No Time To Stamp?

It’s a Birthday Party! — Yes, today is Stamp Simply’s 100th Challenge, so that’s good enough reason to celebrate for me!!!  Thank you ALL for coming to read our challenges, check out our projects and play along with us over the last 100 weeks — we’ve loved every minute of it!!!  So, it only follows that today’s challenge is to make a birthday card — that’s it — how simple and how fun!!! 
 
And going beyond the challenge, we at Stamp Simply ARE having a Birthday Party, and YOU are invited!!!  Today many of the designers who have worked with us in the past in any capacity — Retired Designer, Guest Designer, Party Participant — have been invited to join in our celebration to bring some fun projects and ideas to YOU!!!  We have a wide variety of things going on.  Read the links below to find out what is happening at each blog, then I hope you can find some time to sit down with a nice cup of coffee or tea and start cruising to see what you can find — have fun everyone — and THANKS for coming!!! 

Keyword ssnotime100 - There is no time limit. You can play this challenge and upload your project at Splitcoast and/or your Blog, anytime at all. You (and that means anyone and everyone, blogger or not!) can play as many times as you like!!! The point is to keep it simple, quick and have fun!!! Please link back here.

1. Pat Adam - Christmas Gift Tags with BLOG CANDY

2. AJ - 1 Card Done 3 Ways

3. Janine - A Stress Free Summer Menu with BLOG CANDY 

4. Tammy - Birthday Reminder Book with BLOG CANDY

5. Jennifer - Birthday Card with BLOG CANDY

6. Julie - Card Set in Tote with Directions 

7. Barbara-  Birthday Card with BLOG CANDY

8. Deb- Tutorial on Dying Silk Ribbon Using Copics and Refills

9. Jenny- Birthday Card with BLOG CANDY

10. Jerri - Birthday Card and Tutorial on Hand Embossing with Light Box

11. Joan- Birthday Card and Etched Glass with BLOG CANDY

12. LeAnne - Birthday Card with Glitter

13. Barb- Birthday Cake 3-D Gift Item with BLOG CANDY

14. Darlene - Birthday Card with Special Recipe

15. Rose Ann- Birthday Card with BLOG CANDY

16. Leslie - Gift Tin of Soaps with Coordinating Card

17. Heather - Birthday Card

18. Sabrina- Birthday Card with BLOG CANDY

19. Sharon- THAT’S ME!  Monogrammed Birthday Gift Set with BLOG CANDY

Please bear with us as we are all uploading and linking on Thursday night. Everyone should be uploaded by Friday morning.  Thanks, girls!

You can see all SCS Gallery Submissions here.

And my creation for today is not a birthday card, but a GIFT that could be given as a birthday present — a simple trio of monogrammed cards — who doesn’t LOVE monograms!  Take a look:

Aren’t they pretty and fun, using some new SU DP I got — Cottage Wall.  My Moss Silk Ribbon went perfectly with this DP and the fun prints just screamed for a girly monogram, so I chose to use my FAV monogram border, Damask, and I used the Curlz Font for the initial in keeping with the light-hearted feel of this paper.  I’m happy with the results!!!  SU cardstock used is Whisper White, Orchid Opulence and Old Olive.  SU ink used is Rich Razzleberry.   Also used the SU Corner Rounder and Dimensionals.

Here’s a better look at the monogram. Easy to do — all stamped in one color ink, cut and matted with my Petite Circle Nestabilites, embellished with Kaiser Rhinestones and crowned on top with a Moss 100% Silk Ribbon Bow made with the Bow Easy.

This was a super easy and quick ribbon treatment — and I think it is SO flirty and fun!!!  I adhered my length of ribbon with heavy double sided tape under the monogram, ran it up and over the panel top, adhering on the back of the panel.  And see how it is then shirred at the bottom, just above the monogram?  I did that by running a piece of the same colored silk in 1/4″ under the ribbon, then drew up the tails and tied it tightly to shir the ribbon.  I then turned that 1/4″ ribbon so my knot ended up under the 1.25″ piece.  Then, after making my bow on the Bow Easy, I glued it into place using Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue and I was DONE!!!

Shopping:

The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store carries the following items used to make this trio of cards:

Curlz Deluxe Monogram Kit (for font) and the Damask 1 Letter Borders (for the border), OR any of the Monogram Kits work for this type of card, all by JustRite

Moss 100% Silk Ribbon in 1.25″ and 1/4″ widths, by May Arts

Bow Easy

Hope you liked my trio of monograms!

______________________________

Now, since this IS a PARTY, we’ll move on to the BLOG CANDY I am offering.

