Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Awash with Elegance


I whipped this little card up yesterday to tuck inside the blog candy winner's package that is winging its way to Oregon.  That Elegant Soiree DSP is.....well, elegant!  I love the soft color combination of Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla.  And, not only are the patterns GOJUS (as JanTink says), but there is a coordinating embossing folder, too (Elegant Lines, 119277)!  I didn't use the folder on this card; I just let the fabulousness of the paper shine on its own. :-)

Stamps: Awash With Flowers (W-117062, C-120549), Thank You Kindly (111700)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla (101650), Soft Suede (115318), Crumb Cake (120953)
Ink: Baja Breeze (111833), Soft Suede (115657), Crumb Cake (121030)
Accessories: Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon (120999), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder (117335)

Monday, August 30, 2010

Merry Match Game Box Instructions

As promised, I've put together an instruction sheet for making the box.  If anyone has trouble following it (it was made late at night, lol), please let me know, and I'll post step-by-step instructions with photos.  Obviously, the pictures in the instructions are not to scale.  Just follow the measurements shown.  

Click on the picture below to make it larger.  If you click again, it will get bigger still.  The box takes about 1-1/4 sheets of 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock.  When trimming the 1/4" off the side panels, just fold the others out of the way and use your Paper Trimmer.  Easy-peasy straight cuts!
This is just the basic box instructions.  You can fancy it up with panels of DSP, or use an embossing folder on the lid, or add ribbon, flowers and brads.....whatever pleases you!

The playing pieces were made by adhering DSP to lightweight chipboard using the new Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (120805) in the Holiday Mini.....LOVE THAT STUFF!!!  The DSP is on one side and plain Whisper White cardstock on the other.  I used a brayer to make sure it was firmly stuck together.

After cutting it into 2" squares, each square was run through the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine using the smaller square on the new Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die (120903), also in the Holiday Mini.  Since I was afraid I'd muff one of the stamped images, I stamped them on Whisper White, cut them with a 1" square punch, matted them on CS cut with the Scallop Square punch, and mounted them on the playing pieces.

Best Blog Hop Ever & Winner!

This blog hop was by far the best I've ever experienced.  I am floored by the talent, creativity, ideas, and "outside the box" thinking of this group....and I'm so honored to be a small part of it!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
2
Timestamp: 2010-08-30 07:58:41 UTC

The winner of my blog candy is Jean Fitch from jlfstudio!  Congratulations, Jean!!!  Please contact me (PM on SA is good) with your mailing address, so I can send your candy.

Thanks to everyone who entered!  I'm going to offer more candy next month as part of a card drive for Operation Write Home, so be sure to check back.

Also, I'm almost finished with the tutorial for the Merry Match Game box.  I'll post it later today.  Gotta get some sleep now. 

Smiley from millan.net

Friday, August 27, 2010

HOLIDAY MINI HOP!

Welcome to the 2010 Stampin' Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop!  If you've been following the hop in order from the beginning, you just arrived here from Carmen's blog Stamping Addiction, where she featured the very versatile set, Tags til Christmas.  I loved that snowman, didn't you?

If you jumped in in the middle, don't worry! All the blogs are linked, and if you follow the links at the end of each post, you'll come full circle and end up back here.  And I'm offering some blog candy!  Look for the info at the very bottom of this post.

Today I am showcasing the Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set.  It coordinates with the Bingo Card stamp, but inspiration led me down a different path. Bingo would be so......predictable.  There are 24 different little stamps in this set, and so many possibilities!  First up is a card using the poinsettia stamp.
The wreath was formed by gathering the new seam binding ribbon - lovely stuff!  The centers of the poinsettias are the new Glimmer Brads.  I love bling. It appeals to the Magpie in me. :-)

Up next is another card, this time using the cardinal stamp.  Cardinals aren't indigenous to my area, so I just have to make my own.
That wonderful chunky glitter is also in the Holiday Mini.  More sparkly stuff, woohoo!!!

Next is a 3D project; a sweet little tin.  With sweets.  Chocolate sweets.
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net  
Mmmmm, chocolate.............     Where was I ? Oh yeah, the project....

