Stamp Things

Decor Elements Hostess Set

When I saw this decor elements hostess set advertised in the decor elements catalog, I had to have it for my very own.

This set is available in black, chocolate as well as white in English, French & Spanish.

For my kitchen, I selected English language and White lettering.

These elements were extremely easy to apply.  I simply pealed back the the top layer.

Apply element to the desired surface.

Rub the Surface Decor Element applicator (PN 114285).  Be careful to rub the entire element evenly and don't miss the corners.

Carefully peal back the wax paper to transfer the element on to the surface.

If you are interested in this or other decor elements, check out the definitely decorative catalog by clicking on the catalog icon to your right.

This is a large file, so you will need to be patient while it downloads.

Decor Elements can be ordered on line, by clicking here and then clicking on the "SHOP NOW" button.

Don't forget - They Grow so fast! This Decor Element Growth Chart, now on sale for just $24.95. But hurry—it's only available through September 30!

As Always, Happy Creatin'

Hostess Benifits - Schedule your Setptember - November Workshop Now!

Schedule your own workshop for September - November 30th now.  The hostess benitfits are unbelieviable and you will earn free products for those Christmas Cards that you know you and your friends will be making.  Don't worry if your friends ONLY sent picture cards, I'll demo a quick and inexpensive for them.  I'll also work with you to make this the most successful event it can be.

The Stampin' Up! Promotions details are listed below.

Dates: September 1-November 30, 2009

Host a workshop totaling $250 or more and choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10! 
*Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.

After My Digital Studio is released, this offer will become even sweeter:

Host a workshop of at least $400 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97)!

I can be contacted by email at marie@stampthings.com to arrange a party. If you have an order of $250 or more, contact me so that we can also get you these awesome benifits.

As Always, Happy Creatin'

New Years Eve Chocolate Covered Oreo Balls

Did you love the Choclate Covered Oreo Ball treats posted earlier this year, well you will love this little twist.

Don't know what to do with those left over candy canes that have been sitting around decorating your beautiful home?  Unwrap those babies, throw them in your food processor and add them to the Choclate Covered Oreo Ball recipe. 

Click HERE to for the recipe!

I hope you enjoy this quick & easy recipe.

Happy New Years!

Live like you are in a recession!!!

Live like your in a recession and make your own gifts.  OMG! What did she just print.  Yeap!  Some of us craft, stamp and scrapbook because we love it.  Frankly, I love it.  I love to make my own gifts as well.  I love to receive them too.  Anything hand made to me is given from the heart and with the utmost love and thought.  If you need an excuse to make your presents this year, live like you are in a recession and make your own gifts.  If you are like me, you just enjoy it.

What kind of gifts can I make? With Stampin' Up! products you are truly only limited by your imagination.  Below are some ideas.

1. Decorate White Canvas Tennis Shoes with Staz On Ink and your favorite Stamp Set.

2. Note Cards - Excellent teacher gift!

3. Coasters and Trivets - See this post for more information.

4. Calendar - Decorate each month with various stamps or add some pictures.

5. Silk Scarves - Decorate some Silk Scarves with Craft Ink and your favorite Stamp Set.

6. Wall Art - Create beautiful paper creations and frame them for your favorite friend or family member.

7. Bracelets - Using the build a brad kit and a linked bracelet you can create your own bracelet.

8. Use the Sizzix Dies to create some die cut embellishments for pillows, pants, shirts, etc.

9. Bag of Tags - Great for a co-worker or anyone who is giving gifts this season.

10. Ornaments - Make your own for yourself or anyone.

Don't forget: If you haven't signed up for my email newsletter, then you don't know that I have a free shipping promotion going on.  All orders placed through me by Dec 11th over $25 will receive free shipping.  To place an order through me, simply email me your order, or come on the 11th.  For those who email me an order, I will email you a PayPal invoice.  For those who order at the tag party, you are welcome to pay by cash, check or PayPal.  US orders only.  Stampin' Up! is offering free shipping on orders $70 or more until December 23, 2008.

