Add Ink and Stamp

Outlined Occasions

2012-03-02T08:14:00.001-05:00

I have had this card hanging around for a while now. I was going to use it in the Stampin Addicts Sale-a-bration Blog Hop back in January but changed my mind. The colors aren't my favorite even though I took them from the Twitterpated dsp in the Occasions Mini. But I do like the layout and the stars so I thought I would share it today.

It is kind of masculine thanks to the colors, although I don't know if guys would appreciate the bling. To create the red rhinestones, I just colored some Basic Rhinestones with a Sharpie. It is pretty easy to do!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Outlined Occasions - Sale-a-bration

Paper: Twitterpated dsp- Occasions Mini

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Gray, Island Indigo

Other: Big Shot, Stars Bigz die, Basic Rhinestones, Circle Punch, Ticket Corner punch

Have a great day!

Elementary Elegance Just messin' around

2012-02-29T07:29:00.002-05:00

Hi there stampers! Another Sale-a-bration card today - this time using the set, Elementary Elegance.

The panel on the left was made with the frame stamp included in the set. I cut the designer paper so it fit within the "frame". It is always fun to find another way to use a stamp!

And I am really loving the Attic Boutique dsp. especially the piece I used with this card. The soft yellow and the roses? Yum! I have to admit the random vintage images are not my favorite but the colors make up for that.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Elementary Elegance - Sale-a-bration

Paper: Attic Boutique dsp - Occasions Mini

Cardstock: Regal Rose, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede

Other: 2 1/2" Circle punch, Curly Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch, dimensional, Crochet Trim, Eyelet Border Punch, Brad (Sale-a-bration)

I hope you have a wonderful and creative day!

Espresso Rose

2012-02-27T07:58:00.001-05:00

A quick post today. And no Elegant Bird today. :) Instead, I have another Sale-a-bration sample. I haven't really explored the large floral image in the Sale-a-bration stamp set, Fresh Vintage.

And I broke out of the Everyday Enchantment designer paper rut I have been in! I had to add the strip of cardstock along the bottom to cover a mistake. Oops!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Curly Cute, Fresh Vintage (Sale-a-bration)

Cardstock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Regal Rose

Ink: Early Espresso, Regal Rose

Other: Corner Punch, Square Punches

Thanks for stopping by!

Party themes - Stampin Addicts Anniversary Blog Hop!

2012-02-24T08:55:00.002-05:00

Stampin Addicts, the positively creative, positively Stampin' Up! website is celebrating its 3rd Anniversary! What better way to celebrate than by having a Party Blog Hop?! Every stop along the way will feature a different party theme. Click Here for the complete list.

The Blog Hop officially begins at noon so all links may not be working just yet. Be sure to check back later - I wouldn't want you to miss anything!

If you arrived here from Tanya Boser's Blog, Tinkerin in Ink with Tanya, then you are at the right spot. If you just hopped on, that's ok too because the hop goes full circle - just follow the links.

<---------PREVIOUS BLOG

My daughter is getting married this summer. Therefore, I thought this would be a good chance for me to try out some Bridal Shower ideas for this party blog hop!

Vintage weddings are so popular right now so I tried to incorporate some vintage into my Bridal Shower projects. I couldn't decide what colors to use - my daughter doesn't know what hers are so I went with Blushing Bride, White, and Crumb Cake.

Every party begins with an invitation. And since doilies are part of the vintage craze, I used the Hello Doily background stamp on my invitation and embossed it in white to make it stand out. Then I just stamped and colored one of the labels from the Apothecary Art stamp set for the center. Because this invitation needs to be mailed I kept it simple with only a few tiny pearls for accents. And of course I rounded the corners!

Stamps: Hello Doily background, Sincere Salutations, Apothecary Art (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride

Ink: Versamark, Blushing Bride marker, Pear Pizzazz marker, Crumb Cake

Other: White Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Labels Framelits, Basic Pearls, Corner Punch

There are so many ways to incorporate stamping and papercrafting into a Bridal Shower. Here are the ideas I created to personalize this special occasion.

The Petite Pocket Bigz die makes a great holder for the flatware, whether it be plain or fancy. Again I embossed the doily on the front. I love how it looks on Crumb Cake cardstock with twine and a Blushing Bride button.

The drink bottle is a clean Snapple bottle since I only needed one bottle. If I decide to use this idea in the future I will look online for bottles and/or jars. I found this idea for the drink bottle on Pinterest. Shelli, Stampin' Up!'s CEO also has a cute sample on her blog, So Shelli.

Tips: *I use Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere the doily to the glass.

*The label is from the Apothecary Art stamp set. I wrote Strawberry Lemonade on the label so guests know what they will be drinking!

*The "bottle cap" is an embossed piece of cardstock die cut with the Flower Folds die.

It protects the contents. :)

Stamps: Apothecary Art, Hello Doily background

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride

Ink: Versamark, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride marker

Other: Big Shot, Paper Doily Sizzlit (Occasions Mini), Labels Framelits, Petite Pocket Bigz die, Perfect Pennants Bigz die, Flower Folds Bigz Die, White Emb. Powder, Blushing Bride button, twine, circle punch, basic pearl, Itty bitty punch pack

Of course, no party is complete without a Favor! Rather than limit my project to a particular item, I made a Fancy Favor Box that could hold a multitude of items! What makes it special is the die cut Paper Doily with attached label from Apothecary Art stamp set.

Stamps: Apothecary Art (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Twitterpated (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Blushing Bride

Ink: Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake

Other: Big Shot, Fancy Favor Box Bigz die, Labels Framelits, Paper Doily Sizzlit (Occ. Mini), Baker's Twine, Large Pearl, Itty Bitty Punch pack, circle punch, dimensional, Mini clothespin

Now it's time to Party On with Katherine at her blog, My Magical Inkery Tour. Enjoy!

Next Blog ---------------->

Fabric Bird

2012-02-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

I used to love to sew but that was many, many years ago. It was before I discovered stamping and paper crafting. :) Looking back, I think it was the colors and textures that I loved the most. Now I can create my own colors and textures!

I have to admit I haven't done much with the Stampin' Up! fabric. Instead, I just admire what others have done. There are some awesome fabric projects out there!

I do have some of the Twitterpated Fabric from the Occasions Mini. It has sat in its box all these many months until I got the idea to use it with the Elegant Bird Bigz die. It's nothing fancy.

This card was really easy to make. I just die cut the fabric and then sewed it to the cardstock. Two things to note: I skipped over the tail when I was sewing the bird's body to the cardstock. And I trimmed the wing before I sewed it to the bird. The wing was a little overpowering so that was my solution. If you don't want to sew the fabric, try the Big Shot Fabric Adhesive - I heard it works like a charm.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Delightful Dozen

Cardstock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Baja Breeze

Other: Big Shot, Elegant Bird Bigz die, Basic Pearl, Pear Pizzazz Ribbon, Twitterpated Fabric

Have a great day!

Elegant Bird, Day 3

2012-02-22T07:41:00.000-05:00

It was a given that I would make an Easter Dove with the Elegant Bird Bigz die. It just seemed to be the obvious thing to do. *smile*

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Easter Dove (Occasions Mini), Delightful Dozen

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party

Ink: Pool Party

Other: Big Shot, Elegant Bird Bigz Die, Labels Framelits (Occ. Mini), Framed Tulips emb. folder, Elegant Lines emb. folder, White Organdy Ribbon, Pool Party brad, white brad, Eyelet Border Punch, sponge, mini glue dots

Hope you have a creative day!

A Hippie Bird and Directions for Candle Sleeve

2012-02-21T07:58:00.000-05:00

I am on a roll with the Elegant Bird Bigz die! I have been having alot of fun creating with it and I have a list of ideas yet to work on. Hopefully, by the time I have completed them and posted them, you will love the Elegant Bird die as much as I do. Ok, maybe you will at least give it a try?!

The seventies: Flower Power, Bell Bottoms, Tie Dye, the Peace Symbol, Earth Shoes, Big Macs, and so much more!

I thought it would be fun to make a "tie dyed" peace bird using watercolor paper and reinkers. The Peace Symbol was an afterthought so I had to use some ingenuity to create one.

To create the bird, I wet the watercolor paper thoroughly and then added reinker with a watercolor brush. I also used a water spritzer to make the color move when necessary.

To create the symbol, I die cut the letter "Y" and "I" with my Timeless Type Sizzlits. Then I trimmed them and glued them to the outer circle I punched with 2 circle punches.

All Supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Four the Holidays

Paper: Watercolor paper

Cardstock: Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black

Ink: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi

Other: Big Shot, Elegant Bird Bigz Die (Occasions Mini), Timeless Type Sizzlits, Tulip Frame emb. folder, Black Brad, Watercolor Brush, 1" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch

And now, the directions for the Candle Sleeve in yesterday's post found here. I don't have step by step photos this time.

1. Die cut 5 Lattices from Whisper White cardstock.

2. Die cut 5 Lattices from Silver Glimmer paper.

3. Use Multipurpose Liquid Glue and glue a White Lattice to a Glimmer Lattice. Do all 5 like this and allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Poke a hole in each corner of each lattice. Poke from the Glimmer side to the back.

5. I found it easiest to arrange the 5 lattices in a "T" with the Glimmer side up. Arrange them so there are 4 across and the 5th one under any of the other 4.

6. Put a Silver Mini Brad through the points of one lattice and the points of the next one and the next until all points are connected in the cube shape.

The lid fits right over the sleeve.

Another Elegant Bird is on board for tomorrow - don't say I didn't warn you!

Thanks for stopping.

Control Freaks Blog Tour - The Cutting Edge

2012-02-19T19:21:00.002-05:00

Again, welcome to this month's Control Freak's Blog Tour, titled "The Cutting Edge". It means everyone will be featuring Projects Using Die Cuts in the Big Shot. Too fun!

If you arrived here from the blog of talented and hilarious, Jan Tinklenberg (aka Jan Tink), then you are at the right place. However, if this is your first stop, don't worry. The Tour goes full circle - just follow the links.

That being said, the Tour doesn't officially begin until February 20th so be sure to stop back just in case the links aren't working. We don't want you to miss a thing.

