Stacey Stamps

D is for Dog Easel Card

My demo friend Ann brought this great card to a demo shoebox swap that I participated in this weekend. It features the D is for Dog stamp set and it is an easel card. This is an easy card to make but everyone will be impressed with the style.

She received inspiration from this card from Splitcoaststampers (stampinmutt). It features many punches and is a quick and easy card to make.

The base of the card is Sahara Sand cardstock. She wheeled the paw print wheel in Sahara Sand ink diagonally across the card front and across the bottom of the card base.

The dog uses a 3 1/4" circle (cut from the Circle Scissors Plus) and wide oval punch from Soft Suede cardstock, 1/2 butterfly punch (nose) and 2 wide ovals (ears) in Basic Black cardstock, 1 butterfly in Whisper White cardstock and 2 - 3/4" circles in Basic Black cardstock (eyes), part of a butterfly punch in Rose Red cardstock (tongue), 2 slot punches in Basic Black cardstock for the eyebrows. This also features the white gel pen and basic black marker.

The D for Dog stamp set (115784 $15.95) is a great 6 piece stamp set. You can purchase it or earn it for free during Sellabration. To earn it for free all you have to do is place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) and chose it as your Sellabration reward. Remember Sellabration lasts from now until March 30 and this is just of the over 80 items that you can earn for free by placing a $50 Stampin Up order. 

If you would like directions on making an easel card check out Splitcoaststampers.com great tutorial. This card uses the layered words as a "stop" for the easel.

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Thanks for reading,

Stacey

Rudolph the Reindeer Candy Bar

Okay. If yoiu have been following my blog for a while, you know that I have been making candy bar wrappers for Christmas for a couple years. (See my Favorite Projects in the left hand column and click on Santa Candy Bar.) Well, this year I decided to do something a little different and make a Reindeer candy bar wrapper for a regular size candy bar.

 
 
Supplies needed for this project include:
1 regular Hershey Candy bar
5 1/2" x 6 7/8" Chocolate Chip cardstock (base)
1 - scallop circle punch Close to Cocoa cardstock cut in half (only use half)
1 - 3/4" circle punch Chocolate Chip cardstock cut in half
2 - 3/4" circle punch whisper white cardstock
2 - 1/2" circle punch Basic Black cardstock
1 - 1 1/4" circle punch Real Red cardstock
1 - 1 3/4" circle punch Chocolate Chip cardstock
2- brown pipe cleaners (12" length" from Walmart) (Do not use your good paper and ribbon scissors on pipe cleaners. Craft and Rubber scissors or household scissors work well.)
dimensional
sticky strip
snail adhesive
white gel pen

Make the antlers using pipe cleaners. Cut 1 pipe cleaner in 2 - 4 1/2" sections. Throw excess away. This is the base of your antlers. Cut the other pipe cleaner in 4 - 3" sections. Two of these sections will be placed on each base making a double T.

Wrap each strip 1 time around base, Form them in a V. And cut off excess so the sides are even. 
 
Tape the ends of the candy bar inside.
 
Fold Chocolate Chip cardstock base around candy bar. Place sticky strip on 1 edge and tape to candy bar. Place 2 strips of sticky strip on front inside of candy bar wrapper. Place antlers on sticky strip. Make sure the antlers are even.
 
Wrap the chocolate chip wrapper base around the candy bar. Adhere to the candy bar with sticky strip. This way the wrapper will stay on the cnady bar. How long you ask? Well I have had candy bar wrappers last more than 1 year.

Now place the scallop circle half on the top of your candy bar wrapper. With the white gel pen, place a white arc on the Basic Black 1/2" circles. Adhere the Basic Black circles to the Whisper White circles. Take the half Chocolate Chip circles and adhere to the top of the Whisper White circles. (You are making eyelids.)

Place the 1 3/4" Close to Cocoa circle on the Chocolate Chip base. Use a dimensional to place the Real Red circle on the Close to Cocoa circle. (It's not centered. It's closer to the bottom of the circle.)

