Nothing Like A Thanksgiving Day Flood

Do you see that little clearish tube? That is the culprit. Yep, just that little pipe caused this much damage:
Two feet of drywall, base molding and of course new paint will be replaced. What happened is the pipe to our humidifier on our furnace cracked for several days it went unnoticed thus leaking under the drywall in into my stamp room. Gasp! I freaked when I discovered it, of course the night before I was teaching a class.
The carpet will be ripped out and replaced with tile (as seen in the earlier picture), slightly to my dismay because of the cold factor, but I don't want to deal with any more leaks. While we are at it we are going to tile the whole basement. Excited that this will be a better option than carpet for us since we have a pool off of the basement and because I can easily mop up the spills and glitter from stamping.
Can you see on the cabinet how much water it sucked up? That will also need to be replaced. As will the other six that were damaged plus 4 white cabinets/bookcases. Oh, My.

Check out the disaster below. This is what happens when you realize that your stamp room is flooding! We quickly threw everything we could into our spare bedroom/office. Yikes, who is going to clean up this disaster?

What I need from all of you is inspiration! In the comment section please add a link with pictures of your stamp/craft room. Come on everyone I'm ready to be inspired! Thanks.

Oh NO X 2!

I started a project just the other day using Silver Shimmer Paint. It's not quite done yet, but........

Someone found the shimmer paint I had stashed up high on the counter and decided to "paint". Luckily, I caught Adventure Baby right away. What you can't see is the paint on her belly, legs, and in her hair.

In the tub she went! Oh, so is life when you have a 2 year old!

Christmas Luminary: Medallion Style

I had a request for one of my workshops in November to make a Christmas Luminary. The hostess had attended a workshop where I did a Halloween Luminary was so excited to have one of her own. So here it is!

I do want to take a quick moment and welcome Bethany (the hostess who received this Christmas Luminary) to the Dream Big. Stamp Often. Team! I am exited to have her as the newest member of my Stampin' team! Welcome Bethany!

Here are the details.

Using Ridinghood Red I ran 2 pieces cut to 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 thru the Big Shot using the Top Note Die. I folded these pieces in half before I ran them thru (I ran them thru one piece at a time) I then took 4 pieces of vellum cardstock using Versamark I inked up the Medallion background stamp and stamped. Next, I took my Stampin' Pastels and a sponge dauber to color the stamped image. I did this on the backside of the vellum. Finally, I attached the vellum to the cardstock and attached the two pieces together.

For a bit more snaz, I added some 1 1/2 inch striped ribbon, rhinestone, and shimmer spray.

Here is the final shot all lit up. Love it! I also love the idea that you can change the colors to match your decor.

Thanksgiving Pie: From a REAL pumpkin

Those of you that KNOW me, I mean really KNOW me in real life, not blog life, KNOW that I do not cook. True story, I don't. Somehow my family has something to eat each day but.....it's not usually by my doing. It's not that I can't cook, I just simply don't. I have a bunch of cookbooks and I cut out recipes all the time, they just don't happen.

Well, fast forward to Thanksgiving. I decided to make a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin this year. Ok, that sort of implies that I have made other pies, um, not true. I did what any good gal would do, I googled "How to make a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin". Side note: What did we do before google? I came across this blog (of course) followed the recipe and viola! Pumpkin Pie! I even took a picture of it (at this point my hubby had thought I lost it. He just looked at me and said "Blog" with rolling eyes).

Proof: I can make a pumpkin pie with a REAL pumpkin!

Black Friday Shopping: Results

Have I ever told you that I am just a bit crazy? Add in saving money or free stuff and it pushes me over the edge. OVER THE EDGE. Well, all of you in the U.S. know that yesterday was an unofficial holiday here, for those of you not in the U.S. let me explain. Yesteday was Black Friday (named that way because this is the day that retailers move out of the "red" in their accounting books and into the "black") so this day signifies the day of the year that retails start making money. For me it signifies crazy sales, lines, waiting for hours in the cold for stores to open at insane hours & FUN! See I said I'm a bit crazy.

So here is the run down for this year:

We were at the In-laws for the Thanksgiving holiday in Jackson, MI. For me that equals less people shopping (smaller town) more deals for me!

Started out at 2:30am to head to Jackson Crossings Mall

I promptly got in line for Best Buy rumor was that they would hand out tags starting 2 hours before they opened at 5am.