The Blog Candy winner will be drawn at 6:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 18.  I am offering the winner $20 of ribbon, their choice, from The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.  To enter, merely leave a comment below, telling me which type of ribbon either IS your favorite, or what type of ribbon you are looking for but can never find.

Here’s how it’ll work as we will have people commenting to be entered for the Blog Candy, plus people will be commenting to provide the link for their card — and that’s OK — both types of comments are welcome.  ONLY 1 comment trying for Blog Candy, BUT if you also play the challenge and link your card, THEN you get to make a 2nd comment, providing us your link.  SO, that means if you make a card or project for the challenge, you get to comment twice, giving you DOUBLE the chances to win!!!  How’s that for incentive to play — no cheating — only double comments allowed from challenge players.

OK, I guess that’s it — NOW, on to all those links above — you will see some DYNAMITE projects!  Thanks everyone, SO MUCH, for coming!!!  What’s a party without friends — so glad you stopped in to celebrate with us!!!

And remember, JustRite releases all the new Christmas sets next Monday.  Be sure to check back in for the JustRite Christmas Blog Hop on Monday.  I’ll be playing, for sure!!! You can follow all the fun at the JustRite Blog this week as they sneak peek and offer Blog Candy as well.  The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store will have Christmas sets available for purchase next week — fun stuff!!  Can’t wait!!!

Hi everyone - I’m FINALLY back! I was here and ready to go yesterday, as promised, but, wouldn’t you know, my Blog was down. I guess the powers that be were making improvements, so that is a good thing. I think I’m up and running normally now - I guess I’ll see if this works!!!A Bow Easy Update: Many of you have written during my computer down-time asking to be put on the waiting list. REST ASSURED, YOU ARE ON THE LIST, even though you have not heard back from me. I got in shipments #2, 3, and 4 of the Bow Easy and have been busy billing and shipping. I will get to you all as soon as I possibly can, I promise! I am billing in order of request received. I am still on May 7, almost to May 8 — just to give you an idea. I am approaching the end of those who were told they’d be on shipment #2. Once billed, I am shipping in order of payment received, trying to ship all within 24 hours of payment made –so far, so good! I ask for your patience — this has turned into a monumental job that I did not anticipate! But it is fun!!! I just can’t wait till I have time to cruise the galleries and blogs to see what you all are doing with your Bow Easy templates!Dont know what the Bow Easy is read here and here. You may still request to be on the waiting list by emailing me at ssj@up.net. And, YES, I ship to Canada, UK, Australia, Sweden, etc.On a personal level: This weekend we helped our oldest son move away to his new job. It was fun, extremely busy, and sad at the same time. We are so proud of him andfeel so blessed that hewas able to secure employment during these times.We praise the Lord for that! And on a sad note, while we were gone my Dad ended up in the hopsital with a very seriousemergency surgery and has been in ICU for many days. He is now ready to be moved to a regular room and things are progressing nicely, so again, much to be thankful for and weoffer Praise to the Lord once again!!! If you could please keep him in your prayers for continued healing — I’d sure appreciate it!!! Thank you!!!Helpout a good cause: My good friend, Tammy, is involved with a cause to benefit Alzheimers. Read her post here to see what it’s all about and how YOU can help!!! Thanks!!!Now on to the Blog Candy: Since I don’t have any new cards or projects to share with you, I did have a nice little pile of brand new, but soon to be retiring, product by JustRite, so I pulled out two of them to offer today as Blog Candy.

I am offering the Chique Stamper Kit (this is one of the automatic stampers) and the Harmony Classic Oval Stamper 1 Ensemble. These 2sets are interchangeable with each other. Included with these boxed sets you will receive a total of 10 borders and centers to fit the smaller oval wood stamper (included) and the Chique Stamper (included). You will also receive a 296 character Brayton Font Set included, in 3 font sizes. A reversible ink pad is also included with the Chique Stamper, along with a How-To booklet on monogram etiquette.

You may view the Design Galleryat the JustRite site for inspiration and be sure to check out all of their other fun sets, both current, brand new and retiring (with some GREAT prices).

This Blog Candy will be drawn on Thursday evening (5/21)and the winner will beposted with the Stamp Simply Challenge about 11 p.m. To be in the drawing, all you need do is check out the JustRite product and leave me a comment telling me which is your favorite set, or type of set (ie., monograms, font sets, colorable images, etc.). I’m just curious to see what you all are liking!

What’s next? Well, for this weekend I need a baby shower card, about 8 graduation cards and a birthday card. Well, it’s going to be tough to get those done, for sure, so you can BET they’ll be SUPER simple — LOL!!! Check back to see whatI come up with!!! And thank you all so much for your patience with me!!! Muchappreciated.Oh, and I shouldn’t even say a word till I try it out, but I have this idea in my head for another, totally different, use for the Bow Easy — just haven’t had time to try. But I REALLY do think it’ll work — I’ll try to get to that this week, too!!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!! Thank you so much for stopping in!!!