Enjoy making some gifts this holiday season!

- Marie

Chocolate Dipped Oreo Balls

This recipe comes from a friend who makes these awesome little chocolate dipped morsels.  When I say awesome, I mean the entire family begs her to make them for any and every occasion.  Yes!  They are that good.  Did I mention that they are easy to make too?  You've just got to love this kind of recipe. (LOL)

Ingredients

1 package Oreo cookies

1- 8 oz package cream cheese (the block of cream cheese not the tubs)

1 pound DARK melting chocolate (Some stores now carry the microwave kind!)

Directions

1. Place cream cheese in a bowl to soften.
2. In a food processor, process a bag of Oreo cookies until all you have is Oreo cookie crumbs (no chunks!). 
3. Add the cookie crumbs to the softened cream cheese, then mix.
4. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
5. Make small bite sized balls and place on cookie sheet.
6. Chill for an at least 1 hour. This is a good place to stop if you want to chill the little tasty little treats overnight.
7. While the little balls are chilling, melt the chocolate in a double boiler.  If you were fortunate to find one of the microwavable melting chocolates, even better!
8. Dip chilled balls into melted chocolate, then place balls back on the wax paper and let harden.
9. Store covered balls in an air tight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

These tasty little deserts make a great holiday gift for friends, family and co-workers.  If you like this I also have some great ideas for some fun Craftin' times with friends, family and co-workers that will fit any schedule.  Click here for my Stampin' Up! Party Ideas.   

Don't forget that the holidays are coming up!  If you need some easy and beautiful gift ideas for the holidays, consider hosting a party.  I'll be happy to demonstrate some easy, elegant and in expensive gift ideas for the holidays.  Give me a call or email me, I am available for Parties beginning in October. 

As Always Happy Creatin',

Let's Have a Partty!!!!!

What is the biggest incentive for hosting a Stampin’ Up! party? Besides the good times with friends and family, it’s the FREE stuff, of course! This post discusses ideas for holding your own Stampin’ Up! party.  What YOU need to ask yourself is "How can I make this happen for me?". I know you want the free stuff!!!!  At the end of the post contact me if you are local to Massachusetts or your local Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator to arrange a party that meets your schedule.

Party Ideas:

• The Playgroup Party! Let the kids play while mom and friends watch a demo. If you have young children who need more guidance and supervision, a babysitter or mom friend who can keep the children entertained is advised.  Demonstration ideas: Kid Tattoos Kit, Children’s Party Invitations, how about a Scrapbook Page Layout or teacher gifts. Kids love punches, so demonstrate a few of these too.
• Mommy's Play date: While the kids are at school, it is time for you to play.  Use Pea Pod for your groceries this week, and take a break with your friends.  Arrange a party at your home or local cafe and earn free stamps and supplies!  This is a great time to put together a nice scrapbook page layout with the new "In Colors" or show off a new technique to make your greetting cards pop!!
• Coffee Clutch Party: How about a morning coffee hour with you favorite friends? This could work on a weekday or weekend. Make it a very relaxed party. Demonstration ideas: Coffee-cup rub-ons, "Thank You" notes, Tile Coasters.  You never know, this could turn into a monthly habit for you and your friends!!!!
• High Tea:An afternoon tea party, how lovely? You can serve a variety of teas, and small sandwiches and shortbread cookies.  Demonstration ideas: Decorate a ceramic teapot with some rub-ons, show off some elegant party Invitations using vellum or perhaps a small trivet or coasters will do.
• Work Party: If lunch hour demonstration works better for you, your friends and co-workers. Meet-up at a local restaurant or in the office break-room or conference room (if your company will allow).  May be after school for those teachers out there who wish to add some stamps to there crafting box.  I am full of ideas that depend on your interest or occupation, so give me a call or send me an email. We can definitely come up with something quick, easy and fabulous items to demonstrate.
• Girls Night out Party: This a typical party. You invite all your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Serve some fun munchies and drinks. A few neat ideas are presented a simple make and take is done as a part favor! It is a lot of fun.
• Workshop: You don’t want to host a Party. A workshop is more your thing. Great! I love workshops. These are great for boys & girls scout troops, schools and even a child’s birthday party if crafting is their favorite thing! This works a little differently that a party where the guest order items from the catalog. Here we will be making items. Anything from cards, scrapbooks or pages and/or gifts items like silk scarves, coasters anything that we can stamp!  Items are paid for Á la carté or person.

