Silk Garden Chickadee Cowl

Check out more here... made from wool mohair silk in a lovely blend :) Picture is my friend and I skating. l only needed 1 skein so I may make matching fingerless gloves…

My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!

I love it- check out this video :) Hybrid fun to come!

Creativity goes digital with My Digital Studio™, Stampin Up!s exclusive software studio. With My Digital Studio, creating cards, photo albums, scrapbooks, and more has never been easier! Contact yo...

Sweet Treat Cups from Stampin' Up!

Check out this cute video for making treat cards ...

Flower Frame Project with Spencer Willis

This is soooo cute - click here...

Join Spencer Willis from Stampin' Up! as he shares a fun photo frame project--featuring the Big Blossoms stamp set (retired)--with Brooke Walker from Studio 5.

Stampin' Up!'s Décor Elements

Whether you want to spice up the walls of your home or create other exciting projects for display, Décor Elements is an easy way to stylishly and inexpensively express your creativity. In this video, Shannon West shows you how to apply these fantastic images in your home.

Check out the video here...

Stampin' Up!'s Décor Stencils with Shelli Gardner

Create beautiful expressions of your style and creativity when you use our Décor Stencils to add design to your walls and art projects. Several of our Décor Stencils coordinate with our existing products, so creating coordinating projects for display is a simple way to express your creativity. Tune in as Shelli Gardner explains why she loves these stencils--and why you'll love them too!

Check out this video...

Have to level with you...

I have let my Stampin'Up! go dormant... I am just looking into whether I am going to sign up again right away or wait until the summer... I will keep you posted...

Valour Colourscape

One night of knitting. That is at least some reward for being stuck home on a Saturday night! I am sick of my lungs being heavy...

These colour are almost sensual to me how they blend from one beautiful shade to another. I have trouble keeping knitting because I have to stop and stare and touch. It truly is beautiful yarn! I hope I do it justice...

I was dying to buy this yarn and when I saw it on sale I snatched it up. I honestly could not afford the amount in the Rowan patterns and Dianna and Diane were generous enough to share the pattern of my choice with me. I noticed many folk only used 3 not 4 skeins and not being a large gal I am taking a gamble so I can afford the yarn and the pattern most suited. I was so excited to see what the colours would do and look how gorgeous it is!!! It does not stripe, it morphs - imagine! :)

Harding-Noemi in Coral

IMG_2011
Originally uploaded by judyjrfm

This is the detail I promised...

Harding-Noemi in Coral

IMG_2010
Originally uploaded by judyjrfm

another pic...

Harding-Noemi in Coral

I am posting a close up of the back ruffle. I shorten in length by one repeat from bottom to waste to take weight off, allow to sit at a more flattering spot and therefore aide with the stretch issue. As it is when I finished the back it stretched almost 2" so I undid some and fixed to compensate. I have changed the number of pattern repeats (one panel less in each direction) , the size, the size needle... hmmm not sure what I did not change on this one but it is pretty so far... The soy fibre I am knitting with has a beautiful sheen to it. You can see below how much smaller my adjustments are :) And javies was helping me as he so often does LOL...

Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet in alpaca

Home sick last week and bored of being in bed so whipped this up in a day... Actually very easy so I am not that good really.... I love the yarn - I love alpaca period! And I still have 3/4 a ball left... hmmmm....

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/judyjrfm/anthropologie-inspired-capelet for more details if you like....

Done, now to block and figure out what to wear it with :) I think it is pretty darn cute. What a gratifying project!

Accessory must haves...

more from Inside Out style... gotta have - I really concentrated on this article as is where my wardrobe is weak:

1. Handbag - one in good quality can really finish off an outfit.

2. Shoe Wardrobe - a shoe and a sandal in your hair colour - these can be worn with lots of things as they create what we call Visual Grouping, they lead your eyes back to your face. Nude shoes are also great - choose a shoe that blends well with your skin and they elongate your legs and can also be worn with lots of different outfits. Skin-toned sandal (with heel of some sort) to dress up your skirts and jeans and work with all your clothes. If you need to walk to work and change your shoes there - look for a black or darker sneaker type shoe that is comfortable, but discreet. A dark pump in something like black or brown (depending on your favoured dark neutral) will blend well. Pumps with heels dress up your dress pants, skirts and jeans.

