Rogers Santa Clause Parade

Sunday, December 9th we had our first experience with a child in a parade! Megan started Baton Twirling this year and is loving it! Well each year the Baton Association goes in a bunch of parades...we decided to go to the Vancouver Santa Clause Parade! It was jammed pack - and I am happy to say the rain lifted and it was clear sky! Those of you that live here in the Lower Mainland know how rare that is this time of year! A real blessing that the girls didn't have to walk in the cold rain, and that we didn't have to sit and watch it in that either!

It was alot of fun but exhausting! Left here around 10am and got home around 7pm!

Kerry

Team Christmas party

Last week was my Team Christmas party for my firstline downline! This is a fun night of stamping, eating and we played a game.
One of the things we did was a shoebox swap.



This is one of the cards the ladies could make as a make n' take that I offered. This was my first sample...I learned what not to do and theirs were much nicer :) You get the idea though....
















My shoebox swap (Idea I found on a blog...if its your please let me know!)




















Lynn (idea found on Andrea's blog)

















Heidi














Sarah

Amy

Shoot! I just realized I didn't take a photo of the other make n take I had that night. It was an altered tin, where they made little gift tags for the inside using the Big Shot and the Top Note Die.

Everyone also got a big snowflake mug filled with yummy chocolate and a SU pen.

I hope everyone had fun. Its nice for us to come and stamp with eachother as so often our stamping is when we're teaching others.

Kerry

Christmas cards

Last Friday night, my friend and neighbour came over once our kiddies were in bed and we got going on our Christmas cards! Basically I just grabbed some brushed gold cardstock, Always Artichoke for our base, some ribbon and last years Designer series paper. (LOVE IT). We used gold embossing on the different trees I had on hand and Voila! 7 cards we made in around 2 hours...not bad eh? Now I just have to make the time to sit down and write and address them! I even already bought the stamps so no excuse not to get them out this year! Last year I was so nauseaus and tired being pregnant that that was my excuse this year but no excuse this year, that's for sure!

Happy Stampin',
Kerry

My 2 boys

Love this shot of the 2 boys in my life!

Ker

I'm back...

Greetings!
Sorry I've been MIA. I just had too many things on my 'to do' list and unfortunatley keeping up with my blog took back seat. I have so much to share though and will update often now :)
Where to start??????

I'll start by sharing what we did at my November club. It was the last night for this round so below you'll see the little gifts I gave each of the ladies as a thank you gift. Also there were 3 projects that night...bookmarks. LOVE that idea - so quick and easy and would be so special when you're giving someone a book as a present. Also a good ol' spinner card - I hadn't made one of those for AGES! Lastly a technique which I can't think of right now - where you stamp with clear EP on designer paper. Then brayer over with chocolate ink....the embossed image with show the designer paper thru! Cool eh?

Keep posted for more to come!
Thanks for your patience,
Kerry

Holiday Extravaganza SALE on now!

For a limited time, you can purchase any of the Holiday Extravaganza bundles at a special promotional price -- from 20 to 50% off! To see the fabulous bundles... just click HERE to view them online or else HERE for a flyer.

This sale only lasts till Monday December 1 and quantities are limited, so please place your order early to avoid disappointment.Remember, all orders over $200 also include exclusive free stamps & merchandise -- why not take advantage of this great deal and stock up?!

All in the Family Bundle (item 116217) – 50% Off
The Manly Man’s Bundle (item 116224) – 50% Off
Seasonal Stamper’s Bundle (item 116221) – 40% Off
Alpha-Betcha Need This Bundle (item 116226) – 40% Off
I’m On Board Bundle (item 116218) – 30% Off
Bags & Tags Bundle (item 116216) – 30% Off
Curly Label Punch Bundle (item 112966) – 30% Off
Star Stuck Bundle (item 116220) – 30% Off
Sticky Situation Bundle (item 116222) – 30% Off
Mission Embossable Bundle (item 116223) – 30% Off
Scrapbooker’s Dream Bundle (item 116227) – 25% Off
Wild Thing, I Think I Love You Bundle (item 116225) – 20% Off
Ribbon Storage Bundle (item 116228) – 20% Off

You can order directly from my website HERE or call/email me to place an order as well. (Shop Now button is in the top right corner)

WOW, lots of great deals to be had!

