18 December 2011

Christmas Lane Cards



Hi!   Finally my camera cord was located - whew!   So here are some of my holiday cards.....these are some that were mailed out this last week!  They are from my Christmas Lane Kit from SU! {of course!} .....we made the basic layouts at Palooza this year in October, and all I had to do was add some additional details - sweet and fast!  

One thing I shall point out - the top card says 'Best Wishes' - reason I chose that is because the recipient does not celebrate Christmas, but, I am sending her a card just because I do and so I made the choice to use this particular sentiment as it could be for any time of the year as well!  So I am safe in preserving both of our approaches to the holidays :)   

I shall be back (as Arnie would say)....just came home tonight from last night's Holiday Party, so no more explanation needed, lol! 

28 November 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS BOUQUET - Beautiful !

One of our perks as Demos is to receive inspiration from a monthly magazine Stampin' Success which contains awesome projects like this gorgeous PAPER FLORAL BOUQUET in a BOX!!!  

YOU CAN MAKE THIS TOO!

Yes, seriously, you can!  I can!  We all can!
Purchase the list of products and you could make this in time to present to so many awesome people in your life - and ...
it's never gonna fade away! 
ok only if they leave it in a window forever, lol! ...but this is a beautiful reminder of your affection and its a real conversation piece, so your intended will enjoy relating to others how you made it which will bring more joy to them...
so it keeps on giving! 

GET STARTED! Hopefully you have some items in your possession or can borrow some BUT order supplies today and you will have many projects waiting for you to create! Let's Go!
Stamps
Christmas Greetings Set, Gifts of Christmas SetPaper - Cardstock
Garden Green, Old Olive, Real Red, Soft  Suede and Whisper White

Ink
Classic Stampin' Pads: Old Olive, Real Red;  and Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker; and Stampin' Pastels

Accessories & Tools
Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Stampin' Dimensionals, Color Spritzer Tool, 

PUNCHES: Boho Blossoms, Dotted Scallop Ribbon, Extra-Large Tag and
Lace Ribbon, 1-1/4" Circle, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack
BIG SHOT and DIES: Flower, Daisies #2 Bigz Die, Island Floral Bigz Die
Sponge Daubers
Floral wire
Hot glue gun
Pinecones
Silver ornaments

Instructions
To decorate box: 
  1. Punch border from Whisper White Card Stock using Lace Ribbon Punch and adhere to box. Wrap Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon around box and adhere. Wrap Linen Thread around box and adhere.
  2. Stamp flower image in Old Olive ink on Whisper White Card Stock. Stamp sentiment over flower in Real Red ink. Punch tag from stamped card stock using Extra-Large Tag Punch.
  3. Adhere tag to Old Olive Card Stock and cut out.
  4. Punch border from Real Red Card Stock using Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch. Trim scallop border and adhere to tag. Adhere Rhinestone Basic Jewels to tag.
  5. Tie Linen Thread in a bow and adhere to tag.
  6. Punch flower from Real Red Card Stock using Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. Adhere rhinestone to flower and adhere to tag. Adhere tag to box using Stampin' Dimensionals.
To create Whisper White flowers
  1. Cut flower petals from Whisper White Card Stock using Big Shot and Island Floral Bigz Die. Layer two sets of petals. Sponge Stampin' Pastels on flower center using Sponge Daubers.
  2. Spritz flower using Color Spritzer Tool and Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker.
  3. Cut strip of Whisper White Card Stock. Snip card stock every 1/16" and roll into a cylinder. Sponge Stampin' Pastels on snipped card stock. Adhere to center of flower, standing straight up.
  4. Attach flower to floral wire.
To create Real Red/Soft Suede flowers
  1. Cut several layers of flowers from Real Red Card Stock using Big Shot and Flower, Daisies #2 Bigz Die.
  2. Punch a circle from Real Red Card Stock using 1-1/4" Circle Punch. Adhere circle over hole in one flower. Lay flower flat.
  3. Curl petals on remaining flowers and fold in half. Adhere folded flowers around center of flat flower, slightly overlapping. 
  4. Snip Soft Suede Card Stock every 1/16" and roll into a cylinder. Adhere to center of Real Red flower.
  5. Attach flower to floral wire.
To create Old Olive/Whisper White flowers
  1. Cut flowers from Old Olive Card Stock using Big Shot and Island Floral Bigz Die. Cut one petal from smallest flower and fold the rest of the flower to three petals.
  2. Punch flower from Whisper White Card Stock using Boho Blossoms Punch. Scrunch flower and adhere to center of Old Olive flower.
  3. Attach flower to floral wire.
To create Real Red flowers
  1. Cut flowers from Real Red Card Stock using Big Shot and Island Floral Bigz Die. Layer flowers, removing petals from some layers. Curl petals downward.
  2. Fold and distress small piece of card stock and adhere to center of flower.
  3. Attach flower to floral wire.
Additional pieces
  1. Cut thin strips of Garden Green Card Stock and attach to floral wire.
  2. Attach ornaments to floral wire.
  3. Attach pinecones to floral wire.
  4. Arrange flowers and additional pieces in floral arrangement.
IF YOU REQUIRE ANY HELP - ANY AT ALL - PLEASE CONTACT ME!
NOT EVERYTHING IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS HOBBY - AND WE LOVE TO SHARE, SO PLEASE ASK ANYTHING!!!

