And the winner is......

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is busy crafting for the New Year. I thought I would let you know the outcome of our name our new friend blog candy.....and it was Keith! I know, I know it's not fair....but I thought I would make it up to everyone who left a comment and send out something to everyone! I have packages going to Candy and Trevi... watch your mailbox soon for a little something from me.

And the winning name is....Geddy. It just seems to fit, and we are making progress with the responding to the correct name.....

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I was spoiled rotten, and blessed with a nifty Flip video camcorder that I was hoping for. I am hoping to create some video tutorials and clubs pertaining to Stampin Up!

It is really easy to use, just need to get all of my ideas in one place....So, leave me a comment on a technique you would like to see a video tutorial on, and I will gather my ideas and create some video tutorials on things you would like to learn. More blog Candy for the selected suggestion......

I ordered my new catalogs today....we will have to hold a new catalog open house in January! Stay tuned for updates.

Also, I have been trying to come up with some class ideas for January and beyond. Please leave suggestions as a comment!

See you all soon!

Our new friend!

Hi Everyone! Meet our new furry friend....He finally came out of hiding, and has happily joined us, ahem me in everything I do. We still have'nt settled on a name, but his name from the shelter was Smithers.

He is very loving, follows me everywhere, plays in his water bowl so much we are considering "Puddles" as a name...he is really a wonderful addition to our family.

So far the name list is:

Geddy

Pratt

Puddles

Scamp

Sneakers

Declin

Seamus

I really can't decide...so I thought I would offer up a little blog candy to help us name our little friend. In order to participate, leave a comment by Christmas day, with your suggestion of a name. (He is a boy, so we really don't want anything too girly) I will select a name from the suggestions, and send the winner a Christmas gift bag of products! (It's a Christmas gift, so I'm not saying what!) Also, if you would forward my blog to your friends, I am trying to build a following for the New Year, where I will post tutorial videos, my class calender etc.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Laurel

New Stampin Up! Promotions

Hello everyone!

Since I was out of town last week for work, it seems I have missed informing you of some great things happening with Stampin Up!

The retired list is out! And until December 23, selected stamps are 10% off.

Also Free shipping on orders over $70.

The last day for Christmas orders to assure timely delivery is Tuesday December 16.

To see the retired list be sure to access my Demonstrator website, a link is provided on the left side of my blog.

Happy Holidays!
Laurel

Candy Cane Fridays!

Happy Holidays!

I have been a little behind in posting lately, but extra busy with work and holidays. I wanted to share a direct link to a wonderful blog that I follow of some creative gals from California. They routinely post videos on youtube and howcast and also have an etsy store for kits and thier handmade items. Each friday from now until Christmas they are posting videos for Christmas crafts. I found a few great ideas here....

http://leahfung.typepad.com/leahs_desktop_dictionary/2008/12/vblog-no-43-candy-cane-friday-120508.html?cid=141680140#comments

Check it out, they are silly and have a lot of fun, but most of all really creative.

I also was passed a link to Ribbon Addicts Sticky Sale...for all your red tape needs, at affordable prices be sure to check it out:

http://confessionsofaribbonaddict.blogspot.com/search?q=sticky+sale

Another fantastically creative gal.

So, I feel like I should catch everyone up on basic life goings on for me. I had a great time hosting my first Open House Stamp Camp on Nov 30th and I am so grateful to everyone who turned out. We made 10 projects! Whew! But now everyone seems ready with Stocking Stuffers, except me! I need to get some creative time. i also put together a schedule for January of my events, and they include a card buffet on January 11, Stamp Club on Jan 20, and Techniques class on Jan 25. Stay tuned for updates.

After the pain of losing our beloved Scotia this October, Keith and I have been looking in the animal shelters for a new friend, and this week we found one that we put the adoption papers on... His name is Smithers, and we are waiting for the okay from the shelter and hopefully he will be ours by Dec 19th. His pic is at the top of this post. Cross your fingers for us, we feel having a new kitty to love will help fill the house back up. I know Scotia is smiling at us for giving another homeless kitty a home. I still miss her so much.

