Little Bunny Blue

I just had to make a little boy bunny! For those who have purchased the digital class I will include a photo & list of the additional punches to create this little guy with your next tutorial.
I have completed the bunny & chick tutorials now I am working on the basket. Thanks for stopping by today!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

"Man Box"

My 4 year old walks by & says "Mom I like your man box". It was so funny. When my mom saw it she thought it was for Thanksgiving, Whatever! Anyway I wanted to make a raffle prize for my workshop tomorrow & thought this guy would get some attention. I used the large scallop circle die, coluzzle, & 1", 3/4", 1/4" circle punches. I think his hat top measure3 1/2 x 2 1/2, brim is 4 1/2 x 1, band is 3 1/2 x 1/2. Have a great weekend!!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

Inspired by SCS tayransom

Spring Fun Tutorial!

I know alot of you are anxious to get going on making these cute little projects so I have been working hard on getting the tutorials completed as quickly as possible. I have completed the Bunny & Chick tutorials & I can begin sending it out tonight!!
So if you would like to purchase the Spring Fun Digital Class for just $5 please email me for my paypal or other payment information.
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

The fine print:
Feel free to share these projects with your customers but the tutorial is intended for the use of the buyer only. I respectfully ask that you do not redistribute, resell, or recreate this tutorial. Also please do not post directions for these projects on blogs or anywhere on line. If you have someone that is interested in obtaining their own copy, please direct them to my blog Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Spring Fun!

Inspired by SCS SandiMac, istampdou, & Forever Designing

I wanted to take my punchies out of the box a little & make some that could stand up alone so here they are! My hubby has already tried to steal the chick to sit on his desk at work. LOL! I will be offering this class sometime this month at my house & also as a digital class by email so if your interested in either just contact me. Thanks for stopping by today!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

This digital class is available as written/photo pdf tutorials for each of the projects, bunny, chick, & basket, which will be emailed to you. The cost is just $5!

The fine print: Feel free to share these projects with your customers but the tutorial is intended for the use of the buyer only. I respectfully ask that you do not redistribute, resell, or recreate this tutorial. Also please do not post directions for these projects on blogs or anywhere on line. If you have someone that is interested in obtaining their own copy, please direct them to my blog Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Kids say the funniest things....

This morning my 4 year old comes over & says "Does my make up look pretty? Grandma bought me cheek lash & it's pink & sparkly!". Cheek Lash??? Ah yes I see it!

I guess my mom bought her some blush. Don't know how she got "Cheek Lash" from blush but it was so funny. My 4 year old is a super girly girl! She loves make up, lotion, perfume, purses, pink & anything sparkly. She is also my little smarty pants. She rarely gets words wrong & she has spoken in full sentences since before she was 3. So that makes it funnier when she says stuff like "cheek lash". Anyway I used her love of all things sparkly to make a little card using my new goodies! I have been drooling over the new Occassions mini catalog for a couple weeks & when the brown truck arrived yesterday I about did a back flip! Praise the Lord I didn't try or the girls would have had to call 911. Then I would have been in the ER instead of my stamping room! So enough of my ramblings here is the 3x3 card I made using the new Great Friend set, Summer Love rub ons, & Walk in the Park designer paper.

This little card makes me think of spring & I sooo can not wait for some 70 degree days! I think it was like 38 degrees this morning. Yikes! So much for living in California. Well thanks for stopping by today!

Be Blessed,

Mercedes

Sale-a-Brate Polka Dot Punches

This was my last entry for the SU contest. I love how the full heart punch works so perfectly with this set. Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

Botanical Blooms Beauty!

Here is card #2 from my SU contest entry. I wasn't sure if I would like this set but it is really a beauty. Thanks for taking a peek. Have a Fabulous day!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

Yummy Sale-a-Bration Project!

