Thank you ! Alison! Thank you, Jessica!

Alison, you are a dear! Thank you so much for creating and helping me with my new blog look!
Alison, you went above and beyond!

How do you all like it? I would love to hear your comments.
Thank you!

Jessica!!! Thank you for the stamp set!!! You are the sweetest customer!!
Does everyone think it is my birthday or something! ( it is not)

Just a hi and a thanks

Hi there, gosh I have not been on for a few days and that is strange for me! I have just been so utterly exhausted since trick or treating Saturday night! I guess I am too old for this. Not certain what is going on, but do not have an ounce of energy.

I have not really even been on the mb much and that should tell me how tired I am! I am also sorry I have not been on anyone's blogs. I love to get on and comment but have not checked my dashboard since Saturday!

I do want to thank my dear, sweet customer, Leirad for a darling card and little crocheted flowers she dropped off at my house today. I was at the post office for about 30 minutes and missed her. I pulled up right as they drove off and she lives about an hour from me. Anyway, what a sweetie for bringing by the gorgeous card and flowers. I think she gets the aluminum in Mexico.

I have been sooo busy. I have everything ready for my guest designer spot next week on Christmas with the Cricut. I even have some but not all of my projects loaded on my blog for next week.

I spent the entire day getting my customers Holiday Card kits ready and they are in the mail
(except Local people). They look really nice and I put tlc in each kit! I hope you like!
My ribbon shares have been sent too.

I got my Gypsy last night and have not even opened it! It arrived with my Stampin' Up box and I wanted to assemble my card kits so I could promptly mail them out.


Now all I have to do is make a dozen cards for the shop I sell to, by Friday. Oh, then I am hoping I can take a craft break for the weekend and open my Gypsy and my brand new Stampin' Up Software!

Stampin Up Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Order $50 in products from this gift giving guide and receive $16.50 in free Decor Elements. To view a guide , please click on this photo or below.
This Promo runs from today, through January 4th. Always something fun with Stampin' Up. Don't forgot to check out my Barb's Bundles for November in the post below! It is my own special and it is a Pumpkin Pie one!

To view the download please click HERE

Barb's Bundle- Pumpkin Pie Bundle- Sale!

It's a new month and time for "Barb's Bundle" !
This month I am featuring a Pumpkin Pie bundle!
To order, please either email me or place your order on my online site ( see the scalloped circle to the right where it says "Order Online" )
This will ship directly to you from SU.
Pumpkin Pie Special!
Falling Leaves Stamp Set 115368
Autumn Traditions Designer Paper
115668
Pumpkin Pie 8.5x11 Cardstock 105117
Pumpkin Pie Ink Pad 105216
Pumpkin Pie Ink Refill 105229
Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Ribbon 109030

Barb's Bundles are not included in any other shares, clubs or promotions, I might hold.

My best buddie's B'day Card & Bag ~Happy B'day Mel!

I made this for my very dear friend, Melanie J's bday. I made the card about a month ago but could not post it since she might see it. I will be meeting her today for lunch so will schedule this post to show after we meet.
I gave her a Kitchen themed gift so when I got this cart, I knew it would be perfect to go with her gift! I used the little 'recipe cards" for the "to and from"
I also decorated this bag for her!
I think she will love it all. I hope so! I love the way the card turned out. The inside says "Preserves" because that is one of the cut outs on the cart but I wrote she is "well preserved" because she looks so young!
Happy Birthday, Mel!

Your Blog is Over the Top Award

Hello, I received this lovely award from my friends, Bridget and Eileen .
My kids and I just love checking out Bridget and her 4 sons at Bridget's World! Check her out at http://momylopez.blogspot.com. My son read her whole blog in two nights and is saving the rest of them from now till Dec 31st until Jan 1st to read!
Eileen is so extremely talented! She has such a unique style and thinks out of the box!
You just have to check out her blog at
http://eiyiyi.blogspot.com
Here are her words she left about me! "Barb ... whose clever creations, upbeat and enthusiastic way, and very kind comments make her a delight."

Thanks so much! Isn't this the cutest little award? It reminds me of the card I am showing tomorrow!

The rules are to pass this on to five people, and to also answer some questions only using one word. Plus, leave the people you choose a comment on their blog letting them know that have been awarded. So here we go:

1.Where is your cell phone? Somewhere needing to be charged!