My SIL headed to Kohls, opened at 3 am, She was in search of several items and I was in search of a Shark Steam Mop for all those tile and wood floors in my house.

Then she ran to Target that opened at 4am, I was still in line, freezing. At this point I considered snuggling up to a stranger, for real, I was like well, I could rationalize this. However my choices were 3 men in camo (nothing wrong with camo) but a bit scruffy & one of them had their wife with or the 2 Motorcycle Gang Members behind me that happened to be carrying a concealed weapons, guns. So skip that.

Score, for SIL at Target, so she ran to Toys r Us for me. I'm still in line. 5am: We head into Best Buy for my wireless printer and labeler. Yep, I'm a nerd.

By 5:30 we were back out the door and into the car.

Quick run through Burger King for Breakfast, did I mention it was still dark out?!?!

Onto Joann's Fabric: In search of Cricut cartage, fabric, and Sizzix dies for SIL. Wait in line for 10 min & scored a $5 gift card when we walked in because of an ad misprint. Bonus! Plus, we had a 20% off coupon that could be used on everything we bought. We scored a Cricut cartage for about $25 dollars and SIL scored some Sizzix dies for around $10, normally $45.

Next onto Westwood Mall:

6:30am: Gymboree: 30% off the whole store, plus we have a 20% off coupon.

JC Pennys: For SIL

Victoria's Secret: Buy One Bra, second 50% off (not to get to personal but I desperately needed new bras, desperately) Plus 10$ off coupon, free underwear coupon, plus free bag with products inside.

Younkers/Elder Beerman: SIL scored some earring for $0.52 cents because of $10 off coupon.

Bath & Body Works: Buy 3, get 3 free products, plus another free item, $10 coupon, plus I purchased the bag for $20 with over $120 worth of free items inside.

Walmart: Items for the family that my Small Group at Church has adopted (2 comforters for $19 each, and a pot and pan set for $19.)

Back to Joann's for fabric: Nonscore: The line was INSANE, we were number 68c and they were on 67b, we waited 20 min and they only moved 2 numbers. So we left. We were yelled at by a stranger for no reason, interesting.

Big Lots: Nothing we needed.

Michael's: Christmas Ribbon for 70% off.

Another stop that will remain undisclosed due to gift purchase. :)

Swan Creek Candles: They have the BEST candles! To pick up some wax for my Stampin' Cousin.

Toy House: Picked up 2 puzzles for Adventure Baby.

Money Spent: Around $250, YIKES, money saved by shopping early and only buying things on sale plus free items, $700!!! Now that's what I like to see!

And we were done by 11:30am!!!

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Online Spectacular is ON!

Online Spectacular is here! Only until the end of the week, so nows the time!

Also, free shipping on orders over $150, remember a $150 order will entitle you to a level one hostess set and $15 in free products, plus now free shipping!

Sorry for the strange listing here but I wanted you to see a list of the great deals, check out my website for a prettier version. The second price in the list is the sale price with the first price being the normal price.

*From the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog

**From the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure

50% off Products

Item Page Description Retail Price Sale Price

118108 181 My Digital Studio™ $79.95 $39.98

121715 16* Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric $9.95 $4.98

121716 16* Deck the Halls Designer Fabric $9.95 $4.98

124240 162

Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Wood-Mount Bundle

Includes Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Upper and Lower Wood-Mount Stamp

Set

$63.90 $31.95

124241 162

Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Clear-Mount Bundle

Includes Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Upper and Lower Clear-Mount Stamp

Set

$47.90 $23.95

40% off Products

Item Page Description Retail Price Sale Price

124242 63

Simply Said Bundle

Includes Simply Said Stamp Set and Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’

Around® Wheel

$37.45 $22.47

124243 63

Amitié Bundle

Includes Amitié Stamp Set and Daisy Dash Jumbo Stampin’ Around

Wheel

$37.45 $22.47

124245 187 Fire and Ice Brad Bundle

Includes Circle Fire, Circle Ice, and Square Fire Rhinestone Brads $32.85 $19.71

*From the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog

**From the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure

Item Page Description Retail Price Sale Price

124244 191

Striped Ribbon Bundle

Includes Night of Navy, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, and Pumpkin