I just love the Sale-a-Bration sets & I have been having fun stamping with them. Here is 1 of the 3 cards I designed for Stampin Up's Sale-a-Bration Class Challenge. I used the Yummy & Polka Dot Punches SAB sets. Didn't win but congrats to those that did, especially LeeAnn Greff! LeeAnn is a fellow GSG member & I had a chance to meet her at convention. She is super talented & totally sweet! Anyway I will share my other entries over the next couple days. Thanks so much for visiting today!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

p.s. My entry is posted with the winners on the SU demo website so you can download it if you'd like. Enjoy!

Puppy Love

I was cleaning up my mess of a craft table & found this little pup left over from my last workshop. Didn't want to waste him & since I am supposed to be cleaning I made a super simple card. He needed another "puppy" element so I used my heart to heart & word window punches to create a bone template. Traced, cut it out, stamped & there you have it! Stamp is from the Three Little Words set. It was #1 on my list of must haves. Love it! Thanks for stopping by & have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Mercedes

New Big Shot Boxes!

There are 2 new adorble box dies available. My wonderful friend Annette let me cut a couple with her dies. They are so easy to put together! They would be perfect for any occassion party favors. I used the Sale-a-Bration stamp set Yummy & the Just Buzzin By set to quickly decorate them. Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings,

Mercedes

Bunny Hugs For Sale

Another adorable retired set for sale!
Bunny Hugs $13 (SOLD)

Sale-a-Bration Punch Art!

Just making some cards using the Sale-a-Bration stamp sets! Hippo card uses the Congrats set, Delicate Dots Designer Paper, & Ribbon Bundle. Bear card uses the Yummy set.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings,

Mercedes

Happy Valentines Day!!

My dear friend Annette let me use her scallop circle die & this is what I came up with. I had intened on making the cute monkey I had seen around but after doing the nose & mouth decided I wanted to try making a bear instead!
Blessings,
Mercedes

Quickie Valentine Treats!

I am makiing some quick treats for my 2 daughter's dance classes. They have 3 classes between them so here are 2 of the treats I have made so far. I have learned that kids will rip through anything if there's candy involved so now I go super super simple. Its better than spending hours on something the kids will destroy in a matter of seconds. For the heart treats I just wrapped 3 cherry andes chocolates with a 1"x3 3/8" black band then stuck the hearts to that. The butterflies were made with the new SU butterfly die. My 3 year old cut them all, then I stamped, & punched a hole while they were folded in half, threaded the curling ribbon through & tied the suckers on. Sooooo easy & very cute! Thanks for stopping by today.

Smiles & Blessings,

Mercedes

Very Cool Idea!

I saw this great idea on Andrea Walford blog http://andreawalford.com/?p=1254 about making a Stampin Up product sample book & I just had to get started on mine right away! I figured I would start with the designer paper samples first. Then hopefully ribbons, glitters, etc.. It will be great to show people what the actual products look like! Sometimes the catalog just doesn't do them justice. The pages will go in to sheet protectors in a binder. If anyone is interested in doing a 2x2 paper, glitter, ribbon, or accessory swap so you can make your own sample book let me know. I was thinking you could also send the white cardstock with your swap items & I could print out all the pages for you & send them back with you swap items then all you have to do is assemble the pages. If I get enough people interested I will post a sign up sheet. Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles & Blessings,

Mercedes

Time to Sale-a-Brate!!

I will be uploading a few more samples using this years Sale-a-Bration sets as soon as they all arrive. This card uses the Congrats SAB set & Just Buzzin By. Contact me to find out how to get your FREE Sale-a-Bration stamps. Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
Mercedes

Retireds For Sale

I will be posting a few retired sets I am selling this week!
Animal Valentines $12 (SOLD)
Simply Summer $13
Beautiful Life $15
Olive You $12 (SOLD)
You Make Me Happy $15
Delight in Life $6 (SOLD)
Sidekick Sayings $8
Best Blossoms $6
Flutterbys $15
Hedgehog Happiness $15 (SOLD)
Roses in Winter $15
Wild Roses $20
Looks Like Spring $16
Be Happy $14
Garden Collage $9
Live Like You Mean It $7
Painted Garden $4
Merci $6
Bunny Hugs $13 (SOLD)
Soft Sky Cardstock, Designer Paper, & Ribbon $15 (SOLD)
French Flair $15
more to come...
If your interested please email me webers4jesus@sbcglobal.net

Valentine Punch Party!

