Think Spring!

Last week was my Spring Break from school (for those of you that asked - I'm in the tail end of my master's program in Public Administration & Non-Profit Leadership and will be working on my thesis from now until December when I will graduate)  I took full advantage of Spring Break and did a lot of things for myself.  I spent some time at the gym, some time outside, did a little shopping, did a little crafting... but I didn't do very much blogging.  I've missed it, and I've missed you!

The week was topped off with a beautiful weekend at hubby's family's condo on Lake Michigan where we spent a couple of lovely days together, and with friends.  The weather was the nicest it's been since fall... and it was a truly refreshing weekend.

Today it's back to reality with the second half of the semester hitting hard and lots of writing to do this week, and assignments to turn in.  My house is a bit of a disaster, I have countless craft projects to work on, Sunday's Stamp A Stack to prep, and if you could see the amount of laundry I have waiting to be done... well... let's just be glad you can't see that!  : )

So before I jump into the day and see how much catching up I can get done, I'll share with you a couple of things...

Once again, Stampin′ Up! demonstrators and customers have shown what Stampin′ Up! is all about by making a difference in the lives of others. Worldwide, demonstrators sold 13,587 of the stamp sets that were set aside for Haitian relief.  From each of those sales, Stampin′ Up! will donate $2 to the Red Cross’ American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund.  That’s over $27,000 donated to people who desperately need our help.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to the ladies that purchased the I (Heart) Hearts set from me in February.  I am so proud of the donation Stampin' Up! is making to the relief efforts in Haiti.

And here's a quick little set of one layer stamped cards I put together last week using different size flower stamps from the "For All You Do" stamp set.  I used cheery, bright colors, with a little bit of brown thrown in.  These cards remind me of my friend Alison's wedding colors - she used the pink and lime green color scheme and it was beautiful.

 

This one is my favorite! 

That's all from me for today... I hope that you have all had a fantastic weekend and are starting your week's off productively... and with a little sunshine like I am here!  Happy Monday!

Stampin' Up! products used for this set:  "For All You Do" stamp set, Very Vanilla cardstock, Chocolate Chip 5/8 inch grosgrain ribbon, inks in Chocolate Chip, Gable Green and Melon Mambo.

PS)  Want to learn more about me?  Check out my interview over at Maiden Jane today!  I love Jane's blog and her projects (she inspires me to sew more!) and was flattered to do the interview!  So fun!

Week in Review

Each weekend in my Week in Review post I share with you some of my favorite crafty links I've come across during the week, from all over the blogosphere.  I usually post on Saturday's - but I'm heading out of town with my husband and some of our dearest friends this weekend.  I need it!  Hope you enjoy... and happy weekend! 

Wall Calendar at angelina la dawn tomato

Is this not one of the niftiest things you've ever seen?  Using a cookie sheet, no less!

Tootsie Roses by Grieg Wehr via Dabbled

I am super excited to try making these roses out of Tootsie Rolls to top some spring cupcakes!

Photo Tips at Ruffles And Stuff

Disney shares some great tips for photographing craft projects for your blog.  Very helpful!

Coffee Bag Apron at Maiden Jane

I just love this apron... brings back memories of my trip to Brazil in college. 

Crow Collages at Maya Made

I love how Maya had combined collage with stamping for a simple yet bold look.

See you on Monday!

Easter Stamp A Stack

Here's a couple of cards that I've been working on recently.  We'll be doing both of these (plus two others!) at my Stamp A Stack event next week.

This St. Patrick's Day card is a z-fold card featuring the "Go Green" stamp set and Texturz plates for the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.

 

This Easter card features a little bit of everything... the Texturz plates for the Big Shot again, layering with cardstock, some water-coloring with the Aqua Painter, and the super cute "A Good Egg" stamp set.  Very fun!

For those of you that live in Michigan and would like to join us... we'd love to have you!  I currently have three spots left in class.  Here's the info:

Easter Stamp A Stack at Joanne's House (Grand Rapids, MI)

Sunday March 14, 2-4pm

Bring your own adhesive - all other supplies included.

