I know I say this EVERY year, but I feel like the end of the year and holidays creep up on me faster than the year before.  The old adage is very true...as you get older, time travels faster.  How can I get it to slow down?  Hmmmm....  With this said, I have amazed myself by working on a project 'before it's time'!  Yep!  I have had the Season To Season project kit in my hands since I was able to pre-order from the Holiday catalog (that was in August!).  This kit is loaded with all of the supplies needed to complete a beautiful wreath made of paper leaves.

I think the part that took the longest, but was easy to accomplish while watching a TV show, listening to music, or chatting with my daughters about the tough college courses they are taking this semester.  Look at this lovely gathering of paper leaves that have been lovingly curled using my bone folder.

Even though I watched the wonderful video prepared by Stampin' Up! regarding their experiences and sharing great tips and tricks, I managed to pluck a leaf.  I plucked one from the very first set of leaves, and then managed to pluck one from the very last set of leaves!  Too funny!!  Goes to show that I must not have been paying attention at the beginning and then got over anxious at the very end.  haha

It’s a wreath for all seasons. Change the banner from season to season, and create your own for birthdays and holidays using your favorite stamp sets and dies. Makes one wreath with materials for creating three changeable banners: autumn, Halloween, Christmas.  Here is my finished wreath.  With the help of my trusting glue gun, I was able to complete the entire project in less than 2 hours. A beautiful creation that doesn't take much time out of your busy day.  Score!!  My apologies for the low lighting.  I started my project after 9:00P and I couldn't wait to snap a picture with natural lighting. LOVE it, nonetheless!

You definitely want to watch the video.  There are lots of great tips and tricks shared that will making your wreath-making very easy and enjoyable.

Now, the best part...the Season to Season Wreath Project Kit is on the Weekly Deals this week.  The sale ends Monday, November 23, 2015 at 11:50P (MT).  You can order from my online store and plan a couple hours to create one to dress up your front door, the mantle, or a wall that you designate for holiday decorations.  It will be beautiful wherever you decide to hang it.  While you are at it....get your friends together and create together.  The sale is wonderful, but creating with friends is priceless!

There are many ways to save more on your Stampin' Up! purchases.  Thank you so much for shopping with me!! 

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2015-16 Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog online
• Retiring Photopolymer Stamps -- Sale Flyer with pictures
• Use Hostess Code T949RVJC to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.
• Don't forget to check out this weeks 25% off Weekly Deals
• Save 15% on a large selection of Stampin' Up! Bundles
• Visit the Clearance Rack - tons of new items added today!!  Some items are discounted up to 80% off. 
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• STAMPIN' REWARDS:  Orders over $150 receive $15+ additional free product (you do not want to use the Hostess Code noted above...this is so YOU receive the Hostess benefits).
• BEST DEAL! Do you have $99 or more on your wish list?  Great news!  The Demonstrator Kit is $99....you get $25 in additional free product...AND, your kit will ship to you FREE!

Good morning stampers and paper crafters!  Welcome to our November Stamp It group blog hop.  This months crew has been concentrating on some fun Christmas Holiday cards and giftable projects to share with you.  If you hopped on over here from Mary's blog, or made this stop your first visit....Welcome!  I am super excited to have you here.

My husband and his Mom (my sweeeet mother-in-law) were reminiscing recently about the days when he was a boy and they would spend Christmas Eve at his grandparent's house for the evening.  I've heard these stories many, many times, but one of my favorites is when supper was eaten and the dishes were done, Santa would come to the door with a large sack filled with presents for him, his brother and the cousins.  This tradition carried on for quite a few years until they realized that 'Santa' was really their Uncle Jon.  haha  So, my creation today was inspired by a sweet memory of Santa.

Isn't Santa totally ADORBS?!!!

Creative Tips:

• I have extreme trouble leaving the front card base all by itself...as a single layer.  To give the front a face-lift, I will cut another piece from the same color that is an 1/8" smaller all the way around and attach to the front of the card base.  It doesn't always have to be designer series paper.  ;)

• The Whisper White suit border is a 2" wide strip that has been punched with the Scalloped Tag punch and dressed up with a piece of 1-1/4" Cherry Cobbler Striped ribbon and a strand of Jute ribbon.  I *love* using the Jute ribbon strands to accent my cards.  The Basic Black 'buttons' were punched using the middle circles from the Owl Builder Punch and popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.