2. Your hair? Curly

3. Your mother? Sweet

4. Your father? He was the biggest optomist ever!

5. Your favorite food? Fried Chicken

6. Your dream last night? Can't remember now but it was weird and something to do with cards/ crafts. The one the night before was re-occuring and I kept saying that the reason I am in a lot of pain (in real life) was because I had just had some bad medical news
(in the dream) Maybe I should check the pain out?

7. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke/Coke

8. Your dream/goal? My goals were to teach in the inner city and adopt Internationally. Both of those goals have been accomplished. Now my goals are to spend more time with the kids and have fun jobs!

9. What room are you in? my craft room

10. Your hobby? Card making

11. Your fear? mice- ugh

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? alive

13. Where were you last night? at home

14. Something that you aren't? no longer thin

15. Muffins? ? chocolate with chocolate chips

16. Wish list item? some of the new carts, lots of SU papers and the rest of the inks

17. Where did you grow up? St. Louis

18. Last thing you did? Had lunch at middle school with my little girl and brought up my Sweet Treat pops to the staff

19. What are you wearing? jeans and a t-shirt-always

20. Your TV? off, I love the quiet- always

21. Your Pets? 2 precious doggies

22. Friends? Yes, lots of great ones!

23. Your life? happy & stressed

24. Your mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? my mom,dad and siblings

26. vehicle? Honda

27. Something your not wearing? a necklace

28. Your favorite store? Target!

29. Your favorite color? Purple

30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday

31. Last time you cried? Can't remember

32. Your best friend? Oh don't want to say that on my blog! But she knows!!

33. One place that I go to over and over? Costco, Central Market, Apple Store

34. Facebook? signed up but don't get on

35. Favorite place to eat? out - anywhere!! Central Market, Babes Fried Chicken- oh I am making myself hungry!

I am will be passing this award on to my great blogging buddies! Check out these darling blogs by clicking on their names!
1. Lorrie
2. Magoo
3. Tracy
4. Sharon
5. Lisa
oops, just realized I used more than one word in answering! That is me though- chatty!

"Boo Pops"

Whipped these up for the teachers!
Love these little Sweet Treat cups!
I used the Big Shot movers and shapers to place the "hole" in the correct spot!


This one is for the School Nurse. Even though they are in Middle School they still love them!

If you are interested in ordering these Sweet Treat Cups, just send me an Email please!
They are just too much fun and who would not want a sweet treat!

To see how to make a Sweet Treat Lollipop, please see 9/25 post on the video.

Taking "Reservations" for my SU Clubs for January!

Hi there, most of my clubs will be up at the end of the year. I know it is early but I am taking "reservations" for Clubs that will start in January.

Do you need to make food? No
Do you need to live in town? No
Do you need to clean your house and invite others over? No
All you need to do is submit $37.50 or $50 in retail each month for just 4 months.
I like to keep my "Clubs" short and sweet and then you get your goodies sooner and pay less in shipping in the long run!

I do either 4 month Marker/Cardstock Clubs or 4 Month Hostess Clubs, because this way you get your goodies fast and don't have to wait forever to be "the hostess".

I am taking "reservations" now to hold a spot for you in one of my clubs starting in January. Please note, if you are already in a club and would like to restart with a new one, there will most certainly be a spot for you!! You have all been such great customers!

Here are the choice of clubs and their costs:
A. Hostess Club for 4 months- $37.50 in Retail product per month plus ship, tax, and reship
B. Hostess Club for 4 months- $50.00 in Retail product per month plus ship, tax and reship.
C.Marker/Cardstock Club for 4 months- $56 in Retail Product per month Includes product AND tax,ship, reship and pay pal. Will not apply towards SAB in Jan-March.

Hostess Benefits when it is your month to be "hostess" (no you do not have to have a party or collect orders) , you just get the following goodies:
Club A- gets you a Level One Hostess Stamp Set and $15 in FREE Product
Club B- gets you a Level One Hostess Stamp Set and $20 in FREE Product
Club C- gets you a Level One Hostess Stamp Set and a set of Stampin' Dimensionals and also a set of Neutral Color Markers.

If you have any questions at all or if you would like me to hold a spot for you, please EMAIL me. Email button can be found on the right of this post and down a bit.


