Falling for you

This is probably my most favorite time of year. My home is overflowing with autumn and harvest decor; the colors, the smell, the feeling of fall is in the air! Rich oranges, yellows, browns & greens, garlands of leaves and acorns, pumpkins, colored corns,combined with the heavy scent of pumpkin spice in the air... Mulled spices simmering on the stove and every shelf, nook and cranny filled with pumpkins, leaves, acorns and colorful berries just say, "fall is here."

This beautiful fall wreath will add just the right touch of homemade creativity to your autumn decor. Can you just imagine the rich texture and the warm spicy colors nestled on your mantle (or piano...where mine will be) amidst a bed of berries and leaves, acorns and pinecones?



Join me on October 6, at 2:00p.m. and you will be able to not just imagine it, you'll be able to actually see it! $18 RSVP with pre-payment is required. Paypal is available for online payment.

There will be a Christmas wreath class, similar to this lovely fall wreath. If you sign up for both classes, you can take $4 off the cost of both, two classes for $28. Also, if you pre-purchase the Simply Scored scoring tool, you may take 1 class for $12. Contact me for more details.

I hope to see you in The Studio!

The Teacher is in!

Don't worry, I only hand out A+'s and there are no tests! I spent the entire weekend planning some awesome classes for you. I love sharing my passion for paper crafting and it's even more fun when my studio is full of happy, crafty women. Over the years, you've gotten used to my annual Holiday Hoopla classes, but this year I'll be doing things a little differently.

Instead of having 12 classes in 2 weeks, they will spread out all season long. The first class of the holiday season will be in October; I'm spending the next 2 weeks designing all the beautiful samples. The minute I finish a project I'll post the sample here. (EEKS! That means I have to learn how to create a watermark and add that to the photo!)

I'm really looking forward to the collection of classes this year and I really am looking forward to having you join me in The Studio. Check out my classes, posted below, and don't wait to sign up!

(Early Bird registration - sign up for classes before Sept. 25 and receive $1 off registration.)

HOLIDAY HOOPLA 2012 CLASSES
My Paper Antics Studio
offered by Laura Fernsler (artist, designer & instructor)

Sign up a friend new to the Studio, receive $1 off both classes.
Discounts available for taking multiple classes, up to $42!
Bring a friend, save up to $62!

FALL WREATH
You’ll create a wreath from 17 rosettes filled with rich, spicy color, texture and dimension and decorated with shimmery ribbons, twine, buttons and lots of hand-crafted elements. Nestled on your mantle with pumpkins, leaves and acorns or displayed on your wall, this wreath welcomes the fall season with style and creativity.
$18 Oct. 6, 2p-4:30p
• Sign up for the Fall & Christmas wreath classes and take $4 of both classes, both for $28.
• Pre-purchase the Simply Scored tool and take one class for $12. (Equivalent to a 20% discount.)

CHRISTMAS CARDS 1 & 2
Punches, stamping, and die-cutting; glitter glass, shimmer paint, smooch spritz; buttons, brads, rhinestones & pearls – oh my! Imagine the joy and delight of your family and friends when they open one of these lovely cards, hand-crafted with love by YOU! Create 6 cards, with hand-stamped coordinating envelopes.
$14 Oct. 11 and Nov. 1, 7p-9p
• Also sign up for Cards 2 and take $3 off both classes, both for $22.
• Class fee applied to your minimum $25 order. (Only applicable when ordered at class.)
• Additional card kits available $10 each.

HOLIDAY PLANNER
You’ll want to start planning your festivities the second you complete this delightful holiday planner! Filled with the joy and delight of the holiday season, this planner will help keep your gift list, card tracking and menu planning under control; along with pockets for receipts and coupons, you’ll be able to organize all the holiday chaos in one handy place and use it year after year!
$16 Oct. 19, 6:30p-9p

CHRISTMAS ALBUM-in-a-DAY
Filled with glitter, ribbon, buttons & bows, scallops & snowflakes, die-cuts, punches, and stamping; this 8x8 album is so festive and sparkly, you’ll want to display it all year long! You’ll complete an entire album in this class, all you’ll need to do is add your photos and a little journaling! No photos necessary. Album and all supplies included.
$40, Oct. 27, 10:00a-3:30p.
(There is a 30-min. break for lunch; bring your own or provided for $6.)