Other than that I am generally behind schedule for the holidays, working very hard long hours lately, and getting ready for a trip this week for work. I am hopeful that after this trip, things work wise might become easier.

I am enjoying being involved with Stampin Up, and all of the great ideas I am getting access to and the gals who I am meeting.

I went to a wonderful dinner tonight with some gals from the SouthSouthJerseySandScrappers yahoo group, for the holidays. If you are on yahoo and local to our area, you should join this group of creative ladies. Lots of great sharing of ideas, and classes offered. These gals have really been great friends, and are so creative!

Not much else to report. I hope your holiday plans are going well, and I hope to see you at a class or event in January.

Merry!Merry!

Laurel

Update.....

Hello all!

A busy Saturday! We held the Crop for the Cure in a lot of rain....but it did'nt dampen our spirits one iota! The crop wound up raising $850 and the team Blister Sisters met thier fundraising goals! Yippee! Everyone had a wonderful time, lots of prizes, and great classes...it was truly a blast.

Today I ran up to my favorite scrapbook store, and returned he cases of paper she so generously left with us at the crop. Did a little shopping, and created a paper purchase club for Stampin Up! Oh, yep, I finally joined. I am starting out pretty slowly, but I am really enjoying things.

Not much else to report. Just wound down from a busy busy weekend. I can't thank everyone enough for all of the support....

Best regards,
Laurel

Mini Pizza Box Class

Hi Everyone!

I have been asked to put together a class for boxes. So, here it is...These mini pizza boxes are a snap to make, and we will be making 4 of them in class on November 15, 2008 during the Crop for the Cure ,Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day-to benefit Team Blister Sisters! Cost of class is $10 for 4 boxes, and I am passing the class fee on to the foundation. I will also be celebrating my new demonstratorship with Stampin Up! by offerring free shipping on all orders placed during class.

Please let me know if you would like to attend, by e-mailing or calling ldeviney@comcast.net, 609-839-9557.

Stamps are variable, ( you may bring a favorite if you like), please bring a paper trimmer with a scoring blade, and adhesive. I will have a paper trimmer with scoring blade on hand should you forget. Hope to see you there!

Coaster Crazy!

This is the time of year I start looking for Christmas presents that I can make for our friends and family. I was fortunate to stumble over a few great ideas cased from Teri White.

I am also thinking of holding a class to create coasters from tiles using just a few supplies in November.


If you would be interested in attending, please leave a comment on my blog. I am thinking we could make coasters (set of 4) and a coordinating card with gift packaging for $12.00.

Pretty cute and clever I thought....

Have a great night!

New cards this weekend

Hi All!

I spent the soggy weekend inside, and mused over half made projects. Just seemed like a sad weekend. I just can't seem to snap out of it. The flu swept through our house this past week, and it seems to have hung on.

Above are a few cards I came up with....

I had picked up a few stamp sets by Inkadinkadoo this weekend using my 25% off entire order coupon at AC Moore. Too Cute...

I made both these cards from scraps and ribbon by In the Loop. I just love a good sale.

I also made it over to the Ocean City Humane Society this weekend, to donate Scotia's Food and medical supplies. I don't know why it seemed appropriate to go, but I did. I had been procrastinating. I visited with the cats, and felt better for a few minutes. I was pretty overwhelmed that the main reason the current cats are waiting adoption, is due to abandonment by the owners. Just moved out and left the poor babies, and some were 3-4 years old and huge. I of course left with a heavy heart, and tearful eyes, and no new furry friend. I am just not ready. I miss Scotia too much.

I think a new friend will have a way of finding me. The rest of the weekend was spent sleeping off the flu, and giving serious consideration to becoming a demonstrator for Stampin Up!. Ishould hear from my demonstrator tomorrow all the finer details. I think it would do me some good to teach some classes in something I love, and allow me to get together with friends and my Mom.