Pie 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

$39.80 $23.88

116819 208 Table Setting Bigz XL Die $42.95 $25.77

116760 209 Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz™ XL Die $39.95 $23.97

115961 209 Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die $42.95 $25.77

115966 209 Pop-Up Look Here Bigz XL Die $42.95 $25.77

115973 210 Joyful Sizzlits® Die $5.50 $3.30

114516 215 Cherry Blossom Embosslits™ Die $11.95 $7.17

115957 215 Thanks Embosslits Die $11.95 $7.17

114514 215 Simple Flower Embosslits Die $11.95 $7.17

115952 215 Hi Embosslits Die $11.95 $7.17

121091 224 Large Kraft Botanical Flower Décor Elements $19.95 $11.97

114888 11** Medium Basic Black Season of Thanks Décor Elements™ $19.95 $11.97

117970 12** Medium Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements $19.95 $11.97

117971 12** Medium Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements $19.95 $11.97

114838 13** Medium Chocolate Christmas Countdown Décor Elements $25.95 $15.57

114837 13** Small Chocolate Christmas Countdown Décor Elements $19.95 $11.97

30% off Products

Item Page Description Retail Price Sale Price

124249 81-82 Bots Bundle

Includes Best Bots Forever and Lots of Bots Stamp Sets $42.90 $30.03

124250 92-93

Funky Four Wood-Mount Bundle

Includes Funky Four Wood-Mount Stamp Set, Play Date Designer Series

Paper, and Play Date Quick Accents

$33.85 $23.70

124251 92-93

Funky Four Clear-Mount Bundle

Includes Funky Four Clear-Mount Stamp Set, Play Date Designer Series

Paper, and Play Date Quick Accents

$30.85 $21.60

124253 110

Hello Again Bundle

Includes Hello Again Stamp Set and Retro Remix Stampin’ Around

Wheel

$19.45 $13.62

124254 110

Hola de Nuevo Bundle

Includes Hola de nuevo Stamp Set and Retro Remix Stampin’ Around

Wheel

$19.45 $13.62

124255 110 Salut à Toi Bundle

Includes Salut à toi Stamp Set and Retro Remix Stampin’ Around Wheel $19.45 $13.62

*From the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog

**From the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure

Item Page Description Retail

Price

Sale

Price

124252 187 Neutral Brads Bundle

Includes Neutrals 5/8” and 5/16” Brads Assortments $14.90 $10.43

124260 187

Accessory Assortment Bundle

Includes Clips Assortment, Build-a-Brad, Flower Designer Brads, and

Neutrals Flower Brads

$31.80 $22.26

112454 188 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware $29.95 $20.97

111325 188 Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware $29.95 $20.97

115604 188 Fleurettes II $9.95 $6.97

103179 199 Craft & Rubber Scissors $19.95 $13.97

118402 201 Scallop Trim Border Punch $15.95 $11.17

114890 208 Matchbox Bigz XL Die $42.95 $30.07

113484 209 Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die $39.95 $27.97

116823 210 Merry Details Sizzlits Die $5.50 $3.85

113452 212 Join in the Cheer Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die $21.95 $15.37

114510 212 Billboard Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die $21.95 $15.37

