Hey there, Stampin’ Peeps!!

So….I had high hopes of posting tons of updates from Convention and it just wasn’t possible for me to do so..  I will be sharing info and photos from that awesome event with you in the coming days and weeks.  But right now I want to share some photos of the other BIG event that has been my primary focus for much of the time for the last, oh…let’s see… YEAR or so.  Brittany and Sam’s wedding.

Our daughter, Brittany, married her love, Sam this past Saturday and it was SO incredible. 
There were lots of our family and friends who came to share in the celebration and we feel SO blessed.  It did rain for a bit but there was a “break” in the weather system and the kids were able to get married outside after all.  It was SO wonderful.  Here are a few photos for you so you can get a feel for what the day was like…..

These were a few of the poses from their portraits after the ceremony.  I will be sharing all of the vendor info here on my blog for any of you who may be looking for any of the services they offer.  We had AMAZING service from absolutely ALL of our vendors and we recommend them ALL highly.

All of the photography was done by Charlotte Parish Photography in Stafford, VA.  We had Charlotte and her assistant, Mary and they were fabulous to work with.  They are online at charlotteparishphotography.com  Check them out.

Hey there, Stampers and Friends!

I’m SO stinkin’ excited!  Not only am I leaving for Stampin’ Up! Convention 2013 in just 24 hours….I am posting my very first “Suitable News for You” video.  I can’t wait to hear what you think….
Lots of info…some samples and a new technique for you.  So…Grab a tall, cold glass of your favorite drink, put your feet up and enjoy! 

Wishing you a magical day!
Michelle

Hey there, Peeps!!

Ok….I’m squinting really hard and NOT looking at the last date that I actually posted here on my blog.  Ugh!  I have been in complete “wedding” mode since school ended and I’m sitting here now just 17 days away for the actual wedding day.  WOW!  It’s been C R A Z Y busy but I’ll admit that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  I have SO many projects and just general “stuff” to share with you.  I’m hoping to be able to blog regularly again soon.  I will be going to Salt Lake City for Stampin’ Up!’s 25th anniversary Convention next Wednesday.  (YES!  I AM going!)  Honestly, it will be a great “breather” for me before the wedding hoopla begins the following week.  I promise to update from Convention and share as much as I can with you.  I’ll also post the swaps (what few there are) that I’ve made to take with me to trade for more beautiful cards in return for inspiration.

For now, though, I have a very special “Special” for you….from me.  Check out the deets below and know how much I truly do appreciate each and every single one of you who checks in here for a visit now and again and for all of your sweet comments and support.  You guys rock my socks!

Wishing you a magical day!

Hey there, Stampers and Friends!

I know I’ve been MIA lately but I have to tell you that things here are in FULL “Wedding Mode”.  Wahooo!  July 27th is coming up FAST and I have lots of projects to complete….lists to check off and just plain ol’ “stuff” to get done.  The problem is….there’s only ONE of ME!  What??  LOL

One of the projects I’ve been dying to get completed to share with you is finally ready.  Back in April I was blessed to be asked by Stampin’ Up! to present at the Baltimore Regional Conference.  They asked me to share about my Punch Art and I was beyond thrilled.  My good friend, Rose-Ellen Eastman, was nice enough to video my presentation for me.  I’ve edited it and added photos of all of the projects presented at the very end of the video. I had an absolute BLAST doing the presentation and I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from so many demonstrators that I’ve never even met.  A HUGE “Thank You” to Shelli Gardner, Stampin’ Up!’s founder for her sweet words and support.  Also, “Thank You” to Carrie Cudney from SU! Corporate for calling and asking me to be a presenter.  🙂

So….Here it is….My “Wow!” Presentation…

Wishing you a magical day!

Hey Peeps!

I just had to share a few photos from Brittany’s birthday dinner tonight and a photo of the card I made for her.  The only thing missing tonight was our Sam.  He had to work.  🙁  That’s okay….we sent him some yummy food and cheesecake of course (we had dinner at Cheesecake Factory…one of Britt’s favorites!)

Sassy Birthday Girl

My “stair steps”…Linz, Britt and Zach

Me and my girl <3 br="">

Daddy’s Little Girl

A lot of love from Nannie and Papa

Just the though of sharing that Red Velvet Cheesecake cracked her up!

