I'm sticking with the coffee theme this week.  Maybe because after having my young niece and nephew here for two weeks, we all need an extra jolt of caffeine to replace their missing energy.  Maybe because the Lad is moving back to Charlotte tomorrow and I need some energy and stamina to help me say good-bye again.  Whatever the case, coffee is my friend this week. 

Speaking of friends, this design is by my friend Selene Kempton, who shared 16 card designs  with my Stamping Bee Team  at a quarterly crafting meeting in June.  I used this,  plus 3 other desings from the Coffee Break Suite as my class August 2nd Sunday Class.  

​Selene has made the trip down from Boston twice in the last year to bring us new ideas and designs.  And now, I'm thrilled to be able to bring you this very same 16-card event. 

When:  Saturday, September 16
Time:  Check-in begins at 12:45, with crafting fun from 1-4pm
Where:  Chatham Trades, Siler City, NC

​Your $45 in person class fee includes:

• All materials for 16 full-sized cards, precut and ready to stamp
• Envelopes (demonstrators may make baggie books)
• Two full surprise embellishments – we’ll use some, but you keep the extra
• Complete instructions for all cards
• Pillow gifts
• Raffle prizes (stamp sets, bundles, and more!)
• Prize Patrol

Registration ends 9/1 so I can order and get everything ordered & prepared for you.  Email me to register and save your spot!

There's also a "To Go" by mail option.  You'll receive:

• 16 card packets packet
• Complete instructions for all cards
• Two full surprise embellishments
  
• All mailed to your door for  mailed to your door for $50 (includes $10 for shipping)  (Local pick up is Free!)

My Spooky Night designer series paper came in!  I'd accidentally left it out of my [first] pre-order and And I couldn't be happier that it's finally here.  It's a great mixture geometric patterns and Halloween prints - black and orange cats, witches' hats, jack o'lanterns, potions, and even a fabulous spooky tree.  Even if you're not a big fan of Halloween, this paper has some lovely backgrounds perfect for fall crafting. 

And for fun, I added two new black embellishments...the black rhinestones and vintage crochet trim!  The trim is only 1/4" wide, and is perfect for tying bows.  It's quite delicate and I can't help but think of the black lace caps worn by the cast members at Disney's Haunted Mansion. 

Before we get to today's tutorial, there are a few important reminders to share with you.

So, as a tribute, I decided to use this design as this week's Stamping Bee card challenge.   I wanted to be original, but the Be Merry Designer Series Paper pack has red and white striped paper!!!  I knew I just had to use it.  What do you think?  From Cracker Jack's to Christmas card in no time flat!

I'm giving away this card, too!  All you have to do is leave a comment here, on the blog, or on my Facebook page.   I'll do a random drawing next Friday morning and send this card in the mail.   (You must leave a comment to enter my drawing). 

And now...to announce last Friday's winner!
Congratulations to Shawn Poe!
I'll be sending you these two lovely cards in the mail.  

My sister and her two children are here!  They arrived from San Diego yesterday around dinner time and we spent a fun evening together, catching up, having dinner, and just being together.  It was great to be Auntie Chelle again.  I even got to read them bed time stories, tucked in on the floor between the sleeping bags!  

By the time I got home, it was 10:30 and I was exhausted.   But then I realized I didn't have a new card made for you.  As I climbed the stairs towards my studio, I kept telling myself "You can pull an old one out of your box,  no one will know."  But I would know...and after a busy day at work and then hustling to get to the airport on time, I needed a little creative time to myself. 

My Stamping Bee Team's weekly sketch challenge expired at midnight and I hadn't entered my card yet.  Would I make it?  I grabbed some paper, stamps, ink, and got to work.  Keeping a simple two-color pallette kept it simple, and the new Marbled background stamp quickly added texture and depth to the background.  I used color only on brushes and tools, creating a great focal point to the finished card.   The sentiment found in the Crafting Forever stamp set fit perfectly as I quickly got to work.  Even with the hand painting of the tools, this card took less than 30 minutes!  And in those 30 minutes, I relaxed, cleared my mind, and was able to go to bed with a light heart and not worry about not finishing what I needed to do for the day.

Do something creative every day...you'll be glad you did!