Happy Shopping from the comfort of your own home,
Kerry

sharpening your punches

Hello!
Well the tree's no longer look like my blog header...sure glad I got some pictures before the rain came!

I came accross a great video tutorial for sharpening your punches. If you're like me, some of your punches might fray a bit when you punch cardstock out....this can happen over time. Well, I've tried using tinfoil, also wax paper...hasn't made too much of a difference.
Soooo I"m looking forward to trying out the pop can idea. Watch the video to see how to do it in action - or skip the video and punch using an opened up pop can, then punch thru wax paper to lubricate. It looks like it really helps! Try it out and let me know :)
http://lindastamps.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/stampbusters-sharpening-your-punches-with-soda-cans/

I have my club here this evening....lots planned since its the last one of this term. 3 projects plus a little thank you gift for each of them. I'll post the gift tomorrow as I don't want to ruin the surprise. I have a new club forming for January if you're interested...I believe I have 4 spots left at this point...Would love to have you join in on the fun. Not sure what it entails? Email me for more info. ckschwen@shaw.ca

Have a great day! My little guy has a double ear infection so Chris has just gone to get him his antibiotics....hope they kick in fast!

Happy Stampin'
Kerry

getting bigger

Here's a happy boy posing for the camera...he's learing quickly that his mommy likes to takes lots of pictures LOL!!!
Jacob at 5 months....

Kerry

embossed card

Hi,
I was playing around the other night...trying to develop a card for my upcoming Christmas card classes later this month and made this one. Chris said it wasn't Christmasey enough so canned the idea of using it but still like the idea...maybe different colours would have been better???
Images stamped on paper vellum, attached with silver brads. Vellum mounted on Baja Breeze with Baja Breeze ink direct to paper...makes the 'marbled look under the vellum'. Everything attached to Not Quite Navy paper.

Happy Stampin'
Kerry

In Memory...

We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.1

We often take for granted our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Canadians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that the values and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened. They truly believed that "Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom."2
By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve. They believed that their actions in the present would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve.

As read on the website Remembrance Day.

Like most of you, I'm sure one of the many wars over the years have touched parts of your family. Both my Grandfather's fought in WW2, and my Great Uncle Russell died as a fighter pilot during WW2. My Grandmother who lived in England met my Grandfather who was Canadian as he was serving in England. He gave up his seat on the train for her..and the rest is history. I am so thankful for the men and woman who have served, protecting our freedom all these years. Thank you!

Kerry

Kids Bday party

Greetings on this soggy, November day here in B.C.

As mentioned last week here is a picture of the projects made at the 10 year old birthay party I did last weekend. The book and clipboard are from my local dollar store. The other project uses the Top Note die for my Big Shot - its a topper and in the cello bag the girls got were 2 stampin' spots and a stamp that the mom bought for them. Also not shown was a diaper fold pouch that the girls put all their loot into....

Thanks for stopping by,
Kerry

artwork by Heidi

Hello!

Today I want to share some stamped artwork made by team member, Heidi. She, and her son, Jaiden came over last week for a visit. Here are some cards that she has made recently as her classes she's been having. I LOVE them and hope that she joins some upcoming swaps that I'll be doing with my team. I especially love the Cardinal card as its so elegant...the shading with the sponge daubers and brown ink is lovely, don't you think?

Anyway I love sharing creations you've made so if you'd like to share give me an email, or if you're close by drop by for some tea and a visit!

Happy Stampin'

Kerry

family pic's

Hello!

This is a photo of the field at the kids school, its a 7 minute walk from our house. Its such a pretty area. Jacob wasn't quite sure of what to make of the big black thing pointing at him....(my camera).
Lastly, a picture of my kids....(can't just say girls anymore....). Megan was a pixie, Mikayla a pony rider, Kylie a Pegasus and Jacob - Tigger.

Hope you've had a great weekend,
Kerry

Happy Halloween!

BOO!

Well another year of trick or treating has come to an end....this year we only got around 60 kids or so.....less than last year of over 100. I think because a townhouse development went in since then near us most of the kiddies know its alot easier to rake in the candy there! Still alot of fun and I'll post some pic's of our kids another time....