Knee-high boots - either flat or with heel (if you're a daily heel wearer)- Boots are great - if you wear trousers go more for short boots, if you wear skirts go for knee length boots to elongate and slim your legs. Riding boots in brown or black, plus boots with heels. A red boot is also a great staple; Ballet flats (or some other comfortable but pretty flat shoe) to wear with skirts and pants, but are easy to run around in- choose a few colours that work back with your wardrobe. ; Flat sandals for scooting around with skirts, dresses, jeans in comfort; Oxfords and Loafers are great to wear with trousers; Some dressier shoes such as peep toes are essential; Sandals are also a must if you live in a warmer climate, both strappy and high, plus flat sandals and flip flops - preferably with a little feminine detail or interest; pair of wedges provide stability with a bit of extra height (if you want or need it)- they're a good choice to wear with cropped pants/clam diggers especially in a skin colour.

hmmm good thing I have no shopping money!

Been on a wardrobe kick of late...

from http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/09/wardrobe-basics.html

her suggestions for a few basics that will make the rest of the wardrobe work.

1. Tank tops - must in black/brown and white/off-white. I also like to have a few in colours that you can wear to create interesting colour combinations.

2. Knit tops - tops you can wear with gorgeous skirts or trousers, or that work under funky jackets. Look for colours that work back with your existing wardrobe so that you can create more outfit combinations.

3. Jacket - one that can be dressed up or down.

4. Cardigan in a dark neutral colour

5. Jeans - dark denim (no distressing) - dress it up with a sandal, funk it with knee high boots, dress it down with flip-flops

6. Dress pants in a dark neutral - a well-fitting pair of dress pants in a modern cut can be worn to the supermarket and to dinner, change the shoes and the top (and accessories of course) and you're good to go.

7. Skirt - a flattering skirt in a trans-seasonal fabric in a neutral tone is a great wardrobe staple, wear it with knee-high boots, ballet flats, sandals or pumps, team it with your jacket, top or cardigan for different moods and occasions.

Of course Becky and I added from other sources we have found and will post in another post...

New boots

I finally got myself something- 50% off boots in charcoal. Becky and I had determined the problem with my wardrobe is lack of shoes and so I splurged.... I think will look cute with skirts and pants alike.

Holiday Gift-Giving Guide Promotion November 1, 2009-January 4, 2010

Details: You'll love the convenience of our Holiday Gift-Giving Guide! With gift ideas for kids, teens, neighbours, and more, it's your one-stop shop for all your holiday needs.

Plus, for every $65 you spend on products in the guide, you'll get a Décor Elements for FREE (up to a $22.95 value)!

Hostess Promotion September 1-November 30, 2009

We're excited to bring you this sweet deal for hostesses September through November:

• Host a workshop totaling $330 or more and choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalogue for only $14!

*Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.

October 1, when My Digital Studio is released to customers, this offer will become even sweeter:

• Host a workshop of at least $525 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $106.95; promotional price: $53.47) when you use your hostess free dollars!*

*Since My Digital Studio is not available in Quebec, hostesses can choose to purchase a Loads of Love/Loads of Fun stamp bundle at 50% off. Hostesses may choose one of the following in place of My Digital Studio:

Item #	Description	Special 50% off Price
119891	Loads of Love Bundle	$31.45
119892	Des Tonnes D'Amour Bundle	$31.45

We are thrilled to bring you this very exciting hostess promotion. In fact, we encourage you to contact all of your customers and let them know about this unbelievable offer! Use it to share Stampin' Up! with your friends and family; contact your past and potential hostesses to let them know that it is coming--and start planning your Holiday Mini workshops today!

Things to Remember:

• This promotion applies to workshop orders* and is intended to reward hostesses for the act of doing a workshop. Online orders are not eligible for this promotion.
• Hostesses who hold a workshop of $330 can choose any one item from the Holiday Mini catalogue for just $14.
  • Items include stamp sets, accessories, Sizzix dies, etc.
    • This includes any products featured in the Holiday Mini Catalogue, even if they are also shown in the Idea Book & Catalog (Movers and Shapers Die, Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin', etc.)
  • Items exclude Holiday Mini hostess sets and My Digital Studio.
• This promotion is not incremental. For example, a $660 workshop is not eligible for two $14 items, and an $1,050 workshop is not eligible for two copies of My Digital Studio at 50 percent off.
• The $14 item will be charged in the hostess free section in OEX and is not commissionable.
• After My Digital Studio is released to customers, hostesses who hold a $525 workshop will be eligible for both a $14 Holiday Mini item and 50-percent off My Digital Studio.

