Ah, and the cycle starts again!  It's never too soon!  Here we are at Sparkles Christmas Challenge #108 - with our January "for a child" challenge!  Hope you can join us!
I don't know about you, but our all-time fave activity when I was a kid was sledding - like, giant slogging expeditions that earned you soaking wet jeans and feet, lol.  We used to dare each other to sit on the woodstove for longer and longer and watch the steam rise when we got home, lol - I may have scorched a few pairs that way, lol.  Anyway, this pretty sled brought back those fun days, and I knew I had to use it!  Good times!
So, what will YOU create?  I can't wait to see your creations, over at the challenge!
Alpine Adventure Stamp Set; Wrapped in Plaid DSP; Whisper White, Crumb Cake & Cherry Cobbler CS; Versamark Ink; Shimmer White EP; Alpine Sports Dies; Silver Sequins; Silver Cording; #SparklesForAChild.

Birthday Cards 2020 Class Jan 9 & 11!
OK, gang, time to stock up on our birthday cards for 2020 and get ready for biz!  Class will feature 6 cards with envelopes, all from the new Spring Occasions Catty and Sale-A-Bration brochure, just in time for another circle around the sun!  Are you ready??
Class includes all supplies needed (bring your fave snips and adhesive!) snacks, drinks and a special gift from me, all for $25.  Class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Class is on for Thursday, January 9 at 630 pm, or Saturday, January 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!

Hm, today I'm going to take a stab at marrying up two themes:  Inspire Create Challenge #057's "fancy folds" and The Sisterhood of Crafters' "trees trees and more trees" theme.  Let's see what happens!
I knew right away I wanted to do an easel card for my fancy fold - I love these!  So fun to have a card that stands up on its own, and this time I wanted to try doing an extended scene with it, strategically playing with elements from Snow Front.  I love how it came out!  The outside shows a winter landscape under a snowy and starry sky, then the easel shows all teh foreground in front of the cabin.  It came out just how I pictured!  Hope I have enough trees, lol!
Snow Front & Frosted Foliage Stamp Sets; Night of Navy & Whisper White CS; Versamark. Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Balmy Blue, Sahara Sand & Cherry Cobbler Inks; Shimmer White EP; Snowflake Sequins; #ICC057; #TSOCTrees.

Thank You Cards Class Dec 12 & 14!
With the gift giving (and receiving!) season upon us, it seemed like a great time to have a Thank You Card class - just in time!  Class will feature 6 cards ready for sending out your appreciation after the holidays - we could all use thank you's, right??  And as an extra surprise, all our projects will be designed using all new sets from our upcoming Spring Occasions Catalog (and Sale-a-Bration!)
Class will be $25, and will include all supplies needed (bring your own snips and fave adhesive), drinks and snacks, plus a special gift from me!  This class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Class is on for Thursday, December 12 at 630 pm, or Saturday, December 14 at 3 pm - RSVP to save your spot today!

OK, super cute - check out the mermaid cupcake over at this week's Fusion Mermaid Challenge!  Eek!
Lucky for me, I OF COURSE still have my beloved Magical Day set, which has this super cutie mermaid in it.  I did some coloring to go along with the beautiful inspiration pic Fusion shared, but I mixed up the sentiment using one from Silhouette Scenes - I think this mermaid looks like she's dreaming anyway, lol.  I was also able to give her some waves to float over with our wonderful High Seas EF - which works a real treat now with our new blue plate just for our current 3D folders - $10 is completely worth it to take the guesswork out of how much to shim this beauty, sigh...  This came out super simple, but I'm loving the quiet details - so sweet!
Magical Day (retired 2018) & Silhouette Scenes Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Pool Party & Purple Posy CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Pool Party, Purple Posy, Nude & Cajun Craze Blends Markers; Magical Mates (retired) & Stitched Shapes Dies; High Seas EF; Clear Epoxy Droplets; #FusionMermaid.

Holiday Gifts & Packaging 2019 Class Nov 14 & 16!
It's time once again to celebrate all things Christmas-giving with my annual Holiday Gifts and Packaging Class!  You KNOW I love to spoil you, and this class is all about the giving (and anything left in the Holiday catty we haven't played with yet, lol!)  We'll feature all new packaging projects for all your treat and gift giving, along with the awesome cookie buffet (Saturday only!) - make sure you RSVP early!
Class is only $25, and includes all supplies needed (briung your fave snips and adhesive) drinks and snacks, plus an extra gift from me!  This class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  Class is on for Thursday, Nov 14 at 630 pm, or Saturday, Nov 16 at 3 pm - I can't wait to see you!