February Punch Party!
Tuesday Feb 11 7pm at my house or schedule your own party!

Smiles,
Mercedes

p.s.
Class open to all ages

Punch Art Book Pg 2

Woo Hoo another page done! This is a shameless case of Julia Bettencourts cow & barn. http://www.juliabettencourt.com/blog/?p=776 It was just too cute not to make one for myself. Thanks Julia!
Hope everyone is having a fun weekend!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

Fun Valentine Punch Art!

These are my entries for Shelli's blog contest this month. I had a few penguins left over from Christmas so I decided to give him a make over. LOL! The butterfly was made with the new heart to heart punch & the slot punch. Love bug uses the 1 1/4 circle & the large star for body cut out, brads for antennas. Hope you have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Mercedes

Same but Different

Card #1 is made with the urban garden color scheme.

Card #2 is made with the raspberry tart color scheme.

Its always fun to see how different the same card can look just by changing the color scheme. I love how all the designer papers now have a list of coordinating colors listed in the catalog! Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings,

Mercedes

Girly Fun on Super Bowl Sunday!

Why should the guys have all the fun?
Let's Party Stampin Style! Feb 1st 2-5pm Super Stampers Bowl Party & Stamp a Stack!! Stamp some fun cards, eat, drink, & win prizes!
Stamp a Full Stack of 15 for $25 or Short Stack of 5 for $10. Choose from 5 great designs! *Bring your own adhesive*

Blessings,

Mercedes

Punch Art Book

I have finally decided to start putting my punch art in the book I bought months ago. But after just one page my ADD kicks in & I get distracted doing something else. LOL! So I guess for today this is all I have to share with you. I saw a cute punch flamingo idea by Danee Hoang & I just had to make one. I made a couple changes to make it more my style & I think it is my favorite punch art piece so far. What do you think? I also made a palm tree using the 5 petal punch.
Flamingo uses:
Large Oval
Small Oval
Scallop Circle
3/4" Circle
Boho Blossoms
Word Window
Double Circle

Now on a personal note...
I shared a couple weeks back about some personal stuff I was going through & I wanted to give you all an update. As the days past & I continued to pray about the situation God revealed some very cool stuff to me...I was at church that Sunday & we were singing the song Mighty to Save by Hillsong, an AMAZING song by the way, and God really started to speak to me through that song. I was singing these lyrics: "Everyone needs Compassion, a Love thats never failing, let Mercy fall on me, everyone needs Forgiveness, the Kindness of the Saviour" & God revealed to me a crazy thing. What I had gone through had nothing to do with the other person or what had happened it was all about me. How would I react, would I choose to be more like Christ or revert back to my old ways. Would I lash out in hurt or would I choose to extend compassion, love, mercy, forgiveness, & kindness as Christ would & has poured on me. I knew at that moment I had chose the right way to respond & I felt God really speak to my spirit & say "Well Done". I have been going around the same stupid mountain for so long it was amazing to finally get it right! I am so glad that God is so faithful & patient with us. He will give us "second chances" a millon times over until we finally get it right. I know we all have those "mountains" or areas where we really struggle to become more like Christ. I really struggle with keeping my mouth shut & listening for the Holy Sprit to speak to me so I can say what He would want me to say instead of something that is rooted in my hurt or anger. In this sitaution I didn't hear anything so I just stayed quiet & silently prayed. Kind of like the old saying "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything". I know God will continue to work with me on this area but it was nice to see that I am making progress. Praise the Lord!
Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes


p.s. I have been praying for all who left comments so if you could send me an update I would appreciate it.
Hillary M.~ I pray Romans 1:16 over you!
Sue~ I have been praying God's protection, strength, healing, & joy for Ellen & her precious baby.
Ellie~I have been praying for Garrett & his family. Ellie has updated me that Garrett has went home to be with Jesus & I continue to pray for his family. Please include them in your prayers also.
Chris in Calgary~ Praying that you will trust in the Lord as He brings you through. He always has a plan. I pray that you continue to walk in love & be rooted in Christ.