Thanks, Barb

My Christmas Jingle Card Kit

This is my kit I have made up using the SU Simply Scrappn' Christmas Jingle kit. I am selling these for $28 which includes Priority Shipping to the US. These kits must be ordered by today and through me. If you are interested, please click on the "Email" button down an to the right.
For a full explanation please see the October 18th post.


This is the kit . The cards do not come with it, but are just examples of what you can make with the blank cards and materials I have included!!
Peppermint Bark not included:)

SU Christmas Jingle Card 5

Here is another card from the Simply Scrappn' Christmas Jingle Card Kit
Not crazy about this one but I do like the stickers. I think I need to change out the ribbon and I am the "ribbon queen" so I am sure I have plenty of choices! This is all made from the kits I put together. This is all cardstock and stickers!

SU Christmas Jingle Card 4

SU Jingle Card 4 made from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappn' kit on page 165, item #115696 . All of these materials are in this Simply Scrappn' it kit except I added the Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon.
I have made up some Card Kits for sale and have included this ribbon in my kits!
Email me for details on how to order the Simply Scrappn' Kit or My own card kits with some extra goodies in them!
See 10/18 post!

SU Christmas Jingle Card 3

SU Jingle Card 3 made from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappn' kit on page 165 . All of these materials are in this kit exceptfor the retired Alpine ribbon which can be found in our clearance rack.
See 10/18 post, please

SU Christmas Jingle Card 2

SU Jingle Card 2 made from the SU Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappn' kit on page 165, item # 115696 . All of these materials are in this kit except for this retired ribbon and the top ornament- it is from the Tree Trimmings Stamp set on page 28.
See 10/18 post for details, please.

SU Christmas Jingle Card 1

I made this card from the SU Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit. #115696
Each day I will try to show you an example. This is made with the paper, and stickers come with it. The ribbon is the retired Alpine ribbon but can still be ordered in the clearance rack section.
I will show you a few cards each day and at the end will put up a poll for you to vote on your favorite- just for fun!
See 10/18 post please for details!

MY SU Christmas Card Special Kit!

How would you like to whip up 12 Christmas Cards really quickly!!
I have put together this Christmas Card "Special Kit** just for you!
This must be ordered by Sunday, October 25th- but I only have one spot left!!
This kit includes:
1/2 of the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Set (pg 165 in the main catalog)
which for you means:
3 gorgeous 6' x12" sheets of self-adhesive die cuts
*1 sheet of double sided paper
*1 sheet of double sided paper
*1 sheet of textured Real Red Card Stock
*1 sheet of textured Old Olive Card Stock
*1 sheet of textured Chocolate Chip Card Stock
*1 sheet of textured Very Vanilla Card Stock

In addition to this you will receive in your Special Kit:
12 Very Vanilla A-2 sized already scored cards and ready for you to use!
12 Very Vanilla 5 3/4 x 4 3/8" Envelopes- oh so soft and creamy!
3 Sheets of Whisper White Card Stock to stamp on- don't you love this paper!
1 Sheet of Stampin' Dimensionals for you to "pop" your work
1.5 yards of 1/2" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon
1.5 yards of 1/2" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

I need a group of people in order to submit this order.
All orders will be sent back to you by Priority Flat Rate Envelope as soon as I get materials and make them up into kits for you.
The cost is $28 which also includes shipping to you in Priority envelope and pay pal too!

I will be posting some cards that I make from this kit in the next few days!!
* These are 12x12 sheets but will be cut into 8.5 by 11 plus surplus to fit into the Priority Envelope.
** This kit is not an SU special, but my own. The cards shown above do not come with the kit but are examples that you can make from the kit supplies.

The Scrapbook Kit is on page 165 in the main catalog. If you prefer to order the original kit to make scrapbook pages, you might just want to go on my online site and order item #115696.
If you want my Special Kit, you need to EMAIL me please!!! It can not be ordered directly through SU as I make up the kits.
I will be showcasing some of the cards I have made over the next week! Stay tuned!

All kits have been mailed! I hope you like! I put an extra sheet of patterned paper in to make up for the 1/4" ribbon! I had to cut the 12x12 in half in order to fit into the Priority Envelope. Please email me and let me know if you are satisfied!! barb

OHHH La La!!!

My good mb friend Lorrie, made me this card! I had bought the cart with the shoe on it but did not end up keeping it. I was kind of sad and Lorrie made me a shoe card. Isn't it great, the way she "worked" the colors!! Thanks Lorrie!!! I love it!!