IF YOU NEED TO PURCHASE SUPPLIES - PLEASE CONTACT ME AS i AM ONLY TOO HAPPY TO HELP!  

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

23 November 2011

WARNING - OVERLY ADORABLE VIDEO - SNORING MOUSE!

* I COULDN'T LEAVE before sharing this video!   My daughter showed it to me last night and OMG!!!  Is it ever adorable!  I don't think it gets more adorable......!



Holiday Card Ideas

Hello! *

I am continuing my trip through my archives today!  I now have a hurt right hand to add to my lost camera cord as another reason why I can't post new projects - I can't "make" any - honestly, some weeks!

So I found these two favourites using our ORNAMENT and SCALLOPED OVAL PUNCHES!
I remember the favourable results I got when I posted these on Splitcoast Stampers - so there you go, lol!

The one difference between the two is that I sponged WHITE CRAFT INK over the design of the top card to achieve that soft, almost frosted look!  I love it! 

The background stamp is from our BAROQUE MOTIFS stamp set - a must have stamp set in my humble opinion.....if only for that flourish alone! 

So please try this design - if you'd like to order both or one of the aforementioned punches - please let me know, I will be glad to help. 







19 November 2011



KICK OFF ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA NOV 21st
with a " 24 hr only "online extra-special deal Monday 21st
and then 
Online Extravaganza runs through till NOV 30th!

This mad-crazy event is all about saving our customers money to jump-start
your holiday crafting - hurray!!  

Be sure to get there first thing Monday to see those 2 special deals!  

love, Taylor

12 November 2011

Winning Designs from Stampin' Up!'s Digital Contest.....WOW!




I was blown away from the talent who entered the My Digital Studio Contest - absolutely!
And it just goes to demonstrate that you can aspire to create your ' own ' beautiful projects for your scrapbook (real or online) and all projects from cards to home decor and gifts!!! .....if you are shown the way!  I might not think to do it this way or that way - and sometimes I might not think I like a particular paper or stamp 'brush' until I see what others have done with it so thank goodness for the internet!!!! 

I have not shown all the WINNERS - but you can see for yourself!
Here is the link to My Digital Studio's web site - click below....
and look to the LEFT COLUMN for the Winners.  Click on a name and you will be shown their creation. 
..Enjoy! 


******

CREATE WITH MY DIGITAL STUDIO TODAY!
TUTORIALS, WEB SITE SUPPORT - and a COMMUNITY OF DIGITAL STAMPERS! 