They Published My Card!

I was so excited when I got my Paper Crafts magazine & saw right there on page 85 my card!! This is the first time I have ever had anything published so it was very cool! Since I didn't take a picture of the card before I sent it off a picture of the magazine page will have to do.

My card is the big snowflake one on the bottom left.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Mercedes

New Catalog Goes Live!!

The new catalog goes live today!! I have already made a wish list about a mile long! My top 5 favorite things are the Eyelet Border Punch (pg 184), Beautiful Butterflies Die (pg 196), Mini Note Kits (pg 208), Bird on a Branch (pg 95), & Three Little Words (pg 136).
If you haven't received your new catalog yet you can check it out on-line through my web site http://www.mercedesweber.stampinup.net/ under Stampin Up Products.
I used 2 brand new sets for this card, A Little Somethin Hostess Level 2 & the Yummy Sale-a-Bration set! I am putting in my Sale-a-Bration order Feb 1. So if you want to get yours in too please let me know by Jan 31. This card will be one of the options for my upcoming "Thank You" Stamp-a-Stack. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Mercedes

New Catalog Swap Sign Ups & Guidelines

Please email me to sign up & I will give you my address.
Webers4Jesus@sbcglobal.net

You will make 10+1

All swaps must include a minimum use of:
1 new stamp set
3 or more layers
1 or more embellishment/technique
Only current SU products may be used.
Please include your name & contact info on the back.
Recipes are not required but are always appreciated.

I also ask that you put in your very best effort when creating your swaps.

Postmark date will be Feb 16.
All swaps must include $4.95 postage stamp for the flat rate return packaging.
Please no meter strips.

There will be a 2 set per group maximum to ensure we get a mixture of sets showcased. Once you sign up for a spot please update me with what set you will be using once your catalogs have arrived. Please check this blog post to see if the set you want to use is already "maxed" out. I will update the list frequently.

1. Annie H. (Game Night)
2. Kristina V. (Fifth Ave Floral)
3. Carol H. (Thoughts & Prayers)
4. Lisa H.
5. Karen F. (Just Buzzin By)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Sometimes It's Not OK....

I made this card for a gal that has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time. A friend of hers posted a card request for her on splitcoast & I wanted to send her an encouraging word of hope & comfort. So I was asking God to give me His words that may bring her His peace & comfort & He lead me to Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This was the first time I had ever really read this scripture & it was like my spirit just knew that was what God wanted to say to her. So I sent her card out & went about my day as usual, little did I know God would be speaking to me that same scripture in just a few short hours...