8 cards = $10 / person (2 St. Pats, 6 Easter)

12 cards = $15 / person (4 St. Pats, 8 Easter)

16 cards = $20 / person (6 St. Pats, 10 Easter)

Bring a friend who has never stamped with me before and you both get 1/2 off of the class price!!!

E-mail me at joanneroehm@yahoo.com to get registered.

As with all of my events, I'll be taking orders that night with FREE SHIPPING.

If you'd like more info on any of the products shown above or would like to place a Stampin' Up! order - just head over to my Stampin' Up! website.

Come back tomorrow for some more card ideas - and news about some special Spring promotions!

Sneaks!

I kind of feel like I'm cheating on you!

You see, I've been incredibly crafty all week - I mean seriously, I've been crafting my little heart out over here!  BUT - I can't share with you the fruits of my labor... just these little sneaks...

I've been contracted to write an "Easter Crafts for Kids" article, and I've designed and crafted 12 original projects for it.  Lots of work and lots of fun!  BUT it's not been published online yet... so I can't yet share with you the Easter goodness.  Once it goes live you'll be the first to know about it I swear!

What I can show you though... is this... ('scuse the poor photo quality... all that late night basement crafting you know!)

I'm working on adorning the walls of the craft studio, and this is part of one wall.  Yes - the craft studio re-do is STILL finishing up!  Are you desperate to see it?  I can't wait to show you!

I saw these little bulletin boards over HERE and was excited to run to my local Dollar Tree and pick them up.  Since they're so tiny, I attached them together in groups of three with some ribbon...

Cute, no?  I'm digging them.  Perfect for notes, reminders, project ideas, supply lists, etc.  Lovely!

I've been so busy this week that I've hardly had time to read blogs.  I'm so out of the loop!  So if I usually visit you and haven't this week... or if you've stopped by here for the first time and I haven't responded to your comment... please forgive me!  I'm setting aside a little time this morning to get caught up, that's for sure!

And lastly... several of you have dropped me notes and e-mails lately with projects inspired by tutorials here at "Ready, Set, Craft!"  If you've tried anything I've done, or used one of my projects for a basis of one of your own, would you do me a little favor and send me some pictures?  I would love to share with everyone what you've come up with!

I'll be back tomorrow and back on form with some REAL projects to share.  Until then - Happy Hump Day!  Hope it's as sunny and lovely where you are as it is here!  Could Spring possibly be on its way?

March Cupkins - St. Patrick's Day!

It's the first Monday of the month!  Welcome to the March edition of CUPKINS, a collaboration between Meg at Mega•Crafty and I.  Each month, Meg shares a muffin recipe and I share a cupcake recipe with the same theme.  This month's theme is St. Patrick's Day!

 

Double Chocolate Irish Creme Cupcakes

For this recipe, I started with Martha's one-bowl chocolate cupcake recipe and gave it my own twist to combine two of my favorite things... chocolate and irish creme!

Cupcake Ingredients:  1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup warm water

Frosting Ingredients:  2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, 1 stick butter, 16 oz powdered sugar, 3/4 cup irish creme, 1/2 cup cocoa powder

How To:  Make One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes per Martha's recipe... because she's sweet (you could use any chocolate cupcake recipe... but I like this one because it's extra dark and moist)

Be warned that the batter when ready to pour into liners is very wet... a lot sloppier than most cupcake batters.  Don't be scared... trust Martha!

Once cupcakes are cooled, it's time for frosting fun!

Combine the chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted - add the cocoa and stir until smooth. 

Transfer the chocolate mix into your mixer - and whisk in powedered sugar (gradually) and irish creme.  Add a little more of one or the other if you want your frosting a little more or less moist.  I like a pretty sturdy frosting - easier to pipe!

Pipe some of that deliciousness on to your cupcakes, and garnish with some green sprinkles.  Festive!

Now, hop on over to Meg's by clicking on the Cupkins logo below, and check out her Guinness Spiced Muffins!

And for more delicious Cupkins recipes... click on the Cupkins logo in the sidebar to your right! ---------------------->