The winning number picked by random.org for the Blog Candy offered here is #116, who is Jean. Congrats! Jean!!! Here’s what Jean had to say:

“Sharon, oh, where to begin..first of all I ALWAYS love your work. I think the lilac card is fabulous, along with the other cards you made with the cotton scraps. I too am a ribbon lover and would love to buy one of everything you have. When I am near a ribbon counter, I am like a child looking in a candy store window.Anyway to get back to your original request, I could not pick just one color scrap so I will tell you the ones I really love.flowers, winter, and feathered friends. Once again Sharon, thanks so much so sharing your fantastic work. Happy Day! Jean”

Well, Jean, you’ll have some Silk Ribbon and some Cotton Scraps to play with real soon!!! And thank you to everyone else who played along!

And FYI, the most favored Cotton Scraps were Flowers, Feathered Friends and Winter as the three top picks. The rest all got pretty much equal billing, but these 3 were undoubtedly the top preferences!!!

Another FYI, most of you are missing out on another Blog Candy I have offered — but you had to read to find it — I always love a good game — LOL!!! That one is up on Thursday night. It’ll be announced in the Stamp Simply Challenge post!!! Good luck!!!

One last FYI — I actually got a card made tonight, after like 6 nights — boy, has it been busy around here –it’sposted above, or click here — thanks much!!!

I’veadded a wonderful product to organize ribbons tomy stamp room and to myitty bittyStamp Simply Ribbon Store (I started a new TAB above my blog header for tools), and I couldn’t be more pleased — the Ribbon Ring. I purchase all my ribbon on spools, but those spools do go empty and and I’m left with shorter pieces, and I know many of you purchase your ribbon by the yard. There are many different ways you girls organize your ribbon, and I just wanted to share this in case you haven’t seen it. There were some great reviews on this product on Craft Critique not too long ago, so check them out if you like.

Here are a few of my ribbons on the Ribbon Ring. The tags for ribbon come in two sizes - standard and jumbo — and then they hang on rings. How cool (and organized) is that! The slots in the standard tags are 1 1/8″ wide and the slots in the jumbo tags are 2″ wide. The recommendation that came from the manufacturer of the Ribbon Ring is to cut your ribbon into a manageable length (which they considered to be 1 yard), hangyour ribbonon the tag, and then mark the tag with an inventory dot (provided) to show that you have more yardage on a spool in storage (if you do). Well, I was convinced that I could easily hang pieces longer than 1 yard on the tags, and I easily did. Here’s some samples:

These are the standard tags at 1 1/8″ wide. I have easily hung a 2 yard length of 7/8″ wide gingham on the tag. On the next I have hung 2 yard lengths of 2 different 3/8″ wide stripes and a 1/4″ wide silk, for a total of 6 yards on this one standard tag. My next tag holds a 4 yard length of 1″ sheer ribbon.

These 5 tags are all the jumbo tags, at 2″ wide, which work better for my wider ribbons. The first holds 2 yards each of 1.5″ wide stripes and 3/8″ stripes, for 4 yards total. The second holds 2 yards each of 7/8″ gingham checks, again 4 yards total on the tag. The next is wide and narrow gingham (1.5″ and 3/8″), 2 yards each for 4 yards total. Dropping down I have the 1.25″ silk and 1/4″ silk on this tag. I only have 2 yards of each, but the silk is so fine I could have easily fit more yardage onto the tag. My last tag holds 4 yards each of 2 different colors of 1″ sheer, for a total of 8 yards on the tag.

I have the Ribbon Rings available in the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, Page 2in 3 different sets. I also have rings available in 2″ and 3″ sizes. The ring shown in the photo above is 2″. It will easily hold 30-60 tags. Some may like to organize their ribbons with all tags of the same color on one ring, others may prefer to organize with all the same type of ribbon on one ring — the choice is yours!

Anyway, just wanted to share and offer them! I’m thrilled to pieces with my Ribbon Rings!!!

Life has beenunusually busyaround here lately, and since I don’t have a new card to show you today (as much as I tried to get to it), I thought it would be fun to share with you projects by some fabulous designers who are using May Arts Ribbons from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. Here are a few today:

Rebecca Ednie created this fun and nostalgicvintage themed card using the 1.5″ wide striped ribbon as a part of her design — just love this one — totally charming!

