Plum & Blue Card Box

While browsing for new ideas, I came across this card box.  I thought, "Why not."  I had never done anything like it but the instructions for making it were so easy to follow.  I want to thank Celia Cawthon for her wonderful tutorial for this card box.  It will hold twelve cards so you know what I'll be doing for my next project.

Blessings from Marsha

A Study in Green & White

Today I decided to use a color that is not one I would ordinarily use, green.  It's late and I have to be up early and on the road by seven, so here is the new card using shades of green and white.

Blessings from Marsha

A New Technique Learned

Sunday afternoon was spent at my upline's home so she could show me how to do a few easy techniques to share in my stamp club.  The one below is one I had seen on other cards but just hadn't figured out how to do it.  Surprise!  Surprise!  It was the first technique she showed me.  So, I will do my best to explain it to you.

You will need to use a 3x3 inch piece of card stock.  It only works and comes out neatly using the 3x3 square.  As shown below, you will want to center it in the punch. The edge of the square will line up with the first set of dots on each side of the bar you push to punch the design.  You will want to line it up the same way on all sides of the square.

I love the way this looks are the cards.  The card I posted yesterday was made using this technique.

Blessings from Marsha

All In a Day's Work

Today was spent away from home so I didn't get to do all that I wanted but I sure had fun spending time with my grandchildren.  I had this idea floating around in my head all day long using aluminum foil.  Well, I was working away and came up with a totally different look that has nothing to do with shiny.  So, to keep it short for tonight, here's today's work of art.

Blessings from Marsha

A New Day - A New Card

I woke up early this morning although my plan was to sleep late.  So, what was there to do but make a new card.  It was inspired by one I saw that used the Flower Burst Embosslit.  I really like the Perfect Plum color.

Now it's time to get ready to go play.  I'm headed to my upline's house shortly where I'll learn some new techniques.  It's going to be a fun afternoon.

Another Grand Day!

Another card designed and another marketing tool.  I use My Wish List in my catalogs I use at Workshops.  It is a gift for the guests and a convenient way for them to keep track of the products that really speak to them.  It's not an original idea but one that I came across during my time surfing websites and blogs.  I don't know who thought of it but I sure do thank them.

It's time for me to tuck down with teddy but before I did so, I wanted to share the pictures below.

Blessings from Marsha

Day Is Done

It's been such a good day.  The pictures posted below are ones taken using my new Photo Box.  It worked!  I'm so pleased.  Once again the cards are made from materials I had on hand.  All inks and stamps used are, of course, Stampin' Up!  In using up what I have, it has deepened my appreciation for the quality of product that Stampin' Up! offers.  Okay, I'm ready to end the day and can't until I post the pictures.  Oh, the last one is actually a journal.  I found a composition notebook and simply covered it with card stock.  So, here are the latest from the Coffee Pot Cafe.

Blessings from Marsha

It's A New Day!

It's a cloudy day here, although the sun is trying to make an appearance.  The weather report does not sound good for traveling but it sure sounds great for staying home and being creative.  That is exactly my plan.  There is so much I want to play with that I don't know where to begin.  I have photo transfer canvases to complete, more card designs swimming around in my head needing rescued from drowning and writing to be done.  I love being busy.

One of the things I determined to do is use up all of my "other" supplies.  Those who know me well, will know what I'm referring to.  Too much has been invested in them to simply throw them out.  Two of my "other" creations are posted below.  I'm pleased with them and will incorporate what I have done with the good "stuff."  Stamps and inks used are from Stampin' Up!  There are eight cards three green and five light blue.  Each card has a different sentiment stamped on it.  I have more designed but no pictures to post as of yet.  I just made a Photo Box and pray it works for what my mind envisioned.  That's next on my agenda.

Blessings from Marsha

New Cards

While waiting for supper to cook and a friend to arrive to share it with, I made a couple of new cards.  They were fun and easy and took no time at all.  I am loving the new Four Frames Stamp Set and the Decorative Label Punch.  And, of course, the little owl is just too cute!

