Stacey Stamps

Autumn Days In Color Card

My friend Wanda brought this card to a demo shoebox swap the past week. It was a stunning card and easy to make.

This card features the new stamp set Autumn Days (115452 $23.95). The card base is kraft cardstock with Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper layered on top of it. The wheat is stamped with Crushed Curry ink and the seeds are stamped with Crushed Curry ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock. This is layered on top of Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry Textured Cardstock. Did you know that you can get an assortment of Textured In Color Cardstock in 8 1/2" x 11". Isn't that great for cardmakers!

Kraft corduroy buttons finish off the project (tied with linen thread).The peacock is stamped with Bermuda Bay ink on Kraft cardstock. We then cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals. "Birthday Wishes" (from Sincere Salutations) is stamped with Dusty Durango ink on Very Vanilla cardstock punched out with the scallop oval punch layered on top of a large oval punch of Dusty Durango cardstock. This is adhered to the top of the card.

This is a very versatile stamp set that is great for Fall, Holiday, or masculine occasions. I predict that you will see many more cards made with this set right here so be sure and check back!

To order Stampin Up 24/7 click here.

Deal of the Week - Square Fire Rhinestone Brads

  

Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! will offer one discounted product as a "Deal of the Week."  No limits and no minimum purchase required. 

This Weeks Deal:

Make your projects sparkle with Square Fire Rhinestone brads. And from July 13-19, get Square Fire Rhinestone brads for $6.99. That's over 35% off the regular price of $10.95.

Fire Square Rhinestone Brad (item #109112) There are approximately 80 brads 4 colors in 2 different sizes in the following colors: pink, red, pumpkin and yellow. These coordinate wonderfully with SU's exclusive colors. These will be great for your holiday projects and also coordinate well with the new in colors.

Remember this Deal is only good for a limited time. Call or email me to place your order or place it directly online.

To order Stampin Up projects 24/7 click here.

Quilt Card

Wow this is a great card that my friend Carol showed me how to make. It looks difficult but it is really easy!

To make this card all you need is 12-1" squares of your favorite designer series paper. (Can you say - I have scraps and was going to throw them away and viola now they are a card.) The base of the quilt is a 3" high x 4" wide pieces of cardstock. I used Whisper White. If you use colored cardstock make sure it matches your card base or use ink to ink the edges of the cardstock when you are finished with your "quilt". Line up the 1 inch squares on your 3" x 4" card base (3 high and 4 across). Just use your snail adhesive to tape the squares "butted up" right next to each other. Then you will run that completed "quilt base" through your Big Shot using the Top Note Die.

I used Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper for my quilt paper. The card base is Rich Razzleberry cardstock layered on top of Melon Mambo cardstock. Rose Red Grosgrain ribbon is tied around the quilt. I stamped Oval All in Rich Razzleberry ink on Whisper White cardstock punched out with the large oval punch layered on top of Dusty Durango cardstock punched out with the Scallop Oval punch.

What a great way to use up all of your scraps!

The Oval All stamp set fits right inside the Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches. And it has sentiments for many different occassions.

To order Stampin Up products online 24/7 click here.

 

Win a Free Exclusive Big Shot Die Pack from the new catalog!!!

Stampin’ Up! just released the 2009-10 Idea Book & Catalog and it’s loaded with new products that every stamper must have. As part of the Summer Fun celebration, Stampin Addicts is holding a blog contest during the month of July-- giving away a Big Shot die pack made up of 5 new exclusive Stampin’ Up! dies. Stampin Addicts dot com has tons of ideas using the Stampin’ Up! Big Shot and is giving away a Big Shot Die Pack as part of the Stampin’ Up! summer celebration. To enter, all you have to do is write about it.

Here is the dies you could win from Stampin Addicts:

• Stampin’ Up! Thanks (Embosslits)
• Stampin’ Up! Final Press (Embossing Folders)
• Stampin’ Up! Perfect Details (Textured Plates)
• Stampin’ Up! Two Tags (Bigz Dies)
• Stampin’ Up! Fancy Favor (Bigz XL Dies)

Click here to enter--good luck!

Enter to win Big Shot Die Pack from New Catalog!

Stampin’ Up! just released the 2009-10 Idea Book & Catalog and it’s loaded with new products that every stamper must have. As part of the Summer Fun celebration, Stampin Addicts is holding a blog contest during the month of July-- giving away a Big Shot die pack made up of 5 new exclusive Stampin’ Up! dies. Stampin Addicts dot com has tons of ideas using the Stampin’ Up! Big Shot and is giving away a Big Shot Die Pack as part of the Stampin’ Up! summer celebration. To enter, all you have to do is write about it.

Here is the dies you could win from Stampin Addicts:

• Stampin’ Up! Thanks (Embosslits)
• Stampin’ Up! Final Press (Embossing Folders)
• Stampin’ Up! Perfect Details (Textured Plates)
• Stampin’ Up! Two Tags (Bigz Dies)
• Stampin’ Up! Fancy Favor (Bigz XL Dies)

Click here to enter--good luck!

Enter to win Big Shot Die Pack from New Catalog!

Animal Stories

Have you ever seen a Melon Mambo giraffe? Well here is one that uses the kissing technique featuring the stamp set Animal Stories.

I stamped Rich Razzleberry ink using the "bubble" image from the Circle Circus stamp set onto the giraffe stamp already inked with Melon Mambo. This card also features the Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, Rich Razzleberry polka dotted ribbon, modern label punch, pretties kit, brad, Crushed Curry and Melon Mambo cardstock. "happy birthday" is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

This was one of the cards that I stamped on Monday at a Stampin Up Demonstrator shoebox swap. We really had a fun time stamping together. 

Animal Stories is just one of the new stamp sets featured in the new Stampin Up Idea Book & Catalog.

To order Stampin Up Products online 24/7 click here.

 

Deal of the Week - Week 2

Check out the Deal of the Week for this week. It is the Doctor's Bag to hold your Big Shot. It sells regularly for $69.99. But for this week only its $49.99.

Call or email today to take advantage of this special. Remember it runs out next Monday at 9:50 AM Mountain time.

Circle Circus Stamp Set

One of the new stamp sets available in the Stampin Up Idea Book and Catalog is called Circle Circus (set of 10 - 115778- $28.95). It combines two of my favorite stamping images: circles and flowers. I just love playing with this set because you can stamp a random image and it always looks wonderful.

There have been so many great cards made with this stamp set so far. I cased Mary Fish's card for this card. I used the same colors she did: Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive. I used the the Texturz Plate Kit #4 to provide the texture to the Old Olive background. (I used the one that gives it a wood-grain look.) This card also uses Teeny Tiny Wishes ("thank you"), word window and 1 3/4" circle punches. I stamped "thank you" on Whisper White cardstock in Old Olive ink, punched it out with the word window punch, and then connected it to the stamped Circle Circus (punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch) with Old Olive brads using the mat pack and the piercing tool. All the circles are layered with dimensionals.