Maren Benedict created a really simple Christmas card (just my style!) using Cosmo Cricket Paper and some of the 7/8″ gingham checks. Fun and simple card filled with holiday spirit! Just love it! And we can NEVER start too early!!!

Julie Campbell, using Unity Stamps, created this fun school themed card using the 7/8″ gingham checks, and

Julie Campbell also did this darling project with Matryoshka dollsusing stamps by My Cute Stamps, using both 1.5″ wide stripes and checks. Love her use of these wide ribbons!Both of Julie’s projects are just darling and fun, fun!!!

Michelle Woerner created this floral beauty using Verve stamps and my absolute favorite ribbon, 100% 1.25″wide silk. Michelle’s card is gorgeous and her bow just makes me drool!

Jenny Gropp shows a fun use of the 3/8″ gingham checks on this fun-loving card using stamps by Repeat Impressions. Tons of visual interest on this humorous card! Way to go, Jenny!!!

JerriJimenez WOWS! us all once again with this incredibly detailed, soft and beautiful Mother’s Day creation. Her gorgeous painted images are the combined handiwork of both Jerri and her mother — a most interesting story that led to the creation of this exquisitely beautiful project!!! Jerri used the narrow 1/4″ silk ribbon for her lovely little bows.

Thank you ladies, for allowing me to share your beautiful creations here today!!!

And thank you all for stopping in today. And although it is not announced above, if you’ve been sweet enough to read to the bottom of this post, I will be giving away one Ribbon Ring Starter Set to a lucky commenter picked by a random number generator on Thursday evening. The winner will be announced when I post the Stamp Simply Challenge late Thursday night! Thanks for stopping in, and I DO hope to get a card made by tonight — I’ll surely try hard — LOL!!!

Also, yesterday’s post containing Blog Candy is still active!

…Blog Candy. Cotton Scraps by Crafty Secrets and Silk Ribbon by May Arts are a wonderful combo, but when we add the Candy, they all could be yours!!! Let me explain why I’m celebrating with this Blog Candy offering. Many of you know that I’ve been selling May Arts ribbon at the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store (real creative name, huh?), which is located on the TAB above my blog header. It’s just a simple little store with some ribbon that I love and use daily. I got so many questions always on my ribbon and bows, I just thought you might like some of what I use, so that’s how that got started. Well, my store will remain primarily ribbon, but from time to time I will be adding a few things that go well with my beloved ribbons, and right at the top of that list are the Cotton Scraps by Crafty Secrets. I have just added them to The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store where you may see them all. You’ll have to scroll all the way to the bottom, but they’re worth the scrolling!!! And here’s my Blog Candy offering today:

The winner will receive one sheet of Cotton Scraps (Flowers), along with the card I made about a week ago using the Lilac image from this sheet (card details here), and 10 yards of 1.25″ wide 100% Silk Ribbon by May Arts. You’ll get 2 yards each of the 5 colors shown in the photo (Violet, Lavender, Pink, Celery, Yellow). To enter all you have to do is leave a comment, telling me which of the Cotton Scraps (seen here, scroll down) is your favorite. Then come back HERE to comment. That’s it. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on Wednesday night (4/29)at about 10 p.m.EST. Good luck and have a great week! I’ll be back soon with a new card to show you!

If you’d like to see more samples of cards I’ve done with Cotton Scraps, just click here.

P.S. — Playing around withmy Blog Header — gosh, I had no clue it was so easy to change it — fun!!! Now you might see it changing all the time — LOL!!!

Welcome to Day7 of Stamp Simply Celebrates! If you are new here, check out Party Central for a full rundown of our 12 day schedule. Feel free to jump in anytime at all!!!

Anyone can play ANY of the challenges by ANY of the hostesses during our 12 days of Stamp Simply Celebrates!!!You DO NOTneed to have a Blog to play uploading your project to SCS (Splitcoaststampers.com) is not only permissible, but HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. When doing so, use the KEYWORD SSC08. Thanks!

Susan Roberts - Rainy Day Creations - How often do we give Gift Card Holders? Well, if youre like me, probably a lot!!! Susans Featured Project today shows us a quick gift card holder to make and she Challenges us to make our own, using her template or your own. Susan also has a BLOG CANDY offering today. You wont want to miss this, so be sure to visit Susan today!

You can see some more wonderful samples of gift card holders from Susan’s designers by checking out these blogs: Janine, Jennifer, Darlene, and AJ

Dee Jackson- Stampin cuz I Luv 2 -For her Featured Project today, Dee puts together some gorgeous Packaging for YourFood Items how fun!!! Her Challenge today provides many beautiful samples for you to see and to be inspired by so you can prepare your own packaged delectables for those on your gift list. Be sure to stop in at Dees today to see the sweet treats she and her designers have prepared for you!!!

