WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS VIDEO #20

Well it's Tuesday...and I am just finding the time to post this weeks WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS video..

My niece Simone continues to provide the Weekly Inspirations Cards... (THANK YOU SIMONE!)..and will do s until the Fall...after the Card-a-thon...

This week's video is Weekly Inspirations #20! Can you believe that we've shared 20 of our videos with you already!?

As always.. Simone has created a wonderful group of cards for this video... I always love her folds..and sketches...and the images she chooses to work with...and I think that after you watch this week's video..that you'll like them too!

So now...you KNOW the drill.... scroll all the way down on this page...and turn off the playlist sound so that the blog music doesn't play over the video music...

and THANK YOU GARY..xoxo..for putting together this week's Inspirations Video...

Enjoy!




PS... I would also like to thank Kirstin for the Lovely Blog Award... I recently received this award from another blogging friend....and have shared it with so many people..

Thank you Kirstin...
If you'd like to visit Kirstin's wonderful blog.. you can see it HERE

~PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR CURRENT POST ~ THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT TOP UNTIL AUGUST 16TH ............. LET'S CELEBRATE WITH SOME CUTTLEBUG BLOG CANDY!!

I've been wanting to celebrate my being invited to join the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog Design Team...and thought that some Cuttlebug folders and dies would be the perfect way to do it!

Here's the 2 things that you need to do to have a chance to win:

1.Comment here at this post giving a link to your blog or a gallery us something amazing that you've created with your Cuttlebug

Don't have a blog or gallery..or a Cuttlebug?
No problem...
Just tell leave a post here telling us why you'd LOVE to have the folders...or why you NEED to get a Cuttlebug of your own!

then

2. Link this blog to your blog either in your sidebar or in a blog post (feel free to borrow one of the Candy pictures, if you'd like, to post on your blog.....and be sure to INCLUDE YOUR BLOG LINK IN THE POST so I can come and visit!

and if you'd like....(altho it's no required...take a browse over at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog....see some inspiring and wonderful projects...view one of my Fab Friday Video Tutorials and maybe even try a Challenge....once you visit this blog..you'll be hooked!

And that's it!..
after you've done both of the things above...you'll have a chance to win this super collection of Cuttlebug goodies!

Here's what will be delivered to your mailbox if you're the winner:
* 3 Cuttlebug Embossing folders
Boo To You
Traffic jam
Flower Circle

*1 Four Folder Embossing Set
It's a Boy

* 3 3 x 3 Dies
Dog
Funky Rectangle Frames
Concentric Hearts

* a 2 x 2 Die
Dump Truck

* a 2 x 2 Die set
Paisley

The post for this Blog Candy will remain on top until AUGUST 16th when a Winner will be chosen and posted

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Hop on Over....

Hop on over to the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to watch the video tutorial for the Clear Envelope Photo book posted below...Gary and I had some tech problems with the video (software issues)..so its a bit off as far as clarity goes...but the next one...2 weeks from now should be clear and crisp...

You'll me amazed at how easy this project is...and how versatile too! You can literally make a book for any occasion....any person..
or maybe the next time you go to a wedding or party and take pictures...you can send a set of the photos to the bride and groom..or host and hostess of the party...as a special memento...

As I said yesterday... the possibilities are endless!

And while you're visiting at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog... think about giving the Wednesday "Be Inspired" Challenge a try! This is the ideal weekend for working on a red,white and blue challenge...

If you give all of July's challenges a try and post them at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog ...you'll have a chance to win some of the NEW, soon to be released... Cuttlebug Embossing Folders!

So..hop on over HERE to see the video tutorial...(and yes... that'd be ME.... "tawking"...with the big old New York accent!)...

You'll also get to see the amazing red white and blue projects created by the wonderfully talented Design Team members...

and don't forget to leave a comment and your blog link... after you've made your Clear Envelope Photo book...so that we can all visit and take a peek!

My little project...and lots of others....

This is my first week as a DT member with the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog DT...all of whom dazzle me with their creativity and unique style of creating...

I am a genuine addicted card maker...and I was all set to make a card...and then..thought of stepping out of my own (usual) box....and so... I opted to do something that wasn't a card....and I have to say...my so choosing to do a "non-card" project was fun for me... and the challenge criteria of red.. white and blue with buttons and Swiss Dots left the door wide opened for all sorts of possibilities!....
In addition..some of the DT had the opportunity to work with one of the new release CB folders....and have given you a sneak peek of the Cuttlebug Stars folder..coming out SOON!

My project this week is the little clear envelope photo book...

