Friday, February 26, 2010

Spring Bonnet

How about a lovely spring bonnet to cheer things up?


This is obviously a vintage bonnet...it reminds me of Bonnie (the singing) Bonnet from the Rankin and Bass show Here Comes Peter Cottontail. This bonnet was made just like my Top Note Turtle box. I know I said I'd give you directions for the Top Note Turtle box yesterday, but (among two other urgent things) I ended up having to take my son to the ER after he slipped on the ice and landed on his hip! It was a LONG day and I was just too exhausted by the time I could get back to it. This morning I spent quite some time digging us out of the snow that dumped on us last night, so I'm just finally getting to my blog. I hope to get the tutorial posted by the end of the day today, though.

Stampin' Supplies: Vintage Labels (Sale-A-Bration FREE product), Eggcellent Eggs Kit (rub-ons), Sahara Sand card stock (to make the BOX), Apricot Appeal card stock & ink, Only Orange card stock & ink, Stampin' Sponge, Brocade Blue card stock & ink, Whisper White card stock, Brocade Blue 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Top Note die, SU! Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Curly Label Movers & Shapers die, Curly Label Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, SU! Blossom Party die, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (mix w/alcohol & spray on flower).

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (click SHOP NOW at top right to shop)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Top Note Turtle Box

For those of you who were slightly disappointed not to have seen a Top Note Turtle in the previous post, I want to let you know I've made one of those, too:


I'll post the directions for this one tomorrow. Just a hint, I used the other half of the Top Note behind the turtle shell to hook it to the box. The "measuring" is all visual, so I'll post those pics in the tutorial. Can you see how easily you could vary this to be a spring bonnet? Stay tuned, if you can't see it now, you will tomorrow.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE NOW!)

Turtle Box (Oval Scallop Frame)

This Turtle Box (box turtle?) goes out to Richelle, who specially requested it:


Click HERE to download the PDF for the box.

Use the box from the PDF pattern above, and instead of using the Top Note to make a fox head, you will use the Oval Scallop Frame to make a turtle shell:
  1. First, run two coordinating sheets of card stock through the Big Shot with the Oval Scallop Frame die. I chose Always Artichoke, and Old Olive.
  2. Set aside the scallop frame of one color, and pick up the oval cut out of the other color. You'll run that oval through the Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate. After texturing it, sponge over the top in a circular motion, with Handsome Hunter ink. (I also sponged the head, feet, and tail before adhering.)
  3. Because your turtle shell is in two pieces, you'll need to back it. Take up one of the negatives of an Oval Scallop Frame you just die cut, and mark around the inside of the scallop points with a pencil. (see picture below) I used Kraft card stock for mine, because I also used that for the box.


  4. Cut out the oval you marked, place your turtle shell pieces centered atop it, and adhere in place. Adhere the scalloped piece first, for best results.
  5. Score the completed shell piece, 5 scallops in from one end. (see picture below) That part overlaps the top of the box. To get a great score mark, line up the piece on your Paper Cutter, hold in place, and pull the Bone Folder firmly through the groove of the cutter.


  6. To make the feet, first punch out four Scallop Circles, then take a "bite" out of each one with the Oval Punch. (see picture below)


  7. I made the tail with the Oval Punch, first punching an oval, then using the punch to take an offset "bite" out of the punched oval, leaving the tail shape.
  8. Layer the circles for the eyes and adhere. (I punched a 1/16" hole in each black circle, and backed with white card stock to show through for a highlight...you can also simply add the highlight with a white gel pen. Dot the nostrils on with a Basic Black marker.
  9. Adhere the feet and tail with Mini Glue Dots. I used a length of Sticky Strip to adhere the head, because there is a much narrower strip to adhere, and I want it to stick well.
  10. Use a self-adhesive Velcro dot to keep the flap closed over the box.
Stampin' Supplies: Kraft card stock, Always Artichoke card stock, Old Olive card stock, Mellow Moss card stock (head, feet & tail), Whisper White card stock, Basic Black card stock, Big Shot, Oval Scallop Frame die, SU! Perfect Details Texturz Plate (plus Texturz Pad and Silicone Mat), Handsome Hunter ink pad, Stampin' Sponge or Sponge Dauber, Bone Folder, Oval Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch (head), Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/16" hole punch (for white spots to show thru eyes), Sticky Strip and/or Mini Glue Dots, Paper Snips, Basic Black marker, pencil.