You can see more beautifully packaged food gift items by checking out Dee’s designers at these blogs: CAT, Jennifer, Darlene, Heather and Barb. I have a packaged food item as well, and you can just scroll down to see that!

Susan Roberts - Rainy Day Creations has a blog candy offering today in addition to her challenge listed above.

Sharon Johnson - No Time to Stamp? - Thats me with more BLOG CANDY think specialty papers and just keep looking, because here it is:

Today’s Blog Candy was graciously donated by Marco’s Paper. From reading past comments I realize many of you are familiar with Marco’s Paper, but I wasn’t until a few months ago and, oh my goodness, what a store!!! Totally filled with paper and supplies for any paper crafter!!! Today we have from Marco’s Paper15 sheetsof the Accordion Cardstock that I used on this post the other day. It is 5.5″ x 25″ and makes doing accordion projects so easy. We also have a pack of 1/2 sheets of the Mirri Reflective Card that I’ve been using so much lately - OH, do I LOVE this paper. If you’ve never used it, you’ll be in for a treat! It is highly reflective — truly a mirrored surface — and it works up SO nicely into pretty, elegant cards. It adds such a richness and class — I just love it!!! It comes in a large variety of colors and this pack has samplings of them all. I did open my pack and have it spread out so you can see the colors. And you can also see in the photo how highly reflective it truly is! Also we have a package of 50 White Announcement Envelopes in A-2 size. THANK YOU MARCO’S PAPER!!!! MUCH APPRECIATED!!! And in doing these links, I just noticed their announcement on the home page about FREE shipping with a $50 purchase through Dec 15 — that’s Monday!!! Just letting you know!

To be entered for this Blog Candy drawing, all you need to do is comment below and tell me what type of paper you usemost often OTHER THAN standard cardstock. Nice and simple!!! This post will be closed for Blog Candy entries at 6:00 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008. Shortly thereafter a random winner will be selected by random.org. The winner will be posted both on this thread and at Party Central. OK, now on to my project:

I played in Dee’s challenge today to come up with ways to attractively package gifts of food. Food gifts are SO totally practical and I think always appreciated, so it’ll be fun to see what everyone comes up with! My project today is SO simple. I took an already pretty bag of Ghirardelli Chocolate Peppermint Coffee. It was done in candy cane stripes of red and white which, much to my glee, was the EXACT same color as the red Mirri Card that I wanted to use today!!! AllI did was wrap with ribbon, attach my Merry Christmas sentiment medallion, hang on a tag, make a simple card to match, and DONE!!! It turned a lovely, but simple, bag of coffee into a WOW gift item!!!

The sentiment medallion is made with the Christmas Ensemble by JustRite, using the Harmony Classic Circle Stamper III, which happens to be my favorite size. And JustRite is having a sale now, until the 19th. Check it out here. I am disappointed in my photos of this project. The Merry Christmas is embossed in a mixture of SU Gold Detail Embossing Powder and Dazzling Diamonds. It is SO GORGEOUS IRL, and in these photos it just looks like I’ve stamped it with brown ink and didn’t even get a good image — so NOT true!!! I apologize for that, but my photo abilities are quite limited!!! Anyway, just believe me, it is a soft gold with a bit of Dazzling Diamond sparkle!!! Very eye-catching!!! That is layered onto a circle of the gold Mirri Card, then onto a layer of candy canes which is a border in the Christmas Ensemble, then finally onto the scalloped layer made with the Red Mirri Card!!! It’s SO pretty!!! All the cutting and embossing was done with my Petite Circle Nestabilities by Spellbinders in the Cuttlebug. This Mirri Card, though heavy, cut like butter!!!

The For You ornament tag on top probably took a minute or less!!! And HOW pretty!!! I used my coordinating ornament die and embossing Folder for the Cuttlebug. I first cut the ornament with the die, then inserted it into the folder and ran it through. Made with this gold Mirri Card it looks JUST like a real ornament! Again, the Mirri Card ran through with the Cuttlebug die and folder with no problems. It has the heavy weight I love and still works like a charm with all my tools!

Here’s the card I made to coordinate. To make my candy cane border, I colored the border stamp from the Christmas Ensemblewith my SU markers in red and black, stamped it, then colored in the flowers with my Spica Glitter Pens by Copic, using Gold, Red, and Olive. And on the card I added this strip of ribbed Mirri Card. Another quick dress-me-up idea that is so effortless. Here’s how I did it.