CONTACT ME TO ORDER YOURS !
PUT IT ON YOUR WISH LIST for the HOLIDAYS and LET SANTA GET IT FOR YOU!!!
CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS!  
.

Holiday Handmade Cards from my Stampin' Up! Archives!

Crafternoons everyone!


Until I find the drat uploading cable for my camera - I thought hmmmm...I know!   I will REVIEW some of my all time fave Stampin' Up! cards and projects I have done in the past - hurray, problem temporarily solved - sweet!


SO here I go....remember, its the concept you can use and substitute the stamps with "current sets" {aha...} or you may have the stamps, as stamp sets shown will be retired by now from our catalogue, so okay, let's start with this one - a really cool folding GATE CARD!   I love - love how these cards can be more than a card, as they make wonderful displays on shelves, china cabinets, dining tables....wow :)


 Here's how it looks tucked into the envelope......a nice scene which was stamped with BASIC BLACK (waterproof) INK and then coloured with our Stampin Pastels Chalks and touched up with Stampin' Write Markers!


I trimmed the stamped image and glued it to the front of the folded card base and then CUT it along the center fold {or if that scares you, cut the image in half and align the cut edges to the fold - then glue them in place!}     Add more cut-out images of holly and berries for interest.   And of course, some ribbon!!!
Our NATURALs CARDSTOCK shown here in Naturals White perfectly adds to the  homey feeling! 

And here it is opened - ta da!

Ahhhh.....nice, yes?   Wouldn't you LOVE getting one - I sure would!


And of course, some magic - glitter!  Not only is glitter nice anyways BUT it will sparkle when holiday tree lights or candle glow will reflect off the glitter surface !!!  Magical! 
You could substitute our MICA FLAKES from our Holiday Mini Catalogue!  And we also carry the tiniest SILVER BELLS in our Holiday Mini - that would be just perfect on the sleigh or horses - or the ribbon knot!!!  

Silver GLITTER Cardstock [ a MUST-HAVEsee our HOLIDAY MINI Catalogue! Also available in Red! ] and Silver GLITTER around the edges really help to make this 'pop'!   My combination of three narrow RIBBON pieces knotted together adds more elegance to create a very special card for someone close to you [or maybe impress the boss? LOL!]

Alright hope you enjoyed today's glimpse into my archives!  

Off for today's errands - have a lovely week-end :)

ox Taylor


10 November 2011

Warm Hello to Maria!

Crafternoons everyone!

I want to say a warm ' hello ' to my new friend and customer, Maria !  

Maria was hostess today and served up coffee and refreshments with a generous smile, and was so very friendly to make us welcome today! And also a nice hello to her sister, Tula!


We made Newborn Mini-Album which I will post pictures of - as soon as I find my camera-to-computer cord!!!  How annoying - I packed it up for Halloween party, and now I can't find where I hid it - oh drat!
Pictures soon I promise!!!


We used the new Nursery Additions stamp set, and a host of punches and Big Shot products to create a fashionable mini-album for the new Moms to enjoy!  So come back to see them please :)


I am taking another friend along - Emily - to our INKS meet this Saturday!  Hi EMILY!!   Its Emily's first time to a INKS get-together, so she is in for a treat! Yeah - its always so nice to bring this craft to new people, that is one reason I love doing this!!!  Sounds similar to what others say - but its true!  Share, share, share this hobby if you can!!!!


AND A BIG THANK YOU TO MY DAUGHTER - for being the love of my life AND for helping me again today - thanks sweetie!


Since I am at it - if I forget somehow, someway  by tomorrow - a huge THANK YOU to our VETERANS in tomorrow's Remembrance Day.....my father was in the army, and he had huge respect for the veterans in his day, so I hope we continue to carry that forth.