This was so quick and easy to make (and if you follow my blog, you know how I love quick and easy!), and makes a great gift.  Just stamp the little images on 1" x 2-5/8" address labels and wrap them around Hershey Nuggets. They fit perfectly! 
And finally, something for the kiddies.  As you traveled over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house, you kept the little tykes busy with the Travel Tic-Tac-Toe game I posted a few days ago.  You did, didn't you???  Well, by the time you get to Grandma's house, I'm sure they will be bored with that game, so now you can whip out this one...it's a Merry Match Game!  Since there are 24 stamps in the Jolly Bingo Bits set, all you have to do is stamp two of each, mix 'em up and test the memory of your wee ones.  (Might want to test Grandma, too, while you're at it, lol.)
Thanks for visiting today!  When you are all finished hopping, I hope you will hop over to Stampin' Addicts and see what they're about.  It's free, and it's for all people who love Stampin' Up!, be they demonstrator or customer.  Their motto is "Positively Creative! Positively Stampin' Up!"

Your next stop is Jennifer's blog, Stampin' on the Fly.  Jennifer is working with the simply elegant Rejoicing in Christmas set.  Wait until you see the cracked glass card - WOW!
    
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If you want to be entered for the blog candy drawing, just pick a favorite project (that isn't mine) on the Stampin' Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop - leave a comment on that blog, then come back here and tell me which project you liked....  it's that simple!  Winner will be drawn Monday, after I verify the entries.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CANDY!

Today marks two years since I ventured into the blogosphere, and I am still having a blast!  It is an unending source of wonder and amazement to me that people actually visit my blog, and sometimes even leave comments!!!  The ol' hit counter says my little blog has received over 25,000 visitors, and way more page views, so to show my appreciation for your visits and comments, I have a little candy to give away:
The (now retired) Holiday Best hostess set is perfect for the upcoming holidays, and the (also retired In Color) Stampin' Write Markers are in the great autumny colors of Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, and Bermuda Bay.  All are brand new.
So, how do you get a chance to win it?  Ahhh, there's a little catch. Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
  1. You must visit the Stampin' Addicts 2010 Holiday Mini Blog Hop sometime between Friday-Sunday.
  2. Find a project you like OTHER THAN MINE and leave a comment on their blog.
  3. Come back to my blog hop post and leave a comment there, telling me whose blog it was and what you liked. You can comment on my stuff, too, if you want. :-)
Winner will be announced Monday.  I will be verifying the comments, so it might be later Monday.  Questions or comments left on this post won't count toward the candy contest. You must comment on the blog hop post that will be up on Friday!  If I have left you confused, please let me know, and I'll try to clarify.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy lives to visit today!  I'm looking forward to seeing what appeals to you this weekend!!!  Hugs, Cindy
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
REMINDER - COMMENTS ON THIS POST DO NOT COUNT AS AN ENTRY FOR THE BLOG CANDY! PLEASE LEAVE COMMENT ON HOLIDAY MINI BLOG HOP POST (FRIDAY, AUG. 27). THANK YOU!!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

The One That Didn't Make It



I wasn't planning on posting anything today, but I just had to share this project.  It was going to be for the Holiday Mini Blog Hop,  but I thunka sumpin' more better, so I'm showing you this today.  It's a travel tic-tac-toe game!  I inked just the center grid of the new Bingo Card stamp (120851, available 9/1) and stamped it on some Candy Cane Christmas DSP (120809, also available 9/1), then adhered it to a piece of Magnet Sheet (119816, pg. 205 of the IB&C). Stamped some Jolly Bingo Bits (121187, 9/1) and adhered them on the magnet sheet, as well.


The playing board sticks to the back of the tin for ease of playing, and then stores inside with the playing pieces to keep them from getting lost.  Yes, the magnets hold them inside, too, but you know how things can get lost when traveling!


Those are just a couple of the Jolly Bingo Bits you'll be seeing on my Holiday Mini Blog Hop post this Friday!  Be sure to check back!  Also, Wednesday is my second blogiversary, and I'll be putting some blog candy up for grabs.  That should entice you all to come back, right???

