Clearance Rack Blitz Begins Today!

From December 15, 2011, through January 5, 2012, nearly 200 products are being added to the Clearance Rack in the Online Store at discounts up to 80% off the retail price!

Visit my Online Store today to take advantage of these great deals while supplies last!

Blessings from Marsha

Fresh Vintage

Getting up early has it advantages.  After making coffee, I sat down at my work table and decided to use up what was left from yesterday's design adventure.  This card can be used for Valentine's Day or for an anniversary or a thinking of you card.  Again, I clear embossed the sentiment on the inside of the card.  I used the "You're in my thoughts; You're in my heart" from Word Play.  I love the way the clear emboss deepens the card stock color.  On the Soft Suede, it turns into a rich chocolate brown.

Stamp Sets:  Fresh Vintage, Word Play; Ink:  Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Red Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  3/8" Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Antique Brad, Jewels Basic Pearls, Framelits Hearts Collection, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots

Fresh Vintage is featured in the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog.  For the first time ever, Stampin' Up!® allowed demonstrators to get Sale-A-Bration products early.  This card uses one of the items you can receive as part of the Hostess Bundle.  So, schedule your Workshop during Sale-A-Bration. Host a $400 Workshop during Sale-A-Bration and you'll receive the Fresh Vintage Stamp Set, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper and Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack. Plus, you'll receive a free tote, a 1/2 price item and $65 in free product.  Oh, and you can select one product from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for every $50 you spend.  What a great time to be a Hostess!

My Sale-A-Bration calendar is filling up fast, so don't delay.  Contact me today to save the date for your Workshop today!

Blessings from Marsha

Take It To Heart

Now that my Christmas crafting is winding down, I was in the mood to do something different.  I'm really excited about the new product featured in our new Occasions Mini Catalog.  Many of you may have already received your copy.  If not, let me know and I'll put you on the list to send you one.

Today's card is made with new products found in the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog.  The Take It To Heart and the Hearts Collection Framelits Dies are the perfect match.  With Valentine's Day looming on the horizon, it just seemed right to let a little love shine.

Stamp Sets:  Take It To Heart, You Are Loved, Tiny Tags; Inks: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Stampin' Write Markers in Certainly Celery, Pretty In  Pink, Pink Pirouette, Calypso Coral, So Saffron; Card Stock:  Soft Suede, Watercolor Paper, Red Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits Dies, Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter, VersaMark, Jewelry Tag, Heat Tool, Silver Mini Brad, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive. Blender Pen

On the inside of the card, I stamped the Happy Valentine's Day sentiment from the You Are Loved Stamp Set with VersaMark and embossed it with a mixture of Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  It added just the right amount of sparkle on the inside to match the sparkle in the Red Glimmer Paper on the outside.

And now, since I've forgotten mealtime again, I'm off to grab a bite to eat and keep working on next years' schedule as new classes are being added.  Stay tuned for what will be on the menu at the Coffee Pot Stamping Cafe!

Blessings from Marsha

Christmas Lodge Ornaments

It was a great weekend.  Friday night my five year old and six year old grandsons spent the night with me.  Mom and Dad had a company Christmas party to attend so Gran offered to keep the little people overnight.  We had a grand time.  On Saturday, they helped me put up the tree and had a ball.  We sang Christmas songs and I loved having them help.  It didn't give me much time to create but I wouldn't trade the time with them for anything!  

A few months ago a friend gave me a bunch of round and square white coasters.  I got the bright idea to making ornaments out of some of them.  I kept these very simple just to get a feel for how they would look.  The next ones are going to have a rosette layer.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Lodge; Ink: Old Olive;  Card Stock:  Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper (retired), Very Vanilla; Accessories:  Round White Coaster, Pewter Emboss Powder, 5/8" Whisper White Organdy Ribbon, Dazzling Details

Stamp Set:  Christmas Lodge; Ink:  Old Olive; Card Stock:  Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper (retired), Very Vanilla; Accessories:   Round White Coaster, Red Twill Ribbon, Pewter Emboss Powder, Dazzling Details (colored with Cherry Cobbler re-inker)

And that is all I have for today.  I'll be back tomorrow.