Good Morning Stampers!

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful daughter, Brittany Danielle!  She’s 24 years old today and in 56 short (really short!) days she will be a bride! (but who’s counting??)

Ok….who’s ready for some fun, new stampin’ classes??  MEEEEEE!!!!!
I’m so excited to share all the new goodies from the New Catalog with you.  Also, I’m going to have time for you to come by and SHOP TIL YOU DROP at my “Happy Retirement Sale”.  I can’t believe how much I have to “send off to a new home”.  Everything will be priced to go so be sure to get there early to get what you’d like.

Here are the NEW CLASSES I’ve added so far.  There are more on the horizon so be sure to stop back by often and check the calendar.

JUST CARDS – Saturday, June 8th – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Class Fee $15
Come and create 5 lovely cards and matching envelopes with new colors and stamps from the NEW catalog.  RSVP no later than Friday, June 7th.  Class is FREE with a $30 order.

KID’S CRAFTIN’ TIME – Wednesday, June 12th – 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Class Fee $15
For kids…Ages 10-15…  Fun craft projects that will introduce kids to the world of crafting and stamping.  Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, June 11th.  All supplies are included.

 SCRAP HAPPY – Thursday, June 20th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Class Fee $15
Come and create a fun, 12×12 scrapbook layout with all the bells and whistles.  You can bring photos or take it home and add them later.  SO fun!!  Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, June 18th.  All supplies are included.  Class is FREE with a $30 order.

KID’S CRAFTIN’ TIME – Tuesday, June 25th – 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Class Fee $15
For kids…Ages 10-15…  Fun craft projects that will introduce kids to the world of crafting and stamping.  Please RSVP no later than Monday, June 24th.   All supplies are included.  

JUST CARDS – Tuesday, July 2nd – **OFFERED TWO TIMES TODAY ** 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  AND 7:00  – 9:00 p.m. Class Fee $15
Come and create 5 lovely cards and matching envelopes with new colors and stamps from the NEW catalog.  RSVP no later than Friday, June 7th. Class is FREE with a $30 order.

Okay…that’s all for now….  Be sure to save your spot before the classes fill up.  I can’t wait to stamp with YOU soon!

Have a magical day!
Michelle

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Here’s a fun, patriotic card to help celebrate the holiday.  I got my inspiration for the design from one of Lindsay’s Disney Trading Pins.  It’s definitely a quick and easy, clean and simple card with lots of impact.  It would be perfect to give to anyone…male or female.  Don’t you think?

I have been trying hard to get into my studio to work this week without much success.  I’m really busy wearing my “Mother of the Bride” and “Matron of Honor” hats lately.  We’re only 2 months away from Brittany and Sam’s wedding and things are really starting to ramp up.  I’m working on their invitations (Yep…I’m making them…) and I need to get them finished soon.  I have about a week or so left before they need to be on their way to the guests.  No pressure!  School is also VERY busy now that we’re in the middle of SOL testing and gearing up for the end of the year festivities.  I can’t wait for SUMMER when I’ll be able to stamp and create.  I miss it SO much!

Now…I need to make sure to tell you some important dates for Stampin’ Up!…  Here you go….

May 31st:  Last day to order from the Spring Mini Catalog

June 1st:  NEW Catalog goes “LIVE”  Be sure to contact me if you’d like to get your very own copy of the 2013-14 Stampin’ Up! Catalog.  It’s AMAZING!

June 3rd:  Last day to order from the Retired List of Products  Just CLICK HERE to visit the Retired List page and see the items that are still available.

There are SO many exciting things happening at Stampin’ Up! and I know it’s going to be an incredible “New Year” with the new catalog and all of the new products.  I can’t wait to share them all with you.

Have you found me on Pinterest yet?  You should!  I pin lots of amazing projects and ideas over there and I’d love to share those with you too.

Wishing you a happy and relaxed Memorial Day with the ones you love.

Stamped Blessings,
Michelle

Hey there, Peeps,

Tonight my heart is so full of joy.  Today was a day I will never, ever forget and I will treasure the memories forever.  Today was a wonderful celebration in my hometown, Fredericksburg, VA.  We had a lovely “Garden Party” themed Bridal Shower for Brittany and Sam and it was just awesome sharing all the love and joy with some of of family and friends. 