I chose to do a baseball theme so that I could pass it on to my little great nephew, Connor...so that he can have a special place to save photos from his first season of playing T-Ball...

But my project is only the tip of the iceberg... you MUST take a detour after you leave my blog and visit the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to see what the DT has come up with...

plus...there's a MONTHLY CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT:
For the month of July: participate in all 4 of the challenges for a chance to win some of the new folders that will be at CHA, before they get to the stores.

Now that's something exciting!

So get out YOUR red white and blues...some buttons..and the Swiss Dots folder, if you have it... whip up something fantastic....post to your blog...and then post it at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog (posting it there is a breeze with Mr. Linky !)

I've Been Keeping a Secret!

Yep..I've been keeping a BIG secret..and now I can finally spill the beans!

I've been invited to be to be part of the cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com Design Team!

This is very exciting news for me..especially being that the Cuttlebugchallenge blog is one of my favorite hang outs..and a source of tremendous inspiration for me..with past DT's being so talented and dazzling me all the time with what they create.

I am thrilled and humbled to be on a team with extraordinarily talented individuals....all of whom you can read about..and visit HERE..

I will be working on weekly projects with the team..and will also be working on video tutorials a few times each a month..the first of which can be seen at the challenge blog next Friday

So.... while being asked to join the DT is exciting for me, personally... but the blog itself has lots of excitement going on as well!

The cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com has started it's COUNTDOWN to CHA



so be sure to check in at the cuttlebugchallenge blog to see what's going on...give the challenges a try...and to "be in it to win it" for some great prizes...and be sure to take a peek HERE to see what some of the NEW embossing folders will look like!

I know that once you visit the blog and take a peek at what goes on there..you'll be hooked just like I was ..when I first discovered this wonderful blog!..

Catching up on some Inspiration....

We have been kind of busy lately...and are running a bit behind with the Weekly Inspirations video...

Gary whipped up a quick video and its ready to go...

I think that you'll love the cards that Simone has created for this weeks Inspirations video...

and so...here they are...
(don't forget...scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page...to mute the playlist...so that it doesn't override the video sound)

Enjoy!

Another BIG Thank you!

Today felt like colored image Christmas!

I received the most beautiful colored images from Pat, Misti, Roberta, Sharon and Brandy...for the Card-a-Thon...

I'm sending a huge thanks to each of you..and am so grateful that you've joined the "swap" on Splicoaststampers

....and now it's time for me add your names to the sidebar (to the right)where it says Applause Applause!

Thank you Pat, Misti and Brandy!

GROUP ORDER ~ BULK BUY Clear A2 Envelopes and Clear Boxes

hi everyone..

I am placing an order with some friends on splicoaststampers.. and would like to extend the opportunity to each of you..

(i do not make a profit on this..i am just the coordinator of the purchase)

...from time to time a bunch of us get together and do this (bulk buying)with differnt items..to save $$ and get a good buy....

this is a SUPER buy...half of what it would cost if buying retail..

GROUP BULK BUY clear box and bag info:

heres the box /bag info:

$64.50 (including priority shipping from me to you /flat rate box)
500 clear A2 bags with adhesive flap
125 clear boxes


**we need 10 people to get this number of items at this price...


To check the value of what you are getting by ordering in bulk as a group

basic product info (retail)

Usual retailcost of clear A2 bags/envelope = 4.95 for 50 + s/h and tax
(500 bags via a retailer/catalog would be 49.50 + tax and s/h)


10 for $6
so 120 boxes via a retailer would be $72 (+tax and s/h)


if you're not sure what clear boxes are...you can see them here at this wonderful web site(I love EVERYTHING from this web site and am addicted to their paper and ribbon..not to mention their stamps!!!)
this is the type of clear box we are ordering... http://www.papertreyink.com/pb_clearboxes.html

comparison:

ordering separately from a retailer/catalog
clear bags 500 = 49.50
120 clear boxes= $72
total 121.50 not incl tax and s/h


ordering as a group
you'll receive:
500 A2 clear bags
125 clear boxes
total $64.50 (including flat rate priority s/h)

so it comes to just about half the cost...or it's almost like getting the 500 envelopes for free!

my ordering will depend upon interest... (hopefully 10 people will be interested)..pls feel free to offer this to your workshop ladies..friends etc...
if they are interested.. YOU will collect their $$ and forward it to me..

the ultimate goal is to get 10 orders..
partial orders will complicate things and make it harder to keep the cost at what has been quoted to me..so i am not offering half order options..
if you choose to split an order with a friend..YOU will take care of submitting the $$ to me and delivering the product to the other person

This is a lot of $$ for me to layout.. so i'll ask for payment via check or MO prior to my placing the order..

i think its a great bargain for all of us...

id like to place the order by july 15th...
and will reship to you via USPS flat rate/priority as soon as the order arrives here.

if you'd like to be part of this group order..pls email me at LovesStampin@aol.com

Thank You,Thank You..and Thank You again!

