Always Thankful

I love Autumn.  It is my most favorite time of the year.  Leaves are changing, crops are harvested and the evenings have just a touch of crispness to them.  And, it won't be long before the holidays will be in full swing. Personally, I can't wait.

Maybe that's why most of my designs of late have been reflections of the upcoming holidays.  Today's card is a perfect example of a fall harvest.  Pumpkins and squash and corn from the garden, all destined to be part of a Thanksgiving dinner.

Stamp Sets:  Always Thankful, Teeny Tiny Wishes;  Inks:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Basic Gray; Stampin Write Markers:  Old Olive, So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight; Card Stock:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Watercolor Paper; Accessories:  Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Blender Pen, Sponge Dauber, Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals

On the inside of the card, the two sentiments from the Always Thankful Stamp Set were stamped in VersaMark, then embossed using Clear Emboss Powder.

Don't forget to sign up for the Christmas Card Class to be held Monday, October 17 and the Card Buffet on Thursday, October 27.  Check the Events tab for a complete schedule of what's brewing at the Stamping Cafe.

Blessings from Marsha

Peekaboo Greeting

Finally, a chance to play with some some of the new product from my last Stampin' Up!® order. Since it is so late, I'm going to keep this short and simply share my design with you.  I love the new Peekaboo Frames Bigs L Die.  It's going to 'open' up a whole new look to future projects. 

Stamp Sets:  Bells & Boughs, Language of Friendship; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  Very Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Peekaboo Frames Bigs L Die, Bird Builder Punch, Basic Jewels Rhinestones (colored with permanent marker), Basic Jewels Pearl (colored with permanent marker), Dazzling Details, Stampin' Dimensionals

There you have it.  Simple and sparkly.   If you'd like detailed instructions, just e-mail me and I'll be sure to send them on to you.

Blessings from Marsha

So You Think You're Not Creative!

Well, I have a solution just for you.  Our Simply Sent Kits are the ideal choice for the new stamper.  During October, when you Buy two Simply Sent Kits you can choose a FREE coordinating stamp set!  The card kits offer a variety of basic themes, so it's easy to create cards for any occasion.

And, think of what it would mean to friends and family to receive a special handmade by you card.

Get A FREE Stamp Set

Click Image for More Details

Don't wait.  Order your kits today and start wowing everyone with you creative ability.

Blessings from Marsha

And Then There Was FREE!

It's a great time to become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator!  During the month of October, join Stampin’ Up!® and you’ll get a FREE Big Shot.  Or, if you already have a Big Shot, you can get up to $100 in FREE Stampin’ Up!® products.



Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin’ Up!®’s exclusive dies to create uniquely beautiful projects.

The new demonstrator Starter Kit contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, as well as everything you need to start your new business.

You don't want to miss this BIG deal!  Contact me today to learn how you can take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.  You can sign up online by clicking on the Join The Fun tab at the top right of my demonstrator business website.

Celebrating World Vegetarian Day With My Favorite Vegetarian Recipe

Fall is in the air, the leaves are changing color and the days are getting cooler.  I love autumn.  It is my favorite time of the year.  When the weather starts cooling off, I start thinking of all of those cold weather foods I enjoy preparing.  Soup is one of them.

To celebrate World Vegetarian day, I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes with you.  When I came across this recipe, I just knew it was going to be good.  Curry and sweet potatoes, two favorites.

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

Rhonda Malkmus

Ingredients:  
4 cups sweet potato (cubed)
1 medium sweet onion (diced)
2 celery ribs (diced)
1 garlic clove (peeled & minced)
¼ inch fresh ginger (peeled and minced)
½ tsp curry powder
½ tsp coriander
¼ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt (optional and to taste)
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
5 cups vegetable stock
1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 Tbsp raw coconut oil or butter

Directions:
1.  Heat coconut oil in large pot and sauté onions and celery until onions are translucent.
2.  Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
3.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.
4.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5.  After soup has cooled sufficiently, place soup in a food processor with the “S” blade and puree in batches until smooth.
6.  If soup is too thick, add a little more stock.
7.  Serve with a large, colorful salad and a slice of your favorite whole grain bread or crackers.

Organic ingredients, when available, are always recommended.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. 

Blessings from Marsha

Want To Send A Handmade Card?