My strip is 1.5″ wide. This was just a scrap left over. Using my Scor-It, I quickly and easily embossed it (scored it) every 1/4 “. So easy to do with the well-marked ruler on top. Just score and keep moving it over 1/4″ at a time. LOVE the rich look it adds. And again, this Mirri Card is quite heavy, but my Scor-It scoring tool glided over it making a perfect score with no effort at all. When you do this, be sure to start with a longer piece of paper than you need. Remember, as you score, it eats up length and you end up with a shorter piece. Start long enough, then cut off what you don’t need when all is said and done!

And that takes care of today’s project!!! Hope you liked it — it WAS so super fun, simple and quick!!! It would be great to do up a few of these just to keep on hand for those surprise visitors or extra gifts we so often need at the last minute!!! Sure to please!!! Thanks so much for stopping in again.I truly DO appreciate it — more than you know!!! Hope to see you again tomorrow as the fun continues throughout next week!!!

And the winner selected by random.org is #24, who is Michelle!!! Congrats, Michelle! Here’s what she had to say:

Michelle

That mirror paper is incredible! I love what youve done with it, Sharon!

Dec 7, 1:31 AM

Thank you so much, everyone, for playing along — much appreciated!!!

Hi everyone!!! So glad you are stopping in — we have SO much lined up over the next 12 days. The schedule is full and we welcome you all to take a peek. Thecomplete schedule which we are calling PARTY CENTRAL is located at the TAB above my BLOG BANNER — look way UP — click there and you will see our full schedule of events for the next 12 days. You can refer there at any time. Right now all links lead to the Blog URL’s — but as the scheduled posts go live daily, the links will be changed appropriately.Once at Party Central,please take a moment to read about our KEYWORD for SCS uploads(SSC08) and our Rules of Blog Candy Netiquette. Thanks so much!

Anyone can play ANY of the challenges by ANY of the hostesses during our 12 days of Stamp Simply Celebrates!!! You DO NOT have to have a Blog to play — uploading your project to SCS (Splitcoaststampers.com) is not only permissible, but HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. When doing so, use the KEYWORD SSC08. Thanks!

The main attraction today to get us started is over at Janine’s Blog, 2bKrafty. Janine’s creativity on this one was way over the top — be sure to check it out — it involvesher lovely Featured Project, a Challenge, AND Blog Candy!!!

In addition to Janine, above, the following girls have some GREAT Cookies, recipes and packaging to share with you: Jennifer, Darlene, Deb, AJ, Barb, Jerri, LeAnne.

And I have some Blog Candy today, too!!! The Blog Candy I am offering was very generously donated by JustRite. Here it is:

The winner of today’s Blog Candy will receive, direct from JustRite, the Curlz FontEnsemble which contains 3 different sizes of font in handy stackable storage trays, plus the Harmony Rectangle Stampers. They come 2 in a box, one large and one small, as shown in the photo above. To be eligible to win, merely leave a comment on this post telling me what it is about the JustRite product that MOST appeals to you — for example, the ability to do monograms, the snap in grids, the comfortable to hold wood stampers, the variety of font available, etc., etc. Inquiring minds like to know — LOL!!! This Blog Candy post is closed for entries at 6:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, Dec 6. Shortly after 6:00 a winner will be selected by random.org. The winner will be posted both on this thread and at PARTY CENTRAL.

OK, now on to my project for today. In keeping with the spirit of Janine’s Cookie Recipe Exchange Challenge (see details here), I wanted to play. I made some cookies, that I’ll show you in a bit, but first here is the little treat bag I made to put them in. This bag is fairly small measuring 2″ x 3.5″ with an overall height of 4.5″; however, the part that holds the cookies is only about 2.5″ high — you’ll see when I show more pics, but here’s the first:

I made this bag easily with my Scor-It, using SU Holiday Treasures DP, the Baking Ensemble by JustRite for the heart shaped focal image, Curlz Font by JustRite for my name tag, and some 1.5″ wide ribbon and some baby rick rack. I used my Petite Circle Nestabilities to cut, emboss and frame the focal image and a Tags die, also by Spellbinders, for the name tag. A SU 1 1/4″ punch was used on the bag to form the handle. A tiny gold safety pin holds the tag on the ribbon. SU Riding Hood Red ink was used.

