Giving Tuesday

 Gratitude has been on my mind lately, not just because it seems to fall into place during this advent season, but how I can share my gratitude into giving.  I am grateful for MANY things and have been VERY blessed to be living the life I imagined!  I set out on a mission to find out how people celebrate this special time in anticipation of Christmas. There are literally thousands of ways people give of their time and gifts.  My favorite ones were the homemade variety.

An advent blessing jar from Vermillion Rules is a great way to include the whole family.  I also love the random acts of Christmas kindness advent calendar by Coffee Cups and Crayons.

 The 1st Tuesday in December has been chosen as "Giving Tuesday"- a global day dedicated to giving back. 

 The idea that charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to honor generosity and to give - well, that is truly awesome!  So, from global day, an idea has sprung forth to create an advent type - 24 days of giving and to extend it over 12 months.  Each month to have two giving days.  January 2015 will be the start of my "24 Gifts".  Who, what and why am I giving?  I am working on a list of 12 different giving activities and will share them with Douglas and Grant counties in Minnesota.  ( I live in Douglas, but grew up in Grant!)  The list so far includes: Food shelf,  Humane Society, Thrift Store, Library, Sheriff's Dept., and Social Services.  As you can see I need a half dozen more, but that will come as I visit with people/organizations who have charitable needs.  The what I'm giving will consist of food to the food shelf, animal treats to the Humane Society, new books to the library, etc. The why is my gratitude of what I've been given in my life and a pay it forward attitude!  

At the start of  2015, I will pick a Who and Oh Happy Day it will be as I share with you what gifts they will receive- maybe you'd like to be a part of the giving of "24 Gifts" too, the more the merrier! 

Enjoy this special season of sharing and to quote Winston Churchill -"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give".  

-hugs- Julie

Getting Started...

   It's a winter day here in west central Minnesota and we're all snuggled in doing one of our favorite things.....stamping!  A question we get a lot is, "I want to make cards and have fun stamping, but where do I start and what do I need?"  Stampin' Up has a ton, and I mean TON! of great products but it can be overwhelming for someone who is just getting started. So....we've put together a bundle of products that we fondly call our "Getting Started Bundle".  This bundle comes with a pack of 40 sheets of 8 1/2" x 11" whisper white card stock, pack of 20 brights paper sheets 8 1/2" x 11": two of each color card stock, black ink pad, adhesive, pack of 40 whisper white envelopes and the Petite Pairs stamp set in wood which includes 9 different phrases.  This bundle sells for $75 which includes shipping and tax. As a special offer we'd like to give you this FREE gift with purchase bonus of the 12" x 12" Sweet Taffy Designer Series paper pack with 12 sheets: 2 each of 6 double sided designs.  This is a great way to get started in your card and paper crafting projects

Getting Started Bundle

  We made up the 9 different phrases from the Petite Pairs stamp set along with the papers from the bundle to give you an idea of how simple, very simple, you can be in creating cards with just these products.  No fancy shamncy, just do it!  Of course, there would be nothing wrong in creating a bit more glam to each card, but we wanted to give you the basics and how it takes no time at all to create some fun meaningful cards to give to special people and have them ready whenever you need them!

9 different VERY simple cards using the Petite Pairs Stamp Set included in the Bundle

  The Petite Pairs Stamp Set comes with phrases for baby, wedding, sympathy, birthday, thinking of you, holiday, thank you, get well and just because, so you have everything you need to create cards for any occasion. Plus you will have enough card stock and designer paper to make dozens and dozens!

  If you are looking for that perfect gift for that special someone who enjoys creating handmade items or as gift from me to me for yourself, we'd love to have you become a part of our paper crafting family by purchasing this bundle.  Just send us a message at rjsatterlie@gctel.net to place your order.

  One more share, everyone who places a $50 order or more from now until November 27th will be entered into a drawing to win a Big Shot machine.  Oh, you will want this - it will be the next product on your "I need that" wish list - trust me - you will have sooo much fun creating your handmade paper projects that you will want to have more!!