124256 86,

196

Friends Rock Bundle

Includes Friends Rock Stamp Set, Rockin' Stampin’ Around Wheel, and

Fine Supernova Stampin’ Glitter®

$39.40 $27.58

124257 86,

196

Pony Party Wood-Mount Bundle

Includes Pony Party Wood-Mount Stamp Set, Dream Stampin’ Around

Wheel, and Fine Galaxy Stampin’ Glitter

$41.40 $28.98

124258 86,

196

Pony Party Clear-Mount Bundle

Includes Pony Party Clear-Mount Stamp Set, Dream Stampin’ Around

Wheel, and Fine Galaxy Stampin’ Glitter

$36.40 $25.48

124246 125,

184

Notably Ornate Wood-Mount Bundle

Includes Notably Ornate Wood-Mount Stamp Set and Vintage Type Rub-

Ons

$30.90 $21.63

124247 125,

184

Notably Ornate Clear-Mount Bundle

Includes Notably Ornate Clear-Mount Stamp Set and Vintage Type Rub-

Ons

$24.90 $17.43

124248 125,

184

Déco Noble Bundle

Include Déco noble Stamp Set and Vintage Type Rub-Ons $24.90 $17.43

124259 148,

171

Note Card Bundle

Includes FYI Stamp Set, Elegant Notes, and Fresh-Cut Notes $38.85 $27.20

*From the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog

**From the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure

40% off My Digital Downloads

Item Description Retail Price Sale Price

118121 Great Moments II Stamp Brush Set $9.95 $5.97

118124 Medallion Stamp Brush Set $1.95 $1.17

122145 Contempo Alphabet Stamp Brush Set $9.95 $5.97

30% off My Digital Downloads

Item Description Retail Price Sale Price

120880 Christmas Cocoa 2 Digital Kit $9.95 $6.97

118117 Berry Christmas Stamp Brush Set $5.95 $4.17

122154 Ornament Digital Punch $0.95 $0.67

122142 Presto Patterns Overlays Stamp Brush Set $3.95 $2.77

121434 Typewriter Numbers Stamp Brush Set $5.95 $4.17

20% off My Digital Downloads

Item Description Retail Price Sale Price

123953 Jolly Holiday Digital Designer Series Paper $4.95 $3.96

123954 Holly & Jolly Embellishments $3.95 $3.16

123956 Christmas Cheer Digital Kit $9.95 $7.96

123962 Welcome Christmas Stamp Brush set $3.95 $3.16

122176 Deck the Halls Photocard Digital Kit $3.95 $3.16

123959 Deck the Halls Digital Designer Buttons $2.95 $2.36

120172 Spring Shades Digital Designer Series Paper $4.95 $3.96

121067 Summertime Splendor Digital Designer Series Paper $4.95 $3.96

Contact me today to learn more or visit www.taraangus.stampinup.net to place your order.

This is only around for NINE days!

Nominated!!!

Head on over to LambAround

and vote for my Turkey Shirt. Thanks!

Turkey, Turkey, Shirt

I found this great idea on The Cottage Home a couple of weeks ago (click here for tutorial) and knew I had to make one for adventure baby! So here is my version.
No comments on my sewing skills please though. For real this is the second thing I have EVER embroidered with my sewing machine. EVER! I do have to say it was super fun and I might have to make a different for for Christmas....maybe a Christmas Turkey, or not.
Here's the whole shirt. Adventure baby was already asleep so, no real life picture yet. Sorry. I picked up the shirt at Target for around $6 in the toddler section.

Heavy Metal: Leaves

Check out these beauties! I also purchased these at a Holiday Expo last weekend.

Using the Leaves #2 die for the big shot metal was cut out. Then ran through an Embossing Folder. Next silver, gold, and copper leafing was applied. Lastly, Stampin' Up! glass glitter in Champagne was added for a bit of bling.

Love these beauties. She did a great job!

Heavy Metal: Metal Flowers and Frame

I attended a Holiday Expo last week and came across this great magnetic frame using Stampin' Up! paper and Flower Folds Die so.....

I HAD to buy it for my office! I have forgotten the lady's name that made it but I will add that later (I forgot to bring her business card home today). Oops.

She simply took metal (another SU! demo tells me metal flashing) ran it through the big shot using the flower folds die and other dies. Spray painted the metal, or maybe she sprayed the whole sheets first. Then after it was cut out she used embossing folders and ran it back through the big shot. Next she sanded the "hills" in the metal to distress it. Attached with glue, add magnet, & viola. Side note: She makes the ceramic center piece herself.

Here is the side view of the organizer.

50% off Starter Kit, For Real!

Do you love Stamping, Scrapbooking, Home Decor, or just crafting in general?

Well, Stampin' Up! has announced a great promotion just in time for you.

Join my Stampin' Family: Dream Big. Stamp Often for only $87.50!

Not sure what to put on your Christmas list? How about an early Christmas gift....hint, hint.

In total honesty my husband bought me my starter kit 8 years ago, almost exactly, and here I am today, still stamping like a crazy woman. BEST Christmas gift ever!!! Seriously. Stampin' Up! has taught me that I can be a business owner, use my creative skills to teach others, allow me some well deserved time out of the house, travel to fun places each year to stamp (both close and far), and MOST of all my hobby pays for itself!

Join today at: www.taraangus.stampinup.net use the codeword Dream Big Stamp Often

Matchbox Advent Class $25

On Saturday December 4th at 10am I will be holding a Christmas Advent Matchbox Class.

