I love weekends... I can let the girls sleep in and I don't have to rush people in and out of the house first thing in the morning! And I usually get a few hours to myself to be creative...

This morning I made my ATC swaps for one I am participating in using the FAUX DESIGNER PAPER technique. (you can view the tutorial once you log in!) I did alter it a little for the ATC, but the general directions are the same. I used sponging instead of brayer.

Also got a few cards done. I tried for a masculine card today. Since I don't have many of those.

the image is raised on dimensionals!

The next card is using my favorite set (Always - in case you didn't know LOL) and a build a brad. 

and last but not least... birthday cards: I used some scraps of BERRY BLISS designer paper here. Left over from the paint can workshop!

I also made a very cute mini journal with carry case... but I'm not showing the pic here... yet! It's a thank you gift for Karen who is hosting a workshop in Feb! That will be one fun workshop! i have so many ideas and can't wait to share!

Well... I hear the kids roaming the kitchen which could only mean I must serve breakfast now!

Don't forget the BLOG CANDY #3 contest. Check out the blog posting just prior to this one!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Please forgive me for not posting a lot this week. After organizing my room I found myself very fatigued. I was falling asleep before the kids at night and with the hectic schedule this week... I found myself trying to just keep up!

So this morning I tried very hard to get the FAUX Designer Paper tutorial up... I got up at 5am, did the steps, took the photos and plugged it into the computer. Wouldn't you know... the camera battery died and I was left with an almost finished posting.

Tonight (after school, drum lessons, dinner, major (yet shortlived) kids stomach ache) I have finally finished the tutorial. HOORAY!

So take a minute, log in and and take a look! 

OKOKOK... and I promised another BLOG CANDY CONTEST... let's call this #3!

Post your comments at the bottom of this blog and I will draw a winner on Tuesday at noon! Post anything you want... what tutorials you like best, what ideas you like, what you would like to see more of... anything SU (papercraft) related!

The winner will receive an assortment of ribbon! 1 foot each of every ribbon (and fiber) I own! 

Can't wait to see your comments!

I have had a lot of interest in the March Stamp-A-Stack ... so if you want to join, sign up soon! And don't forget our Feb workshop- Stampin' on Shrink Plastic!  

 I hope you all have a great weekend!  it's going to be a cold one here! I am ready for spring... how about you?

(oh BTW: I am so excited! Stacie invited me over to design my very own pendant necklace using my very favorite set - "Always!" It's not finished yet, but I will post the finished product. I can't wait to wear it!!!! 

THANK YOU STACIE!!!) 

After a few hectic hours out of the house... I am finally back! I couldn't wait to get on and finish my earlier thoughts!

Congrats again to KIM L. for winning the Blog Contest. I will post a new one towards the end of this week.

All right. As you read on yesterday's post, I was hard at work re-organizing my studio room. I started around 7 am and wasn't finished until about 11pm!  You should have seen how much clutter I had in there! Well... here... take a look!...

BEFORE PICS (brace yourself)

I am so happy with how my room turned out. The tiny room suddenly feels much more spacious and I have a lot more work space!

AFTER PICS!

So for those who come over to "play" with me... I can't wait to show it to you in person!

 This morning I stamped for the first time in my *~new~* room!!! A few day ago I found these very cute Valentine Pencils at TARGET. 10 for $1 (in the Dollar Spot area up front). I wanted to package them for Abby's preschool Valentines... Instead of loads more candy (I'm sure she'll get tons that day anyway).

 So I measured out 3 pencils and made a holder for them. Added ribbon and a tag that says "love, Abby" on it.

Now you wonder "how did she make the tags????" Shrink Plastic! If you want a hand-on try, come to my Stampin' on Shrink Art workshop . That night we will make lots of different things using Shrink plastic!  This is just one of the ideas!

_____________________________________

 Ok. onto my list of favorite things in the new Spring/Summer Collection 2008 Catalog.

Favorite Stamp Set: Always (111141)

Favorite Hostess Stamp Set: Spring Solitude (level 2 set)

Favorite Color ink and Cardstock: Wild Wasabi

Favorite Designer Paper: Ginger Blossom (110697), Spring Sillhouettes (110271) (tie!)

Favorite Punch: Scallop Circle (can you tell?) (109043)

Favorite Adhesive: STICKY STRIP (104294) - a must for most projects, especially boxes! and Crystal Effects (101055) - for adding beads, jewels,& anything in the pretties kit & for collage 

            I  Wanna try the TOMBOW Multi Purpose Adhesive (110755) - I've heard lots of great reviews on this one.

Favorite  Embellishment: Build-A-Brad (109018)- perfect to use with the 1/2" circle punch. Very elegant!

Favorite Tool: Bone Folder (102300) - A must, must, must for creasing cards and boxes!  Also Love the Paper Cutter (104125)- The SU version has blackwriting (measurements) on white/silver background. So easy to read!

Ok. Those are just a few of what I use ALL the time! If I had to mention everything I LOVE... you'd be reading for a long time.  I can't wait to try some of the products you mentioned... and as I get to know more products, I'll review them for you. (as long as you don't take only my opinions on things). All I know is Stampin' Up carries very high quality products. 

Finally: I just wanted to share a few pics of the Paint Can Workshop! We had a great time! 

Aren't the cans great?!?!  (and the people too?!?!?! LOL)  We had a blast and I can't wait fot the next workshop!

Well that's it folks! I can't wait to get back to crafting! Hope you are having fun too!!!!!

Thank you to all who commented on your favorite product from the Spring/Summer 2008 Catty.

At 11:30am this morning, I printed out the comments and Emily did the honors of picking our winner! 

The winner of the Blog Candy Contest #2 is:.......................................................

KIM L.!

She writes:

HI Allison,
It's funny that your request this week is about our favorite product because I was going to mention this to you anyway!! I LOVE my Color Spritzer Tool (#107066). I have had it for years and use it alot. Since I have the whole set of markers, I can customize it to whatever colors I'm using. This is much easier than the technique with the paint brush. You have a little more control and less work:)

I'm looking forward to hearing other favorite products as well. I hope you post them all. It's fun to see what other people find useful:)

Your site is GREAT. I am using it so much! The tutorials are awesome. I get excited every time you add one! I have tried most of them with success.

Thanks again!!

KIM: your package is already in the mail. you should get it in a day or two!

Here's what she won:

Be sure to click on comments to view the other favorites! And I will be listing my tonight! 

I don't have much time right at this moment to add to this post... sorry... got to get my little one off to school and I had to kick my hubby off this computer to just get this much on...

I will write more later this evening!

CONGRATULATIONS again to KIM! Stay tuned for a new drawing coming in the next few days!