NAUGHTY OR NICE??

Well, it is dangerously close to the final decision on this question for Santa, and I hope all of you are on his "nice" list and will soon be enjoying a wonderful Christmas!

As for me, I can honestly say that I tried very hard to make the "nice" list this year. I really wanted that Kindle!! But, alas, I must own up to a little bit of the naughty. I would just like to mention, though, that "naughty" is such a great way to say "bad". Come on, we all know that's what "naughty" really means.

I have been running way behind on all my Christmas chores and my life has seemed to be spinning slowly out of control since early this past summer. Each time I started to feel like I was getting my legs back underneath me, the rug was yanked and I was on my butt once again. I am determined, however, to persevere and praying that the new year will be a much better one for me.

Where does the "naughty" come in you may be asking yourself. Well, my goal was to make and mail all my Christmas cards in time so they would arrive by Christmas. I find that plan to be most acceptable (sort of like mailing a birthday card that will arrive prior to or on a birthday ;o). I did manage to make all of my Christmas cards (there were 107 of them this year). I am having serious doubts that they will arrive by Christmas, though. Well, honestly, considering I didn't make it to the post office with cards in hand until this morning, I am certain some of them will not make it in time for Christmas. I have heard myself say that they will make a nice after the holiday card~~okay, I know (really I do) that is BAD!!

AND that is only half of the "naughty" since I have not posted any new stuff on my blog in soooo long! I really miss being able to make something and take a picture of it and post it to share with all of you, and with any luck at all, the new year will allow me to be back to posting and creating on a regular schedule.

I truly am feeling a little better this evening, though, since I have made and mailed all my cards, our tree is up and decorated (I simply couldn't do more than that this year, so the rest of the house is not decorated and we don't have our Christmas china out and I know when my oldest son arrives home he will be a little shocked there's no garland and lights....) and I have all the gifts wrapped and ready to go under the tree.

Tomorrow is my cleaning day and my plan is that when the guys arrive home from the airport, the house will be clean, the tree lights will be on, Christmas carols will be playing and I will have dinner ready to put on the table. This feeling definitely makes me think that in Santa's book I was "nice" this year! After all, it's not what's under the tree or around the house, it's being with family and friends and enjoying time spent together!

I truly hope that all of you are able to take time to spend with those you care about and to be thankful for all the good things in your life during the holidays; and I wish you a happy and healthy new year!

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SALE!!

With select Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets for the Big Shot on sale, this just may be the most exciting sale of the season! The 12 Days of Holiday Sales continues through December 22.

You can even enjoy NEW COLORS OF DECOR ELEMENTS VINYL SHEETS introduced in this sale. There are 18 new colors to choose from, and they make great projects when you use them with Big Shot dies. Consider pairing the Clear Décor Elements vinyl sheets with the Tulipe Bigz die to create an etched-like design on a vase. Or use the Decorative Accent Bigz dies with the Old Olive Décor Element vinyl sheets to enhance a frame. The combination of Big Shot dies and Décor Elements vinyl sheets is sure to take your creativity to a new level!

Check out the savings on these items:


114515 195 Flower Burst Embosslits die was $11.95 NOW $8.96
114516 195 Cherry Blossom Embosslits die was $11.95 NOW $8.96
115957 195 Thanks Embosslits die was $11.95 NOW $8.96
114513 195 Sweetest Stem Embosslits die was $11.95 NOW $8.96
115952 195 Hi Embosslits die was $11.95 NOW $8.96
115951 197 Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die was $74.95 NOW $59.96
113446 197 Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die WAS $19.95 NOW $16.96
114509 197 Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die was $21.95 NOW $18.66
113448 197 Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die was $19.95 NOW $16.96
113457 198 Tulipe Bigz die was $21.95 NOW $16.46
115954 198 Two Tags Bigz die was $21.95 NOW $18.66
114524 199 Fringed Flower Bigz die was $19.95 NOW $15.96
114523 199 Decorative Accents Bigz die was $19.95 NOW $15.96
114534 199 Flower Bigz Clear die was $19.95 NOW $15.96
113473 199 5-Point 3D Star Bigz die was $19.95 NOW $16.96
113472 199 Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die was $19.95 NOW $16.96
113470 199 Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die was $19.95 NOW $16.96
113465 199 Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die was $19.95 NOW $16.96
115961 200 Perfect Setting Bigz XL die was $42.95 NOW $32.21
113483 200 Pennant Bigz XL die was $39.95 NOW $29.96
113484 200 Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die was $39.95 NOW $31.96
116760 201 Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die was $39.95 NOW $29.96
116759 201 Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die was $39.95 NOW $29.96
114890 201 Matchbox Bigz XL die was $42.95 NOW $36.51
113458 202 Flower Layers Originals die was $15.95 NOW $13.56
114336 158 Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $10.36
114334 158 Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $10.36
114337 158 Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $10.36
114335 158 White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $10.36
118797 n/a So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118798 n/a Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118799 n/a Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118800 n/a Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118801 n/a Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118802 n/a Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118803 n/a Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118804 n/a Black Décor Elements sheets
15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118805 n/a Night of Navy Décor Elements
sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118806 n/a Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118807 n/a Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118808 n/a Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118809 n/a Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118810 n/a Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118812 n/a Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118813 n/a Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118814 n/a Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $12.95 NOW $9.71
118815 n/a Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2) was $14.95 NOW $11.21

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!

It is always hard to say goodbye, especially when it's to some well-loved rubber! But, alas, the time has come for some of my favorite stamp sets to retire. The stamp sets listed below will be discontinued on January 4, 2010.

If any of these stamp sets are on your wish list, make sure to purchase them before they are gone!


ITEM # STAMP SET
113407 Back Woods
114492 Beautiful Baby
114486 Birthday Wish
113200 Branch Out
114496 Celebrations
113732 Central Park
113206 Classic Sketches
113226 Classy & Fabulous
114498 Flowers in Silhouette
113405 Font of You
113216 For the Bride
114494 Forever
109425 Friend by Definition
114488 Fun Flowers
113716 Garden Greetings
114490 Glad Friends
111580 Grand Soiree
113242 Hit the Road
113710 Lexicon of Leaves
113236 Man's Best Friend
114423 Ocean Commotion
113728 Playful Petals
109276 Polka Dot
111544 Putt Putt
113240 Quilt Quips
113754 Really Retro
113403 Sip by Sip
113726 Sweet Stems
113250 That's Funny
113688 Wonderful Watercolors
114028 Para la novia
114032 Acuarelas Maravillosas

To see images for these stamp sets, visit my website online store HERE

You can place your order on my website, or contact me, and I will be happy to place your order for you.

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE!

"Black Friday" has nothing on Stampin' Up! when it comes to holiday deals. Right now you can shop the Stampin' Up! HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE and save big!
This is the biggest Stampin’ Up! sale of the year and it runs for one week only. You will enjoy HUGE DISCOUNTS on an ENORMOUS range of products, and lots of them are priced at 50% off!

Okay, are you ready?


HERE ARE THE SALE ITEMS!
120289 Ultimate Stampers’ Starter Bundle* – regular price $127.70 NOW JUST $76.62
• Best Wishes & More stamp set
• Eight Great Greetings stamp set
• On a Pedestal stamp set
• Earth Elements Stampin’ Spots
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2″ x 11″)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2″ x 11″)
• Old Olive 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Flower Designer brads
THIS BUNDLE IS ONLY AVAILABLE WHILST SUPPLIES LAST – IF YOU WANT ONE, ORDER IT QUICKLY!