Well.....I guess that is it from me right now, hopefully soon as I find that camera cord - I will be right back here posting projects. I have made a video - needs a bit of editing, {a bit, lol}.....so lots to do with the HOLIDAYS - DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING CRAFTWISE THIS SEASON?  Love to hear from anyone with their ideas - or pics to share!!!!


bye for now,
Taylor ")

20 October 2011

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT - GET A BIG SHOT Machine - FREE!!!!





WOW - I am a little ashamed to say that I haven't posted anything yet about this great offer  - so without wasting further time.......let me just say:


HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!!

IT'S REALLY AMAZING TO THINK that " INCLUDED IN
THE STAMPIN' UP! STARTER KIT " is a real, honest-to-goodness
BIG SHOT MACHINE- FREE!!!

So, for a total cost of  $215 [no tax /free shipping ]  gives you the value of $425 in products in the Starter Kit  plus the benefits .....
AND then a BIG SHOT MACHINE FREE 
 - a $130 machine... ($169 incl taxes+shipping) ......
... well, that really is like paying $ 45 dollars for everything!!!!!!
That's astonishing!


To put it into perspective, here is why its so awesome....

  1. 1)the Canadian SU! Starter Kit is already priced well below its 'real' cost!    
  2. 2)  substitute many of the items in the kit for other comparable items in the SU! product line. 
  3. 3) everything is all there - so its a great way to get begin if you are new to this fabulous hobby and/or home business!
  4. 4) automatically includes you for the privileges a SU! Demonstrator receives...i)monthly, glossy, professional magazine loaded with ideas , success stories, helpful advice
  5. 5)  your professional discount on orders!!  
  6. 6) start receiving income on orders
  7. 7) become part of the SU! family - team get-togethers (more fun) and so much more!

And the last time Stampin' Up! offered the Big Shot with the Starter Kit was 3 years ago - so its not everyday this comes along. 
I know many, many people will be taking this offer up....
...and why? 
Because you do not owe any obligation to SU!   The Starter Kit is meant to allow you to start, but "if" you decide it is not for you - you may turn in your Demo Badge at the end of the free trial period - three months - and its all very agreeable!!!!    

I must add that many Hobby Demonstrator who join to receive the benefits and social life associated with SU!, continue because its a lifestyle choice for them and they enjoy it, but many others join and go onto building a successful home business with the flexibility they need because of family commitments, or their primary job - some of us stop and rejoin - there is no one 'particular' fashion or pressure to this - its all up to you, and I hope if you DO decide to take ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER - Please allow me to be your guide, your support leader and friend - so sign up today!  

Contact me: craftroomafternoons@gmail.com

Don't forget - we have till Halloween to be part of this terrific sale! 

7 October 2011

.....my home sweet home!

And moving into my decorating - I went pretty simple, and just added the few decorations we have on hand, plus I added some paper pinwheels I had been making and sprinkled those in amongst the china cabinet and shelving. Sometimes we don't have to do a lot to make an impact!


What is this - a pinwheel?  


Not my best china display - too busy this month but I will have 
much more time for Christmas decorating - yah!


Some cards I did in my INKS meetings! 
I bought a cheap MUM plant, and placed it in my own basket and brought out our little hedgehog!  Plus I switched the framed pictures - away went a beach picture - and in is my ol' Pepper picture with all its embellishment! And that stand will soon hold a pie, yummmm!   [CLICK ON PICS TO SEE A BETTER VIEW!]


This is one of my absolute favourite pieces - a three tiered stand!  I can add absolutely anything - well, almost anything - to this and make a fantastic display with no effort!   And I really bought it to put my collection of wood-mount rubberstamps!  I did do it for awhile until it was clear that it was tedious scrounging around to find 'a' stamp when I needed it, lol!  But it still looked great!!!! 


I always use everyday items in my decorating, such as a picnic basket - and placing a shot of Autumn orange nearby....always works!  Besides I love basket, willow, bark - all that awesome natural material Mother Nature provides us!  

Well I must go - so much to do still!  

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING WEEK-END EVERYONE!
GOD BLESS! 

