Goodbye to 2010, reflections and of course some links

Welcome to the last post of 2010.  Was thinking this morning that the year went by way to fast, too many things still left on the list (that were going to be done last January), and reflecting on the upcoming year with all the possibilities that are yet to be realized.

I hope you had a most wonderful holiday with your family and friends.  We enjoyed lots of family, great food and are exhausted!  Am off of work this week (took four days off and get 11 days off in a row : ), but so far have not done much (though I actually made a card yesterday!).  Made a trip to Michaels and bought a new OTT light for my work area (thanks to the Gift Cards in my purse), also bought two Hero Arts stamps (I do love their stamps),  and managed to put away most of the dishes and such from Christmas dinner.

Here are a few pictures for you, starting with my 83 year young Mom:

From 2010-12-26

Here is my brother preparing his award winning appetizers for us on Christmas day:

From 2010-12-26

And here is my hubby (on the left) and his brother right after they "found" their Christmas gift (we made them go on a treasure hunt to find the final gift, a trip to spring training to see their World Series Champion Giants):

From 2010-12-26

You are the reason that I continue this blog, thank you so very much for visiting, posting, sending me emails and for all the support you have given me over the years.  It is hard to believe that AfterHoursStamper has been around for almost three years now (May will mark the third year)!  Yes, three years!  Again, thank you for your continued support, it means the world to me.

This year is shaping up to be pretty exciting!  I will be teaching a scrapbook class at Michaels, and hopefully will also be able to branch out and teach a card class there as well.  Am also working on setting up some small sized classes for Copic coloring, will provide details soon.

Now onto some crafting links/thoughts : )

First of all, the new Hero Arts catalog is FINALLY available online, here is the link and watch your pocket book because there are piles of stamps in there that you are going to want.  And don't forget to visit the Hero Arts blog, so much talent there, just amazing work that will give you all sorts of inspiration and ideas.

One Sheet Wonder:  Here is a nice template for the OSW technique.  I really need to try this so that I have a "group" of cards ready for any occasion.

2011 Winter CHA:  Yes, it is coming up soon!  The link I posted takes you to a blog with some links to other blogs, but make sure you visit the official CHA website as the event gets closer (I will be linking to their updated sneak peeks as they get posted.)  Here is a link for featured designers at the show, and you can click around the link for more show information.

Basic Craft Supplies:  interesting site with some good bargains on craft supplies.

Blade Rubber Stamps: LOVED all the tutorials on this blog!  You are going to find video after video for all sorts of techniques, so sit back, grab a cup of tea/coffee and enjoy.

There She Goes:  Really cute stamps here, and some good sale prices right now too!

Pillow Box Tutorial:  This link has a download for both a small and larger sized pillow box, very good tutorial and a way to get started on yet another holiday: Valentines Day!

Sales:   LOTS of sales right now, here are a few places to get you started:

1. Alota Rubber Stamps
2. House Mouse
3. Stampin Place
4. Splitcoast Stampers Shop Hop (some GREAT deals at the member companies)
5. A Cherry on Top:  Buy two Martha Stewart punches, get one free (and their prices are pretty good!)
6. More sales:  A post on SCS lists a number of other companies that are having year end sales.

Version 2 of the Cuttlebug:  Looks interesting, and this is a good price for the machine (which includes embossing folders), it appears the new machine does not use the "C" plate and the handle can be folded into the machine for easier storage.

12 New Copic Colors:  Sketch pens, coming in March.  To see the colors, go to the link, then to the Sketch Markers, and then scroll through the colors, the new colors will have a "notify me" black button on the left.  Pretty cool colors too!

That is all for 2010 my dear friends, am looking forward to sharing 2011 with you and our passions for paper crafting.