Here is another card featuring the Circle Circus stamp set. It also uses two new in colors: Soft Suede and Bermuda Bay. I used the scallop punch across the bottom of the Whisper White cardstock and then put a scallop punched piece of Bermuda Bay cardstock underneath it. The back piece of cardstck has "Kind Thanks" stamped in Soft Suede on the bottom of the cardstock so that it shows. (Kind Thanks is from the set Thank you Kindly.) I stamped randomly on the top piece of cardstock and then used the Soft Suede polka dot ribbon to tie off the top. This is a quick and beautiful card to make. You are going to love the new ribbon. If you'd like to have all of the new in color ribbon, consider participating in my in color ribbon share  (18 yards for $16.50).

Remember the Deal of the Week ends on Monday at 9:50 am Mountain Time - 30% off the scalloped edge punch.

To order Stampin Up products online 24/7 Click here.

In Color Ribbon Share - 18 Yards Polka Dot Ribbon $16.50

Do you love all of the new in color 1/2" polka dot ribbon? Would you like to get your hands on all 6 colors? Then participate in my in color ribbon share.

Each share includes: 3 yards of each of the following in color ribbon: Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, & Melon Mambo

That's 18 yards of ribbon and includes shipping to you.

Demonstrators are welcome to take part in my shares as I know how hard it is to buy everything at once.

This ribbon is plain on the other side so you really have two ribbons in one!!

One share includes 3 yards of each of the 6 colors for $16.50

To take advantage of this offer click on the paypal link below.

This offer is only available for US residents.

Become a Demonstrator for $85

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is especially sweet! You can join for just $85 and get all of the new in colors in your mini kit.

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85! 

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including

• For All You Do stamp set
• In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Business forms and tools

Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator
Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

• Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.
• 30 % discount of your first order($150 or more) placed during your first 45 days.
• Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision!
• Pre-order select Stampin' Up! stamps, tools and embellishments a month (or more) before the customers sales period.
• Earn free stamps with Stampin' Start, Sale-A-Bration and other promotions.
• Earn free hostess sets and merchandise.
• Receive Stampin' Up!'s exclusive monthly demonstrator magazine, Stampin' Success.
• Low quarterly minimums. 
• Be inspired by video tutorials and project ideas on the Stampin' Up! demonstrator web site
• Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.
• Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site.

So whether you want to make a business of Stampin Up or just buy all of the in colors, this is a great deal for you. To join just go to my websiteand enter the password: stamps62526  and click to enroll. Remember this special is only available from July 15th - August 30th. I look forward to you joining my team.

Deal of the Week

From July 1st - 31st Stampin' Up! is bringing you a new Deal of the week every Monday at 10 am Mountain time. With the deal of the week you'll get up to 30% off a selection of products from the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog.

Be sure to check my website every Monday in July after 10 am Mountain time to see what the new deal is.

The first Deal of the week is for the scalloped edge punch. From July 1st - 5th it is now $10.99 (originally $15.95). Call or email me today to place your order. Or place your order on my online store.

Big Flowers - Retiring Stamp Set

Anyone who knows me is not surprised that the Big Flowers stamp set is one of my favorite stamp sets. It shares two of my favorite characteristics in a stamp set - shapes and flowers. I will be really sorry to see this stamp set retire on June 30th. And I hope after seeing these great cards that you too will be sorry to see it go. Maybe you'd like to give it a good home? If so call or email your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and she can order one for you!

This first card uses the tri-panel design. I used Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White and Basic Black as the colors for this card.The scallop circle medallion uses the white gel pen on the tips of all of the scallops. It also uses one stamp inked in different inks and then layered to give it detail. The medallion is then raised up on dimensionals. The Riding Hood Red Ribbon is layered underneath the medallion.You could put a sentiment on the outside, but I prefer to put mine on the inside. This way I can make a few up at a time and then decide when I send them what sentiment I want to use.

This next card uses the Good Morning Sunshine Designer Series Paper. I pulled the colors So Saffron, Not Quite Navy and Kiwi Kiss out of the paper to coordinate with it. I wanted to remind you that with your stamps you can make great scrapbook paper. So I used one of the floral images stamped with Not Quite Navy on Whisper White cardstock to make matching paper and then repeated the image on one of the circles. The 1 3/8" and 1" circle punch were used to make the row of circles down the front of the card. I also used a filigree brad with the Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon. This is a simple card that still looks elegant.

The last card features Baja Blue, Sahara Sand, and Pacific Point (ink only) and Whisper White. I started by using one of the Stampin' Up! Background Texturz Plates (small polka dot). I then sanded the image to make my card base. With my mat pack I was able to get the row of paper piercing which I then mirrored on the tips of the circle scallop. I finished off my scallop circle with a clear rhinestone brad. I did use a sentiment on this card because I wanted to show you how a simple sentiment fits nicely on this card.

Don't forget to order the Big Flowers stamp set before June 30th.

Golf Bag Card

Many of the special people in my life play golf so this card will probably beome one of those that I keep around.

I personally love punches and this card is also just an excuse to make sure that you own them all.

The golf bag is 1 3/4" wide by 3" tall rectangle in close to cocoa. I then punched out 2 large ovals in close to cocoa and chocolate chip which where then used as the top and bottom of the golf bag. The pocket is 3/4" wide by 1" tall with the bottom corner rounded with the corner rounder (which you need to do first or you will have trouble using the corner rounder). A 3/4" circle was punched out of kiwi kiss, folded in half and placed over the top of the pocket and then decorated with a vintage brad. The handle of the golf bag is our wide chocolate chip gross grain ribbon. The club heads are 3/4" of the word window punch, half a 1/2" circle punch, and 1/2 a 3/4" circle punch all in basic gray. The club heads are popped up with dimensionals. (The leftovers around the edge of the sheet are perfect for this.) The shafts of the clubs are 1/8" wide strips in going gray. They were adhered to the bottom of the close to cocoa large oval. The golf ball is textured using my big shot and the small polka dot plate from the SU backgrounds 1 texturz plates. I then punched it out with a 3/4" circle punch and sponged around the edge with going grey ink. The tee is just a sliver of chocolate chip paper. The base of the card is good morning sunshine paper layered on top of close to cocoa cardstock.

You could have put a sentiment on the outside but I will put the sentiment on the inside because this will be a birthday or father's day card for my family.

Be sure to check back this weekend so that you can hop on the blog hop! You'll see lots of ideas for soon to be retiring stamp sets!

Flight of the Butterfly

Well, I got out a stamp set that I have owned for a while but never appreciated (another way to say used). It is the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set and now I am really loving it. I made this card with the soon to be retiring Riding Hood Red in color. Wow I am really going to miss this color. It's a great red. This is a card that I featured at my June class which was a celebration of my birthday and 5 years as a Stampin Up demonstrator.