Wishing "Ewe" a Happy Birthday!

This card is for my baby niece but she is 21 now!! The outside has lots of dimensions and cute little raised dots. The inside says Wishing "Ewe" a Happy Birthday! I hope she likes!!

There is a Pot of Coffee waiting for you!

This a birthday card that I made for my oldest sister. She has two homes and one is in this darling little town called Cedarburg, Wisconsin. They have a great little Coffee Roastery there so I have them holding a gift card for her and sent her this card.
Inside says there is a pot of coffee waiting for you at the Cedarburg Roastery!
I love this retro look!

Directions on How to Order Sweet Treat Cups?

I have been asked how to order these darling things!
All you need to do is click on my Order Here button on the right or click HERE
Now go to Products
Click on Shop
Click on Holiday Mini Catalog
Now you will see the darling SWEET TREAT CUPS #116802 $2.95 for a set of one dozen
Also we have the Sweet Centers Stamp set # 116521 $29.95 and the
1 3/4 " punch used to make them # 112004 $15.95.
If you still have trouble finding where to order the cups, please click on the EMAIL me button on the far right in my sidebar.
There are also my downloadable catalogs to view there.
Thanks!! Barb
For tutorials on how to make the "trap door", please see post on September 8th
For a video on how to make the Lollipops, please see post on September 25th

My shaggy little "Puppy Bears"

Meatball needs a haircut! He is so cute and shaggy!!! Oreo already got hers and had to get shaved because she was so knotty.
She has been crying in the middle of the night ever since then. I am worried about her.
At least Meatball is not knotty! Don't those eyes make you melt? Or at least want to give him a treat!



Poor Oreo, I had to take her to the vet yesterday to check on why her skin was all red. He said it looked ok but she had an ear infection. I don't want to post a shaved photo of her so I will post a
"before" shot of Oreo. I call her my little "puppy bear"! She is just the sweetest thing ever but has had so many problems. This is minor though.
Sorry that this is not a "crafty" post but this blog was originally my "Dog Blog"!

Peppermint Bark

Today our friend, Evelyn came over to do a bit of scrappy stuff. I call Evelyn "our friend" because my little girl and I met her in her cake decorating class this summer. Evelyn is one of those people you just meet and love right off bat!
Well we just had a simple thing to work on and she was mentioning Peppermint Bark candy and how she was going to make it for her twin babies day care teachers and box it up. I asked her where she got the supplies and she said somewhere in Dallas. So we immediately hopped in the car and Evelyn drove in the rain to this incredible candy/cake supply store. It smelled sickenly sweet in there but what a fun place! I bought my stuff to make a couple of pans of Peppermint Bark. It calls just for the peppermint and white chocolate but I wanted to add a layer of dark chocolate too. Now if only I could find some Gable Boxes to wrap it up in.
By the way if anyone lives in our area, Evelyn just started making cakes and does a most incredible job. Email me if you need a gorgeous cake!!!

Big on Christmas

I have been wanting this Stamp Set for awhile. It is called Big on Christmas. There are three stamps that come in this set, but my favorite is the Snowman!! Here is a simple little card.
I am chosing to use more non traditional Christmas Colors this year for some reason. I think because I am liking things more whimsical this year. I guess I am " big on whimsy"!
Materials used:
Big on Christmas Stamp Set
Bashful Blue Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Bashful Blue Grosgrain Ribbon
Assorted SU markers

Happy Birthday, Lorrie!!

Happy Birthday my dear friend!
I hope you have a special day!
I am sorry I did not get this posted earlier, but I was up till 2 am " creating" and dragged myself out of bed late to post this, because I know you check my blog daily!

I met Lorrie as a an internet customer. Never knew her and we have become great internet and phone buddies, as we live far away, in other states.
She is a "true" friend, always there, always happy and upbeat, always supportive and always bumping my business threads on the message boards. She is my "right hand" man or gal!

I hope you have a very special day!! You deserve it!!!
Love, Barb
Please join me in wishing dear Lorrie a Happy Birthday, by leaving a comment for her!

My Thank You Post Card Card!

I just loved this Winter Post Stamp Set by Stampin' Up so decided to use it in another way and make a flat looking post card ( but I send it in an envie still).
I made these for Lisa Bug Junkie and Lorie Disney Diva for sending me my Flips.

