Gumdrop Cookies

My favorite holiday cookie recipe is GUMDROP COOKIES and I wanted to share it with you today! This recipe was given to me by my cousin Sharla when we were in High School and until they are baked, my holidays really haven't begun :)

 Recipe:

1 c. shortening

3/4 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

2 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

2 c. quick oats

1 c. coconut

1 c. gumdrops, diced

Cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until creamy. Sift & add dry ingredients. Add oats and coconut and diced gumdrops. This is the stickiest part of the recipe...I use my kitchen shears to cut up the gumdrops, but I have to stop and clean the scissors occasionally. You'll notice there are NO black gumdrops in my bowl. I have a bunch left if anyone wants to drop by and eat the nasty things for me. If you hurry, I'll give you a cookie, too!

Roll dough into balls and place on greased cookie sheet (press balls flat if you like crunchier cookies...I like them chewy, so I don't press them down)

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Then you can set them out for Santa on Christmas Eve (or eat them for breakfast because they do have oatmeal in them, after all...)

 I stamped the plate years ago at one of my stamp camps! Isn't it cute? Santa loves gumdrop cookies :)

But I wish he'd send the elves over to clean up after me...

12 Days of Holiday Sales

Buy the present you *really* want during the 12 Days of Holiday Sales featuring Big Shot products ~ your spouse will thank you for saving them the trouble! Click here to visit my website, then push the "Shop Now" button :)

Joy...clean and simple

I followed this Clean & Simple layout pretty faithfully...
q

Supplies by Stampin' Up!: Very Vanilla and Old Olive card stock, Real Red craft ink, clear embossing powder, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper, Delightful Decorations stamp set, Ornament and 1 3/4" circle punches, Gold elastic cord, Read Red polka dot grosgrain ribbon

Do You Have Room?

A beautiful Christmas Message/Music for you today:

Dasher: FTL70

Finally got new batteries for my camera and I'm back with another Fall-to Layout by Clean & Simple! Here is FTL #70 Sketch:

and here is my version using the Dasher stamp (the most popular Stampin' Up! stamp right now!):

Supplies by Stampin' Up!: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Old Olive card stock, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip craft ink, Real Red classic ink, Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Dasher stamp and Old Olive taffeta ribbon.

Online Extravaganza!

Why stand in long lines this weekend when some of Stampin' Up!'s BEST products are on sale for up to 50% off through November 30th? VISIT MY WEBSITE and click on "Shop Now" to discover unique gifts and spectacular bargains during the Online Extravaganza!