• Santa's belt buckle is my favorite part of this card.  **squeal**!!  The stamped image comes from the Cup Of Cheer stamp set.  I inked it with Versa Mark and heat embossed some Cherry Cobbler embossing powder to match the card base.  Both layers of the 'buckle' (Basic Black and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper) were die cut with the Ovals framelits and popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals onto a Basic Black strip to finish off the belt.

• Did you notice that several products used are color-coordinated?  That's right! and, that's why I *love* Stampin' Up!  I don't have to run all over town to color match my papers, ribbons, inks, and even, embossing powder.  Stampin' Up! has removed all the stress and unnecessary time spent searching for products to match.  YEAH!!

The layout of this card would not make mass producing for family and friends very bad, at all.  It would go pretty quick and easy.  Plus, everyone that got Santa in the mail would be so excited to get such an amazingly cute card.  :)  So, on that note, I know you are going to see more cuteness when you hop on over to Sheri's blog.  Just click on the 'Next' button for more inspiration.  If you get lost or sidetracked, just come on back and follow the list of participants shown below.  Have fun getting your fill of wonderful Christmas Holiday ideas...don't forget to come back real soon.  :)

                      

1.  Tami White

2.  Elizabeth Jeanne

3.  Oksana Semenska

4.  Liz Miller

5.  Siara Acdal

6.  Linda Cullen

7.  Mary Bush

8.  Lori Mueller <= You are HERE!

9.  Sheri Meyer

10. Gianna Sardella

11. Pam Nichols

12. Stephanie Kolker

13. Charlene Luks

14. Karen Page

STAMP IT BLOG HOP GIVE AWAY

Good Luck!! One very lucky person will win this awesome Paper Pumpkin kit!

HOW IT WILL WORK

• In order to enter the Stamp It Blog Hop give away, leave a comment on any Stamp It Blog Hop post. Be sure to include ‪#‎stampitcontest‬
• May only submit one entry per blog...there are 14 bloggers, therefore a total of 14 entries.
• Give Away ends December 9, 2015
• Winner will be drawn December 10, 2015
• Winner will be announced on all participating blog hops

Thank you so much for shopping with me!!

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2015-16 Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog online
• Retiring Photopolymer Stamps -- Sale Flyer with pictures
• Use Hostess Code XPGG4UCE to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.
• Don't forget to check out this weeks 25% off Weekly Deals
• Visit the Clearance Rack - up to 80% off
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• STAMPIN' REWARDS:  Orders over $150 receive $15+ additional free product (you do not want to use the Hostess Code noted above...this is so YOU receive the Hostess benefits).
• BEST DEAL! Do you have $99 or more on your wish list?  Great news!  The Demonstrator Kit is $99....you get $25 in additional free product...AND, your kit will ship to you FREE!

Do you have all of the supplies?  All the items used are from Stampin’ Up! and can be bought through my online store HERE or click on the items below.  A printable supply list is available as well!

Good morning, stampers and paper crafters!  The members of the Creative Inking team are uuubber excited to share with you some "Terrific Techniques" for this months Creative Inking Blog Hop!  Whether this is your first stop on the hop, or you arrived here from Lisa's blog....Welcome!! and I can't wait to share with you my awesome project with you.  You are definitely going to enjoy this hop!

It is the middle of November and we have not seen one flake of snow yet in Eastern Nebraska.  I shouldn't say that too loudly as we are expected to receive approximately 2" starting tomorrow afternoon.  Eeek!  My Geraniums and Hibiscus are still blooming and looking quite colorful and beautiful. They have been covered for the night in hopes to preserve their beauty a few more days.  But, with the snow, come the holidays, too.  So, to get in the spirit of snow and the holidays, I chose to play with the stamp set Jingle All the Way along with the coordinating Sleigh Ride Edgelits.  An elegant bundle found on page 12 of the Holiday catalog.

Creative Tips:

• How long has it been since you have pulled out your Stampin' Up! Brayer?  Me??  FOREVER!! and a day!  That fun, spongy tool is so versatile.  I chose to show off how to create a gradient of ink using Lost Lagoon as my color of choice.  Ink up the Brayer by rolling across the ink pad MANY times...you want the Brayer evenly covered with plenty of ink.