I admit I have a thing for birds, not necessarily live birds, but birds in the stamping/papercrafting world. Therefore, the Elegant Bird Bigz die in the Occasions Mini Catalog, was a must have for me. I have been having lots of fun with it!

This bird comes in 2 pieces: the body and the wing. Don't let the wing or the size of the body scare you because you can tailor it, as I did with this card - no wing, no tail.

The flower and leaves were also cut with the Big Shot and Dies.

For the flower, I used the Fun Flowers Bigz die and just cut out 3 of the smallest flowers. Then I spritzed them with water, crumpled them up and let them dry.
For the leaves, I used the Little Leaves Sizzlit die and some designer paper.

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Musical Notes Wheel

Paper: Attic Boutique dsp (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Ink: Soft Suede

Other: Big Shot, Elegant Bird Bigz die, Fun Flowers Bigz die, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Elegant Lines embossing folder, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Color Spritzer Tool, Antique Brad, Basic Pearls, sponge, Jewelry Tag Punch, Vintage Trinkets, Circle punch, Mini Glue Dots

I made this 3 dimensional vintage-style bird so she can perch on my craft table and inspire me. She was actually easy to make. The hard part was finding a stone/rock that was flat!

To make this little birdie, I once again used the Elegant Bird Bigz Die and designer paper. BUT, I also used chipboard for the body to give her stability. Her legs are 2 paper clips sandwiched between the chip board. I hot glued them to the rock and then covered up the blob of glue with shredded dsp.

I didn't take pictures to do a tutorial but I can answer any questions you have. Just email me.

Stamps: Creative Elements

Paper: Attic Boutique dsp (Occasions Mini

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Soft Suede

Other: Big Shot, Elegant Bird Bigz die, Paper Doily Large Sizzlit Die, Scallop Circle punch, Circle punch, Basic Pearls, Crochet Trim, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Chipboard/cardboard, Flat Rock, Paper clips

My final project is a Candle Sleeve that I made specifically for one of my 3 wicked candles from Bath and Body Works. I used the Lattice Bigz die and my Big Shot. It has a bottom to it as well so the sleeve doesn't slide up.

Stamps: none

Paper: Silver Glimmer Paper (still available)

Cardstock: Whisper White

Other: Paper Piercer, Mini Brads, Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Rather than go into detail now, I will post directions and more photos on Monday, Feb. 21st. It isn't difficult to make.

Eta: Directions can be found here. Just scroll down.

In the meantime, don't stop touring! The inspiration continues with the very creative LeeAnn Greff.

Thanks for touring! I hope you will stop back again.

You May Need Sunglasses

2012-02-18T08:06:00.000-05:00

Don't say I didn't warn you that this card is bright! And it is out of my color comfort zone at that. But... I wanted to give this combination a try because I was walking through the Mall this week and kept noticing navy and coral/poppy, or navy and yellow in many of the clothing stores. The navy blue I was seeing was not as dark as our Night of Navy but definitely in that range.

I decided to put those colors together for a card using the Apothecary Art stamp set, and here is what I came up with.

The designer paper is from the Everyday Enchantment pack (Sale-a-bration) again. This particular piece of the dsp is a lighter shade of Poppy Parade which makes it a bright Coral color - just like the color I was seeing everywhere. And how 'bout those edges? I used the Adorning Accents Edgelit and Embossing Folder

I should probably explain the focal image. I stamped it with Basic Gray ink, not Night of Navy. Reason being, Basic Gray is permanent ink so water coloring is no problem. After my water coloring was dry, I went back with a Poppy Parade marker to add contrast.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Apothecary Art (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Everyday Enchantment dsp (Sale-a-bration)

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade

Other: Corner Punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Emb. Folder, Labels Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelit, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder, circle punch, Aquapainter, Word Window Punch, sponge, dimensionals

Have a wonderful weekend!

Fresh Vintage Bouquet

2012-02-16T07:38:00.000-05:00

I was trying to think of a new way to present the Sale-a-bration stamp set, Fresh Vintage. It is such a pretty stamp set especially the largest image in the set. But for today's card, I chose to focus on the smallest image.

To make the vase I used the large oval punch and punched an oval from a scrap of Everyday Enchantment dsp (also Sale-a-bration). Then I trimmed the bottom, adhered it to the card, and added a bouquet of punched flowers.

I have heard good and bad reviews about the ribbon in the Ribbon and Brad Pack. Some think it is too skinny. As a demonstrator, I probably shouldn't have told you that. Oops. But honestly, I really like this ribbon. Yes, it is thin, but it is so easy to work with. One of my favorite things to do with it is loop it again and again and then tie it off.

Okay, here is another piece of honesty for you. The dsp on the background of my card is upside down! And what's more, I just noticed it. Lol. I must have been so focused on the 2nd layer, I didn't notice the first layer. So if you case this card, don't case it exactly.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (Sale-a-bration), Perfectly Penned

Paper: Everyday Enchantment dsp (Sale-a-bration)

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla

Ink: Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade

Other: Ribbon and Brad Pack (Sale-a-bration), Corner punch, Large Oval Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, XL Oval Punch, dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

And so the Sale-a-bration sale continues but only 6 weeks are left to take advantage of The sale of the year. For every $50 you spend on Stampin' Up! products, you choose one of the items from the Sale-a-bration catalog (on the right side of my blog post). Questions? Just email me.

If you would like to visit my Online Store, you can do so by clicking here.

Thanks for taking the time to visit.

It's a Frame. It's a Border

2012-02-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today's card has nothing to do with Valentine's Day by the way. It isn't even red or pink and no hearts are involved.

I wanted to show you how the frame in the Sale-a-bration stamp set, Elementary Elegance can be used as a border. I paired it with the Sale-a-bration designer paper, Everyday Enchantment and made what I like to call a "mailable" card. Is there such a word?

What is my definition of a Mailable card? Any card that does not require extra postage. And at my post office any bump or lump requires extra postage.

The border down the center is just 3 frames stamped end to end. It is just a different way to use the stamp :) The sentiment and butterfly are also part of this sweet set. And the paper?! All I can say is, yum.

So that is it for today's card - pretty easy stuff.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Elementary Elegance (Free Sale-a-bration)
Paper: Everyday Enchantment (Free Sale-a-bration)
Cardstock: Peach Parfait, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede
Other: 1/2" circle punch, large oval punch, corner punch, decorative label punch, sponge

Visit my Online Store for all of your Stampin' Up! needs!

Thanks for stopping and enjoy the day!

One Was Not Enough

2012-02-11T08:14:00.000-05:00

Those little envelopes made with the Hearts Framelits are addicting. I had to make another one and you may even see some more in the future. Just sayin'

Remember yesterday's card (found Here)?

Well today's card uses the same idea (directions also found Here).I went for Clean and Simple this time - super easy!

The envelope was made with the Hearts Framelits and the Everyday Enchantment dsp, a Sale-a-bration choice.

I wanted to keep this card simple so I stamped the tiniest image from the Fresh Vintage stamp set and stamped it directly onto the cardstock. It looks like the flowers are pouring out of the envelope - just a cute little way of saying thanks! I did add some of the tiniest Basic Pearls - one on each flower. I couldn't resist.

Now I confess, I wanted this to be a no layers card, except for the envelope, but I made a mistake. I realize there are no mistakes in stamping so I just cut the front of the card, flipped it over, stamped again, and layered it onto another piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. Dimensionals give it some... dimension!

Oh, and don't forget to round the corner. I love to do that and I would say the corner punch is my favorite. I am sooo hoping Stampin' Up! will begin to carry another corner punch in a larger size. They are so popular right now!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (Sale-a-bration)

Paper: Everyday Enchantment dsp (Sale-a-bration)

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

Ink: Peach Parfait, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade

Other: Corner Punch, dimensionals, Big Shot, Hearts Framelits (Occasions Mini),Basic Pearls

To see these products, and many others, please visit my Online Store. And Sale-a-bration continues - don't miss out!

I hope you have a great weekend!

When a Heart is an Envelope

2012-02-09T07:44:00.001-05:00

I saw it on Pinterest.

That is becoming a common thread these day. I know it is true for me, especially when I am talking to any of my 3 daughters. We are avid Pinterest people - even more so now with a wedding to plan!

I personally love Pinterest because I can go there to be inspired and/or keep track of my stamping inspiration. I highly recommend it - more on that later.

One of the ideas I found on Pinterest was to turn a paper heart into an envelope. So I did!

This is the card I made using the Sale-a-bration designer paper, Everyday Enchantment. I also included the stamped sentiment from the Sale-a-bration stamp set, Outlined Occasions. The envelope is actually one of the hearts from the new Hearts Framelits Collection.

In case you are wondering, I lined the envelope with a second piece of Everyday Enchantment dsp because I wanted a minimal amount colors on my card. Once I cut the hearts by using the Hearts Framelits, I made the envelope and then added some ribbon and a Brad from the Sale-a-bration Ribbon and Brad Pack.

The Everyday Enchantment is my favorite Sale-a-bration product! The colors and patterns are just beautiful. I had alot of fun making this "heart envelope". Give it a try!

The original directions that I used are found Here.

My directions:

1. Use the Big Shot and Hearts Framelits to cut a heart from dsp. I used the largest heart which is not the one I show here.

2. Fold the heart on each side as shown.

3. Fold the bottom part of the heart up.

4. Go back to step 2 and add adhesive under and on each side flap. Then fold the bottom up again.

5. If you are going to make into an actual envelope you would fold the top flap down. I skipped that part.

The joy of using the Hearts Framelits is the number of different sizes - 6 in all - so you could make a tiny envelope all the way up to the size of the one on my card.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Outlined Occasions - Sale-a-bration

Paper: Everyday Enchantment - Sale-a-bration

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Poppy Parade

Ink: Stazon, Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Soft Suede

Other: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots emb. folder, Hearts Framelits (Occasions Mini), Basic Pearls, XL Oval Punch, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Brad (Sale-a-bration), sponge

Please refer to my Online Store for all of your Stampin' Up! needs. And best of all for every $50.00 you spend you receive a Free Sale-a-bration product!

I have added a Follow Me on Pinterest button to my blog. It is on the right side of this page. Clicking on it will take you to my Pinterest boards. If you are not a member of Pinterest and would like to - email me and I would be happy to give you an invite!