Stay tuned for developments....

Hope your weekend was creative!

Laurel

Crop for the Cure-The 3 day-Team Blister Sisters!

Hello Everyone!

I have not been updating my Blog sisnce the loss of Scotia last week. I am trying to find a way to make her memorial into a link on this page, I have a little guilt for making another post first on the page. It takes a good cause such as this. A dear friend of mine, and her twin sister have been participating in the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3 day walk for a cure, (taking place this weekend), for the last several years. The structure of the 3 day is such that it takes a specific dollar amount per team to participate, which is pretty expensive. The teams fund raise all year, and if they do not hit thier mark, they are charged the difference. My friend's team this year had some shuffling about of members, some loss of members, but bottom line is they have fallen short of thier fund raising goals. In order to avoid a personal charge to them, and support a worthy cause for all women, I have offerred to host a Benefit crop for them with all proceeds to go to the Susan G Komen, Breast Cancer 3 day walk for the Cure, Team Blister Sisters.

The specifcs of the event are:

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008

Time: 10am-9pm

Place: Bargaintown Fire Hall #2- 1 Bartlett Ave & Tony"Mink" Pagano Rd, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ

Donation:$35.00 and a covered dish

Planned Events throughout the day:

Classes, Make & Takes, Door Prizes, Auction, Contests and goodie bags for attendees

Vendors: Donna Hustedde- Stampin Up!, and still to confirm- Scrapbook Cafe- Angela Weimer

Classes: Stampin Up! 2 page Fall Layout

Terry Albert-The Underground Scrapper-class

Also will be awarding prize for SSJSandScrappers Fall Sketch Contest

Prizes donated thus far by: Jennifer Maguire-http://jennifermcguireink.typepad.com/my_weblog/faqs.html

Jennifer is a designer who contributes to Creating Keepsakes magazine via online exclusive articles under Technique Corner, a Two Peas in a Bucket Garden Girl, is on Hero Arts design Team, and has a wonderful style and spirit.

Longaberger Baskets- Dana Fantini

Pampered Chef- Laurel DeViney

Stampin Up!- Donna Hustedde

Scrapbook Cafe- Angela Weimer

and many more to come!

If you would like to donate, or be a vendor at this event, please e-mail me at ldeviney@comcast.net

To register for attending the crop: Please make all checks payable to: The Breast Cancer 3 Day- and mail them to: Laurel DeViney, 307 Kirklin Ave, Linwood, NJ 08221

There is a registration form posted on this blog to please fill out and send in with your check.

Donations are accepted via credit card online: Access: www.the3day.org , Search participants- either Dana Fantini or Danielle Rodriguez- Team Blister Sisters, click Donate now- and pay $35 on your credit card. There is a form ( receipt ) that is your registration for the crop. Please mail a copy of this form along with the crop registration form to Laurel DeViney, 307 Kirlin Ave, Linwood, NJ 08221.

Please support this worthwhile cause, and join us for a fun filled day of Scrapping!

A furry angel in heaven

Scotia
March 17 1992- October 10, 2008


This seems so very hard to write, I guess I'm still in disbelief. Today we said goodbye to our wonderful 14+ year old cat named Scotia, who was battling osteo-sarcoma for the last 2 months. I could tell you how devasted and heartbroken Keith and I are, but that would'nt even scratch the surface of how we feel.

I am trying through lots and lots of tears, to remember how fantastic she was. How she gave me so much comfort, and how she was truly my best friend. How funny she was, and how beautiful.

I can only hope that she has forgiven me for making the last decision to put her to sleep today, as it was the right choice. She could no longer eat the last few days, as the cancer was in her mandible, and spreading faster than anyone ever thought it would.

