Total random stuff… and some giveaways, of course.

11.06.08

Hello!

I am a happy camper.  I am snuggling in on the sofa to watch some TV and catch up on email.  And my belly is full and happy after some incredible gnocchi from Maggiano's with my mom tonight.  And a new dress and top from anntaylorloft.com (super sale last weekend – additional 40% off sale prices) sitting on the table by me.  And tomorrow is Friday.  Don't ya love it?! 🙂

So I have some random stuff to share.  Then again, I am pretty much always random – no deep and meaningful stuff here.

I must must must start out by pointing you in the direction of cardmaker that I truly think is one of the absolute best there is: Lisa Carroll.  Her cards are something that most never achiever: elegant.  She has a classic look that is elegant and inviting.  Well, Lisa was featured on Hero Arts blog today.  (You can see it HERE.)  And she is also giving away a fantastic Hero Arts giveaway on her blog HERE.  Be sure to go check it out and look at her cards.  And, to top it off, she is a delightful, warm-hearted, adorably adorable person.  Don't ya love that?  Anyway, here are some of my favorite cards of her's:  HERE and HERE and HERE.

(Warning: changing gears here…)

Before I forget… the winner of the Basic Grey paper pad is Jenny Brannies! I will email ya.

Let's see.. what is next…

Oh!  A share.  Gotta share something, huh?  This is another oldie from last year.  But it shows two things I love: buttons and Autumn Leaves clear stamps…

Buttons
(c) Autumn Leaves

I really like Autumn Leaves clear stamps for one big reason – they have tons of them and a great variety.  They really are the only non-US-made stamps I use.  There are many I just love! 

So… let's gave a pack of Autumn Leaves clear stamps away, shall we?  :)  Just leave a comment on this post by Friday night at 11:59pmEDT telling me your plans for Christmas/holiday cards.  (Do you send any?  Make your own?  Photo card? etc.)  I will pick a random winner of this fabulous Autumn Leaves stamp set…  (It is two sheets of stamps in there… big letters!)

Prize 

Prize2

OK… I have GOT to catch up on email.  Night!


Leave a Comment

261 thoughts on “Total random stuff… and some giveaways, of course.”

  1. robindiane says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:15 am

    Beautiful alphabet set! I plan to make cards for the immediate family but other than that I will probably send store bought cards to extended family. Not enough hours in the day to get it all done!

    Reply
  2. lindastamps says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:19 am

    Love those buttons!

    Normally I don’t send cards but since I’ve taken up card making this year it looks like that may change as I’ve already got a stash of 20 cards ready to be signed.

    Reply
  3. kimmie says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:27 am

    mine will be donated to a local nursing home for them to fill…send out. I dont send them and i hate to throw them away!

    DS and I will be delivering next week!

    Reply
  4. Jenny Alfonso says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:28 am

    i always make my cards with our family picture on it. Not sure of the design or picture just yet.

    Reply
  5. Jazy Girl says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:32 am

    I will be stamping my own cards this year (because I have to rationalize using all this STUFF I have) and always include a photo of the kids.
    Great give away!

    Reply
  6. StampinCathy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:32 am

    This layout is just amazing!!!
    Yes I’m trying to gear myself up to getting my projects going for Christmas. Yes I make my own cards. I have around 30 finished right now and I still need to get some sweet gift projects done also. What kind that I don’t know yet. Thanks for a chance at these sweet alpha stamp.

    Reply
  7. Roz Rhorer says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:37 am

    I actually have most of my Christmas cards made. This will be the first year that I am sending cards that I made. I usually spend so much time making cards for my Christmas gifts, that I never get to make any for Christmas. I started early this year. Yea for me!! But have I done any layouts? Nope – so I am further behind than ever. But it does keep me busy.

    Reply
  8. Melissa says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:39 am

    I made a photo card with cute graphics and a Christmas message. I am not married or have kids so putting an actual photo…I guess of my cat would be a little pathetic but I am pleased with the simplicity of it.

    Reply
  9. Debby Greenlaw says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:42 am

    I send a holiday newsletter.

    Reply
  10. Emily says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:43 am

    making my own cards again this year!

    Reply
  11. mj says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:46 am

    me, my mom and sister-n-laws’ get together and stamp our cards while chatting and sipping hot chocolate and cookies (or some yummy treat). i’m actually inspired to make a photo card this year from one the cards YOU made with the trees from hero arts. can’t wait … gonna be fun! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Celeste E says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:47 am

    Haven’t decided on my design yet. Can’t decide if I want to put family photo on the front or just add the photo inside. Can’t think about Christmas cards yet, I still haven’t started my Thanksgiving cards! Thanks for the opportunity to win those cool stamps!

