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Sunday, November 29, 2009

More Advent Calendars



Hi Everyone-



I made 2 more Advent Calendars for my 2 adorable nieces. Finished in the nick of time! December 1st is coming quick! Maddie (8) and Samantha (5) of course wanted to start opening the tins right away...waiting is so hard! I used the same supplies as in this post, just moved things around a bit and used some paper from a retired Simply Scrapping set and used some Christmas themed metal trays I picked up last year. It was a challenge to find little treasures to hide inside the tins, but I managed to find some fun things, jewellery, temporary tattoos, Swiss chocolate and a little lip balm shaped like a heart {cute}!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

November Club Cards



Hey Everyone,
My group of eight lovely papercrafters met this past week for our Stamper's 8 Club. Our focus was the Big Shot. Most of the girls had never used any kind of die cutting tool so found this really fun and so rewarding to be able to create such detailed die cuts and embossed projects with such little effort!

Our cards used non traditional Christmas colors, but kinda' fun all the same! Stacey Schafer was the inspiration behind this dashing Dasher!
Recipe:
Stamps: Dasher; All Holidays (Sentiment)
Ink: Soft Suede, Sahara Sand Classic Ink
Cardstock:
Base Card: Sahara Sand (Standard A2 Tent Fold Cut 4¼”x11”; score at 5½”)
Layers: Stamped Layer: Taken with Teal,(2¾ “x 3”) Whisper White(2½”x 2¾” ); 1/2 of a Die Cut Top Note in Taken with Teal
Designer Series Paper (DSP): Holiday Lounge (1¾” x5½”)
Tools: Big Shot and Top Note Bigz Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig (SAMJ), Paper Cutter
Ribbon: Soft Suede Grosgrain, Other: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals & 2-Way glue pen for glitter.

The second card of the evening used the same color scheme and no stamping...yikes!

Recipe:
Card size: Standard A2; cut 5½x 8½; scored at 4¼”
Stamps/Ink: NONE!
Cardstock:
Base card: Taken with Teal
Layer 1: Sahara Sand cut to 4 x 5¼” after it has been embossed; Layer 2: Whisper White (2¾ “x 2¾”);
Scraps: Whisper White for Die Cut
Designer Series Paper (DSP): Holiday Lounge (2½”x2½”)
Tools: Sizzix Big Shot , Sizzlet Snowflake Die, Cuttlebug Snowflake Embossing Folder
Ribbon: White Taffeta
Other: Adhesives: Snail & dimensionals; Rhinestone


Finally, we made these "Treat Tents". The idea came from a host of projects available to Stampin' Up! Demonstrators on the SU Demonstrator Website. So Stinkin' Cute!!


Recipe: Sample Supplies:
Stamps: Sparkly & Bright; Grateful Greetings (Holiday Mini Catalogue), Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2 Set). Ink: Ruby Red, Soft Suede Classic Inks
Dies: Two Tags Bigz Die
Tools: Big Shot, snowflake punch, Tag and Small Tag punches
Cardstock of choice, ribbon, linen thread, silver elastic cord, buttons, rhinestones (Non-SU)
Small Cellophane Bags (item #103103-pg 159) for Candy.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Look What I Earned!


Hey Everyone,

'Just wanted to share my news! I completed the required elements and am now Certified ... My Digital Studio certified, that is!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

My Digital Studio


I finally got around to installing and working with MyDigitalStudio. I must say I'm having some technical problems and I'm on a call back list with tech support at Stampin' Up! In the meantime I took all the quizzes and made the front of the required card to complete my certification. While playing with the program I thought it would be easiest to try and duplicate the Christmas Card we made at our last Club night. The colors are a little different, chocolate chip replaced soft suede to coordinate with the Alpine ribbon.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!


Aren't these tall bags cute! I made them for my nieces for Halloween. I kinda went overboard on the goodies to put inside and needed something tall. This size was perfect! I made the smaller Fancy Favor Boxes for my guys ... 16 & 21 ... this size was the perfect for a couple of gift cards and a few of treat size chocolate bars! I got a "Thanks, Mom" ... and a hug!



Supplies: All SU unless noted: Tall Bags: Stamps: Non SU Halloween set by Inkadinkado, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White;DSP: Ghostly Greetings(Retired), Cast-A-Spell; Ink: Basic Black, Markers: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango; Ribbon: Striped GrosGrain Fancy Favor Box: Stamps: From the Crypt, Teeny Tiny Wishes Ink: Basic Black; Cardstock Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive

We had 143 little Trick or Treaters tonight ... a quiet Halloween this year as we usually get closer to 200!