She was so funny. She loved Keith through and through and tolerated me. She had the best purr, so loud and comforting, and last night she even indulged me with it, even though I am sure, she was'nt feeling well. She loved our porch, and the back of the couch to watch Bird TV through the picture window, sometimes becoming overwhelmed, and splatting herself against the window. She loved pork anything, and once carved a canoe out of a pork tenderloin, and was so bloated she rolled instead of walked for a few days. She loved to lie on her back, and she looked like one of those kooky kitchen clocks when she did. Her tail was always in motion, I swear she talked with it, and only meowed when she wanted dinner, right now!

She always knew when I was sad or sick. She would lie on the part of me that was broken. I hope she knows it's my heart right now.

She was playful for her advanced age. When I got her from a friend in 1993, she would only let me touch one paw, and we played our foot game for many years to come.

She followed Keith everywhere, and loved to be right beside him or on him. I thought one of the best messages she ever sent me and pretty funny, was she did'nt like my old boyfriend. So much so, she peed on his clothes. She did it a lot. I think she was telling me to wise up, and eventually I did.

I miss her, so very much. Friends tell me I made the right choice, but the heart learns slowly.


She was my best friend, my furry little child, and I was so lucky to have had her in my life. Thank you Scotia, for being there for me for 15 years.I have read there is a rainbow bridge up in heaven especially for pets. I hope you find the softest pillow, with a pork smorgasboard, and know that I will always love you, how very special you are, and that you did a great job taking care of us.

Rest now, no more pain or worry, only Love.

Two challenges in one!

Well, I may have made it under the wire! My creation for TA's Sketch and Kristina's color Inspiration challenge. You have to use your imagination and invision the 2 circles as pumpkins... Pretty cute I thought.

Happy Scrapping!

Laurel

Kwerner design color inspiration challenge#

Kristina Werner is one of the Garden Girls over at 2 peas, and she has always offerred great card tutorials and the color inspiration challenge. Since I love these colors as much as Kristina does, and TA has some great blog candy going on for the sketch challenge, I though I would combine the two. It is month end, and I hope I get off work early enough to make the deadline...
Look for my card later today!
Happy Scrapping!
Laurel

Blog Candy Sketch Challenge!

A very talented scrapper in a group I belong to has posted a sketch challenge for October, in which she is giving away a wonderful prize. Be sure to check out the challenge and participate.
You can link to ToniAnn's blog here:

Carbone's Corner: Sketch October 2, 2008

Almost time to Decorate for Halloween!!!

Boy do I love Halloween! You would think I have a ton of kids or something...unfortunately I have none. I just get to be the crazy lady on my block that decorates everything for Halloween, Carved pumpkins everywhere, skeletons creeping out of the bushes, ghosta dancing in a circle around our tree.....I just love it!

Happy Haunting everyone!

Best Regards,

Laurel

Color Inspiration Challenge #23

Kristina has gone and done it again! Somehow she manages to find the most beautiful colors to inspire us. Here is my humble submission...The colors made me think of fall, and one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. Hope your holidays are happy!

I will update the blog tomorrow night, since I have been moving into my new scrap room! I also have tried 10 times to put the pic of my card after the Color intro but Blogger is not having it.

Recipe:

Cardstock- DCWV

Stamps: 2002 Stampin Up!- three part stamping leaves-(unfortunately no label)

Rubber Stamps of America-folded leaf

Rubber Stampede- Small Maple

Ink: Stampin Up!-Close to Cocoa, True Thyme, Cranberry Crisp

Glitter: Brenda Walton Fine glitter-platinum

Dimensionals

Ribbon- Chocolate- misc- on hand.

Brads- American Craft- pumpkin- mini

Thanks for stopping by!

Kwernerdesign.com Color Inspiration#21

I really liked the colors Kristina chose this week for her color inspiration challenge. Although I have very few supplies on the road with me, I thought I would try and make a card to participate for the first time.This card was made with my beloved kitty Scotia in mind. (See her in my photo slideshow). Recently, Scotia was diagnosed with Osteo-sarcoma, and tomorrow she goes for evaluation to determine her prognosis. It breaks my heart that I am not home to be with her. I will be home Saturday night with a big hug for her. This is my little tribute card to her...