  This bundle is available while supplies last with this special offer, so act quickly (oh good grief, that totally sounded like an infomercial if I ever heard one!!)  Seriously, we only have so many bundles put together so this is your chance to get some great products with a freebie and we all love freebies!
 
  Make time to enjoy the hobbies that you are passionate about and maybe even fall in love with a new one!

-hugs- Julie

Sharing my love of papercrafting!!

I am choosing our Kaelly Studio blog site to share the Stampin' Up projects that are created for my Project Life, Treats, Eats and Fun Techniques and other special events that I host each month.  I will post pictures of the projects that were created, along with the Stampin' Up items and prices.  If anyone purchases any of the items listed to create the month's projects, I will send you the free instructions via e-mail.  To order, just contact me at rjsatterlie@gctel.net.

Just an FYI, my Treats, Eats and Fun Techniques workshop meets at my home on the 4th Monday from 6:30 - 9 pm.  In December, we'll meet on the 3rd Monday.  If interested in attending this particular workshop, please e-mail me or send me a note on facebook.  I would love to have you join us!  Also, you can check out my Stampin' Up website for more events and dates to entice you to have more fun in creation land!

So on with the show!  This month at our monthly Treats, Eats and Fun Techniques, we focused on ideas for Thanksgiving.  We created a card, table settings, a fun host gift label and the Paper Pumpkin project for October!

Thanksgiving Card with a blank inside for writing your own sentiment

October's Paper Pumpkin Project (one of eight!)

Thanksgiving Table Name cards and Napkin holders

Fun host label.  I love the saying!! HAHA!

Here are the Stampin' Up items used to create all the projects for this month.  I apologize in advance as not all the prices are listed.  I am using a StampBuddy service to give you all the goodies, but obviously need a bit more training!!  LOL!  Just send me a message and I will get them to you!  Next month will be better (promise??!!)  AND thanks for checking out our projects!  ENJOY!

Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95

$5.95

Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95

$5.95

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95

$5.95

Hello Honey 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $6.95

$6.95

Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock $6.95

$6.95

Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock $6.95

$6.95

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$8.50 

Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper $10.95

$10.95

For All Things Wood-Mount Stamp Set $24.95

$24.95

Mingle All The Way Wood-Mount Stamp Set  

$24.95

Making Spirits Bright Wood-Mount Stamp

$$2Set $27.95

$27.95

Choose Happiness Wood-Mount Stamp Set 

$24.95

Big Shot

$99.95

Autumn Accents Bigz Die

$21.95

Top Note Bigz Die

$21.95

Tag Topper Scalloped Punch

$22.95

2-3/8" Circle Scallop Punch

$16.95

Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker  $3.50

$3.50

Brights Candy Dots

$5.95

Gold Basic Metal Buttons

$7.95

Linen Thread

$4.50

Early Espresso 1/4" Cotton Ribbon

$5.95

1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon

$7.95

1-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription

$19.95

Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$7.95

The power of the handwritten and handcrafted word!

In this fast paced world we now live in with social media, it is all that more wonderful to receive a card or note in the mail.  Now don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against social media and the instant messaging and the sharing of information, in fact I'm all for it because I am a bit of an impatient person,  but I do believe in the power of the handwritten word that I'm afraid will disappear.  I believe, I'm on what I would call, a revival of the handwritten and handcrafted word!

 Several months ago, I signed up to be a demonstrator for Stampin' Up.  I did this to appease my inner self's desire to get back to paper crafting and I'm always up for saving money, so why not get the demonstrator discount and get my craft groove back?!  I've been having a wonderful time catching up on my scrap booking and creating cards for occasions.  But some part of this "revival" was missing and I realized it was that I wanted to send cards or notes for "just because" reasons, not only for "an occasion".  There are many things to send cards for that I think, would make someone's day so that is what I'm doing, creating cards to give a smile to that someone who would receive a "just because" card and having a fun time with my love of paper crafts!

If you would indulge me, I will be sharing such cards each week through our Kaelly Studio blog before I send them in the mail.  I'm hoping that they inspire you to want to send some cards too!  Maybe you'll get so excited to be a part of this revival, that you'll also decide to join Stampin' Up for the same reasons that I did.  The more the merrier and more smiles will be made!  This week, I'm sharing a few cards that I'm sending out for various "just becauses".  One for my upline in Stampin' Up, who recently attended convention and was rewarded for her desire to send cards and give smiles! (a WOW!  double blessing!, being recognized for something you love to do...umm...sweet!)