Mmm-whah!  
OXOX
TAYLOR


....Thanksgiving Week-end and a host of projects!

Here is my finished swaps! {see earlier post}


And an extra card for a special someone who is turning 50!  She loves the sweet-vintage look, and I think my card evokes that for her if I do say so myself!  


And while I was finishing the swap tags, and this card - I was also madly preparing more projects for a display board for this Sat. - tomorrow - and - making a mad dash at decorating our home for Thanksgiving! Whew-wee!  Did I mention our kitchen sink clogged up for two days earlier this week - honestly, where do we fit everything in!?!


So I will make a quick blog post today by throwing everything in - I may have to come back and fill in the details one day or two later as I will be at a crafting event all day tomorrow, and well - you know what this weekend is like, need I say more ladies?  Let the madness begin!


My collection!  There are 10 different techniques on this project!  10! 
I don't do that everyday!!!


See how the effects of our SMOOCH Paint works when you mix it with alcohol and put it in 
a mister?  This angle is meant to show you the spritizing [left card] but when you are looking at 
it directly, its more subtle. 


My special card and my candle belly band! 


A delightful pair!


Here is the candle band from another view - I absolutely love this background
floral stamp!  And when you reduce it to showing only sections - it looks as
intriguing as it does stamped a a whole!  Note the little crimped edges!


Wall Art made with a canvas, and our OWL BUILDER PUNCH! 
I totally had fun making up all different owls - but I did stick to a simple palette 
of colours to miz and match!  Add little flowers and any little girl would love this -
maybe even big girls too!




My stockings!!!!!   Our HOLIDAY STOCKING L DIE for the Big Shot is
sooooo wonderful to play with!!!!   The possibilities are endless!  
I added the 'blades' myself - they are not part of the die parts as you
can see in the picture below.  I also added the lacy doily - I was after a
Vintage Skate look - and the doily was a piece left over from 
last Valentines - way to re-purpose!!! 


.....the wonderful die!
















6 October 2011

Preparing Swap Cards for Palooza!

Good Morning!


This is what I have been doing since about 5am - making my " SWAPS " for our upcoming Palooza.  I had not planned on making any swaps - but since the event was rescheduled, I had a little time this morning to make some. Not alot, but I shall return with an equal amount of cardfronts made by others, and that will be awesome!


For those of you who are new to this craft, 'swaps' is like trading baseball cards ....you merely make up samples in the quantity of your choice or pre-determined amounts involving organized swaps, and off you go and swap with the others attending the same event - its fun!  And you come home with a group of fascinating cards, ATCs, tags (what-ever the type) ...that you can tuck away into your collection album, display board - well, you get the idea!  


There are some prolific swappers out there too - and according to the size of the event they are attending, they will get really busy and make 250 or even 500 pieces to swap!  That'sa a'lotta swappin'!  I think they have to pack a separate carry-on for them to board the plane - but they love it and that's what counts :)


Anyways instead of "quantity" - I am going for "quality" and so I have taken to creating mine using alot of steps - my ' fussy cards ' again!
I have altered the size of a tag cut from my Big Shot and using our TWO TAGS Die - I am so pleased with myself on that one {lol}...and then layering on top of that resized tag, is the actual tag in the size its meant to be - BUT - I have cut a circle in it, and backed that with a square of cardstock that has been stamped with a floral pattern. AND, not stopping there - I used a technique called SMUDGE TECHNIQUE which is where you stamp the design in a dark colour, then re-stamp over top of it in a white ink, then "smudge" it with your finger so that the white ink creates a soft effect with the ink creating a halo around the edges!  Looks great!


But that is just the beginning - because I have gone on ...adding more techniques, in a spontaneous fashion only stopping to make several pieces at once. I like to break it up that way or it gets monotonousness for me and hurts my eyes as well.  I even go away and do something entirely different, then come back and pick up where I left off.