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Becky's Milk Carton Containers


It's my dear friend Gerrie's Birthday and I love making her little things 'cause she loves and appreciates getting them. So, since I've been wanting to make Becky's Milk Carton Containers for quite some time it seemed the perfect little gift for Gerrie.
This is an all Stampin' Up! project including the ribbon...don't recognize it? Well, I didn't have any Elegant Eggplant ribbon of any size to match the project but I did have twill, and an Elegant Eggplant Classic Reinker so, I thought I'd try and dye some. I mixed about 10 drops of reinker with some tap water in a little plastic container, added the twill and stirred it around for a few minutes, making sure the entire surface had absorbed color. I blotted in on paper towel then heat set it with a dry iron. If you do this remember to sandwich the ribbon in some sort of press cloth, I used an old piece of flannel. I think it looks great! I filled the little containers with some fun little things ... but that's a secret!

Friday, October 23, 2009

October Club Projects


Supplies: Stamps: Sweet Season Ink: Real Red Craft ink, Soft Suede Classic Ink Cardstock: Base Card: Soft Suede Layers: Real Red Embossed with Petals-A-Plenty Impression Folder then cut to 4”x5¼”, Whisper White 4”x 2½”, Soft Suede, whisper white and Real Red Embossed scraps for stamping and punches. Designer Series Paper(DSP): Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP (Holiday Mini) 4”x1¼”;Tools: Big Shot and Petals-a-plenty Impressions Folder, Heat Tool, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Bone Folder, Embossing Buddy, Punches: Scallop Circle, 1⅜” circle punch, 1¼” circle punch,Stamp-a-ma-jig.Ribbon: Soft Suede Grosgrain, Real Red Narrow Grosgrain Other: Clear Embossing Powder, Adhesives: Snail & Dimensionals, 3 silver brads

'Just wanted to highlight the cards and 3D we made this month in my Stamper's 8 Club...we focused on adding that WOW factor. The girls got to try their hand at heat embossing in this little cutie completely CASEd from this card by Diana Gibb.

Supplies: Stamps: Patterned Pines (Hostess Level 1-Holiday Mini catalogue); Sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes Ink: Chocolate chip Classic, Old Olive Classic Ink for sponging and Reinker & Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint for stamping. Cardstock: Base card: Real Red Layer: Very Vanilla( 3”x4”), Old Olive ( 4”x 2”)Scraps: Very Vanilla, Old Olive Designer Series Paper (DSP): Merry Moments (Multi color snowflakes)(4”x2”)Tools: Punches: Word Window, Designer Label, Eyelet Border Punch Other: Dotto, Sponge Daubers, Baby Wipes to clean stamp before cleaning on Stampin Scrubber, Adhesives: Snail & dimensionals

We used SU's new product, Shimmer Paint, mixed with Old Olive Classic reinker for this second card to give these folky trees a bit of bling! I have Andrea Walford and Jen Sannes to thank for the inspiration behind this quick and easy Christmas Greeting!

Finally, it's too close to Halloween not to include a spooky 3D treat! These 'sour cream containers' are so fun to use for so many occasions.We used Cast-a-Spell DSP and a variety of Halloween stamps, this one used From the Crypt.
It was great fun as always!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I Love This Punch!

I had some time last night to play! I purchased a great card tutorial by Sandi MacIver and this is a card I made using one of her clever ideas! Recipe:
Stamps: Circle Circus, Best Yet (retired)
Paper: Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Brushed Gold DSP: Christmas Cocoa Specialty (Holiday Mini)
Ink: Stazon Black, Versamark
Ribbon: Mistletoe, Gold Elastic Cord (Holiday Mini)
Tools: Ornament Punch
Other: White Embossing Powder, Snail, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Christmas Countdown!


Won't the countdown to Christmas be fun with this Cookie Sheet Advent Calendar! Fill each tin with a sweet surprise sure to bring a smile.
Join me in making this 'too cute' Christmas Project--makes a great gift or keep it for yourself! Class fee includes all supplies, use of stamps, punches and instruction. You will have Designer Series Paper left over for other Christmas Projects! Please bring your own supply of adhesive.

When: Tues. Nov. 10, 2009 7-10pm
Cost: $65+gst
Registration Deadline: Tues. Oct. 27, 2009 Registration limited to 8...and is filling quickly! Payment in FULL by cash or cheque required by deadline please.