Another for a good friend who is battling cancer and will start chemo this week.  I know sending her good thoughts is what I can do right now to tell her that she's not fighting alone!

My "revival" won't always be for "just because" reasons.  I will still create cards for occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and even sharing my sorrow with a grieving family.  

It is very enjoyable to create a card and write a touching sentiment or even just a simple "hi"! to let someone know you care and that there is a smile on the other end!

P.S.  Want to make these cards too?  I'm hosting a "Treat and Eat" party at my house on Tuesday, July 29th at 6:30 pm.  Let's eat some goodies and create these three cards as a treat from me to you.  This will be very casual, flipflop attire -( remember it is summer "finally" after all!)   A get together time to chat and have some fun being crafty!!  Please RSVP to me at rjsatterlie@gctel.net or pm me on facebook by July 28th so I can get everything ready for you.

-hugs- Julie

A Decade of a Project!

I thought I would just have some fun today picking on myself in your presence.

It was a mere 10 years ago that I started this project.  I fondly call it my "devil decade of a project".  This project traveled to many retreat locations.  Many times not even taken out of the car, but was along "just in case" I ran out of projects! (okay, I hear you laughing now...)  It's not that the project was hard, just time consuming (obviously!!)   What is this project you ask?.....

Let's start at the beginning.  In 2004, a lovely lady by the name of Lynette Jensen, creator of Thimbleberries, designed

Hometown Christmas by Thimbleberries 2004

Hometown Christmas patterns and the coordinating fabrics.  I was thus enticed to take part in the kits offered by Common Threads Quilt Shop.  My intention was to work on Hometown Christmas diligently as I received each portion of the quilt.  I did great at first, completing two parts of one of the segments.  I was on a roll, yes, I could see this quilt laying on my bed for the holiday season.....visions of sugarplums danced in my head.....(that's an understatement).  I'm not sure exactly where I fell off the bed wagon dreaming of this fantasy?

Once completed, this is what the quilt should look like!

What do I mean by "should" look like? I decided that enough was enough of piecing....so very unlike Lynette, I only put two borders on.  I agree that the log type border and the applique is very stunning, but.....it was time to...as my granddaughter would sing... "let it go, let it go!

So a decade later, I'm most proud to say, that it is DONE in my version and off to my quilter it goes - thanks in advance Holly of Just Spoolin Around Long Arm Quilting.

AND thanks for picking on me, with me!  It was worth the laughs!!

~hugs~ Julie

Cards for a Cure!

We all know or have someone in our lives that has been affected by cancer and it would be my privilege to have you join a wonderful new program sponsored through Stampin' Up and with our donations "Finish the Fight"!  My goal is that we have 225+ join our "Cards for a Cure" campaign to raise $5000+ HOW SWEET THAT WOULD BE!!! Spread the word, share with your friends and family....as my three year old granddaughter would say "I got this" - how about "We got this!!"  Let's do it!  How you ask?

Many people ask me how life is without the quilt shop.  My answer is that although I don’t miss the business side, I do miss the people very much!  Another thing I miss, is the opportunity to create events where we could help organizations raise awareness and monetary donations for their causes.  As I pondered how I could keep the creative side of me happy along with the promise to “give back”, I realized that I had that same opportunity right in front of me with a home business that I was using only to benefit myself.   Along with my love of quilting, I also possess a passion for paper crafting!

As a Stampin’ Up demonstrator, I could “share” (instead of keeping for me) all the fun things that they have to offer with their great products.  I was having a super time playing with the paper, stamps and embellishments creating my own kits when the company came out with this awesome monthly program called  "Paper Pumpkin".  It allows me to fulfill my creative needs with a pre-designed packet of goodies that takes minutes to put together!!  Yippee!!  (You all know how much I LOVE kits!!)