• The next technique is creating an oval frame using 2 of the Oval Framelits to die cut a Dazzling Diamond frame to set the stage for the Houses from the Sleigh Ridge Edgelits set.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to pop the frame up so that the Lost Lagoon gradient displays similar to a setting sunset.  Just the right amount of bling to enhance the gradient layer.

• There are several sentiments in the Jingle All the Way stamp set, but this card really speaks a nostalgic "home for Christmas" setting.

I have created a really quick video to show you how stinkin' easy it is to create the gradient background using your Brayer.

Because it has been sooo long since I have dusted off my Brayer, I was more than a bit intimidated to create this card.  I can't believe how amazing it looks in real life...I am sooo in love with this card.  Simple and elegant!  I hope you will go hunt down your long lost Brayer and give this technique a try.  You can't go wrong.  Now, you will want to hop on over to Dena's blog...I know she will have a terrific technique to share with you.  Just click on the 'Next' button and you'll be hoppin'.  If you get lost or sidetracked, just come on back and follow the list of participants shown below.  Have fun getting your fill of wonderful inspiration...don't forget to come back real soon.  :)

1.  Sue Lehrer  

2.  Susan Campfield

3.  BJ Peters

4.  Amber Swift

5.  Kristine Lutrario

6.  Colleen Vassos

7.  Lynn Streifert

8.  Phyllis Shepherd

9.  Lisa Curcio

10. Lori Mueller <= You are HERE

11.  Dena Rekow

 Thank you so much for shopping with me!!

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2015-16 Catalog online
• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog online
• Use Hostess Code XPGG4UCE to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.
• Don't forget to check out this weeks 25% off Weekly Deals
• Visit the Clearance Rack - up to 80% off
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• STAMPIN' REWARDS:  Orders over $150 receive $15+ additional free product (you do not want to use the Hostess Code noted above...this is so YOU receive the Hostess benefits).
• BEST DEAL! Do you have $99 or more on your wish list?  Great news!  The Demonstrator Kit is $99....you get $25 in additional free product...AND, your kit will ship to you FREE!
  
  

All the items used are from Stampin’ Up! and can be bought through my online store HERE or click on the items below.  A printable supply list is available as well!

This is a first time EVER occasion that Stampin' Up! is announcing the list of products that will be retiring from the Holiday Catalog.  WOOT!!  Get these Stampin’ Up! holiday catalog retiring products before they are gone!  Stampin’ Up! is retiring products from the 2015 Holiday Catalog; but before they do, they’re giving everyone an opportunity to order their favorites.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HOLIDAY CATALOG RETIREMENT LIST

Holiday  Catalog  Retiring List
These lists are updated daily to show the availability of all retiring products. Download the PDF for a quick reference, or use the Excel file to sort the list. Check back regularly to make sure you have the most up-to-date information for your customers and your events. 

• PDF
• Sortable Excel File

Things to Remember:

• Orders can be placed as a demonstrator, customer, workshop, or online order.
• Retiring products are only available while supplies last. The lists of retiring products will be updated every business day.

In case you were trying to decide about these VERY popular items, they are on the retired list! Act FAST!! Get them before they are sold out! I predict these will be gone fast!

          
Woodland Embossing Folder                                                        Square Pillow Box Thinlit

Thank you for Shopping with Lori

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2015-16 Catalog online
• Subscribe to a Paper Pumpkin
  
• Lori's Catalog Product Shares: to review your options Download CatalogProductShares-2015-2016
• Don't forget to check out this weeks 25% off Weekly Deals
• Visit the Clearance Rack - up to 80% off
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• Use Hostess Code XPGG4UCE to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.

Are You a "No Contact" Stampin' Up! Customer?

In the last few months I have received an increasing number of "No Contact" orders from my Online Store. That means a customer has selected that they prefer not to be contacted by a demonstrator.

Stampin' Up! takes privacy very seriously and when a customer opts to have "no contact", that means that I don't even know their name! I can see the order summary, but in the place of a name and address, it simply says: "No Contact".

While I certainly respect that some people wish to shop anonymously, it makes me sad that I can not properly thank these stampers for supporting my business. I strive to offer good customer service, including sending thank you cards and free catalogs.

My fear is that many of these "No Contact" customers don't realize what they are opting OUT of. I have seen orders come through with the Hostess Code and it is clear that they expect to hear from me....or, at least I would like to think they would like a 'thank you' from me, but I have NO way of contacting them!

If you are reading this and have clicked the "No Contact" box to not have any contact from me, and would like to change this option so that I can send you thank you cards for your orders, offer you catalogs, and keep you on my customer list, please change the settings in your customer profile in my Online Store.

Thank you for supporting my business and for giving me the opportunity to service your stamping and shopping needs!

Good Morning Stampers!

I am so excited to have you join me for the November series of the One Stamp At a Time Blog Hop (aka OSAT).  You may be starting from here at my blog, Lori Mueller - Stampin' Dreams, or you may have come here from Dena Rekow's blog.  However you found me...YAY!! Please be sure to click the 'Next' button at the end of this post so that you get to enjoy the next set of inspiring projects as you travel through the blog hop. If you get off track at any time, the full line up below will help you move along from blog to blog.

Do you ever have one of those days, one of those weeks, and one of those "whatever"?  Well, that has been my story...I tackle all requirements, deadlines, and tasks as they come at me.  I have been falling short on time....A LOT lately and my MOJO has not been tip-top shape.  So, what better thing to try and kick start the creative juices, but to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) a card I found in the Holiday catalog showing off the Cozy Christmas stamp set.  Are you ready?  Let's see what you think.

Creative Tips:

• Sometimes a card doesn't need a whole bunch of Designer Series paper to make it look pretty.  Instead, use one of the stamp images in the set and ink it up using the same color of ink as the card base.  They call this stamping technique 'Tone-on-Tone'.

• The simplest cards can easily be mass produced because there isn't a whole lot of detail.  It doesn't mean that it's not pretty...trust me, your recipient will love it 'simply' because it is handmade.  :)

Since I didn't think CASE-ing one card from the Holiday catalog was enough, I decided to try a 2nd one using the same stamp set.  Gotta love it when you can get more than one card from the same stamp set, right?!!  Teehehe

• Notice the sleigh and reindeer across the top?  Yep!  Another feature of Tone-on-Tone background stamping.

• I love images that render the desire to use different colors of Stampin' Write markers to ink up the various parts of a stamp.  NOTE:  As you color your image with markers, then stamp onto cardstock, your colored image will stamp darker the 2nd time.  My sentiment shows off the first time coloring and stamping.  If I had just taken the time to color with markers and stamp again, the image would have been more crisp and not so faded.  The more often you do this without cleaning in between, the crisper your stamped image will turn out.  Give it a try...you'll definitely see the difference.

Thanks for taking part in our One Stamp At a Time blog hop.  I am very thankful that you have stopped to visit me.  There are a good number of hops to travel, which means many more ideas and inspiration to fill your creative mind...you won't want to miss a single one! Remember you are currently at (Lori Mueller's -- Stampin' Dreams blog), so please check the blog hop line up below and be sure to click the next blog participant's name on the list.

1. Ginger Pelfrey

2. Elizabeth 

3. Diane Squires

4. AJ Bodine

5. Wynne Grob 

6.  Maria Willis 

7. Martie

8. Renee Ondrajka

9. Megan Thompson

10. Kim Smith

11. Marisa Gunn

12.  Dena Rekow

13.  Lori Mueller <= (You are here!)

14.  Tina Riddle

15. Raquelle Clifton

16. Jeanna Bohanon

17. Andrea Tracy-Tucker

Thank you for Shopping with Lori

• SHOP | VIEW: Stampin' Up! Annual 2015-16 Catalog online
• Subscribe to a Paper Pumpkin
  
• Lori's Catalog Product Shares: to review your options Download CatalogProductShares-2015-2016
• Don't forget to check out this weeks 25% off Weekly Deals
• Visit the Clearance Rack - up to 80% off
• Orders of $30 or more receive Dreamers Loyalty Rewards Points, accumulate and redeem for free stamps...print your copy!
• Use Hostess Code XPGG4UCE to get a FREE GIFT from me when you order $50 or more.