Sunday, December 30, 2007

One Last Happy Holidays

Okay, so here's one last card I made...it's a really fancy card for an artsy-fartsy friend of mine! I stamped the large snowflake directly onto the Designer Paper to use as a template to cut the middle shape out. Then I place a large eyelet in the middle of that, and used Mini Glue Dots to adhered that piece over the center of the large snowflake.
To make the large eyelet shiny, I burnished it with a sanding block. To put the rhinestone in the center of the eyelet, I cut the posts off the brad. Then I used the Crop-a-Dile to punch out two 3/16" dots of Stampin' Dimensionals® and stacked those on top of each other in the center hole of the eyelet. After that, I put a few Mini Glue Dots on the back of the rhinestone brad and placed them over the hole I'd just filled in with Stampin' Dimensionals®.
I used the Snow Blossom punch for the smaller snowflake, and punched each round end of it with the 1/16" circle punch. Then I placed a rhinestone brad through the center, and put it on the front of the card with a Stampin' Dimensional®.

Stampin' Supplies: Snowfall stamp set, Soft Sky card stock and ink pad, Certainly Celery & Basic Black ink pads, Wintergreen Designer Series Paper (retired), Jumbo eyelets (antique brass), Ice Circle Rhinestone brads, Sanding blocks, Crop-a-Dile, 1/16" Circle punch, Snow Blossom punch, Vintage eyelets (gold), Stampin' Dimensionals®, Mini Glue Dots.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!

I was informed by a good friend that I need to update my blog, because she wants to see what I've been stamping lately--so here's the deal:
I have been caught up in a frenzy since Thanksgiving, it seems. My mom got remarried (after being divorced like 25 years) at the end of last month, and she's been slowly moving out of her apartment throughout this month. My sweetie did some traveling for a couple of weeks back to back, and was home for part of a weekend in-between. My sweetie's kids have been coming over on a different weekend schedule, making it hectic between the business trips. My kids were supposed to be gone to NY visiting their dad from the 22nd to the 29th, but their dad canceled the plans at the last minute, so the kids are unexpectedly (but delightedly) hanging around the house with mom. In the meantime we had a Stampin' Up!® retiring list, a new catalog coming out, and these crazy things called the "holidays" kept buzzing in, demanding my attention! So, each time I kept thinking I'd sneak off and catch up with my stamping, picture-taking, and blogging, I got snagged!!
Because many of my holiday supplies are retiring, I wanted to focus on using them (one last time) to make my cards and creations. That's how the cards I'm sharing today have come about. The Wintergreen paper and the metallic elastic cording is already retired, and the Hostess stamp set will be gone with the arrival of the new catalog. Most of the other items I've managed to stamp recently have been given as gifts, and because of my procrastistampiness, I did them at the last minute and did not get pictures before they left the house. (Even my kids scolded me for that.) The only reason I was able to get a shot of my cards is that I haven't sent them out yet. Yes, I chose the saying "Happy Holidays" for a reason: it applies until the New Year arrives, and my cards should be mailed by then!
Of course, you have probably guessed that I have some major resolutions for 2008 centered around my stamping and blogging...but I'll leave you for now with glad tidings on this holiday. I'm supposed to be helping with the turkey lunch/dinner right now, but I just had to get this one blog entry posted today.
Thank you for giving me one of the greatest gifts I've enjoyed this year--the opportunity to share my passion for stamping, with you!
Stampin' Supplies: Perfect Presentation (Fall/Winter Catalog Hostess-Only stamp set); Snowfall stamp set ("Happy Holidays" saying); Soft Sky, Celery, and Always Artichoke card stock; Wintergreen Designer Series Paper (retired); Soft Sky, Basic Black and Always Artichoke ink pads; Sage Shadow eyelets (retired); Gold Elastic Cord (retired); Crop-a-Dile; 1/16" Circle Punch.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Retiring Stamp Sets & Accessories

Both the Retiring Stamp Sets and Retiring Accessories lists are now available from Stampin' Up!® The Retiring Accessories will only be available while supplies last, so email me right away if there is something you cannot live without!

• Retiring Stamp Sets Listed Alphabetically
• Retiring Stamp Sets Listed by Page Number
• Retiring Accessories List
Dormant List

The Retiring Stamp Sets will be available for purchase from the 2007 Fall/Winter Collection through December 31st, 2007. The Dormant List sets will not be featured in the upcoming 2008 Spring/Summer Collection catalog, but may be ordered anytime from now through June 30th, 2008.

UPDATE: RETIRING SETS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, DORMANT SETS AVAILABLE THROUGH AUGUST 8TH, 2008.