Blessings from Marsha

Technical Glitch All Fixed Up

As  promised, I wanted to let you know that you can now click on all the links to my Stampin' Up!® website.  I'm so thankful that it didn't take long to get it all worked out.

Now that all the problems are resolved, stay tuned for some of the Christmas tree decorations I've been making.

Blessings from Marsha

A Technical Glitch

Due to a technical problem within the company, you will not be able to access my Stampin' Up!® website at this time.  As soon as it is up and running again, I will let you know.

In the meantime, if you need to place an order, please e-mail with all of your order and payment information at marsha@coffeepotstampingcafe.com.  Or, you may call me at the number listed at the top of my blog.

Please forgive the inconvenience.

Blessings from Marsha

Raining Flowers

Technically, here in Iowa, it is snowing snowflakes and it's cold.  I'd rather have flowers.  As promised, it is now Raining Flowers. This is a two-step stamp set and so much fun to use.  I have some other ideas but suddenly have several orders that need to take priority over my just sitting down and having fun creating.  So, without further fanfare, here is the card I designed using the Raining Flowers stamp set.

Stamp Sets:  Raining Flowers, My Friend; Inks:  Real Red, Whisper White Craft; Card Stock:  Real Red, Crumb Cake, Whisper White; Accessories:  Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (Retired), Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

You only have a few short weeks to get those favorite products from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  January 3rd is the last day you can place your order.  At this time, I don't know what will carry over so don't lose out on that one must have item.  To place an order, click the order button in the top right sidebar.

Blessings from Marsha

Mixed Bunch Thank You

Yesterday I had the privilege of dining with some wonderful friends.  Kay called earlier in the day and invited me over for supper.  It was just what I needed.  Good food and good conversation.  Her husband, Jerry, is the one I always turn to any time I have a computer issue.  He has gotten me out of more than one technical jam, usually of my own making.  I am somewhat technically challenged even though I love all the gadgets available to us today.  Kay shared with me albums she has been putting together for several years.  They were wonderful!  She uses magazine pages, written pages, old cards, etc. and puts them altogether into three ring binders in page protectors.  I enjoyed going through them last night.

My order arrived yesterday, but the only thing I had time for was to inventory the contents of the box.  I wanted to play with them but just did not have the time.  Chasing a two year old is an ongoing marathon!  Once Mom picked up the little man, it was time to get ready to head over to Jerry and Kay's.

When I returned home, I got busy and designed a thank you card for them.  With the hour getting late, I decided to do a very clean and simple card.  The inside of the card has another Mixed Bunch Blossom that I stamped a sentiment on before punching with the new Blossom Punch.  The Mixed Bunch stamp set and the Blossom Punch are new products from our new Occasions Mini Catalog. 

Stamp Sets: Mixed Bunch, Because I Care (Retired); Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock: Island Indigo, Whisper White; Accessories: Antique Brads, Blossom Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

The card stock looks more green than indigo.  I'm thinking I need a new camera.  Lately, this one has not been giving me good quality photos.  Sigh... wonder if Santa can find one for me?  :-)

Now I'm off to finish up that Raining Flowers design I mentioned the other day.

Blessings from Marsha

Elegant Thank You

With the busyness of the season, I've not had much time to sit down and create much other than gifts for family and friends.  But, now that Christmas is just a couple of weeks away, it has me thinking of all those thank you cards that will need to be sent to those who bless us with a gift.  The card I'm sharing with you today, is a clean and simple one.  Sometimes less is more.

Stamp Set:  Elegant Thank You; Ink:  Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:   Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, DSP (uncertain); Accessories:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

One of the perks of being a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator, is I've had the chance to see the new Occasions Mini Catalog and the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog.  My order from both comes tomorrow and I can't wait to show you what I create.  So, stay tuned for a preview of things to come.