ADVENT CALENDAR
Create an incredible 3-D Christmas countdown calendar that will be a part of your holiday décor for years to come. This festive interactive calendar is filled with embellishments and delightful images behind the peek-a-boo doors.
$28, includes 12x12 decorated frame. Nov. 10, 10:30a-2:30p
(There is a 30-min. break for lunch; bring your own or provided for $6.)

CHRISTMAS WREATH
You’ll have yourself a merry little Christmas with this beautiful wreath created from shimmery rosettes decorated in cheery reds and greens, sparkly tulle, rhinestones, buttons and ribbons galore. Nestled on your mantle amidst pine boughs & berries, this festive holiday wreath will fill your home with Christmas cheer all season long.
$18 Nov. 29, 6:30p-9:00p
• Sign up for the Fall & Christmas wreath classes and take $4 of both classes, both for $28.
• Pre-purchase the Simply Scored tool and take one class for $12. (Equivalent to a 20% discount.)

KIDS CHRISTMAS CARDS
Bring your little elves to Santa’s workshop where they’ll create 6 cute and easy, fun and festive Christmas cards. Must be 8 years old and able to work independently.
$10 Dec. 1, 10a-12p
• Sign up 2 kids $8 each; sign up 3 kids $7 each.

ORNAMENTS
An annual favorite and just as fun and beautiful this year as before! You’ll create 6 glittery and festive ornaments that will shimmer, glimmer and delight as they reflect off the Christmas tree lights. Ideal for gifts, especially when presented in a lovely hand-crafted coordinating gift box. (On display and available to purchase at class.)
$15 Dec. 1, 2p-4p

HOLIDAY GIFT TAGS
Gift giving is all about the wrapping for me. In this class you’ll create 16 gift tags, all hand-crafted and full of Christmas bling, glitz and glam!
$12 Dec. 6, 7p-9p
• Additional kits available $8 each.

HOLIDAY BLITZ
Start your holiday season off with a festive fun-filled day creating holiday cheer! Molasses cookies, hot chocolate and spicy apple cider will just make your holiday craft blitz even more festive! Take one class, two or all three, and go home with a sleigh full of Christmas cheer that you will enjoy sharing with your friends and family as much as you did creating it! $25 Dec. 8
1. Tags 9:30a-11:30a $10 Create 12 holiday tags. (See description above.)
2. Gifts 12:30p-02:30p $12 Create 3 gift projects filled with holiday treats.
3. Cards 3:00p-05:00p $12 Create 6 Christmas cards. (See description above.)
• Take 1 class, pay the full class fee; take 2 classes, $2 off each class; take all 3, $3 off each class.
• There is a 30 minute break for lunch; bring your own or provided for $6.
• Light snacks will be provided between classes, for those who take 2 classes together.

CLASS DISCOUNTS
Individual classes may have discounts; see each class for specific details.
Some classes may have specific discounts; a combo discount may override the specific class discount.
• Take 1-3 classes, full price. (Individual class discounts do apply.)
• Take 4-6 classes, receive 10% discount off total class cost.
• Take 7-8 classes, receive 15% discount off total class cost.
• Take all classes, receive 20% discount off total class cost.
• Combo discounts do not apply to Kids Card Class.
• Apply a $12 credit toward a minimum $25 order placed at the class. (This credit may be received each class, if a qualifying order is placed at each class.)

MY PAPER ANTICS STUDIO
CLASS POLICIES

PRIVATE CLASSES
• Private sessions of above listed classes may be scheduled.
• Must have minimum of 4 attending.
• Private classes may be held in The Studio or a location of your choice.