Then, take advantage of upcoming events at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.  Click the "Cafe Events 2011" tab at the top and find an event that works for you.  Impress your friends and family with a beautiful card for that special occasion.

This Thursday, September 22nd, you have two times from which to choose for the Card Buffet.  Come and goat any time during those hours and make as many cards as you need.  Details are on the "Cafe Events 2011" page.

 I look forward to seeing you there.

Blessings from Marsha

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall

One of my dreams is to make a journey to Washington D.C. to see the Vietnam Veterans Monument.  Today I had the opportunity to see the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall.  It is a three-quarter scale traveling replica of the Wall and it has been on exhibit in Des Moines since Friday.   Today my son Matthew and his family took me to see it.  It was a very moving experience. So many names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The picture I share today is my oldest brother, Larry.  He joined the Marines right out of high school in 1963.  In December of 1965, he was killed in action in Vietnam.  I remember being awaken early to hear the news from my parents.  It was a sad day for my family.  It has been many years since that day but I still miss my big brother. 

Larry Dean Borschel

 
I'm very proud of my brother.  He lived and died believing in his country.

Semper Fi.

Don't You Love Getting Gift Cards?

I know I do!  I think we all have those hard to buy for people in our lives.  What better way to ensure they get what they want.  While there are those who think gift cards are too impersonal, I think they are a great alternative to selecting a gift that winds up never being used.

What is so great about them, is they fit any occasion.  Whether you want to say thank you, I love you or happy birthday, gift cards are a perfect gift.

Here are several I have designed for different occasions. I used various stamps, inks and card stock.  If you want more detail, e-mail me at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com.

Over the next several weeks, I'll be sharing more gift card holders with you.  The holidays are just around the corner and what a wonderful  way to decorate your Christmas tree than with gift cards for everyone.

Blessings from Marsha

A Wonderful Evening!

Last evening I had the privilege and honor of spending time with some of our single moms at church.  I was asked to present a Workshop so they could make thank you cards.  Since our time was limited, I chose a very clean and simple design for them to put together.  I prepared most of it ahead of time but did let them get the feel for the punches.  And, of course, they did their own stamping.  It was a great bunch and we had a lot of fun.

Stamp Set: Elegant Thank You; Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Whisper White; Accessories:  3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Eyelet Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock: Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Whisper White; Accessories:  3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Eyelet Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

And, there you have it, the finished product.  Thank you SHIKO for inviting me to share with you.  You are all a blessing.

Blessings from Marsha

Saturday Morning Errands

Saturday has always been reserved for errands.  I don't remember when that started but I'm sure it had to do with the fact that I could leave my boys home with their dad and have a few hours of freedom.  They would rather have the fun of running and playing than being confined to a car and restricted to their best behavior while out in public.  And, they got to help Dad do whatever guy things he had planned for the day.

The card I'm sharing this morning, before I run those errands, is a tribute to my three sons.  It is also one I designed for our current llama blog hop.  Christmas has always been celebrated with great joy in my family.  Celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus, is the focal point but anticipating a visit from Santa was high on the list for my boys.  They would hang their stockings, head to bed and be awake for hours too excited to settle down and sleep.  Eventually, it would quiet down and Santa would make his appearance.  Such fun and happiness.  I loved it and I miss those days now that the boys are grown with families of their own.

When I first saw the Holiday Mini Catalog and the Stitched Stockings Stamp Set and the Stocking Builder Punch, I knew I had to have them.  Now, I usually don't get excited about Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but this year Stampin' Up!® has too many fun Christmas products for me to wait that long.  So, here is the card I made in remembrance of the three stockings that hung in my home when the boys were small.

Stamp Sets:  Stitched Stockings, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Early Espresso; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Stocking Builder Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, White Baker's Twine, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Dazzling Details, 3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Early Espresso Neutrals Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Okay, now that I have Christmas somewhat out of my system, I'm turning my focus to Thanksgiving.  I have so very much for which to be thankful.

How about you?  What makes you thankful?  Leave a comment and let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

Blessings from Marsha

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps!

This easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.  Make your favorite shortbread cookie dough or use one of the two recipes that are included with the stamp set.  You'll also get some tips for use.  Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly.

You can purchase this adorable, easy-to-use cookie stamp from October 1, 2011 to January 3, 2012.  I'll be posting additional information at the end of September.