To make the top of the base of the card I stamped the little flower from Flight of the Butterfly and then colored in the center with the white gel pen. The bottom of the card is designer series paper from the Bella Rose pack. The ribbon is Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon tied around the center using a ribbon slide from the silver hodgepodge hardware kit. The butterflies are stamped with pink pirouette ink and riding hood red ink using Stampin Up's 2 step stamping design. I then cut them out and put them on dimensionals to pop them up. It's a great easy card to make. Of course I dressed up the inside with a stamped butterfly (and the envelope too)!

If you are interested in Riding Hood Red ink, paper or ribbon, be sure to call or email soon because it is only available until supplies last but not after June 30th. (The taffeta ribbon is on sale for 25% off!)

Bon Voyage Blog Hop

I hope you'll join me this Saturday at noon for the StampinAddicts.com Blog Hop.

What is a Blog Hop you ask? That is when a group of blogs get together and link themselves to give you, the readers inspiration. The StampinAddicts.com Blog Hop wants to inspire you by featuring some of our favorite Stampin Up stamp sets that will be retiring as of June 30th.

So come back here on Saturday at noon and my blog will link to 30 other blogs that are featuring Stampin Up stamp sets.

Last Chance Stamp Sets and Accessories

It's time to say goodbye to some favorite stamp sets and accessories in order to make room for some new favorites when the new catalog debuts on July 1st.

Check out the retiring accessory list. Some items are on sale up to 50% off. These items are only available until quantities run out. You can order from me online so you won't miss out.

Download Last_chance_list_stamp_sets to see the retiring stamp sets by page order in the catalog.

Download SU_Retiring _Accessory to print out the retiring accessory list.

Here is the SU Accessory List. Remeber quantities are constantly changing. Place your order today!

Item #	Product Description	Price	Discount	Sale Price	Availability
112735	RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	10.95	0.5	5.48	Available
112970	LO MEJOR DE TODO	19.95	0.5	9.98	Available
105143	DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 FR	9.95	0.5	4.98	Available
113888	RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS	10.95	0.5	5.48	Available
109044	PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM	10.95	0.5	5.48	Available
111364	RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8"	8.95	0.5	4.48	Available
106961	STAZON REFILL WHITE	4.95	0.5	2.48	Available
114341	COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT	9.95	0.5	4.98	Available
114316	RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS	13.95	0.5	6.98	Available
111414	RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	10.95	0.5	5.48	Available
114351	DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY	4.95	0.5	2.48	Available
114338	COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS	9.95	0.5	4.98	Available
114019	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES	9.95	0.5	4.98	Available
114317	RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP	12.95	0.5	6.48	Available
102875	HEMP TWINE RED	2.95	0.5	1.48	Available
101259	HEMP TWINE BLACK	2.95	0.5	1.48	Available
113979	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS	7.95	0.5	3.98	Available
114350	DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO	4.95	0.5	2.48	Available
111363	RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4"	7.95	0.25	5.96	Available
111365	RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED	6.95	0.25	5.21	Available
111847	RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1"	8.95	0.25	6.71	Available
111371	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
111373	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
111372	RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
113884	RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT	10.95	0.25	8.21	Available
114318	RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET	12.95	0.25	9.71	Available
111374	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
111370	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
111415	RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS	10.95	0.25	8.21	Available
113887	RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS	11.95	0.25	8.96	Available
111416	RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA	10.95	0.25	8.21	Available
111338	NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II	12.95	0.25	9.71	Available
111879	RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA	7.95	0.25	5.96	Available
111277	RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY	10.95	0.25	8.21	Available
110730	DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES	8.95	0.25	6.71	Available
107272	PUNCH KEY TAG	15.95	0.25	11.96	Available
113980	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
111375	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
112010	DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN	8.95	0.25	6.71	Available
113991	TASTE OF TEXTILES	9.95	0.25	7.46	Available
101399	STIPPLE BRUSHES	6.95	0.25	5.21	Available
112092	BUTTON BOUQUET	7.95	0.25	5.96	Available
112139	NOTES CAROUSEL II	11.95	0.25	8.96	Available
111336	NOTES SCALLOP II	11.95	0.25	8.96	Available
111840	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT	2.95			Available
111841	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO	2.95			Available
111843	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE	2.95			Available
111839	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED	2.95			Available
111842	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS	2.95			Available
112161	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS	9.95			Available
112042	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN	9.95			Available
112156	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE	9.95			Available
112150	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT	9.95			Available
112153	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO	9.95			Available
111844	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE	2.95			Available
111836	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED	5.95			Available
111838	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE	5.95			Available
113966	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE	9.95			Available
109123	STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN	3.25			Available
113981	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS	9.95			Available
112157	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE	9.95			Available
113975	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART	9.95			Available
114037	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER	11.95			Available
113978	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS	9.95			Available
112041	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE	9.95			Available
112468	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS	9.95			Available
111834	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO	5.95			Available
114039	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY	11.95			Available
108590	CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12	8.95			Available
111337	NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II	9.95			Available
112471	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET	9.95			Available
112464	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER	9.95			Available
112006	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II	14.95			Available
111837	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT	5.95			Available
112461	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE	9.95			Available
113993	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE	11.95			Available
112155	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED	9.95			Available
111353	CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11	5.5			Available
111348	CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11	5.5			Available
112172	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY	19.95			Available
100900	GIFT SACKS WHITE	2.95			Available
114605	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS	42.95			Available
102264	COLUZZLE STARTER KIT	19.95			Available
111346	CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12	8.95			Available
111835	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS	5.95			Available
111350	CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11	5.5			Available
105668	TATTOO KIT I	13.95			Out of stock
111349	CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11	5.5			Available
109231	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS	54.95			Available
111351	CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11	5.5			Available
112165	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL	19.95			Available
113950	DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE	8.95			Available
111345	CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12	11.95			Available
105669	TATTOO KIT II	13.95			Out of stock
111833	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE	5.95			Available
113936	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES	19.95			Available
111347	CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11	7.95			Available
107288	ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LARGE	5.5			Available
104310	CRAFTERS TOOL KIT	39.95			Available
111352	CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11	5.5			Available
113943	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET	19.95			Available
113925	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS	19.95			Available
112179	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES	19.95			Available
113911	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN	19.95			Available
112054	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER	19.95			Available
111253	Blooms & Bulbs	6.5			Available
109684	Doodle	8.5			Available
111257	Happy, Happy Birthday	8.5			Available
109692	Love	6.5			Available
109568	My ABCs	6.5			Available
109682	Perfectly Pretty	6.5			Available
109687	See You Around	8.5			Available
109683	So Swirly	8.5			Available
111260	Something Fishy	8.5			Available
111262	Stems & Silhouettes	8.5			Available
105516	Watercolor Joy	6.5			Available

2 Sweet Box

Those of you who receive my newsletter received directions for a great 8" x 8" scrapbook page that uses the 2 Sweet Scrappin Kit. Well after you finish the scrapbook page there are plenty of supplies left over to make this box.

Wouldn't this look great on your table as a centerpiece?

And if you don't haved the 2 Sweet Scrappon Kit you can make this box with supplies that you might already own.

Download the directions here to make this great project. The pattern is available here.

