Shoebox Swap time.....

So for any of you who have not already done a Shoebox Swap - it is so much fun. You make up a card design sample, and then kits to make that card.  Everyone brings their kits and supplies in a shoebox and places them at a table station - and then you rotate and make one of everyone's card.  My downline members, Sarah and Virginia, recently hosted a great shoebox swap at a local restaurant - and today I'm gonna share of few of those cards.  The theme was SPRING!

Here is Betty's card

and my take on Betty's card

Christel's card

Stop back tomorrow to see a couple more of our great cards.  ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday - Double Ninja Turtle Party

This past weekend we celebrated two of my grandson's birthdays with a Ninja Turtle Party - and Heidi (my daughter) outdid herself as usual.  Here's a picture of the candy buffet complete with Ninja turtles keeping an eye it, and a great banner.

Kyan (2) blowing out his candle

Zavian (5) blowing out his candle

Nunchucks station

Ninja Turtle cake - just makes me smile

Balloons

Kyan nearing a sugar high

Zavian with his home made nunchucks

Ninja Turtle goodie bags for all

It was a fun day with family and friends (lots of friends) despite the drizzle and wind.  Happy birthday boys!!!  Love you so ~Gramma

April Downline MeetingDevi

So at the last Downline meeting part of our business discussion was on running a card buffet.  Each of the ladies were able to make four cards of their own.  Above was one of the choices - below - that gals having fun stamping.

 

 

 

 

Devin, Maria and Allie making cards!

 

 

Everyone hard a FUN!

Kathy B, Karen and Sarah - making cards!

Lois and Paula - stamping away!

 Here are two more of the cards they made.  Beginning with our next quarterly meeting we will also be holding a card buffet for customers - and each event will support a different charity.  So watch for details and I hope you'll join us.

 

See you soon!! ~Maureen

Bow Punch at Downline Meeting

At this month's quarterly meeting I demonstrated some of the fun things you can make with Stampin' Up!'s bow builder punch.  The combination of things you can do is almost unlimited!!  It's fun and easy - and makes a great impact on your cards or 3D projects.

After my demonstration, Paula, on the left, provided us with a great project using the bow punch.

Paula and Lois having some stamping FUN!

So below is that finished project - we had our choice of colors and made this adorable little box - just big enough for a tea bag or two, or a special little treat - isn't it adorable!   You can see more of Paula's work at HER BLOG .  Thanks for a great project Paula.

See you soon!!  ~Maureen
See the products used to make Paula's project - order HERE and click the shop button in the upper right corner!  Use hostess code BJ4PZ46C by Friday, April 24 noon and be entered for prizes!

Bow Builder Punch

$16.95

Perpetual Birthday Calendar Photopolymer Stamp Set

$23.95

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50

Brights Backgrounds Designer Series Paper Stack

$21.95

Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments

$4.95

Envelope Punch Board

$19.95

It's TIME for Goodbyes to the RETIRING Stampin' Up! products while they last!!

That's right - it's that time of year - and these ITEMS are going away to make space for some FUN new products.  So click on the banner above to see what is going away - many, many items at a discounted rate!  Our LOSS is your GAIN - but hurry - only available while supplies last!!

Shop online at My website and use my Hostess Code - BJ4PZ46C- and enter it at the bottom left of the screen right before check out.  The sooner you order, the better chance of getting everything you want!!  so do it now! Or email me your order and I will place once a day in the evening - but some products could be gone by then - so be aware!

For every $25 (pre S&H and tax) in orders placed now through Friday, April 24 at Noon will be entered in a drawing to win one of ten great SU products.  Winners will be notified by email by this weekend.

HURRY - HURRY - HURRY​

~Maureen

Personal Post Monday

My most recent Gramma Day was last weekend - this time I got to spend the day with the lovely Miss Kamili.  We had such a great day together.  She wanted lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - and she is such a "foodie."  She ordered the kid's bowtie pasta with Alfredo and said it was good but mentioned how much better it would be with mushrooms and shrimp - lol!

Here's a picture of the two of us that we were able to get a kind gentleman to snap just outside the Mall.

Then it was off to do some crafting - she painted this cute little LOVE sign for her bedroom.  After it dried the entire thing was coated in clear with glitter and it came out great!

Finally - finished the day with some yummy Frozen Yogurt before heading back home where she journaled in her Gramma journal and brought a little gift back to each of her brothers and her sister.

We really did have a great day together - she is just a delight.  I love hearing about her friends, school and all the things she likes.  She shared that when she grows up she thinks she wants to be a teach for kids with special needs - and I think she'd be just amazing at that.  Can't wait till our next special day sweetie!! ~Gramma

2nd Cute and Clean Card

So here is the second card we did last week at Girl's Night Out cards - I wanted a fun and bright Birthday card that could be used for anyone and this is what I came up with.  The colors just make me HAPPY and just about any patter of paper from this DSP set could be used.  I just pulled out the different colors - and used them for the layers and circles.

A little bit of Baker's Twine in daffodil and few sparkly stars - and we're done - sure to bring a smile to any birthday "person's" face.  See you soon.  ~Maureen

Hello There....

So - I know, I know - I've been missing in action.  Wow, the packing, getting ready for retiring at work, and trying to sell a  house really takes it out of a gal.  I thought I was tired before - lol!  So I'm so sorry that - really have been slacking off in the area of blogging.  But today I'm sharing a simple - but really cute card.

As soon as I saw this vine in the catalog - I had to have it.  This card has been made in just about every color imaginable - and it is cute every time.  So we made this at last week's down line meeting, and then - rather than reinvent the wheel - we made it again at my Cute and Clean cards.  I really love it.  The little blossoms are punched, curved and pearls colored with sharpies are added to the centers.  Then we attached them to the vine with glue dots.  I really love this card - hope you do too.  ~Maureen

Stamping Opportunities with Maureen in April

If you're in the Southern California area - come stamp with us!!

