Heidi's Creations

Yesterday I promised to show what Heidi did for Prince's Party - but first I want to share the invitation she did for Zavian's and Makai's Party earlier this month. Here is the invites for Zav's Pirate themed party - she used a sissix die cut for the outside, and the Stampin' Up! invites for the inside - Makai's party was Hello Kitty - so here are the adorable invites she made for her party -

Then, as I mentioned Prince's Party was Mario Brothers - so she made him this adorable card and mushroom gift bag. She is amazingly creative -

Here is a close-up of the card - check out more of her creations at her blog - www.stampinking.blogspot.com And here are the mushroom cupcakes that Jenee made for the party - are they cute or what?!?! Great job both of you!

Prince's Birthday Party

So Saturday we celebrated Prince's Birthday at our house. It was quite a day and Jenee did a great job putting it all together. And fortunately the rain held off because we had a pinata -a "Yoshi" egg hunt (the party was Mario Bros. theme) -and a bouncer (which I did not get a picture of :( But I did take a picture of the card I gave him - as with the other grand kids it was one of our recordable cards from SU.Here's this inside and the red dot is where you push to hear Gramma singing "Happy Birthday to Prince" - Here's my gift box to him with his birthday badge -

And here he is with his cousin Isaiah - just before we lit the candles. I so cannot believe he is SIX!

Check back tomorrow for the adorable card and gift bag my daughter Heidi made for him - you won't want to miss it!

Club - Baby Wipe Technique

This month at our club we did the Baby Wipe technique three ways - here is the card with instructions that went into our binders. After putting ink drops onto the baby wipe - the first image is made by stamping directly down on the pad; the second is made by wrapping the baby wipe around a clear block and stamping directly onto the cardstock and then stamping an image on top of it (I came up with this idea while playing and love how it looks); and the third is made by swiping the baby wipe across the cardstock.Here is the greeting card we made using the technique - the butterflies were stamped onto the pad of the baby wipe, and then the under layer was made by swiping the baby wipe. I love the look as you never know what you'll get - this one almost looked like a sunset. Also, notice the black pearls - they were made by coloring SU pearls with a black sharpie - pretty cool, huh?!? Here is a close-up of the colors on the butterfly - so pretty!

I'm currently taking sign-ups for my next round of club that will begin in May 2011 - we'll be continuing techniques. See full details here - http://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/p/stampers-10-stampers-clubs.html

Club Challenge Cards

Each month at our club we do a challenge using the technique we learned the month before - last month was heat emboss. We only had two entries - but they are lovely - the first was mine. It has a very soft and feminine look. The second card and the winner of the challenge was Karen's - I love the way she used this set and made it feminine. I've used it many times for a masculine card - but would never of thought of using it this way. Nice work Karen!

Next month's challenge is the baby wipe technique - watch tomorrow for my technique card on that.

Happy Birthday Zavian!!!

Today is Zavian's "1st" Birthday - we celebrated early - but today is the day! Here he is shortly after being born a year ago today - after another long labor. Me and my girls are not known for short labors - amazing that I have six grand kids. He didn't even look like a newborn - such perfect skin and features.

And here's a picture of our sweet little guy taken recently - just look at those eyes. He is just a doll - and Daddy has already taught him a lot about basketball - so we know where that is going :) He's cutting his top two front teeth so is a little miserable the last few days.

I'll get to see him when he comes over for Prince's party today! Love you Zav!

POSTPONED - Christmas Cards this SUNDAY afternoon ---

Hi All - this event has been postponed due to illness - I will let you know when rescheduled!

Christmas Card Making Stamp Camp - Part 2

(Sample of one of the two card designs we'll be making - it is dry embossed to give a light frame around image, snowflakes are punched out and raised with a gem in the middle - very elegant looking for the holidays.)

MAR 27 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Pacific) Christmas Cards - Month #2 - Stamp Camp * Cost is $20 Maureen's Home in Simi Valley In keeping with my New Year's resolution to get my cards all stamped and done for Christmas 2011 I'll be offering a series of these stamp camps throughout this year. Each time you attend you will make 10 simple but wonderful Christmas cards (5 each of 2 different designs). You can see last month's cards here - http://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-christmas-cards.html If you do not do Christmas cards and would like an alternative winter or holiday design or saying - let me know. If you attend each month from now forward you could have 90 cards by November!! Light refreshments served. No additional purchase required. Limit 12. Must RSVP to hold your spot.