~Kimberley Morris

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE NOW!)

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Easter Basket (Oval Scallop + Box #2)

I'm kind of on a roll with the Big Shot this weekend...I realized that the skinny width of the Oval Scallop Frame is the same width as the assembled Box #2, which makes a lovely Easter Basket in a snap:


Yes, I realize you could bling the tar out of this thing, especially with the Eggcellent Eggs Kit, and all its embellishments. But, I think it's important to show how simple and cute it is on its own merits. I'm not going to do a tutorial right now on this, because it's so super easy. But I'll give you some tips.
  1. Pick one sheet of 8-1/2"x11" card stock for your basket. Cut this in half to two pieces measuring 8-1/2"x4-1/4". Then cut just ONE of those strips in half again, to get two pieces measuring 4-1/4"x5-1/2". You'll have three pieces of card stock.
  2. Place the 8-1/2"x4-1/4" strip over the Box #2 die, and don't worry about the top flaps, but make sure you cover everything else. Run that through the Big Shot, and trim away the top flaps, using the score lines of the die cut as your guide.
  3. Run both the 4-1/4"x5-1/2" pieces through the Big Shot with the Oval Scallop Frame die. You may need to set your card stock at an angle to cover the whole die image. (if necessary, trim away a couple corners of the card stock to ensure it runs through the width of your Big Shot) Only the scalloped pieces are needed, you can set aside the ovals for another project, like an egg card that is hinged with a brad.
  4. Here's the only part where you may need a visual--I can post one later if you really need it. Trim each of the Oval Scallops across the bottom...the perfect place is if you look at very end/bottom scallop, and imagine it is a 'u'. Cut across an imaginary line that goes across the top of the 'u'.
  5. Each scallop oval then sits centered flush at the bottom of the box and is exactly the same height as the other--no measuring needed! I like to put a little SNAIL on the front of the scallop oval "handles" to keep them in place, then punch a little hole and put a brad through each side (as shown in the picture above) for reinforcement.
  6. The "easter grass" is just a 3"x1" strip of green patterned paper, with the edge snipped down a little with Paper Snips. The paper is from the Sale-A-Bration Designer Series Paper Pad called Welcome Neighbor, which you can get for FREE when you spend $50 through March 31st. The green egg stands from the Eggcellent Eggs Kit would also work wonderfully.

Like I said, you can bling the daylights out of this box, and the Eggcoutrements stamp set and coordinating Spring Floral wheel can make that effortless. But these are cute even when decorated quite simply, and it's much easier to make them to multiply like rabbits, when it's as easy as roll, stamp, punch, assemble. And, let's face it, you'll need the supplies to make these for your kids' school classes and teachers, your co-workers, your neighbors, the milkman, etc., and simple means affordable! (Just do yourself a favor and buy one Eggcellent Eggs Kit before this limited supply item is out of stock, so you can bling up several of these baskets, and other projects--oh, and I guess some eggs, too--for the super special folks on Peter Cottontail's list!)

Stampin' Supplies: Eggcoutrements stamp set, Kraft card stock, Very Vanilla card stock, Soft Suede card stock, Mellow Moss ink pad, Welcome Neighbor DSP, Big Shot, Oval Scallop Frame die, Box #2 XL die (you'll need extended cutting pads for this, and I recommend the extended crease pad), Wide Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, 1/16" hole punch, Vintage Brads (Antique Brass), Whisper White satin ribbon, Medium Cello Bags, Sticky Strip or Mini Glue Dots (to adhere the box), Paper Snips.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE NOW!)

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Panda Top Note Box

Yes, I'm just showing off now...lol...but isn't this little guy just so cute!


Stampin' Supplies: Whisper White card stock, Basic Black card stock, Stampin' Up! Big Shot, Top Note die, Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, My Way Punch (use the triangle of the largest arrow, then punch the tips off by inserting into 1/2" circle punch to make the nose), Crop-a-Dile (3/8" punch), Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL and/or Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Paper Snips, Paper Cutter & Bone Folder.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net/ (SHOP ONLINE NOW!)

Koala Top Note Box

Yet another airing of the Top Note Zoo animal report...as if they weren't already screaming out Down Under for the Big Shot...!