Blessings from Marsha

I Love Flowers!

Today is turning out to be one very busy day and I'm not sure I'll have time to post a new creation.  With the weather turning absolutely frigid, I was in need of a little bit of warm.  Nothing cheers me up faster than a beautiful flower.  Since blue is my favorite color and roses are my second favorite flower, I found the perfect combination of both. 

Isn't this one beautiful flower?  I think some flowers are in the future for my stamping.  I have the Raining Flowers stamp set that I've not had much chance to play with.  Once my other obligations for today are out of the way, I'm going to go flower crazy.

Enjoy the rose and I'll post the Raining Flowers creations just as soon as I get them finished.

Blessings from Marsha

25 And Counting

Last Thursday evening a local group of Stampin' Up!® Demonstrators got together for dinner at the Ankeny Olive Garden.  We did a gift swap and oh, what wonderful gifts were created.  As the days go by I will share them with you but for today, I'm sharing my CASE of one of the gifts I received.  It's another take on the Advent Calendar and such a great way to countdown the days to Christmas.  I can remember the Advent Calendars from my childhood.  We had one every year and it was with great anticipation that we opened each days' window.

Stamp Sets:  25 & Counting, Christmas Lodge; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Forest Green StazOn; Card Stock:  Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Garden Green; Accessories:  1" Square Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestones, 3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Crop-A-Dile, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I plan to do more creating as well as getting ready for a Scentsy party I am hosting.  I'm looking forward to all the fun!

Blessings from Marsha

Navy Blush Anniversary

Although I like all of the cards I made, this one is my favorite.  Of course that could have to do with the fact I used a blue.  Blue is my favorite color.  This card used up the last of my Blushing Bride card stock.  It is a color I don't ordinarily use but I really like this shade of pink.  I think it would make a good choice for some of the Valentine's Day cards I want to design.

Stamp Sets:  Three Little Words, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Blushing Bride, Whisper White; Accessories:  Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, 5/8" Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Bitty Buttons, Jewels Basic Rhinestones

And, there you have it, three beautiful cards.  Now I'm off to finish up a countdown to Christmas project.  I'll share it with you tomorrow.

Blessings from Marsha

You Are Loved Anniversary

When asked to make an anniversary card and told pink was his wife's favorite color, I realized I didn't have much pink and probably not enough to do an entire card.  Surprise, I found one sheet of Blushing Bride so wanted to make as many cards with it as possible.  Yesterday's card was made from half of the card stock.  This one was inspired by the fact that, when I tried to tear it along a ruler with a decorative edge, it didn't go as well as I had hoped.  When I accidentally bent and put a crease in that wasn't wanted, in frustration, I crumpled the whole thing in my hand.  Then, smoothed it out and decided to see how I could use it.

Stamp Sets:  You Are Loved, Raining Flowers, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Inks:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla; Accessories: Word Window Punch, 3/8" Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Details, Small Oval Punch (retired), Jewels Basic Rhinestones (colored with permanent marker)

I am really liking the new stamp set, You Are Loved, from the Holiday Mini.  And, come Wednesday, my order from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration Catalog will be here and I can start sharing some new and fantastic products with you.  There are a lot of great new products and I already have several ideas in mind for some Valentine's Day cards and gifts.

And, there you have it.  The second card made using the only sheet of Blushing Bride card stock on my shelf.  Later, I'll show you the last one I made in the trio.

Blessings from Marsha

Happy Anniversary Sparkle

It was fun to finally get a chance to be creative.  It's been a busy time since Thanksgiving and I feel like I've just caught my first deep breath!  I made three cards Friday afternoon using one sheet of Blushing Bride card stock and, over the weekend, I'll show you how I used it.

I love Stampin' Up!® Glimmer paper!  It shimmers and sparkles and grabs the eye.  When asked to design an anniversary card,  I knew I wanted to use it to add some glitz to the card. On the inside of the card in Regal Rose, I stamped the sentiment, "You're in my thoughts; You're in my heart," from the Word Play stamp set.

