tomorrow night. There is no way I'm making dinner for anyone today. Rabbits! They're everywhere!

Another Break...

2007-11-10T00:53:00.001-05:00

Okay, now my back is killing me and I'm eating a portion of my blizzard. I haven't seen any rabbits yet, but I know they're out there and that's a sure sign that I should have been in bed a long time ago. I have a few more receiving blankets to sew and then we'll see where I'm at. Thought I'd throw in a few more pictures of what I'm making for the craft fair.

The first picture shows Altoid tins filled with Christmas tags. Those were very simple and fun to make!