I know the colors are not exactly the same, but as close as I could manage.

Recipe:

Paper Studio Card stock

Stampendous! Grasshopper Fluffies Stamp

Black Stazon Ink

Thickers foam sticker letters

Prismacolor Colored Pencils

It definitely needs some ribbon, but none of the right colors on hand. I can't wait to get home and get back to my family, and my stash of craft supplies!

Thanks for looking!

Denver- 2 days to go...

So, you want to be an accountant...? This was the question I asked myself all day today and yesterday, as I stumbled through learning the many components of my new position. The answer is, I am still unconvinced. I did however close 5 properties in a day, not too bad for the new kid. I sure could deal with property level stuff a heck of a lot easier though.

I literally have been waist high in paper since Tuesday, and it can be a bit overwhelming. One day at a time I guess.

I did look forward to MACM (Make a Card Monday) over on www.kwernerdesigns.com/blog
Kristina is so very talented, and this weeks card was adorable. She makes awesome videos, which I aspire to attempt one day...check her out, it makes Mondays more palatable.
She can also be found on www.youtube.com just search starofmay as the channel.

I have been yearning for my paper, and tools and tape! I did manage to make several cards out here, using the House Mouse stamps and Gruffies stamps I found at Hobby Lobby. Only one box of stuff shipping home...(They were on sale 50% off!) I couldn't leave them there!

Hobby Lobby and Archiver's puts our East Coast stores to shame. That Archiver's is good for the soul, but I am afraid I would go broke, so I only made one trip, and stayed at the discounter's- Hobby Lobby.

Trying to stick to the free stuff- instruction and ideas from Ebay & Youtube.com.
Looking forward to getting home on Saturday. Planning a trip to Ikea on the way home from Phila to check out shelving for my new scrap room, and have to rework the office in time for Monday. Never enough hours in the day....

Homework awaits...and dinner.

Happy Scrapping!
Laurel

Here goes!

Well, what can I say? After being on the road for work for the past year, and constantly being inspired by all of the blogs and video blogs I have read and watched, I have decided to join the community. It is one heck of a community, lots of very creative folks sharing their talents. Thank you all for making my nights confined to a hotel room somewhere in the US more enjoyable. Wait, that sounded a little strange...allow me to explain. For the past 14 or so years, I have been employed by a Hospitality Company. My primary role has been to work as a transition specialist of sorts- either introducing a newly acquired hotel management contract to our company, or in some cases aiding in the exit of a hotel once a contract is terminated. What this means is, I rehabilitate hotels, I train people.( Thanks dog whisperer!). My travels have taken me for extended stays- months at a time- to NY, Florida, California, Maryland, Virginia, Utah, Colorado, and many other places.
How do I do this and have a life? Good question.
First, I am blessed to have the absolutely most patient fiance and family in the world. Truly, without their tolerance for my absence, I never would have been able to do this type of work.
Second, I really enjoy developing people into leaders, and seeing their progress, and success. I am fortunate to have met a lot of very talented hoteliers, and smart people along the way, and I personally have had the best group of mentors ever assembled.

Third, I travel well. I seem to have a talent for making time pass, by working too much, and developing my interests in places, paper crafting and photography.

Once again, Thank You to all the bloggers video and otherwise, who have helped me keep my creative sanity while on the road in a town near you.

Did I mention that my road warrior days are coming to an end?
Yup, hard to believe, but my wonderful company has given me a fantastic opportunity to learn how to be an accountant, and work from home! I am in Denver currently completing my training for this new position, and although I am full of nerves, I am really trying to learn everything I can. It is an opportunity for growth. How could it be any sweeter? I get to work from home, have weekends off, and benefits! I feel very lucky. Failure is not an option!

Now that I have time to create, hence this blog. A small effort to dip my toe in the cyber world of the web-log. Seems as though I really like learning new things, accounting included. But, will anyone read this? We shall see.....