It's time for me to post a huge thank you to numerous individuals who have been so generous and kind...sending packages..envelopes and boxes filled with donations for the Card-a thon.....

These wonderful donations included everything from embellishments...card stock and beautiful prints...as well as colored images..card candy..pre-scored cards..envelopes..ink pads..stamp sets...ribbon..

The list goes on and on...

And so today I'd like to take time to send a HUGE thank you to:

Sandye
Lynn
Arlene D
Rachel
Tina
Grace V
Heidi S
Sharon B

BR...from Grantite Springs,MO(sorry I could not read the name on the pkg)

and also...a gigantic thanks to Susan and the Red White and Blue Card Candy Swappers...for the wonderful countless pieces of magnificent red white and blue card candy pieces donated to the Card-a-Thon via Susan's scs swap...

With the kindness and generosity that you have shown..the volunteers at the Card-a-thon will be able to create LOTS of fantastic cards!

I'm happy to add each of your names to the sidebar to the right under "Applause Applause!"

If you are visiting my blog today..and would like to make a donation of materials (especially adhesives) or colored images for the Card-a-Thon, please visit these scs threads HERE and HERE ...or email me directly at LovesStampin@aol.com

I'll be posting pics of the donations soon!

Thank you, again....everyone!

Life sure can be a Circus

Sometimes..just when you think things are rolling along nicely..smoothly..without commotion....or a hitch...the DRAMA kicks in and the tranquility of the day or the moment is eradicated in a flash..

Tuesdays drama:
(that I forgot to share here..but something that I know my Cuttlebug-Loving friends will appreciate):

I was making cards
...needed to emboss a piece of cs
...got out the Cuttlebug
...got out my embossing folders
...set it up
...starting turning the handle
my machine EXPLODED... yep..it EXPLODED..literally..
the casing of the machine was completely opened up..
I looked at the clock
8:35 pm
I immediately thought... "oh good, Michael's is still opened, I'll run down there for another CB"...
I was thinking...I don't care that I don't have a coupon..I'll pay full price...because anyone who knows me ...KNOWS that I cannot be without my Bug for even a day..
I announced the death of my Cuttlebug to Gary...in a voice reflective of grief and panic.

I looked at the machine..both side panels had exploded off of the machine as if dynamite was inside of it..the top panel was popped off...the handle was jammed.
I saw a piece of card stock stuck in the rollers...(I have no clue where the stray piece of card stock came from...)
I kind of thought that the pressure inside of the machine was too much with the card stock (origin unknown) jamming up the rollers..and that the "explosion" was the machines way of reacting to the internal pressure

so..it was me pulling the card stock in one direction.....and this Herculean strengthed piece of card stock pulling in the opposite direction...

I was determined to win.

(Now I was looking at the clock.. Michael's would be closing in about 15 minutes..)

I managed to get the card stock out of the rollers.. When i finally got it out..it looked like a piece of corrugated paper..completely wrinkled and shriveled up.

I popped the 2 side panels of the machine up..and clicked them into place..and did the same with the top/front panel..

and announced to Gary (in a now elated voice)that my Cuttlebug was alive and well..and working!

Whew.. if you could have seen that machine..with the sides laying down on the counter top...and the font panel popped off..you'd understand the grief and panic in my voice...I thought for sure the machine had died..

I told the ladies at my workshop.crop about it today..and they ALL..in unison..gasped in horror..)
(lol..we cracked up about that..it was really kind of hilarious...)

I am happy to tell you tho..that my Bug made a miraculous recovery.and immediately returned to work..full duty..and is performing as wonderfully as ever...

it was a close call tho...
and one that has served as a source of entertainment for us around here.....simply because we have had quite a few laughs over my love affair with my Cuttlebug..and my reaction to the "close -call" of it almost passing on to the great embossed heavens above...

like I said.. Life can sure be a circus....and this event was center ring...
but the Cuttlebug crisis was only surpassed by the gas -leak that tossed us out into a rainstorm today..during our workshop/crop..

but that's a story for another day...ring #2 of the 3 ring circus that life can sometimes be...