Studio 5: Pinwheels & Giveaway!

When I plan my Studio 5 segments, if possible, I try to tie into my current class and in this case, it's all about pinwheels.

I had so much fun making this cute pinwheel for my upcoming "Red, White & YOU" class, that I decided to immerse myself into pinwheels... I almost drowned!  So many cute ideas and so little time.

This was right before I left on a long trip and I didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted.

It became clear to me after a lot of research that the We R Memory Keepers Pinwheel punch board was the way to go.

I'm not much of a uni-tasker (a tool that only does one thing), but I have to say, this tool is completely worth purchasing if you're only doing one party.  The time you save is invaluable!  So, today, I'm showcasing pinwheels made from the Pinwheel Punch Board and a great little template (hand-cut or die-cut) I used for my class and that I still really love, as it has a different shape and is good for smaller pinwheels.



But first, let's give a Pinwheel punch board away! 

Just leave a comment on this blog post today and tomorrow morning I'll randomly pick a winner...Good luck!

You'll get the Pinwheel Punch Board and a set of 10 attachments (these are invaluable!) and extra long straws.











Moving this nostalgic child's toy into today's DIY trend is all about size.  Using the simple, charming and playful shape in different sizes can tie a party together and create a custom look quickly and inexpensively.

Go BIG (more on that later) for drama & the WOW factor...these large pinwheels can fill real estate in a flash, perfect for backdrops and hanging decor.  And because these are so light, they are easily attached with pins or thumbtacks.

Go Small for those tiny touches that really leave a big impression!  From food picks to invitations and place settings.

Go traditional size for functioning favors, garlands, treat toppers, hat toppers and more.

Apart from size, you can add your own creative touch to pinwheels by adding a center to your pinwheels.  

Punches, pins, brads, pompoms, printed elements (like my wedding words), buttons etc...

You can also add streamers to the back of your functioning pinwheels for added movement, like in this example, I added cascading ribbons that I tied to the top of the straw.  Just be sure that your streamers don't interfere with the movement of the pinwheel.




To see a step-by-step tutorial on using the Pinwheel Punch board, click on this image to enlarge.

To make a SUPER big pinwheel, I used the large sheets of cardstock I'm starting to see in craft stores, specifically my local Hobby Lobby.  I found the large gold sheets (Strathmore Chromolux 19/5" x 26") in the art department, next to the poster paper and core board.  

We R Memory Keepers also has a line of patterned large sheets (22" x 28"), which I found right next to the Pinwheel Punch board and supplies.

Here are some photo tutorials for making the Extra Large Pinwheel.

If you have any questions, please let me know.  

Thanksgiving Give-away!

Happy to give away a little paper crafting collection of beautiful papers, stickers, die-cuts etc... from Imaginese's Happy Harvest collection. 

I love the pop of turquoise combined with the traditional orange and rust.  Really cute layered stickers with leaves, pumpkins, pies, an adorable fox, apples and trees.  So perfect for your Thanksgiving layouts or mini album.

9 sheets of double sided paper, 2 pkgs of big die-cuts and 2 packs of sticker stackers!

There are a few small missing parts, as I used this for Cricut Circle Magazine, but still a ton here to play with.  Thought someone might really enjoy it.  Please leave your comment on this post, along with (because I just love to hear it!) the most unique thing you make for Thanksgiving dinner and I'll pick a winner on Thanksgiving Day!

Good luck!

Happy Halloween Give-away!

How can I let this fun day pass without a little something on my blog!  Wish I had more time to play with all the fun Halloween paper I have, but the next BEST thing is to give it away to someone who does! 

Both of these collections are from My Mind's Eye.  Boo to You is a super cute collection, including this die-cut accessory sheet and 11 sheets of double-sided paper.

Spider's web is a little more sophisticated and includes 18 sheets of double-sided paper.

To enter, just leave a comment and tell me how you celebrate Halloween.  I can live vicariously through you this year!  Thanks & Good luck!

Picking a winner late tonight!

Another Give-away?

Yes! I told you there were be another one, so here goes! Last chance to win...make sure to visit www.clickwritescrapbook.com and leave a comment before tonight!


You'll need to scroll down a bit, as there are several give-aways today. Good luck!