With out getting in to much detail, since what happened isn't important, its what happens next thats important. Lets just say I found out some emotionally heart breaking news & here is an excerpt from my journal about an hour after, with tears streaming down I wrote, "Wow...so now what. I am so shocked & hurt. I have no idea what to do. I am just so grateful that God has reminded me that He is bigger than this situation & He has already prepared a way to reconcile this relationship. I have to trust Him even though I want to run & hide. I know that God has a plan & He is GOOD & He is FAITHFUL. Romans 8:28 says He will work ALL things together for my good. So even though I can't see it now God is already working on it. I am so thankful that God has promised He will never put more on us than we can bear. I know I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). After this is over it will stand as a testimony of God's goodness & faithfulness. Then Romans 15:13 came back to me. After I wrote this I immediately felt that "physical" pain of heartbreak subside. I no longer felt like I had been kicked in the chest or like I was going to throw up & if you have ever had a broken heart you know what I am talking about. My heart knew that as long as I put my faith, hope, & trust in Christ He would NEVER fail me. It has taken me many years to come to this place of not just a head understanding of how much God loves me but finally letting it get down deep in my heart. People will disappoint me, satan will try to destroy me but God Loves Me & is always Faithful! He can always use what the enemy means for harm for His good. "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future & a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 & one of my most favorite scriptures John 10:10 Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal ,kill, & destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, till it overflows." Hallelujah! So with that I pray that you are encouraged today now matter what you're going through if you trust in God He will carry you through. If you need prayer or someone to talk with please feel free to contact me anytime. You can even post your prayer requests as a comment here if you'd like.

Resting & Hoping in God's Abundant Love,

Mercedes

Love You Much Bundle Project!

I created this project a few weeks back for a Stampin Up contest & it didn't win but it was posted on the demo web site for demonstrators to download. So that was fun! I already saw one gal duplicated the projects & posted them on splitcoast stampers. =) I will be offering this class for just $5 to anyone that purchases the Love You Much Bundle! Contact me for more details.
Have a wonderful day!
Mercedes

Gingerbread House Contest Winner!

So here are the 2 fabulous entries I received for my very 1st blog challenge!

This one was beautifully created by Cher Kosakura! You can visit her at http://www.stampingwithcher.blogspot.com/ .

This one was wonderfully created by Lynda Lee. You can visit her at http://www.stampingdoc.blogspot.com/ .

I am absolutely LOVING both of them so how can I choose. I aksed my hubby to help me decide & he decided.... that I should send prizes to both of these amazingly creative gals! So Congrats ladies! I just need your addresses to send out your prizes. I hope these adorable cards have inspired you to create your own little gingerbread house card. Template here http://mercedesweber.blogspot.com/2008/12/gingerbread-house-contest.html Hope you'll share it with us by leaving a comment here!

Big Smiles & Blessings,
Mercedes

EDIT: My buddy Lynda gave me her amazing card!!! It is now hanging on my wall next to my Gingerbread man card. It is even more adorable in person! Thanks Lynda you Rock!

Happy Birthday Annette!

My friend Annette's birthday is coming up & I wanted to make her a little something. When I went to convention I noticed alot of gals had really cute tags on there convention bags & she is going to leadership soon so I thought I would make her a tag for her bag. I used one of the plastic scallop ovals I got in my prize box. Not quite sure what they are really supposed to be for but it worked well for this. I traced it on the DP & cut it out. Added my stamped images then lightly sprayed a couple coats of Krylon glaze for extra durability then I covered the plastic oval with a thin coat of tombo multi glue & stuck it to my DP. Thanks for stopping by & Happy New Year!


p.s. Forgot to mention this set will be in the upcoming 2009 Idea Book & Catalog. Isn't it adorable!! I am having a New Catalog Kick Off Party on January 16, hope to see you there!

Finally Creating Again!

Today was the first time I had a chance to play with some of the goodies that came in my prize box. I used Paper Trey's Spring Moss ribbon, ink, & cardstock. I also got to stamp with the brand new Stampin Up hostess level 2 set Echoes of Kindness. This set is absolutely exquisite! I especially love this sentiment. Again I want to thank all of you for stopping by & leaving so many kind words, it truly has been a blessing to me.

God's Love & Blessings,

Mercedes

p.s. Don't forget to enter the Gingerbread House Contest! I have some great prizes for the winner! http://mercedesweber.blogspot.com/2008/12/gingerbread-house-contest.html Deadline extended to Jan 2.

And the winner is....