Thank you for taking the time to look.

Tutorial for Castle Card

2012-02-08T07:37:00.001-05:00

I put together pictures and directions for the Castle Cards that I made for my nephew and nieces. To view my nieces' cards click Here and Here. The tutorial today is for my nephew's card. And the card that inspired me can be found Here.

You will need:

1-3/8" Punch
XL Oval Punch
Paper Snips
Border Punches - for this card: Pinking Hearts Border Punch and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
Cupcake Builder Punch
Petite Pennants Builder Punch
Itty Bitty Punch Pack
Big Shot
Timeless Type Sizzlits
Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz Die
Designer Paper - for this card I used Just Add Cake dsp
Basic Rhinestones or Pearls - Sharpie if you want to color them
Dimensionals
cardstock
Curly Cute stamp

1. You will need to cut a base 3 3/8" x 6 1/2". I used Baja Breeze for this particular card.

2. Cut the "castle" cardstock from cardstock to measure 4" x 9 3/4". Score at 3 1/4" and at 6 1/2".

3. Cut 4 pieces of dsp - 2 from 2 different patterns - to measure 3 1/8" x 3 7/8"

4. Tower Roof: dsp measuring 2 1/8" square. Cut it diagonally as shown.

5. The Tower Frame: dsp measuring 2" x 2 1/2"

6. Cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock measuring 3 1/8" x3 7/8". Adhere to the right panel of the castle cardstock.

7. Adhere 2 of the pieces of dsp as shown.

8. Adhere the other 2 pieces of matching dsp on the reverse side as shown. The blank panel will be attached to the Baja Breeze base.

9. Use the 1 3/8" Square Punch and center it in on the center panel about 1/3 of the way down the punch's opening. Punch.

Note: I have the older punch style in this size so it punched through the layers no problem. I don't know about the new styles. You may want to test it first.

10. With the card folded as shown, punch the left edge as shown - through all layers.

11. Use Paper Snips and cut the right edge as shown.

12. Use a paper cutter or if you have a good eye, cut with Paper Snips, the left panel. It should be even with the middle panel.

13. Use the 1 3/8" Square punch again and punch the left panel that you just trimmed. Refer to photo for placement of the punch.

14. Use the XL Oval Punch and punch the Tower Frame from dsp. Refer to photo for punch placement.

15. Adhere the Tower Frame to the back of the castle.

16. Adhere the tower frame and card to the Baja Breeze Base.

17. Use dimensionals and add the Tower Roof.

18. Use the XL Oval punch and punch the front panel as shown.

19. Use Paper Snips and cut on each sides of the oval opening from the bottom of the card up to the opening on left and right. This will be the door.

20. Use the Petite Pennants Builder Punch and punch 4 pennants from dsp. These will be used for the turrets.

21. Use the Itty Bitty Punch Pack and punch 4 small scallops. These will go on top of the turrets.

22. Punch 5 different borders for trim. They should be 3 1/8" long.

23. Cut a piece of dsp to measure 3 1/8" x ?. I didn't measure it but it will be the base for Happy Birthday banner.

24. Cut the banner from a piece of Whisper White cardstock measuring 1/2" x 4". Stamp sentiment.

25. Use 1 3/8" square punch as shown to create the "v" in the banner ends.

26. Punch an oval from dsp with the XL Oval punch. This will be go under the number 9.

27. Die cut the number and adhere the oval and number as shown.

28. Punch a cloud with the Cupcake Builder punch and slide it under the roof and adhere.

29. Attach the borders as shown. You will need to trim the one in the front and back.

30. Add the turrets adhering front and back. Use mini glue dots and add the small scalloped circles to the top of each turret.

31. Each turret gets a rhinestone or pearl.

32. Add the name.

33. Adhere the stamped banner to the dsp base and adhere them to the front of the card.

This card is not as difficult as the number of steps and photos would make it seem. Please feel free to email me if you get stuck or if I forgot something.

My Online Store is available for all of your Stampin' Up! needs. And best of all for every

$50.00 you spend you receive a Free Sale-a-bration product!

I have a cute card to show you tomorrow!

It's great to be 9!

2012-02-07T07:38:00.002-05:00

My nephew is just the sweetest little boy ever and every year at this time we are especially thankful that he is a part of our lives. His birthday is today which makes him 9. His birthday should be in May, however. You see he was born prematurely and spent many, many months in NICU where it was touch and go. You would never know it now. He is healthy, bright, and, well, the sweetest little boy ever!

This is his birthday card - my 3rd and final castle card. To see the others, go Here and Here.

I used the punch to keep the card closed for the, oh so bad photograph. Sorry.

The card opens up.

Once again, I added the name on the inside to make it personal.

And this is what the card looks like on the other side.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my Castle Cards. I will be posting directions/photos as promised. And the tutorial is free of course.

ETA: Free Tutorial for this card can be found by clicking Here.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Curly Cute

Paper: Just Add Cake dsp

Cardstock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze

Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Sizzlits, Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz die, Basic Pearls, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, XL Oval Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch

My Online Store for all of your Stampin' Up! needs. And best of all for every $50.00 you spend you receive a Free Sale-a-bration product!

Have a great day.

For a special Princess

2012-02-06T13:42:00.001-05:00

If you read yesterday's post, you know about my Personalized Castle Cards that I made for my 2 nieces and nephew. Each one got easier to make because I knew exactly what I was doing.

The card I am showing you today was sent to my 7 year old niece in Pennsylvania. I don't get to see her, and all my other family for that matter, nearly enough so I try to make special birthday cards. Of course I made hers, her sister's and brother's all the same except for the paper and colors. So much for special. lol.

Here is the front of the card with my punch holding it closed.

And opened - it spells my niece's name and allows space for writing a special message.

The card, when folded, fits in a business size envelope. It is a little shorter length-wise than the envelope.

I will post my nephew's card tomorrow and then later this week I will post the directions.

ETA: Free Tutorial can be found by clicking Here.

Until then.... All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Curly Cute

Paper: Beyond the Garden dsp

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi

Ink: Melon Mambo

Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Sizzlits, Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz die, Basic Pearls, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, XL Oval Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch

My Online Store for all of your Stampin' Up! needs. And best of all for every $50.00 you spend you receive a Free Sale-a-bration product!

Thanks for stopping by!

A personalized castle card

2012-02-05T07:42:00.001-05:00

My niece turned 5 back in January and I always like to make her a special card. Last year I sent her a Stampin' Up! Sound Card which she loved. This year, I made her a personalized Castle Card. I found the inspiration in the card found here. (mine is not as large as that).

I apologize in advance for the photos. I had to get the card in the mail quickly so I took photos quickly and sent the card on its merry way. Too late to retake!

As you can see I used lots of Flirtatious designer paper!

This is what the card looks like completely closed (with the help of a punch).

This photo shows the inside and how I die cut her name with my Big Shot and Timeless Type Sizzlits.

I deliberately left the castle tower layers open a little so you could see how I doubled the layers.

I will be posting the directions and photo tutorial in the future. I do have 2 more castle cards to show you in the upcoming days!

ETA: I posted a Free Tutorial - just click Here. Enjoy!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Curly Cute

Paper: Flirtatious Specialty paper

Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party

Ink: Wisteria Wonder

Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Sizzlits, Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz die, Basic Rhinestones, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, XL Oval Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch

My Online Store for all of your Stampin' Up! needs. And best of all for every $50.00 you spend you receive a Free Sale-a-bration product!

Have a blessed day!

Thank You Note

2012-02-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

My guess is you didn't even realize Stampin' Up! sells a stamp that looks like note paper - or more specifically it looks like a school tablet. I know I overlooked it. It is a small background stamp called School Lines and I have had it for a while - just never used it.

I finally inked it up and created a clean and simple card. My goal was: no embellishments. But I just couldn't do it. *sigh* Instead, I added one little button. I know it's gonna cost me extra to mail but it is my own fault.

Tip: To create the look of torn notebook paper, punch holes down the left side with the Crop-a-dile. Use the lines on the paper as a guide. Then just take a pair of Paper Snips and clip twice into the punched hole. I bent my edge a little so it wasn't too perfect.

School Lines is a really fun background stamp with lots of possibilities. Change up the color to match the occasion. The sentiment stamp set, Curly Cute, among others, would work really well with the straight lines. Or use an Alphabet set and create your own sentiment!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: School Lines background, Established Elegance, Thank You Kindly
Paper: First Edition dsp
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Ink: Basic Gray, Crumb Cake
Other: Crop-a-dile, Paper Snips, Button and linen thread, sponge

See more products in my Online Store.

Have a great weekend!

Starburst

2012-02-02T08:57:00.000-05:00

No, not the candy. My card is a starburst, or more accurately, a burst of stars! I made it for the Stampin' Addicts Sale-a-bration Blog Hop but I rejected it because I didn't like the way I had originally stamped the Outlined Occasions sentiment and didn't have time to change it. So I set it aside and redid the sentiment as you see it on my card today.

I wanted to try my hand at color blocking and since one of the Sale-a-bration freebies is a pack of the In Color Cardstock, I used all 5 of those In Colors in my star burst. The brads, by the way, must be ordered from the catalog.

It is a little hard to tell from the photo but I layered the colors on Whisper White cardstock first. Then I got the bright idea to sew a border around the card which I did. But that made the stripes look like they needed some sewing so I sewed them! I think I should have left well enough alone - no sewing. But by then it was too late.

Each star is die cut with the Big Shot and Stars Bigz die. This is when I miss our star punches because now I have some leftover stars in my ever growing scrap heap. Fortunately stars are popular right now!

My original sentiment was stamped in black directly onto the cardstock stripes with no coloring involved. It didn't show up so I used coordinating markers and colored directly onto the stamp to get the current look. Then I just layered it right over the original. At least it shows up!

You can receive the Outlined Occasions stamp set and/or a package of In Color Cardstock (plus lots of other stamps and products to choose from) by placing a qualifying order from now until March 31st. A qualifying order is: for every $50 spent, receive a freebie from the Sale-a-bration catalog! And there is no limit!

To view the Sale-a-bration catalog click Here.