Write. Click. Scrapbook. Giveaway!

Happy to participate in Write. Click. Scrapbook's Giveaway this week! Please take a moment to visit their site and leave a comment for a chance to win.

And then stay tuned...I believe they are doing another one next week.

Creme Brulee Winner!

Our randomly selected winner is...The McKinleys! Congratulations!
she said...
"yum! i would love to win that little cooking kit!! {fingers are crossed...}

what scares me most in the kitchen?? opening up pillsbury canisters. whenever we make them, my husband does the honors. :) "

If you haven't already, check out the hilarious comments on my What Scares you post. I laughed OUT LOUD!

Studio 5: what SCARES you?

It's that time of the year...and even if you don't dress up or beg for candy, it's a great time to do things that scare you! Dare yourself to play with FIRE!

I did an informal poll about a month ago about what scares people in the kitchen and what scares people in the craft room. Lots of answers for the kitchen, but most people chose STAMPING for being the most scary thing in the craft room.

It's no wonder. No cut & paste here...stamping triggers that creative gene, things can and WILL go wrong with stamping. It's never the same twice...all that uncertainty is SCARY! Well, I took the fear level up a notch by sharing a stamping technique that includes FIRE! (view video).

Fire & paper? That's just wrong, now isn't it?

But really, it's the most fun I've had stamping in a long while. It's hard to reproduce this look any other way and it's just so perfect for this time of the year (Halloween, Fall & Thanksgiving), so try it out! Please visit the Studio 5 page for all the step by step instructions, visuals and Projects.

And while you have your fire started, why not take it into the kitchen? I've taken an intimidating 'restaurant' (or as Brooke says "Pinky", think English tea) dessert and shown you how simple it is to create Creme Brulee at home.

The same reasons restaurants like to serve this are the same reasons you should make it at home; make-ahead, inexpensive, impressive and delicious! You can get the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee recipe and visual instructions here.

A couple of things I didn't get to chat about (it was a super busy day at Studio 5 today!) I want to mention here.

*The best price for Vanilla beans I've found is San Francisco Herb company.

*If you don't want to invest in a Creme brulee torch, dig out the old blow torch in the garage. This actually works BETTER and is less expensive. But the little torches are cute. :) You can also use the broiler, but it's tricky to get it evenly browned. You'll have to keep turning it and never leave it for a second as it goes quickly.

*I use a pitcher of hot water to pour into the pan once the ramekins are in the oven. To remove (after they are cooked), I use tongs in one hand and a oven pad/mitt in the other hand to carefully remove one ramekin at a time, transferring quickly to the oven mitt and then to the cooling rack. Then I can let the hot water cool in the oven before I remove it. Some recipes call for the creme to cool in the water, but I've tried it both ways and don't see a difference.

*Don't throw away your vanilla beans after you've scraped the seeds out. I let these sit on the counter and completely dry out. I then add them to a quart sized jar of granulated sugar. Before long you'll have a lovely scented vanilla sugar. Just make sure you use completely dried beans, otherwise your sugar will get clumpy.

*Lastly, I've had requests for the two other recipes I mentioned on air. Coconut Creme Brulee and Pumpkin Creme Brulee. Both of these were yummy (I'm eating the little coconut one I brought home from the show right now), but the texture won't be quite a smooth as the plain one.

Pumpkin Spice Brulee
8 egg yolks
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup pumpkin puree

Mix yolks, maple syrup and brown sugar in a bowl.
heat buttermilk and cream almost to a boil.
gradually mix (temper) hot cream into egg mixture. Strain and mix in pumpkin puree.
Pour into ramekins and water bath (see video) them in a 9x13 pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 25-35 minute, depending on how deep your ramekins are. Just keep baking until the center almost doesn't wiggle when touched.

Cool in refridgerator (I cover them lightly with plastic wrap). About 20-30 minutes before serving sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar (this works best) and caramelize with a torch.
Garnish with whipped cream (because yes, you NEED more!) and some candied pecans.

Coconut Creme Brulee
6 egg yolks
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar (I used my vanilla sugar)
2 cups heavy cream
2/3 cup flaked sweetened coconut
2/3 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk (I used light and it worked fine)

Mix Eggs with sugar in a bowl
Heat cream, coconut and coconut milk in pan until hot, but not boiling.
Gradually mix (temper) hot cream mixture into egg mixture.
Follow instructions for Pumpkin Creme brulee above to complete recipe.