So I am not done and when I am, I will be sure to post the results. But meanwhile - have a great day, it looks to be another great day outside, and I still have grocery shopping to do!


This one is 'special ' ... I goofed it up, so rather than toss it, I have added more to camouflage my mistake!  


what do they say....' a stitch in time, saves nine! '.....well, I am ' stitching nine to save time ' !!! 

And check out my old - really old sewing machine....I just 
sewed a skirt with this, still works! 
Its from 1980.

And at one time, when my daughter was in her "sticker" phase, I discovered she had covered almost every inch of this machine with stickers! Eventually, I scraped them all off and de-gooed the sticky residue off (what a pain that was!).....but I left one or two stickers to remind me of my little sticker urchin, back then! 
Ahh memories! 


The last sticker! 

Toodles!







5 October 2011

My HOLIDAY WONDER 2011 WORKSHOP - COME JOIN THE FUN!

Hey everyone!


It's time!  Time to get our Holiday crafting groove on!  And I have put the perfect  workshop together to help you have fun - first and foremost.....AND set your holiday projects off with a bang!


NEW this year - I am including a rubberstamp set from Stampin' Up! in the price!  The stamp set will be a holiday one - and is new, along with the wonderful opportunity of discovering fantastic projects that you'll be able to do with your stamp set!


Pre-registration is required due to the fact that time is needed to order your stamp set - here are the dates:


NOV 11TH - SPACE STILL AVAILABLE




LAST DAY TO REGISTER for Workshop: Oct 28 for Nov 11th!


WORKSHOP DATES            


November 11 Fri. 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM   


Cost:   $40 includes stamp set and instructions.


All events include refreshments and a demonstration of a new technique/product. There will be a chance to win a Door Prize - and more goodies!
I will have a Display Board so you can see more projects to keep you inspired all winter!


Come and join in the fun - relax and create with others like yourself and come away with projects you will be proud to give to treasured family members and friends!


PAYMENTS can be made in the following:
a) EVENTBRITE - direct and secure online payment   HERE.
b) directly to me - cash, or cheque. Please email me.






CANCELLATION - there is no refund for the pre-registered events but a KIT will be available which includes your supplies and instructions. Pick-up or local delivery. Arrangements can be made to mail your kit for an added expense.  







1 October 2011

World Card Making Day 2011

Well hellooooo!   A large craft event  I had planned on attending today was cancelled last minute - and its too bad for all different reasons, as I could of had a World Card Making Class after all - better luck next year! So I put my new found time to making a more elaborate card  for today!!!




Here is my card featuring a bunch of techniques!

I went over to my Big Shot with some Whisper White cardstock, and using our Scallop Circle Bigz Die - I made the large circle and then embossed it with a snowflake Textured Embossing Folder. Next, I cut out the house - free style - with my craft knife!  To back the house, using our regular Wheel Handle I rolled some musical notes onto kraft paper using Early Espresso Ink... and  used the left-over scraps for the crimped corners! Next I punched out in glittery red and white, a couple of  hearts using 2 separate Heart punches. 
Naturally I distressed the edges of the scalloped circle - first with a smidge of blue ink, followed by the brown ink. Now - to pull it together!

I decided a band behind the scallop circle would 'ground' it better onto the card face!  So I made a bit of a complicated border band!  First I cut a wide band of Whisper White cardstock - about 3 x 8-1/2 inches and  using a border punch, punched out both sides of the banner - THEN - and this is where I had to make life a little difficult - I used our Scoring Tool and created a diagonal 'trellis' by scoring the paper and then "cutting " out the spaces inbetween - not all - but a fair amount of them! Whew!  But I am not done!
To give the card a boost of colour to balance all the red, white and natural kraft tones - I threw in a band of Marina Mist which I scored, and folded accordian style. That was pretty easy, and I glued it onto the red cardstock base making sure it stood nice and stiff because I want  it to support the scallop circle centerpiece  - creating some interesting depth!  Now that is a fair amount of techniques, wouldn't you say? 