There are many great uses for these Rudolph Candy Wrappers. I am going to use them as place cards on my holiday dinner table. I am adding a ribbon on the bottom and adding a tag with the persons name. What a great way to decorate my table.

By using regular Hershey candy bars, I am keeping my costs low! And this week, they are on sale at Walgreen's for 49 cents each (limit 6). And they are quick to make.

So I challenge you to go buy some candy bars and go through your scrap pile and make some candy bar wrappers. They also make great stocking stuffers!

Stacey

Holiday Ideas Delivered to your inbox

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

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

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

Sign up for the 12-day Holiday Helper. Set to be delivered to your inbox every morning starting this week. Just add your name and email address to the box to the left and click join now.  I'm here to help you add that sparkle and glitter to your Holidays!

Please email me  email me if you have any questions.

Inspirational Razzle Dazzle

Looking for a little inspiration. How about a rolodex full of inspirational verses? This rolodex is full of Inspirational verses for all types of occasions. Everyday I just pull another card and put it in the front of the rolodex. What a great way to let someone know that you are thinking of them. This makes a great gift.

This uses Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, In Color Cardstock, In Color Markers, Razzle Dazzle Stamp Set, Various Accessories, Big Shot, Rolodex die and a rolodex from an office supply store.

I will be featuring this project over the next few days and will be offering a class kit by mail in September. Check back everyday too see the entire project.

Thanks for checking!

Stacey

More Circle Circus Samples

I can't help it! I love the Circle Circus stamp sets. And it seems like everyone else loves it too because there are alot of great cards out there for inspiration. I went over to Splitcoast and cased the following cards. Some I changed colors some I didn't. But when you have a great stamp set -inspiration isn't hard to find!

The first sample is a case from Mudflapmama. It uses Bermuda Bay cardstock as the base and Chocolate Chip and Whisper White cardstock as additional layers. The base is stamped with various stamps from Circle Circus in Bermuda Bay ink. The Whisper White layer has "happy birthday" from Teeny Tiny Wishes and the smallest stamp from Circle Circus stamped in Chocolate Chip ink. Of course it is finished off with 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon.

This next card is cased directly from Smartblonde_2000. I kept almost everything about her card the same. I love it. The small rhinestone brads in the middle just give it a little pop. It features the new in colors: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Rich Razzleberry. The only thing I changed from her card is that I added the stamping to the base layer.

The next card is cases from KarenG. I changed the colors fron her card. She originally used in colors and I wanted to feature fall colors. So I used Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive. I also used "kind thanks" from Thank You Kindly stamped with Old Olive Ink. I also stamped on the base layer.

This is a great stamp set to add to your collection. There are many great artists out there creating wonderful artwork to use as inspiration.

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Star Christmas

I still love my Punch Pals stamp set because it is so versatile. For this card I wanted to show you how you can use a punch as a background tool. The base of this card is craft cardstock. I used the large star punch and punched out 5 large stars. I then used Sahara Sand Classic ink and with a sponge inked the edges of the large stars. I then adhered them to the base cardstock using snail adhesive.

The Whisper White textured cardstock is 2 1/2" x 4 1/4" and has the trees from the Punch Pals stamp set stamped on it using black stazon ink. I used Certainly Celery, Real Red and Summer Sun Markers to color in the trees. This is mounted on Real Red cardstock (2 3/4" x 4 1/4"). A small star was punched out of Real Red cardstock and a Rose Red button was placed on top with a glue dot.

So get out your punches and create your own background.

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CIrcle Circus Samples

I love the Circle Circus stamp set and I hope after seeing my samples I know that you will love it too. Circle Circus is one of the brand new sets available  in the 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog.

The first card features the new In Color Melon Mambo. It is paired with Basic Black and Whisper White card stock. I don't know if you can tell but each layer of the topiary is popped up with dimensionals. I think it gives it an Asian influence.

My second card is my "watermelon" card because it uses colors you would see in a watermelon. It also features "thank you" from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

The third project shows you how versatile this set is. By using one of our Decor Elements "Friends Are Forever" and craft ink, I was able to dress up this memo/bulletin board.