​Spring has SPRUNG – now if we could just get some of that rain!  Come stamp with me rain or shine – before I’m gone!

*Please request address if needed when you sign up for events.

April Stamping Opportunities with Maureen

NOTE: Every stamping event includes everything you need to make your projects.  You only need to bring yourself and your payment unless otherwise noted in the event information.  I’ll hold as many events as I can until we move out of state.  After that they will be quarterly.  Only 2 events this month, so I hope you can come join me!  Thank you!

 

~*~*~*~

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 ~ 7:00 – 9:30 PM

Girl’s Night Out Card-making Party!! 

Maureen’s Home in Simi Valley*

Cost: $15 or get the Stamp Camp FREE with a $35 merchandise purchase at the event.  

We'll make 6 cards - 3 each of 2 cute designs using exclusive Stampin’ Up! sets and embellishments ONLY!    

 This stamp camp is fun and easy for all crafting levels.  Light refreshments, coffee, tea and wine served.  No additional purchase required.   All materials to make cards provided.  Doorprize drawing!

Limit 10.  Must RSVP to hold your spot. 

Class must be ½ full to avoid cancellation – so grab a friend and come make something fun!

~*~*~*~

Sunday, April 26, 2015 ~ 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Christmas in April -  Christmas Cards Class

Maureen’s Home in Simi Valley*

Cost: $25 or get the Stamp Camp FREE with a $60 merchandise purchase at the event.  

IT’s ALREADY April - DON'T MISS OUT THIS YEAR - BE READY FOR NEXT CHRISTMAS WITH HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS CARDS!!  

Think how great it will feel to have those cards done and ready to go.

This has been a very popular Monthly Stamp Camp for the past several years.   We will make 10 wonderful Christmas cards (5 each of 2 different designs).  If you do not do Christmas cards and would like an alternative winter or holiday design - let me know at time of sign-up.

This stamp camp is fun and easy for all crafting levels.  Light refreshments, coffee, tea and wine served.

No additional purchase required.   All materials needed are provided by me!  Doorprize drawing!

Limit 10. Must RSVP to hold your spot. 

Class must be 1/2 full to avoid cancellation - sooooooo - what are you waiting for?  Sign up now and join the fun!

*Stamp Camp/Class/Club Cancellation Policy - PLEASE READ TILL END OF 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 (If a stamp camp - you will receive the material packet with pictures (by email or on my blog) to make your projects.)  Stamping may 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 Heidi or Maureen. If no purchase requirement is listed for the specific event, you must purchase 2 1/2 times the cost of the class/stamp camp/event or pay for the event. If event is cancelled by me - full refund will be given of any pre-payment. All events must be half-full to avoid possible cancellation. Check your emails to be sure events have not been cancelled.

NOTE: If a different cancellation date is listed in event description it supersedes this policy.

Maureen Rauchfuss ~ the Crazy Stamping Lady

Blog: www.crazystampinglady.blogspot.com *  Website: www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net  *  Phone: 805/404-8183

Email: crazystampinglady@gmail.com

Personal Post Monday

No stamping today - just Easter memories.  Celebrated with the Kings and some other family and friends.  Missing Jenee and the kiddos something awful.  But remembering all the things we are thankful for - life is so full of blessings - can't dwell on things that are not perfect.  So sharing a picture of Heidi and Aaron and the kids.  Glad they were able to be here.

Kyan, Heidi, Aaron, Kamili, Zavian and Makai

Didn't get any other pictures - not sure  how the day got away from me.  Did get a video of the Easter Egg hunt though - so have that to remember the day by.  Also wanted to share the beautiful eggs I dyed.  Just couldn't let Easter go by without a few eggs.  The rich colors come from starting with brown eggs - love how they turned out.

Hope your day was wonderful too!! Check back soon for more stamping ideas!  ~Maureen

He is risen - Happy Easter everyone!!

I serve a risen Savior - the song of my heart.  Hope you all celebrate this blessed day with those you love!

Here are a few of the Easter cards I sent out this year.  Quick, pretty easy - but I think beautiful - and the sentiment says it all.   

"Sharing in the JOY of His indescribable GIFT."

This is a hard Easter for me as Jenee and her kids will not be here.  Don't think we've ever celebrated Easter without them :(  But they are definitely in my heart and thoughts.  Missing them!  But this is life - and as Paul and I retire and move - I am sure this will happen - we just need to be extra thankful  for all the times we have and will have together.  ~Maureen

UPDATED: IN-COLOR special PLUS Free Shipping

Wow - Stampin' Up! just announced this - so save that 10% shipping for five days only!

Plus - add it to my special below and get these colors before they're gone -and FREE sequins to match.  This Is Great!!

I LOVE these 2013-15 in-colors and in less than 2 weeks the retirement list will be out - and the products in the colors will be on their way out.  From past experience I can guarantee they will go fast - so I'm offering a deal while supplies last.  Purchase at least $30 worth (pre S&H and tax) of cardstock, ink pads, refills, markers, ribbon, twine, clothespins, or DSP in any combination of these colors

and get the coordinating sequins package FREE!  

750 sequins - 50 each of each color, each design - $4.95 value

Go HERE to see the products - and email me your order at crazystampinglady@gmail.com - or order directly through my website by signing in there and using hostess code -
BJ4PZ46C bottom left of screen before you check out!  If you order directly the sequins will be sent to you separately - directly from me.  Each year customers are looking for these items after they are gone - so don't wait - order now as they are ONLY available while supplies last.  This offer expires 4/10/15  ~Maureen