It's time again for our monthly Sparkles Christmas Challenge #106 - let's see those Santas!
I went browsing through my retired sets for a good Santa for today - I actually didn't get this year's Santa (I don't like his feet, shhh...)  I spotted 2013's Santa's List, and can't remember when I used it last - winner winner!  I matched him up with some pretty sheets from this year's Night Before Christmas DSP - how perfect is that cookies and cocoa sheet??  Fun AND I got to color, a perfect Christmas gift, lol.
So, what will YOU create for us?  I can't wait to see your Santas, over at the challenge!
Santa's List Stamp Set (retired 2014); Night Before Christmas DSP; Very Vanilla & Crumb Cake CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Real Red, Nude & Smoky Slate Blends Markers; Basic Jewel Rhinestones; #SparklesSanta.

Christmas Countdown Kit Bonus Class Nov 9 at 3 pm!
Woo hoo!  There's just enough time for ONE Christmas Bonus Class - and the new Advent Calendar Kit wins it by popular acclaim!  Come to class for a relaxing time for crafting and chatting, plus some yummy drinks and cookies, and we'll put our kits together in record time!  RSVP to make sure I have enough kits on hand, or bring your own and enjoy the company!
Class is $35, all supplies provided (bring your own snips and fave adhesive), or $10 if you are bringing your own kit!
See you soon!

Oh, good times - As You See It #210 has a "get well" recipe for us this week - cool idea!
Looking over my "ingredients," I decided the time was finally NOW to break out Daisy Lane - woot!  This is a lovely companion set to Daisy Delight, complete with its own punch, sized a bit smaller - yay!  I created a simple card using the fern-ish leaf from the set in the background, and then made a tag with a Stitched Oval.  My get well is from the July 2015 Thanks A Latte Paper Pumpkin - loved this one for the cute cups, but the sentiments were awesome, too, lol. 
Daisy Lane & Thanks a Latte Paper Pumpkin Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz & Soft Sea Foam CS; Memento Tuxedo Black & Pear Pizzazz Inks; Mango Melody Blends Marker; Medium Daisy Punch; Stitched Shapes Dies; Stitched White Grosgrain Ribbon; White Baker's Twine; Basic Jewel Pearls; #AYSI210.

I'm so thrilled I can squeeze in this week's technique challenge from 52 Christmas Card Throwdown #32 - Joseph's Coat!
So, I'm not sure I've actually ever done a Joseph's Coat technique before - at least, not on purpose, lol.  I do like emboss resist a lot, and this seems pretty similar, with a multi-color aspect thrown in.  I decided to try something a little different, and play with the little buffalo check stamp in my new Tiny Keepsakes set, that goes with the new Mini Curvy Keepsake dies - so fun!  I brayered some Christmas-y Brights on white, then clear heat-embossed the stamp.  Another brayer layer in Black, a bit of clean up, and here we go - kind of an ombre plaid, lol.  I like it!  Definitely a candidate for our next Let's Get Messy Class!
Tiny Keepsakes Stamp Set; Whisper White CS; Poppy Parade, Mango Melody, Granny Apple Green, Versamark & Memento Tuxedo Black Inks; Sponge Brayer; Mini Curvy Keepsake Dies; Real Red Baker's Twine; Poppy Parade Glimmer Dots; #52CCT32-19.

Fall & Thankgiving Class Sep 12 & 14!
Ah, it's finally starting to cool off around here, so it's time to start thinking about our lovely Fall occasions - better break out the scarf!  This class will feature six cards all about Autumn, and all from our new Holiday Mini Catty - there might even be a little spooky sneaking in there somehow, lol.  Class includes all supplies (bring your favorite snips and adhesive), snacks, drinks and a special gift from me, all for $25!  This class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  RSVP to save your spot today!  Class is on for Thursday, September 12 at 630 pm, or Saturday, September 14 at 3 pm.  See you soon!

Summer is in full swing over at the Sisterhood of Crafters "play ball" challenge!
So, I keep the venerable Have a Ball set around for all my sporting needs - I think this baby is from 2007!  I'd update it if something close to how awesome this set is came along, but I'm still waiting!  I've gone with a baseball theme today, since we just finished All Stars not too far back, and my hubby is faithfully following his beloved Cubbies for the season, lol.  I did a mixed background panel, and then matched it with Praiseworthy Prose - this sentiment seems perfectly sporty to me!  I'll drop it in the kids section of my cards for sale, I think.  So fun to give this oldie and goodie some field time again!
Have a Ball (retired 2007) & Praiseworthy Prose Stamp Sets; Whisper White, Real Red & Soft Suede CS; Soft Suede, Real Red & Crumb Cake Inks; Rectangle Stitched & Hand Lettered Prose Dies; #TSOCPlayBall.