Party Locations:

• Your home
• Your demonstrator’s home
• Local Coffee Shop or Restaurant
• Nursing Homes
• Community Center
• Playground
• Local Town Hall or local government building – Check 1^st for permission
• Your Place of Work – Check 1^st for permission
• Local School – Check 1^st for permission

Remember to check 1^st for availability and permission. This is all about you; so, you should have YOUR party where ever YOU feel most comfortable.  Speaking of your party, contact me to plan your party!

Party Munchies for your next Stampin' or Scrappin' Night!

We all find ourselves hosting stamping, crafting or scrapbooking nights from time to time or better still attending these lovely events. Sometimes we are at a lost as to what to bring. Here is a quick and easy recipe that you can share with your friends, hostesses or use yourself. They are my favorite treat for when Aunt "Flo" visits ("Hint! Hint! Wink! Wink! Nudge! Nudge! SAY NO MORE!!"... Okay, Okay, I know enough of the Monty Python references. They drive my husband crazy too.). These treats are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, so I tend to love them. Did I mention easy to make?

Your Supplies can very depending on your tastes. Remember this is all about you so change things up as you desire! I change things all the time. Speaking of which, I should apologize for the frequently changing backgrounds and banner. I still have not found the one that reflects me. Please bear with me as I explore the endless possibilities of banners and backgrounds. Heck, come on the journey with me. I seem to be changing things on a daily basis around here, so come on back and visit to see what new background or header I am trying next! Think of this site like the New England weather. "Wait a minute. It will change".

From here on, I promise to stay focused on the recipe.

Ingredients (Remember Change them as you wish)  See Alternate Ingredients below for Ideas.

• One Bag of Square Pretzels like Snyder’s of Hanover "SNAPS". These are used as the base. All other ingredients may vary.
• 2-3 bags of Dove Dark Chocolate
• 
• 1 Bag of Cran-Raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F.
2. On a greased cookie sheet, spread the unbroken pretzel squares with at least 0.25" between each square.
3. Unwrap the chocolate and place one on each pretzel square.
4. Place the cookie sheet in the oven
5. Turn off the oven
6. Remove the cookie sheet after 10 minutes
7. Place desired topping (fruit, nuts or candy topping) on each cookie
8. Place Cookie Sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to cool or leave on the counter for several hours. Warning, Husbands and children cannot resist no matter how hot these little treats are.  They eat them instantly on sight. Don’t get mad, they can’t resist. It is impossible for them.
9. Serve when ready.

Alternate Ingredients

• Rollos and Pecans (or other nut) – This makes a nice mock turtle treat.
• 
• Milk Chocolate with M&Ms
• Milk Chocolate and Crushed Health Bar
• White Chocolate and Jelly beans
• Any kind of Chocolate and Fruit
• The possibilities are endless.

Tips

• Don’t use Hershey Kisses. They don’t melt as easily.
• The microwave may be faster, but you will need to experiment with the power level and time for each microwave to perfect the recipe.
• Make extra and store them in the freezer for last minute munchie emergencies.
• For Picnics or outdoor events, store treats in a cool place before serving as the HOT sun may melt them.

Come back on Wednesday for more creative tips, tricks and/or a wild & crazy project.

Enjoy! Happy Creating!