Monday, December 3, 2007

More Ornamentation


This nifty Advent Garland is made from Designer Series Paper (DSP), folded into what's known as a sour cream container shape. I made mine from 3" x 4" swatches of DSP, and tucked a Hershey Nugget into each one. Then I used elastic cord to string the containers together--24 in all--to count down to Christmas. Remember, if you hang it from a wall, you will want #1 to be at the bottom, so you can take the containers off one by one from that end of the garland. I "cheated" a little bit and used my Cricut to die cut 1" numbers from the DSP, and ran them through a Xyron adhesive cartridge to make the assembly fast and easy!

First, crease your paper against the side of your table to break the fibers a little, and give it a curve.

Then, put adhesive across one of the shorter sides. On each of the longer sides, place adhesive from the center out to the opposite short end, as shown below by the grey lines.

After that, carefully roll your paper to overlap, and adhere only the two shorter sides together, to make a tube. I like to take a bone folder and press on this seam from the inside of the tube to strengthen it.

Then, check your adhesive on each end and pinch one side closed, with the tube seam in the middle, as shown below. Make sure the end you choose to close first has adhesive running across the entire length of it, or the ends will not stay closed when you pinch them shut!

Place your treat inside open end, which you can see in the photo below on the left. Then seal the open end, this time with the seam of the tube at one extreme side of where you pinch it closed, as shown below on the right.



You can see the shape you should end up with in the picture below on the left. Then, crimp each end of the container closed, as shown below on the right, to strengthen the hold.


Below is the sealed sour cream container, with the treat inside! To make your Advent Garland, just place numbers on each container and string them together. These make great party favors at each place setting, and cute stocking stuffer packaging, too.

TIP: When you are deciding what size to make your container to accommodate your treat, you will want to use scratch paper to figure out the dimensions by trial and error.

Stampin' Supplies: Holiday Harmony Designer Series Paper, SNAIL Adhesive, Bone Folder, 1/16" hole punch, Gold elastic cord, Crimper.

Ornamentation

I've had a good handful of technical difficulty the past week or so. It seems everything electronic I touched decided to abandon ship! I apologize for not being able to post sooner, but I think I have the bulk of things worked out for now.

These two ornaments are called Geodesic Ornaments. They are created by drawing an equilateral triangle in the center of any size circle, then scoring on the triangle lines, and glueing the scored "tabs" of the circles together in different configurations.

For example, the round ornament takes 20 circles--5 glued together to make a "crown", then 10 glued together in a straight line (which will wrap around and make the center of the ornament), then 5 more glued together to make yet another "crown" that is turned upside down and glued on to the bottom of the ornament to complete it. The oval shaped ornament was made using 16 circles, in a configuration of 4-8-4.

You can see how to assemble this ornament here, on an HGTV craft instruction site. However, I have created a pattern sheet you can use with a 1-3/8" Circle Punch, to avoid all the measuring and just get down to business. Click here to view, or right click to download, my template.
Stampin' Supplies: Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Dotto® temporary adhesive, Bone Folder, 2-Way Glue Pen.

Monday, November 26, 2007

A TIN TIN-TINnabulation of Savings!



UPDATE: THIS PROMOTION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Stampin' Up!® has just announced their "Wrapping Up the Holidays" special promotion from November 23rd through December 15th, and it's ringing with savings and specialty products for your stamping pleasure. Click on any of the three decorated tins above to see a larger picture of each. Click here to see the full-color promotional flyer, but here is the lowdown of what you can get:
  • 3 Pack of Tins for only $9.95 (just like the ones featured above!)
  • Designer Gift Card Holders, pkg of 6 for $4.55 (30% OFF)
  • 15/16" Satin Ribbon, Buy One Get One FREE
  • Hand Selected themed Accents & Elements for only $8.21 (25% OFF)
  • Tags for All stamp set for only $24.76 (20% OFF)
  • Holiday Tag Bundle**, a special holiday tag-making kit for only $4.95

**Holiday Tag Bundle includes (see flyer for picture):

  • 30 pieces Whisper White card stock 2" x 4-1/4"
  • 15 pieces Real Red textured card stock 3-1/2" x 4-1/4"
  • 15 pieces Soft Sky Prints Designer Series Paper 3" x 4-1/4"
  • 15 pieces Real Red zigzag twill tape 3-1/2" each
The darling treat topper displayed above was made using the Tags for All stamp set, with the Holiday Tag Bundle supplies, and was then attached to the top of a cello bag which was filled with red licorice nibs. To make this project you'll also want a Real Red and an Old Olive marker, as well as the 3/16" Corner Rounder (to make the scalloped edging). These products are conveniently listed with item numbers and prices on the special promotional flyer!