Be sure to email me a picture of your completed project!

Photo Tips

Ok. so we all realize it's National Scrapbooking Month and we need to preserve those memories. But if we take yucky pictures then we are not really going to want to preserve those memories. But if you take great pictures then the inspiration starts jumping onto your scrapbook page.

Erin Manning is a professional photographer who also hosts a TV show called "The Whole Picture." Check out her tips on how to take great portraits. I picked up some great tips to taking pictures I would be proud to scrap!!

Watch her video and let me know if you learn some tips too!

Click To Play

Thank you, Thank you

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I just want to thank everyone who emailed to check on me while I took a little break. My middle son is graduating from high school this year and applying for college and scholarships became another full time job for him and me. And I hate to admit it - but I lost my stamping mojo.

So thank you for all of your patience but I think my mojo is back.

So here is a Thank you card that features Great Friend from the Occasions Mini catalog. It's a great little set for $17.95.

If you would like to make this card, click here for a supply list and the directions.

Circle Flip Up Album

I was quite honored to be asked by Splitcoaststampers.com (the world's #1 stamping web site) to write a tutorial. So i designed a Circle Flip Up album.

These are easy to make and fun to share. (Everytime I make one I tell myself to take more pictures because I just don't take enough!) They make wonderful special event cards like Mother's Day, Special Birthday or anniversary. They are also fun to chronicle an event like Homecoming, vacation, or first day of school.

You can vary the size of the completed book by just using bigger circles. Your completed project is one fourth of your original circles. To make a larger one use a dinner plate and 12" x 12" cardstock.

I used the Summer Home Scrappin Kit and still had cardstock left over to make more.

Check the tutorial at Splitcoaststampers.com for complete directions.

Okay. Now it's your turn. Make your circle flip up album and upload your project at Splitcoast.

   

Retiring Lists and Special

Wow, what a great day this is. Stampin Up has announced what stamp sets will be retiring on January 18th and they also announced that from now until December 23rd - those retiring stamp sets are 10% off. So go through the list and make out your wish list now!

And if that wasn't great enough - Stampin Up also announced free shipping on all orders over $70 until December 23rd.

And remember if your order is at least $20, you can also choose a stamp set from the Winter mini at 20% off.

What a great time to shop!

Click here to start shopping online 24/7.

Click here to view the retiring set list with the 10% off price.

Click here to view the retiring set list by page number.

Christmas Cardinal Candy Pack

  Looking for a stocking stuffer or small gift for someone. Then check out this candy package cased right from the Stampin Up Winter mini catalog.

Inside the small cello bag is some candy topped off with a candy topper made from always artichoke cardstock. (The scallop punch is punched across the bottom of the topper.) The leaf from the new Christmas Cardinal set was used (stamped in versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder) and accented with a half pearl from the pretties kit. The words are also from the Christmas Cardinal set and stamped in basic black on very vanilla cardstock. The wide gross grain ribbon goes underneath the stamped words and then is tied off with cord. I used the retired Label Classics set stamped in riding hood red on very vanilla cardstock. If you don't have this set or another one similar to it, then just layer on red riding hood cardstock. Merry Christmas is stamped in basic black on riding hood red shaped as a pennant.

These would also look great on your plates as a place card for the holidays.

Thanks to my friend Alice Simonds for sharing this project with me.

Hot Chocolate Cone

 If you are looking for a nice inexpensive present to give to people on your Holiday list, then this is the project for you. Around my area these hot chocolate cones go for $7.50, but you can make them for less!

This cone is made using the Punch Pals stamp set, white stazon ink, basic black ink, real red, only orange, and going gray markers, assorted ribbon, silver brad, paper piercer, Wilton disposable frosting bag, and bamboo skewer.

My cone has been shaken around a bit since I made it. (It was a sample that I used for classes.) Yours will look better.

Use a disposable Wilton frosting piping bag to make your cone. These come in packages of 12 or 36. Locally I get them at Walmart or Hobby Lobby. (Hobby Lobby also has an online store.) You can get them wherever you get cake decorating supplies. You can stamp on the bag with stazon ink. On mine I stamped on it with white stazon ink using the snowflake from the Punch Pals set.

Put the items in the cone in this order:

¼ cup powdered coffee creamer (make sure this is in the tip really well – I used a bamboo skewer to make sure my tip was open.)

1 ½ Tablespoons sugar

1/3 cup Nesquick (chocolate milk mix)

1/3 cup dry milk

½ cup milk chocolate chips

½ cup (approximately 28) mini- marshmallows

 

Pack tightly in cone so ingredients don’t mix together. Tie off with a twist tie and then ribbon. Attach a candy cane if desired.

Directions to make hot chocolate are typed inside of card (using a computer on whisper white cardstock):

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add everything in bag except marshmallows and stir constantly until the water returns almost to a boil. Top with marshmallows. Makes 3 – 4 mugs.

 

Poem for front of card:

The days are getting shorter now,

Winter’s almost here

With freezing weather coming fast,

Here’s a bit of cheer.

Here’s a little snowman soup,

Complete with stirring stick.

Just follow the directions

It’s sure to do the trick.

 

I printed the poem on whisper white cardstock and then stamped the snowman from Punch Pals on it. I then colored it in with markers. I layered it on basic grey cardstock and layered that on glorious green cardstock (that was scored and folded in half.) I put the brad in the corner of the basic grey cardstock and through the ribbin that attaches to the cone.

 

I tied ribbons around the top of the cone and tied in a candy cane to it as a stirrer.

 

My finished price per cone was around $1 (but I made 30 and bought the large sizes of all of my supplies).

 

Make some of these and give to all of your friends and neighbors!

Cute Christmas Cards

I want to share some Christmas cards that do not use Christmas sets. Intrigued?

Last year I shared a Santa made with punches. This year I am featuring a snowman made of punches.

The base of this card is 1/4 sheet of real red cardstock. The hat is 2" x 4" black cardstock and the hat brim is 1" x 4 1/4" black cardstock trimmed with the white gel pen. Eyes are layered half circles ( 1 1/4" for the bottom white layer and 1" black for the top layer). The nose is also a layered half circle. (1 3/8" for the bottom white layer and 1 1/4" for the top only orange layer.) The mouth is 1/2" circles from basic black cardstock. The flowers are the flower trio punch from real red cardstock.

This is a great way to make a winter card without having to own a Christmas or winter set.

This is also another great card using the Under the Star set. You can use any Christmas set that you have that has a Christmas hat (or for Halloween a witches hat or birthday presents from a birthday set) and turn another set into a Christmas set. This card features the Sock Monkey Accessories but Crab and Company also has a Santa hat. Punch pals stamp set has a great top hat. 

Cardstock: old olive, real red, chocolate chip, whisper white
ink: basic brown, basic black, real red, close to cocoa and certainly celery markers
Accessories: large oval punch, key tag punch, 1/8" circle punch, dimensionals, real red gross grain
Stamp sets can be very versatile. Check all of your stamp sets so you can mix and match them. 