So there you have it - a nicely done card for the holidays!  I did a card similar to this awhile ago - and so I just re-visited the theme with tiny adjustments.  That is always nice when you do not have to dream up a whole new idea - just re-work an oldie but a goodie!!!!   

NOW WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY FOR WORLD CARD MAKING DAY????  

23 September 2011

Kitchen Aid, Biscotti and Ice Cream - my wicked pleasures!

A small diversion from papercrafts today.....baking!

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
   I finally took the plunge as I reported earlier this year when I purchased the Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer as my own personal 'birthday present'. Yes, I am that shameless!

But it is on my humble counter and I put it to good use making my lo-fat biscotti recipe!  Recipe to follow!
I LUV it for this fact alone - I have trouble making biscotti because the dough is so thick to keep kneading!! But the KA and the dough hook make it like cutting through soft butter - its marvelous! And so quick!

Honestly - I keep trying new ways to make the biscotti shape - this time, I got super-lazy and just poured the dough on to my large cookie sheet (plus parchment sheet) ...and made one fat loaf!  Afterwards I cut it down the middle, and then sectioned it into the smaller size sections. So it doesn't have rounded corners on both ends - you're gonna eat it - who cares much!  {it saves time!}


Now staring at it day in and day out - I began to turn my thoughts to 'what accessory should we get next?' .....and that is when my guilty logic came into play,
.....the ICE CREAM MAKER!   
" Why we could have PUMPKIN ICE CREAM FOR THANKSGIVING!!!! "

And so yes, introducing my newest 'baby' .....ta da!



Don't they look 'sweet' together - ha ha! 

I'd be really happy to hear from anyone who has one! Please let me know how it is working for you - what recipes you have to make ice cream!!!!  I know its gonna be awesome to make some - can you tell 
I'm excited!  

MEANWHILE
 I have looked up a great video on this accessory from 
a lady who I consider the best presenter - JO RICHARDSON!!
I just adore her videos - I have been watching them to learn about the Kitchen Aid and she is terrific at demonstrating the machine and all its attachements. So check her out!! 
Hi Jo! 




Of course they are only lo-fat if you keep them plain - which I often do not! 
 I will drizzle melted chocolate or add nuts - but you can just add 'flavourings' to keep them at the reduced rate of 2 grams each/for 36 slices. Again - mine are more like 6 grams each because I do not make
the tiny biscotti, but the more Americanized size - longer, thicker. Ummm! 
So make it in your own happy way! They are still better than most choices!  OK, here's the recipe.....!

My ' CLASSIC LO-FAT BISCOTTI  ' Recipe
comes from the Joy of Cooking Recipe Book.


Preparation
Position rack in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
Grease/parchment a cookie sheet.
Ingredients 
Whisk together thoroughly
3-1/2 cups all purpose flour; 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt.  
Beat on medium speed until well blended: 
1/4 cup corn or canola oil; 1-1/4 cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg whites; 
1 teaspoon finely-grated lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon finely-grated orange zest; 
1 teaspoon anise or almond extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla.    

  Gradually stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture until well blended and smooth.  
 [*note - the dough should be moist yet holds its 'shape'  -  if you feel its too runny,  add more flour till the dough is stiffer - if you add too much flour, you can add more oil.  On my first try, I did one log first - then the second I adjusted - as you learn by doing!]

  Shape the dough into smooth, evenly shaped 11 x 1-1/2 inch logs:
 either by - a) wrapping each log in plastic and rolling it back and forth until smooth,
or b) by shaping it with lightly floured hands.  

Arrange the logs:
as far apart from one another as possible on the sheet and press to flatten slightly.  

Baking Stage 1
Bake for 25  minutes.  
Remove the sheet to a rack. 