Enjoy!

Am I done...not quite! Just checking to see if you really read my ENTIRE long post! :) We were supposed to do a call-in giveaway on air today, but simply ran out of time. So instead, I'm doing it here! Please leave a comment about what scares you (either in the kitchen and/or the craft room) and I'll choose a winner on Friday. The prize? A Creme Brulee Kit of course! One torch and 4 cute little ramekins!

And lastly...thanks for all your fine guesses on my Sneak-peek. Most everyone got the creme brulee but no one guessed the Stamping Soot Technique. Yes, I know it was hard! I did, however, have two readers guess some kind of heat (embossing gun) technique, so I'm going to send both Arielle and Peggy something for their guess, Congrats!

1 crop, 10 classes, 2 days and 3 give-aways!

Teaching at Creating Keepsakes conventions is an experience that is hard to describe. People always ask me "how was it". I always answer "fun!".

{click on photo to enlarge}

This, unfortunately, doesn't negate my barking feet and utter exhaustion, but truly, it is not what I remember when I get home from a show.

I remember people. I'm bad with names, (but writing it down really helps! see pic.) but what I never forget is the warm, kind and happy faces of the people I get to teach. That transcends all else.

Sometimes, I get a few extras that take the trip over the top for me and one of those things in Kansas City was getting to have dinner with a friend I made 2 years ago, Eva. It was great to catch up with her and share a little Panda (thanks Eva...you saved me. It would have been an energy bar if you hadn't offered!).

I love spontaneous expressions of generousity and want to thank Robbi for giving me a bottle of Zip n' dry. If you aren't a papercrafter, you so will NOT get how special that is! LOL I've been meaning to try this stuff for a year now!

Sometimes I'm just inspired by a student(s) and just have to mention Evelyn. I hope and wish and plan on being as creative as you are when my hair is white! You go girl!

Thanks for all my teacher assistants, and especially Arielle who was with me through most of my classes and was such a big, cheerful help!

So, as promised ladies, I'm giving away some scrapbooking/cardmaking goodies to 3 lucky students, so please share with me your favorite part of the show (moment, class, project etc...) and I'll pick a winner this weekend. I'll ship off next week because I'm heading to Arizona for the fall break here soon. Good luck!

Nifty Thrifty Christmas Cards Class

Sorry this kit is sold out.
________________________
I thought today would be a perfect time to release my newest class, Nifty Thrifty Christmas Cards...

Many of you already know that the genesis of many of my classes are my personal needs. (So selfish!)

Every year I struggle with the long list of to-dos for Christmas and the one thing that rarely gets done is Christmas cards. I almost made it last year, but due to a printing issue (they were photo cards), I ended up sending a digital card instead (is that tacky?).

This year, my challenge to me and YOU is to make all my own Christmas cards and send them out the weekend after Thanksgiving. What do you think? Are you up for this challenge? Will you join me?

To make it easy for you and me, I've centered my class around a set of digital images I created for WCMD a few years ago, called Heaven & Nature. I specifically designed these cards to be thrifty, quick and cute (of course!).

I'll be offering you all sorts of time-saving and mass-producing tips in class and for added value, the class will include all the digital images so you can make more at home.

I'm also offering (because several of you have asked!) individual cards (you pick!) in kit form in multiples of six. This could really make getting your Christmas cards done early a real possibility. Everything will be printed and pre-cut, you'll get these put together is record time!

Class Schedule is:
Wed. Nov. 4th 10-noon South Jordan
Wed. Nov. 4th 6-8pm Orem
Thurs. Nov. 5th 6-8pm American Fork
Fri. Nov. 6th 10-noon Centerville
Fri. Nov. 6th 2-4pm Clinton
Fri. Nov. 6th 6-8pm Clinton

Tues. Nov. 10th 10-noon Sandy
Tues. Nov. 10th 6-8pm Provo
Wed. Nov. 11th 6-8pm West Jordan

Supplies to bring to class:
Trimmer and scissors (fine tipped & long)
Adhesive (Variety: Roll tape, pop-up squares, mini glue dots, dotto, etc...)
Bone Folder, Exacto Knife & self-healing mat
Pencil, ruler & Push pin
1/4" hole punch, micro hole punch and corner rounder
Crystal Glitter glue (Ice stickles) and loose crystal glitter
Glossy Accents or Diamond Glaze
1" and 1 1/2" circle punches (will have some in class)

I'm just dying to know if I'm the only one who struggles with Christmas cards...so leave me a comment and I'll pick a few winners. The prize? My Envelopement class kit ($19 value!).