120281 Thank You Kindly Bundle - regular price $29.90 NOW JUST $14.95
• Thank You Kindly stamp set
• Scallop Edge punch

120976 Thank You Kindly Bundle (French) – regular price $29.90 NOW JUST $14.95
• Tous mes remerciements stamp set
• Scallop Edge punch

120280 Framed with Love Bundle – regular price $43.90 NOW JUST $21.95
• Framed with Love stamp set
• Full Heart punch

120282 Animal Crackers Bundle - regular price $25.90 NOW JUST $12.95
• Animal Crackers stamp set
• Star Designer brads

120283 Corduroy Button Bundle - regular price $49.75 NOW JUST $24.88
• Kraft Corduroy buttons
• Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons
• Summer Sun Corduroy buttons
• Basic Gray Corduroy buttons
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons

120284 Game Night Bundle - regular price $40.90 NOW JUST $20.45
• Card Games stamp set
• Game Night stamp set

120285 Four Square Bundle – - regular price $30.90 NOW JUST $15.45
• Four Square stamp set
• Scallop Square punch

120286 Heart to Heart Bundle - regular price $48.85 NOW JUST $24.93
• Love You Much stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon

120310 Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish) - regular price $49.85 NOW JUST $24.93
• Te Quiero Mucho stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon

120311 Heart to Heart Bundle (French) - regular price $49.85 NOW JUST $24.93
• J’t'aime beaucoup stamp set
• Heart to Heart punch
• Pretty in Pink 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon

120287 Chipboard Letter Bundle - regular price $25.90 NOW JUST $12.95
• On Board Timeless Type
• On Board Loads of Letters

120288 Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle - regular price $17.90 NOW JUST $10.74
• Bashful Blue 1″ double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Rose Red 1″ double-stitched grosgrain ribbon

120290 Build-A-Brad Bundle - regular price $40.85 NOW JUST $24.51
• Calendar Alphabet stamp set
• Pewter Build-A-Brad
• Antique Brass Build-A-Brad

120291 Enjoy Every Moment Bundle - regular price $43.85 NOW JUST $26.31
• Enjoy Every Moment stamp set
• Circle Designer brads
• Flower Designer brads

120312 Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French) - regular price $43.85 NOW JUST $26.31
• Profiter de chaque instant stamp set
• Circle Designer brads
• Flower Designer brads

120292 Cheep Talk Bundle - regular price $42.85 NOW JUST $25.71
• Cheep Talk stamp set
• Note cards
• Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons

120293 Sock Monkey Bundle - regular price $58.85 NOW JUST $35.31
• Sock Monkey stamp set
• Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons

120313 Sock Monkey Bundle (French) - regular price $58.85 NOW JUST $35.31
• Sing-chaussette stamp set
• Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set
• Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons

120294 Alphabet Bundle - regular price $87.90 NOW JUST $52.74
• Jayne’s Type Alphabet stamp set
• Lovely Letters stamp set

120295 Simply Said Bundle - regular price $52.85 NOW JUST $31.71
• Simply Said stamp set
• Old Olive 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Full Heart punch

120314 Simply Said Bundle (French) - regular price $52.85 NOW JUST $31.71
• Amitié stamp set
• Old Olive 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Full Heart punch

120296 On Board Bundle - regular price $42.85 NOW JUST $25.71
• On Board So Tweet
• On Board Batch of Blooms
• On Board Essentials $42.85 $25.71

120927 Christmas Décor Elements Bundle #1 - regular price $74.85 NOW JUST $44.91
• Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements

120298 Christmas Décor Elements Bundle #2 - regular price $74.85 NOW JUST $44.91
• Holly Beary Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements

120299 Christmas Décor Elements Bundle #3 - regular price $74.85 NOW JUST $44.91
• Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red)
• Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements
• Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements

120300 For All You Do Bundle - regular price $36.90 NOW JUST $25.83
• For All You Do stamp set
• 5/16″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120315 For All You Do Bundle (French) - regular price $36.90 NOW JUST $25.83
• Merci pour tout stamp set
• 5/16″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120316 For All You Do Bundle (Spanish) - regular price $36.90 NOW JUST $25.83
• Por todo lo que haces stamp set
• 5/16″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120301 Striped Ribbon Bundle – - regular price $47.73 NOW JUST $33.41
• Bashful Blue 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Pumpkin Pie 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Old Olive 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Pretty in Pink 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• So Saffron 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1/2″ striped grosgrain ribbon

120302 Bling Bundle - regular price $43.80 NOW JUST $30.66
• Sticky Pages
• Sticky Cuts Sweet
• Fine Supernova Stampin’ Glitter
• Fine Galaxy Stampin’ Glitter

120303 Fresh-Cut Bundle - regular price $37.85 NOW JUST $26.50
• Fresh Cuts stamp set
• Fresh-Cut Notes
• 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120317 Fresh-Cut Bundle (French) - regular price $37.85 NOW JUST $26.50
• Fraicheur exuise stamp set
• Fresh-Cut Notes
• 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120304 Pendant Note Bundle - regular price $39.85 NOW JUST $27.90
• Pendant Park stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120318 Pendant Note Bundle (French) - regular price $39.85 NOW JUST $27.90
• Adorable parc stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120319 Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish) - regular price $39.85 NOW JUST $27.90
• Un dia en el parque stamp set
• Pendant notes
• 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads

120305 Sporting Bundle #1 - regular price $67.90 NOW JUST $47.54
• Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements
• Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements

120306 Sporting Bundle #2 - regular price $67.90 NOW JUST $47.54
• Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements
• Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements

120307 Sporting Bundle #3 - regular price $67.90 NOW JUST $47.54
• Large Black Sporting Décor Elements
• Black Just Sports Décor Elements

Punches…
112081 Scallop Square punch – regular price $15.95 NOW JUST $11.17
113693 Full Heart punch – regular price $15.95 NOW JUST $11.17
113694 Heart to Heart punch – regular price $15.95 NOW JUST $11.17
112091 Scallop Edge punch – regular price $15.95 NOW JUST $11.17

Brads…
112534 5/16″ Neutrals Jumbo brads – regular price $7.95 NOW JUST $5.57
112533 5/8″ Neutrals Jumbo brads – regular price $6.95 NOW JUST $4.87
112571 Circle Designer brads – regular price $5.95 NOW JUST $4.17
112579 Flower Designer brads – regular price $5.95 NOW JUST $4.17
112572 Star Designer brads – regular price $5.95 NOW JUST $4.17

Single Decor Elements…
114864 Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements – regular price $39.95 NOW JUST $27.97
114863 Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements – regular price $39.95 NOW JUST $27.97
114785 Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements – regular price $39.95 NOW JUST $27.97
114786 Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements – regular price $69.95 NOW JUST $48.97
114791 Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements – regular price $39.95 NOW JUST $27.97
114792 Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements – regular price $64.95 NOW JUST $45.97

This sale makes holiday shopping sooo affordable and easy for the crafters in your life. At these prices, you can treat yourself too!

You can place your order directly online by clicking HERE Then just click the ’shop now’ tab in the top right corner of the page, and you will be taken to the online store where you will find pictures and lots more information about this fabulous sale!

This sale ends on Monday November 30th – if you have any questions please email me and I will be more than happy to help you!

VERY SAD NEWS FOR OUR FAMILY!

I just wanted to let all of you know that my sister-in-law passed away early Monday morning. She is no longer in pain and is in a much better place. Our family is happy for that.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers! They have kept us going through this very difficult time.

ARE YOU MISSING MY BLOG POSTS?

I have finally squeezed in a few minutes this morning to catch my breath. Believe me, it is a much-needed few minutes!

I am sure it is obvious at this point that I have not been posting regular blog updates and shareing all of the usual Rubber Room happenings. It is not because I haven't wanted to, believe me! However, the sad fact is that I have simply not had the time to share here. The good news, though, is that my classes and clubs are still meeting in the Rubber Room and having fun. SO, if you need some fun, please make plans to visit the Rubber Room soon!