Notice how we layered the key tag punch. The bottom and top layer are the same size. We just cut the bottom layer in half and attached it to the top layer.

Thanks to my friend Lynne Miller for bringing this card for me to complete.

Christmas Box

I want to feature some of my favorite projects that I have offered in classes over the years. I hope this inspires you as you are looking for projects to make for Christmas this year. My first featured item is my acetate box using the Punch Pals set to decorate it.

This is made using Real Red and whisper white cardstock, write-on transparency, wide Real Red gross grain ribbon, white craft ink, real red and glorious green ink, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches, dimensionals, aquapainter or markers to color, and sticky strip. I even stamped on the ribbon with white craft ink.

I made over 2 dozen of these last year and also had a very successful Christmas class featuring this project. I do suggest using "lighter" candy than Hershey's kisses. This looks really great with peppermints inside the box.

Look closesly at the medallion picture. This is all using the Punch Pals set and layering using different inks and punches. This is a great technique to use with any stamp set.

Pattern for this project is available on this post.

 

20% off Special from Stampin Up

Did you know that if you spend $20 (before shipping and tax), you can choose 20% off any stamp set in the Fall-WInter Sampler. Look through the sampler here and choose your sets at 20% off. You can order directly online (by clocking on the box to the left to get to my Stampin Up website and then click shop now) or you can call or email me with your order.

Holiday Place Settings

I was so inspired by Shelli Gardner's (SU CEO) place settings that I decided to make some of my very own. (To see Shelli making her own set, check out yesterday's blog entry.) I have a black charger and glass plate. Under the plate I have cardstock and Hawaii Papaya designer series paper punched out with the trio and 5 petal flower punches. The top note die was used to make the base of the name holder and napkin ring. The pillow box die was also used on acetate sheets (report covers from Staples - 25 for $14.50). The Eastern Blooms stamp set was used to accent the pieces. Striped Tangerine Tango ribbon completes the project.

So here is my Christmas place setting using Mr Twigster - popped up with dimensionals. I used the snowflake punch with cardstock to make the decorations on the charger under the glass plate. Ski Slope designer series paper is also used on thie project.

This project is an easy way to dress up a set of chargers for all different holidays and occasions without having to buy a bunch of dishes.

Interested in making your own? Leave me a comment on this post.

Shelli's Holiday Table

      

Shelli Gardner, the CEO of Stampin Up was on her local TV station. She demonstrated how to use your Big Shot, cardstock and accessories to make up wonderful holiday place settings. If you haven't seen the video, check it out. It inspired me to make up my own holiday place settings. I'll post them tomorrow.

see the video:

Scallop Card

Sometimes you just feel a little different. You don't want another square or rectangle card. Well, when that happens to you - get out your Big Shot and make a scallop card using Scallop #2 die (available from SU). Fold your cardstock in half and place the fold not quite to the edge. Run through your Bigshot. Now you have a scallop card. It fits very nicely in SU square envelopes.

The base of this card is Kiwi Kiss. It is decorated with a half circle of Bella Rose paper, 1 1/4" punched circles of Riding Hood Red, and 1" punched circle white cardstock. I stamped one of the flowers from Eastern Blossoms in Riding Hood Red ink on white cardstock and cut them out. I applied silver microbeads with Tombow multi adhesive. (They are adhered to the circles with dimensionals.) A striped Riding Hood Red ribbon is tied across the top of the card.

I think the flowers look like poinsettias. I could almost use this as a Christmas card and put a picture of my children inside or maybe turn the front into a card that looks like an ornament.

Today think outside the box!

Ribbon Rosette

At Convention one of our make n takes was a cute little box that had a ribbon rosette on it. I decided that I wanted to recreate the rosette on a card. This month's class featured this card. It's not difficult to make your own rosette.

To make one start with 11" of wide ribbon. I used SU's 1 1/4" pink pirouette gross grain ribbon. Stitch along the edge of the ribbon making sure your stitches are no farther than 1/4" apart. Pull thread and gather ribbon into a circle to firm a rosette and then knot thread. Stitch ends of ribbon together. Apply a thin strip of 2 way glue or crystal effects to the edge of the ribbon. (I did this step in phases.) Sprinkle with chunky glitter. Let dry. I adhered the ribbon rosette to the card with 2 pop-up glue dots.

In the center of the flower is a clear button. I adhered some Bella Rose Designer Series paper (punched out with my 1" circle punch) to the button with glue stick. The button is adhered to the ribbon rosette with a pop up glue dot. I then used crystal effects or 2 way glue to adhere the half pearl from the pretties kit to the center of the button.

The card base is Pink Pirouette cardstock with a small flower from Eastern Blooms stamped in Pink Pirouette ink. A strip of Bella Rose Designer series paper and Pink Pirouette wide gross grain ribbon are adhered to the card base.

Why don't you get out your ribbon and make one too! Be sure to share your creations!

Why I Stamp

As you look at this gorgeous clock you are probably wondering why I picked the title of this post. Well it all started quite a few years ago. You see when I started stamping it wasn’t to sell stamps – it was to take me to my happy place. Stamping is very social thing for me and it always has been. I have made many good friends because of stamping. People I never would have met if it weren’t for this craft.

 

So today I received this lovely clock from Jackie Kelly. Even though we live across the country from each other, we are both members of the Stampahowlic stamping group. A year ago I started making cookie sheet calendars. Besides having classes for my own customers, I also had a class for some Stampahowlics. Of course we shared pictures online for members of the group who couldn’t be there. Fast forward to this August and Jackie enters the JustRite Stampin Champion Contest with her own version of the cookie sheet calendar and she wins the Championship. Congratulations Jackie! To thank me for inspiring her – she sent me this clock and card. Sometimes we inspire people without even knowing it!

 

I can’t wait to put this up in my classroom!

Who has inspired you? Why not let them know!

 

(Clock uses Bella Rose Designer Paper, Old Olive Cardstock, modge podge, ribbon, black vinyl and cricuit. Card uses Bella Rose Designer Paper, Old Olive & Riding Hood Red cardstock, Wonderful Words stamp set, basic black ink, and scallop edge punch.)

Popup Swirl Card

This month's class I am featuring the Popup swirl card. This card was one of the many projects featured at Stampin' Up's annual Convention in August. As soon as I saw it, I knew my customers would love it. It's a great card with a surprise once you open it.

This card features the classic stars wheel and both the large and small star punches. It makes a great birthday card and it's a great way to celebrate Stampin Up's 20th birthday in October! The colors for this card are Real Red, So Saffron, and Basic Black. I also used gold brads to highlight the stars on the front of the card. In order to make a great Popup swirl card I suggest using Tombow multi adhesive sot hat your swirls stay adhered to your cardstock.

Who wouldn't love getting this as a birthday card. Remember Stampin Up is celebrating it's 20th birthday with a 20% discount on select birthday stamps for the month of October (with a $20 qualifying purchase).