And the winner is.........

Card A!!
30 votes for A 78% and
8 votes for B 21%
Thanks for voting and taking my poll!! Hope you had fun! This one was my favorite too!!

My "Signature" Christmas Card~Which do you like best? Poll!!

Card A with flat post mark?

I hate to say it but I just love my card!! I love using non traditional Christmas colors. You will probably never find me using just red and green!
I had so much fun making my card. I just love this stamp set!
It is by Stampin' Up and called Winter Post.
I can just feel the "serenity" as I was making it.
The inside sentiment is from a Level One Hostess Set called Holiday Best. I also used the
Top Note Die.
The last photo was my First try on the card. I "popped" the little post mark on this original one but not on the final card. I did "pop" the stamp though on the final card. I then decided to add the darling stamp that IS a stamp and is from a Level Two Hostess Set called Christmas Punch.
I used Real Red, Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip and love the color combination!!
I usually am my own worst critic but I love this card!! I hope the recipients do too!
I have had orders to make a bunch of these!
Please do me a favor and tell me if you like the the top card ( final) A
or the bottom card ( original) B the best?
The insides are the same!!!

Please leave a comment and just for fun take the poll....see above!!!

Thanks!! Barb

Card B with "popped" post mark?

Thanks for your comments!! Be sure to vote on the poll too!! I appreciate your comments! See above for the poll!!

Fun Day!

Yippee, It has been a year since I have seen my special little friend . She is the one that first told me about Circle of Friends . She was in the program during High School and now my little girl volunteers with Circle of Friends at her Middle School and I do too, all because of our love of this sweet girl!

We were supposed to celebrate her birthday two weeks ago but her brother got the flu , we rescheduled for last week and then my little girl got the flu, so today is the day!

It has been a year since I last saw her. Her mom and I are never able to seem to arrange a day due to someone always getting sick but we are finally going to meet today.
I describe her as an "Angel put on Earth". Just the sweetest and prettiest little thing ever. I made her a little treat card and got her a bunch of Halloween Lollipops. Pretzels are her favorite though. Well off to meet her for lunch at her favorite restaurant. I hope to get some photos!!

Back from our 2 hour lunch. Here is a photo of her being served a Birthday dessert, which none of us took a bite of!! She is wearing an "I love Zach sweatshirt". You know the show, Big World, Little People? Well she just had to meet Zach and her parents flew the family out there to meet him for her birthday. She just went back again this year to celebrate at their farm and go to their Charity Event. She adores this "tv" family and I loved hearing all about her trip.

I just love seeing her. She has the biggest smile and the biggest heart of anyone I know and she makes me feel all good inside when I get to see her!

Fun Stuff!!

I have been so busy taking care of my little girl with the Swine Flu, that I have not had a chance to make any crafts or check blogs. So today, I am posting two photos. The pumpkins were made by the receptionist at the Pulmonologist's office. I have to give Connie credit. The office is done up so cute for all the holidays. I just love this doctor. He is young and has five kids and is so much fun. The office looks like Finding Nemo and you feel like you are on a ship. They make it festive for every holiday. Aren't these decorative pumpkins cute? I got Connie's permission to post them! When you spend 3 hours there as we did on Friday, you have to find some fun in the situation!
I am also posting an old clipboard I made last year but thought it was kind of fun!
Enjoy!! Barb

Stampin' Up Holiday Ribbon Share!

Edit- Check back on July 1, 2011 for NEW SHARES!

This awesome ribbon share was "invented" and requested by one of my sweet customers!
How about getting in the mood for Christmas!!!

Here is my Holiday Ribbon Share offer!!

Mistletoe Ribbon Originals (page 33, mini catalog) with 2 yards of each design
(Old Olive Taffeta and double-stitched grosgrain in Whisper White and Real Red) for a total of 4 yards.
2 yards of Sleigh Bells Ribbon on (page 17 (mini catalog)
2 yards of Chocolate chip 1 ¼” striped Grosgrain ribbon (p. 183, big catalog)
2 yards of Old Olive 1 ¼’ striped Grossgrain ribbon
2 yards of Real red 1” double-stitched Grosgrain ribbon, (p.182, big catalog)

Cost $17 for 12 yards includes Pay Pal and shipping to the US
$14.25 for 12 yards for local customers


Please EMAIL me if interested!!