Digital+ Starter Kit October 1, 2009-March 31, 2010

With the launch of our much anticipated My Digital Studio software, new recruits can purchase an exclusive Starter Kit that includes My Digital Studio, in addition to stamps, inks, and accessories.

Starter Kit Price: $239 (over $385 value!)

Digital+ Starter Kit Contents:

• My Digital Studio software
• Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
• Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
• Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Button Latte Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies (product catalogues, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

Things to Remember:

• The Digital+ Starter Kit is designed to give a new demonstrator a variety of Stampin' Up! products (including My Digital Studio software). This gives your new recruit products that can be used for hybrid projects (using digital and conventional crafting products), as well as standalone projects with stamps, inks, markers, and accessories. The variety will help your new recruit not only showcase and attract customers with our digital products, but also attract customers to our paper crafting products.
• The standard Starter Kit ($249) will continue to be available during this promotional period. On the Online IDA, the Digital+ Starter Kit will appear as an additional option.
• Recruits who join Stampin' Up! by purchasing the Digital+ Starter Kit are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit. This includes but is not limited to the Extra 10 Percent Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.
• Recruits who purchase the Digital+ Starter Kit will receive the same business supplies as those who order the standard Starter Kit.

Basic Camisole by Joan McGowan-Michael

I am close to done by second sweater for me!!! See here for details... 85% merino 10% silk 5% cashmere :) need I say mor- luxurious!

I am in the upper section - finished the round area and am 2” up the back. I have the front, lace and straps left - wahoo - I think it is so cute! I cannot wait to wear it :) ___________________________________________

I am still working out the detail but I will need to shorten the bust to shoulder area as always. I think this top actually is narrow enough in the shoulders for me :) The yarn is a little more nubbly and heavy then I hoped and I am not sure if the best substitution suggested but it is lovely all the same…

__________________________________________

I am knitting this pattern in the round- I hope I do not screw it up as the yarn is gorgeous! I think it will be a little warmer than that called for in original pattern.

Find Your Perfect Color Palette - Panatone

Loved this article (seen in CosmoStyle, a special issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine) http://www.pantone.com/pages/Pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=19445&ca=4 Check out the colours here: http://www.thecolorswatch.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? I have a PDF if you are interested I can send to you...


"Everyone has a specific color palette that flatters them and it’s based on eye, skin and hair color. When you wear colors that are really suited to you, it draws people in your direction."


Sunrise
Eyes: clear blue, very dark brown, light hazel (green/blue with flecks of yellow or brown)
Hair: ash blonde, platinum blonde, sandy or ash brown, blue-black
Skin: rosy pink, very fair, true olive, very dark

PANTONE 19-1759 American Beauty
PANTONE 19-2432 Raspberry Radiance
PANTONE 18-4247 Brilliant Blue
PANTONE 13-5313 Aruba Blue
PANTONE 12-0752 Buttercup
PANTONE 18-3946 Baja Blue
PANTONE 16-3118 Cyclamen
PANTONE 15-2216 Sachet Pink
PANTONE 17-2127 Shocking Pink
PANTONE 19-3748 Prism Violet
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald
PANTONE12-0741 Sunny Lime
PANTONE 13-3405 Lilac Snow
PANTONE 16-5425 Pool Green
PANTONE 13-3405 Lilac Snow
PANTONE 16-5425 Pool Green

Sunlight
Eyes: variegated (multiple colors), hazel, brown with other colors
Hair: lots of streaks or different shades of blond or brown
Skin: ivory, neutral beige, combination rose and peach

PANTONE 17-0215 Aspen Green
PANTONE 13-0632 Endive
PANTONE 15-1319 Almost Apricot
PANTONE 16-1632 Shell Pink
PANTONE 16-1431 Canyon Clay
PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse
PANTONE 16-3815 Viola
PANTONE 16-3810 Wisteria
PANTONE 15-6428 Green Tea
PANTONE 12-0825 Golden Haze
PANTONE 15-1433 Papaya Punch
PANTONE 17-1635 Rose of Sharon
PANTONE 16-4031 Cornflower Blue
PANTONE 16-4411 Tourmaline
PANTONE 17-1612 Mellow Mauve
PANTONE 16-1806 Woodrose

Sunset

Eyes: medium or deep blue, golden brown/amber, hazel, dark with honey flecks
Hair: golden blonde, red, coppery tones, honey brown, caramel, dark brown with reddish highlights
Skin: warm beige or brown hues, peach or olive with golden undertones