And that concludes my WCMD activities...it's been a fun day for me and I hope you got to celebrate, even it just meant visiting my blog. Lots of opportunities to win as well, so make sure to read the last four posts!

And now that you've paper crafted your little heart out, it's time for some nourishment. Come back tomorrow for another little treat...one that you can eat!

Nighty Night

Deck the Halls...

A few more cards for you...



As this day has progressed, I didn't factor in the sun going down and me losing all my beautiful light for photography, so please excuse the glare from the flash.




I purposely kept this card very simple, letting the snow globe be the focal point. Shake it up!



Using the foil stickers was a little more challenging and again, the flash took away some of the beautiful detail. I needed a good contrast, so used a cream colored cardstock, lightly inked to background the stickers.



I also lightly sanded then to create a little more contrast...and what we do without stickles. I mean, really? Love them! Want to share them!

2 lucky followers who comment will get one of the cards and a new bottle of stickles!

Believe in the Magic of Christmas

Okay ladies...my first card (and more to come)... Who can I send this card too? Any ideas? Post yours as a comment...

Here's a little more detail of this scrumptious sticker...it's a mini card!

Deep in the heart of...

Texas! For the first time in 3 years of teaching at CKCs, I tacked on a few days to the convention for a little vacation. What a great idea! Especially in San Antonio. I'm such a big fan now.



I've always wanted to go there, and don't laugh, but it all started with Pee Wee's Big Adventure (the movie). He spends most of the movie trying to reach the Alamo to find his missing bike. It's a classic! :)

Since then, I've seen and heard of the River Walk in San Antonio and something about that winding, cafe-lined waterway is so irresistable. And it was! The whole area is steeped in history. It's a great city to wander about, admire the architecture, enjoy some great restaurants and soak in the ambiance. I highly recommend this whole area for a romantic long weekend.


{cards from our card swap class...thanks ladies!}

As always, it was great to meet new students at convention (and some of you from Houston, or even Albuquerque, NM...Susan!). This was our first show in San Marcos (pronounced 'San Marcus' I learned quickly!) and I'm hoping to come back next year...

...for a little smoke (because there is a LOT of smoke in Texas!), Kolaches, hospitality, fun, and maybe a trip to Schlitterbahn (supposedly best waterpark in the US).

As promised, I'm doing a little give-away for my new paper crafting friends in Texas, please leave a comment and tell me about a fun time at convention and I'll choose a winner this weekend. Thanks!

Weekend winners!

back from camping...

Just lovely, except for the troop of scouts who came in the 2nd night and did wolf-calls until way past my bed-time.

{hiked to Silver Lake...hot and long, but we found a Aspen tree to cool off on...yes that IS what we are doing! My cheeks stayed cool for minutes afterward!}

I'd like to thank everyone for becoming a reader/follower the last few days, and for all your amazing comments! Isn't it interesting how much this little car has touched our lives? If you haven't read all the comments, please do, quite hilarious!

Having just met with Mr. Random, our 3 "Slug Bug Collection" winners are...


Elaine, Monica Sparks and Patti!

Our card winners are All4memories, Lisa and Kay Norman!

Congratulations to ALL of you! Please email me with your mailing address asap so we can get these prizes off to you soon. Thanks again and have an awesome week! Sue

Slug Bug Love & Give-away

{a sweet card I whipped up with the Giggle Slug Bug Collection...}

I actually found a moment to visit the vendor fair at Tulsa's CKC last weekend. And as usual, I headed straight for the Paper Loft booth.

There is just something so familiar, appealling and sweet about Sandi's collections.