Just wanted to share this great post by kwerner. She works at the SU headquarters. It looks like such a great place to work! Look at photo's she took and also watch the quick video at the end. TOO FUN! http://kwernerdesign.com/blog/2008/10/halloween-2008-stampin-up-style.html . The girls got alot of great treats. Some of my favourties are the jars of playdoh, a full size toothbrush, a full size twizzlers, chips, mars, nibs and Reece Peanut Butter cups....What are your favourties?????

I'm just getting packed up for a girls bday party I'm doing tomorrow. I'll take a pic of the projects and post them monday. Hope the girls have fun!

Kerry

swap cards

hi there,

We had a great time last night at my team meeting. Thanks ladies!

Here are the swap cards that I got. Everyone did such a great job and I'm so happy to update my board.


Marcella





Lynn

















Me














Sarah


















Louise













Amy

















Ruth












Marcia

October Club project

Here's one of the club projects we made in October. It was a big hit as everyone loved the idea of giving these as gifts!

I found the idea at
Instructions created by www.gretchenbarron.typepad.com

We also used the Season of Friendship stamp set and the technique Poppin' Pastels as well and made a card and swatch.

Kerry

fun with my punches and dies

Hello!

Here are 2 little projects that I've made recently. Saw both ideas on blogs I visit and I thought they were cute enough to try myself! I made the little box (based on the 2,4,6,8 model but at 2 1/2 instead).

Friday morning Kylie and I made the little Top Note die people. I esp love the satin ribbon bow on the girl, and her black eyelashes! Eyelashes were made by cutting a stripe off the edge of black grosgrain and then pulling the layers away...reveals a eyelash look!

Colours used are pixie pink, kiwi kiss and black.

Enjoy!

Happy Stampin'

Kerry

Create a Calender book class

Isn't this a great idea! I came upon this idea on SCS by whats_her_name and thought what a great gift idea for teachers and friends! (and also one for myself so I can keep track of important dates!)
This Create-a-Calender kit is found in the Holiday Mini here.
Everything you need to make this kit is here except for the square matt under the 2009. As well as at my class you will bind your calender using my binding machine.

First calender you make is $13 and any on top of that are $10. These would make great gifts for teachers, friends and family!

Class is November 7th (friday) at 7:30pm. My home.
Preregister is a must as I have to order these calenders to be here in time. Preregister by October 24th please. My email is ckschwen@shaw.ca Limited space so hope to hear from you soon!

Kerry

family pic's

Hello,

Just wanted to share a pic of Jacob and me. He's such a big boy now! At his 4 month immunizations he was 16 1/2 lbs! He's such a joy, and for the most part a happy, smiley baby. On the downside though he isn't a 'napper' so I find it hard to get stuff done during the day. He does go to bed around 6:30pm though so at least I have my evenings to be with the girls and Chris. (and stamps LOL).

Also.....ta da! Megan's new 'do'. It seems like just a few weeks ago I was posting her new 'do', Remember? It was soooo lovely....when the hairdressor did it. I just found it so hard to keep up, and it was so wild and frizzy. I sent her to school with barettes or ponytails and she took it out at school and looked like Medussa when I picked her up :) Soooo she wanted a pixie cut, and I closed my eyes when they chopped, and voila,its done. Its cute, and sooo much easier in the morning!

Anyway, next post will be stampin'

Happy Stampin',
Kerry

scallop square punch

Hi there!

Here's a quick Christmas card I made last night. I've been playing around with different sets and layouts as I have to plan some upcoming Christmas card classes as well as come up with a swap card for my upcoming team meeting. Here's one I'm not using at either of those events.

Stay tuned for my next post about a neat gift class that you can make!

Happy Stampin'

Kerry

September Christmas Card Class

Here are the cards that I offered in my September Christmas card club this month. Each lady made 5 of each. They could choose which sentiment they wanted using the Big on Christmas stamp set. All three images fit the same size piece of cardstock. I was hoping to catch the brushed gold cardstock but its hard to make out. We also used the the riding hood red tafeta ribbon - love it! Blender pens and ink was used to colour the image. The main image was raised using dimensionals as well.

The 2nd card uses glossy cardstock. One of my all time favourite and much used stamp set - Lovely as a Tree and White crayon resist technique. Had to use my Big Shot and the Top Note Die for my main image. I used the soft ivy wheel on the old olive strip. To finish it off we used Dazzling Diamonds on the main tree in a garland pattern and dots of glitter on the background trees.

I still have some room in my October classes if you're interested in joining in!

Thanks for poppin' by!

Kerry