Baking Stage 2
 When the logs are just cool enough to handle,
 carefully transfer to a cutting board :
cut crosswise, on a slight diagonal, into 3/8 inch  thick slices.
Lay the slices flat on the sheet. 
 Return to the oven and bake for  5-10 minutes.  
Turn the slices over and bake until lightly browned 5 minutes more.
  Transfer the biscotti to racks to cool. 

*Note: personally, I have adjusted the slice thickness and baking times to suit our preferences. We often skip the Baking Stage 2 because we like them a bit more 'softer' than is the European norm. Biscotti are meant to be dipped in a liquid such as coffee, hot chocolate or a glass of milk, therefore the dryness/hardness is a desirable quality. This also means they can be stored for a long time in a cookie jar. 

Enjoy baking biscotti - they make great hand-made gifts presented nicely bagged and tagged! 
Put a couple into a mug - wrap with cellophane and a ribbon/tag!
Or try our NEW Cellophane Bags in our MINI HOLIDAY CATALOGUE!!!







My Thankful Card using a Template, Word Play Stamp Set and Stampin' Up!'s Color Coach!

Crafter-mornings All!

Here as promised, is my version of the template I posted earlier!  

But first - I need some inspiration - and this is how I found it - by looking around the house and creating a small vignette of  what represents 'meaningful - and thankful' to me!  And I found it in an odd assortment of little and not-so-little items just layin' about!  It started with the large origami heart made for me by my daughter when she was about 10. She created it out of poster board - wow, can imagine how hard she was pressing on those folds, lol!  At the time, she gave it to me chock full of smaller origami hearts that each had a promise on it - for folding the laundry, free "anytime with her" (yeah - they know!), etc., etc.  So then I gathered her picture that I love, and my 'second' parents picture in a frame I decorated in the '80s, and my dog's blanket! Oh - and a candle holder my daughter and I stained plus the velvet rose I made for a smaller candle holder. Enough to pull together my theme of love and appreciation!

My inspiration....


I shall scrapbook this picture soon too! 
This I highly recommend - to take visual vignettes for your scrapbooks! 

And here is my card!



As you can see I have followed yesterday's TEMPLATE pretty closely! 
Our WORD PLAY Stamp Set provided the sentiment - this is a very good stamp set to have as it has many appropriate greeting/sentiment stamps in it. 

USING OUR COLOR COACH TO GUIDE YOU WITH COLOR COMBINATIONS!

To gain more inspiration - or to push yourself in NEW DIRECTIONS - and great for BEGINNER STAMPERS - our COLOR COACH from STAMPIN' UP! is excellent. 
Here is how it works.

For my card I used the following:

  Stamp Set: Word Play; Cardstock: River Rock {card base, tag base}, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango and Big Shot die and embossing folder {not shown}: Two Tags and Perfect Polka Dots.

AND...the Color Coach {shown in the bottom right of pic} - which gave me
 my inspiration for my colour choices!  
All you do is flip to the card of the main colour you are interested in - mine was River Rock...

....which is this card flipped open.  
CLICK on pics to see LARGER! 

Now you can see, the card pertaining to River Rock shows 2 COLOUR COMBINATIONS - one is Creative Combination calling for Marina Mist and Cherry Cobbler to be paired with River Rock
The second combination, Sweet Set uses River Rock with Not Quite Navy and Tangerine Tango

Therefore - I used Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy as the main layers on top of my River Rock - AND - 
used Tangerine Tango to create a flower accent - a little pop!  
Of course Whisper White is a good neutral and brings lightness to the whole card. 


So there you are - choose any of our colours, and you can find valuable help 
with the COLOR COACH - the above example is for the colour REAL RED - and the two combinations may surprise you - Real Red, Early Espresso and Pumpkin Pie - that sounds like a delicious FALL COLOUR COMBO while Real Red, Bashful Blue and Crumb Cake would make a
terrific CHRISTMAS combination!  

The COLOR COACH is available for order - you'll be
pleased with it - as it is simply 'full' of great ideas! 
It is in a handy form, easy to read and use! 




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