As you can see, there is still plenty of time to make some adorable hand-stamped gift card holders, tags and toppers to give to those special people who make your holidays, and every day, bright and merry. But, please hurry to take advantage of this promotion, because QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED AND ARE ONLY AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!! Email me to place your order now.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Gratitude Journal


I wrote in my November Newsletter about the idea of creating a Gratitude Journal. The picture above is the cover of the journal I created for myself. I love the Blue Bayou Prints Designer Series Paper, so that's what I used to cover my On Board Art Journal.

The paper fits perfectly in the spiral binding, thanks to the use of the Spiral Punch. You'll notice the little words all over the cover, like 'dream', 'wish', 'hope', and 'imagine' (from the set Everyday Flexible Phrases). That's because, along with what I'm grateful for, I like to visualize the prosperity and abundance I want in my life! So, my journal is also a place where I can DREAM BIG.

I very much like simple things, but this is a special journal so I wanted it to be eye-catching. The Photo Corners Punch, Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads, and specialty ribbon did the trick quite nicely, as you can see in detail below.


Journal Stampin' Supplies: On Board Art Journal, Blue Bayou Prints Designer Series Paper, Blue Bayou card stock and ink pad, Soft Sky card stock, Jumbo Outline Alphabet, Versamarker (inside alpha letters), Basic Black ink pad and journaler, White Gel Pen, Everyday Flexible Phrases, Whisper White Craft ink pad, Petals & Paisley set, Photo Corners Punch, Spiral Punch, Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads, Jersey Ribbon Originals, Blue Bayou and Soft Sky Stitched Grosgrain, Crop-a-dile, Glue Stick, Sanding Blocks, Paper Snips.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Heartfelt Thanks

I am so grateful to be able to share what I love with you, and I want to thank you all for visiting my blog and offering your encouragement and compliments. I created the cards above and below from some remnants of a Simply Sent Card Kit from last year's catalog. The card stock in the Simply Sent Card Kits is precut and prescored, so it was really easy to just pull it out and stamp away! To ensure this would be something you could recreate, I used a current stamp set, Heartfelt Thanks.

Heartfelt Blue Card Stampin' Supplies: Brocade Blue card stock and ink, Basic Black card stock and ink, Whisper White card stock, Always Artichoke card stock and ink pad, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon (use your ink pad to dye the ribbon Brocade Blue).
  • Brocade Blue card stock 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored and folded to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
  • Basic Black layer 2-1/4" x 4-1/4"
  • Always Artichoke layer 2-1/4" x 3"
  • Whisper White layer 2" square
Heartfelt Plum Card Stampin' Supplies: Perfect Plum card stock and ink, Basic Black card stock and ink, Whisper White card stock, Always Artichoke card stock, Black Gingham Ribbon.
  • Perfect Plum card stock 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored and folded to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
  • Basic Black layer 2-1/4" square
  • Always Artichoke layer 2-1/8" square
  • Whisper White layer 2" square

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Pretty Papers

As a follow up to the last post, I've taken a picture of a Peppermint Patty Basket done in a Christmas holiday theme.


It just so happens that the Designer Series Paper, which I used to decorate the basket bottom and the patties, is on sale this month!

UPDATE: THIS PROMOTION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

I used Holiday Harmony, but the Dashing or Wintergreen papers would also make great choices for this project. For every 3 packages of Designer Series Paper (DSP) you purchase this month, get one package abso-stinkin-lutely FREE. Click here to see the Pretty Papers you can choose from--there are 35 different packages in all, for you to mix and match! Email me today if you're dying to get your hands on some of these Pretty Papers.

Stampin' Up!® has also created a nice list of a half dozen projects, with instructions, to help inspire you with ways to use the Designer Series Papers for the upcoming holidays. You can browse or download that file here. Stay tuned to my Stampin' Up! Web Site Gallery for more photos of cards and projects made with Designer Series Papers.

Stampin' Supplies: Punch Pals stamp set, Holiday Harmony Designer Series Paper, Purely Pomegranate card stock and ink pad, River Rock card stock, Word Window Punch, 1/16" Circle Punch (for the brads), Vintage Brads.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Creepy Little Basket...


Above is the finished sample of a nifty little treat box that's easy to make, and perfectly fits 3 peppermint patty candies inside! The sample basket above contains 3 candies, so you can see how high they stack in the basket--the extra one leaning on the front is another sample. This basket is great for Halloween, using the Batty for You set. It would also be great for any other holiday, spruced up with appropriate colors and any of the other seasonal Stampin' Up!® sets with images that can be punched with the 1-1/4" and/or 1-3/8" Circle Punches.