Edited to add:  I've had several people contact me for the source of the tins.  They are available from Specialty Bottle in Seattle, WA.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Another Peek

By now many of you have received your 2010 Holiday Mini Catalogs, so I guess this really isn't a sneak preview any more. This stamp is called Christmas Postcard, and is on page 41 of the mini.  I'm having so much fun coloring these days!  The Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon is also in the mini (pg. 21), and is absolutely heaven to work with. It's so soft, and ties into lovely bows that aren't bulky. Love it!  It is available in Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla, too.
This will probably be the last card for a few days, because I really must get cracking on the projects for the Holiday Mini Blog Hop next weekend!  I'll be holed up in the stamp cave, trying to think up ways to wow you. ;-)

Edited to add: The background was stamped in Sahara Sand on the Confetti White cardstock.

Stamps: Christmas Collage background (121279), Christmas Postcard (121428)
Cardstock: Confetti White (102028), Crumb Cake (120953), Cherry Cobbler (119685)
Inks: Cherry Cobbler Classic (119669), Sahara Sand Classic (105208), Basic Gray Classic (109120), Baja Breeze Classic (111833), Blushing Bride Classic (119786), Pear Pizazz Stampin' Write Marker (119801, set of 5 In Colors), Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker (100079), Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker (120975), So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (105114)
Accessories: Basic Pearls (119247), Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Before and After

Okay, I was all excited about playing with the new stampin' goodies, so I could show you all a teaser, right?  Well, first off, one of the stamp sets I ordered appears to have disappeared.  I don't know where it could possibly be.  When I unpack that carton of goodness that Mr. Brown delivers (on a too regular basis, lol), everything goes into its rightful place, and it was no different with that clear-mount stamp set.
Arrrrggghhhh!  Not finding it is driving me crazy and, believe me, that's not a very long drive!  Oh, well, here's one sneak peek for ya.  That little peek above is the Christmas Postcard single stamp that is divine.  Such a lovely, old-fashioned, vintage Christmas feel, and perfect for coloring!

So, since I couldn't use the set I had originally planned, I pulled out the Christmas Collage background stamp. It has a lot of the same elements in it, all in a collage (*snerk*, hence the name, 'eh?).  After I completed the card, I just wasn't thrilled with it.  I couldn't put my finger on it, but it was just "off".


I even tried adding some rhinestones! That usually does the trick, but not this time.  It just wasn't making my skirt fly up, as the Pioneer Woman would say.  So after giving it some thought, I decided it needed more Cherry Cobbler.  Here's the result:

It's better, I think. Still far from my favorite card evah, but definitely more balanced and pleasing to the eye.  Oh well, I guess I can't hit a home run every time, huh?  But I can keep trying!

There is a new blog hop coming that will be featuring these goodies and much more, from the soon-to-be-released 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog!  I'll be showcasing Jolly Bingo Bits.  Intrigued? It will run from Friday 8/27 through Sunday 8/29.  You won't want to miss it!!!

Items from the new Holiday Mini are highlighted and will be available September 1st.
Stamp: Christmas Collage (121279)
Cardstock: Confetti White (102028), Always Artichoke (105119), Cherry Cobbler (119685)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic (119669), Sahara Sand (105208), VersaMark (102283)
Accessories: Always Artichoke Seam Binding (121000), Silver Glass Glitter (120995), Silver Tinsel Trim (120994), Basic Rhinestones (119246), 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Hello!


Another quick card, using scraps sitting on my desk.  I was starting to clean up from the photos I took for a tutorial for my newsletter, and I thought I'd use the image I had made.  There was already a scrap of Old Olive embossed with polka-dots, so I embossed a scrap of More Mustard to match, slapped them on a Chocolate Chip mat, added the ribbon (Martha Stewart) and tag, and voila, a quick, cute card using leftovers!

Have I mentioned lately how much I like "quick and easy?"  :-D

Stamps: Flower Fancy (111578), Tiny Tags (W-118091, C-118592)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla (101650), More Mustard (100946), Old Olive (100702), Chocolate Chip (102128)
Ink: Basic Black (101179), Chocolate Chip (100908)
Accessories: Linen Thread (104199), Jewelry Tag Punch (117190), Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Regals 119803, Brights 119804), Perfect Polka-Dots Embossing Folder (117335), Big Shot (113439), water mist sprayer, ribbon

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Get Well Wishes


Today's card goes out to a special lady who is undergoing treatment for cancer.  I used the Aviary set again, because it can work for almost any occasion - from birthday to thank you, from humorous to a sympathy card.  For an amusing card, you could do one cage with the bird inside and the others with the birds outside, with a funny greeting ("What are you waiting for?!").  An empty cage would make a good "miss you" or sympathy card.  Like I said, this is a very versatile stamp set!

