Christmas on the Clearance Rack!!

Hey there stampers!!

RUN! Do NOT Walk to my Stampin' Up! Website!!
Some fantastic items from the Holiday Mini Catalog have been added today!

Things like:

Holly Berry Buttons - ONLY $3.59 for 48 buttons! That's less than .01 each!

Remember my Christmas Scrapbook in a Day class last year??
(Click HERE for the first of three posts I shared of all the pages.)

Well look! The Simply Scrappin' Kit AND the Album are BOTH on the Clearance Rack today!

Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit - Only $8.79! That's a STEAL!

6" x 6" Cherry Trim Scrapbook Album w/10 page protectors! Just $4.39!!

Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper - Amazing price at just $4.39 for a 12 sheet pack!

Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric - three Extra Large Fat Quarters - Unbelievable at just $3.99 a pack!

Don't wait another minute - go visit my Stampin' Up! Website and grab these bargains while you can!
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/robinstamps4u/

Click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner and then click CLEARANCE RACK on the left sidebar.
WooHoo! Love the Clearance Rack!
Gotta go so I can shop before they're all gone!

~~Robin

Scrapbooking Recipe Cards

One of the things I do on a monthly basis with my Stampin' Fools party group is to create a 6" x 6" double page scrapbook spread with recipes from their kitchens.
It's a fun way for us to share part of our lives and tastes outside of our stamping time.
Here's a link to the first post I did with recipes: http://trinitydesignstudio.blogspot.com/2011/11/stampin-fools-recipes.html

I need to go back and take photos of the pages from December and January, but here for you today are the ones from February and March.

In February, I designed the pages with the Twitterpated DSP, and Buttons and the Bordering On Romance stamp set.

The Scalloped Trim Border Punch was used along the bottom of the Pink Pirouette DSP and the stamped flowers were simply colored in with Stampin' Write Markers.

Here's the March pages:

Since it was our last chance to use Sale-A-Bration Designer Paper and Fresh Vintage stamp set, that's what i designed with for these pages.
I used the Scalloped Circle Punch for the large spots of DSP and a stamped medallion was added to a large Paper Daisy with a Sale-A-Bration Brad for an accent on the right hand page.

One of the fun things I like about doing these pages with my "fools" is that we usually get to sample one of the recipes each month! It makes for a very yummy stampin' time! :)

We are currently putting the pages in the Espresso Classic 6" x 6" album from the catalog. Once the album is filled, we'll decorate the cover and we'll all have a great keepsake.

Well, I'm off to enjoy the last day of Spring Break. Have a wonderful day stampin' friends!
~~Robin

He is Risen!

Yes, He is Risen Indeed!
On Friday we reflected on the great love and sacrifice of our Jesus - that He would be emptied of everything, become sin for us and suffer death, hell and the grave. Just so we might live.

Today, how can we fail to praise Him?
It's EASTER Sunday!
Resurrection Day!
He won the victory you know.
No way did He stay in that tomb!
And the best part -
He did it all for us.

He defeated death. Defeated evil.
And He turned the ugly cross - a symbol of cruelty, torture and shame - into a symbol of HOPE for all of us.
That's quite a transformation - kind of like what He does in each of us when we acknowledge Him. When we choose His purposes over our plans. When we decide to let His love fill the empty places and spaces in our hearts.

Do you know His story? It's our History. Our inheritance. Yes, for each one of us.
If you don't know the story of Jesus and His great love for us, I encourage you to read chapters 19 and 20 of the book of John in the Bible. It's the Apostle John's first hand account of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
And don't miss this verse at the end: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." -John 20:31

Some of you may wonder why I'm sharing this with you. I know it's not related to stamping at all. But, I share most every other part of my life with you here and frankly, this is way more important than our family trips or Emma's skating.
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you have probably figured out that my faith and steadfast belief in Jesus Christ is central to my life. In fact, I know for sure that without Him, and the way He completely changed my life, I wouldn't be here today to even write this.

Each of us has a story you know. Each of us has gotten to where we are today along very different roads, some scenic, some rocky, some super highways. Some are like a country backroad, dirt packed and kind of winding. That's my story, my road. And I'm here because of His grace and mercy alone.
Someday I'll share more, but for now just know that Jesus loves you very much and no matter where you've been or what you think you've done that's just "too bad" to ever be forgiven - it's not. In fact, He promises that He loves you so much that when you lay it all at His feet, and turn your back on that junk that He'll wipe it all out and will never remember it.
Too good to be true? Sounds that way. But since it says so in His word, I believe it. And because I know it to be true in my life, I certainly believe it.

Anyway, if you're curious, about any of what I've written here today, e-mail me. I don't promise to have all the answers, but I surely know the One who does.
In the meantime, enjoy this song and video. It is such a beautiful telling of why EASTER is the most important Holiday on the calendar.
Yep, even better than Christmas!

I'll be back tomorrow with something pretty and stamped!
~~Robin

Everything Easter Treats

Like any self respecting parent of a kid who's looking forward to their Easter basket, you're probably wondering right about now if you've gotten enough goodies to fill said basket.
Fortunately for me, Emma at 14 still looks forward to her Easter basket and I get to have fun putting it together and finding little things that make her smile.