Glitter Inspired By Nature

I am a real glitter girl at times. Sometimes I think it just gives a "pop" to a project. This card features the set Inspired by Nature which features both a Black Eyed Susan Flower image that reminds me of the beautiful flowers from my garden. It is such a versatile set. Today I used glitter to highlight the center of the flower.

The base of this card is Chocolate Chip cardstock which is layered with Old Olive cardstock stamped with the grass image in Old Olive ink.

The top layer is Very Vanilla Cardstock stamped with the leaves in Old Olive ink and then stamped with the stems only in Old Olive ink layered on top of Rose Red cardstock.

I then stamped the center flower (twice) on a scrap of Very Vanilla cardstock with Rose Red ink. I then cut it out, used 2 way glue on the flower center and put the rose color from the fine cosmo glitter stack. This is then popped up with dimensionals.

I used the Photo Corner punch with Rose Red and Chocolate Chip cardstock (paper pierced the corner) and it is finished off with Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon.

I love this card because I can add the sentiment later. The Infinite Goodness stamp set is just one of the stamp sets featured in the new Stampin Up Idea Book & Catalog.

Be sure to check back this weekend when I will be a Princess on the Royal Blog Tour.

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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!

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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.

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.

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.

More Swaps - Stamp Camp Swap

I am still working on swaps for Convention. This is for another stamp camp swap. I decided to make a folder/organizer. This was shown on the Stampin Up cruise 2 years ago. This past Christmas I made a Christmas folder/organizer. (It was cased from a stamper over at Splitcoast.) So I thought for this swap I would make a trip themed organizer. This would help hold all of the information that anyone traveling would need (like itineraries, receipts, maps, coupons, addresses etc.)

This time of year is a great time to purchase the 2 pocket folders that make up the base of this project. Look for 2 pocket folders without staples (or remove the staples). Also I like to buy white folders which are harder to find. Last year I found some at Staples. And of course they were greatly discounted.

Supplies used:

White 2 pocket folder (no staples)
Big Deal Alphabet
Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel & Handle
East Coast Prep Designer Series Paper
Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard Cardstock
Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard Ink
Real Red 5/8" gross grain ribbon
Round tab punch, large and small star punches
Bold Brights and Earth Elements Brads
Paper Piercer and Mat Pack
Snail Adhesive
Dimensionals
Glue Dots

Hints:

When making the outline stars, punch the small star first, then punch the large star over the stamped out image.

To make the base for the organizer, open up the folder then fold each side in to the center fold line. Then fold the center fold back (opposite of how you purchased it). This will give you a folded up folder. If you have any questions,Email me .

Decor Elements - New from Stampin' Up!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Today Stampin' Up! announced that it will be offering a new product line. It is called Decor Elements. Decor Elements is a line of self-adhesive vinyl wall decorations. And they are not just for walls! They can be used on walls, windows, mirrors, tiles, glass, plastic etc... Almost anything that you can imagine!

Decor Elements allows you to decorate quickly, easily and affordabily. And as often as we like (because they can be easily removed. Can you say no more repainting!)

You can decorate around a door frame, above the mantle, in a child's room, on a picture frame, on a mirror, on your windows, on a wine bucket. And so much more! I am getting so excited just talking about it!

Initially Stampin Up will be offering 100 different images available in 2 different sizes in both chocolate and white. Images include alphabets, art images, and phrases in a variety of styles.

Starting tomorrow, we will be able to see the images, but orders can not be accepted until July 1st.  Beginning on July 1st, Stampin Up will also have a video posted on how to apply the vinyl decorations.

Stampin Up is offering a new product line in addition to the wonderful stamping, scrapbooking and papercrafting products they already sell.

If you have ever thought of becoming a demonstrator, now is a great time to take advantage of a new product offering. (And demonstrators can begin ordering for themselves tomorrow. Email me if you think you want to become a demonstrator.)

I can't wait to start showing you all of the great ways you can use this product!

Live Your Dream

I have to share this great card I received in the mail. It was made by Lene Pearson. She sent it to me when she bought a tutorial CD. Isn't this a great card? She used the Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper and Live Your Dream Stamp set that are available in the Occasions Mini Catalog until June 30th.