Now I know you’re asking where does this “share” part come in, well…….in my “Cards for a Cure” campaign, for every person that joins me in the Paper Pumpkin monthly program, I will donate the proceeds to our Relay for Life American Cancer Society team.  Commit to 3 months (April, May and June) at the monthly cost of $19.95 plus $1.37 tax (shipping included).  You will be paying via a credit card directly to Stampin’ Up and $21.32 will be charged upon sign up and in the next two months.  Sign up by March 31st to receive a special bonus gift with your first Paper Pumpkin arrival!  

 At the end of June, I will contact you to see if you wish to continue with the Paper Pumpkin kit.  I will in turn continue to donate to our “Cards for a Cure” in your name each month.   If you decide that you wish to discontinue the Paper Pumpkin kit, we’ll just simply take you off the program!   You can rejoin at anytime in the future if you choose to do so and your name will be added back into to our “Cards for a Cure” donation list!

And now you are are intrigued and asking "How do I sign-up" - very simply....go HERE and click on subscribe, complete the required information.  Click on "I already have a demonstrator"** and type in my information...Julie Satterlie, 23422 Sunny Side Drive NW, Evansville, MN  56326 and my name will pop up on a screen on the right.  Click on "Select" and you will be enrolled in a very quick, easy and fun crafting time AND you will have donated to "Cards for a Cure"  **this fundraising opportunity is only sponsored by me! IF you have a Stampin' Up demonstrator that you work with already - no problem - PLEASE sign up for Paper Pumpkin under them.  Donations won't be made to my "Cards for a Cure"  BUT you will be involved in a great program that you will enjoy and they will be pleased to have you sharing the crafting bug with them too! 

I appreciate your time in visiting this blog and sharing the vision to "Finish the Fight"!!

~~~ Hugs, Julie ~~~

Where are you?

Do you remember us?  It has been quite awhile since we've shared anything and that is totally my fault.  A big annoyance for me is when someone or someone's have a blog or website and they don't post on a regular basis.  I shouldn't say it's an annoyance really, it's more like..."where are you?" I follow many bloggers from all walks of life and when I don't see a new story for a long time I wonder and sometimes even worry about what has happened.  So now I have turned into one of those that I wonder myself  "where am I" Well, don't worry we are still here and we are working on a new concept of how to keep things fresh and interesting and to make sure that we are telling you about what we find intriguing in our everyday lives and what makes us tick, so to speak.

On this beautiful December morning here in Minnesota, we have received our first measurable snow fall, okay so it's only 1/2 inch but that is a measurement on a ruler - right?

December 2nd, first snow fall here on the farm!

Decorated tree in our living room.  Still need to find or create a pine bough door hanger...

We worked on decorating our home this past weekend.  My husband even helped.  Now that may seem like a "so", but for those of you who know my hubby, well, that's just say,  he's been called Scrooge or the Grinch.  I know that kid in him has that Christmas magic and every once in awhile it comes out and surprises even me!

Tree in the farm office decorated with red tractors (of course), corn lights and special ornaments (don't exactly fit on the tree but who cares, it's the meaning that counts for us!)

On Thanksgiving afternoon, my daughter, granddaughter, hubby and myself went out to the slough to get some evergreen boughs and red willow and birch branches.  The slough?, well it should have been the woods, but my hubby had already trimmed trees in our yard and put them out by the slough near our farm. So back in the pickup they went to be used for decorations.....best part, he never said a word......you know why don't you......daughter and granddaughter were along on the idea!!!  (I've decided that if I want something done that he would think was kinda crazy, I'll just have them ask him! - works everytime! HAHA!)  Holly actually had the thought to use these items for outdoor decorating and I just jumped on her band wagon to make one too.  I saw one at a store that I really wanted, but......make my own.....hmmmm...

Store version for $$$

Our version - FREE?!?

What do you think of our creation - mostly FREE!  Actually the glittering spirals and lights were purchased, BUT last year on clearance, so I'll say FREE anyway!!   Time with family making these....PRICELESS!

I'll end with our loving thoughts of the upcoming holiday season and that you don't become too busy to enjoy this special time of the year!  (off to wrap presents....)

-Hugs - Julie