I would love to be able to tell you that I will be back to posting soon, but, unfortunately, that is not the case. I do promise though that as soon as I am able, I will be right back here posting and shareing!

For those of you saying "What's the problem"? Well, in a nutshell here it is: My SIL has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and our family is trying to digest this information and find a way to deal with it. She has undergone radiation, and has now decided that she will not do any further treatments. Last week we were able to find a rehab center for her to go to, and this week we are trying to get her moved to a hospice facility, or into our home with hospice providing the extra care needed to make her comfortable here. Not sure how to make someone comfortable amongst our daily craziness, but we will surely do our best. It has been very hectic keeping up with her mail and her bills and visiting her at the hospital... but we are hanging right in there!

Many of you who already knew this have offered lots of help and prayers, and our family is most appreciative of all the support! Of course, we are greedy and ask that you keep praying for us and thinking of us. It truly means so much to know how blessed we are with wonderful friends.

I thank all of you in advance for your understanding and hope you will hang in there until the Rubber Room Ramblings blog spot is once again chock full of new ideas and daily inspiration!

THIS WEEK'S DEAL OF THE WEEK!

Here are more great deals to take advantage of this week! These items make great stocking stuffers, and they are the perfect little accessories. Plus, at these prices, you can afford to stock up.

114348 Basic Jumbo grommets $4.49

109857 Mini Library clips $8.99

112571 Circle Designer brads $3.99

112581 1/2" Library clips $3.99

You can place your order HERE or call me. Remember you must place your order before next Monday!

DEAL OF THE WEEK!

There's a new Deal of the Week! This week only purchase item #115961 (page 200 of the current Idea Book and Catalog) Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die for only $25.99! OR how about item #114515 (on page 195 of the current Idea Book and Catalog) the Flower burst Embosslits for only $5.99! OR item #116760 (on page 201 of the current Idea Book and Catalog) the Big XL Cake 3 Tier Die for only $25.49!! Now those are some gret deals! You can take advantage of one, two or all three specials, but you must place your order before October 19th, 2009. You can click HERE or on my Deals of the Week sidebar link for complete details on my website. You can also place your order right on my website 24/7!!

I'M HEADING OUT OF TOWN!

I am off to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday with her. It will be a few days of fun for the girls, and I'm very excited. I will be back on Tuesday and will start posting more good stuff then.

Enjoy your weekend!

AUTUMN SPLENDOR!

This is another one of those great stamp sets in the Holiday Mini Catalog. I simply stamped three different images with three different ink colors, tore the top edge of the paper, markered a sentiment and added a little bow. We'll be making this one in upcoming clubs!

OCTOBER HOLIDAY STAMP-A-STACK!

The October Holiday Stamp-A-Stack was sooooo easy to prepare for! With all of the awesome Stampin' Up! Demonstrator events I attended during September, I had tons and tons of awesome samples and ideas to pick from for my Stamp-a-Stack. Here's a peek at what we'll be doing this month. Lots of embossing folders, DSP and even some glitter!

This class is sure to be a holiday hit that you won't want to miss!

THE WRIGHT CLUB GETS PUNCHY THIS WEEK!

Is this gal too rockin' or what? This is another punch idea from my favorite punch lady, Ellen Kemper. she comes up with some great "alternative" uses for your punches and takes them way out of the box. For those of you who don't recognize this one, it's the butterfly punch!

My hostess for a workshop on Friday wanted to do something with punches, so I hope they like this one!

SNOW BUDDIES!

I used the embossing folder technique I shared with you on October 2nd to make this little snowman card! The snowman image is from the Snow Buddies stamp set, which is a Level 2 Hostess stamp set available in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Hostess a qualifying workshop between now and January 4, 2010 and you can get the Snow Buddies stamp set for FREE! Contact me now to schedule a fun and exciting workshop before January 4, 2010, and I'll help you enjoy a fun evening of stamping with friends AND earn this stamp set for FREE!