Lene embossed the flowers in black on whisper white paper and then cut them out. She directly embossed the bird on the Afternoon Tea Paper. She separated the two different styles of Afternoon Tea paper with a strip of basic black cardstock. She finished it off with white taffeta ribbon.

This is a stunning card and it really made my day!

Thank you Lene.

Jewelry - Jewelry - Jewelry

I was inspired by all of the great pictures from the SU cruise of Jan Wakeland's jewelry to try and make some of my own. I posted previously some earrings I had made. Well I have learned alot since then. I went up to the quarterly Stampahowlics meeting in Crystal Lake, Illinois and stayed with my friend Lynne Miller (a SU demonstrator from Algonquin, Illinois). Lynne had made it her personal quest to learn how to make jewelry using Stampin Up supplies.

While I was there I made these earrings. I used washers from my local True Value Hardware store. I applied rub-ons on the washers. On the 24 gage wire I strung beads from the silver Stampin Up Bead duos kit and also some lt blue beads I fell in love with at my local hobby store. I used jump rings and earring hooks and Viola I was done.

Lynne bought her washers at Menard's and they have a smaller center hole than mine did. So when you go out shopping for them, get an assortment. The washers I purchased also fit SU's jumbo brads in the middle (which the cropadile set nicely). I want to show you the neat selection of jewelry that Lynne made. She used clear beads  and pearls from the Pretties Kit, rub-ons, eyelets, and the rhinestones from SU's rhinestone brads. She used a very thin jewelry making cord (from Michaels) to make the necklace.

Sometimes she layered rub-on on top of rub-on. Other times she put beads or pearls in the center of her washers. She made all of these items and more and she still has most of her Pretties kit left. (Don't hoard your Pretties kit - They last a long time!) She also made a ribbon slide bracelet using the twill ribbon from the Occasions mini catalog (available until June 30th). She used the ribbon slides that are in the Silver hodgepodge set (available until June 30th) and colored them with crystal effects and glitter. Didn't she do a great job. It makes you want to go out and make some yourself!

 

Cookbook

*Updated* I will be offering a cookbook class in June. Class registration fees must be recieved by May 29th so supplies can be ordered. Cost for 1st Cookbook Class is $20. Want to make more than 1? Each additional cookbook is $15. If you are not local, you can order a Cookbook Class kit. First kit is $25 and includes shipping to you. Each additional cookbook kit is $15. Cookbook supplies include a 5 x 5 artboard journal, 1/2 package of Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper, cardstock to make 25 recipe cards, cardstock to decorate, ribbon, tabs and stamped chef. Email me if you are interested.*

Sorry it's been 2 weeks since I last posted. I wanted to share with you what I worked on today.

Today I went to a class offered by Leslie Rhodes. She is a Stampin Up demonstrator in my area. She always has such great classes. And I love getting inspiration from other SU demonstrators.

Her class this month is a cookbook using the 5" x 5" On Board Art Journal. I picked out SU's new Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper to make mine.

On the front of our journals, we used 2 different sheets of contrasting Designer Series paper. The chef from the Viola set was stamped on whisper white paper and on Designer series paper and then colored (pants, face and arm) and then adhered together. 17" of wide gross grain goes across the middle. And "bon appetit" was stamped on whisper white and layered with matching cardstock. You can use the key tag punch or your circle punch to get the corner detail.

Leslie showed us how to get a perfect punch across the top of our designer series paper using the spiral punch and making a little slit for the guide. The insides and back of the journal are all covered in Designer Series paper.

After we completed our front and back of our journals we were free to decorate however we wanted to. I used Leslie's "From the Kitchen of" set and stamped a bunch of misc, meats, veggies, soups, breads,  and desserts. Leslie had already stamped up a bunch of recipe cards for us.

I went home and decorated mine. I used the round tab punch to make the dividers and then put a 1 inch punch out from the "From the Kitchen of" set (colored). I also put the 1" circle from the "From the Kitchen of" (colored) on the recipe cards. You can see my inside pages below.