You may also be expecting guests for the Easter meal and maybe you're one that likes to put a little treat at each placesetting.
Well, here's a couple of ideas for you that will make you the Mom and Hostess extraordinaire AND won't cost a lot of $$ or take much time.
Got your attention now, don't I?

Here, take a look:

And before you ask, yes, those are Reese's Chocolate Eggs all wrapped up there and Easter wrapped Rolo's in the little basket. Yes, it was a struggle to not eat them all, but I only had a few of the Rolo's so I count it a victory!
Believe it or not, the little basket and the belly band wraps and medallions were created with My Digital Studio. There is a download called "Everything Easter Ensemble" and it's $14.95 when you download it from my Stampin' Up! website. Let me show you how I used it here and I'll give you some details of all it contains at the bottom, ok?
These cute little baskets were so easy to put together. I simply printed them out on a sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock in my ink jet printer. I used Whisper White.
Then, I used my Paper Snips to cut them out and adhered them together with Tombow Multi Adhesive. The handle was attached with Mini Brads and then all I had to do was fill them up! These would be super cute little place cards at your Easter table or even little gifts for your Sunday School class - kids or adult!

Here's a closer look at the wrapped eggs:

I simply printed out the sheets of belly bands and medallions - again on an 8 1/2" x 11 piece of cardstock - and cut them out. I used my Scallop Circle punch for the medallions.
To embellish the belly bands, I cut a strip of White Waffle Paper 2 1/2" wide and then used SNAIL adhesive to attach it to the back of the belly band before wrapping it around the egg. SO easy and very quick!! And look how pretty!

Wouldn't these be such sweet treats to embellish your Easter baskets or just to give to your friends?
Here, take a closer look at what's in the download ensemble kit:
Download includes:
* 5" x 3-1/2" double-sided postcard designer template
* 7-page 11" x 8-1/2" décor designer template
* 9-page 8-1/2" x 11" décor designer template
* 18-piece stamp brush set
* 9 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 30 embellishments
* 1 punch

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Décor templates include basket boxes for favors; belly bands perfect for wrapping eggs, silverware, or napkin rings; table tents; oversized 3-D egg centerpiece (simply score in half vertically and attach multiple together)
* Includes Easter invitation photo postcard
* Elements included individually for use on other coordinating projects
*Imagery coordinates with traditional Everybunny Stamp Set

Coordinating colors:
Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lavender Lace, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Look at the cute little place cards and that fun Easter Egg center piece! And all you have to do is just print them from your computer! It really doesn't get any easier.
When you visit my website to download this ensemble, the Item # is 129363 and the price is just $14.95 for the whole kit!
And the best part is that you can use it over and over and over again. I like that a lot!
If you don't have My Digital Studio, you can download a 30 Day FREE Trial of it from my website that allows you to use it and learn it totally FREE for yes - 30 Days! Once you have it loaded, you can then purchase any downloads like Everything Easter and use them to your hearts content. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, I'm off now to finish up getting ready for our Easter celebration, let me know what you make with this download, or your other handmade Easter projects - I love your creativity!
~~Robin

Place your order for Stampin' Up! supplies at my Online Store - Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right to get started!

His Wounds, Our Healing

What will you be doing at 3 pm today?
Will you be contemplating the end of your workday and your commute home?
Will you be cleaning your house for your weekend guests?
How about packing up the car and heading down I95 like all the other Easter weekend travelers?
Maybe doing some last minute shopping for the finishing touches on your child's Easter basket?

At 3 pm for me, I'll be sitting at the ice rink watching Emma skate for the third day this week. Hmmm.....third day. There's significance in that - but that's Sunday and I get ahead of myself with anticipation.

Want to know what Jesus was doing at 3 pm on Good Friday?

He was sacrificing his life on an ugly, cruel and bloody cross for me.
For you.
For all of us.

Let me share this commentary that I read earlier today with you; "It seems interesting that we refer to the day Christ died as 'Good Friday'. Considering the events of the day, tragic or awful seems more appropriate. However, we ultimately know what God was up to that day. Though the events seemed very 'BAD', God was using everything that happened for 'GOOD'"

And praise Him for His amazing, ultimate sacrifice that day.
The rejoicing that we call the Resurrection comes on Sunday, but today is the day for contemplating how great His love for us was. Is. Always will be.

How much do we give Him in return? What of this life He's so lovingly given us do we return to Him with gratitude?
You see, this life isn't ours. We may think it is, and live like it is; but that's not reality. Jesus' life, death, burial and resurrection didn't happen so we could live like we please, but happened that we could live to please Him. And live out the purpose He's created for us. And He does have a purpose for each and every one of us. When you come to the realization that the dreams and plans He has for each one of us are so much better, richer, deeper than anything we can plan or dream for ourselves - then embrace them AND Him - that's when His sacrifice makes sense. We are His hands and feet. We are the love He wants so much for all to experience. We become the expression of His grace and mercy and peace.