SCRAPPIN' KIT CARD AND BOX CLASS!

Can you believe that one-half of the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit will make all twenty of these cards? Well, believe it!

On November 10, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. come and make all twenty of these cards, plus the two boxes pictured in the post below for only $25. That's right, join in the fun and go home with twenty holiday cards, twenty matching vanilla envelopes and two lovely boxes that will each hold ten cards. This is a great opportunity to make some holiday cards for you to use or to give as gifts!

If there is a large enough response, I will also be holding this same class on November 10, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. When you sign up, please let me know if you prefer the morning or the evening group.

You must RSVP no later than October 8th, and payment must be received by me no later than October 10th.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

SCRAPPIN' KIT CARD BOXES!

These are the two boxes we will be making in the Scrappin' Kit Card and Box class on November 10th. Each box will hold ten cards and ten envelopes!

MORE EMBOSSING FOLDER EXCITEMENT!

Well, having "mastered" the technique below (okay, I haven't exactly mastered it, but it did work ;o), I then tackled the "border" issue. That's right, stampers are actually cutting off their embossing folders to emboss just borders. I don't know too much about the "positive" and "negative" of images, but I figured it would work for embossing folders; right? Of course it will.

Here is how it works. I cut a strip of cardboard/chipboard and attached it to the outside of my embossing folder. Which means: I put cardstock inside my embossing folder and then used some Dotto to attach a strip of cardboard/chipboard on top of the embossing folder at the edge. Here's how it looks

Can you guess what happened next? I put that 'stack' on top of my Big Shot base piece (the big white one with the sandwich recipes on it); added a cutting pad on top and ran the whole thing through the Big Shot. Here is what it looks like now:


You can find this embossing folder on page 195 of the current Idea Book and Catalog. It is called Stampin' Up! Finial Press, and it is only $7.95! I know you NEED it now, simply click HERE and order item # 115963 right now!

EMBOSSING FOLDER FLEXIBILITY!

I have been seeing lots and lots of demonstrators and stampers that are cutting apart their embossing folders to get partial embossing on their cardstock. For example, if you wanted to put a circle in the top of your card and emboss around that circle, they would cut a circle out of their embossing folder.

Well, anyone who knows me, knows I am way too cheap to do that! But I loved the effect they were getting. SO, here is what I came up with: I cut a circle from some cardboard/chipboard. Here is what it looks like


Then, I put my cardstock inside my embossing folder and put my template on top of the folder (I know in this photo it looks like the cardstock is already embossed, but that is actually the cardstock inside the folder before it's run through the Big Shot).


I then took that "stack" and put it on my Big Shot base (the white piece with the sandwich menus on it), topped it with a cutting pad and ran it through the Big Shot. Here is what my final piece of embossed cardstock looks like.


NEED THIS EMBOSSING FOLDER? It's the Stampin' Up! Petals-A-Plenty available for a limited time only in the Holiday Mini Catalog on page 21. It is only $7.95, and it is item #116824. You can order online 24/7 HERE or contact me, and I will be happy to help you place your order!

LEAVES ARE FALLING AND SO ARE PRICES!

Here it is, October 1, 2009 already! The leaves are changing colors and falling as Mother Nature prepares for cooler weather and subtly reminds us that we need to be preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Stampin' Up! is definitely preparing for the upcoming holidays by offering some great sales, a new Clearance Rack, My Digital Scrapbooking (which will make the perfect gift for all the scrapbookers on your gift-giving list). AND, as always, they are providing us with lots of terrific holiday decoration and gift-giving ideas.

I have posted all of the truly, truly terrific specials below AND I have added links to details for all of them on my side bars.