Stamps: Aviary (W-116956, C-120462), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Cardstock: Poppy Parade (119793), Basic Black (121045), Whisper White (100730), Sunny Garden DSP (119831)
Ink: Basic Black Classic (101179), Poppy Parade Classic (119782)
Accessories: Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119261), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Word Window Punch (119857), Modern Label Punch (119849), 3/4" x 15/16" Oval Punch (120908, available 9/1)

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Happy Bird-day

Quick post today - gotta get my classes scheduled for the next quarter and finish my new newsletter.  Unfortunately, I'm having trouble getting my motor going this morning. 
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
 This card was made for a friend, who shall remain nameless, because she doesn't know about it yet. :-D

The Aviary stamp set is so versatile, and the birds just crack me up, especially that long-legged one.  He fits perfectly into the greeting!  I used a Stampin' Write Marker to ink the words "happy" and "day" on the greeting from the SAB Hostess set Picture This, but I'll bet any happy birthday greeting would do....just don't ink the "birth" part of it.

Okay, I am seriously just about falling asleep here, and sleepy drool on the keyboard would be bad, very bad.  Off to make more coffee. 
 Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
Stamps: Aviary (W-116956, C-120462), Picture This (118538, hostess set no longer available)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Concord Crush (119792), Marina Mist (119682), Lap of Luxury DSP (120436)
Ink: Concord Crush Classic (119785), Certainly Celery Classic (105217), Marina Mist Classic (119668)
Accessories: Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117288), Basic Rhinestones (119246), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Angelic Joy

The new Holiday Mini Catalog is chock full of new, innovative products and stamp sets that nearly made me swoon when I saw them!  If you like coloring your stamped images, whatever the medium you may prefer, you are going to looo-ooove some of these stamps!!!
This card uses both a new product and new stamp set from said catalog!  That cool "old gold" halo behind the angel's head, as well as the ruffled edging on the side of the image, was made using the Waffle Paper.  There are two assortments; Assortment 1 has an 8" x 5 yd. roll each of gold and silver, and Assortment 2 has the same in Early Espresso and Basic Black.  I'm kicking myself for not getting Ass't. 2, because it would be so cool on Halloween and Thanksgiving and masculine cards!
It is crinkly paper, like heavy tissue paper with a waxy coating on one side, slightly reminiscent of crepe paper.  You can tear it, scrunch it up, and while you can stamp on it, the waxy coating tends to make the ink bead up and not dry very quickly.  Might work better on the reverse...I didn't try that.

The angel was stamped in Basic Gray Classic ink on Whisper White cardstock, then colored with a blender pen using the Classic inks listed below.  She was stamped again on Card Stock Vellum using VersaMark, and heat embossed with white EP.  After carefully cutting out just the painted angel and halo (halo top coated with Smooch Illuminate Top Coat for shimmer effect), and the entire heat embossed image, she was adhered to the embossed image.  (I like the way her wings look translucent.)  Then the whole thing was popped up on two layers of Stampin' Dimensionals for added depth.

More sneak peeks coming in the days ahead!

Stamps: Angelic Joy (W-120849, C-121172, available 9/1), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Cardstock: Marina Mist (119682), Night of Navy (100867), Whisper White (100730), Card Stock Vellum (101856)
Ink: Basic Gray (109120), Daffodil Delight (119667), Night of Navy (102977), Soft Suede (115657), and Baja Breeze (111833) Classic Inks, VersaMark (102283), Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker (100037)
Accessories: Heat Tool (100005), Embossing Buddy (103083), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (109132), Smooch Illuminate Top Coat (121084), Blender Pens (102845), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (118072), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Waffle Paper Assortment 1 (120984, available 9/1)

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Third Thanks


Are you getting tired of thank you cards, yet?  I know I am!  I promise, this is the last one for a while.  I'm practically hyperventilating at the thought of diving into the new goodies languishing on my desk.  There are so many ideas swirling around in my brain! "My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." (Name that movie.)