Item	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
120280	Framed with Love Bundle Framed with Love stamp set Full Heart punch	$43.90	$21.95
120281	Thank You Kindly Bundle Thank You Kindly stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120976	Thank You Kindly Bundle (French) Tous mes remerciements stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120282	Animal Crackers Bundle Animal Crackers stamp set Star Designer brads	$25.90	$12.95
120283	Corduroy Button Bundle Kraft Corduroy buttons Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons Summer Sun Corduroy buttons Basic Gray Corduroy buttons Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$49.75	$24.88
120284	Game Night Bundle Card Games stamp set Game Night stamp set	$40.90	$20.45
120285	Four Square Bundle Four Square stamp set Scallop Square punch	$30.90	$15.45
120286	Heart to Heart Bundle Love You Much stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120310	Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish) Te Quiero Mucho stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120311	Heart to Heart Bundle (French) J't'aime beaucoup stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120287	Chipboard Letter Bundle On Board Timeless Type On Board Loads of Letters	$25.90	$12.95
120288	Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$17.90	$10.74
120289	Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle* Best Wishes & More stamp set Eight Great Greetings stamp set On a Pedestal stamp set Earth Elements Stampin' Spots Classic Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Flower Designer brads	$127.70	$76.62
120290	Build-A-Brad Bundle Calendar Alphabet stamp set Pewter Build-A-Brad Antique Brass Build-A-Brad	$40.85	$24.51
120291	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle Enjoy Every Moment stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120312	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French) Profiter de chaque instant stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120292	Cheep Talk Bundle Cheep Talk stamp set Note cards Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons	$42.85	$25.71
120293	Sock Monkey Bundle Sock Monkey stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120313	Sock Monkey Bundle (French) Sing-chaussette stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120294	Alphabet Bundle Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set Lovely Letters stamp set	$87.90	$52.74
120295	Simply Said Bundle Simply Said stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120314	Simply Said Bundle (French) Amitié stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120296	On Board Bundle On Board So Tweet On Board Batch of Blooms On Board Essentials	$42.85	$25.71
120927	Christmas Décor Bundle #1 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120298	Christmas Décor Bundle #2 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120299	Christmas Décor Bundle #3 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120300	For All You Do Bundle For All You Do stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120315	For All You Do Bundle (French) Merci pour tout stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120316	For All You Do Bundle (Spanish) Por todo lo que haces stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120301	Striped Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$47.73	$33.41
120302	Bling Bundle Sticky Pages Sticky Cuts Sweet Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter	$43.80	$30.66
120303	Fresh-Cut Bundle Fresh Cuts stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120317	Fresh-Cut Bundle (French) Fraicheur exuise stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120304	Pendant Note Bundle Pendant Park stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120318	Pendant Note Bundle (French) Adorable parc stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120319	Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish) Un dia en el parque stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120305	Sporting Bundle #1 Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120306	Sporting Bundle #2 Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120307	Sporting Bundle #3 Large Black Sporting Décor Elements Black Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
114864	Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114863	Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
112534	5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$7.95	$5.57
112533	5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$6.95	$4.87
112081	Scallop Square punch	$15.95	$11.17
113693	Full Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
113694	Heart to Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
112091	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$11.17
112571	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112579	Flower Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112572	Star Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
114785	Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114786	Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$69.95	$48.97
114791	Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114792	Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$64.95	$45.47

  *This bundle is only available while supplies last.

Remember, this fantastic sale ENDS NOVEMBER 30th, so head on over to my website and click "Shop Now" in the top right corner for a great deal!

Holiday Helper

 

http://www.craftyperson.com/sun/LoniSpendlove/

It’s beginning to look a lot like the Holidays. Let’s face it, the holidays seem to appear earlier every year. They also have the uncanny knack of showing up when we are at our busiest. We have holiday gatherings and parties. We have places to go with the kids. Presents that need to be bought. So many things that just have to be done.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have creative ideas delivered to your inbox? 12 days full of great holiday help. These ideas will cover gift giving, decorating and card making. They will be packed full of inspiring ideas. Just when you need the inspiration and the ease of great projects I'm available to you, ready to help you though the busiest time of the year.

The holidays are a time of sparkle and wonder. Handmade gifts and decorating add to that in a way that is uniquely your own. Having inspiration for great projects, that are simple and easy to do, can be a jumping off point that will spark your creativity. Adding that little bit of your own personal touches to decoration, cards and gifts really does show that you care enough to go that extra step.

Sign up for the 12-day Holiday Helper. Set to be delivered to your inbox every morning beginning the day you sign up! Sign up HERE and I'll help you add that sparkle and glitter to your Holidays!

I Love Lunch, Too

It's no secret I love LUNCH (and Breakfast, Dinner and a good midnight snack) AND I love Improv Everywhere (you may have seen them here before). This latest mission includes a cameo performance by Ann Curry of the Today Show and will bring a smile to your day!


I'll be getting back to stamping once I get new batteries for my camera, meanwhile, enjoy your lunch!

Christmas Card Class

Let me make your holiday correspondence simple and fun: You can create these cards in the wink of Santa's Eye at the "Jingle All The Way" Christmas Card Class

Saturday, November 14th, 7 p.m. 

Lion's Head Clubhouse, Washington, UT

or

Saturday, November 21, 7 p.m.