To make the basket, you'll want to start off with an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of card stock. Trim your sheet so that it is 8-1/2" square. (Keep the 2-1/2" x 8-1/2" strip, you'll use it for basket handles!) Then take your 8-1/2" square sheet and cut it into 4 even 4-1/4" squares. You'll end up with all the pieces shown below, which will make 4 complete baskets:

Take one 4-1/4" square, and score it at 1-1/4" on each side. You will then use your Paper Snips to make two cuts opposite each other, as marked by the white lines on the picture below:



At this point, you will want to trim each of the 4 corners at a 45 degree angle. You can do this on your Paper Cutter by lining up the score marks at each corner with the groove of your Paper Cutter, as shown by the arrows in the picture below on the right.

The picture on the left, below, shows the octagon you will end up with after trimming all 4 corners correctly. The next step is to apply adhesive to the triangle shaped pieces. I used SNAIL, and ran two strips of adhesive on each triangle, as shown by the grey lines on the picture on the right below:


You will then turn your octagon over so that the adhesive is facing down. Do this on a table or cutting mat so that your SNAIL doesn't adhere to any paper. Take two of the triangles and pull them up as shown below on the left, to meet at the bottom. Then take the squared off flap behind the triangles, and pull it up to adhere over the triangles, as shown below on the right. Do this with the remaining triangles, and you will end up with a little box that's open on the top. This is the bottom of your basket.



If you intend to decorate the entire basket bottom, you may choose to cover your card stock with stamping or with Designer Series paper before cutting, scoring and assembling. I wanted the color of the card stock to show, and chose instead to place a strip of Creepy Crawly Designer Series Paper around the basket bottom. I cut the strip 1" wide, and 8" long, in order to wrap around the box and overlap a little at the end. I then placed the paper face down on the pattern I wanted to have showing, and put SNAIL adhesive on it as shown below by the grey lines.


Start wrapping your paper around the box from the center of the back of the box, as shown on the left below, so that your overlap ends up in the back. Do not choose either of the sides with triangles as the "back" of the box, we're going to use those for our handles later. As you wrap around the box, try to keep your paper centered on each side, and carefully bend it over each corner. When you get to the end, your paper strip will overlap itself slightly.


Now, you'll want to grab that 8-1/2" x 2-1/2" strip, and cut it into 4 even strips of 8-1/2" x 5/8". Each of these strips will be the handle for a basket. Take one strip, and place it down to the bottom of the box, along the inside of one of the sides with triangles, as shown below. Holding the strip there, make a light pencil mark at the top of the box edge, as shown by the black line in the picture below. Mark both ends of the strip in this manner.


Lay the strip on your table with the pencil marks facing up. Apply adhesive from a point just below the line you marked, to the end of the strip, on each end. Then, erase the pencil marks (carefully, to avoid eraser gunk getting stuck to your adhesive) and place each end of the strip back into the box, in the center of each side with triangles. Using the 1/16" Circle Punch, punch a small hole through the handle on each side of the basket, and place a coordinating brad in each hole, as shown below:


The reason we put the handles in on the sides of the basket with the triangles, is to give each of those sides a little more card stock support. Now, your basket is done...but I happened to notice that a scalloped piece of Designer Series Paper folds in half perfectly over the edge of the box, so I used the Scallop Punch to add more variety to the front and back of the box, as shown below:

I had my Scallop Circle Punch handy, because this is what you'll use to create the "covers" for the peppermint patty candies. Simply take one piece of scallop punched paper, place adhesive on the side you DON'T want showing, and place a peppermint patty in the center. Take a second scallop punched piece, again place adhesive on the side with the pattern you DON'T want facing out, and place that piece on top of the peppermint patty, as shown in the photos below.


The only thing left to do at this point is to add some decoration to your peppermint patties, if you so desire. The images from the Batty for You set are perfect for this, as they can be punched out with the 1-1/4" Circle Punch, as shown on the left below. And, a backing circle of coordinating card stock can be punched with the 1-3/8" Circle Punch, for mounting behind the image, as shown on the right below:
You can color coordinate the images and layers on the front of your peppermint patties...mix 'em up or make 'em all the same. Have fun with it, and try not to eat the whole bag of candy before you get all the baskets made for your friends!



Stampin' Supplies: Pumpkin Pie card stock, Creepy Crawly Designer Series Paper, Whisper White card stock, Garden Green card stock and marker, Lovely Lilac card stock and ink pad, Bold Brights® Brads, Blender Pens (to color in the ghost a little), 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Cutter (with scoring blade), Paper Snips, SNAIL.