Here’s a side view of the bag. 4 of my cookies, shown below, fit perfectly in this little bag. I think this bag would be just perfect for a little gift of cookies, or anything that fits in it for that matter. It would be lovely to give to a teacher or friend, and many of these filled with goodies on a table would make perfect table favors and/or place cards for the table. Fun for everyone!!! And now, here are my cookies to go inside:

These cookies are called Bon Bons, and I never made them before. But I wanted to include them here as I remember these cookies so well from my childhood. My Mom made them every Christmas, with a cherry in the center and pink frosting. I will say my Mom’s were perfectly round and much prettier than my first attempt, but the taste is absolutely the same — just yummy!!! I had to get the recipe from my Mom, so she just gave me the old cookbook they were in. It appears to be a promotional book put out by Gold Medal. It says this recipe was from Mrs. Joseph J. Wallace, high in her Rocky Mountain home near Whitehall, Montana. Delicious cookies!!! Here’s the recipe:

BON BON COOKIES

From: Sharon Johnson Original Recipe by: Mrs. Joseph J. Wallace, Whitehall, Montana

Mix thoroughly: cup soft butter; cup sifted confectioners sugar; 1 Tbs. vanilla; Food coloring (if desired)

By hand, mix in: 1 cups sifted Gold Medal flour; 1/8 tsp. salt

If dough is dry, add 1 2 Tbs. cream. Wrap level Tbs. of dough around filling. Place 1 apart on ungreased baking sheet and bake until set, but not brown in a 350 degree oven (12 15 min).

Dip tops of warm cookies in icing.

Filling possibilities: Well-drained maraschino cherries, pitted dates, gumdrops, or tsp. mixture of 1 sq. unsweetened chocolate, melted, and cup shredded coconut.

Icing: 1 cup sifted confectioners sugar, 2 Tbs. cream, 1 tsp. vanilla, food coloring, if desired.

As for the HOW TO on this box/bag, it is made with one full 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper. Using the Scor-It, score 2.5″ in along the 11″ sides, and score 4.5″ in along the 8.5″ sides. It’ll look like this:

On this box/bag there is NO cutting or slitting to make tabs. It is all just in the way it is folded. I got this template from the 3-D Design Challenge Blog. This project was called the One Sheet Box Challenge and here’s the link to their One Sheet Box Folding Video. Please check these links as it’ll make it clear. It’s a bit confusing at first, but once you see it and do it, it’s as easy as pie and makes total sense.

That’s it from me for Day 1. Be sure to run over to Janine’s if you haven’t been there yet — she’ll have a ton of links for you to check out many great Cookie Recipe Exchange projects!!! Thanks so much for coming!!! Hope to see you all again tomorrow!!!

The winner selected by random.org is Sara, #122. Congrats! Sara!!! Here’s what Sara had to say:

Sara - Congrats on all of the hits!! Those cookies look so YUMMY!!

I think its cool that they have the larger size fonts, most stamps are the smaller sizes but sometimes you just really need the bigger sizes.

Dec 1, 9:09 AM

Thank you ALL so much for playing — MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

I’m off to a wedding today so I have nothing to show you, but I did want to acknowledge World Card Making Day. There’s a lot going on, just wish I were here to participate!!! But even in my absence I can let you know about some awesome Blog Candy and a Contest in honor of World Card Making Day being run over at the JustRite Blog. Click here to read more about these fun events!!!

Have a great day everyone!!! See you tomorrow, I hope!!!

First of all I just want to shout out a huge THANK YOU!!!to all who have been blog hopping this past 1 1/2 weeks following our Blog Candy Parade in celebration of the one year anniversary of both my Blog and the Stamp Simply Challenge. In all honesty, itmushroomed far beyond my wildest expectations. It started 2 days before the factwith the thought that I may do a post offering blog candy — me, one candy — WHO would know!!!! Oh my GOSH!!! And inaddition to thanking all of you readers for your kind words (oh, how I love reading your comments — each and every one of them!) and your support (it’s that support and encouragement that keeps us Bloggers going!!!), I would also like to thank those who joined in on the fun and made donations of Blog Candy. Please stop in to see these folks — even though this party is near over, they LOVED meeting all of you and would still love to visit with you some more:

Businesses:JustRite, Scor-It, Kitchen Sink Stamps

Stamp Simply Designers: Julie Koerber, Dee Jackson, Tammy Hershberger, Jennifer Buck, Janine Orchard, Becky Oehlers

Stamp Simply Friends: Jerri Jimenez, Joan Fricker, Barb Schram, Kellie Fortin

There are still several Blog Candy posts open for entries. Here they are:

Blog Candy #18 isCLOSED,winner is Cindy H click hereand scroll down to the bottom of the post. (JustRite Christmas Ensemble with Stamper III)

Blog Candy #17 isCLOSED, winner is MaryC click hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (JustRite Special Occasions Monogram Set)

Blog Candy #15 isCLOSED,winner is Natasha T click hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (Scor-It Mini with Tote)

Blog Candy #14 is alive and active click here. (Kitchen Sink New Release Stamp Set)

And here are some NEW Blog Candy posts — check them out!!!!