It's not too late to sign up for class. It's Sunday October 5th at 2 PM and again Monday, October 6th at 6:30 pm. Cost is $10 and we will be making 3 other card projects. (All projects feature matching envelopes.) Call or email me today to sign up for class or to take advantage of Stampin' Up's birthday special.

Mr. Twigster Christmas Card

One of the sets debuting in the Holiday Mini Catalog is Mr. Twigster (111772 $13.95). It's a nice little set with a snowman, accessories and a Christmas tree. I only used the tree on this card. Items in the mini catalog will be available from October 1, 2008 - January 18, 2009.

I was inspired by a card posted by Anne-Marie Bouthillette (ambouth) in her Splitcoast gallery. This card uses a few easy techniques. The first technique uses strips of cardstock to make your own striped paper.) I used glue stick to adhere the cardstock to the very vanilla base.) I also used markers to color the tree. Since Stampin' Up! doesn't have Baja Breeze marker, I used a blender pen and an ink pad to make my own.

Stamp Sets: Mr. Twigster and Doddle Jumbo Wheel
Ink Pads: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Markers: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: 5/8" wide old olive gross grain ribbon, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, glue stick, snail adhesive, corner rounder (bottom corners of base)

I am a big fan of Stampin' Up markers. They have a brush and fine tip in exclusive SU colors. For more information about Stampin Up markers click here.

Inspired By Nature Card

This month I am featuring the following projects at my workshops. I have fallen in love with Inspired by Nature (111656 $23.95). It is a very versatile stamp set. For this card I used markers (Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, & Ruby Red) to color in the flower. I stamped it on Very Vanilla cardstock. The grass stamp was inked with Chocolate Chip ink on Chocolate Chip paper. The words "Good Works" were inked with Chocolate Chip ink and stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock. With a sponge I inked Apricot Appeal ink on Very Vanilla cardstock. This gives it an aged look. The Very Vanilla cardstock was backed with Ruby Red cardstock.

I am a big fan of markers. By coloring your stamp with markers, you have the ability to take a solid image stamp and give yourself more variety. Markers are very versatile! Do you want a copy of the Marvelous Marker Techniques that list many different marker techniques? If so email me and I'll send it to you. Are you interested in Stampin Up's Markers? If so click here for more information including a Thanksgiving card using markers.

The second card features the Say it With Scallops set (111678 $17.95). Stampin Up donates $2 from the sale of each set sold to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This is a very versatile set and goes perfectly with our square scallop punch (112081 $15.95). For this card I used circle punches. Don't limit yourself! Square images can be cut with circle punches  and circle images can be cut out with square punches.

I used Bella Rose Designer Series Paper (112041 $9.95) as the base of this card. I stamped the "hi" stamp from Say It With Scallops in Kiwi Kiss (111835 $5.25) and Riding Hood Red (111836 $5.25) ink on Whisper White cardstock (100730 $7.50).The scallop circle is punched from Kiwi Kiss cardstock (111353 $5.50). The 1 3/8" circle is punched from Chocolate Chip cardstock. The 1 1/4" circle is punched from the Riding Hood Red inked "hi". The 1/2" circle is punched from Kiwi Kiss inked "hi". The ribbon is Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Gross Grain ribbon (111849 $8.95).

Here is a close up of the ribbon bow. The ribbon wraps around the Bella Rose paper once. Then I made a single loop with 7" of ribbon and a 3" piece of ribbon is looped around the center of the bigger loop. It makes a pretty and flat ribbon for mailing.

To purchase any of the supplies used on these projects you can click on the Shop Online square to the left and then click on the Shop Now button on the top right.

Keep watching for more cards!

Quick & Easy Ornaments

I love Christmas. In fact some people will say that I am a Christmas addict. I love crafting items for Christmas. My newest tool is my Big Shot machine which Stampin Up has just started carrying. I thought it would be great to make some ornaments using my newest tool.

The first ornament is just a clear glass ball ornament which can be purchased at a variety of stores. I used one of our vinyl sheets (which can be purchased in white, craft, chocolate brown, and black) and ran it through my Big Shot using the Peace, Love, Joy, Cheer Decorative strip. Since I only wanted to use the "Peace" part of the strip, I only used a small piece of vinyl over those letters. I applied "Peace" to the ornament by rubbing it on. I took some red riding hood scraps (that I had run through my crimper and cut them into small strips and put them inside the ornament. I finished off with a piece of striped Red Riding Hood Ribbon on the top.

The second ornament uses the Big Snowflake die and a soft aluminum sheet (which I picked up at Hobby Lobby). I ran the aluminum through the Big Shot and then finished it off with a piece of Red Riding Hood Ribbon.

Both of these ornaments were featured at my Open House and everyone loved how elegant they were but easy to make. Wouldn't these look nice on your tree or attached to your presents this holiday season.

Get out your Big Shot and make some ornaments and share your pictures! If you don't't have a Big Shot and want one contact me about my Big shot special (good just through Stacey Carter until October 15th).

Tutorial for CD Photo Cube

I want to share with you the tutorial for making the CD photo cube. (Click here for the original post with all of the pictures.) This is truly an easy project to make. I first saw this project at 2 different sources. One was BBC TV's website. The other place was Julie Griffith's Paper Jewels blog. I loved how easy her video tutorial made it look to put this together but I wanted a different base on mine. I wanted it to be really sturdy so it could sit on my desk at work. So I decided to play with the design and came up with this design with a different bottom. (It is reinforced on the bottom.)

You need the following supplies to make the cube:
4 regular CD cases (not slimline) I used HP brand available at Walmart. 
4 pieces of scrapbook paper or cardstock - 5 5/8" x 4 5/8" (These will be the base inserts inside the CD cases.) (Do not make bigger than this size. If you do you will have a difficult time getting your "page" to lay flat inside your case.)
1 piece of 5 7/8" x 5 7/8" cardstock that will be the outside bottom
1 piece of 6 1/8" x 6 1/8" cardstock that will be the inside bottom of your cube.
4 Scraps of paper about 1 1/2" square
Sticky Strip
Snail Adhesive
Bone folder
Paper, ink, accessories desired to decorate your pages

1. Take the 4 pieces of paper/cardstock 5 5/8" x 4 5/8". Score each piece at 5 3/8". These are the base inserts in your CD cases. Keep the scored line on your right. Decorate each base piece.  
2. Pop out the CD holder part of the case. You can throw this part away.
3. Repeat Step 2 for all 4 cases.
4. Carefully take the CD case apart and flip over the front and put it back together. (Now you have left side of the case facing back and the right side of the case remains the same. It makes a right angle.) 
5. Repeat step 4 for all 4 CD cases.
6. Slide the decorated cardstock into the front of all of the CD cases.
7. Layer the front of 1 CD case on the back of the next CD case. It's just like you are closing a regular CD case except that you are using the front from one case and the back from the other. (If you are having trouble understanding this step, check out Julie's video.) Repeat until you have all put together.
8. When all 4 are put together, you will have a square but it will not be stable. It will easily change shapes and not be very sturdy.
9. Cut a 4" piece of sticky strip. At lower corner - on the inside of the cube- place the sticky strip down at the corner. Repeat for each corner.
10. Take a scrap of paper and cut thin " L" bracket. Place sticky strip on the bottom of the "L". Make up 4 of these "L" brackets. Place at each corner of the cube on the bottom.
11. Take the 6 1/8" x 6 1/8" cardstock square and score 1/2" in on each of the 4 sides. Cut slit as shown on picture on all 4 sides.
12. Tape the slit sides together with snail.
13. Put snail all around the outside edge and slide it down inside the cube all the way to the bottom so it has a flat bottom. (I use a bone folder to get it down smoothly.)
14. Put sticky strip all around the bottom of the cube. Also put it in strips a few times across the bottom of the cube. Adhere the 5 7/8" square cardstock on the bottom of the photo cube (to your sticky strip)
15. This gives your photo cube a nice finished bottom and the layers of cardstock, "L" brackets, and sticky strip reinforce the CD photo cube. 