These make great gifts too. How about a wedding or a shower. If you are hosting a shower, why don't you give each person a stamped recipe card to fill out with their favorite recipe and then you can scrapbook all of them to make a great memento for the bride. Leslie left a spot next to her recipes to journal important information about the recipe. (IE This was Aunt Ida's famous potato recipe that she always brought to Thanksgiving.)

This is a great gift and easy to make in an afternoon. So start gathering your recipes!

             

Sale-A-Bration Samples

Here are some samples that I demonstrated at a workshop using Sale-A-Bration Sets. The top one uses the Birthday Whimsy set. Paper used is Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, and Blue Bayou. The new striped ribbon is also shown in Wild Wasabi. The Designer Series paper is from the retired Creative License Hostess Scrap kit (retired 12/07). It is very close to some current Designer Papers.

The bottom card uses River Rock, Soft Sky and Certainly Celery cardstock and Certainly Celery Designer Series Paper. River Rock Stitched Ribbon is also used. The soft sky cardstock is stamped with one of the doodle stamps from Doodle This and I also used the paper piercer and mat pack to decorate all of the corners with a  triangle pattern. I got out my pretties kit and used the large flower. And since I love sunflowers I wanted to turn the center of the flower into one that made it look more like 1. So I punched out a 1" circle out of river rock and used my mat pack and pierced holes all over the circle. I really like the look. I used the Sale-A-Bration Rub-ons (Love & Happiness) and rubbed them on the certainly celery Designer Series paper. Many people enjoyed putting them all over their card and envelope. They are so easy to work with!

I am so glad that I started using my pretties kit! What have you made with your flowers?

Dahlia Folded Flower

I loved the Technique Challange this week over at Splitcoast (TLC 153). It was to make a card that used the dahlia fold. I decided that I would make a dahlia flower and then use ribbon to make the stem. (We all know how much I love ribbon.) Since I love my mat pack, I used it to make the corner paper piercings. It is so easy. I stamped wonderful in white craft ink. I used a rhinestone brad to decorate the center of my flower. If you want directions on how to make the dahlia check out this website.

Valentine Bundle

Time is running out to purchase the Stampin Up Valentine's bundle to save 15%. Here are a couple of samples my friend Carol made with these sets.

This sample uses the items from the Valentine's Day bundle (Happy Hearts Day Stamp Set, Regal Rose 5/8" gross grain ribbon and medium cellophane bags) She also used the Three For You punch and stamp sets to make the little flowers that gather the ribbon on the top of the bag. This is a great way to give a different look to the ribbon.

Here are a couple of quick Valentine's Day cards also made with the Happy Heart Stamp Set. This set makes great Valentine cards for people of all ages!

Call or email today to take advantage of this special.

Diva Days

I had the pleasure of teaching my Cookie Sheet Calendar Class at the Stampahowlics Diva Days last Saturday. That is why I hadn't posted in a while. I was preparing for a class of 30. That's alot of cutting. Everyone loved the calendars. And I can tell you that most of the cookie sheets are now sold out in a 100 mile radius. I made another one for a sample and a gift. (All Supplies SU: Fall Flowers Designer Series Paper, ink and paper: soft sky, sahara sand, pumpkin pie, old olive. Chipboard flower, heat n stick powder, dazzling diamonds, old olive 5/8" gross grain ribbon, soft sky & river rock stitched ribbon, circle punches (1 1/4", 1", 3/4"), big deal alphabet, rough edges alphabet, calendar cues stamp sets, 13" x 12" slide off cookie sheet) I used the computer to run off the numbers. Email me if you want the file.

At Diva Days we made 7 projects plus my Cookie Sheet Calendar. Here are the other projects. We got to play with all of the new Sale-A-Bration sets. These sets are available for FREE with a $50 SU purchase. Also shown is Embrace Life which just debuted in the new Spring Summer catalog.

Lisa Lange also brought this project for us all to complete. What a great way to have a calendar, paper and pencil all together! We had a great time!