To view my Online Store, click Here.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! (except sewing machine)

Stamps: Outlined Occasions - Sale-a-bration catalog

Cardstcock: Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Island Indigo

Markers: Calypso coral, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Island Indigo

Other: In Color Brads, Big Shot, Stars Bigz die

Thanks for stopping! Enjoy the day.

Tutorial for Cupcake Box

2012-01-31T08:12:00.000-05:00

I will warn you - this tutorial has alot of pictures! Sorry about that. And Here is the original post.

You will need:

Big Shot
Petal Cone Bigz Die
Crimper
Large Basic Pearls and Mini Glue Dots
Crochet Trim
Ribbon - I used Calypso Coral
Small Oval Punch
1/2" Circle Punch
designer paper - Everyday Enchantment
Very Vanilla, Pool Party cardstock
Sticky Strip

1. Die cut 3 petal cones from Pool Party cardstock.

2. Trim off the rounded part of each petal cone.

3. Line up the straight edge, as shown, on the 4-5/8" mark and score TO THE FOLD at the 2-5/8" mark.

*Turn the cardstock so the other straight edge is lined up and score again.

*If you are unsure what I mean, refer to picture #4.

4. Trim off the NON -TABBED half of one of the petal cones - discard.

5. On the remaining 2 petal cones, cut along the fold mark to the score line you just created.

6. I hope this is clear. Fold the petal cone in half (the 2 full size cones anyway) and place in the crimper and crimp. Do the same for the single cone - you obviously don't need to fold it in half.

7. When done correctly, it will look like this.

8. Add Sticky Strip to each tab and attach the cones together except the single one on the end.

9. Trim off the points as shown in picture.

10. Bend on the score lines, add Sticky Strip to each bottom piece.

11. Complete the box by adhering the final tab on the side.

12. Fold in each bottom piece and adhere. Don't worry if Sticky Strip shows.

13. Trace the bottom of the box twice. Cut them out and add Sticky Strip along their edges.

14. Add one to the bottom and one to the inside.

*Sponge all of the edges if you like that look.

15. Die cut 3 Petal Cones from designer paper. I used Everyday Enchantment (Sale-a-bration)

16. Cut off the tabs and cut each one down the middle. You will only need 5.

17. Slip the pointed end of the petal into the Small Oval Punch as shown and punch. This will give the end a rounded look.

18. Use the 1/2" Circle Punch and punch a hole in each petal as shown.

19. Adhere the large rounded end of each petal to the inside of the box. Make sure you add the adhesive to the correct side of the dsp!

20. Gently roll each petal toward the inside so the "cupcake" part of the box will be rounded.

21. Cut a piece of ribbon measuring 9". Fold it in half and tie a knot on the end opposite of the fold.

*The ribbon shown in my photo is not the one I ended up using for my Blog Hop cupcake box.

22. At this point, Crochet Trim and Ribbon can be added around the box. Also, Large Basic Pearls.

23. Sorry, I don't have a photo of this part. To attach the Ribbon Loop (from step #21) slip it through one of the holes in one of the petals and adhere it on the inside of the petal.

24. To close the box: Slip the loop through each hole, alternating the petals.

This is the first cupcake box I made. It has the sentiment on the front.

The cupcake box I used for the Stampin Addicts Sale-a-bration Blog Hop is this one.

I hope this didn't bog down your computer. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. I will try to help.

A special birthday card

2012-01-30T07:51:00.000-05:00

Hello there! I hope you had a great weekend and were able to view the Sale-a-bration Blog Hop! What, you say? There was a Blog Hop? Click Here if you would like to see all the wonderful Sale-a-bration goodness.

Speaking of weekends - my mother had a birthday over the weekend so I naturally made her a card. I wanted to do something different than my standard card. So I made her a Tunnel Card. I found instructions HERE and HERE. It was a lot easier to make than I thought!

She absolutely loves the color green so I took my colors from the new Twitterpated dsp.

The inspiration for the card front came from a swap I received from a fellow Control Freak Swapper, Patty Bennett. She is soooo creative and I love her style.

When you open up a tunnel card it looks like this. Instead of ovals, I used the new Label Framelits and die cut the opening with them. I love the unique shape.

Here is the view from the top. Like I said, it is pretty easy to create even though it looks complicated. And it folded flat enough to mail without extra postage. Yay!

All stamps are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Field Flowers, Sincere Salutations

Paper: Twitterpated dsp - Occasions Mini

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Whisper White

Ink: Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Pear Pizzazz

Other: Big Shot, Labels Framelits (Occasions Mini), Adorning Accent Edgelit (Occasions Mini), Two Tags Bigz die, Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die, Basic pearls, sponge, mini glue dots,

Thanks for stopping by!

Sale-a-bration Blog Hop!

2012-01-27T07:50:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the annual Stampin Addicts Sale-a-bration Blog Hop!

Friday, January 27 - Sunday, January 29

The hop officially begins at noon so all of the links may not be working just yet. Please come back - I don't want you to miss a thing!

If you arrived here from Rhonda Griffin's blog, The Stampin' Bunny, you are in the right spot! But don't worry if this is your first stop. The Blog Hop goes full circle - just follow the links!

<----------PREVIOUS BLOG

I will be highlighting the sale-a-bration stamp set, Outlined Occasions. It features 3 large sentiments with 3 coordinating small sentiments, all of which can be used individually.

One of the nicest things about sentiment stamps is they make great tags! That is exactly what I did with this project. First I made a "cupcake" box by using the Petal Cone Bigz die. Then I just added the tags made with Outlined Occasions!

This box is just the right size to hold an actual cupcake or maybe candy, a candle, or a small birthday gift. Whatever you put inside - I am sure the recipient will Celebrate!

I will post a free tutorial with more pictures - just not sure when.

Tutorial is now available. Click HERE

Stamps: Outlined Occasions (Sale-a-bration)

Paper: Everyday Enchantment dsp (Sale-a-bration)

Cardstock: Pool Party, Very Vanilla

Ink: Black Stazon, Soft Suede, Calypso Coral, Pool Party

Other: Big Shot, Petal Cone Bigz die, Crimper, Calypso Coral ribbon, Crochet Trim, Large Pearls (Occasions Mini), Basic Pearls, Oval Punch, Aquapainter, Mini glue dots, Sticky Strip

You know those times when a thank you card is just not enough? This little purse made with a Label Framelit is just large enough to hold a treat or small gift. Again, the tag made with Outlined Occasions, says it all.

Free directions/tutorial with pictures will be forthcoming.

Stamps: Outlined Occasions (Sale-a-bration Mini)

Paper: Twitterpated dsp (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Black Stazon, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze

Other: Big Shot, Labels Framelit (Occasions Mini), Adorning Accents embossing folder (Occasions Mini), Twitterpated buttons (Occasions Mini), Blushing Bride ribbon (Occasions Mini), Lace Border Punch, White Baker's Twine, Decorative Label punch, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

After creating the cupcake box and purse, I was ready for something clean and simple! This "Love" card is easy to reproduce and would be a cute valentine for a special someone.

Tip: I embossed the sentiment with White Embossing Powder and then colored it in with the White Gel Pen.

Stamps: Outlined Occasions (Sale-a-bration Mini)

Paper: Twitterpated dsp (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Riding Hood Red

Other: Large Heart Punch, Button, White Baker's Twine, dimensionals, Big Shot, Timeless Type Sizzlit, Corner Punch, White Gel Pen, White Embossing Powder, Basic Pearls, Stamp-a-ma-jig

There is more! You won't want to miss the rest of the Blog Hop so head on over to Heidi Baks' blog, Running With Scissors.

NEXT BLOG--------->

If you have a moment, leave a comment - I would love to hear your thoughts. And don't forget, directions to these projects will be coming, hopefully this week.

Using up leftovers

2012-01-26T07:45:00.000-05:00

Every so often I go through my pile of "leftovers" and create a card. This was one of those times. Almost every piece of cardstock in this card was another project's reject. I just added ink and stamped! Ha ha. Just a little play on my blog's name.

To make the blackberries I used markers. First I markered up the stamp with Wisteria Wonder and then added a touch of Concord Crush marker before I stamped. After I stamped once, I stamped twice and yet again without adding more ink.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Clearly For You, En Francais Background

Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Ink: Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzazz

Other: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Top Note Bigz die, Perfect Pennants Bigz die, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Crochet Trim, In Color Brad

Thanks for stopping by.

Tomorrow is the Stampin Addicts Sale-a-bration Blog Hop! Friday, January 27 - Sunday January 29. I can't wait!

Elementary Elegance

2012-01-25T07:45:00.001-05:00

Hello stampers. Today's project is another swap that I did way back before Christmas! I made it for the Stampin Addicts Sale-a-bration Swap and it uses one of the Sale-a-bration exclusive stamp sets called, Elementary Elegance.

I was really attracted to this set because of the sentiments: Happy Birthday and Hello. I also love the little bird stamp. I think it is just the sweetest little thing and I can see myself using it with other stamp sets.

To make this card I used markers to add the various colors to the frame. Then I stamped the sentiment and punched it out, sponged it and adhered it with dimensionals.

Another little detail is the crown. It is stamped with Versamark and embossed with Gold. I did have to cut it out but surprisingly it wasn't hard at all! Actually nothing on this card was hard to do. I haven't really used this set much because Sale-a-bration has just begun but I am sure you will be seeing more of it!

You too can have the Elementary Elegance stamp set. It is one of the many Free sets to choose from when you spend $50. For more information about Sale-a-bration and the great deals check out the pdf catalog found by clicking Here.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Elementary Elegance - sale-a-bration

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Versamark, Soft Suede

Other: Gold Embossing Powder, dimensionals, Sponge, Calypso Coral Ribbon, Lace Border Punch, Corner Punch, Gold Brads

To purchase these or any Stampin' Up! products, please visit my Online Store.

Enjoy the day! Only 2 more days until the Stampin Addicts Sale-a-bration Blog Hop.

Today's the Day!

2012-01-24T09:56:00.001-05:00

Stampin' Up!'s biggest sale of the year begins today!

January 24 - March 31, 2012

Customers: receive Free Products - not just stamps! For every $50 you spend on any Stampin' Up! products from the Idea Book and Catalog or , choose a Free Sale-a-bration item from the Brochure.