    Reply
  13. Celeste E says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:47 am

    Haven’t decided on my design yet. Can’t decide if I want to put family photo on the front or just add the photo inside. Can’t think about Christmas cards yet, I still haven’t started my Thanksgiving cards! Thanks for the opportunity to win those cool stamps!

    Reply
  14. lynn whelan says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:52 am

    I have been making my cards for many years now and try to work around a photo of the kids and build the card accordingly. Somehow last year I never got a good one and so I used one of our black lab. My daughter was really mad at me! too funny.

    Reply
  15. Ruth says:
    November 7, 2008 at 7:59 am

    I make my Christmas cards every year and will do so again this year. I have not yet designed them so I need to get to it soon :o) I usually add a photo of my kids and will probably add their school photos which turned out supper cute. Thanks for the giveaway Jennifer.

    Reply
  16. Kathy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 8:05 am

    Blasphemy here, I buy my cards! I’m too slow to make as many as I nee, However, I do make my Christmas gift tags… and you have lots of ideas here that I “lift”. Thanks!

    Reply
  17. Susan says:
    November 7, 2008 at 8:12 am

    I plan to make my cards. I will be using stamps, glitter, flowers, maybe some snowflakes – whatever I come across as I am working on them. I already decided to do the card you showed us in your late night hotel video! I changed the colors, the stamps and added some of my own ideas, and my prototype looks pretty good so far. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  18. HeatherC says:
    November 7, 2008 at 8:19 am

    My plan this year is a photo collage card that I designed/made. Last year getting the card photo was such a horrible expierence (kids would NOT cooperate) that this year I decided to make a little photo collage of the best photos from the year. The fronts are complete, just need to create the insides. I have thought of giving up card sending — but I just love making them and selfishly, I must say I love receiving them too!

    Reply
  19. Delia W says:
    November 7, 2008 at 8:20 am

    last year I made my first cards ever.. and then never posted them. This year i’ going to try and make AND send them. Not sure what I’ll be doing yet.

    Reply
  20. Allison Cope says:
    November 7, 2008 at 8:43 am

    I’m supposed to have a plan??? LOL! I think this year I’m going to make a wide variety of different Xmas cards. No two alike. I just simply love making cards and I think everyone deserves a cool one this year. Guess I’d better get started… and SOON! The holiday season is just around the corner! LOL!

    Reply
  21. Tracy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 8:49 am

    Ooooooh, those letters are SO PRETTY!!!

    I used to hand stamp all of my Christmas cards. I did this for about 10 years, and then I had my daughter. Since then, I have totally cheated and done a photo card! I do miss stamping them- maybe this year I’ll go back? We’ll see! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Judy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:00 am

    I make my own Christmas and Hanukkah cards. I haven’t even designed them yet
    so I better get moving on it.

    Reply
  23. alma brand says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:02 am

    last year and this year i made my christmas cards each one was differents too and i am happy too say i am finish with them 45 cards

    Reply
  24. mandi says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:04 am

    I might be making my family’s Christmas cards for the first time this year.

    Reply
  25. Rachel Smith says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:10 am

    In the past I have just sent cards that I buy at the store, but this year I have really gotten into card making. I think I will just be making lots of different holiday cards, not all the same, and just send those out to the special people in my life.

    Reply
  26. judy1223 says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:17 am

    Hi Jennifer! While I don’t make our Christmas cards (we do a photo collage card), I do make cards for the kids’ teachers and I make tags galore…a fun way to use up scraps and stamp for a good reason!

    Reply
  27. Tonya says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:18 am

    Plans for holiday cards this year are photo cards. I generally make all mine and this year I am making the photo card, digitally. I’m going to do a mini scrapbook digital page, print and send out.

    I’m hoping it turns out the way I’m picturing in my head 😀

    Thanks for a great blog and great giveaways!

    Reply
  28. Cara says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:25 am

    Making my own, I’m about halfway done!

    Reply
  29. Pat Woodruff says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:26 am

    I normally make my own cards but this year I am in England for 6 months looking after my mom after her 2 surgeries. Not sure if I will have time to make any cards or if I will buy this year. Most of my sypplies are back in California.

    Reply
  30. Dolly/scrapthat says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:27 am

    I do make my own cards and I send the Homemade ones to people I know appreciate hand crafted items…if I don’t think they appreciate them then I send a dollar store card! LOL
    With a new babe I plan on doing some cards with pics on them this year. I never was a card maker until the acrylics came out and inspired me and now I love making my own cards! You always inspire me along with the rest of the Hero Arts gals!!
    TFS!