Eastern Elegance Rub Ons

I was so excited when I learned that Stampin' Up! was going to carry rub ons in the new Spring/Summer catalog. I love rub ons. And now that I have some on my hot little hands, I love them even more. They are excellent quality. They rub off completely (no hanging chads).

So of course when I had the oportunity to participate in a demo only swap, I signed up for the Eastern Elegance rub ons. The rub-ons are 5 1/2 inches x 12 inches in both black and white. I made 12 cards and used most of the sheet of white rub ons. (I did not use all of the words or the letters or one of the borders.) So you can see that I got alot out of the pack. You can use the applicator that comes with the rub ons or if you are gentle you can also use a bone folder.

I also used the new Ginger Blossom Designer Series paper, Ruby Red and River Rock cardstock, corner rounder punch, and groovy guava stitched ribbon. I put the rub ons on both the cardstock and designer series paper. (They also adhere well to glass.)

Each card is different. I have included a thumbnail of each card. Click on the picture to see a larger image of the cards.

 

Another Cookie Sheet Calendar

I made another perpetual magnetic cookie sheet calendar. These are really addicting to make. I made this to give at a Diva day's Christmas event.

Again I got the cookie sheet at Walmart. I used 1 sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 sheet magnets, and 3 feet of 1/2 inch wide magnets. I used Fall Flowers Designer Series Paper as well as Soft Sky, Sahara Sand & Old Olive ink and paper and whisper white paper. I also used Old Olive 5/8 inch gross grain ribbon, as well as Soft sky and certainly celery ribbon. I used the On Board accents chipboard for the Big and small flower and the heart chipboard. I also used Big Deal and Rough Edges Alphabets and the Calender Cues set.

I really love the glitter flower that is on top of this cookie sheet. Who knew that Chipboard and glitter could be so much fun. I attached the Designer Series Paper and then used Heat n Stick powder (and an embossing gun) to attach the dazzling diamonds glitter. It is so easy to use chipboard. Attach it with gluestick or mono and then cut around the chipboard. Use your sanding blocks to make the edges perfect. Yes it's that easy.

Here is how the top looks. (I used a drill to go throught the cookie sheet because there is a lip on my cookie sheet . If you do not have a lip then you can use the cropadile!) The months and days are put on with magnets so you can use this calendar every year.

Here are the holidays that I made with the Calender Cues set. You can also add any that you want from any other set. I used a variety of circle punches. The days of the week were run off on the computer on a sheet of Soft Sky card stock. I typed it up in a word document. If you would like a copy of it, email me. I used the 1 1/4 inch circle to punch it out.

Here are copies of all of the months stamped out. The Big Deal alphabet is so easy to use! I should have bought it earlier.

These are time consuming but easy to make.

I love Dashing Paper!

For only 14 more days all of Stampin' Up!'s designer series paper is on sale (buy 3 get 1 free). I have been having fun playing with the Dashing paper. Don't forget to check out the Christmas Countdown calendar on the previous post made with Dashing paper. The demo that made that for me, made 10 of them and did not use even 1 package of Dashing paper. Can you imagine making 10 gifts for less than $10. I made 60 cards from the Dashing paper, (that's right 60) and I still had paper left over for other projects like the designer paper ornament that we made at the September Christmas gift class.

One of the cards we will be making at class in November is a tag card using the Dashing paper. I am not posting it here but if you receive my newsletter you saw the cute project in it. If you want to receive my newsletter be sure to sign up for it in the left column.

For the ornament I use 12 - 1" x 6" strips.  Be sure to decide how you want your paper to look - (IE. every other one a different design). Arrange the paper first and then use your cropadile and punch through all 12 strips at once using the large hole punch 3/4" in and centered. Cut a long ribbon (I usually cut a long 14" because I have fat fingers) and then make a loop on the top. String the ribbon through the holes and then tie it off (after you decide how you want the ornament shaped). Decorate with ribbon and viola you are done. Some talented people also use items from the pretties kit to decorate their ornaments. This is a great project to use all of that paper that you have been hoarding - that's right you know it.