Be sure to take advantage of all the savings opportunities, plan a workshop to earn FREE merchandise, attend a class, and treat yourself to some "ME" time stamping with friends!

THEY'RE BACK!

I am so happy to see Stampin' Up! has brought back its Deals of the Week! For every week the entire month of October, Stampin' Up! will offer a different Deal of the Week! This week's deal is a great way to start and give us a peek into the wonderful things to come this month, and at a discount no less!

I love my Stampin' Up! punches almost as much as my customers do, and now through October 12, 2009, three of the amazingly-wonderful punches are being offered at a great savings!

Those discounted punches are:

Item #109183 Trio Flower punch $10.99
Item #109041 5-Petal Flower punch $10.99
Item #110709 My Way punch $11.99

Please note that these punches are available at the discounted price only until noon on October 12, 2009!

What happens at noon on October 12, 2009? Well, they won't turn into pumpkins, BUT Stampin' Up! is going to announce a New Deal of the Week, and you'll be able to take advantage of some great savings on other products.

Remember, this is a limited-time offer and the savings are not going to last, so be sure to cash in on the savings before October 12th. The holidays are coming up, and what better way to show someone you care than with a new punch? Well, perhaps three new punches all wrapped up in pretty Designer Series Paper with a gorgeous ribbon??

HOSTESS SPECIAL!

Do you love everything in the Holiday Mini Catalog? Well, if you're anything like me, of course you do! During October, when you host a workshop totaling $250 or more, you can choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog (*excluding My Digital Studio) for only $10!

If you NEED the My Digital Studio (and you know I do ;o) this hostess special gets even better! Durng October when you host a workshop of at least $400 you can use your FREE HOSTESS DOLLARS to get My Digital Studio for 50% off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97).

I have workshop dates available, so contact me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com to schedule your workshop and scoop up these awesome savings!

ANNOUNCING THE ALL-NEW SU! CLEARANCE RACK!

Did you miss out on a great Stampin' Up! item that you really NEEDED? Well, Stampin' Up! is now offering a CLEARANCE RACK! You heard that right, discontinued and retired items can now not only be purchased, but they can be purchased at a significant discount. There are only three little things to remember when shopping the "Clearance Rack":

~All products in the Clearance Rack section are retired, discontinued items. No current products will be sold in the Clearance Rack.
~Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last. Items will be removed and new items will be posted depending on inventory levels. There is no set time for availability.
~All sales of Clearance Rack items are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted, except in the case of defective product.

Click HERE to see what is currently available on the Clearance Rack!

AWESOME, DEMONSTRATOR SPECIAL HAPPENING NOW!

As of today, October 1, 2009, customers can begin ordering My Digital Scrapbooking from Stampin' Up! Now, I know you're thinking that is really cool, but Stampin' Up! is sweetening that great opportunity just a little bit more! I know, I know, this company is way too hip and you have to love 'em! This exclusive new Starter Kit includes My Digital Studio (MDS), in adition to stamps, inks and accessories! Now is the perfect time to take advantage of huge savings and begin to enjoy all the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

What's in your Starter Kit?? Well, the first thing you need to know is that you will get over $295 worth of product AND it is only $185 to purchase this exclusive Starter Kit~~yes, you read that right, it's like getting $110 worth of merchandise ABSOLUTELY FREE!!

Here is what's in your exclusive Starter Kit:
• My Digital Studio software
• Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
• Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
• Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Button Latte Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies (product catalogs, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

Well, friends, it is not going to get any better than this, so don't delay! By this time next week you could be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and well on your way to enjoying all of the wonderful "SU! Demo Perks"!! Want to know more about the demonstrator perks? Just email me at ckolly@stampingismybusiness.com, and I will fill you in on all the discounts, pre-order opportunities, Rubber Room demo only days....

Contact me to sign up, or go to my Stampin' Up! website HERE and sign up today! Of course, my "password" to sign up as a demonstrator is RubberRoom!