Note: some products are exclusive to Sale-a-bration and some are from the Idea Book and Catalog!

Hostesses: Be a hostess by having a workshop in your home or by gathering orders totaling a qualifying amount and receive more Free products!

Hostess Bundle Details:

The Hostess Bundle includes the products found on pages 6-7 of the Sale-A-Bration brochure, including

• Fresh Vintage stamp set (wood- or clear-mount)

• Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

• Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack

*Free shopping tote with workshop orders only; offer does not include demonstrator, customer, or online orders. Free hostess bundle with workshop, customer, or demonstrator orders; offer does not include online orders. Offers are not incremental (i.e., a hostess does not receive two totes for a $300 workshop or two bundles for an $800 workshop).

And how cute is that tote?!

New Demonstrators: Last, but not least, sign up to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and receive the Starter Kit at a discounted price of only $125 ($50 savings) plus receive more Free products!

As if that isn't enough to get you excited about Sale-a-bration, there will be a

Stampin Addicts Blog Hop

Friday, January 27 - Sunday, January 29!

The Blog Hop will feature Sale-a-bration products by way of cards and 3D items. Lots of inspiration so mark your calendar!

I will have a project for you in tomorrow's post.

Planning ahead

2012-01-23T07:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!

I really wasn't planning ahead when I made today's card. I am not that organized! I have lots of admiration for those of you who are already making Christmas cards!

No, today's card was a Stampin Addicts Occasions mini swap. I made it before Christmas so I had to put my mind in an Easter mode! If you have been following my blog, you may remember how I was really into using the Music Notes Stampin Around Wheel. Well, I continued my ~~obsession~~ preoccupation with the wheel and made and Easter card.

It was a little challenging because I had chosen the single stamp, Easter Dove for this particular swap. I didn't want the swap card to be too plain so I added the music notes, some texture with an embossing folder and some vellum to break up the background.

Because the Mocha Morning Specialty dsp is layered over the vellum, it holds the vellum in place.

Some other new products: Large Basic Pearl, Labels Framelit

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps:   Easter Dove - Occasions Mini
  Music Notes Stampin Around Wheel
Paper: Mocha Morning Specialty dsp, Vellum
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Ink:   Soft Suede, Pool Party
Other:   Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Labels Framelit (Occasions Mini), Large Basic Pearl (Occasions Mini), Itty Bitty Punch Pack, sponge, dimensionals

My Online Store if you would like to purchase any of these products.

Don't forget! Tomorrow Sale-a-Bration begins. Woo Hoo!

Tutorial for Panda Candy Bar Wrap

2012-01-22T07:24:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the Tutorial for the Panda Candy Bar Wrap from this post.

You will need:

Large Heart Punch
Small Heart Punch
Word Window Punch
Heart to Heart Punch
Small Oval Punch
Basic black, Real Red, Whisper White cardstock
Red Glimmer Paper
Real Red Ink
Mini Glue Dots
Googly Eyes found in local craft store

1. Punch the Face, Ears, Front Paws and Red Glimmer Heart with the Large Heart Punch.

2. Punch the Eyes and Mouth with the Small Heart Punch.

3. Punch the Tongue, Nose, and Back Paws with the Heart to Heart Punch.

4. Punch the 2 back feet with the Small Oval Punch.

5. Cut the Whisper White cardstock to be wrapped around the candy bar. It measures 2-3/4" x 3-3/4"

6. Stamp the sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock and punch it out with the Word Window Punch.

7. Wrap the Whisper White cardstock around the candy bar and adhere the 2 ends. Make sure it is loose enough that the candy bar can slide out.

8. Use Mini Glue Dots and attach the eyes, nose, mouth, tongue, and paws as shown.

9. Cut one of the Basic black, large hearts in half.

10. Adhere the sentiment to the Red Glimmer Heart.

11. Adhere the ears to the head by turning the large black heart upside down.

12. Adhere the front paws to the red glimmer heart as shown.

13. Adhere the back paws to the bottom of the candy wrapper.

This is a picture (sorry for the blur) of the back of the head and heart.

14. Adhere the Red heart to the candy wrapper.

15. Adhere the head to the top of the candy wrapper.

16. The back of the candy wrapper has enough room to write/stamp To: and From:

I just realized I never added the googly eyes to the face in this tutorial. Oops. But here is what it should look like when it is finished.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Have a blessed day.

Strawberry Box Tutorial

2012-01-21T08:20:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the tutorial for my Strawberry Box from yesterday's post.

You will need:

Big Shot
Petal Cone Bigz Die
Flower Folds Bigz Die
Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
26" of Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon
1/8" hole punch
long reaching hole punch or hammer and anywhere hole punch
Sticky Strip
Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Pear Pizzazz cardstock
Old Olive ink and sponge

1. Die cut 3 petal cones from Real Red Cardstock.

2. Emboss them with the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder.

3. Die cut 3 petal cones from Chocolate Chip cardstock.

4. Add Sticky Strip to all tabs on the Real Red petal cones and adhere together. DO NOT adhere the 3rd tab yet.

5. Cut off the non-tabbed cone on the end. See sample.

6. Repeat for the Chocolate Chip petal cones. See Sample.

7. Cut the Chocolate Chip cones in a wavy line, discarding the tops.

8. Use Sticky Strip and adhere the Chocolate Chip part to the Real Red petal cones.

9. Punch a 1/8" hole in each petal cone as shown.

10. Cut in about 1- 1/2" on each seam

11. Fold on all score marks and adhere the final tab to make the box.

12. Die cut 2 Pear Pizzazz flowers from the Flower Folds die. You will need one of the largest flowers and one of the second largest flowers.

13. Punch a hole in the center of each.

14. Sponge the edges with Old Olive ink.

15. Adhere the 2 flowers together so their petals alternate and the holes match up.

16. Bend the large petals down and the small petals up.

17. Thread the ribbon through the holes like this so the ribbon ends are opposite of each other when done.

18. Add the treat to the box and pull the ribbon ends so the box closes up.

19. Thread both ends of the ribbon through the flowers.

20. Once the ribbon is pulled through, tie the ribbon firmly in a bow.

21. Attach the tag.

Tomorrow I will post the tutorial for the Panda Candy Holder.

Control Freaks Blog Tour -Love is in the Air!

2012-01-19T19:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to another Control Freaks Blog Tour! With a title like "Love is in the Air" it can only mean one thing for this time of year - Projects for your Valentine!

The tour officially begins tomorrow, January 20th so be sure to check back once all of the kinks are worked out.

If you just arrived from Barb Mullikin's blog you are in the correct place. If you just came aboard, it's okay because the Tour goes full circle - just follow the links.

I don't eat strawberries because I am allergic to them - can't even touch them. But that doesn't keep me from loving them in other forms! I think the little strawberry image from the stamp set, P. S. I Love You is adorable. So adorable, in fact, that I made a "chocolate covered strawberry" container just so I could hang the tag from it! This box is filled with chocolate strawberry candies but would be perfect for any type of Valentine treat.

Back of the tag.

The strawberry box was made with the Petal Cone Bigz Die and the Flower Folds Bigz Die.

Free Tutorial is now posted HERE.

Stamps: P. S. I Love You- Occasions Mini

Paper: Red Glimmer Paper

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Other: Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon, dimensionals, Scallop circle Punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Big Shot, Two Tags die, Petal Cone die, Flower Folds die, Perfect polka dots emb. folder, Hemp Twine, Vintage Trinkets

My card was made specifically for my daughters who live far from me - thus the "miss you" and broken heart. I got the idea for the chocolate kiss from one of my followers, Jacqueline. Thanks Jacqueline!

Stamps: P. S. I Love You - Occasions Mini

Paper: Silver Glimmer Paper

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy

Other: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder (Occasions Mini), dimensionals, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1" circle punch, small heart punch, large heart punch, Blossom Petals Builder Punch

And one for the kiddos. This is a candy bar wrapper and fits a small candy bar. The Mr. Goodbar doesn't really fit the Valentine theme but it was all I had on hand. :) I got the idea to use all hearts for the Panda from this fun picture book, My Heart is Like a Zoo.

He is wrapped with whisper white cardstock so you could easily write To: and From: on the back. Or layer it onto a 1/4 sheet of cardstock.

Free Tutorial is now posted HERE.

Stamps: P. S. I Love You - Occasions Mini

Paper: Red Glimmer Paper

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Ink: Real Red

Other: small heart punch, large heart punch, small oval punch, word window punch, heart to heart punch, small googly eyes

I hope you enjoyed all of my Valentine Projects! For more inspiration, keep on moving to the next stop on the tour: LeeAnn Greff's blog. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by.

Lisa Young

Easy Valentine for Children

2012-01-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

If you still need ideas for a children's Valentine, here is one for you. Or maybe you know an adult who likes Pop Rocks!

After I embossed the Whisper White background layer across the bottom, I stamped it with different elements from the Grunge Rock stamp set. Then I created a pocket for my package of candy.

Pocket: I cut one of Stampin' Up!'s Small Open Ended Envelopes 2-1/2" from the bottom. Then I just stamped it as shown, added the valentine sentiment from Delightful Dozen, and embellished it with some Basic Rhinestones and a Red Glimmer heart. The "U" was die cut with my Big Shot and the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlit Dies.

After everything is stamped, sponged, and layered just tuck the candy in the pocket and that is it! You can get 2 pockets from each envelope - 40 pockets in all.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Grunge Rock, Delightful Dozen

Paper: Red Glimmer Paper

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black

Other: Small Open Ended Envelope

Big Shot, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder

Basic Rhinestones

Sponge

Largest Oval Punch and Small Heart Punch

Check out my Online Store for the products you need.

Until tomorrow then,

Kindness Does Matter

2012-01-18T07:07:00.000-05:00

Hi there! Well, in less than a week Stampin' Up!'s biggest and best sale will begin! Sale-a-bration begins January 24th with lots of opportunity to receive free stamps! And who doesn't love free stamps?

Some of the free stamps are unique to Sale-a-bration and some are in the current catalog. One of those from the current catalog is also one of my favorites, Kindness Matters. I love the realistic butterflies best.

This was a card I made for a Stampin' Addicts Sale-a-bration Swap using Kindness Matters.

All Supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Kindness Matters

Cardstock: Basic Black, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Paper: First Edition Specialty paper

Ink: Basic Black, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake

Other: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants Bigz die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Island Indigo Ribbon, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 1" circle punch, dimensional

My Online Store

Thanks for stopping. Have a creative day!

Tutorial

2012-01-17T07:54:00.000-05:00

I put together a tutorial for yesterday's Travelocity Gnome. It is a brief tutorial, but I think it will work!

To begin you will need:

1. Big Shot and Perfect Pennant Bigz die cut:

Large Pennant in Whisper White for the beard
Large Pennant in Marina Mist for the body
Medium Pennant in Real Red for hat
Medium Pennant in Basic Black for boots

2. Punches for this first step:

Large Oval in Marina Mist
2 Small ovals in Basic Black
1 Small oval in Whisper White
1 Small oval in Blushing Bride
1 tiny circle in Blushing Bride - from Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

3. Continue Punching!

4. Make one more punch for the mustache. Then cut the ovals shown.

5. Punch the eyes with the Owl Punch and the Belt Buckle with the circle punches shown.

6. Sponge the edges of the body and arms with Marina Mist ink.

Sponge the beard, mustache and eyebrows with Crumb Cake ink.

Sponge the face and nose with Blushing Bride ink.

Draw a line on the gnomes "coat" with a Marina Mist marker (fine point end of marker)

7. Use adhesive - Tombow Multi Purpose glue and Mini Glue Dots to assemble. Refer to sample below.

The sand is Naturals White cardstock that I tore and sponged with Crumb Cake ink.
The waves are Pool Party cardstock cut with the Big Shot and the scallop border of the Tasteful Trim Bigz die. I sponged them with Pool Party ink.
Sunglasses are 1/2" circles cut and added to strip of black cardstock. I added the reflection with a White Gel Pen.
Sun and sky were done by sponging Daffodil Delight ink and Tempting Turquoise ink on Glossy White cardstock.

Copied from original post: I am writing this with a gentle, kind tone. :) Please do not take offense or think I am a meanie.

There is always controversy about crediting other stampers when their work is CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything). Do you have to? Should you? After all they put it on the internet for all to see.

My own humble opinion: I think it is proper etiquette when copying another's creative design to give that person credit. Even if you change it a little bit! I also think it is the honest thing to do. I try to live by that rule myself.

That being said, there are times when I create something totally out of my head and then see something, almost exactly like mine that was created before mine! Yikes! And then I think, they probably think I copied them! And I didn't credit them! But I didn't copy them! It happens.

All I am saying after this rambling is please be considerate when you copy other people's artwork.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Summer Splash - retired

Paper: Glossy White, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, Naturals White, Pool Party

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Blushing Bride, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Pool Party

Other: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Bigz die, Perfect Pennant Bigz Die, Large and Small Oval Punches, Owl Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Jewelry Tag Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Tombow Multi Purpose Glue, white Gel Pen, Sponges

My Online Store.

Thanks for your interest! Email me if you have any questions.

The Travelocity Gnome

2012-01-16T07:35:00.001-05:00

I don't know too much about the Travelocity Gnome other than he shows up on The Amazing Race television show every time someone wins a trip. I love that show and I love that gnome.

Our family (me, David, and 3 daughters) are going to be taking a trip in February to a warm, sunny, warm vacationland. Did I mention it will be warm?? And now that January is in full swing and the temperatures in Ohio and here in Massachusetts are brrr cold, we are all longing for vacationland.

To cheer them on (and up), I made a card for my daughters. It is supposed to be the Travelocity Gnome on The Beach.

I mainly used the Big Shot and Perfect Pennant Bigz die. I got the idea when I made the Silver Glimmer Christmas Tree seen in this post. As I was making the tree I kept seeing a gnome. Weird, I know. So I kept the idea in the back of my mind and now here he is. I used some punches too and I know what you are all thinking so....

I will post a picture tutorial so you can see how I made him. I can't promise it will be tomorrow but I will try.

ETA: I am writing this with a gentle, kind tone. :) Please do not take offense or think I am a meanie.

There is always controversy about crediting other stampers when their work is CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything). Do you have to? Should you? After all they put it on the internet for all to see.

All I am saying after this rambling is please be considerate when you copy other people's artwork.

Stay warm. Happy Monday.

Sending You Love

2012-01-15T07:41:00.000-05:00

Hi there. Today's card is a combination of two Stampin Addicts challenges. If you haven't heard of Stampin Addicts - it is a Stampin' Up! only website with a gallery and forums. You don't have to be a demonstrator to register; you just have to like Stampin' Up!!

Stampin Addicts Sketch Challenge #119 looks like this:

The Stampin Addicts Color Combo Challenge is: Real Red, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Old Olive.

My card uses the stamp set Easy Events - a set of 8 stamps each with a different image and saying. It is a perfect set for beginners or advanced stampers alike.

This card started off clean and simple. And then it began to morph into the card you now see. It just did not want to stay clean and simple so I am going to send it anyway. My youngest daughter needs some cheering up right now so I made it with her in mind. She is having car trouble - never fun, especially when you are on your own and 400 miles away from your dad. I get off easy because I know nothing about cars. Cards yes, cars no. One consonant makes alot of difference! lol.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Easy Events

Cardstock: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, So Saffron

Paper: Just Eat Cake dsp, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Black Stazon, Marina Mist, Real Red, Old Olive, So Saffron(tree), Crumb Cake

Other: Aquapainter

Old Olive Ribbon and button

Linen Thread

Lace Border Punch

dimensionals

Big Shot and Perfect Pennants Bigz Die

My Online Store.

Have a blessed day.

Valentine Swap

2012-01-14T08:43:00.000-05:00

The title of this post is kind of a misnomer. My card is a swap and a Valentine but the swap was for the Occasions Mini catalog and it happens to contain a Valentine set. A Valentine set that can be used with non traditional colors for a non traditional purpose as seen Here.

I went with my classic layout and tried to add some new products to the card as well. Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing Folder and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details give the card a little something extra.

I think I have said it before and I will say it again - I am loving the Adorning Accent products. They are affordable and fun to use.

All Supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: P. S. I Love You - Occasions Mini

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Paper: Twitterpated dsp - Occasions Mini

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze

Other: Corner Rounder

Large and Small Heart Punch

Scallop Circle Punch

Circle punches

Modern Label Punch

White Bakers Twine

Big Shot

Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing Folder - Occasions Mini

Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details - Occasions Mini

Dimensionals

Hope your Saturday is a good one. Enjoy the weekend!

Color Challenge

2012-01-13T08:50:00.001-05:00

I took on another challenge yesterday. This one is a color challenge, specifically Color Throwdown's Challenge #174. The colors:

The card.

This one is headed to Pennsylvania to my mom. She came down with Shingles. Yikes! I guess it is pretty painful from what she says. But she is on medication which helps. The bad part is my sister in law is pregnant so my mom can't be around her, my brother, or the grandchildren. Hopefully my card will cheer her up.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Just Believe, Delightful Dozen
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pool Party, River Rock
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, River Rock
Other: Paper Piercer, Sponge, Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, 2-1/2" circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Decorative Label punch, Daffodil Delight and Very Vanilla Button, Mini Library Clip, Color Spritzer Tool

My Online Store.

Thank goodness it is Friday! Have a great day.

One of my favorite cards

2012-01-12T08:26:00.000-05:00

It is always nice when I receive a hand made card and it is especially nice when I receive one from a child - or in this case children.

I thought it would be fun to post the card I received yesterday from my 4 nieces and 1 nephew. They range in age from 2-1/2 up to 8 and are my brother's children. They made me this thank you card (for Christmas gifts) and it sure did make me smile. I love the random feathers on the side. "She" has feather hair extensions. :)

On other family news. My daughter decided for sure she wants to get married in Massachusetts. Since she lives in Ohio, this should be interesting! We are looking at an August wedding which will be a nice, warm time of year. I like that!

Enjoy the day. I will have one of my own projects for you tomorrow.

Revisiting an Old Technique

2012-01-11T08:18:00.001-05:00

I needed a challenge for my stamping yesterday since I was feeling like I was in a slump. I checked out the SUO Challenge website and found just what I needed! The challenge is to use a technique that you haven't used in a while. I had to think about that! And then I remembered an old technique that I used to demo alot but haven't used in a loooong time!

Poppin' Pastels - simple to do, and only uses Versamark Ink and Stampin' Pastels. That's it!

It was so much fun to dust off my pastels and create a card that shows off this easy technique. Thanks SUO Challenge Team for a great challenge!

The butterfly, flowers, swirl background, and the other 2 elements were all done by stamping with Versamark and then rubbing over the stamped images with pastels and a cotton ball. I only used 2 colors of Stampin' Pastels - Black and Cherry Cobbler. The pastels are not as "strong" of a color as their matching ink so it creates a softer look.

I framed the Basic Black cardstock with the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder for some texture. Then I continued using the Big Shot to die cut the Adorning Accents Frames. I am really loving this new product! Rather than cut the flowers with scissors I punched them with the Scallop Circle Punch. That was way easier!

I wasn't going to add the Large Basic Pearl because it creates bulk on a card that will be mailed but I just can't resist pearls and rhinestones on my cards. *sigh*

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Creative Elements

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark

Other: Stampin' Pastels specifically Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black, Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Labels Collection Framelits (Occasions Mini), Large Basic Pearl (Occasions Mini), Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Corner Punch

My Online Store.

I would like to challenge all of you to try a technique that you haven't used in a while. Or maybe it's a technique that you have been eager to try. Whatever it is - try it! It's fun!
Thanks for stopping by.

Clean and Simple Thinking of You

2012-01-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

Well let me clarify. Today's card is definitely a Thinking of You card but I am not sure it totally qualifies as a clean and simple card. It has stitching which to some would be...well...not simple! You decide.

I do seem to love this layout. I find myself using it intentionally (and unintentionally) in various ways!