PANTONE 16-1343 Autumn Sunset
PANTONE 17-1558 Grenadine
PANTONE 18-2525 Magenta Haze
PANTONE 17-3932 Deep Periwinkle
PANTONE 16-0421 Sage
PANTONE 18-4530 Celestial
PANTONE 16-1439 Caramel
PANTONE 13-1027 Apricot Cream
PANTONE 18-1444 Tandori Spice
PANTONE 16-1641 Georgia Peach
PANTONE 17-3725 Bougainvillea
PANTONE 17-5029 Deep Peacock Blue
PANTONE 14-0445 Bright Chartreuse
PANTONE 15-1142 Honey Gold
PANTONE 17-1444 Ginger
PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa


Crossover Colors

Eyes: any color
Hair: any hue
Skin: any tone

PANTONE 17-4402 Neutral Gray
PANTONE 19-1020 Dark Earth
PANTONE 13-1008 Bleached Sand
PANTONE 19-5920 Pineneedle
PANTONE 14-4318 Sky Blue
PANTONE 19-2814 Eggplant
PANTONE 19-1840 Deep Claret
PANTONE 19-0000 Raven
PANTONE 18-5203 Pewter
PANTONE 16-1210 Light Taupe
PANTONE 13-0822 Sunlight
PANTONE 17-4919 Teal
PANTONE 19-4030 True Navy
PANTONE 19-1521 Red Mahogany
PANTONE 19-1664 True Red
PANTONE 16-0613 Elm

And if you want to see the forecasts for the season see http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends.html

Colours - 4 Universally Flattering Clothing Colors

This is just one of the articles I flash back to over and over…but I strongly think they forgot one colour so I am adding #5... http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/wardrobe-basics/4-universally-flattering-clothing-colors-10000001584157/page4.html

1. Flattering Color: Eggplant

"Some colors work for all skin tones and hair colors, because they fall into the middle of the color spectrum, meaning they're not too warm or too cool." Case in point: eggplant (Pantone 19-2311 TC). Eiseman calls the tone "the perfect purple" because it is extremely versatile, almost like a black, a dark brown, or a navy.

2. Flattering Color: True Red

Designer Bill Blass once said, "When in doubt, wear red." And he was right. Not only does red stop traffic but it may also make you a winner. In a study conducted at the University of Durham, in England, researchers found that athletes in combative sporting competitions who wore red were more apt to win than contestants wearing other colors. Pantone 19-1664 TC flatters everyone because it "resides in the center of the color spectrum, in between a cool cherry red and a warm, orangey tomato red".

3. Flattering Color: Indian Teal

Colors on opposite sides of the color wheel enhance each other, Pantone 19-4227 TC, the color-wheel opposite of pink―plays up a healthy flush in the skin. Plus, it's more versatile than a bright, summery turquoise, so you can wear it well into the fall with black, brown, and other neutrals.

4. Flattering Color: Mellow Rose

The subtle color (Pantone 15-1515 TC) highlights the natural flush of one's face, somewhere between a light pink and a peach, which looks more like a neutral than a pastel, giving anyone who wears it a glow.

5.Flattering Colour Moss or Army Green- not sure of exact name but I will look into it ;)

Cool picture

Check out the picture and article at http://blog.lionbrand.com/2009/09/10/a-huge-statement-with-fiber/ - love it!

What Is Your Colour Personality?

I saw this cute test that helps you understand the effect of colour on you - give it a try if you wish :)

1. What’s the first color you see in the morning? Beige – Beige – I love a neutral palatte with splashes of bright fun colour; in my bedroom is burgundy tones and chocolate brown (besides my ugly bedding - see below) as I studied a little feng shui ;)

2. What color are your eyes? Dark Denim Blue with a golden yellow ring around the pupil

3. What color do you wear the most? Teal, blue, pink, orange, brown

4. What color do you never wear? Pure white or pastels – they make me look sick!

5. What color do you wear when you want to feel sexy? A little black dress is amazingly sexy but I think is the style and your attitude more than colour

6. What color gets you the most compliments? Teal – matches my glasses

7. What color is your lipstick? Red gloss or a pink/brown one shade darker than lip colour (gotta love Bobbi Brown)

8. What color was your living room when you were growing up? Hmmm logs with creamy white areas of finished walls – I love natural wood!