Saturday, September 12, 2009

Delightful Decorations Class

This is a 'sneak peek' at one of the cards we will be making in my Delightful Decorations Class.  I have to thank Kerin Sylvester for the inspiration for this card--I CASE'd her little gem. I haven't received my Shimmer Paint yet so I couldn't give it that extra sparkle. I'll make another when my order arrives!

Hit Counter Gone Wacky!

I almost flipped the other day when I noticed my hit counter had reached over 11,000 hits. My heart skipped a beat and I think I blushed! I was amazed to think that I had THAT many people taking time to read my blog! Alas, I have since discovered that the free hit counter,one many bloggers have installed, has played havoc with my hit counts as well as many others. So, I am back to square one. I have installed one from StatCounter.com and I'll just start again!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Season of Joy Stamp-A-Stack!


Join me on World Cardmaking Day and get a jump start on your
Christmas Cardmaking!

What: Season Of Joy Stamp-A-Stack
When: Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 1pm until 3pm
Where: My Home
You will receive the supplies to make 10 cards, 2 of each design shown, with envelopes. The Cardstock and Designer Series Paper will be pre-cut and pre-scored and all you will have to do is stamp, punch, snip and adhere! What FUN! The price is $15.
What you need to bring: Please bring your own adhesive. I use Stampin' Up's SNAIL and it is what I recommend. Stampin' Dimensionals will be provided.

RSVP by Wed. Sept. 23, 2009 -- Space is limited -- call early to avoid disappointment! RSVP by email Here

Saturday, September 5, 2009

With Sympathy



I'm sure most will agree that sympathy cards are never "fun" cards to make. I relied on Lynn Put's talent to inspire this card I made for my son's high school teacher/advisor who just lost his young wife.

Supplies: (All Stampin'Up!) Stamps: Fifth Avnue Floral, Kindred Spirits (retired) Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White DSP: Urban Oasis (Retired) Ink: Basic Gray, Close to Cocoa Classic Ink Other: Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, silver brads

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Welcome Fall

Happy September Everyone!

I love Fall ... it has always been my favorite season. I love the colors, the way the air smells, the crisp mornings, I love it all! And, now that Fall is in the air -- the kids are back in school and I am itching to get going on Fall & Christmas projects! Stampin'Up's! Holiday Mini Catalogue is now here! It is bursting with inspiration, holiday projects and stampin' necessities! If you didn't receive your copy you can Download one from the sidebar link.
Hostess Special: From September 1 through November 30, in addition to the already terrific Hostess benefits Stampin'Up! offers, Hostesses that place a merchandise order of $330 or more, can choose any one item from the Holiday Mini Catalogue for only $14 (excludes Holiday Mini Hostess sets and My Digital Studio). What a great offer!! If you've been thinking of having a Workshop, now is the time! Contact me and we can set a date!

Remember, you can shop online 24/7 from my Stampin'Up! Website! There's a link on my sidebar. Place your order, pay by credit card (secure payment) and have your order arrive at your door! If you'd rather pay by cash or cheque, you can always call me or email me with your list and I will place the order for you. FYI ... This month's order date is September 18th.

I hope to be posting my Fall and Christmas Classes very shortly ... so much to do ... so little time. If you're like me these celebrations creep up on you and it's so great to have some special items prepared for them!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Wow...August's almost gone!


Can't believe August is almost over ... it's been really busy 'round here. My Dad celebrated his 80th birthday today and we had a little get-together BBQ. Here's the card I made to commemorate his special day. I love my Dad...we all call him Papa since grandkids were born...it suits him.
Getting back to the card, I was inspired by this card I saw on Sharon Johnson's blog quite some time ago. I changed a few things for my version. I inked up my 3 1/4" Just Rite Stamper with SU's Dusty Durango ink for the sentiment. It's so fun to make personalized greetings with this handy set. The font is the Brayton Font. Spellbinder's Classic Circle Nestibilities were used to cut the circles of SU Very Vanilla and Dusty Durango. The designer paper is from the Wanted collection by Cosmo Cricket. I picked it up about a year ago and new it would be something I'd use for Papa...he's kind of an old Cowboy! I'm really happy with how it coordinates with the Dusty Durango and Soft Suede cardstock I used. Staying with the western theme, the small star stamps inked up in Dusty Durango are from SU's Wanted set, punched out with the small star punch from SU. Copper brads, some linen thread wrapped around the vertical layer and a rub with some Ranger Antique Linen Distressing Ink finish off the card, giving it a somewhat rugged look. Whatcha think? I'd love to hear your comments.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Mojo Monday-A Halloween Howl



