Ink & Paper Cafe'

Team Gathering Make-n-Take (Part 1)

Hello!

We had our latest Team Gathing on Sunday and this make-n-take was shared by Janet.  It's such a sweet card and I love the texture that the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder adds.  Who doesn't just LOVE that Big Shot???

What do we do at Team Gatherings?  Well, we make projects, watch demos (Gina did a spectacular demo...more on that another day), go over updates, enjoy door prizes, see fabulous displays, swap, share ideas, and get our questions answered.  I really enjoy these events and look forward to them every other month.  If you're ever interested in attending, let me know and I'm happy to have you attend as my guest.  If you're already a demonstrator (not part of my Ink, Inc. Team and without any local upline support), give me a jingle and we'll work something out.  Our next Team Gathering is Sunday, April 22nd from 1:30-4:00pm.  I hope you'll join us!!

I made a few loaves of this amazing apricot bread this past weekend and thought I'd share the recipe with you.  This is a great accompanyment to the Creamy Chicken/Turkey Noodle Soup that I shared last week. 

Apricot Bread
Note:  Allow about 2 hours for prep and baking time

• 1 c. dried apricots (soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, drained, and cut into 1/4" pieces.  Set aside.)
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 T butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 c. water
• 1/2 c. orange juice
• 2 c. flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1/4 t. baking soda
• 1 t. salt
• 1/2 c chopped nuts (optional - I do not use this)

Preheat oven:  350 degrees
Bake time:  50 minutes (high altitude) - recipe calls for 55-65 minutes so check at 50 minutes and adjust from there

• Mix sugar, butter, and egg til creamy.  Stir in water and orange juice. 
• Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to wet ingredients.  Fold in apricots (and nuts).
• Pour batter into greased loaf pan.  LET STAND 20 MINUTES OUTSIDE OF OVEN.
• Bake for 50 minutes (see note above). Cool 5 minutes in pan then turn onto cooling rack.

YUM!!!  Seth calls this "dessert bread".  It is SO tasty and the fruit/juice could easily be changed up for other flavors.  Enjoy!!!

Sneak Peek ~ Spring Soiree'

Spring Soiree' is coming up FAST!!!  Have you registered yet?  Each attendee will be getting lots of great products, so I MUST have all registrations noted by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17th (3pm).  Please don't wait until next week to ask about attending because I simply won't have the supplies needed to accommodate late requests.  You'll be glad you attended! 

Here's a sneak peek at SOME of the projects.  Ready???

Can you imagine...a FABULOUS Card Organizer???

And some cards to go IN the Organizer????

    

And inspiring artwork???????  Again, this is just a glimpse.  I hope you'll join me...there are only a few spaces left so HURRY!!!!

See you soon, Stamping Friends!
Tara

Card Cafe'

This coming Wednesday is my next Card Cafe' Class.  We'll be making 6 fabulous cards (2 each of 3 different designs) - for only $15!!!  AND, IF you choose to make a purchase (not required) at the event (minimum $25), your class is FREE!!!  Want to see one of the projects we're making???

Isn't this sweet?  You may choose ANY greeting (Teeny Tiny Wishes) for your cards to customize for YOU.  Envelopes are included so you are ready to send your wishes to your friends and family.  The paper is Twitterpated (we'll also be using this paper at my Spring Soiree' event - register soon!)

I hope to see you soon at one of several events available this month.  Sale-a-Bration is in full swing and it's an exciting time to schedule a Catalog Party, Petite Party, or Stampin' Party.  Have a wonderful day!

Stamp Hour ~ Come Make a Valentine for Your Honey

Happy Wednesday!  Check out this FREE EVENT coming up on Saturday.  This is a great opportunity to stamp a lovely Valentine alongside your daughter, granddaughter, niece, family friend, etc.  Here are the details:

Stamp Hour
Mom/Grandma/Aunt and Daughter/Granddaughter/Niece
{ETC}

Saturday, February 11th ~ 11am - Noon

This FREE EVENT is specifically for young ladies (young men are welcome to come along, too) who'd like to learn a bit about stamping. If you have a daughter, niece, granddaughter, neighbor friend, etc. who hasn't experienced the joy of stamping, both (all) of you may attend to make a card for your Sweetheart...just in time for Valentine's Day celebrations!

Guest Age: 18-30 years

I am offering this event to encourage young ladies and men to learn about stamping. I got started stamping in my late twenties and it's a perfect activity for college students, young adults and young moms.

RSVP via my website by Friday, February 10th at 5pm
www.tarabazata.stampinup.net via e-mail:
ortarabazata@comcast.net

Click here for details on my upcoming events.

Snow, and More Snow!!

We got a significant storm last Thursday/Friday.  I did get to work from home on Friday, so that was a nice bonus.  Plus, Connor and Seth were home - although they were bummed because they already had the day off...so no snow day this time around.  It's snowing again this evening, but shouldn't amount to much. 

Why am I telling you all this?  Well...because my Spring Soiree' (Formerly-Known-As-Spring-Stamp-Camp) is around the corner and SPRING will be the theme of the day!  In typical Colorado fashion, we likely won't have any snow remaining - it does melt fast here in Colorado! 