Sharon Harnist over at Paper Fections has someBLOG CANDY to give away. She is celebrating a BIG number, so go on over and check out her FABULOUS projects and enter her drawing. (You will LOVE her give-away!!!!)

And the folks over at the JustRite Blog are stillas busy as can be deciding what they can give away next!!! Word has it they are doing Blog Candy give-aways ALL WEEK LONG!!! Make sure to check back in with them often during the week so you don’t miss a thing!!!

No project to show you today — still trying to clean that stamp room!!! But, if luck is with me, maybe I’ll have a card up later tonight — I do have something in mind I’d like to try with a new Inkadinkadoset — hope I get it done!!! Thanks much for stopping - you have NO IDEA how I appreciate your visits!!! Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day here — wishing the same for you!!!

A HUGESHOUT OUT!to one of our very own Stamp Simply Designers — JENNIFER BUCK. Have you read her great news??? You can do so in Jennifer’s SCS Dirty Dozen Gallery here, or on Jennifer’s Blog here. WAY TO GO, JENNIFER!!! One of Splitcoaststamper’s newest Dirty Girls!!! So proud of you!!!! And Jennifer’s partner in crime this month is Mary Jo Albright, an ultra talented paper crafter whose creations I have admired for years. Here’s the link to her SCS DD Bio and to her Blog!!! Congrats girls, I know we are all in for a great treat for the next 6 months!!! (And if you can’t get into the SCS gallery links, it is because you are not a member of the Fan Club. You can readabout the Fan Club here.)

Play the Stamp Simply Challenge this week Cuddle up with Tammy and have a chance to be selected as the Stamp Simply Guest Desiginer for the month of November. Read about it here

Have you checked out this Blog Candy at the JustRite Blog? Watch them carefully — there is more to come this week!!!

Today is Monday — that means it’s time for the Every Monday Sale over at Joan’s Garden – it’s always fun to see what she has each Monday!!! Stop in and see! (Remember to keep scrolling down once you get there!)

_______________________

Announcements:

Blog Candy #18 is alive and active — click here. (JustRite Christmas Ensemble with Stamper III)

Blog Candy #17 is alive and active click here. (JustRite Special Occasions Monogram Set)

Blog Candy #16 isCLOSED, winners are Anne L and Jen click here. (2 prizes - JustRite Christmas Ensemble and Baking Ensemble)

Blog Candy #15 is alive and active click here. (Scor-It Mini with Tote)

Blog Candy #14 is alive and active click here. (Kitchen Sink New Release Stamp Set)

Blog Candy #13 isCLOSED,winner is Kristie click here. (CB Folders, Die, Chalk and Brads)

Blog Candy #12 isCLOSED,winner is Bev J click here. (Flourishes Stamp Set plus paper and ribbon)

Blog Candy #11 isCLOSED, winner is sandyh50 click here. (Papertrey Stamp Set)

Blog Candy #10 isCLOSED, winneris Pat M chick hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (JustRite Curlz Monogram Stamper)

Blog Candy #9 isCLOSED, winner isDarlene G click here. (Papertrey packaging and alterables)

Blog Candy #8 isCLOSED,winner is Bev G. click here. (Crafty Secrets stamp set and Journal Notes)

Blog Candy #7 is CLOSED, and the winner is Denise click hereto read more about it. (DCWV, Hero Arts, Fiskars, See Ds, IO, Dew Drops and more!)

Blog Candy #6 isCLOSED, winner is Karen M click hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (Stamp Simply Coffee w/ Friends Set)

Blog Candy #5 isCLOSED, winner is MariaG click here. (MFT new release Set)

Blog Candy #4 isCLOSED, winner is Tamara W click hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (JustRite Damask Monogram Stamper)

Blog Candy #3 isCLOSED, winner is Erika M click here. (SU Punch and Unity Kit)

Blog Candy #2 isCLOSED,the winner is Darlene L. click hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (Stamp Simply Thank You Set)

Blog Candy #1 isCLOSED,the winner is Bessey! click hereand scroll to the bottom of the post. (Kitchen Sink Stamp Set)

YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EVERY BLOG CANDY, but please only sign up once at each Blog Candy post thanks!

Fun and Games Play here for your chance to be a Stamp Simply co-host. CLOSED. The winner has been selected by Random.org, and out of 38 entries number 26 was chosen, and thats Heather T. Congrats! Heather!!! Here is Heathers Blog. Cant wait to see what you come up with!!!

The Stamp Simply Guest Designer for the month of October has been selected byRandom.org. There were 24 qualified entrants and Random.org selected #9, who is DARLENE, akronstamperdpk. And heres herBlog link. CONGRATULATIONS, DARLENE!!!