RSVP’s & FEES
• RSVP is required.
• Pre-payment is required, no exceptions.
(All supplies are purchased and kits prepared before the class.)
• Paypal is available for online payment. (fernsler@bellsouth.net)
• Class fees may be credited toward a minimum $25 purchase placed at the class.
(Some exceptions may apply, see each class for specific details.)
• Additional discounts may be applied. (See each class for specific details.)
• Class space may be held for 48 hours, at which time payment is required.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
• Cancellations with full refund are allowed up to 10 days in advance.
(Product must be purchased in advance to prepare your kit.)
• Partial refund is available with a 48 hour cancellation notice.
• If you cannot make the class, your kit will be available 24 hours after the class. I am prohibited by SU to pre-stamp your images. (You may arrange studio time to complete your project; personal assistance is available for a $10 fee.)

DOWNLINE ATTENDANCE
• My personal downline may take individual classes for $2 less than listed price.
• Class combination discounts may be used, but downline discounts will not apply.

Please remember, this is a small business. As with any retail location where you sign up for classes or services, my policies and procedures must be upheld, in consideration of other students and for the success of my business.

Small Blessings

Sometimes it's just the little things.

The smell of harvest spice; seeing the sparkly pumpkins, leaves and acorns tucked on shelves and in corners; cool weather; Celtic music quietly playing in the background, a song in my heart, a Psalm in my hands, a steaming cup of coffee...

It's good to be thankful. Sometimes we get caught up in feeling like we need to be thankful for the BIG things....health, well-being, a home, a job, healthy children....all of which are most definitely blessings. We ought always to be thankful for the blessings we so often take for granted.

But for today, I want to be thankful for the little things. As I sit here in my rocker, spending a few minutes in meditation, enveloped in the warmth and coziness of my home, I am simply thankful.

SQUEEEEEAL!!!!

I'm so excited! Well, I'm always excited about something, but this I am REALLY excited about! My blog is going to be redesigned by a PROFESSIONAL! Yeah, that's something I'm NOT! It will take awhile, there is always a waiting list, but I'm in line! I'm so happy and I can't wait to see how it all comes together.

There will be all kinds of links with all the important blah blah that a good crafting blog should have, all the links to catalogs and minis and publications from Stampin' Up! will be available and lots of other fun stuff. Most exciting for me....it will be custom designed! YAY for me!

So hang tight, all of my 9 followers. hahaha I know there will be more, I'm determined to have a blog that you will want to read the very minute you wake up! You know you do that....wake up, get your coffee and check out your favorite blogs....I do it too! Anyway, in a few months time, this blog will be so rockin' awesome...I can't wait!

Today, I am out in the yard. Of course, it's 95 degrees today, but I just have stuff that HAS to be done, so there is no fancy paper crafting today. There is WAY too much work to do outside. My 2 gorgeous pottery planters were blown over in some random wind storm while I was gone to Denver....they both broke. I'm trying to find some equally gorgeous planters to replace them with, but the selection is pretty grim this late in the year...at least here in Wichita.

I hope you're getting creative today!

Stampin' Up! events ALWAYS rock!

This weekend was the most fun EVER! Well, anytime spent at a Stampin' Up! is the best time ever! This weekend was no exception. We had a wonderful time seeing old friends and making new ones, laughing, staying up late, eating yummy food and what would a Stampin' Up! event be without swapping and stamping...LOTS and LOTS of stamping!

If you know me, then you know when I left for Denver I was NOT done with my swaps! That's a rule. Laura cannot attend a stamping event without being behind! My friends will think I'd been replaced with a clone if I ever come to an event ready for swapping! So, if I'm going to an event, you can count on me (and my poor, wonderful, awesome, silly friends) spending a LOT of time finishing up at the very last possible minute.

I can't post pictures right now, but by this evening I hope to remedy that. This new laptop does not have a spot (I don't know what it's really called) to plug my camera card in to download, so I must get a cable or something so I can do that. But...I will post pictures of all the gorgeous swaps I traded for in Denver.