This one uses the Sweet Pea Stack again, but wait...what is that?  That label doesn't look familiar....could it be....A NEW PUNCH (one of three!) from the upcoming Holiday Mini?  Yes, that's the new Decorative Label Punch, and it is fabulous, dahling!  Plus, there will be two stamps (in a sweet set of nine) that are made for this punch!  Here's a pic to give you an idea of the difference in size between the Decorative Label Punch shape and the Curly Label Punch shape:
See, this is one of the many wonderful perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator. We get to see the new things before anyone else, we can order it with our demo discount, we get to share our love for stamping and paper crafting with others, and we can earn lots of extras, like free stamp sets and merchandise, a cruise to Alaska or the Bahamas, and stepped-up commissions on sales (in addition to the demo discount).  In addition, we work for a company that truly values its demonstrators, and has the best demo support of any company out there! What could be better than being paid for what you love to do???

If you'd like to join my team, or just have a question, please contact me through my demonstrator website. I'd love to tell you more!

Stamp: Thank You Kindly (111700)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Rose Red (102544), Sahara Sand (101043), Sweet Pea DSP Stack (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic (100908)
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones (119246), Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109054), Decorative Label Punch (120907, available 9/1)

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Second Thanks


Here's another one of the multitude. This one uses another retired DSP, from the Sweet Pea Stack.  The butterflies are just grand, aren't they?  This card relies almost entirely on the patterned paper.....the only thing stamped was the sentiment!  Quick AND easy.  Just the way I like the meals that I cook.  When I do cook.  Which isn't often, if I can help it.

See the thread through the button holes?  That's not thread; it's thin strips of cardstock!  Sometimes I end up with long slivers of paper, and usually I toss them.  This time I saved a few to use as "thread" for the buttons.  I forget where I saw that, so I can't give credit where it is due, sorry.


Okay now, I want to see some of your creations using mostly patterned paper.  Leave a comment here with a link so I can see the loveliness!!!  Oh, and be sure to check back tomorrow for a sneak peek from the new Holiday Mini. :-)


Stamp: Thank You Kindly (111700)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Rose Red (102544), Sweet Pea DSP Stack (retired)
Ink: Rose Red Classic (101778)

Accessories: Mini Glue Dots (103683), buttons (retired)

Friday, August 13, 2010

First Thanks


I have a bunch of thank you cards to send out this week, so I've been pretty busy in the stamp cave.  It's absolutely killing me, because what I really, really want to do is play with all the new stuff I pre-ordered from the Holiday Mini.  They lounge there on the desk, singing their siren song, beckoning me toward certain doom.  Okay, well maybe not doom, but certainly toward ignoring the dust bunnies and hungry husband, and pile of laundry that grows larger by the day, not to mention finishing the thank you cards.  Not that I really have to be enticed to ignore that stuff, you know! :-D

Anyhoo, this is one of the scads of cards (I'm making three of each style) that I've been working on.  AND this is another color combination from my new best friend, the Color Coach.  It is Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy and Pink Pirouette.  Isn't it loverly?

I'm really trying to use up some of the retired Designer Series Papers, so this is from the Hostess Level 1 "Welcome Neighbor" paper pack, from Sale-A-Bration earlier this year.

Stamps: A Flower for all Seasons (111592), Thank You Kindly (111700)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Sahara Sand (121043), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Pink Pirouette (111351)
Inks: Sahara Sand Classic 105208), Basic Black Classic (101179), Bravo Burgundy Classic (105214), Pretty in Pink Classic (101301), Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Marker (119807 - set of 5 In Colors)
Accessories: Basic Pearls (119247), Pretty in Pink 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (109067), Blender Pens (102845), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), 2" circle punch (non SU)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I Can't Stop Sponging!


Help....I'm stuck in sky-sponging mode!!!  It's such a neat effect, so today I tried a night sky look, with a big ol' shimmery moon.