*see here for full stamp camp policy - http://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/p/upcoming-stamping-events-with-maureen.html

New Kitchen Appliances

First of all I have to apologize for my lack of stamping posts. It has been a rough couple weeks for me of fatigue, muscle cramps and just feeling lousy - and then today - I got my fever again. Am feeling better now, but I've done very little the last couple weeks, except for sleeping and working. Yikes.

But in the midst of that my sweet hubby was busy - here is my OLD kitchen hood-And here is my new above range microwave that replaced it - how nice is that.

Even better here is my old oven and the empty spot is where my old microwave used to be -

And here is my new amazing double oven - in plenty of time for my big Easter brunch! In fact we'll be making pizzas for Prince's birthday party Saturday and we should be able to make four at a time - woo hoo!

Next we'll be replacing counter tops and my sink - so watch for more kitchen remodel updates in the future. I hope to post some more stamping items soon so stay tuned. And for those of you who have been following my health saga - http://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-health-update.html I will be calling my doctor soon to set up my treatment now that I'm feeling lousy again - so hopefully I can stop all this nonsense :)

Strawberry Shortcake cake and a Check

Hi All - Just for fun I wanted to share this adorable cake my daughter Heidi made for celebrating my other daughter Jenee's birthday. Jenee mentioned she was using Strawberry Shortcake plates, etc. - so Heidi made this to go with it. How cute is that!
Then I also wanted to thank all who placed orders over the weekend to support the Red Cross Japan relief - I wrote my check to go in the mail tomorrow for $114.32 - you are a great group of caring stampers and I love working with you all!

How I made Corned Beef and Cabbage

Hi All, I've had a few emails since St. Patrick's Day asking how I did my corned beef - so I thought I'd share. We actually buy our corned beef roast at Costco - it comes with wonderful seasonings. I put it in the bottom of my crock pot - then on top I put a head of cabbage cut in wedges, red potatoes cut in half and mini carrots - don't those colors just look great! Next I poured a can of Murphy's stout over the top and cooked it on low for 9 hours - we served it with a darker wheat bread - although I think it is traditional to serve with rye or Irish soda bread. I can't say I like Murphy's stout to drink (we do not drink beer normally ever) - but we shared a can and ended up pouring most down the drain - but the way it flavored the corned beef and veggies was perfect. I've made it without stout in the past - and I have to admit it is much better with. If you try this some time - let me know what you think!!

Couple Cute Cards to Share

Hi All - today I have a couple adorable cards to share - this first one was made by my friend Elaine for Zamarah's B-day - This next one was a RAK from Annette - great color combo -

Thank you ladies for sharing your talent with me!

Upcoming Stamping Events -

Christmas Card Making Stamp Camp

MAR 27 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (Pacific)
Christmas Cards - Month #2 - Stamp Camp *
Cost is $20

Maureen's Home in Simi Valley In keeping with my New Year's resolution to get my cards all stamped and done for Christmas 2011 I'll be offering a series of these stamp camps throughout this year. Each time you attend you will make 10 simple but wonderful Christmas cards (5 each of 2 different designs). You can see last month's cards here - http://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-christmas-cards.html If you do not do Christmas cards and would like an alternative winter or holiday design - let me know. If you attend each month you could have 100 cards!! Light refreshments served. No additional purchase required.

Limit 12. Must RSVP to hold your spot.

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Cards, Cards, Cards Stamp Camp

APR 12 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Pacific)
Cards, Cards, Cards Stamp Camp
Cost: $15 or FREE with a $30 merchandise purchase at the event.*
Maureen’s Home in Simi Valley.

At Cards, Cards, Cards we make 6 cards (2 each of 3 different designs) using exclusive Stampin' Up sets ONLY! Join us for the FUN. Limit 12. Light refreshments served. No additional purchase required.

Must RSVP to hold your spot. On-time drawing at 7:10 PM

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Anything But A Card (ABC) Stamp Camp

APR 21 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Pacific)
Frame and Gift Bag Stamp Camp

Cost: $20 or FREE with a $40 merchandise purchase this evening *

Heidi's Home in Thousand Oaks

We'll be making this beautiful vintage frame, with a matching gift bag and gift card suitable for giving to even the most discriminating person. Lovely for Mother's Day, bridal shower or a female's birthday. Once you make this one, you'll see the endless possibilities for more designs. Come join the FUN!

Must RSVP to attend. 12 spots. Light refreshments served. No additional purchase required.