Spring Soiree'
Saturday, February 25th
12 (noon) - 4pm
$45 covers all supplies PLUS door prizes, snacks, and over $30 in NEW Product!
Must RSVP by Friday, February 17th so that all items may be ordered/delivered in time

I hope you'll register for this fun event - it's always a great time!  Now for a project...

This simply sweet treat bag is made from the Fancy Favor die and the Big Shot.  You all know I LOVE the Big Shot!  We used Twitterpated Designer Paper to make the bag and decorarated with Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit elements.  I added a Bold Designer Button tied with Pear Pizzazz Baker's Twine.  The stamped image is from Mixed Bunch.  Fill this bag with some chocolate and it's a gift ready to be given away. 

We'll be working with Twitterpated Designer Paper at the Spring Soiree'.  And all leftover Designer Paper is yours to take home!  And this paper isn't all, so be sure to register SOON before the spaces are all gone. This event is open to ALL stampers (12+ years old).  Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Have a wonderful day, My Stamping Friends.

~Tara

Spring Soiree' Registration is On

I'm really looking forward to the Spring Soiree' on Saturday, February 25th.  This is Stamp Camp REVAMPED!  We'll be making really cool projects plus you'll be walking away with Stampin' Up! product that you can use for other projects at home.  Woohooo!!!  The start time is an hour later (total time:  Noon-4pm) and there will be snacks on hand. Registration is ON!  Click here to sign up - you may send in a check or pay by PayPal (my e-mail address: tarabazata@comcast.net). 

I'll be sending out an eye-catching Event List to you by tomorrow - several events on the calendar:  Card Cafe' Class; Mom/Daughter/Niece/Granddaughter(etc) plus the Spring Soiree'.  I hope you'll choose a couple to attend - it's an exciting month!!

Now for a project...

This is a Jar-o-Cards - another great Leadership make-n-take.  I did change this up quite a bit from the original idea...My Way!  The idea was to use paper (that has been moistened) under the lid, but I have some Twitterpated Designer Fabric and thought that would be MUCH easier.  To make the scalloped edges, I folded the square in half, twice, then used the Scalloped Square Bigz Die to make the edges pretty (should've ironed it before photographing...).  The rest is like the original idea.

    

For the cards, there was a string of tiny banners across the front of each card (there are two more cards in the jar).  However, I had this amazing package of die-cut flowers (Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit) on hand (part of our make-n-take supplies) so used those on the cards instead.  I like it a lot better!  I also repositioned the banner and opted to tuck it under the Pear Pizzazz Bakers Twine instead of staple it to the card below the flower per the original.

Please come back again to see what treats are in store for you!  Have a blessed day.

Big Stamping Weekend!

While at Leadership last week in San Antonio, I made just one of the make-n-takes that they gave us and already shared that with you.  Instead of letting my make-n-take packets gather dust (this is a fairly new goal of mine) I made the projects on Saturday.  To my surprise when I was laying out all of the goodies we got at Leadership...I found another make-n-take packet!  So, I'm not yet complete but it's close enough to share all of the serious bounty we brought home.

There are two stamp sets that I've included in this photo, but they are covered for a reason - they will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog available on June 1st.  Yes!!!!  You heard me right...JUNE 1st!!!!  This means that the current Idea Book & Catalog will expire on May 31st.  I am SO excited for the catalog changes coming our way and am looking forward to sharing it all with you!!

As you can see, we got SO many goodies.  Don't you love the fabric bag and notepad holder??  This is a sneak peek at some new Designer Fabric that will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog. 

I'll be presenting each of the make-n-takes over the next week or so.  Below is the first share.

The theme for this Leadership was "My Way".  I did modify several of the make-n-takes and this is one of them.  I changed up the middle flower on this card to include the Lucky Limeade color instead of the Baja Breeze flower that was on the sample.  What a great card this is!  

As I mentioned during the last post, we received a package of the Blossom Builders, Designer Printed Kit. There are SO many flowers in this kit and I was able to modify several of the projects by using different, or more, flowers.  Love it! 

Most of the items used here are from the Occasions Mini Catalog:  Loving Thoughts and Mixed Bunch stamp sets; Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit; Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.  The other products used:  Brights Designer Buttons (FREE during Sale-a-Bration!!!); Scallop Edge Border Punch; Very Vanilla and Lucky Limeade Cardstock; Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede Inks; On Board Merry Medley; Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots

Enjoy perusing...and have a wonderful day!

Welcome, Sale-a-Bration!!!

I got home this weekend from San Antonio...what a great city!!!  Leadership was wonderful and I learned a lot PLUS had a great time.  I'll be posting more pics from the trip in a bit, but gotta run right now...it's back to reality!!

TODAY is the official start time for Sale-a-Bration...are you ready to earn fabulous freebies??  I'm going to be offering one hour long (yes...one hour!!!) parties called Petite Parties.  Want to know more about this??  It's a great idea for all of us who are so busy but still want to enjoy the benefits of getting together for a stamping party.  I'll offer a make-n-take plus have displays on hand.  My total set-up/clean-up will be 15 minutes long with the party lasting ONE HOUR.  Consider scheduling YOUR Petite Party during Sale-a-Bration and get even more goodies FREE.