Another card is going in my new stack of cards for Operation Write Home!  I love how the sentiment says "Remember Me".  It was stamped in Night of Navy first, then on a scrap in Real Red.  The "me" was cut out and popped up on a Stampin' Dimensional for dramatic effect. :-)

Here is the rest of that stamp set - So Sorry, Get Together, Remember Me, Our Journey, and Marvelous Us - how clever is that?!
In a Word (W-117143, C-120057) is a really a versatile stamp set, and it's only available in the Summer Mini catalog until the end of this month!  It can be used for scrapbooking, as well as card making, because the words are a good size and won't get lost on the page.

Stamps: Upsy Daisy (111710), In a Word (W-117143, C-120057)
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla 101650), Shimmery White (101910), Night of Navy (100867)
Ink: VersaMark (102283), Marina Mist (119668), Not Quite Navy (103008), Night of Navy (102977), More Mustard (103162), Real Red103133)
Accessories: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (109133), Embossing Buddy (103083), Heat Tool (100005), Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119251), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Big Shot (113439), Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (115964)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Technique Challenge - Clear Block Stamping

This week's Technique Challenge #64 over at Stampin' Addicts is clear block stamping.  It occurred to Sharon Field, a Stampin' Up demonstrator stamping genius, to use a Clear-Mount Block as a stamp!  The beauty of this is (besides the beautiful background image), the clear acrylic blocks are a snap to wipe clean when you are finished.  You can either ink up the regular way by tapping block on pad, or ink it up and then draw it across the pad for a neat linen look.

See that cute tab peeking out under the bow?  That's a sneak peek at a portion of the new Decorative Label Punch that's in the upcoming new Holiday Mini catalog!  And yes, there will be stamps to match!!!


Stamp: Just Believe (W-116948, C-120453)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla (101650), Soft Suede (115318)
Ink: River Rock Classic (109010), Soft Suede Classic (115657)
Accessories: Shimmer Paint Mist, Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119960), Paper-Piercing Tool (116631), Gold Lame Smooch Accent Ink (119968), Decorative Label Punch (120097, available 9/1), corner rounder

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Variation on the Theme

I gotta tell ya, the Stampin' Up! new Color Coach has a plethora of wonderful color combinations to inspire crafty-type persons, such as myself.  If you don't have one, you really should get one of your very own (and I can help, just ask!).  If you think your mojo has left, just pull out the Coach, choose a color combo, find a sketch challenge on Stampin' Addicts, pull out a new stamp set, and get going!  Easy-peasy, and you will amaze yourself with your fabulousness!!!

This was another combination suggested by "Coach" - Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White.  I added at smidge of More Mustard for the sun, and some Basic Black, because it really makes things "pop".  This combination is way more inside my comfort level, heh heh.  I used the same image from the last card I posted; just mixed the layout up a bit.

Stamp: Just Believe (W-116948 or C-120453)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Shimmery White (101910), Marina Mist (119682), Basic Black (121045), Certainly Celery DSP (retired)
Ink: VersaMark (102283), Marina Mist (119668), More Mustard (103162)
Accessories: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (109133), Heat Tool (100005), 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275), Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119261), Stamping Sponges (101610), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119860)
(119885), 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch (119863)

Saturday, August 7, 2010

So Shelli Challenge


Shelli Gardner, co-founder and head honcho... uh, honcha... um, fearless leader of Stampin' Up! has a blog, called So Shelli, and a monthly challenge.  This month she has challenged us to use a color combination from the fabulous new Color Coach.  She said, and I quote: "Branch out of your usual color comfort zone and try a new combination."  Holy carp, did I push out of my comfort zone with this card!  And, wonder of wonders, I really like it!!!  (Hmmm, methinks I need to use the Color Coach more often, lol.) 

I knew I wanted to use the deep gold of More Mustard for the sponged sky around the masked sun, so I was curious to see what other colors the "Coach" recommended.  I never would have thought of Cajun Craze and Night of Navy, but once I pulled out the cardstock and held them together, they just clicked! 