I'm waiting for my little man to arrive for the day.  Aiden is my 16 month old grandson who has a smile that just lights up my whole day.  He spends a few days a week at Gran's while Mom works and Dad works and goes to school.  Busy times for all.

I love getting ideas from others and then adding a touch of my own as I did with the owl.  It's known as 'CASEing' and I appreciate their creativeness.  So, without further ado, here are the new card designs.

A Week Away

This week has seen little productivity.  I have some new designs to post but being away from home prevents me doing so.  With grandchildren on spring break and their parents still working, I have been away from the Cafe all the week long. Tomorrow, Friday, will find me there.  I have a Stampin' Up! order scheduled for delivery tomorrow and I'm anxious to get it.  I'm having my three grandchildren come to Grandma's house for the day.  Now I just have to come up with enough things to keep them busy.

So, to make a short story long, tomorrow will find me dancing around three little ones, taking pictures of my new creations, cleaning up my sadly neglected home, doing laundry, playing on my new laptop and planning for an upcoming workshop and club.

I am so blessed!

Blessings from Marsha

Time Does Fly...

It actually sprouts wings and takes off at a fast glide!  It really has been a busy time.  I've been watching grandchildren, making cards, designing name tags and trying to get my office rearranged and organized.  Life is good but I think I'll treat myself to a mini-vacation at the end of the month to celebrate my birthday.  I just have to decide where it is I want to go.

Last Saturday was the monthly meeting of our church group.  We are know as the "Seasoned Sisters" since we are the 50 and older crowd.  I had volunteered to make name tags for us and was reminded of that on the Thursday before.  Oops!  I had forgotten and needed to come up with something fast!  What I designed is shown below.  I decided to make 'real' name badges so we can use them over and over.  It also allows me to change out the name card when I get the urge.  Besides, I'm one of those people who does not like to have a sticky name tag slapped on my good blouses.  Sometimes it can do more harm than good.  Okay, my little pet peeve of the day.  Now on to the name badge preview.

A Black & White Birthday

I couldn't sleep last night so decided to play with the new colors that came in the order I received Friday.  The Neutrals Designer Series Paper is fantastic!  I know most people associate the black with one of those "big" birthdays but I think it is just elegant.  Here is the card I created last night.

Simple but Beautiful

Today saw the launch of my card ministry and below you will find the cards I designed today.  It has long been on my heart to send cards to those who need love and encouragement.  Now that I make my own cards, it is such a blessing to share them with others.  I pray over each card and ask that a special blessing be given to the recipient.  God is so good!

 

Good Morning!

Another day has begun and it is a fully loaded busy one.  I've already been out shopping.  You know you just can't make good coffee without distilled water!  My philosophy, here Marsha's Coffee Pot Cafe is, if you are going to make coffee you might as well make it the best it can be.  I love the smell of fresh brewed coffee!
 
Okay, while I wait for that coffee to brew, I'll share with you my newest card design.  It was intended for a card swap I had hoped to be part of but unfortunately, that hasn’t worked out as planned. 
 
The stamp I used is from the God's Blessings Stamp Set.  It was exactly the sentiment I wanted to share.  Without further comment, here is the card I designed.

Two Very Special Cards!

It took a while but I finally finished the cards for the two young girls I sponsor from Cien Feugo Children's Center.  It is near Santiago, Dominican Republic.  Sulennes has a birthday next month and I wanted to get her card done so the group going down the first of next month can take it to her.  The other card is for Jahely, who is the first little girl I sponsored.  It is such a privilege and honor to be able to help these little ones.  They are all so precious.  They are both truly 'gifts from God!'

I just got the Two-Step Owl Punch and I think it is going to become a favorite.  It is so much fun making these little critters.  And, there are other uses for it than just making owls.

The first card is for Jahely.  She is six.  If there was some way to give her a hug long distance, she would have many.

This next card is for Sulennes, who will be nine in March.   She is a very precious little girl.  Some day I may be able to make a trip to see them.