I would also like to set up a Mom/Daughter event that is specifically set up for 18+ year old daughters.  Come make a sweet valentine for your honey (both you and your daughter) and introduce your daughter to the joys of rubber stamping.  This will be a FREE event and it's coming soon...so stay tuned for more details!

Here's a sweet Valentine's Day Card to get you going for the day.  I love the simplicity of this card...enjoy!

This card features some fantastic Big Shot products...Framelits plus the Embossing Folder Strips.  Gotta love the Big Shot!!! 

Chat soon, My Friends!

 

San Antonio, Here I Come!!!

I'm off to our annual Leadership Conference in San Antonio and I'm so excited!  I've never been there - although there isn't usually much time for sight-seeing since I don't usually stay beyond the event time.  However, we do have a free night so I'll be able to visit the River Walk one night.  And it will hopefully be a lot warmer than it is here! 

Monday night, I wasn't sure I'd be able to go.  SO under the weather with a nasty cold-that-won't-go-away that seemed to take a reprieve later last week then flared up again Sunday evening.  Turns out...sinus infection.  My dr. gave me some pretty spectacular antibiotics and I got almost 9 HOURS of sleep...and Tuesday I felt so much better.  I really was worried, so I'm happy those meds did their magic.

You know what it means when I'm away for Stampin' Up!??  SPECIALS!!!!!  And this trip isn't any different.  So, here are the details.

** Time Frame **

Wednesday, January 18 - Sunday, January 22
12:00 am - Midnight
Be sure you order or e-mail during this time frame to take advantage of these Specials.

Catalog Parties!!! 

Schedule a Catalog Party (e-mail me here during this time frame) that will close by March 31st and receive DOUBLE THE FREE MERCHANDISE!!!  That means a minimum of $50 in FREE MERCHANDISE! 

Online Orders!!!

Place an Online Order with me (visit my website here and click on SHOP NOW) of $50+ (subtotal) and receive a coupon toward your next order = to 15% of the order you place between 1/18-1/21.  PLUS, you will be entered into a drawing to receive over $30 worth of product FREE!!!!! 

Subscribe to Ink & Paper Cafe!!!

When you subscribe to my blog (during this time frame) via your e-mail (click here), you will be entered into a drawing for $20 worth of product FREE!!!!!  Are you already a subscriber via your e-mail or a reader (e-mail: new posts come to you via your e-mail  ~  reader: you visit your "online reader" to view recent posts)?  Then simply e-mail me and I'll check my subscriber list.  You will also be entered into this drawing.  Woohoo!

Okay...now for a terrific project! 

This little lovely was one of the projects we made at Marjie's house back in December.  We used Very Vanilla Craft Ink on the Very Vanilla Cardstock for a ghosting effect.  My favorite part was using the Adorning Accents Edgelits Die to make the pretty scallped image on the Marina Mist Cardstock.  I stamped the images and colored them in on the strip of Very Vanilla Cardstock then attached it to a piece of Marina Mist Cardstock.  THEN I used the Edgelit Die.  That way, there was no measuring and it was a perfect cut.  Don't you love it???

So, here are the supplies used:  Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Bordering on Romance stamps, Petite Pairs stamps, any swirly stamp like Elements of Style, Very Vanilla, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi Cardstocks, Large Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi Ink, Very Vanilla Craft Ink, Blender Pen

Team Shoebox Swap

I've mentioned this before, but one of my favorite team events is our bi-monthly Shoebox Swap.  One must be a demonstrator to attend (those outside of our team are welcome to attend, too).  If fills up SO fast each month - it's such a great event!

We were supposed to have this earlier this month, but I was sick with a horrible cold so it was postponed until this past Sunday.  I wanted to share the project I'm offering with you today and show you how I came up with the project.

I took the project that I had offered this past fall for a workshop make-n-take and changed it up to incorporate new products from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog plus a Sale-a-Bration set.  Sale-a-Bration starts January 24th and I'm so excited!  The offereings are GREAT and include stamps AND accessories from the main Idea Book & Catalog as well as exclusive items just for Sale-a-Bration.

It's not showing up well in the photo, but I did spritz the top two layers of cardstock (without the ribbon in place) with the Champagne Shimmer Paint/70% ethyl alcohol solution.  So pretty!!  I used Baja Breeze (ink and Pleated Ribbon) plus Basic Gray ink and cardstock.  The stamp set is an exclusive Sale-a-Bration set (Elementary Elegance), then topped it off with a small Basic Rhinestone.

I added texture by using the Flower Garden Embossing Folder along with the Big Shot.  The Big Shot remains on top of my "favorite tools" list.  It's awesome!  If you don't have one, you should order one from me soon!  During Sale-a-Bration, I'll be offering extra bonuses when you do purchase your Big Shot from me.  Watch for that announcement on January 24th.

Thank you for visiting my blog and I wish you a wonderful day.  Hugs!!