My dear friend, Barbara Welch met me in Denver on Thursday. Of course, you know we spent the next few days laughing, shopping and stamping in our hotel room. OH MY WORD, was it the most scrumpshy hotel EVER! I think every Stampin' Up! demonstrator needs to stay at Embassy Suites. Period. (If you've ever worked on swaps in a cramped hotel room, sitting on the edge of your bed with the lid from a toilet tank as your work space....you'd know what I'm talking about!) There were TWO comfy office chairs and HUGE table with a 2-shelf ledge next to it where we stashed ALL of our stuff! This room was meant for working on swaps! DIVINE!!!!

And the DELISHUS breakfast buffet!!!!! I had a made-to-order omelette every morning, a huge pile of crispy bacon (yes, I said huge pile) and a plateful of juicy cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon. On our 2nd day, the chef greeted me with, "Ham & egg today?" Seriously? He remembered? I guess we made an impression on the hotel staff...we were presented with a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries our last morning there! Awwww, what a divine week of pampering! I guess they couldn't help but be dazzled by our beauty and sparkling personalities...nearly everyone else there were Steelers fans in town for the big Broncos/Steelers game. We were just about the only 2 who weren't dressed in yellow & black, shouting "GO STEELERS" all the time!

I'll post more about the event over the next day or two. First, I must run some errands, do some laundry and take a look at my gardens. I'm a little scared to do that, as my husband is not the best at taking care of my precious flower beds when I'm away. (I think he does it on purpose to keep me home.)

For those of you who are currently sitting in your chair with your mouth hanging open or on the phone to a girlfriend telling her she "is NOT going to believe this.....Laura posted on her blog!" just relax! I have made a vow to myself - again - that I will, really and truly, will start blogging! I just have to do it. Scared to, intimidated by it, crying cuz I can't get a picture to load or a link to work (hahaha, like I even know how to do that!)...I WILL DO THIS! Starting today....you can expect 3 or 4 blog posts a week, at least. As soon as I really do get the hang of it, I will begin to load pictures and hopefully even someday have tutorials and albums and....well, you know, all the fun stuff you want to see!

So, stay tuned and.....every now and then give me a little encouragement. This is really, really, really, really, really a big step for me! In the meantime, I'm going to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and then go out to buy a cable so I can load pictures. See you tomorrow!

It's All About YOU!

Hello to my All About Her Expo visitors, I see you stopped by to check out my blog. If you're here I know you came by our booth and I'd like to say thank for coming in and visiting with us for awhile. I'm giving away a little stampin' gift next weekend to one lucky All About Her Expo visitor who leaves a comment for me. I'll be drawing a name Sunday evening, one week from tomorrow, so be sure to comment and let me know how I can reach you. I just read all my previous posts and I'm laughing at myself because each one says something like this: "So, I've resolved to really start blogging." and then several months or....even a year later, "Now I'm REALLY going to start blogging." Seriously? That's just pathetic. Well, THIS time it really is going to happen. Why is it different this time than the other times? Because YOU didn't know about it! Now that I've printed my blog address on a thousand business cards and been giving one to every one I meet...well, I've got to give you something to look at. Since YOU are inspiring ME to create this blog....I'm going to give you a little something to get you inspired in your craft room. So, next weekend, one lucky All About Her Expo visitor who leaves a comment for me will receive a little stampin' gift. I'll be drawing a name Sunday evening, May 6, so be sure to let me know how I can reach you. I hope you enjoyed your day at the All About Her Expo and I want you to know that when you come into MY PAPER ANTICS STUDIO, it really is all about you! Happy scrappin' Laura

Welcome to the NEW My Paper Antics

Well, here we go again! This year I have resolved to get down to business, get serious and get over my fear of blogging! So, the next few days and weeks I'm going to figure this out, this whole blog thing. My friends know how intimidated I am by computer technology. It's irrational, sort of stupid and totally ridiculous that I cannot get it together! So, hopefully this is the last day for that nonsense!

I plan to post several times a week, I want to load up with lots of samples, creativity, and inspiration. My goal is to inspire you, to share with you the joy I find in my studio. This week I'll be busy learning how to dress up my blog, add pictures and links and get this blog where I want it to be.

In the meantime, I hope you're finding joy in your passion! Have a creative week!