I numbered the comments & had my cousin, Ashley, draw 5 winning numbers. So here are the winners..
#11 Cathleen H
#14 Callie
#16 Christine G
#20 Jose
#23 Staci Siwecki

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Please email me your addresses, webers4jesus@sbcglobal.net , with the subject line blog winner & I will ship out your goodies next week!
Thanks so much to all who left such sweet comments & for coming by to check out my blog.

Christmas Blessings,
Mercedes

P.S.
I will also be putting together a PRIZE for my Gingerbread House card decorating contest so hope to see your entries by Dec 31!
See post here: http://mercedesweber.blogspot.com/2008/12/gingerbread-house-contest.html

One Heck of a SURPRISE Blessing!!

My mom & I were out shopping this morning & came home to find a large box on the porch. I wasn't expecting anything, especially not what ended up being inside! I brought it in & found a letter from Paper Crafts Magazine congratulating me on winning the World Card Making Day 2008 Contest!!! Oh My Gosh Praise the Lord!! I was totally shocked, excited, & thankful to God. I started running & jumping around squealing. You would have thought I won the lottery! After about 10 minutes my mom asked don't you want to see what's in the box. Oh yeah...the box! Well here it is....

How fun is this! I entered the contest back in October & the rules stated that winners would be notified by November 3rd since I hadn't been contacted I assumed I hadn't won & forgot all about it. So I was really shocked to receive this awesome prize. I am so grateful to God for blessing me with the ability & passion to create. I also want to thank Paper Crafts & all of you who have left me such wonderful comments & sent me encouraging messages. It truly is much appreciated. Ok enough of my academy award speech LOL! But to show my deepest appreciation I want to share my prizes with you!! I will choose 5 winners on Christmas day. So just leave me a comment here to enter. Thanks for stopping by & hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

God's Love & Blessings,

Mercedes

p.s. Hopefully you will see my card published in the March/April issue of Paper Crafts!

If your interested in more info about the contests its here:
http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/content/viewContest/10231/

Scallop Envelope Gift Card/Treat Holder

I had a bunch of left over brown scallop envelopes cut from Thanksgiving so I decided to see if I could come up with a Christmas project with them. So this is a super simple project that can be used to hold a gift card or I put in a ghirardelli chocolate square.

Cut 2 scallop envelopes & cut the 3 flaps off.

Stick them together as shown. Then you can insert a gift card or sweet treat & decorate as you'd like. Thanks for stopping by today. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Blessings,

Mercedes

December Stamp n Chat

A big THANK YOU to Annette for hosting this fun event every month & all my stampin buddies that come & share their creativity! I truly appreciate & enjoy stamping with everyone of you!
Last night was our monthly Demo Stamp n Chat & it was fabulous as always! We did a little gift exchange & this was the gift that I made. I even used some of the chocolate satin ribbon I have been hoarding from last year. LOL! I didnt want to just fill the jar with candy so I put a little krinkle filler & a gift card inside. Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Mercedes

Gingerbread House Contest

Contest Details:
All entries are due by midnight JAN 2.
Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, & execution.
There are no vendor or supply restrictions.
Please post your entry here as a comment with a link to your project.
Winner will be announced by Jan 5th. Prize box will be mailed out shortly after that.
I am so excited to see what you come up with!
Please contact me if you have any questions.

House how to:
Start with a 7x 5 & 2 3x1/2 strips. Stick the 2 strips together to form a right angle.
Fold card in half & use your right angle as a guide to cut your "roof". Trace & cut. If you want the chimney trace & cut one side of the roof down only about an inch.

Now you have a basic house shape to start decorating!

My little gingerbread guy needs a house...

This will be my very 1st Blog Contest!!

Monday I will be posting a gingerbread house decorating contest! I wanted to give you few days to think about your ideas. I have made a card template for a gingerbread house shaped card & I will upload it & more info on Monday. Hope you will play along! Now I have to run off & catch my flight. Have a great weekend!

FYI~All Dec 5th Classes Have Been Cancelled

I will be out of town until Dec 7th. Contact me for rescheduling info. Have a Great weekend!