Down Spendlove Lane, Spanish Fork, UT

Christmas Jingle Cards: 16 cards in a "jingle" from a Simply Scrappin' Kit $20 (second set just $15)

AND/OR

Dasher Cards: Create 10 cards~includes Dasher (reindeer) stamp! $20 (second set only $10)

BONUS: Retired stamp sets available to purchase 20%-50% off!

*Bring: Scissors, SNAIL adhesive, paper trimmer and bone folder (optional). Registration required 5 days before event.

My Digital Studio: Christmas Card

Sharing my first card that I created in the new "My Digital Studio" (MDS) software from Stampin' Up! This is a great solution to all your digital crafting needs: You can create Scrapbook Pages, Bound Scrapbooks, Calendars, Multimedia Programs AND cards with MDS! You can incorporate photos, videos, Stampin' Up! images/accessories/paper/embellishments, music and even link to web pages (on the multimedia side of the software). I'm working on getting "certified" to be able to show you more. I'll try to share more as I play with it :)

Party Time

It's the final opportunity to take advantage of the Deals of the Week and it's time to PARTY!

Our Party Kits take the stage this week: Both Princess and Pirate Party Kits, regularly $15.95 are on sale for just $9.99! Each kit includes invitations, decorations, party favors and treat toppers for 8 guests. This deal is only available through October 31st.

AND each kit co-ordinates with a stamp set (Princess Time and Party Time) that would compliment the scrapbook pages you create of the memorable event and could be used for an activity during the party, too. Don't miss the personalized stamps for your little princess or pirate, too!

Visit my website to place an order (click "shop now") or give me a call: 801-376-8685

Inspire: FTL64

I love a challenge, especially a "simple" one :) See the Clean & Simple Fall-to Layout #64 sketch:

I wanted to use this Big Shot Die on something, so here is my version (sideways) of the sketch:

Supplies (by Stampin' Up!): Very Vanilla, Rose Red and Old Olive card stock, Bird with Leaves & Flower Die, Big Shot, Thoroughly Modern  Designer Series Paper, Charming Stamp Set, En Francais background stamp, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive ink, Two-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Mini Library clip (on sale this week only!)

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Every lady know that a great accessory makes an outfit something special...and the same is true for paper crafting! There is no better time to get your hands on these "accessories" for all your card crafting needs as they are the deals of the week from October 19-25th:

1/2" Library Clips: Regularly $6.95, DEAL: $3.99 

Circle Designer Brads: Regularly $5.95, DEAL: $3.99

Mini Library Clips: Regularly $12.95, DEAL: $8.99

Basic Jumbo Grommets: Regularly $6.95, DEAL: $4.49!

You can order on my website (click shop now) or call me and I can add it to one of my orders going in this week: 801-376-8685!

The Fun Theory

Borrowed this gem from my sister's blog this morning: Pure Genius on the part of Volkswagen!

It's the Tom Sawyer mentality: Make a chore (painting the fence) fun and everyone wants to do it!
How do you make everyday events or chores FUN? Do you whistle while you work? Play the matching game when folding socks? Dance while you vacuum? Post your ideas in the comments, please!

Fall-to Layout 63: Happy Holidays

Here is the Clean & Simple Fall-to Layout #63 sketch:

And here is my version for the holidays:

Recipe (all supplies from Stampin' Up!): Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Very Vanilla & Garden Green card stock/ink, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper, Happy Everything stamp set, Square Rhinestone Brad.

Deals to "Die" For!

A deal to "Die" for! From October 12th through 18th, save BIG on these dies for the Big Shot!

Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die
Regular Price: $42.95
DEAL: $25.99

Flower Burst Embosslit Die
Regular Price: $11.95
DEAL: $5.99

Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die
Regular Price: $39.95
DEAL: $25.49







To take advantage of these DEALS, call me (801)376-8685 or place an order on my website (click the "Shop Now" button) by October 18th!

Holiday Stamp Camp Sneak Peek #3

Another peek at one of the exciting projects you'll be creating at the Handmade for the Holidays Stamp Camp! This is a Christmas Decor item and you'll love the possibilities for decorating using our Decor Elements vinyl line.