Brittany looked absolutely stunning and Sam was handsome as always.  They got some wonderful gifts and I think the reality that their wedding is coming up soon has finally set in…in a GREAT way.  🙂

Today was also an incredible day for another reason.  After the festivities were over, we were cleaning up and I decided to change back into my comfy shoes.  I was sitting down changing them and I noticed Zach watching me.  When I looked up at him he said, “Mom is beautiful”.

I have no words….

I can’t even begin to tell you what it did to my heart.  My son who doesn’t talk said that I’m beautiful.  That’s better than any gift I’ve ever been given and it is an unimaginable gift.  One that I’ll treasure always.

I’m thanking God tonight for all that He’s given me and for sending me a sign reminding me that He’s in control and that He loves me and will never, ever let me go.  I’m feeling blessed beyond measure.

So here are some lovely smiles and wonderful memories from the day…

The beautiful bride and handsome groom…Brittany and Sam

Wiley Kate and Reid – Our lovely Junior Bridesmaids

Linz and my Mom (Nannie)

The “Junior” Crew…Wiley Kate, Reid and Owen – The Junior Groomsmen

A gift for Sam from Mike….”All he needs to know”……a “Yes, Dear” tshirt

Brittany loved it!

My two “little sisters”, My cousins, Heather and Richelle with Richelle’s girls, Wiley Kate and Reid

Two of my favorite people EVER. I grew up with Tecia and Tammy.  They are twins (duh!) and were two of my bridesmaids.  Fun Fact…Britt has twins in her bridal party too!

Britt with Nannie and the Great Aunts…L to R: Frances, Jessie, Nannie, Brittany, Lelia, Betty, Linda, Margaret and Melba

My beautiful children

My new son  <3 br="">

Just the beginning of a wonderful love story….Stay tuned!  <3 br="">

Ok….I guess I need to stop….I have SO many more I could share.  If I haven’t told you lately….THANK YOU for stopping by to check in with me and my family.  Thank you for your sweet notes, prayers and love.  It means more to me….to us….than you’ll ever know.

Blessings to all of you,

Hey there Peeps!  Happy TGIF!!

I’ve been one busy bee this week.  I’m getting things ready for Brittany’s first bridal shower this Sunday….we started SOL testing at school and lots of other odds and ends.  Whew.  I’ve tried to squeeze in some time in the studio but it’s been a little tough.  Last night I stayed up late and made a card because I just needed to get my fingers “inky”.  LOL  I needed to create.  Here’s the card I created.  I bet you can guess what’s on my mind…..SUMMER!

I love both of the sets featured on this card….”By the Tide”(Wood Mount 129117/Clear Mount 129120) and “Feel Goods” (Wood Mount 129681/Clear Mount 129684).  They are both from the Spring Mini Catalog.  Don’t forget that the mini will be ending on May 31st. 

I used the collage technique and stamped the images from By the Tide onto a piece of DSP from the “This and That” Designer Series Paper pack using Tangerine Tango, Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay (NEW), Brown Sugar (NEW) and Coastal Cabana (NEW) ink.  I sponged the edges with Brown Sugar ink to give it a rustic feel.  The sentiment is stamped in Bermuda Bay ink onto Naturals Ivory card stock. (LOVE that paper!)  I tore it out and sponged the edges with Brown Sugar too.

The card base is a piece of the yummy, new Brown Sugar cardstock that was embossed with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder and then sponged with Brown Sugar ink.  (Can you tell that I LOVE that new color???)

I love how the colors blend and just feel like a sweet, summer breeze.  I don’t know about you but I’m more than ready for summer.

If you haven’t gotten the things you’d like to have from the Spring Occasions Catalog, don’t wait.  Time is running out.  Head over to my Online Shop by Clicking Here  There’s a phenomenal NEW Catalog coming, Peeps.  It’s going to ROCK YOUR SOCKS.  I’ll be sharing projects with stamp sets that will be retiring in the next 2 weeks so make sure to stop by and see them.. You’ll want to make sure to get them before they’re gone.

Wishing you a magical day,