Stamp Sets:  You Are Loved, Language of Friendship, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Word Play; Inks:  Crumb Cake, Regal Rose, Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker; Card Stock:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Jewels Basic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL Adhesive

If you would like free instructions for making the Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border square, e-mail me at the address above and I'll send it right out to you.

Blessings from Marsha

Happy Thanksgiving

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.  May your day be filled with love, laughter and joy!

I am so looking forward to Jody's pumpkin pie!  She makes it right from the pumpkin.  No canned stuff for her!

Blessings from Marsha

A Merry Christmas!

For my last Christmas Card Class, I wanted to do something fun and easy and sparkly.  Since I love the sparkly of our Glimmer Paper, which comes in red or silver, it was the perfect choice for some pretty packages.  

Stamp Set:  Bells & Boughs, God's Blessings; Ink:  Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Night of Navy, Naturals White, Red Glimmer Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge

The inside of the card is stamped using Cherry Cobbler ink and a sentiment from the God's Blessing stamp set.

My schedule is filling up fast, so contact me soon set the date for your next Workshop date.  Our new Occasions Mini Catalog is coming out soon and you won't want to miss all the great new products.

Blessings from Marsha

The Online Extravganza Is Coming!

The Online Extravaganza, our annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season, begins Monday, November 21, 2011 and continues through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Savings include... FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 % off select Designer Fabrics and 30% off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

And... there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM (MT) - so make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of the Online Extravaganza!

These deals are only available online.  To see them all and take advantage of the savings...

Log in on Monday, November 21, to my Online Store, look around, find out what the two special items anre and then, place your Holiday Online Extravaganza order!

Note:  When you place your qualifying order on my Demonstrator Business Website, you will be eligible for all the usual Hostess Benefits.

Veterans Day Tribute

To all of our service men and women who are serving, who have served and who gave their lives, Thank You.  I, for one, appreciate the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make.

I want to share a photo I came across during my research yesterday.  It is not my photo and I do not know who took it but I thank the anonymous photographer.

May God continue to bless our great nation.  May He protect those who keep it free.

Blessings from Marsha

Happy Holidays

I just can't seem to get away from making Christmas cards.  :-)  I'm usually the one who doesn't even think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Not this year!  With all the wonderful stamp sets from Stampin' Up!®, I have really gotten hooked on the Holidays.

Today's card is quick and easy and features stamps from our Christmas Lodge stamp set.  On the inside of the card, I stamped the sentiment, "May the miracle of Christmas find you safe in the Peace of God, warm in the Light of Christ" from the God's Blessings stamp set.  I really like the way it turned out.

Stamp Sets:  Christmas Lodge, God's Blessings; Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Soft Suede; Card Stock:  Naturals White; Accessories:  3/8" Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Sponge

Want to learn how to make this card?  Schedule a Workshop and I'll show you and your friends how easy it is to make beautiful cards for your friends and family.  Call or e-mail me.  You'll find that information at the top of my blog.

Blessings from Marsha

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

Today is the Marine Corps birthday.  I have been doing some research and it is a fascinating history.  I wanted to post a picture of my brother, Lance Corporal Larry Dean Borschel, in his dress uniform but I don't have one.  He served from 1963 to 1965 when he was killed in action in Vietnam.

The card I'm sharing is one that I made a few months ago but want to share it again.  Because of my brother's sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many other service men and women,  The Star Spangled Banner yet waves because of those who are fighting and have fought for our country.

Stamp Set:  Land of the Free; Inks:  Real Red, Night of Navy; Card Stock:  Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White; Accessories:  1-1/4" Not Quite Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Brayer

Here is a bit of what I found during my research.

The Marines' Hymn 
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.
Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes, You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.

The Marines' Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt; steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.

Happy 236th Birthday!

Semper Fi!

A Successful Workshop!