These are super cute advent calendars with a twist. The cost is $25 and includes a full pack of Christmas 12x12 paper.

You will be able to chose between these papers:

Please Choose Paper #1, #2, or #3 when signing up for this class. Please sign up by November 25th to ensure that I have your paper selection on hand. Thanks for understanding. When you sign up a paypal invoice will be sent to you for payment, or if you are in the area you can always drop payment off to me.

LOVE this idea but you don't live in the Grand Rapids, MI area or can't make it to the class? Sign up for a class to go kit! This will include everything you need to make this project plus instructions and will be shipped to you. Cost for the Advent CLASS TO GO is $35 (In order to cover the shipping costs for priority mail and an extra $5 for me to do all your cutting, punching, stamping).

Bathroom Mirror: Before and After

The bathroom re-do continues! It's almost done but I'm not quite ready to show the whole deal yet. Sometime.....someday.....

For about 6 months we have had this mirror hanging in our bathroom. Although it was a great find already painted in silver, not the ugly gold from the 70s, it just felt way to heavy for my light & airy bathroom. When I bought it I knew I would paint it but since it was in a decent condition as it was I committed myself to living with it for a while that way.

Here is the before picture. You can see I already started to prime it, then remembered to quick take a couple of picture. I almost forgot in my excitement and rush! The day I did this it was supposed to rain and I was heading over to a friends to help her pick out some paint for her bathroom remodel.

Here it is in all it's glory. I used American Accents (my fav spray paint) in Apple Green. I did do two coats + on this beauty after priming it really well. Oh, apparently one of my bathroom lights is out...hmm....DH is going to have to fix that one.

Close up shot of my work. You can see that the mirror is not perfect, but what do you expect for a vintage mirror that has been well loved.

Side View. In case you are wondering the paint color of the walls is Meander Blue from Sherwin Williams. I really like this color of blue, it has just the right amount of green in it to blend with the rest of the turquoise in my house.

Do you LOVE my Anthropologie shower curtain?!?! I LOVE it. Definitely a splurge put really adds to the room in my opinion.

Side note: I am so excited that we will be getting our own Antro some time in the next year right here in Grand Rapids. I have been a once a year in store Anthro shopper for quite a while while I am in Salt Lake City for the Stampin' Up! convention. Now I'll be able to shop there all the time. Yikes, my hubby is going to pass out.

Cost for this project: $35 for the mirror from a resale shop, $10 in spray paint.

November Class: DVD Tin Scrapbook

DVD Tin Scrapbook Class $10

Tuesday November 30 6:00pm

at my house in Jenison, MI

Come and make this quick and easy DVD Tin Scrapbook.

These make great Christmas gifts for Parents, Teachers, Grand Parents, basically anyone that you need a small gift for!

You will be able to chose from various papers and embellishments.

That way your project is truly your own creation. Don't worry if that make you nervous I'll be there to help. :)

Please RSVP by Friday November 26th.

In order to save your seat please either comment here or e-mail me at taraangus@gmail.com and further details will be sent to you.

Paisley Prints Leaf Candles

Well, Halloween is over so it's time to change my buffet! It is still really bare but I wanted to show you my latest project today.

I first saw this great idea for fall glittered candles in Stampin' Up!'s Holiday mini catalog. LOVE the glass glitter! Stampin' Up!'s glass glitter comes in Champagne (that is the color I'm using today) or Silver.
Using a foam paintbrush I spread a thin layer of Crystal Effects (sold by Stampin' Up!) onto the candle. I then sprinkled the glass glitter onto the candle all the way around, then came back and pushed the glitter into the glue with my finger, just to make sure. I then let it dry overnight.
Next, using the Paisley Prints stamp set that is in the Holiday Mini Catalog I stamped a total of six leaves, two of each color. The ink colors that I used were, Pear Pizzaz, Pumpkin Pie, and Cajan Craze. After stamping I cut out the leaves and punched a hole at the base of the stem. Next I strung the leaves on Linen Thread, wrapped the thread around the candle, and finished with a small bow.
Love that glitter and Love how this project turned out! Oh, I almost forgot the candles I am using are wax LED, since I have a two year old in the house I just find these safer for my family. Also, I'm not sure what would happen to the glitter with the heat of a "real" candle. So that is why I recommend if you want a burning look candle that you use a nice looking LED one.