Tip: The scalloped border was not made with a punch but with the new Adorning Accents Edgelits and my Big Shot.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Bordering on Romance - Occasions Mini
Curly Cute

Cardstock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride
Ink: Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red

Other: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits (Occasions Mini)
Basic Pearls, corner punch, Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon (Occasions Mini)

My Online Store.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stained Glass

2012-01-09T07:45:00.001-05:00

One of the unsung products (in my opinion) in the Stampin' Up! catalog is Vellum. This thin, translucent paper can transform an ordinary card into an elegant card. Vellum also is needed for the Stained Glass Technique shown here on a card I made for my Control Freaks Occasions Mini swap. It is a little difficult to capture the look on camera so hopefully I can show you in the photos below.

Stained Glass Technique:

1. Stamp the vellum with Versamark and emboss with embossing Powder. I used White Embossing Powder.

The flowers were stamped in Baja Breeze on White cardstock. You can see in the finished card how these stamped images look soft and muted from behind the vellum.

2. Turn the embossed vellum over and color (on the back) with Stampin' Up! markers. I used 5 different colors using dark and light for shading. First I applied the dark color such as Island Indigo. Then I used the lighter color such as Baja Breeze to blend and shade.

Note: Wipe the lighter marker clean after blending.

3. Once all of the areas are colored, turn the vellum over so the embossing shows. You can hopefully see in the photo below the difference between the back and the front. I didn't finish coloring.

4. Layer the vellum over the cardstock and adhere on the back of the cardstock.

This is such a fun technique and can be done with any color embossing powder. Experiment. Have fun. And here is a link to a more detailed explanation on the Splitcoaststampers website.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: #125480 wm) Bordering on Romance - Occasions Mini

#125482 (cm)

Paper: #125406 Twitterpated dsp - Occasions Mini

ETA #101839 Vellum Paper

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Whisper White

Ink: Versamark, Island Indigo, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz markers

Other: #125571 Baja Breeze Pleated Ribbon - Occasions Mini

#125579 Twitterpated Buttons - Occasions Mini

#125595 Adorning Accent Edgelit Die

#125601 Adorning Accent Embossing Folder

Big Shot

#109132 White Embossing Powder

#119871 Corner Punch

My Online Store.

Thanks for stopping by.

Bleached Sympathy

2012-01-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

I have said it before and I will say it again. Sympathy cards are always the most difficult to make. So much sadness surrounds them. With a pastor husband and a fairly large church (over 500), I need sympathy cards on a regular basis. This one will be sent to a gal who just lost her father. Sad story.

This was made by using Bleach and the stamp set Elements of Style. I love the old-fashioned look of Wisteria Wonder when it is bleached. It kind of reminds me of the Victorian Era. Bleaching is one of my favorite techniques because it is so easy and the results are unpredictable. For the how-to, just click here.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! - except the bleach.

Stamps: #118611 (wm) Elements of Style

#120045 (cm)

#113252 (wm) Thoughts and Prayers

Cardstock: Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder

Ink: Concord Crush

Other: #122973 Wisteria Wonder Ribbon

#118480 Chantilly Crochet Trim

#118481 Victoria Crochet Trim

#119247 Basic Pearls

#119871 Corner Punch

My Online Store.

David and I went to a local Bridal Expo yesterday. Oh my. What an experience. lol. Poor David. I dragged the poor guy along because, after all, he knows way more about weddings than I do! He really didn't want to go at all - can you blame him - but agreed to accompany me. He tried to talk the ticket lady into allowing him to get in free since he's: 1. a guy and 2. He is already paying for the wedding. She just laughed of course and gave him kudos for trying.

We made our way through the entire building, "interviewing", registering our daughter for every give away we saw, and sampling the eatable goodies. I think David did so, just to justify the $8.00 ticket price. Lol. By the time we left, we had 2 bags of "stuff" and I had a headache! The good part was that we saw an old, dear friend of our daughters' and her mother. We haven't seen them in years - they saw us first - so we hugged and chatted and that was worth everything right there.

Bethany and her sisters were in Ohio of course. It would have been foolish for her to fly home since she just left last week. The funny part is the 3 of them spent the day going to a Bridal Expo there! I guess it is a popular week end for Bridal Expos! We will be comparing notes and decisions have to be made soon! Ohio? or Massachusetts? Stay tuned.

Have a blessed day.

Doily Snowman with some Bling

2012-01-07T07:41:00.000-05:00

This hip little ~~snowman~~ snowlady was so much fun to make! From the top of her beanie covered head to her round little bottom, she was stamped with the Delicate Doilies stamp set. Then I just added some Occasions Mini details before I sent her on her way!

I made the snow banks by diecutting white cardstock with the Adorning Accents edgelit. Then I added some Dazzling Details (still available) to not just the snow banks, but the snowlady and her buttons too.

Speaking of buttons, I love the little Twitterpated (seriously, that is their name) buttons from the Occasions Mini catalog. I think they are one of my favorite products - well those and a bunch of other things. lol.

Tip: The eyes and mouth are Basic Rhinestones that I colored with a Black Sharpie. They can really be made into any color as long as you have the sharpies to do so.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, and I know you will be wondering. I made the sentiment in My Digital Studio. It is so easy to do and I can match Stampin' Up!'s colors as I did here. Once you have your text the way you want it, print it off. I tested it with paper before I sent the cardstock through.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! except the Sharpie.

Stamps: #122590 (wm) Delicate Doilies

#122592 (cm)

Cardstock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze

Ink: Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze

Other: #120906 2-1/2" Circle punch

#119859 1-3/4" Circle punch

#119860 1-3/8" Circle Punch

#119858 Boho Blossom Punch

#118309 Itty Bitty Shapes Punches

#120902 Northern Flurry Embossing Folder

#119246 Basic Rhinestones

#125595 Adorning Accents Edgelits Die - Occasions Mini

#125579 Twitterpated Buttons - Occasions Mini

#125570 Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon - Occasions Mini

#124117 Dazzling Details

Big Shot

Sponge, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

My Online Store.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Anniversary

2012-01-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my wedding anniversary and I wanted to make a card for my hubby of 32 years. He loves my hand-made cards and prefers the simpler ones. For him it is all about the color and what I write inside. :)

He loves blue so I decided to use the P.S. I Love You stamp set from the Occasions Mini catalog and turn it into a masculine anniversary card. I love when I can use a stamp set in more than one way!

The sketch is from Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge.

Another Occasions Mini product: The tiny embossed hearts along the bottom - Adorning Accents embossing folder. Love these 3 little folders.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: #125460 (wm) P. S. I Love You - Occasions Mini

#125462 (cm)

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Paper: #117154 Regals Collection Paper Stack

Ink: Night of Navy

Other: #125601 Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Occasions Mini

#109036 Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

#119737 Regals Brads

#119883 Full Heart Punch

#119850 1-3/4" Circle Punch

#119871 Corner Punch

Big Shot

Dimensionals, Sponge

My Online Store.

We had a lovely anniversary day by the way. David had to work of course but we were able to go out for a lovely dinner and then had a relaxing evening at home together.

Happy Friday! The weekend is almost here.

Romantic Ribbon Flower

2012-01-05T07:48:00.002-05:00

Now that the Occasions Mini Catalog is live I can't wait to show some of the lovely things it has to offer. With the Vintage Trend still going strong, Stampin' Up! has lots to offer including the stamp set Bordering on Romance and the matching Twitterpated designer paper.

Today I wanted to show you a card I made using the new Pleated Satin Ribbon as the focal point. Available in 4 colors, I chose the color Blushing Bride to create a simple floral accent for my card.

Note: Another new item this season is the Adorning Accents Edgelit Dies to use with the Big Shot. That is what created the unique scallop at the bottom of my card.

My close up of the ribbon flower. To make this:

1. Punch a 1-3/8" circle of cardstock

2. Cover it as much as possible with Sticky Strip. Remove red strip.

3. Begin in the center of the circle, lay down the end of the pleated ribbon and wrap it around and around until the punched circle is covered. Cut the end.

4. Add embellishments such as a Basic Pearl or Basic Rhinestone.

No twisting is necessary because the ribbon is pleated! These can be made in any size really.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: #125480 (wm) Bordering on Romance - Occasions Mini

#125482 (cm) Bordering on Romance

#117014 (wm) Curly Cute

#120510 (cm) Curly Cute

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Blushing Bride

Ink: Basic Gray, Mahogany distressing ink

Paper: #125406 Twitterpated dsp - Occasions Mini

Other: #125595 Adorning Accents Edgelits Die - Occasions Mini

#125570 Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon - Occasions Mini

#119246 Basic Rhinestones

#114511 Little Leaves Sizzlits Die

#119860 1-3/8" Circle Punch

#119871 Corner Punch

#104294 Sticky Strip

Big Shot

Sponge

My Online Store

Hope your day is a creative one!

It's here! It's here!

2012-01-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

Yay! The Occasions Mini Catalog is now available for everyone and it is filled with lots of goodies! Take a look and see what I mean.

Occasions Mini (flash version)

Occasions Mini (pdf)

Occasions Mini Spanish sets

Supplies

Product Guide

If you would like to place an order, just visit my Online Store. Thanks for shopping with me.

Ivory and Black Thank You

2012-01-03T07:57:00.001-05:00

But first some reminders.

The holidays may be over but the Holiday Mini Catalog is not! Don't forget you only have today before it expires so if there are any last minute products you would like to order, now is the time!

Things to note.

Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon is no longer available.
Stocking Builder Punch will not be carried over so it is only available while supplies last!
Items that will be carried over can be found by clicking here.
Clearance Rack Blitz is still going on until January 5th. Click here to view the bargains.

And here is today's project. Something old, something new!

Tomorrow will be the first day to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog so I am giving you a little teaser: Framelits Dies for the Big Shot. They are what I used for the frames around the sentiment. These happen to be the first three sizes of a total of 6! And all 6 come together in one envelope.

Other supplies used

Stamp: #114484 Elegant Thank You - a single stamp

Paper: #122366 Mocha Morning Specialty Paper

#121878 First Edition Specialty Paper

Cardstock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Gray

Other: #118480 Chantilly Crochet Trim

#119247 Basic Pearls

#122362 Lace Ribbon Border Punch

#119871 Corner Punch

#125598 Labels Collection Framelits - Occ. Mini

Dimensionals

Big Shot

My Online Store .

Thanks for stopping by!