So here's the question again - How much do we give Him in return? How about this one - How are we being Jesus to others today? It's pretty simple - Love Jesus and Love others.

Yes, today really is GOOD Friday. What men meant for evil, God used for good.
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5



May you be blessed today.
~~Robin

Another New York Adventure! Part 1

We had such a fun three days of adventure in New York this week! I wanted to share some of our photos with you. I tried to post this yesterday from the rink while Emma was skating, but their internet was wonky so I'm just now finishing up. This is just the first day and a half - I'll post the rest tomorrow, ok?

Lunch at Vanessa's Dumpling House - standing room only, per usual. They really are the BEST dumplings and pork buns in the city. All four of us at lunch for $12 total, that included our bottled water. Delicious and a great value. It's on Eldredge St. just around the corner from the Tenement Museum.

Next stop was the Antiques Garage - part of the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. Parking garage by week, antiques mecca by weekend. On 25th St. between 6th and 7th Ave. It's where I found my awesome table last year. We drove a smaller car this year so I couldn't bring home another table. True story! But I did manage to find something cool for the studio.

Emma always has fun with the vintage clothes and accessories. She says that she wants a vintage wedding dress when she gets married. Guess that means she can wear mine! hahahaha!!

Here are the cool print blocks I found for the studio. These were in fantastic condition and a bargain!

After all that antique shopping, we had to have a snack to fortify us, so we walked south on 6th Ave a couple of blocks to the Crumbs Bakery. (there's also one in DC now). Emma looks like she could eat them all!

Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel for me.

Since Granny and Emma were pooped out, Mark and I got an unexpected dinner a deux. We decided to head to Little Italy and chose Sofia's on Mulberry St. There really is no 'bad' food in Little Italy, and this was just outstanding! We'd definitely eat there again.

Here's looking out from our table. Mark had Pappardelle with Bolognese sauce and I had Pasta a la Vodka. Both SO delicious!

One of the things I love most about New York is the window displays. Some are just so beautiful like this dress shop in the Lower East Side.

Dramatic, like the Kate Spade window.

And downright weird like the Adidas store. Who, I ask, would really wear this?? And why are there stuffed monkeys on the shoes??

Would you buy these shoes for your kid?? Yep, kids shoes. Crazy.

We spent a bit of time in Washington Square Park, a place I'd never lingered before. The arch is really beautiful.

Time out for some family photos.
Love this one!

Isn't that pretty??

One more of the arch from the other side.
That blue sky was amazing!

Love this photo of the tulip beds.

And looking up towards the Empire State Building.

Me and my girl.

I'll be back tomorrow with part two! Hope you enjoyed seeing it again with me!
~~Robin

Where's Robin??

I know you've been wondering, but I'm still here.
Have you ever had so much on your plate that you don't know whether you're coming or going? Well, that's been me for the last 3 weeks or so. Between the busy-ness of the end of Sale-A-Bration, Emma's skating and school schedule, my surgery recovery and just life in general I feel like I've forgotten to breathe some days.
I've honestly sat down several times to write a blog post and share some projects with you and fallen asleep in the chair - no joke! But things have begun to slow down and I'm not working much this week because it's Spring Break here. Hey, Spring Break isn't just for the kiddos! HA!

We went up to NYC for three days earlier this week - we had so much fun last year, we decided to go again. It may become an annual trip for us. I plan to write another post later today and share some photos with you, just have to finish downloading them. For now though, I'll just share this fun Easter project with you.

It's actually a project I'd created last Easter, but when my Dad was diagnosed with his cancer I cancelled the class and don't think I ever shared this project online with you.

This cute basket is made with the Petal Cone Die, Baja Breeze Cardstock and some now retired Designer Series Paper. You could easily substitute the paper though.
You need 3 petal cones cut with the die to make the basket and all three banner pieces to make the handle.
They are all cut down and scored to make the basket bottom and everything is attached with Tombow Multi-Adhesive. (The cutting and scoring are the same as in this post for my Cupcake Basket, you just need to adhere 3 cone pieces instead of two and you don't cut off any of the top scalloped flaps.)
My basket here uses Antique Brads on the handle and Baja Breeze Seam Binding for the side bows. To create the basket filler, I used a piece of 12 x 12 First Edition Designer Paper and cut it at each 1/4" all the way across the paper, leaving an uncut portion across the top. The Fiskars paper cutter is ideal for this. Next, I took 4" portions of the paper sheet and fed the uncut end into my Crimper. When it came out, I cut off the uncut end with my Paper Snips and crumpled up the rest, creating the "shred".

Here's a view of the eggs:

I'd seen something similar online and wanted to do my own so I purchased the brown paper mache eggs and covered them with small torn pieces of coordinating Designer Series Paper. I used a liquid glue/glaze to adhere them, then coated the entire surface with the glaze and let it dry before I embellished them.

Here's another look:

I'm glad to finally be sharing this project with you and I hope you have some time to make one of your own. It's not awfully time consuming and would be a lot of fun to make some of the eggs with your kiddos if they are home like mine on Spring Break.

Have a great day friends and I'll be back later with some fun NYC photos and memories to share.
Happy stampin'!
~~Robin