  Now go make one of your own and let me know!

 

 

Photo Cube

How about making a photo cube. It's a great way to scrapbook a couple of pictures for a nice display. I am making mine hold my pens and pencils for my desk at work. I think it would also look nice holding all of the Christmas cards that I get this holiday season. They would make great Christmas gifts. (You could include a bag of baked good inside the cube.) (Tutorial available here.)

A photo cube is made from 4 CD cases (not slimline). The cases make up the sides of the cube. I reinforced the bottom of my cube with two layers of cardstock so that it is really stable. (It is strong and doesn't wobble at all.) I have been using it to carry around things for a couple of days to try it out.

I was inspired to make this by the BBC's  and  Julie Griffith's website. I took their designs and changed it a bit. You will notice that my cube doesn't sit inside a bottom tray. This is so each side of the cube has a nice clean display. I also reinforced the bottom and inside joints with sticky strip. This makes it stronger. I did not have to use glue to get my cases to stick together and they do not pop open.

The photo cube gives me a chance to showcase some scrapbook pages ( on a smaller scale). And now I have all of my family on my desk everyday.

I used Bella Rose Papers and Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Red Riding Hood, and Pink Pirouette Cardstock.

Stamp sets used were Eastern Blooms and Big Deal Numbers. Inks used were Chocolate Chip, Red Riding Hood, and Pink Pirouette.

I used the scallop edge, scallop circle, and 1 3/8" square punch, the mat pack, paper piercer, 1/4" chocolate chip gross grain ribbon, real red buttons, ruby red brads. I also used sticky strip, snail and 4 regular CD cases (not slimline) that I purchased at Walmart.

The ribbon flower was easy to make and I think it really adds something to the front of the cube.

The hardest thing about making the photo cube was deciding what pictures to use!

I want to show you pictures of the bottom and inside so that you can see the difference between my cube and others.

I like the flat bottom of the cube. It looks finished and you can not see the CD cases from the bottom or the cardstock from the top.   

By reinforcing the inside of the cube, it makes it very strong. It also keeps the cube square.

I will be posting a specific tutorial this week so that you can see how to put a cube together without using glue and a tray.

Wow Flower Swap Cards

The new Wow Flowers stamp set  reminds me of the 70's. I love the flower - it's "groovy." You can get alot of looks with this stamp set.

This card is made by Brenda Keenan. You can see more of her creations here. She said that she cased it from Mary who is "DramaQueen" at splitcoaststampers.com.

Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Turquoise Gross Grain Ribbon, dimensionals, scallop circle punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8 circle punches, Paper Piercing Tool

Here is a card that I got in a Splitcoast swap at Convention called 10 minutes to terrific. All cards needed to be completed in under 10 minutes. It is made by Jen Holtschlag (who is Jewelchicdesigns at Splitcoaststampers.com)

Stamps: Wow Flowers, Seasonal Icons
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Craft
Accessories: Pastels, Ice Rhinestone brads, scallop punch, turquoise gross grain ribbon, 5/8" chocolate chip gross grain ribbon, 1" & 1 1/4" & 1 3/8"circle punches 

Here is a card that I received from Glenda Travelstead.

Stamps: Wow Flowers
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" circle punches, silver brad, paper crimper

The next card I received from Tammy Neperud from Grafton, Wisconsin.

Stamps: Wow Flowers, Heard From the Heart
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White & all new 6 in colors
Ink: Whisper White craft, basic black
Accessories: 1" circle punch, paper piercer, old olive brad

Have you been enjoying my swaps from Convention?

More Swap Favorites - Flower Cards

I received this card from French Canadian demonstrator Sonia Poliquin. She has used the Garden Whimsy set to make this gorgeous flower. She also used circle punches to make the bee. Isn't this just stunning! She also used the gel pen and markers to make a dotted border all around the card.

Stamps: Garden Whimsy
Inks: White craft, Summer Sun
Markers: Black
Cardstock: Barely Banana, Real Red, Basic Black
Vellum
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Mat Pack, Small and Large Oval Punch, 3/4" & 1" circle punches, stylus (to draw veins on the vellum)

Here is a great flower card made by demonstrator Sara Magnafichi. She is from Des Plaines, Illinois. It's amazing how by cutting out an image and layering it makes it look so full.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Fabulous Flowers, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Not Quite Navy, Rose Red, Basic Black
Cardstock: Rose Red, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8" gross grain ribbon, dazzling diamonds glitter, 2 way glue pen,

Birthday Cards

This is day 2 of sharing great samples I got at Convention.

Here is a card I got at the Splitcoaststampers dinner swap. What a great birthday card it is. Great to give to a male or female, young or old. It was made by Kathleen Hopperstad. You can see more of her artwork on her blog here.

Stamps: Big Bold Birthday, Polka Dot Background
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Tango Tangerine, Tempting Turquoise
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Tango Tangerine, Black, Taken with Teal
Accessories: Boho Blossom Punch, silver brads, black gingham ribbon, key tag punch, dimensionals, scissors.

Here is another great birthday card that I received. This one is from Marge Evens. It is a great quick card. You could make up a dozen of these just to have on hand. Again a great card for a girl or boy. Just stamp the candles in the background on white paper. Stamps the candles in white on black paper and then layer them on top. Adding the black candles really makes this card.

Stamps: Big Birthday Candle
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, So Saffron
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White craft, Only Orange
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Black Gingham, dimensionals

Check back tomorrow for some more great swaps!

Dream de Jour

I received many great swaps while I was at the annual Stampin Up convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. My swaps will all be on display during my Open House on Sunday, September 14th  but I want to share with some of my online friends - so this week I will be sharing some of my favorites here.

This first card was made by Karen Barber. To see more of her artwork visit her blog here. 

Stamps: Dream de Jour and Posy
Inks: Black Craft, Baja Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun
Cardstock: Black, Baja Blue, Kraft
Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat tool, scallop punch, 1/8" handheld hole punch, Blender pen, Prettie Kit, White Gel Pen, Black Gingham Ribbon

The next card was made by Colorado demonstrator Sharon Madsen. It features the grid technique using your scoring blade. She also cut out the square image and went around the leaf. It's stunning how that little bit of leaf adds to this card.