Art & Silhouettes Class Aug 15 & 17!
So excited for our first focus class of the new catty!  This month we'll zero in on two suites:  the gorgeous It Starts With Art AND Silhouette Scenes!  We'll do three cards in each suite, and class will includes snacks, drinks, and a special treat from me!  All you need to bring is your favorite snips and adhesive, I provide everything else!  Class is $25, or can be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  RSVP to save your spot for Thursday, August 15 at 630 pm, or Saturday, August 17 at 3 pm - see you soon!

Time to party - SU Only #226 is hosting a birthday challenge this week - woo hoo!
I have to admit, when I think birthdays, I can't help but think of cake, lol, so out came our adorable Piece of Cake set!  Who wouldn't love to get a fancy birthday cake like this??  I decided to browse my DSP real quick, and came across this bright sheet from the Follow Your Art collection, so I took my cake colors from this a little.  A tiny bit of sparkle and we are set - quick AND tasty!
Piece of Cake Stamp Set; Follow Your Art DSP; Whisper White & Calypso Coral CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Gray Granite, Calypso Coral, So Saffron & Soft Sea Foam Blends; Cake Builder Punch; Stitched Labels Dies; Iridescent Sequins; #SUOC226.

Christmas in July 2019, July 11 & 13!
You know my philosophy:  it's never too early to start thinking Christmas!  Christmas in July is always our "Part 1" class, and features our holiday stamp sets and goodies from the Big Book - look for Part 2 in October!  Class includes all supplies needed (bring your own snips & fave adhesive!) for 6 cards and envelopes, plus drinks, snacks & a special gift from me, all for $25!  This class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  RSVP to save your spot, for either Thursday, July 11 at 630 pm, or Saturday July 13 at 3 pm!  See you soon!

Wow!  AAA #141 is turning 5!  They're celebrating with an extra long birthday party, lol, can't wait to get in on it!  I think I'll use Inspire Create Challenge #044's perfect versatile sketch to help me along, too!
Now that we're in the new catty, but I'm still waiting for my first order, lol, my pickins' are slim!  I decided to combine my two silhouette sets for this one, and bring these ladies out for some air.  And how about a new dress??  I love this miss from Wonderful Moments - I usually have her holding balloons, but today she gets some flowers!  And my fave birthday sentiment is this one from Beautiful You - the best of everything!  I'm giving my new 2019-20 In Color DSP some air time, too, and I pieced a coordinating dress from Woven Threads.  Even without any ink yet, Purple Posy can get some play!
Beautiful You & Wonderful Moments Stamp Sets; Woven Threads & Purple Posy DSP; Whisper White CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Nude, Cajun Craze, Old Olive & Highland Heather (shh!) Blends; Rectangle Stitched Dies; Faceted Dots in Purple Posy; #AAA141; #ICC044.

2019 New Catty Preview Class June 13 & 15!
OK, shout it with me now:  who's ready for a NEW CATALOG!!!  How about a sneak peak with 6 fun projects, all from our brand new book??  Get a look at all the new goods, and of course, our new In Colors, and get inky with some hands-on stampin' time!  Class will feature 6 all-occasion cards, all from our 2019 Idea Book & Catalog, envelopes, drinks, snacks and a special gift from me, all for $25!  Class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!  RSVP to save your spot!  Class is on for Thursday, June 13 at 630 pm, or Saturday, June 15 at 3 pm.  See you there!

Sketch time again at this week's Try Stampin' on Tuesday #406!  At the last minute, I decided to add in this week's color challenge from Color Throwdown #540 - I needed the inspiration!
I decided to feature another retiring set - today it's teh Eastern Beauty bundle.  I've had so much fun with one, building delicate and colorful patterns and designs - I love all the tiny detail pieces to play with!  The gorgeous Eastern Medallions thinlits really take this one over the top, too, I squeezed in one little shape to show those off, too!  The colors were perfect for adding little splashes of color - good times!  Better get this one before it's gone!
Eastern Beauty Stamp Set; Whisper White, Granny Apple Green, So Saffron & Mango Melody CS; Memento Tuxedo Black, Blueberry Bushel, Granny Apple Green & Mango Melody Inks; Eastern Medallions Thinlits; Rectangle Stitched & Stitched Shapes Framelits; Iridescent Sequins; #TSOT406; #CTD540.

Fancy Folds Card Class May 9 & 11!
I'm so excited to bring on the techniques this month with Fancy Folds!  We'll be learning how to make it fancy the easy way, featuring 6 all-occasion cards each using a brand new idea for some extra fun in the folds!  I promise you will love them all!  Class will be $25, and will include all supplies needed, plus drinks, snacks and a special gift from me!  Class can also be FREE with your order of $30 or more!   Classes will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 630 pm and also on Saturday, May 11 at 3 pm.  RSVP today to save your spot!