It's not too late to attend the stamp camp this Saturday in St. George! Call 801-376-8685 to register for Oct. 10 (St. George) or Oct. 24 (Spanish Fork) and remember, Friends don't let friends stamp alone...so bring a friend and come "get your Jingle on!"

SEW, SEW CUTE!

My parents owned a Stretch & Sew store in San Jose when I was a small girl. One of my earliest "chores" was to pick up and sort by color the spools of thread my baby sister (Mindi) would pull to the floor by the dozens. My mom sewed all our clothes and we two little girls were often dressed in matching outfits, or better yet, the WHOLE FAMILY would be the beneficiaries of mother's mad sewing skills (see Exhibit A). Don't be jealous if your parents weren't as cool as mine, or your outfits as fashionable (it was the 70's, after all)...

Despite her best attempts, I never learned much more about sewing than how to attach a button or how to hem a pair of pants. If something needed to be sewn, I just took it to mom.

Now my mother-in-law is a quilter, and a pretty creative one, at that! I enjoy sitting around the quilting frames with her, but I'm not as fast, nor are my stitches as even as hers. Cody even made me a set of quilting frames (nice guy), but they haven't seen much action...yet.

Then it occurs to me: It is ironic that my Stampin' Up! group is named "Stitched Stampers", but I let my demonstrator family vote on it years ago, and there you have it.

What I'm trying to say is this: I have a LOT to live up to! (Exhibit B...taken at Stampin' Up! home offices in August)

So I'm giving it my best shot...or should I say, my "Big Shot"?!

I attended a quilting class taught by Jill Olsen last month on how to use the Sizzix Big Shot for Stampin' Up! as a tool for quilting, and was captivated by the possibilities: The Big Shot can cut up to 8 layers of fabric at a time and makes cutting scallop circles a cinch! Which led to my FIRST scallop circle quilt (but certainly not my last!) Exhibit C:

Isn't that totally cool?? I must give my Launa (my mother-in-law) a huge THANK YOU for holding my hand as I worked on this quilt, and to my mom Lana for insisting that I learn how to sew a straight line (and I'm getting better at sewing circles, too)! Here's a closer look at the scallop circles...we washed it to make it look "shabby chic" and that helped cover my drunk circle sewing :D

You haven't seen the last of my quilting endeavors, folks. Prepare yourself to be amazed!

Another Testament of Christ

Holiday Stamp Camp Sneak Peek #2

Another "sneak peek" at one of the projects we'll be making at the Holiday Stamp Camp! Why, you may ask, am I just showing a part of the project? I'll answer a question with a question: "Why do they just give you a small sample at the grocery store?"

I can promise you'll leave the Holiday Stamp Camp as stuffed with creative ideas for the holidays as though you had just eaten Thanksgiving dinner (not to mention just as satisfied)!

Handmade for the Holidays Stamp Camp includes 7 projects and lunch for $45:

Saturday, October 10th
Washington, Utah
10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.

Register by October 5

Saturday, October 24th
Spanish Fork, Utah
10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.

Register by October 19

Add $5 if registering after the deadline. To register, call 801-376-8685 or e-mail loni@sfcn.org

Clearance Rack Now Open!

Check out the Clearance Rack by visiting my Stampin' Up! website, click on "Shop Now" and enter the "Clearance Rack" for great savings on things like Felt Flurries (Right), Designer Series Paper and Alpine Ribbon (Left). ONLY available online!

My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!

Available to order on October 1st on my website!

Goblin Greetings/FTL 61

Here is the Fall-to Layout #61 from Clean & Simple:And here is my Goblin Greeting!
Card Recipe (all supplies from Stampin' Up!, naturally!): Stamp Sets: Batty for You and Grateful Greetings, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White and Basic Black card stock/ink, Night & Day Designer Series Paper, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, 1" and 1 3/8" circle and scallop circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals. Want to order the supplies used for this project? Visit my Stampin' Up! Website and click on "Order Now"!