    Reply
  31. paty c says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:29 am

    I always have a holiday photo – the dog is the trickiest piece.

    Reply
  32. Bridget N. says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:38 am

    I have never made my own Christmas cards, but I just might try next year now that I have the card making bug. In the meantime, I will send cards that I bought (nice ones – I am a card snob) that will include a family newsletter and a picture. I love the process of getting the cards together, written, addressed, etc. Can’t wait for Christmas!

    Reply
  33. Nicole says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:41 am

    Oh, do I ever make Christmas cards!! I made 132 last year – made a list of everything I used and have a big ol’ photo collage of the process! Check it out! 😉 I plan to make my cards this year too – just need to nail down my design!

    http://napsscraps.blogspot.com/2007/12/making-of-132-handmade-christmas-cards.html

    Reply
  34. Wendy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:48 am

    I am in the midst of making my cards with the Snow Swirled set from Stampin’ Up. I love this set – it’s so versatile and looks good in so many different colors.

    Reply
  35. Mary Doak says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:49 am

    Hi Jennifer, Your blog is so informative with all the links. Thanks for sharing all the info and great ideas. I luv your blog and give-aways. This Christmas I am going to make my cards to give to the special people in my life. I luv creating them and luv receiving them. Some of the people I have given a handmade card to in the past tell me that they luv the card so much that they hang it every Christmas. One Christmas I made a different card for everyone. It makes the card that much more personal. I am still trying to come up with ideas for this years cards.

    Reply
  36. KristaLund says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:51 am

    Ever since our daughter came along (she is 14 mo) we give out photo cards. I need to start thinking about taking our pic. Last year we were lucky enough to have the TALENTED Tara Whitney take our pics!

    Reply
  37. Janaina says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:53 am

    This xmas I decided to do a photo card with shutterfly, after last year it was very tiring trying to stamp all cards.
    Plus I’m expecting and the energy level is not the same.

    Reply
  38. Holly S says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:57 am

    I do send Christmas cards…this year will be the first time making them myself, though!

    Reply
  39. Julie Mitchell from Canada says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:58 am

    I’ve started making my cards in October. I am selling them at a local arts and craft fair. What is left is then sent to friends or used next year.

    Reply
  40. Lysa says:
    November 7, 2008 at 9:58 am

    I am planning on making my own Christmas cards- but I haven’t decided on the design of them quite yet.

    Reply
  41. Debbi says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:00 am

    I’m in the process of making my Christmas cards, but I need some inspiration. Ummm, maybe these stamps will help.
    debbim

    Reply
  42. Heather M in Ohio says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:01 am

    I will send photo cards to most people and then special hand made cards to special family.

    Reply
  43. Carol B says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:08 am

    I’ve been making my own Christmas cards for several years now, and you know, it’s hard to go back to store bought ones!
    Anyway, I’m making around 100 and because of the quantity, I make them all the same and go into mass production mode. Am trying to make them simple and elegant. Last years’ were my all time fav, but they took me almost a lifetime to make 100!

    Reply
  44. MJ Sison says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:10 am

    I love sending photo cards for Christmas! It’s the best way for my relatives to see how much my little one has grown.

    Reply
  45. Cassie D says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:11 am

    I’m making cards with a pocket inside to hold a couple of photos. I went with the pocket idea because I have two separate school photos (wallet size) of my children to put inside instead of having one photo of them together.

    Reply
  46. Nancy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:14 am

    I love that layout and those cards were great. I am trying to get more into making cards. I do usually make my own Christmas cards – funny story about this year’s – I made all my cards last year and planned to write them out when I go to my brothers house for the holidays and I left them at home, 3000 miles away. So I am way ahead of the game this year!! Just have to write them out and stamp my greeting 🙂 I also do a little photo card to include in the card.

    Reply
  47. Anita says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:18 am

    We usually do a Christmas letter. We fill everyone on the main events for the year.

    Reply
  48. Christina says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:22 am

    I have been making my cards the past couple years. I send out about 120 so I generally start in September if I have any hope of getting them all done and out.

    I like this year’s design – I was able to put DBF to work with the Fiscars Threading Water punch 🙂

    Reply
  49. Tiffany* says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:30 am

    Love Autumn Leaves stamps!!
    And good bargain clothes!
    LOL
    🙂
    The font of this set of stamp is like gorgeous!
    😀

    Reply
  50. Mel says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:34 am

    I’ll design my own digital card again…the family on the front, and our letter on the back…so convenient to just put in a simple envelope, stamped with a single snowflake in the corner!

    Reply

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