For me, Halloween papercrafts have always focused on the 'cuteness' of the occasion rather then the spooky, scary stuff so many enjoy. My guys are 16 & 20 now and I still like to put together treat bags for all the holidays. Of course now, instead of candy, pencils and toys, it's gift cards and cash! I thought this set, From the Crypt, would be appreciated more then the cute stamp sets I have! I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch to guide me on this Halloween Howl!
Here's what I used: All supplies Stampin'Up!unless noted
Stamp Set: From the Crypt
Card Stock: Basic Black, Old Olive
DSP: Cast-A-Spell
Ink: Ranger Distressing Ink in Black Soot
Ribbon: Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Basic Grey Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Circle Scissor (SU!)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #29



This Challenge thing is kind of addictive ... I love Karen Giron, she is multi-talented...gifted papercrafter & photoshop whiz... She made my SU watermark...so cute! This card is my submission for her SweetSundaySketchChallenge #29. It's a little one, fits into a 3 5/8"x6 1/2" envelope. It's a sweet size, I think. The DSP is from Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday collection...I adore this paper!
Here's what I used ...(all Stampin'Up! unless noted)
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Messages
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Dusty Durango, Bermuda Bay, Sage Shadow,
Pink Pirouette(Retired)
Ink: Sage Shadow Classic Ink
DSP: Cosmo Cricket 'Girl Friday'
Embellishments: SU Pink Pirouette Button, Pink Sequins (Michael's)
Tools: BigShot with Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die, Marvy Mega Scallop Square Punch, SU 1 3/8" square punch, SU Word Window Punch.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

'Been working on my Blog!

No new card to post tonight, I've been working on my blog instead of making cards! Lots of trial & error, previewing and deleting! I've added the SU Catalogue so you can click to view (it's a big file so be prepared to wait). If you want a copy of the supplies used for the Idea Book and Catalogue I've add that too. Also, you can go directly to my SU website with a mere click and I've added a slideshow with some of my cards from the past 7 months. It's gettin' there!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Maiden Challenge




The first blog bookmarked under my favorites belongs to Mary Fish. She amazes me...I love her...I want to be her! Mary and her Stampin'Pretty Pals have recently launched their own Challenge Blog, Pals Paper Arts (PPA, for short). I thought I'd join in on their voyage into Challenge waters ...now this is my maiden voyage so, be kind!

I've been wanting to case this beauty of Nancy Riley's so thought this challenge would be a good time to try it. The Challenge colors are Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay and Chocolate Chip and since my SU order that arrived yesterday with Thoroughly Modern DSP inside, I thought I'd put it to use! Let me know what you think!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Make Blog ... check


My summer 'to do' list is a mile long ... yard work, house maintenance, stamping projects and getting my blog going. So, I'm just gonna' jump in and do it...the blog, that is. So, here goes ... a little stamping and papercrafts, gardening and sewing (oh how I'd love to find the time to sew again!).

A year ago I didn't even know what a Blog was never mind think that I would have anything worth 'blogging' about. But, I have found so much inspiration from the favorite blogs I visit on a regular basis that I thought it might be a fun. A self indulgent time-eater? Ya, maybe that too! Here goes...

In preparation for my New Catty/Christmas in July Open House on July 25th, I made this advent calendar with Stampin'Up!'s Merry Moments DSP. (A left Click on the mouse will give you a closer look!). It's a project I've been wanting to CASE ever since seeing Kathy Daumé's Advent Calendar on her blog, Pretty in Ink, as well as the little gem Nancy Riley crafted last Christmas. I'm planning on doing one up in Holiday Lounge DSP, a cool, swinging, sixties kinda Christmas! I'll post snapshots of that one soon!

Recipe: All SU Product unless noted
Stamps Sets: Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2), Snow Swirled, Sparkly & Bright, Spotlight on Christmas, Sweet Season, Tree Trimmings. Hero Arts Basic Uppercase Letters (for Numbers)
Paper: Merry Moments DSP, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Whisper White Cardstock
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Real Red, Old Olive Classic Inks, Whisper White Craft Ink; Markers: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red
Tools: Punches: Various Circle punches, Oval punches, scalloped oval and circle, 5-petal flower, Flower trio, Boho Blossom, Snowflake, Curly Label, Square and Scallop Square, Large & Small Star, Large Tag, Designer Label, Full Heart;Big Shot with Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plate & Cuttlebug Snowflake Embossing Folder
Embellishments: Latte Button, Clear Button, Clip from Clips Assortment, Real Red Gingham ribbon,Linen thread, Rhinestones & DMC floss (Michael's),
Supplies: Snail Adhesive, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Magnets & tins (Michael's), Cookie sheet (Walmart)