Stampin' Supplies: Whisper White card stock, Basic Gray card stock, Basic Black card stock, Basic Black ink pad & Sponge Dauber (sponging hands, head and ears), Stampin' Up! Big Shot, Top Note die, Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Crop-a-Dile (3/8" punch), Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL and/or Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Paper Snips, Paper Cutter & Bone Folder.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE NOW!)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bunny Top Note Box (redux)

Okay, you guys totally saw this one coming, right? I made a different Bunny Top Note Box last year, which you can see HERE. They're both cute...the box area on the one below is just a little more restrictive on space, since it has a foldover top.


Click HERE to download the box tutorial, which can also be used to make the animal boxes shown below. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.


Bunny Box Stampin' Supplies: Whisper White card stock, Basic Gray card stock, Basic Black card stock, Pretty in Pink card stock, Basic Black Marker (use to make freckles and whiskers), Pretty in Pink ink pad & Sponge Dauber (for cheeks, and to sponge edges of ears and paws), 5-Petal Flower Punch (for nose), Stampin' Up! Big Shot, Top Note die, Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Crop-a-Dile (3/8" punch), Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL and/or Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Paper Snips, Paper Cutter & Bone Folder.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Rubber Stampin' in Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME!)

Friday, February 12, 2010

Raccoon Top Note Box

I think this is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever made...he is truly a love bandit, he stole my heart!


Go HERE to find a link for a tutorial for a Fox Box, which you alter to create the raccoon. There are just a couple of things you need to modify to make the raccoon.

UPDATE: Check out a Video Tutorial for this project HERE.

First, the ears were made by layering the Small Oval Punch onto the Oval Punch. Then, I cut that layered piece in half, to get two ears. Second, the paws are made by punching a Scallop Circle, then stick the punched Scallop Circle in the side of the Wide Oval Punch, and take a "bite" out, in a span of three scallops. You can get two paws easily from one Scallop Circle. Third, the mask behind each eye is also made with the Wide Oval Punch (just trim away the excess that overlaps the side of the face). Fourth, the gray around the eyes is the 1" Circle Punch--I punched those out of the scraps that I cut away from the Top Note when making the pointed face. I used the 3/4" Circle Punch for the black circle of the eyes, and punched a hole in each black circle with the Crop-a-Dile 3/16" punch for the white to show through.  And finally, I used the 1/2" Circle Punch (same punch used for the nose) to punch out a white circle to adhere behind the hole in each eye. Again, you can punch those from scrap card stock.

Stampin' Supplies: Going Grey card stock, Whisper White card stock, Real Red card stock, Basic Black card stock, Basic Black Marker (use fine tip to scribble lines on tail), Stampin' Up! Big Shot, Top Note die, Frame Oval Scallop die, Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Small Oval Punch, Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Crop-a-Dile (3/8" punch), Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL and/or Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Paper Snips, Paper Cutter & Bone Folder, Pencil.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Rubber Stamping in Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net (SHOP ONLINE NOW!)

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Valentine Making Party


If you live in the Colorado Springs area, or will be passing through, please feel free to drop in on Saturday, February 13th, anytime between 11:00am-2:30pm to make a FREE Valentine, and matching envelope (not pictured). Choose from the two styles shown above--the first valentine is free, and you can make additional valentines for $1 each.

Please call me at 719-205-5957, or email me, to get the address and directions, and to RSVP your attendance. Every guest who RSVP's their attendance may pick a free mini stamp from my basket! The first 3 RSVP's will receive a special prize package valued at over $50, which may be picked up on Saturday at the party.

Note: the presence of paper crafting supplies, including paper cutters and very sharp scissors, make this an inappropriate environment for children.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Fox Box Tutorial


I made this box for a swap...half of them I made in Really Rust card stock to look like a fox (like the picture above), and half of them I made with Basic Gray card stock and they looked like a little wolf (too cute, and great for Scout functions!). I had to make instructions to go along with the swap, so here is the PDF.

Click HERE to view or download Fox Box PDF tutorial.

As always, I share my instructions for free. If you have found my instructions valuable, please consider visiting my ONLINE STORE to make a purchase in return. Until February 28, 2010, $2 of every I {Heart} Hearts stamp sets purchased will be donated to Haiti Disaster Relief. See this previous blog post for more details.

Stampin' Supplies: Really Rust card stock, Whisper White card stock, Basic Black card stock, Stampin' Up! Big Shot, Top Note die, Oval Scallop die, 1-3/8" Square Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Crop-a-Dile (3/8" punch), Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL and/or Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Paper Snips, Paper Cutter & Bone Folder, Pencil

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator since 1994
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net