One of the cards uses Sidekick Sayings (a hostess set that is only available until December 31). Stamp tree on very vanilla, and then stamp another tree on very vanilla. Color with markers (real read & old olive), cut out, layer it with dimensionals. The tree card took 2 minutes to make! You could make 100 of them in an afternoon. Cut 2 1/2" squares and then cut them on the diagonal. Layer as shown popping them up with dimensionals. Use your ticket corner punch (or circle punch-see tutorial on this web site), stamp with itty bitty backgrounds and you are down. The other card uses Circle of Friendship stamped in old olive, layered, Dashing paper and red gross grain ribbon.

Here are some other great cards. One uses Circle of Friendship, the other uses the level 2 hostess set. Look how many different cards you can make with 1 set and 1 package of paper.

Here are some other great cards using Punch Pals, Festive Favorites, Circle of Friendship and Sincere Salutations. Are you getting the idea that you can make alot of cards that look different with 1 package of Dashing paper.

Okay if you don't have any, pick some up before you regret it.

And for you hoarders- use your paper. I know it is painful. I feel your pain -but look at all of the things you can make!

DO you have a great card that you made with Dashing paper? Email it to me as a .jpg and maybe you'll see it here!

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween. I love the Trick or Treaters (although not many come to my house). I absolutely love making Halloween cards. I do not make many because I do not have many people to send them too! Every year I want to buy many Halloween stamp sets but I was disciplined this year. When I went to my group meeting up in Chicago, one of my sister demonstrators brought samples of Halloween nugget holders. They were adorable!!! So I wanted to show you her creations. Of course she used google eyes which I absolutely love. This is an adorable way to decorate a single piece of candy and really make it look great. I have seen these decorated so many different ways but this was the first time that I saw it used for Halloween! Don't you just love them? 

Round Tab Punch

The other day I showed you an Easter basket using punches. I told you that one of the punches used was the new Round Tab Punch. Of course I said that you would want one. Now let me show you all the things that you can make with it.

It makes a great tab for you to use on your cards or scrapbook page. (Looks great with a word stamped on it.) You can make a spool of thread, parenthesis, brackets, or even bats. Just think how your card or scrapbook page would look with these added to it.

  Here's a card using the Doodle This set showing you how to use the tab on a card. This is another versatile tool to add to your craft supplies.

Get Punchy!

  Okay I have to admit that I have been getting punchy lately. I have been appreciating all of the uses for Stampin' Up!'s punches. This Easter basket uses the new tab punch that is available in the Spring Mini catalog and the oval punches. If you haven't been experimenting with your punches then you need to get them out and play with them. And the new tab punch that is available in Stampin' Up!'s Spring mini probably needs to be added to your collection too.

Okay if you are still in the Easter mood then you are going to love this one too. Circle punches can make a lovely bunny with a little bit of help from your oval punches. So get out your punches and your scrap paper and see what you can make.

Punch Happy!

I went to my upline's, upline's meeting and made the cutest card. I used punches. We made the cutest Thomas the Train card using circle and square punches. Who knew how easy this could be! My children are too old for this card but I have a nephew who would just love it. Remember you can make a card quickly by just using your cardstock. And you thought you had too many scraps. This card shows you that you can always use your scraps>

New Stamps

Well I have been playing with my new stamps and I have to say that Big Pieces which is available in the Winter Mini catalog is becoming my favorite stamp set. It is so easy to make a cute card with this set. it looks great no matter what color combination that you use. I found this great card on splitcoaststampers designed by tonyamac1 and just had to try to recreate it. Here is my version. I just love pink passion and black together. And with the circle punches you can make this card really pop.

I am falling in love with my white staz on pad. It is great to stamp on window sheets (transparencies) or celophane bags. I had to come up with a swap card for the Sellabration set Happy Harmony (free with a $50 Stampin Up purchase) and decided to use the white staz on pad. Here is what I came up with. I also used my beloved linen background stamp. I used a thin strip of paper instead of ribbon. Next time you are looking for a certain color ribbon, don't forget to check out your scrap pile.

January class is coming up next week. I'll have lots of new samples and displays. Call or email me today to save your spot.