February Stamp Club

Today was my first ever Stamp Club.  Several of the cards we made were patterned after those I learned to make at my upline's club last month.  We had so much fun.  We are all looking forward to getting together next month.  So, here they are, this month's creative endeavors.  Be sure to check out the last card.  I had a very special helper for it.

My seven year old granddaughter, Mariah, spent the weekend with me.  I was trying to decide what to do for the last card of the group.  She wanted to help so I let her pick the colors and this is what she came up with.  She is so beautiful!

Day Is Done For This Not So Young But Not so Old Spring Chicken!

It's been a long day but a productive one.  I was so excited to get my most recent Stampin' Up! order.  It was all there and no damages except to the box which I took a picture of should I need it.  I didn't so it's been deleted from the camera.  Sorry, it's late and I tend to ramble when it's late.  Oh, I'm excited all over again for tomorrow as I have another order to be delivered.

I have my first ever Stamp Club starting Sunday and I needed everything that has arrived and will be arriving.  I finished up one of the five cards we will be making.  It's so simple but so pretty.  It's all Very Vanilla and Early Espresso.  (Hmmm?  Coffee term again!)  Once I get them all made, I'll take photos and post them here and in Stampin' Connection which is the place I hang out with other Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  It's so much fun.

Okay, I'm really done and done in so I'll see you back here in the next day or two.


Blessings from Marsha

I Love To Stamp Bag

Today my new tote bag arrived.  I ordered it from Vistaprint to match my business cards.  I'm so pleased with it.  Now I'll have a bag to carry all of my Stampin' Up! goodies with me wherever I go.  Here is what it looks like.

The Inspiration for Marsha’s Coffee Pot Cafe

I'm sure some of you are all wondering how I came up with the name for my blog and my Etsy Shop, right?  Well, I am more than happy to tell you.

My hometown is a small agriculture community in north central Iowa by the name of Iowa Falls.  It was a great place to grow up back in the 50s and 60s.  One of my favorite memories, although a vague one, is of a restaurant once located on Highway 65 on the south side of Iowa Falls.  I don’t remember ever being inside it but I do remember it.  This restaurant was shaped in the form of a coffee pot.  Yes, that’s right, a coffee pot.  So unique but unfortunately, torn down many years ago.  What a shame!

While taking a writing course, the idea dawned to write a mystery series.  Two favorite authors are Dee Henderson and Terri Blackstock who both write series.  I pondered a name for the series but it wasn’t until I came across an old photo, given to my dad, that the light bulb went off and “The Coffee Pot Mystery Series” was born.  I have two novels started with titles and ideas for two others.  The series is based on my hometown and, yes, you guessed it, the restaurant shaped like a coffee pot.  Below is the picture given to Dad that will soon find its way onto a canvas to hang on my wall as continued inspiration.

While I am still writing and working on the novels, my love for paper crafting has taken center stage through my Stampin’ Up! business.  I love creating new cards and projects and teaching others.

So, there you have the story behind Marsha’s Coffee Pot Café.  Of course, my love of coffee played a role as well.  There is nothing like the fragrance of a freshly brewed pot of coffee!

Woo! Hoo!

Today I received confirmation from Compliance at Stampin' Up! that my business card was approved. I'm so excited!  Here's what the little beauty looks like. 

It's a Workshop in Progress!

It’s time to get started and what better way than letting everyone know about the great things going on at Stampin’ Up! 

DeeDee is using the Big Shots to emboss the front of her card.  Natalie is attentively watching as her turn is next.

Below you have the embossed front of our card.  We used the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder from Stampin’ Up!

Natalie and DeeDee putting some special touches on their cards.

Jennifer is having just so much fun!  We all had a fine time.

One more step and our project is complete.

So pretty and so full of love!

 

And there you have it, our finished friendship card.

I wasn’t going to add this one but if I didn’t I know my photographer would have had something to say about it.  Do you get the feeling I don’t like having my picture taken?

What you see is the beginning of a card I designed especially for my Hostess.

Jennifer, thank you so much for opening your home to us for a Workshop.