Stamps: Dreams de Jour, Serene Spring
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Shimmery White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (reinker), Kiwi Kiss (reinker)
Accessories: Blender Pens (to make markers with reinkers),Chocolate chip taffeta ribbon, glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter, gold brads, Paper piercer, mat pack, scallop edge punch, dimensionals, Fiskers scorer, scissors.

The last card was made by my upline Judi Carpenter. She gave it to me this week. This card features the Big Shots Top Note die. I think this is one of the most versatile dies and certainly made my must buy list!

Stamps: Dream De Jour
Wheel: Bella's Border
Cardstock: Black, Kiwi Kiss, Ruby Red
Ink: Old Olive, Basic Black
Marker: Old Olive, Ruby Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Old Olive Brads, Black Gross Grain Ribbon 

I think you can see how versatile this stamp set is.

Check back tomorrow for some more favorites!

New Stamp Sets on Sale

Until September 30th, 9 brand new stamp sets are on sale for 15% off. There are so many great ones to choose from - I feel like I need them all. While at Convention in Utah I saw some great samples made up with some of these stamp sets. I fell in love with the stamp set Under the Stars (111556) regularly $29.95 - now $25.46. And both of these samples will show you why you just need to have this stamp set.

This first card features water coloring and the masking technique. The arms of the bear go up and down (thanks to a cardboard pull on the back). It also features one of the new silver brads on the front. Notice how they took a single stamp and repeatedly stamped it so it looks like a much larger stamp.

Now this next project is the perfect gift for a Fall get together or Open House. It's a Smore pack. The base of this is cardboard drink holders that you get at fast food restaurants. The base is covered with Designer Paper and cardstock. The letters are Stampin Up's On Board Loads of Letters (covered with Whisper White Craft ink). In the "drink compartment" there are candy bars, graham crackers, marshmallows, roasting forks, and shredded cardstock. The tag features the bear from the Under the Stars set. You could also stamp the smore stamp directly on the cardboard drink holder. Wide chocolate chip ribbon finishes off the project.

Now doesn't this make you want to go right out and get this set?

Rhinestone Brad Bracelet - Tutorial & Class Kit Available

Every girl likes a little bling in her life and I am no exception! So I decided to make myself a bling bracelet - Stampin' Up! style! Don't you just love it!

To make it I just used a 7 1/2" silver style chain with a clasp already attached. I then used my needle nose pliers to attach 12 brads to the chain and viola I had a bracelet. It was a quick and easy project. So do you want to make one? If so here are the quick and easy directions.

Supplies needed:
7 1/2" silver chain with clasp (I purchased from Hobby Lobby.)
12 Rhinestone Brads (3 each of 4 different colors - all the same size either medium or large)
Needle nose pliers

Step 1 - Open up the brad with your needle nose pliers. This is so you can more easily slip them over the chain Do not open them too wide. See how I have just opened them up a little wider than they were originally.

Step 2 - Slip the brad over the chain joint. (The brads go on every other chain joint.) Now turn it upside down (like it is in this picture). Keep the brad centered over the "chain joint".

Step 3 - Bend down the right side brad prong in half. Make sure to use your needle nose pliers so that when you bend the prong in half the 2 halves are flat against each other.

Step 4 - Take the right (bent side) and fold it over the chain. Use your needle nose pliers so that it is flat over the chain. (Don't try to make it hook over the chain - just make it as flat as possible.)

Step 5 - Repeat step 4 with the left side this time. This time make sure that when you fold your bent side over the chain that it is right on top of the "right bent side". Use your needle nose pliers to bend this tight.

Tip: If you can not get your brad back flat then try this: Put a pad of paper (need many thicknesses) down on your table. Turn your bracelet bling brad side up. Press your thumb on your brad down on the pad of paper. I have found that his makes it nice and flat.

What happens if you don't like the back of your brad. Then take your pliers and open the brad up and try it again.

Want to make one? Then get out your supplies and start.

Need the supplies? Then get a class kits by mail. It includes everything you need to complete a bracelet except the needle nose pliers. Each kit will make 1 bracelet.

Fire Rhinestone Brad Bracelet - US Orders only

Each kit contains: 12 brads ( 3 of each color Pink, Red, Pumpkin, Yellow - all the same size)
7 1/2" silver chain with clasp
Written directions with pictures to complete the project.
Shipping to US

Ice Rhinestone Brad Bracelet - US Orders only

Each kit contains: 12 brads ( 3 of each color: Lilac, Light Blue, Turquoise, Green - all the same size)
7 1/2" silver chain with clasp
Written directions with pictures to complete the project.
Shipping to US

Party Hearty Swap Cards

Salt Lake City is full of Stampin Up demonstrators and they are all madly swapping cards. Here are some swap cards made by some of my demo friends from the Chicago area. They both used the new stamp set Party Hearty.

This card was made by Lynne Miller. It has 3 layers on it. I have also shown it to you open. She used her circle punch to pop out the middle of the "B" so that the giraffe could pop through. What an adorable children's birthday card.

The next card was made by Wanda Johnson. Check out her blog to see some of her other creations. She also used the new Party Hearty stamp set which will be available in the new catalog debuting August 11th. She also used some of the new in colors and glitter. This stamp set makes great birthday cards for people of all ages.

Luggage Tag - Stampin Up Style

One of the items they tell us to bring to Convention are tags to put on our new Convention bags. Imagine 5,000 people all carrying the same bag. Biffsbee on Splitcoast made an adorable tag for her Convention bag so I decided to make some for myself and my room mates. These use the new Bella Rose Designer Series Paper and Pink Pirouette cardstock (which I ran through my printer). I put our names on one side and our cell phone numbers on the other side just in case they should get lost. I loved it so much, I made a set for my carryon and laptop case.

Now you can make one too. Just cut your paper 3 1/4" x 2 1/4" and then decorate both sides. I used these self-sealing laminating pouches. You decorate and then seal them. They come with a plastic cord to connect your tags to your bag. Quick and great looking. I found mine at Target but you can get some at any office suply store. They come in a package of 5.

Imagine making luggage tags for every traveler on your Christmas list!

3 D Flower Card

Here is another card that I am making for a WOW card swap for Convention. I wanted my flowers to really pop from this card so I made them 3 dimensional.

I used the large flower from Doodle This stamp set stamped on white with the new blue - Pacific Point. It is cut out and the petals were rolled under (using a pencil). They were then attached to the back of the flower and attached with glue dots. The center is a 1/2' circle punched from the new Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. The flowers are on dimensionals and attached to Bella Rose paper layered on top of Kiwi Kiss cardstock edged with the new scallop edge punch. The back layer is stamped with Pacific Point ink with a doodle stamp from the Doodle This stamp set. Wide old olive gross grain ribbon is used to decorate the card.

Here are the flowers from the side. They make a nice 3 dimensional element and they can be mailed.