A New Year and New Goals

2012-01-02T07:57:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I don't like resolutions but I love goals! One of my goals this year is to try to post something everyday, or almost every day. I have to be realistic though. I probably won't achieve that goal because that is alot of posting, but I am going to try! Seriously, those who post everyday - you have my utmost admiration!

Since I don't really have any stamped projects to show you today, I want to show you how my kitten, Gideon, has grown. His story can be found here.

This is a picture I took back in August when Gideon was 4 months old. He is on my craft table in my plastic shoe box container of ribbon scraps. Awww isn't he so small and sweet?

Then he grew but still thinks he can fit in this same box of ribbon scraps. At 6 months (back in October), you can see he is stretching the box! And this is where he likes to spend his time while I stamp. I waste more ribbon because I end up cutting a new piece of ribbon even though my scrap container is full. I just hate to disturb him!

Apparently my daughters thought he would make a great reindeer cat for Christmas because they bought him this little get up. He was NOT happy. But oh how we laughed at the faces he made. This is the one where he held still long enough for us to snap a picture. He's such a good boy.

Later he retired to the hearth where he watched the festivities with a wary eye! No more reindeer costumes for him thank you very much!

Ah the joys of owning a kitten. I call him a kitten until he reaches one year old which won't be till April.

Don't worry, I do have a project to show you tomorrow. Until then, happy stamping!

Hop Along with the Stampin Addicts!

2011-12-30T08:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Occasions Mini Blog Hop brought to you

by Stampin Addicts, a positively creative, positively Stampin' Up! website.

Friday, December 30 - January 1

The hop officially begins at noon today so all of the links may not be working just yet. Be sure to come back for lots of inspiration!

If you arrived here from Sara Mattson-Blume's blog, you are at the right place. Thanks for hanging in there - you are almost to the end! But don't worry if this is your first stop. The hop goes full circle just follow the links.

<------Previous Blog

Since every participant must choose a different Occasions Mini product to highlight, I chose the Simply Sent Create and Keep Kit. It is one of those products that you may just pass over - I know I would have! I am so glad I didn't because it makes such an awesome gift!!

The Create and Keep Kit contains:

A precut Organizer/Box that you assemble with Sticky Strip.
4 Colored Dividers
10 preprinted colored cards
10 designer Envelopes
Self Adhesive die cut accents

Rather than explain it - let me show you!!

This is the assembled box. I added the Pear Pizzazz Ribbon and Early Espresso button to show you how this gift can be "jazzed up" with your own embellishments. Ribbon and buttons are not included in the kit.

You can see the dividers with labeled tabs which separates the cards into 4 different categories. I added a fifth category to show you how this can be personalized to fit the need! The envelopes are in the back of the box and the little velcro tab in the front keeps it closed.

I had a blast creating the cards using the provided accents. No cutting or adhesive necessary!

All of the cards come with a pattern on the front - the backs are plain and the insides are white.

The die cut accents have a pattern as well. There are 5 colors: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso and Pear Pizzazz

I had enough accents leftover to make one more card using regular cardstock (mine) for the base. I also added some Large Basic Pearls (also mine) from the Occasions Mini.

I plan on giving this adorable box of cards as a gift to my aunt but I can see it being a great card organizer for myself. It is also a perfect project for a new stamper or someone who thinks they aren't very creative. Lots of possibilities!!

Now on to the final inspirational stop of the Blog Hop - Yapha Mason's blog. Enjoy!

Next blog--------->

Until next time.

My favorite projects from 2011

2011-12-28T19:35:00.000-05:00

I have seen this done on other blogs in past years and always wanted to do it on my own blog. So here are some of my favorite projects from 2011.

#5 is my fireplace card. The blog post can be found here.

#4 is a clean and simple card I made using some designer paper and a stamp. The blog post can be found here.

#3 is a birthday card. I love this card! Blog post is here.

#2 is a water colored card. To read about it click here.

#1 - my favorite card of the year is hands down this birthday card. To see the other projects that coordinate with it go to this post.

I hope you enjoyed them! I look forward to creating for you in 2012! In the meantime......

A reminder: Stampin Addicts Occasions Mini Blog Hop this Friday, December 30th - Sunday, January 1st. It will feature a different product at each stop! Trust me. There will be lots of inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Belated Project

2011-12-27T08:37:00.000-05:00

Today's project is a Christmas one but I thought I would post it even though Christmas was 2 days ago!

I like to make something for each place setting when we have any holiday dinner as a family. This year I wanted to make something using the trendy paper rosettes that have been showing up everywhere for months and months now.

I had yet to make one (crazy I know) because they looked like alot of work. Now that we have the Simply Scored Scoring Tool they are supposedly easier to make! Well, I can officially tell you they are a breeze to make with the Scoring Tool! And lots of fun!

I went with Soft Suede and Very Vanilla colors for an elegant look. I did this because I love the Mocha Morning Specialty paper and wanted to use it for my rosette. The metallic look is soooo pretty especially framed with some Silver Glimmer Paper. Now I am not going to lie. That Silver Glimmer paper was a bear to fold and to attach. I don't think I would recommend edging it with that.

Once I made my rosette, I layered a star stamped with The Sounding Joy and an embossed vellum sentiment from the same set. Then I added some of the lovely Vanilla Velvet Ribbon from the Holiday Mini.

Don't forget that the Holiday Mini ends January 3rd so if there are any last minute purchase you need to make, you only have a short amount of time to do so!

The box is actually the Milk Carton made from Very Vanilla cardstock that I wheeled with Musical Notes. It goes so well with the stamp set! When die cutting the cardstock don't use the crease pad and you won't get well defined crease lines at the top which makes for a great little open ended box!

Side view which shows off the musical notes and the strip of paper and ribbon around the middle of the box. I filled these with some tissue paper and some mints. My family loved them.

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: The Sounding Joy, Musical Notes Wheel

Paper: Very Vanilla, Silver Glimmer Paper, Mocha Morning Specialty dsp

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Other: Big Shot, Stars Bigz die, Milk Carton Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon (Holiday Mini), Basic Rhinestone, Pewter Embossing Powder (Holiday Mini), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (Holiday and Occasions Mini)

I had a ball crafting with my youngest daughter who was home for an entire week before Christmas. I wish I could show you what she has been working on but it is a surprise for someone and I wouldn't want to ruin it. Maybe I will show you in a few weeks. She is amazing! My other two daughters came home the 4 days ago so I am utter bliss. Love those girls!

Petite Pocket Gift Card Holder

2011-12-24T08:08:00.000-05:00

One more Gift Card Holder for Christmas. My husband came home with 3 more gift cards to put in our daughters' stockings. Yikes! Nothing like last minute! So I scrambled to make holders using the Petite Pocket Bigz die.

Because the cards are for Friendly's restaurant (think yummy ice cream), I used the idea from this card, and made my gift card holders.

Front.

The little red and white "candies" were stamped with one of the stamps from Delightful Decorations. The cupcake and gingerbread man are from Got Treats stamp set.

Inside the Petite Pocket is the gift card.

And this is the back.

I didn't add any sparkles or bling - just plain and simple.

Stamps: Got Treats, Delightful Decorations

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Cajun Craze, Real Red, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Big Shot, Petite Pocket Bigz die, 3/4" circle punch, Bakers Twine, brads

Thanks for looking!

Stitched Felt Gift Card Holders

2011-12-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

Today's projects are Gift Card Holders made with the Top Note Bigz die and the Stitched Felt from the Holiday Mini. I have 3 children so I made three gift card holders, each in a different color.

To make the fold, just fold a piece of cardstock (4.25 x 11) in half and place the fold a little bit towards the center of the Top Note die. Then when you run it through the Big Shot the fold doesn't get cut off.

Tip: Use Mini Glue Dots to add the Mini Jingle Bells. It is waaaay easier than threading them - no matter what you use as a threader!

I used the small background stamp, School Lines to stamp the inside. It makes it look more "official".

First Watch is one of their (and ours when we are in Ohio) favorite places to eat. Yummy food!

All supplies are Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Snow Much Fun, School Lines background

Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Black Stazon

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Bigz die, Aquapainter, Stitched Felt and Jingle Bells (Holiday Mini)

Have a wonderful day!

Jazzed up Gift Card Holder

2011-12-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's post was a Gift Card Holder I made to look like an ornament (scroll down to see it). After studying it a bit, I made some changes to jazz it up a bit. This is the improved version.

I rounded the corners and added some White Satin Ribbon with some retired Silver Cord. I also added Mini Jingle Bells but took them off because they just didn't look right.

I thought you might enjoy seeing the changes I made. I think it made a difference! Just go to yesterday's post for the original and for a peek at the inside.

I will have another project to show you tomorrow. Hope to see you then!

Last minute gift card holder

2011-12-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

Only a few days left till Christmas and I am still shopping for last minute gifts. Even though our daughters are adults in their twenties, they still love Christmas stockings! One of the things I always put in them are gift cards. And of course being a stamper I have to create a holder for each card.

Here is the one I made today. It is supposed to be an "ornament" with a card tucked inside.

The card is from Starbucks which I know doesn't fit the theme of the ornament. lol.

It was easy to make - here is how:

1. Die cut 2 Night of Navy circles with the Big Shot and Clear Circle Bigz die

2. Die cut 2 embossed Whisper White circles with Clear Circle Bigz die.

3. Cut a piece of Silver Glimmer Paper 2 3/8" x 3" and trim one edge with the Clear Circle die to get the curve. Fold in half.

4. Stamp the scene (with Versamark) in the center of one Night of Navy circle and emboss with Pewter embossing powder.

5. Hand trim one of the embossed white circles to create the "sand". I used another piece that I sponged and layered onto the first piece to give it more dimension.

6. Cut the other embossed white circle in half and attach it to the 2nd Night of Navy circle making a pocket for your gift card.

7. Punch holes in Silver Glimmer paper along fold and thread ribbon through the holes and tie into a knot on inside.

8. Adhere the folder Silver Glimmer paper to front of stamped circle and to the back of the other circle.

9. Stamp sentiment, punch, sponge and adhere.

Stamps: Come To Bethlehem
Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink: Versamark, Night of Navy
Accessories: Big Shot, Snow Burst embossing folder, Clear Circle Bigz die, White grosgrain ribbon, Pewter Embossing Powder, Crop-a-dile

Thanks for stopping!