{...and yes, I hand-cut the flower from paper, curled it and glitter glued the tips. "Sweet" is die-cut from Cricut's Graphically Speaking cartridge.}

Their newest collections include Slug Bug...the adorable polka-dotty, retro, Volkswagen bug paper. As Cath Edvalson (Creative editor of Paper Crafts Magazine) used to say (and maybe she still does), I had an "emotional reaction" to these designs.

Isn't it odd that the iconic American car is German? I grew up slugging my brothers (or was it the other way around?) every time we saw one...and boy did we see ALOT of them!

{isn't this color amazing?}

For all of us in our 40's, how can we see a vw-bug and not think of this Disney movie...HERBIE!!!

Are you with me yet? Are you digging it? Do you just HAVE to have this collection?
Well, I have two good pieces of news for you. One, they are on sale right now at their website...and two, we are throwing some blog candy! (you know, like in a parade?)

In an effort to increase my readers/followers, we're (thanks Paper Loft!) going to give away one of these collections to 3 followers...so sign up today! You'll see the link on the left-hand side of the blog...sign-up or sign-in and follow. It's that simple.

I'm also sending 3 people (who comment on this post) my 'sweet' card...is this beginning to sound like bribery? Hmmmm, yup! I love reading your comments!

I'll pick winners on Sunday, as I'll be sans internet for a few days.

{is this not the cutest thing ever? and really, I try hard not to over-use that word!}

And while I was googling around I found a cool article on different things people have built with vw-bugs...If you've got a few minutes and are curious, check it out here.

P.S. You'll notice a new look for the blog...please bear with me as I figure it all out. Hope you like it!

New PC Connection blog...giveaway too!

With a little sadness, I submitted my last blog (at least as an official PC Pro) for the Paper Crafts Connection blog.



I took the opportunity to share a synopsis on how I got started in this amazing paper crafting industry. Please take a moment to read and then comment for a chance to win...



...one of 3 copies of a special issue I concepted several years ago, Card Fashion. Very few of these issues around, so grab your chance to win!

Studio 5 Sneak-Peek & Give-away!

I've got a very 'fresh' approach to tomorrow's Studio 5 segment...see if you can guess what I'm planning for both my Paper-crafing and cooking segments and you may win!

Please leave your guess in the comments box and then watch channel 5 at 11am, tomorrow, Tues, August 11th.



I can't tell you what you'll win, as that will most likely give it away...Good luck!

Visit PC Connection to Win!

For a chance to win one of 5 card-making kits (including the Baby Buggy Bunny Bag), visit the PaperCrafts Blog and leave a comment by tomorrow (Thurs) at midnight.

Studio 5 Sneak-Peek Contest

I'm all ready for Studio 5 this coming Monday (June 15th, 11am, channel 5) and as always like to tease you a little bit with these mini photos. If you can guess what I'll be doing (both papercrafting and cooking) you'll win a prize! Only one winner and since I probably made this TOO easy again, I'm looking for as exact a guess as possible.

Good luck and hope to see you (yes, I have xray tv vision and CAN see you watching me!) on Monday! Sue

I Heart Felt

My turn to blog at PC Connection...please read more about felt, see my project, get instructions and leave a comment there for a heart FELT give-away!



One of the comments left asked me whether I could cut a flourish on the Cuttlebug. Not to leave a stone unturned, I tried it with the most flourishy die-cut I had. Worked beautifully, but again, needed a few shims for a super clean cut. This particular die-cut lends itself nicely to brads anchoring the ends and possibly something in the center. Will have to work it in later.



While I was playing around I noticed my embossing folders and wondered "what if" and was quite surprised and pleased with the effect. This definately needed some torque (power through baby!) but was worth it. It's a subtle look but would make a pretty background.



My heartfelt wishes to you today!

Studio 5 Sneek Peek & Give-away!

Back from vacation and happy to be home! I meant to post a couple of blog entries while I was gone, but it just didn't happen. Sorry!



























Here's a little sneek peek of my Studio 5 segment tomorrow; Monday at 11am on channel 5.

If you can guess what my segments are about before I'm on, you'll win a little prize! Just post before 10:45 Monday morning. I know I'm not leaving you much time, but I just got home and have been sleeping off my jet-lag and red-eye flight. I promise to give more warning next time.