Blessings from Marsha

Want To Wow Your Family and Friends With a Handmade Christmas Card?

Sign up for the next Christmas Card Class.  It is scheduled for September 19 at 6:30pm to 9pm.  You will stamp ten cards with matching envelopes.  Prepayment is required one week in advance to allow for purchase of supplies and preparation of materials.  You can pay with cash, check or credit card.  Credit cards are through PayPal only.  Click the Buy Now button on the left to register for this class.

Register today to insure your spot for this event.  If you have any questions, please call or e-mail me.  The information is listed above.

Blessings from Marsha

I'm So Excited!

Over the long holiday weekend, a friend and I have been working together to get my office/craft area organized.  It's been great!  Everything that has just been lying around now has its place and I feel so much better.  I have never enjoyed clutter and lately, I was feeling very cluttered up.  While the organizing continues today, the end result is within sight and that makes me so very happy.  Creating, classes and all the other events at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe are going to be so much easier.

With the organization process, I've not spent a lot of time creating.  The card I'm sharing with you today is the very first card I ever made.  It's what started me down the Stampin' Up!® path.  There was no turning back!  I love stamping!

Stamp Sets:  Lovely As A Tree, Inspired by Nature; Inks:  Uncertain (but will find out and add); Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Whisper White, Glossy White; Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Brayer

The card was made back in October 2010.  I can't figure out the color of ink but will ask my Upline, since she is the Demonstrator who presented the Workshop I attended, and I'll add it when I know.

It was just two weeks later, at the end of November 2010 that I signed up as a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator.  Click HERE to join my team and let the fun begin with your own business and sharing your passion for stamping and scrapbooking.

Blessings from Marsha

My Llama Swap Card

As promised, I have finally gotten pictures taken of the Llama Swap Cards.  This is the second swap we have done and each one is better than the last.  It's fun to see what others create.  This is the one I did for the swap.

Stamp Sets:  Paisley Petals, Easy Events; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Perfect Plum Stampin' Write Marker, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker, Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker, Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Marker, StazOn Jet Black; Card Stock:  River Rock, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White; Accessories:  Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals, Decorative Label Punch

It was an experiment in color.  I used colors I had not previously thought of putting together.  I really like the way it looks.

Over the next few days, I'll be showcasing the other cards I received.  Just click the following link, Here A Llama, There A Llama, and you'll be able to find them on my very special Llama blog.  One of the upcoming events is our very first Do The Llama Blog Hop.  I'll keep you posted.

Don't forget to check the schedule for events happening at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe.  Just click on the Cafe Events 2011 tab for a complete list.

Blessings from Marsha

A Change In Plans

Well, as you can see, I didn't get pictures of the swap cards done so no pictures to share.  I had a very sweet phone call from my six year old grandson inviting me to supper with him and his family.  His dad is my youngest son.  So, rather than take photos on a gloomy rainy day, I went to play with my family.

Lasagna was on the menu and my daughter-in-law is an excellent cook.  After supper, the boys took their showers while the three adults played Trivial Pursuit.  Not to brag, but I won!  It was an evening full of love and laughter.  I love times like that with my boys.

So, once again, I will try to get photos taken tomorrow and post those fantastic swap cards.  You are going to love them.

Blessings from Marsha

A Slow, Lazy Friday

Although I don't have any new cards I can show you today, I do have several made.  I finished up three for an upcoming blog hop in which I am participating.  I'll be sure to let you know all the details as time draws closer.  It will be my very first blog hop and should be a good one.

So, that would be it for today.  Tomorrow I'll share one of the cards I received in a recent llama swap.  I'll explain all about it tomorrow.  For now, I'm off to get some rest as yesterday and today have found me not feeling well.

Blessings from Marsha

Holiday Mini Catalog!

The new Holiday Mini Catalog has arrived!  It's full of New products and New examples! 

Don't wait!  Schedule your Workshop now!  Earn FREE products to start making those special cards to send to friends and family at Christmas.

The Stampin' Up!® Hostess Benefits Program is now better than ever.  It's so much fun and so easy to earn FREE products.  Now you can earn Hostess Dollars that you can spend anyway you want.  Select Stamp Sets that are exclusive to you, as a Hostess, or use them to purchase anything in the Idea Book & Catalog or the new Holiday Mini Catalog. The choice is all yours.

E-mail or call me today, at the number above, to schedule your Workshop. You'll be glad you did!

Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how you like the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I love hearing from you.

Blessings from Marsha

Sign Up For My Mailing List!

By signing up, you will receive:

• My FREE Monthly Stamping Cafe Newsletter!
• First Notification of Classes and Special Events!
• Exclusive Samples!
• Subscriber only content, information and contests!
• ...and More!

Don't wait!  Sign up today!  Just fill out the form on the upper left with your name and e-mail address and receive the September Issue as soon as it is off the press!

Blessings from Marsha

Last Chance

Tomorrow is your last chance to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.   It is also the last chance to purchase your favorite Designer Series Paper through the Buy Three Get One Free special.  As of midnight on Wednesday, they both will be gone.

You can order Here or you can call or e-mail me with your order and payment information.

 Blessings from Marsha

The Best Intentions

Well, I still haven't had a chance to play with my new products from the soon to be released Holiday Mini Catalog.  It has been a busy weekend filled with everything but creativity.  But, it has been a mighty fine one.

Tonight, I'd simply like to know if you have any questions you'd like to ask.  If so, please feel free to leave a comment here or e-mail me at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com and I will do my best to answer them. 

And, I want to remind everyone that there are only three more days to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.  Don't delay, get that order in soon.

See you all tomorrow.

Blessings from Marsha

A Beautiful Late Summer Day

Today is one of those perfect summer days here in Iowa.  Not too hot, not too cold.  A perfect day to run errands, so that's my agenda for today.  Once done, I get to come back to play with a new stamp set.  No, I'm not telling until I have the card ready to share with you.  What I will tell you is, it's another set from the new Holiday Mini Catalog which goes live on September 1st.

So, it's off to get those errands done.

Blessings from Marsha

The Count Down Has Started!

There are only five days left to:

• order your favorite Designer Series Paper through the Buy Three Get One Free
• order from the Summer Mini Catalog
• to wait for the premier of the NEW Holiday Mini Catalog

You can order online Here or call or e-mail me with your order and payment information.

Don't put it off.  Before you know it, they will be gone.

Blessings from Marsha

You Are Loved

Today was full of fun with three of the little men in my life.  Nic (4) and Aiden (22 months) spent the day with me.  Zac (6) joined us after school.  Zac and Nic are brothers and are my youngest son's youngest sons.  :-)  Aiden is my number two son's number two son.  :-)  I love having them over but it does shorten my time to be creative.  Fortunately, I already had a great card made to share with you today.

When I saw the You Are Loved stamp set in the new Holiday Mini Catalog, it had my name all over it.  I love butterflies and flowers and swirls.  And, it doesn't matter what the reason is, sometimes it's just nice to be remembered with love.

Stamp Set:  You Are Loved; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Soft Suede Patterns Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, Love Blossoms Standard Wheel, 3/8" Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, Jewels Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Just another beautiful product featured in the new Holiday Mini Catalog.  This set, along with many other new products, will be available September 1st.

Blessings from Marsha

Easy Events Christmas

Here's a card I designed using the Easy Events Stamp Set.  I wanted to do something quick and simple and I wanted to use the new Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.

Stamp Set:  Easy Events; Inks:  StazOn Black, Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker, Real Red; Card Stock:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Starburst Jumbo Wheel

And there you have another taste of Christmas.  There is only one week left to take advantage of the Buy Three, Get One Free Designer Series Paper special.  And, only one week left to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.  You have until midnight on August 31st.

Blessings from Marsha

Special Cards for Special Girls

Today I had planned to show another card designed using the new Christmas Lodge Stamp Set from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  My plans for the day changed and I didn't have time to make another card.  Instead I got to spend a great day with my best friend just simply spending time together.  It is time I so treasure.

What I am sharing tonight are the cards I made for my sweet little girls who I sponsor at Cien Fuego Children's Center in the Dominican Republic.  They are two very special little ladies!

Jahely will be seven next month so her's was definitely a birthday card.  Bright, cheerful just like her adorable smile.

 
Sulennes' is just to let her know I am thinking of her.  She has a gorgeous smile and her eyes just sparkle.

The majority of the cards are from retired product but I wanted to share these with you anyway.  I know the girls love getting mail.

Be watching over the next weeks to come.  Many new things are on the horizon that I will be sharing with you, even a contest or two. 

Blessings from Marsha