"Inside the Box" Scrapbooking

Today's "sneak peek" is from the fun, quirky, and totally cool scrapbooking class coming up on Wednesday, September 30th in LaVerkin, UT:Think "inside the box" with us as you create this Home & Family accordion album in a tin AND a 12x12 scrapbook page disguised as a gift box! BONUS: We'll be showing you the Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio software that will be available the next day (Oct. 1) to order...making scrapbooking, calendar creating and even custom cards simply sensational!!

Class Cost: $10
Register: (801)376-8685 or loni@sfcn.org
Bring: Scissors, adhesive & paper trimmer

More Holiday Stamp Camp sneak peeks coming next week :)

We've Come So Far...

...but there's still so far to go!! As explained in this post, our family has a goal to raise $1,000 for the Walk to Cure Diabetes for our son, Kayson and nephew, Greg (see their cute little picture in the right sidebar? Awww...don't let their innocent faces fool you!)
The walk is THIS SATURDAY (September 26th) in Orem, UT and we are grateful to everyone who has donated so far: We are just over $400, which is almost half-way to our goal! The economy is rough, so we appreciate every donation of any amount. With diabetes spreading so quickly, you never know when this research may directly benefit you and your family, so if you feel inclined to skip a movie this weekend in exchange for donating to a fantastic cause, you can smile knowing that your donation will help get us all closer to a world free of diabetes!

To donate online, click here

Thank you (from the bottom of our pancreas)!

Holiday Stamp Camp Sneak Peek

Make your holidays hip, happy (and handmade) this year by starting them off at one of my Holiday Stamp Camps!

Saturday, October 10th
Washington, Utah
10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.

Saturday, October 24th
Spanish Fork, Utah
10 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.

From Greeting Cards and Gifts to Home Decor, you will be inspired to create beautiful projects celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, including a Holiday Planner to help keep you as organized as Santa, himself!

Cost: $45 includes 7 projects and lunch. Registration due one week before event or add $5 for late registration, if space available :) To register, send paypal payment to loni@sfcn.org or call 801-376-8685.

Bring SNAIL adhesive, scissors and your camera for all the samples on display. Paper trimmer and bone folder, optional (but handy). All other materials provided.

Here is the first "sneak peek" and check back on Friday for another!

Sing a song of Halloween,

What a scary night,

Ghosts and bats and big black cats,

Give us all a fright!

Be Yourself

Here is the Clean & Simple Fall-to-Layout #60:And here is my version:"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." ~ Judy Garland.

Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19

Avast, ye scurvy knaves! 'Tis the day of pirate-ish speech, it is! Thus it be I feel compelled to be sharing this with ye:Should it be that ye be hankerin' to make one of yer' own, this be made with the Big Shot top note die...but of course I'd be happy to teach all ye land-lubbers how to secure the riggin's should ye be callin' me for a cruise on the bounty main (translation: book a workshop in October and I'll bring this sample to show you).

Wouldn't that be a marvelous thing to be sharin' with all the little rugrats who come a--knockin' at yer door on the 31st of October? Or perhaps ye be wishin' to hang 'em high (the candy, that is, not the kids) on the door of yer neighbor afore they be beggin' ye for one. A pre-emptive strike...that be the best way to be usin' yer noggin!

Hello There: FTL #59

I am enjoying the layouts from Clean & Simple Stamping! I actually dreamed about this card last night, only to wake up and read about my sweet little whistler niece Mia in this post. The serendipity continues as Kam just bought a parakeet and named him "King Julian" (a character from the movie Madagascar 2) because his goal is to "...become a professional whistler." This one is for my little songbirds (and almost as cute as the real things)!

Recipe (Stampin' Up!, of course!): Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo and Whisper White card stock and ink pads, Bermuda Bay polka dot grosgrain, Cheep Talk stamp set.