We had such fun at tonight's Workshop!  We made a card that I had designed last week and it was a big hit.  They loved learning how to emboss.  The tree from the Christmas Lodge stamp set is perfect for embossing.  The Pewter Emboss Powder and the Silver Glimmer Paper make this card so sparkly and shimmery.  Although I shared this with you all last week, I'm going to post it again as I've not designed a new one today.  With getting ready for tonight, I just simply ran out of time.

Stamp Sets:  Christmas Lodge, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink: Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Pewter Emboss Powder, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Heat Tool

It's late and I have such a busy day tomorrow that I'm going to keep this post short.  I'll fill you in on all the happens tomorrow.

Blessings from Marsha

Just Add Cake!

My youngest grandson's birthday was November 2nd.  He is now two and such a little character.  He's the life of the party and today Mom & Dad had a family gathering to celebrate the event.  Dad made his famous potato soup and it sure was delicious.  Mom made two very tasty cakes. By the time the crew of family and friends had soup and were caked and ice creamed up, nearly everything was gone.

I sat down this afternoon and made Aiden's birthday card.  I am really enjoying the Peekaboo Frames Die.  It has turned out to be one of my favorites from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The first photo is a close up of the window I made from the Silver Glimmer Paper.

Stamp Sets:  Forest Friends (retired), Punch Bunch (retired), God's Blessings; Ink:  Island Indigo; Card Stock:  Island Indigo, Very Vanilla, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Bigz L Peekaboo Frames Die, 1/2" Circle Punch, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Dimensionals, Jewels Basic Pearls, Eyelet Border Punch, Tempting Turquoise Emboss Powder, VersaMark

I used the birthday sentiment from the God's Blessings Stamp Set and embossed it in Tempting Turquoise Emboss Powder on the inside of the card.  The contrast with the Island Indigo Card Stock was really nice.

Tomorrow I'm going to play with the Peekaboo Frames Die again and design a Christmas card for Tuesday night's Workshop.

Blessings from Marsha

Holiday Stocking

Today was spent exploring options for an upcoming Workshop I have on Tuesday.  My Hostess wants a Christmas card as our make and take.  I'm wanted to use the new dies but just wasn't sure in what manner.  I decided to use the Holiday Stocking Die and place the card stock in such a way as to have a fold along the left so it actually forms a card.  You could use it as a card or a large tag on a gift bag.  I used the Peekaboo Die to made a window in which to hide the sentiment.  I love that Glimmer Paper, both the Silver and the Red.

The first photo shows the window up close.  The second is of the card itself.  I'm thinking I need a new camera because my photos of late have not been as good as when I first purchased the camera.  The colors are just not right but at least you'll get the idea.  Looks like a shopping expedition is in my future.

Stamp Set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink:  Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Pool Party, Silver Glimmer Paper, Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper (retired); Accessories:  Big Shot, Bigz L Holiday Stocking Die, Bigz L Peekaboo Frames Die

There is still time to get your own Big Shot.  Become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator by November 11th and you get one FREE!  For details, click here.

Blessings from Marsha

Yes, It Is Good To Be A Hostes!

From now through December 15, a Hostess can earn an extra $35 in additional Stampin' Up!® products when they host a $350 workshop. Schedule your Workshop today!  Click the image above for more information.

 And, you still have time to get that FREE Big Shot!  You have until November 11th to sign up to become a Stampin' Up!®  Or, you could choose up to $100 in Free products.  But time is getting short, sign up today.

Blessings from Marsha

Christmas in Black, White And Silver

It's been such a busy week and this is only Tuesday.  I've not had a lot of time to create in the last few days so tonight I decided to make a quick and easy card.  I wanted to do something different so I chose black, white and silver.  I've never done a Christmas card with this combination.  Who would think that black and white would work.  I love the Christmas Lodge tree.  It is perfect for embossing.  I added just a touch of color when stamping the sentiment.

Stamp Sets:  Christmas Lodge, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Ink: Cherry Cobbler; Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories:  Pewter Emboss Powder, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Heat Tool

That's it for today.  Watch for tomorrow's post as I have plenty of good news to share.

Blessings from Marsha