*Stamp Camp/Class Cancellation Policy - If you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance of the event there will be no cost to you. If you cancel within that 48 hours I will try and place someone from the waiting and if that works there will be no charge to you; otherwise you will be responsible for the class fee but you will receive the material packet with pictures (by email) to make your projects. Stamping will not be done for you, so you may need to adjust the project slightly using what stamps you have available. Or you can choose to purchase the purchase requirement for the event in merchandise from Maureen.

Stamp Camp Cards -

Last week we had our monthly Cards, Cards, Cards Stamp Camp for March. It was a great group of ladies and we had a wonderful time. Here are this month's three cards that we did - all used set from the current Occasions Mini catalog - the first card used "Nature Walk" an amazingly beautiful stamp set featuring many line drawn nature pictures. The verse is from the SAB set "So Happy for You" - we used Cherry, Vanilla, Suede and Chocolate - Second we made this adorable birthday card using the Emboss Inlay technique and the "Build a Cupcake Punch" - the polka date base of the cupcake was made from the extra plastic sheet from around the Celebration Party Hats in the SU catalog -

The last card we made was an elegant sympathy card using the "Thanks for Caring" set from the mini. The colors are Pear Pizzazz and Cajun Craze and we added a few little pearls.

I think everyone was happy with the cards - let me know what you think!

My Prince - six years later -

and I mean that literally :) Six years ago today my handsome little grandson, Prince, came into the world - here he is just home from the hospital. What a sweetheart - And here he is recently in his Luigi hat hitting the pinata at Makai's party - and he is STILL a SWEETHEART! Happy Birthday Prince - we love you!! We'll be doing more celebrating at his Luigi/Mario Brothers party next week!

Help Me - Help JAPAN!

Hi All, As many of you have seen over the past days - I work at a College with International Students, and have many students who have family in the areas ravaged by the earthquakes and tsunamis as well as the current nuclear issues. My heart goes out to all of them, and I'd like to help -

Earthquake Survivors

Tsunami hitting

Nuclear Plant

So here is what I'd like to do and I hope you can help me -

From now through Sunday, March 20 at midnight, I am donating ALL* of my profits from any online or email orders received for Stampin' Up! products to the International Red Cross for Japan relief. I will put a check in the mail on Monday the 21st and update you all as to the total donated. You can click on my side bar to order directly through my Stampin' Up! site and have the order delivered directly to you, or you can email me at mrauchfuss@aol.com with your order if you are local and I will get your order to you.

*DISCLAIMER: I do not want to take business from your current demonstrator if you currently have one. I suggest you contact them and see if they will do the same thing and then you can order through them - the goal is to raise money for the victims of these multiple disasters. I'd actually like to challenge other demonstrators to make this same offer to their customers - together we can make a difference!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Hi all - for some of you who may not know - my maiden name was "O'Reilly" - so it is a bit o' the Irish - I want to wish you all a wonderful St. Patty's day and share a little riddle I received from a co-worker this week -

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover?

(Answer is under the picture!)

Answer: You don't want to press your luck.

Ha, ha, ha!! Hope that made you smile!

Check back after noon (PST) today for an offer from me to help the American Red Cross help the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.

Another Busy Day

Last Sunday was another busy day. We celebrated Makai's 3rd birthday along with Zavian's 1st birthday. Here is Makai with her "Hello Kitty" cupcake -and Zavian thoroughly enjoying his cupcake - For fun the kiddos did a Pinata - Aaron at the control let all the kids hit it 3 times - here's Makai - Kamili - Prince - Paisley - and even though Zamarah was too little for the Pinata - she managed to find a water play table to have a good time with.
Fun day - busy weekend - tired Monday :)

Busy Saturday.....

Last Saturday was our downline meeting - and I've shared some of the things we did over the last few days. I love these meetings - they are social, but also a time for sharing ideas on our businesses, giving recognitions and doing a stamping project together. These next few photos are the ladies working on their project - here are Lisa nd Virginia - Annette and Kathy - and Virginia and Maria -

Then after the meeting I spent the afternoon with two of my grand-daughters. We were celebrating Kamili stopping sucking her thumb; and Makai throwing away her pacifier. So as "BIG" girls I took them to McDonald's! After lunch they played for about an hour on the playground - we had sooo much fun. Here's Kamili coming down the slide -
Then it was Makai's turn - And here are the two them just having a great time. Nothing better than being a Gramma I say! That was just the beginning of the weekend, as Sunday was Zavian and Makai's birthday party. By Monday I was exhausted :)