9. What color was your bedroom when you were growing up? See above - later it was wall paper - hmmm see pattern here (cream with bright stars I believe)

10. What color are your sheets? I hate my current bedding – it is not me at all (forest green and pink plaid- those that know me KNOW this is not my style)

11. What color was your favorite crayon as a child? I forget the exact Crayola name but I loved the colour of the sky- a bluey teal

12. What color is your car? n/a but I want an orange one or cream if a classy style (not black!)

13. What color was your prom dress? Pink and silver

14. What’s your favorite gemstone? Pearl or opal - again the pattern - shows off other colours!

15. What is your favourite flower? Peony and cherry blossoms or anything just simple J

16. What color makes you happiest? Orange

17. What color depresses you? purple – some shades

18. What color calms you? robin egg blue or moss

19. What color makes you grind your teeth? None – only combinations ; well maybe some yellow

20. What color would you like to try, but are scared to? None – I am fairly brave

Simply Adorned

Our Simply Adorned line beautifully combines the best of two worlds: stamping and jewelry! We designed our Simply Adorned charms to hold a creation you design yourself, making your jewelry truly unique.

Simply Adorned charms are lockets--they open up so you can insert your custom stamped image. The Charming stamp set, along with Rub-Ons, glitter, ribbons, and other embellishments, can help you create your unique charm insert. And don't forget that you can embellish the chains with ribbon, felt flowers . . . the possibilities are endless! The frame surrounds tempered beveled glass on the front and flat glass on the back. Because there's glass on both sides of the charm, you can display an image on one side or both. You can create a custom heirloom piece that you'll never want to change, or you can swap artwork in and out, depending on your mood and your wardrobe.

And although we designed Simply Adorned charms to be jewelry, they also make delightful key chains or Christmas tree ornaments. Insert a stamped image or photo of your loved ones, tie a ribbon through the clasp, and you're done!

--paper-crafters and noncrafters alike--will love the look of Simply Adorned and appreciate how easy it is to create custom jewelry. Our Simply Adorned line includes nickel-plated charms in three sizes and anodized stainless steel chains in two lengths.

Item Description Price
116797 Simply Adorned 1" x 1" charm $25.95
116798 Simply Adorned 1" x 1-1/4" charm $27.95
116799 Simply Adorned 1-1/2" x 2" charm $31.95
116800 Simply Adorned 24" chain $15.95
116853 Simply Adorned 34" chain $17.95

FAQs

Q: What size are the charms?

A: The charms are available in three different sizes: 1" x 1", 1"x 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" x 2". The size listed refers to the charm insert; the metal frame around the insert is slightly larger. You can use the included insert as a template to create the perfect-sized piece of artwork for your frame. It is important that your insert matches the insert template exactly. The hinge on your charm can break if your insert is too large and overlaps onto the frame.

Q: Is the toggle clasp meant to be worn in the front or the back?

A: Our stainless steel chain features a toggle clasp and includes an exclusive Stampin' Up! charm identifier. The beautiful leaf charm is designed to be worn on the front to enhance the overall design of the necklace, or worn on the back for a simpler look.

Q: What materials are used to make Simply Adorned jewelry?

A: The charms are nickel-plated zinc alloy with tempered beveled glass on the front, and tempered flat glass in the back. The chains are anodized stainless steel with a nickel-plated zinc alloy charm and toggle.

Q: How do I clean my charm?

A: Use clean water and a cotton applicator to clean the jewelry surface. Do not use alcohol or other chemicals to clean your jewelry as they will damage the finish.

Q: How many layers can I fit inside the charm?

A: The number of layers that fit inside each charm depends on the type of materials used. The space inside the charm is 2 mm; as card stock, Designer Series paper, ribbon, and adhesives all differ in thickness, it is difficult to specify the number of layers that will fit inside. It is important to remember that you can break the hinge on your charm if your inserts are too thick. Never force the charm closed. If the charm does not close easily, remove a layer or two from your insert and try again.

Q: How is the jewelry packaged?

A: Each piece comes in a Chocolate Chip box (box for charms: 3-1/4" x 2-1/2" x 1"; box for chains: 9-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 1").

Jewelry is the perfect way to express your individual style, and you will love being able to create your own wearable custom-made works of art with our new Simply Adorned line.

Holiday Mini - September 1/2009 - January 4/2010

Holiday Mini - September 1/2009 - January 4/2010

Holiday Mini - September 1/2009 - January 4/2010

also see here for the build a bear portion of the holiday mini