Stamps: Just Believe (W-116948, C-120453)
Cardstock: More Mustard (100946), Cajun Craze (119684), Night of Navy (100867), Shimmery White (101910)
Ink: VersaMark (102283), More Mustard Classic (103162), Cajun Craze (119671), Night of Navy (102977)
Accessories: Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (109133), Heat Tool (100005), Curly Label Punch (119851), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275)

Friday, August 6, 2010

Stampin Addicts Swap

One great way for demonstrators to get card samples to show their customers, is to participate in swaps with other demonstrators.  This is really a great idea, because there could be a stamp set that I don't own (psshhh - yeah, right!), so it's wonderful to be able to show a physical example of the stamp set in use.

This is one of the cards I made for the New Catalog Swap over at Stampin' Addicts.  I sent 10 each of three different swaps, and I should get 30 different cards back.  How cool is that?!

Stamps: Countryside, Tiny Tags
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Watercolor Paper
Inks: Soft Suede Classic, Poppy Parade Classic
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Jewelry Tag Punch, Mini Library Clip, Blender Pens

Thursday, August 5, 2010

BASKET TUTORIAL

*Whew!*  Finally got my craft space cleared after a week of blog hop projects, and then the Operation Write Home project.  When I could see the top of my desk again, I made this cute little Christmas basket using the tres adorable Merry Crittermas stamp set from the upcoming Holiday Mini catalog.  I got to pre-order it, and you could too, if you join Stampin' Up!  It's super easy, not a huge investment, and can give you extra spending money.  Now, who couldn't use some extra cash in this economy?  Plus, you get the demonstrator discount and get to see (and play with) the new stuff before anyone else.  Contact me if you want more info!

Where was I?  Oh yeah....basket tutorial.  Sorry, I get a little excited about being part of the Stampin' Up! family. *sheepish grin*
Materials needed
12" x 12" cardstock
Stamp and ink
Clear Mount Acrylic Block, if using Clear Mount stamps
Paper Trimmer
1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Scallop Edge Punch
Sticky Tape
Brads
Note: I used Scor-Pal for this project


Click photos to enlarge
Start by stamping your image near the top edge of a 12" x 12" piece of cardstock.  Make sure it is centered!  Color, if desired. (Note: Stampin' Up! Clear Mount stamps let you build a scene with multiple stamps on one block - cool, huh?  The little Raccoons were a single stamp that I cut apart, so I could put them on either side of the tree. )

Here is the cutting/scoring diagram. Shaded areas are trimmed off.


Trim 1" off the top edge, up to the image, then hand-cut around it. 
Trim ½" off each side.
Trim 2" off bottom, then trim the piece you just cut off down to 1¼". This will be the handle.
Score at 3" and 8" from side.
Score at 3" and 6" from bottom.
Score corner squares at an angle, as shown in the diagram.
Click photos to enlarge
Use the Scallop Edge Punch on both long sides of the handle, then adhere ribbon down the center.


Fold the basket along the score lines - all straight lines are "valley" folds; the angled corners are "mountain" folds.


Click photos to enlarge
Adhere sticky tape as shown.  On the right side, place tape along top and bottom edge of corner squares. On the inside, place tape along angled folds.


Click photos to enlarge
Peel backing from angled tape, fold and adhere to side of basket.  Peel backing from strip on upper edge and complete that corner.  Repeat for the other corners.  Basket should look like this:


Next:


Click photos to enlarge
Cut a slit on either side of stamped image for threading the ribbon. Wrap ribbon around top edge, starting in the middle of one short side.  Thread the ribbon behind the image through the slits and adhere.  I used sticky tape in several places along the top edge, and under both cut ends, to hold it in place.


Click photos to enlarge
Turn ends of handle under, and put a small piece of tape across end.  Adhere strap to basket as shown, adding a brad for strength. 

And there you have it!  Really pretty simple, and can be used in so many different ways!  I can see it filled with candy, or a mini loaf of pumpkin bread, or an assortment of teas, or.......


Stamps: Merry Crittermas (Holiday Mini, coming September 1), Broadsheet Alphabet
Cardstock: 12" x 12" Very Vanilla
Classic Inks: Basic Black, Real Red, Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brads, Paper Cutter, Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Piercer, Sticky Tape, Blender Pens, Paper Snips, Scor-Pal, Gold Lame & Silver Fox Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink