Inkerprints Stamping Studio

Back at last!

2011-03-29T14:07:00.005-04:00

Well, it has been almost 2 years since I have updated! I do apologize. So many things have happened in that time. I hope to be able to once again do crafty & creative updates now that life has gotten a little back to normal for us!

After a rough winter I am certainly looking forward to spring!

Cinema Day, Awards & the Last Day of school~Stamped gifts for the Teacher & kids

2009-05-27T15:29:00.005-04:00

What a whirlwind the last week has been! We wrapped up the end of school and are officially on Summer Vacation!

I thought I would share some of the things I was busy with. Our school has "Awards Day" for all the students. All of the 1st grade classes decided to have "Cinema Day" after the Awards. The children were given a list of movies to sign up for, they got to choose which movie they wanted to see and there were 4 movies shown at the same time. Since the classes were all going to be co-mingled I could not just do cupcakes for my son's class, I did then for ALL the 1st graders. We also sent bags of popcorn for the children during the movie. I did hand colored tags on ALL the bags of popcorn I sent, I found this adorable stamp called "Night at the movies" from Lockhart stamps, then I was lucky enough to find these movie themed cupcake picks online to coordinate. I sent 90 cupcakes to school!
The middle picture is a movie gift we made for my son's teacher for Cinema day. You can't see much of the stamped items in the picture but I used the same stamp and made belly bands for some microwave popcorn packs. I added some yummy movie candies~Reese's, Pixie sticks, Red vines licorice, Dots & Good & Plenty. I also put in some of our favorite popcorn seasoning, we actually take ours to the movie theater with us for our popcorn. Kernal Seasoning's White Cheddar.
You can get a few of the flavors at Walmart. I got some Popcorn holders and the larger bucket and added some fancy shredded paper inside, it made for a great Cinema day teacher gift!
The next day the whole 1st grade had a BBQ field trip to a huge park, we had all the first grader classes playing in a creek at the same time! What a day! The kids had a great time but the parents were WORN out! Now to survive summer!

Well I am off to check out the pool! We just had a pool put in and it is being filled today! I will be back tomorrow with a new project! A card box with 6 cards & envelopes!

Have a POOL day!

Water Bottle Drink pouch holders~Soccer team~Stampin' Up

2009-05-16T09:33:00.004-04:00

I have made these water bottle drink mix pouches/holders for so many occasions. This time I made them for my little guy's soccer team! The teams colors are blue & green and they are the "Owls".

I was so excited to see that there was blue owl designer paper in the Good Morning Sunshine DP set! The blue dot DP seen behind the soccer ball is the back side of the owl DP.

I love the cute "Just Soccer" stamp set from Stampin' Up! The sports themed stamps are perfect for the kids team sports. We have assigned snack days so I made these up and put Gatorade Propel drink mix in each pouch to hang on the water bottles.

I have done adult versions for demo's and parties but they are WONDERFUL Birthday Parties! You can make them in whatever color or theme you need! There are so many drink mix choices these days, I usually put the Crystal Light White peach tea mix for my adult holders.
I am almost done with a photo tutorial for making these but I have to run to a soccer game right now! I hope to put the tutorial up later today!

Have a SPORTS day!

Pulling a Rabbit out of the hat~Followers Choice~boxes, bags, 3-D, Altered projects Oh my!,

2009-05-15T13:13:00.006-04:00

~Before I forget! I would like to thank Tip Junkie for featuring my Father's Day project! If you get a chance be sure and take a peek at their fabulous blog!

Did I ever mention I LOVE making special cakes? I love working with fondant and gumpaste. This is a cake I made for my little guy's last birthday, We hired a magician and had an all out Magic show party. Yes, the bunny is edible as are the dice, wand, stars etc. I hand sculpted him from a combination of fondant and gumpaste. I only do cakes as a hobby for friends and family but I LOVE the whole themed idea and making ALL the goodies to go along with it, be food, paper, decorations, you name it! Would you guys like to see themed party ideas or just the paper side of it like invitations, cards? I'm trying to decide if I should be posting more about the recipe and idea side to go along WITH the paper crafts I often do. This is your chance to let me know!

I thought today I would put forth a request to my readers! I have so many project ideas bouncing around in my head it really is hard to pick which one to put on the blog! I have found that lately as my families schedule gets so busy with the end of school activities , I have been blogging the things I make for challenges.
So that said, I would like to hear from YOU, my readers! What kinds of projects do you want to see, what kinds of tutorials are you looking for? Now that we are in between holidays & school is almost out, do you like to see ideas for your children's sport teams? Birthday party favors? Babies, Weddings, pool parties?

For my family & friends I tend to like to make gift ware, altered and 3-D projects. However I make cards on a daily basis.

I have had some questions from some of you and I will try to answer them here!

Yes, I DO take orders for custom announcements, invitations, party favors, wedding favors. I do also make custom themed sets for gifts. I also have a machine embroidery and sewing business so I sometimes incorporate sewing and embroidery on my cards and gift items. I have not really blogged about how to machine embroider on card stock , I was not sure if it was something there would be a lot of interest in. I know there is a lot of interest on the recipient end but I was not sure how many paper crafters also had embroidery machines and would be interested in tutorials.

Now is you chance to let me know! Just leave a COMMENT on this post and I will try to put your ideas into blog posts and tutorials. If I use your idea I will be sure to mention whose post it came from AND if you have a blog I will be happy to link to it in the post. So be sure and leave your id, email & blog info in the comment section OR feel free to EMAIL me if you do not want to post.

I will be back this afternoon to post a fabulous project I just did for my Son's Soccer team!

Have a FABULOUS day!

Altered tin~Mini Dessert Bucket into planter~Cheep Talk, Good Morning Sunshine!

2009-05-14T13:54:00.005-04:00

SCS Challenge WT218~Alter a tin

Yesterday I mentioned that the UPS man brought me a big box of new Stampin' Up goodies! I thought I would share this project today since I used a new stamp set and some of the designer paper that I got from the current promotion (buy 3 packs of DP or 12x12 card stock and get one pack FREE, you can mix and match!) I couldn't pass that promotion up!

This a tin mini dessert bucket from a restaurant. I put an unaltered one in the picture so you could see how it started out. My son loves to bring these home and then he soon loses interest. The fun part is that I did not actually plant anything in the tin bucket. I found these mini dessert tins are the perfect size to slide a peat pot into! So we planted our seeds a couple weeks ago into a biodegradable peat pot and waited for them to sprout. These are watermelon plants in this one. Once they have started to grow you can make your bucket and then simply slide the peat pot inside. Now it is ready for gift giving! The recipient can then slide the peat pot out and plant it right into the ground! The tin can then be saved!

For this project I used the following:
Cheep Talk Stamp Set #113204
Good Morning Sunshine designer paper#113966
Pacific point card stock #
Pacific point classic ink #111837, kiwi kiss, so saffron
Striped Kiwi Kiss grosgrain ribbon 5/8"#111372
Sticky Strip
Dimensionals
Paper Crimper

Have a SUNSHINE day!

Poppin Good Birthday~Walk in the Park SC228

2009-05-13T16:31:00.006-04:00

House of Mouse~Poppin Good Birthday

I have not been into my House of Mouse stamps in quite awhile. I have missed coloring them!
Today's sketch challenge gave me the perfect opportunity to break out my copic markers and koh-i-noor pencils. I used mineral oil to blend my pencils, starting with the darker color first.

Card stock colors are So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue and Whisper White.

Both Dp's are from the Walk in the Park collection which you can find in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Present image is from the SU Holiday Blitz stamp set. This is a great set with something for each Holiday/Occasion. I seem stamps from it quite often!
The ribbon accent is So Saffron.

The UPS man just brought me my latest Stampin' Up goodies! I am off to play with some new papers! Don't forget to take advantage of the Buy 3 get 1 free designer paper promotion! It ends May 31, 2009!

Have a Happy Day!

Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die~Yellow Rose CC218

2009-05-12T16:03:00.004-04:00

Yellow Rose of Manhattan~Color Challenge 218~Summer Sun, Kiwi Kiss & Only Orange.

I just received my new Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die! It had been back ordered and I am actually still waiting for a package to arrive with all my Manhattan DP's and ribbons! I had to take advantage of the "Buy 3 packs get 1 free" promotion. I was going to wait to try this die out but when I saw today's color challenge on SCS I decided to try it on yellow.

I was very "impressed" (haha) with the quality of the embossing on this die! I did not have to add any extra shims! This was a very simple card, after running the embossing folder with my Summer sun card stock through my Big Shot, I used the Kiwi kiss, Summer Sun & Whisper White Stampin' Pastels to color the embossed image. I added a bit of dazzling diamonds glitter to a few spots with my glue pen.
The sentiment is punched out with the oval punch and I used Summer Sun pastel to rub the edges. Only orange cs on the new scalloped oval punch. Ribbon is the Whisper White organza!

Have a SUNNY day!

Bandanna technique~True Friend, Boho Backgrounds kraft card

2009-05-12T08:11:00.006-04:00

WHAT? A card with no Designer Paper??

It's true! No Dp was used int he making of this card. :-)
Yesterday I was challenged to "try a new technique" This was to stamp an image and then doodle around it with a white gel pen to make it resemble a bandanna!

You can try this with ANY color card stock, then choose a stamp and stamp it all over in black OR a color similar to the color card stock your using. Then get your white gel pen and start making dots, dashes & squiggly lines.

For my card I used kraft card stock and used stamps from the True Friend #110378 and Boho Backgrounds #114940 in black Stazon ink. I doodled with my opaque white gel pen #105021. I also used black & whisper white card stock. The ribbon is So Saffron #111364.
I stamped my sentiment & larger image in riding hood red. The larger image was cut out and doodled with black ink then a die cut flower and gem were added. I will be adding another color combination in this technique soon!

Give it a try!

Have a CREATIVE day!

Inspiration~ Vintage French Cherries~IC217 Bella Rose & Kraft Paper Card

2009-05-09T18:54:00.001-04:00

Today splitcoaststampers had an "inspiration challenge" (IC217). We were told to a website~Bonjour mon coussin~and choose a cushion as an inspiration for a card.
This is the cushion I chose as my inspiration!
I started with kraft card stock , then added riding hood red & kiwi kiss card stock and ink.
I used my corner rounder punch on the card corners and to scallop the kiwi kiss accent card stock. I ran some kraft & ridinghood red through my Big Shot using the scalloped oval nestabilities. To these ovals I added doodle dots in chocolate chip & white.
I used the cherries fromt he Tart & Tangy stamp set for my image , again in ridinghood red with chocolate chip, kiwi kiss and garden green accents. I also used chocolate chip ink on a sponge dauber to give the edges an aged look. I did this on all my ovals, card edges and my twill tape.
The vintage looking gingham paper is from the Bella Rose paper collection. The sentiment is from the Oval All stamp set along with the scalloped oval & oval punches. I popped my sentiment & image up on dimensionals!

Have a FAMILY FUN day!

Bonkers the rehabbed Squirrel & tutorials

2009-05-08T13:07:00.003-04:00

A lot of you know that it is a "zoo" around my house & that we have rehabbed an orphaned baby squirrel we named Bonkers.

Bonkers came to us in our back yard at the end of last fall, the tiniest little thing (According to a rehab manual he was about 5 weeks old) He inserted himself in our lives by hopping on top of my husband's foot over and over, demanding he pick him up. At first we were running from the little thing because we had never seen a squirrel behave this way. We had no idea he was a tiny baby at that time. Since we do have exotic pets, I called our vet and talked to him and he said it was ok to pick him up etc. It turns out that squirrels are usually up for a few hours in the morning and then again in the afternoon/evening but they nap most of the mid day in nests. Well this little guy had been running frantic in our yard for a couple days. Come to find out he did not have a nest, so he just didn't know what to do. When I found out squirrels at his age can not even climb a tree (not till they are 12 weeks old!) and he was not even old enough to hold up his own tail, I felt so bad. We went out and picked him up, he literally fell over, passed out from exhaustion! I will have to dig those pictures up.

We set him up a nest in an old Bunny hutch and started learning how to raise a baby squirrel. It was very important to me that we did it in a way that he could go back to being a real squirrel when he was old enough.

Well I am happy to say Bonkers is a "teen" now and we released him to live with other squirrels (in our back yard LOL) and he set up house in the 100 year old Maple tree in our back yard. I can't say that he is a "normal" squirrel because he thinks I am his Mommy and he comes to be fed by me on a schedule twice a day. We play the peanut game in the late afternoon. The other squirrels "laugh" at him because his version of stashing food is to place it in my son's wagon or my flower pots instead of deep burying it in the dirt LOL Of course they come along later and eat all that has hidden.
He is quite demanding, I left the peanut game to come in the house and I came back to see him waiting for me at eye level on the screen door yesterday. You can see avocado is his favorite veggie, I was LOL that he had little avocado chunks on his nose.

I am working on the candle caddy and popsicle card picture tutorials and hope to get them posted this evening/tomorrow morning. I will edit them in the original posts for the project.

Have a GREAT day!

Walk in the Park Candle Caddy Box & Card

2009-05-07T17:01:00.005-04:00

After yesterdays Mother's day project with the 1st graders, I had 6 candles left over! When I saw the WT217 (make something with Kraft card stock)challenge on Splitcoaststampers today I came up with this idea.

I designed the template for this box to be a candle caddy but I may use it again for other items. I made the divider inserts and they can be adjusted to hold other items, I have a few more things in mind.
I was really happy with how the handle came out.This would be a great gift set for a friend or Mother's Day!

I hope to have time to put up a tutorial on how I made this project soon. I took a few pictures at the beginning of laying it out. It's hard for me to write a tutorial on something new as I am designing it. Now that I have worked out the kinks I can go back and do directions. These last 2 weeks of school are so hectic. We have several games and performances in all the extracurricular activities.
The base to the card and box are kraft card stock, I used kiwi kiss card stock for accents & the designer paper is ALL from the Walk in Park set.

I also used every one of the stamps in the Great Friend stamp set. Both the designer paper pack and stamp set can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog. You can order these items by clicking my "Order Online " button to the right.
Remember that right now you can order 3 sets of designer paper and get your 4th pack FREE!

Mother's Day Gift Box~Explosion box with flower top made by the 1st grade!

2009-05-06T20:28:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share the project that we made in my Son's 1st grade class today!

I took the Mother's Day Explosion Box with flower top and modified it a bit so the 1st graders could make them with a candle to give their Mom's as a gift!

I had to simplify them in some areas so that we could get them all made in a short period of time.
The measurements & instructions are the same but we omited the squares of DP & window on the inside and changed the tags to circles.

I used the 1 3/8" circle punch for the card stock and 1 1/4" circle punch for the white paper, then I stamped "My Mom" on one tag and we had the children write little love messages to their Mom's on the other 3 circles. I also changed the flower top from the paper flower to some store bought flowers. The paper flowers were just too complex and tine consuming for the kids to do. I bought some cases of Banquet candles with glass holders (12 in a case for about $6) and we used some strips of designer paper adhered with sticky strip around and covered the seam with a paper punched flower. We let the children choose the DP they wanted on their candle holders.

All in all it was a great day, the children seemed so happy with what they had made for their Mom's. I thought the 1st grade version of the Explosion box came out great! The candles fit perfectly inside the boxes without any size adjustments from my tutorial. I was thinking a grown up version of the candle holders would be to put some rub ons or etching on the glass holders!
I've put the original box pictures and the modified version side by side so you can see the changes!

Have a FUN day!

Texture plate & Stampin' Pastels Wedding card~ Fun & Fast Notes CC217

2009-05-06T07:30:00.008-04:00

The joy of Stampin' Pastels! (#105542)
The great part of having a set of Stampin' pastels is that I know I have something in all 4 color groups right at my fingertips. The pastels are a great bargain for the price. I have found that I use them a lot to match my coloring with card stock. If you have been slowly collecting markers and ink pads to get all the wonderful SU colors, the pastel set and blender pens come in so handy!

I designed this card for a color challenge, in the end I loved the layout I came up with but its not my favorite color combination. The CC217 color challenge was to make a card using Garden Green, Ballet Blue & Cameo Coral.

I thought I would share it because I love the texture (Texture backgrounds 1 #114512 ) & layout. I also love the wedding cake image from the Fun & Fast notes #113500. I colored the cakes with Stampin' Pastels#105542 in Cameo coral, garden green & ballet blue. I added some dazzling diamonds glitter over the blue on the cake plates.

I would make this card again maybe just changing the card stock accent colors. I think mostly white with a light gray or silver card stock would be really lovely for this layout.
I also used a bit of our Whisper White organza ribbon, a paper flower dusted with Cameo Coral pastel, and a pearl center.

I thought I would also share a funny little video. I have a nine year old Persian cat, he does this funny thing to my husband every night when he begs to get on his lap. I kept trying to catch it on video and I finally we did.

Well I am off to the school to help the 1st graders make explosion boxes with candles inside for Mother's day! That's a whole lot of explosion boxes! I have modified them a bit to make it easier for the kids to make (no paper flower on top, we are doing silk flowers on top) will share some pictures of our finished gifts!

Have a GREAT day!

Clean & Simple Card~Bold Brights~He Loves me, He Loves me not...

2009-05-04T12:31:00.003-04:00

He Loves me, He loves me not, He LOVES me!

I had the idea for this card when coming up with a CAS challenge card. It is such a simple but fun card to make! (CAS13 on SCS)
I used my Bold Brights card stock #105548 and my Whisper White card stock.

Cut White card stock for a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" inch card

Punch out 6 Yoyo Yellow circles with the 1" circle punch.

Punch out 6 Pixie pink flowers with a flower punch.

Cut a piece of super thin green ribbon or card stock for your stem, I used another piece tied in a knot for my leaves. You could also stamp a stem if you have a stem stamp.

Using a 2 way glue pen # 100425 do the center of your flowers in a circle with your glue then add dazzling diamonds glitter #102023. Shake off excess glitter.

Adhere flowers to center of yellow circles, (I slightly bend my petals up for dimension) now you can pluck your petals off! Just like a real flower.

I used a stamp from the SAB Yummy set.

Have a LOVELY day!

Father's Day Shirt Cuff card ~Inside picture & poem

2009-05-03T15:57:00.005-04:00

I had a few requests to see what we have done to the inside of the shirt cuff card and the poem we used.

Here is a view of the inside~a picture I took of my guys at the Cadillac Graveyard outside of Amarillo TX. This is one of my favorite Father & Son pictures.

The poem is by an unknown author.

Footprints

"Walk a little slower, Daddy,"
said a child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you."

~ Author Unknown

Hope that helps!

Basic Black Monogrammed Note Card~Inspired by Faviana Prom dress~IT178

2009-05-03T10:46:00.004-04:00

Today's card is a little different in that I combined two splitcoaststampers challenges into one card, I used Just Rite DIY monogram stamps Times New Roman & designer paper from The Glitter Stack.

The challenges were WT216~to use SU basic black card stock and make a card & IT178 to use a Faviana Prom dress as your inspiration for a card.

You can see the dress I chose as my inspiration here~ Faviana #6162.

I love the inspiration challenges, if you have never tried one before you should give it a go! You can find them on Saturdays here.

This is a pretty clean & simple card. I thought our new Designer hardware basic jumbo grommets fit the challenge perfectly. You can find them in the Mini Occasions Catalog , #114348. I added a 1/2" circle punch of the glitter paper to the center of my grommet.

Have a RESTFUL Day!

Father's Day Shirt Cuff card & gift matchbox ~Sewing on cardstock

2009-05-02T21:57:00.005-04:00

I made this fun shirt cuff card and matchbox for my little guy to give his Daddy on Father's Day. We will be adding a picture I took to the inside of the card~it is of the 2 of them walking down the trail to the Cadillac Graveyard.

I added a matching matchbox to hold a little gift~it would be a great box for a tie tack or cuff links! I used the new matchbox die for the Big Shot. For the outside I used Baja Breeze card stock along with the Matchbox messages frame stamp in chocolate chip ink. The tags are 1 3/8" circle punch in chocolate chip cs, 1 1/4" circle punch in confetti cs. The tie stamp is from the Holiday Blitz stamp set and I sponged the edge in chocolate chip. The inside of the box is made with the striped Parisian Breeze dp with a bit of the 1/4" chocolate chip grossgrain ribbon for a pull.
For the shirt cuff card, I cut 2 pieces of card stock, one in the stripe & one in confetti cs. Cut at 8 1/4" long & 3 1/4" wide. Then use the corner rounder punch on the top 2 corners. Gently score, (you don't want a deep score since it will not be a flat fold)both pieces at 2 1/2" and 6 1/4". You will be folding the shorter flap to the center and overlap the longer side on the outside. Adhere both pieces together with sticky strip. Now topstitch with the sewing machine, using your presser foot as your guide, line up the edge of paper with the side of the presser foot, make sure you have the same color thread in your bobbin as your using for topstitching. Stitch all the way around the edges. If you have a button holer foot you can make a simple button hole with your sewing machine, I then stitched the button onto a spare piece of cardstock, using my sewing machines button foot. Use a dimensional to add the button to the top center of the button hole(I did not cut the center of the buttonhole out since I was not going to be able to actually button it. Then add a sticky velcro dot to the backside to close the card.
The tags are the same size as on the matchbox in baja breeze and confetti. The stamp is also from the Holiday Blitz set and inked in chocolate chip.

Be sure to take advantage of our great new promotion! Buy any 3 sets of designer paper and/or 12 x 12 cardstock and get a 4th set FREE! (You can mix and match DP & CS)

Have a GREAT day!

Masculine Birthdays Count ~ Walk in the Park ~ Occasions Mini Catalog

2009-04-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

Since today is the FINAL DAY for the Get Connected promotion in the Occasions Mini Catalog, I thought I would share a card I made from all the goodies from that catalog. The stamp set I used is one I earned free in the promotion.
The designer paper is Walk in the Park #115123, the card stock is Kiwi kiss, basic gray & whisper white. I used one of the brand new Designer Hardware Basic Jumbo Grommets in whisper white #114348 along with Taffeta ribbon in basic gray #109064.
I used the stamps from the Birthdays Count Mini Note Kit #116210 which I earned free in the promotion (this is one of the sets you can choose from the catalog on pg 208) They are inked in

kiwi kiss and basic gray classic ink.
I also used the pocket die by Sizzix in my Big Shot, this lets my sentiment slide in and out on the front of the card.
Scalloped & 1 1/2" circle punches were used to create the circle for the grommet.
I love this card so much that I am going to make one with a Father's Day sentiment.

Have a PRODUCTIVE day!

CC216 Black & White Lotus Birthday Card~Big Shot embossing folder & Sizzix Die

2009-04-28T20:56:00.004-04:00

Today's Splitcoaststampers color challenge (CC216) was "Real Black Olives" Make a card using Stampin' Up card stock in Real Red, Old Olive, Black & Whisper White.

I did most of this card on my Big Shot! I began by using one of my new Simple Impressions Embossing Folder~Border Dots by Sizzix on my Whisper White cs. The Old Olive Cs was cut on my Big Shot with the "Scribbles Swirls" die by Sizzix, I added Real Red accents using the same die. I used my ziggy glue pen to glue the swirls on. The card corners were rounded with the corner rounder punch.

My stamped sentiment is from a set of Amy Butler stamps called "Lotus Greetings" and inked in Stazon black. I used the ticket corner punch on my stamped piece and adhered it to black cs using dimensionals. I finished it up with some red & olive sticky gems and a piece of black organza ribbon.

I really love how classy this card came out, it would be a great card for a man or woman. with just a few changes it would make a really lovely invitation or announcment!

Have a Great day!

Cookie Tower Gift Box with Window~Holds 18 cookies! Oval All stamps

2009-04-27T17:06:00.005-04:00

Better late than never, right? I finally got my pictures of the Cookie tower box uploaded!

For a long time I have been wanting to design a box that would hold enough of my secret recipe Milk Chocolate Chunk Pecan cookies for gift giving.

For my cookies I use a cookie scoop so they all come out the same size. I have included a picture showing the scoop I used since this box was designed for that size cookie. These are cull sized cookies not mini cookies.

My cookie tower box stands 9 1/4" tall and will hold 18 of my cookies! I will be doing some holiday versions of my new box design (especially Christmas). My friends love receiving these cookies and I think my new box will make them into a nice gift now!

I also made a shorter version (4 1/2" tall) of the box without a acetate window for a smaller amount of cookies or other goodies.

In the picture there are 6 cookies (in their own clear bag to keep the box clean).

I used our new "Oval All" stamp set along with the new scalloped oval punch. I also used our new window sheets for the window. The dragonfly and butterfly were a BIGZ die that I cut on my Big Shot.

I will be providing more details on this project in the coming days!

Have a YUMMY day!

Popsicle invitation cards & Sour Cream Party Favors

2009-04-24T20:14:00.007-04:00

Creamsicles!

Orange, Lemon, Lime, & Cherry~YUM!

We had glorious sunshine today! It got up to 80! We went outside, had a picnic lunch & popsicles! Then we hooked up Mt.Tiki Soki! My son's volcano water toy. we had great wet fun! (I don't know what is with that price on Amazon because we bought ours for under $30. Maybe because they aren't being made anymore??)

I turned to my citrus & bright colored papers. These popsicle cards are so CUTE! They can be made into great party invitations for birthdays or pool parties. They also make great cards for children.
I have even made them scratch n sniff on the fruits! (I will put up scratch n sniff instructions later this month.) The kids love the scratch and sniff fruit!

The sour cream container party favors can hold so many different treats! I have made these adorable containers for so many holidays & occasions. They are so easy to make!

I used the Stampin' Up Tart & Tangy #111514 stamp set.
The card stocks are from the Bold Brights collection #105548, as are the inks.
The tags are made with the scalloped punch #109043, ( for Sour cream tags 1 1/4" #104403. & 1 3/8" #104401 circle punches.)
For the popsicles you will also need a corner rounder punch #109047 & a horizontal slot punch #105089
Dimensionals
Popsicle stick
Ribbon

For Popsicle cards~
Cut colored cardstock 4" by 5" and score at 2 1/2", fold for card
Cut a piece of whisper white card stock for inside at 2 1'4" by 3 3/4"

Use your scalloped circle punch on upper right card corner by only punching out the corner like a bite mark, sicne the punch will not go through both layers of the card at once, do the front, then close card and line your punch up exactly to the first punch marks and punch the back side out.
Now use your corner rounder punch and do all remaining corners of your card and your white card stock. (except for the bite corner)

Using dotto or a repositionable adhesive, place white card stock inside the card lining up and again using your scalloped circle punch line it up exactly with the punch marks on the colored card stock, then pull your punch out about 1/8 of an inch and punch. This will leave the white "bite mark" sticking out further so it looks like a dreamsicle. Now remove your white card stock.
Using your horizontal slot punch open your card and center your HSpunch in the center of the bottom edge of the back of the card. Slide punch in all the way and punch, pull back just a bit (about a 1/4" below first punch) and punch a second time. You should now have 2 slots punched out for your popsicle stick to slide into. After sliding your popsicle stick in, add 4 dimensionals to your white card stock and adhere over the popsicle stick.

Punch out a stamped Tart & Tangy image with your scalloped circle punch and adhere to the front of your card with a dimensional. Tie a piece of ribbon to your stick!

Have a POPSICLE day! We did!

Sweet One~Baby Shower favor & Tri fold Card WT215

2009-04-23T17:26:00.005-04:00

Embossed Tri fold car with Glitter Window technique~

Wow! I have gone from one extreme to the other since yesterdays Bold & Bright card! Today I was challenged (SCSWT215) to make a card using ONLY white card stock! I decided I needed to do up a baby boy card and when I was done I created a Baby Shower favor to coordinate. I used my new Matchbox Die & Matchbox messages stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

This card could easily be adapted into a baby announcement for a boy or girl. It would also be very easy to make it a photo announcement too.
I have been emailed a few times about doing custom announcements and yes I do take custom orders for invitations and announcements.

I started with white card stock that I turned into a tri fold card, I ran some whisper white cs through my Big Shot with a texture plate then I used my corner rounder to scallop the edge. Once my edge was scalloped I used my Stampin' Pastel in Bashful Blue to color the edge, from there I added some glue and dazzling diamonds glitter. I adhered this to the outside. Then I used my stampin' pastels and did a few of the embossed hearts with same treatment as the edge.
For the other side I ran a piece of whisper white through the big shot with the Swiss dots texture plate, then I used my finger and rubbed bashful blue pastel lightly over it so the embossed dots would get some soft color.

Now for the fun! I used the glitter window technique for the glitter flowers. I really wanted to do hearts here but my heart punch was nowhere to be found so I settled for my flower punch. This technique is very simple. Punch out your desired shape with your punch. Then on the back side cover over the opening with a piece of clear packing tape with the sticky side facing up. Now turn your card over and sprinkle your glitter generously, tap off excess! That's it! Now you have a glitter window!

I used whisper white organza ribbon to close my card, adhering it only under the scalloped tag and then wrapping it around the card to tie closed. The tag was made with the new scalloped punch & matchbox messages stamp set. Ink & pastels are all done in Bashful blue.

The matchbox baby shower favor & tag were made with the new Stampin' Up Matchbox die, matchbook messages stamped flower border with dazzling diamonds glitter. Bashful blue & whisper white cardstock.

Have a PEACEFUL Day!

Got Sunglasses? Bright Boho Friend card SC225

2009-04-22T21:58:00.004-04:00

I must apologize for not posting in the morning like usual! I know a lot of you have said you check my blog in the morning! This week my Son is on Spring break and my schedule is out the window! I'm finding that I have to wait till his batteries wear out before I have some quiet time to post, this seems to be at bedtime LOL

OK so today's card is a "bit" bright but I was ready for some summer color! Seems like I had been on a roll with pinks lately.
A couple of things brought this card together~
This was a sketch challenge on SCS (Split Coast Stampers) and I really liked the layout. I also had a delivery of new stamps from the UPS man and I was anxious to use them! I wanted to see if I could make a card I liked without using any designer paper, only card stock and background stamps.
Since I spent part of my childhood in the Southwest I wanted to bring in the warmth of those beautiful sunsets on the mesa and the bright happy color of turquoise. I did some distressing on my whisper white by tearing it then fraying the edges, I rolled it back a little for the flowers to peek out. I used a few red gems and some dazzling diamonds glitter for a bit of sparkle.

Recipe~
Bold Brights Card Stock: #105548

Tempting Turquoise card stock
YoYo Yellow card stock stamped & sponged with apricot appeal ink
Only Orange card stock stamped & sponged with Ruby Red ink

Stamps

Boho Backgrounds stamp set #114940 (background dots, background flowers & sentiment)
True Friend stamp set # 110378 (turquoise & red flowers cut out)

Accessories~

1 1/4" circle punch
sticky gems
paper cutter
bone folder
adhesive
dimensionals
Dazzling diamonds glitter

Have a GREAT night!

Cards using the Big Shot~CC215~Changito

2009-04-21T11:52:00.009-04:00

I used today's Split Coast Stamper color challenge (CC215) to make a birthday card & play with some new goodies for my Big Shot #113439.

The color challenge was to make a card using the Stampin' Up colors of Pink Pirouette, Rose Red & Basic Gray!

I started by running my pink pirouette card stock #111351 through my Big Shot with a flourish texture plate.

I also cut & embossed my Red Rose & Whisper White card stock scalloped ovals in the Big Shot using my Nestabilities. On the Rose red oval I added some doodle dots with my white gel pen. My birthday cake stamp is part of the Fun & Fast notes stamp set #113500, I then colored the birthday cake with my Stampin' Pastels #105542 and topped it off with a bit of dazzling diamond glitter # 102023. I also used the Whisper White Organza ribbon #114319

My basic gray dot designer paper is part of a Hostess only reward. You can earn this by hosting a party or submitting orders totaling $150 (before tax and shipping)! Don't forget! This is in addition to the Occasions Mini Catalog promotion going on this month!

**I had a little extra time today so I snuck in another color challenge card. I really wanted to play with some more of the new dies I got for my Big Shot. I love Changito Monkey and is silly antics. I thought he was perfect for this funky retro frame die. I also ran the frame back through the Big Shot with the vines texture plate to emboss. The sentiment is from the new Great Friend stamp set in the Occasions mini catalog. I added some kaiser pearls in white and a gem brad to the die cut flower. I colored Changito with my copic markers.

Have a FANTASTIC day!

The "Hybrid" box~Gift Bag Project Kit~Don't forget Blog Candy!

2009-04-19T23:33:00.012-04:00

I finally got pics of the box version of my hybrid template. I wanted a box that was as large as I could get on a sheet of card stock (8.5x11) and had very little waste. With a couple different folds on the lid you can make it a gift bag. The gift bag version can be made with paper or card stock. You will recognize the bag version from my previous post "From the Garden".

These are available in a Class Project kit by mail for $15.00 plus $2.00 shipping by first class mail US only. Please use email to inquire if shipping outside of the US is available.
The kit contains materials to complete 4 projects (2 each)
BUTTON IS FOR US ORDERS ONLY PLEASE

The "Hybrid" kit contents:

Full color step by step picture instruction booklet to make both my box and gift bags
Materials to complete 2 boxes and 2 gift bags (please note Stamps/inks are NOT included)
4 full sheets Stampin" Up confetti card stock
1/4" chocolate chip grossgrain ribbon for 2 bags
4 vintage brads
string for closure
chocolate chip card stock for trim
4 So Saffron round die cut hang tags
4 chocolate chip 1/5" circles
8 so saffron 1/2" circles
4 confetti 1 3/8" circles
4 confetti 1 1/4" circles
2 sticky velcro dots for gift bag closure

The box/bag stands 4" tall

PLEASE NOTE: We are not allowed to provide stamps/inks or stamped images. You will need to provide the following to make these projects:

paper cutter/ruler
sticky strip/adhesive
bone folder

stamps of your choosing (I will list the stamps I used in the pictures, I will discount the class kit to $10 if you purchase the stamp set through my demonstrator website HERE)
corner rounder or scalloped punch for edges (optional)

Ink pad (and or markers/pastels to color in flowers, this depends on the look you want)

I used the following stamps in the picture~
Gift Box~Stampin' Up Friends 24-7 stamp set (flower blooms) #113218, sentiment on the tag is from the Matchbox Messages Stamp Set #113800
Ink is Classic Ink pad in Chocolate Chip #100908
I colored in my flowers and stems with the Stampin' pastels #105542 in barely banana and old olive, you could also use markers, colored pencils or ink with blender pens.

Gift Bag~Friends 24-7 stamp set (flourish, flower bloom, "here for you" sentiment)
flourish was inked in Sahara Sand classic ink pad, "here for you" sentiment in Baja Breeze classic ink, flower blooms in chocolate chip classic ink, colored in with kiwi kiss and baja breeze classic ink with blender pen)
If you have questions please email!
Don't forget to read yesterday's post about the Blog Candy this week!

Have a FUN day!

Italian Brunch & Botanical Blooms!

2009-04-18T12:45:00.001-04:00

It's such a lovely Spring day today so I thought I would share a picture of the Italian Brunch I made this morning! After weeks of snow and rain we have a beautiful sunny day and were able to eat outside on our new deck. I had seen these recipes on the Today show over the past couple weeks and decided they would all go together for a lovely outdoor brunch.

These recipes were so easy and came out so lovely! I have already come up with a alternate southwestern version of the baked eggs in ham cups.

Baked eggs in ham cups use the thin ham as the liner for the muffin tin, then you pour in your raw egg, drizzle a bit of pesto, top with mozzarella, a cherry tomato and sprig of parsley. After you bake them they pop out like a cupcake! The salt from the ham seasons the egg just right!
I made them like the recipe for my family but for mine I scrambled the raw egg and they come out great that way also!

Then we had almond crusted Ciabatta bread french toast, Oh my this is going to be a family favorite since we love marzipan and almond anything! We topped with powdered sugar (my 6 year old got a little carried away with that LOL) and then real maple syrup from vermont.

For dessert we had Mascarpone cheese cupcakes with strawberry glaze. These cupcakes are so light, fluffy & moist! The glaze is crushed strawberries and confectioners sugar. These would be great for showers. The recipe called for making mini cupcakes but we made full size cupcakes.
If you would like the recipes for these awesome Brunch items you can find them HERE on the Today Show's website.

Cupcakes are HERE

Next time we are going to try a Southwestern version of the Ham cups and use green chile and cheddar in scrambled egg and top with pico de gallo and a sprig of cilantro!

I also made this Botanical Blooms card that covered 2 challenges. One challenge was to make a card that had a frame on it, the other was to use a Stampin' Wheel, an image stamp & one sentiment stamp.
I used the Sale A Bration Botanical Blooms stamp set for this card, It is a 2 step stamp set. In my Stampin' wheel I used the the "Bella's Bloom" wheel stamp.
Designer Paper is Raspberry Tart
Card stock is Rose red, Whisper white, Pretty in Pink & Kiwi Kiss
SU classic Ink is Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Kiwi Kiss, Certainly Celery.
BIG SHOT~I used the texture plates #1 set with the big dots on my white card stock, the embossed oval frame was also cut on my Big Shot.
Sentiment was cut out with the oval punch
Certainly Celery ribbon

Have a YUMMY day!

From the Garden~Friends 24/7 One Sheet Gift box/bag hybrid & card

2009-04-16T13:47:00.011-04:00

Freinds 24~7 Projects

We finally had some much needed SUN today! I designed this new "bag" template last night. It is actually made from card stock and is sort of a box/bag hybrid. I will be offering the instructions to this as soon as I have time to take tutorial pictures. It is the perfect size to give seed packets or other goodies, it is 2" across the bottom. It is a "one sheet" box/bag.

I used 5 of the 6 stamps in the Friends 24/7 stamp set on these 2 projects. Item # 113218 & you can order them here on my demonstrator website,

The color palette is Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Sahara Sand & Chocolate Chip. I also used the Confetti card stock. Also available on my demonstrator website.

I will be posting more details when I have my class kits ready! I am still working on the Raspberry Tart class kits that will be available by mail soon!

Have a SUNNY day!

April Class Projects~Rasperry Tart Boxes & Cards

2009-04-15T16:28:00.007-04:00

I'm on my second day of bed rest, as ordered by the Dr. I'm trying to be good & stay on the couch. I had hubby move my stamping goodies to the den AND the UPS man brought me new goodies yesterday, so now I am not so bored. I am looking forward to getting back on my feet!

These are a few of the goodies I am offering in classes this month, this set is all done with the Raspberry Tart DP and my new stamp sets & die from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

I will be offering this class by mail in the next few days, you can email me if you are interested in purchasing the kit by mail. The kit will include full color pictures and instruction booklet, all card stock, designer paper, die cuts, ribbon, string and I am happy to punch out the circles and ovals if you do not have those punches.
Please remember we are not allowed to offer SU stamped images or ink. If you place an order for the stamp set through my online Demonstrator site I will discount the class kit.
Not included in classes are stamp sets, ink pads, adhesive/sticky strip. I will have more details on the kit in the next day or 2.

Raspberry class includes instructions & materials for ~

2 Match Book slider boxes ~ Embossed card stock, Die cut, includes the die cut tags. 1 in pink embossed with mini dots , 1 in Kiwi embossed with vines
2 3x3 mini note cards
1 "for you" card 4.25" x 5.5"
1 Flower thank you box ~flower die cut included
1 bonus printed template for spring box

Not Included~Stamp sets used for these projects are Great Friend # 113792, Matchbox Messages #113800

Have a GREAT day!

Father's Day Gift Box & Tags~Striped Tie For Dad

2009-04-13T14:24:00.001-04:00

It's never too early to start planning for Father's day! I designed this fun box template so it was big enough to hold an actual tie or a couple monogrammed handkerchiefs. Of course it could also hold a good amount of candy or treats. The square part of the box shown here is 6" long by 2" wide and 2" tall. This is not including the tie on the top which is slightly longer and wider at the bottom. The set of tags can be added to the gifts or used on top of the box. I hope to be offering a Father's day kit that will also include a matching card soon!

Color palette~Baja Breeze, Red Ridinghood Red
So Saffron, Off White.
DP~SU Sweet Slumber
Stamps~SU Holiday Blitz
Punches~ 1/2" circle, 1" circle, 1 1/2" circle.
Square Gem brad in blue
Template by V. Hardwick

Have a PEACEFUL Day!

Dahlia Paper flower Tutorial

2009-04-10T13:05:00.006-04:00

Here is the picture tutorial on how to make the Dahlia paper flower I used on the top of my explosion box.

You can use a 1 1/4" circle punch or a 1 1/2" circle punch (I used the 1 1/2" to make the flower be large enough for my box top)

Make sure you use 2 sided designer paper and punch out 8 circles. Then 1 circle of card stock to use as your base.

Use your bone folder to make your folds crisp on the petals.

Fold each circle in half in both directions so you have quarters to use as your fold lines.
In steps 3 & 4 you have turned your petal over.

This box used Stampin' Up Red riding hood card stock, Bella Rose DP.

Have a Good Friday!

Mother's Day Gift Box~Explosion box with flower top

2009-04-09T20:05:00.013-04:00

A card and gift box all in one! This explosion box is a great little gift box since it opens up to show a card sentiment. You can put any sentiment you wish on each of the inside squares. It's great for siblings to each have their own little side to write a love note to Mom! I added a acetate window to one side of my box, but you don't have to if you want to keep the gift inside a surprise!
I am making mine to hold mascarpone and strawberry mini cupcakes so I wanted a little window.
The Dahlia flower on top is actually a separate project and I will do a separate tutorial on it.

What you will need to make the basic explosion box:

Card stock cut 7 1/2" x 7 1/2"
scored at 2 1/2" & 5" on both sides.

Designer paper cut 4 1/8" by 4 1/8", scored at 3/4" on each side

4-5 squares of DP cut 2 1/4" each (5 of DP if not making a window, 4 of DP and 1 of acetate if making window)

Assorted punched out scalloped circles, circles and flowers for decorating.

Assorted stamps/messages

adhesive, sticky strip, bone folder, ruler, paper cutter.

For my box I used Regal rose card stock , delicate dots Dp, pixie pink ink, Holiday Blitz stamp set, scalloped punch, 1 1/2" circle punch, certainly celery ribbon, gem brads, flower punch.

I will upload some tutorial pictures for the box tomorrow as well as a tutorial on how to make the paper Dahlia flower that I put on top.

Update! here is the photo tutorial for the explosion box, flower tutorial coming soon!

Have a SUNNY day!

Parisian Breeze Gift Card holder with Mini Notes

2009-04-07T19:53:00.006-04:00

Parisian Breeze Designer Paper #113993
I originally designed this card for a color challenge (Bashful Blue, So Saffron & Close to Cocoa)
The gift card is 5x7 and inside holds four 3x3 mini note cards. This makes a super cute gift for a friend. They can use the mini notes inside. The sentiments on the large card says "A little something for you" & is from the SAB Yummy stamp set. The mini notes inside says 1)Thank you, 2)Best Wishes, 3)Fabulous Friend, 4)Just for you. This is the new "Oval All" stamp set from the Occasions catalog. They coordinate with the new scalloped oval punch.

The large card features Parisian Breeze designer paper, bashful blue card stock and So saffron ribbon. The bashful blue was cut from the SU exclusive Top Note die for the Big shot. The flower is the "Layered flower #3" die & flower center is from the buttons #5 sizzix die. It was topped off with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Mini notes are cut from So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa & Whisper white card stock. They are stamped with the Stampin' around wheel using the Bella's border stamp. I colored the Oval All stamped punches with the Stampin' Pastels.

Have a productive day!

Spring Flower Pot Card~Bella Rose

2009-04-06T12:06:00.006-04:00

I made this card for SCS Challenge TLC215. The flower pot is so cute & easy to make. You can add any kind of flowers you like to the card that slides inside. I used the layered flowers #3 die in my Big Shot for my flowers. The DP is SU Bella Rose and card stock is Kiwi Kiss, Pink Piroutte, Red riding hood Red & Whisper white. The Kitty & mouse are a cuttlebug die.
The inside sentiment was stamped in Kiwi Kiss & Red riding hood red ink with the Freinds 24/7 stamp set.
I also used Dazzling diamonds glitter, Whisper White organza ribbon, white gel pen & dimensionals.

You can order the Bella Rose designer paper and other supplies HERE at my online demonstrator store

Have a Great day!

Quick & Easy Gift or Treat Bags

2009-04-05T14:08:00.003-04:00

These quick gift/treat bags are easy to whip up at a moment's notice. They are made from mini lunch sacks. You can also make them from regular sized lunch sacks. They make perfect treat bags for a birthday party or as gift wrap for a gift. I have made up a baby shower, get well soon & birthday bags as examples.
I used mini lunch bags that I bought at Target. They came in a set with 3 colors as shown. I also have these bags in the larger lunch size with polka dots. These are great to just have on hand for those times you need to wrap a gift quick. I think I will also make these at my son's next themed party, they would look so cute on the tables filled with party favors!

Here is what you will need to make them~

Lunch type sack of any size or color
Corner round punch
ribbon slit punch
ribbon (I used whisper white organza, certainly celery & barely banana)
card stock pieces
stamp (Stampin' Up Fast & Fun Notes)
Dazzling diamonds glitter (optional)
adhesive/dimensionals

For my bags I used my corner rounder punch to scallop the edge while the bags were still folded. Start in the center and make your first scallop and work your way evenly to each side until the whole edge is scalloped. Then I folded over 1.5" at the top and punched a double ribbon slits for my ribbon to go through.

For my stamped images I used 3 stamps from the Fun & Fast Notes # 113500 set. I stamped in black stazon ink on whisper white card stock, colored them in with my Stampin' pastels, & added a bit of Dazzling diamonds glitter. I used a ticker corner punch then adhered to certainly celery, pretty in pink & barely banana card stock pieces using dimensionals. I finished them off with a doodle dot in each corner with a white gel pen.

Have a FAMILY day!

Spring has Sprung card~Forrest Friends Bunny

2009-04-04T20:18:00.004-04:00

Happy Spring! The sun is out today and we spent the whole day outdoors! It started off early with my son's first soccer game of the season (we won 11-1 YIPEEEE) and he scored a few goals!

I thought I would share this Spring has Sprung card from one of the new stamp sets in the Occasions mini catalog. This stamp set features a tree, a bunny, a deer & an owl.
The 3 layered flower was made on my Big Shot using the layered flower #3 die. It is made of Pretty in pink & Kiwi Kiss card stock. I also added some doodle dots with the white gel pen.
Specialty DP is Parisian Breeze that is textured, I layered it over Baja Breeze & Pretty in Pink card stock that was cut with a cornice punch. The tree is inked in chocolate chip and kiwi kiss classic ink. My cute little bunny is inked in creamy caramel classic ink.

Hope everyone had a Sunny Day!

Spring favor Boxes~Occasions Mini Catalog

2009-04-02T13:15:00.002-04:00

This is a little peek at some new boxes I will be using in an upcoming class. They are one piece and made from a printed template with only 4 score lines. The sides then bend over to form the closure.
You can see one of these sweet favor boxes in the new Occasions Mini Catalog.
The original template has the handle cut out like the bashful blue box. I tried something different with my Kiwi kiss box. I used the 1/2" circle punch to make the handle hole. I really like the way it came out.
These favor boxes really add to a table setting and you could even stamp names on them and use them as place markers. For my favor boxes I used the SU card stock in Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White. My ribbon and ink on the Kiwi box is Chocolate chip. I used the Hostess only stamp set Darling Dots. They were then punched out with the 1" circle punch.

Remember that for every $40 in merchandise ordered (pre tax & shipping) from the Occasions Mini Catalog, you can choose one under $10 item from pg 208 of the big catalog from now till April 30th, 2009.

Have a GREAT day!

Fun Dip Wallets & Purses~Candy holders

2009-03-31T11:45:00.002-04:00

Today's project is so quick and easy to make! Who doesn't like Fun Dip! I created my template to fit the fun size that come in boxes for holidays. You could easily size your interior cuts to accommodate other candy or candy bars.
I made these for my son to give to his classmates for Easter. I did "wallets" for the boys and "purses" for the girls. You can simply add a ribbon handle to make it a purse. These would be great for birthday party favors too!

They measure 5 inches across and 4 inches high (when closed and not including the handle) They also have a velcro closure.

Today is the LAST day to earn SAB items! Tomorrow~April 1st the new Occasions Mini Catalog will begin! The bunny stamp on today's project is one of the new stamp sets from the Occasions catalog."Forest Friends" is a set of 4 stamps featuring a bunny, deer, owl & tree.

Materials~
SU Card stock cut 5" wide by 11" long
SU DP cut 4 3/4" by 10 3/4"
SU DP cut 1 1/4" by 10 3/4" (for band)
Bone folder
Paper cutter/Ruler
Snail adhesive
Sticky strip
Scallop punch
1 1/2" circle punch
Dimensionals
Velcro dot
Forest friends bunny stamp
Creamy Caramel Su classic ink pad
White gel pen
Score card stock @ 2 3/4", 3 1/4", 7 1/4", 7 3/4", 9 1/4", & 9 3/4", adhere DP to card stock & Band re-fold on score lines. Using your sliding paper cutter cut out the hole for your candy in the center of the 9 1/4" & 9 3/4" score lines. Use sticky strip to adhere inside of card. Using your scalloped punch add sticky strip to top of back and sticky velcro dot to bottom of scallop and stick to front checking closure before sticking. If you think I should put a picture tutorial up of this just let me know!

Have a FUN DIP day!

Who's coming to visit?

2009-03-30T21:54:00.007-04:00

I never felt the need to have a blog until I started stamping & doing tutorials. I actually put off setting up a blog. I thought it would be just one more thing I probably would not have time to keep up with, since I have such a busy schedule. Paper crafting had always been just a hobby I enjoyed doing for close friends and relatives. Finally, the time came for a place to post tutorials and ideas all in one place, and my blog was born. I chose to keep this blog strictly for my Stamping, sort of my own little corner of the world, free of our other businesses.

One aspect of blogging that I have found most interesting is analytics and statistics! It has been fascinating to see which projects and tutorials draw more interest and traffic. Not only am I able to see what ISP's, cities and countries visitors are from, but I am also able to see the path they take coming into and exiting my site. I love being able to see how many times a particular visitor has been back to revisit. It is very helpful seeing which places seem to generate the most traffic.

The free version of Feedjit makes it easy to see who is visiting, in real time. I especially enjoy seeing all the visitors from other countries. Sometimes I even see "friends" that seem to visit every day. Of course with Feedjit visitors have the option of removing their ISP from public view, but if you also have a statistics program every visit is available for the blog/website owners view. As fun a gadget as Feedjit is, there are many good, free statistics sites out there that make it easy to analyze your blog traffic. I am amazed at how much information they provide, from which browser, Windows version, monitor resolution, brand of computer, ISP, city, and state, if it's a mobile connection like an iPhone... and the list goes on. If you are working on getting more traffic to your blog, these gadgets can show you what areas create the most traffic so you can concentrate on them. It seems no visit is anonymous!

Baskelopes~Easter goody envelope baskets Tutorial

2009-03-29T12:33:00.002-04:00

I'm a couple days late putting my tutorial up. I apologize! We have been super busy with Spring clean up, my son's sports practices and getting into the swing of all our Spring activities. We are also planning our Spring/Summer trips to FL & NM & starting the process of getting our passports for a trip later this year that I am taking with my daughter.

Here is the picture tutorial I promised! I want to Thank my husband for letting me use his hands in one step while I took the pictures. he is a good sport! I think you will find this is a super quick & easy project to make! You can leave it simple or really dress it up with punches, die cuts & embellishments!

Materials needed:
Bone folder
Paper cutter/ruler
A2 envelope (medium SU envelope)
Stamp
Inkpad
sticky strip/adhesive

Click on collage to make bigger!

Step 1~ Seal envelope & add adhesive to corners if needed to seal completely
Step 2~Stamp a background image on BOTH sides of envelope (I used Boho Backgrounds with Almost Amethyst ink)
Step 3~Score both long sides and across bottom @ 1 inch, fold well along score lines

Step 4~Cut 1 3/4" across by 2 3/4" down from top on both sides to form your handle (top is the short side NOT scored)
Step 5~ Slide hand inside basket and push bottom up at score lines to form basket. This will create 2 flaps on the bottom.

Step 6~ put sticky strip on flaps as shown and fold under to bottom of basket as shown

Step 7~ Decorate as desired!

Have a RESTFUL day!

Baskets from envelopes~Baskelopes

2009-03-26T13:04:00.004-04:00

These little mini baskets are cute and so easy to make. They are actually made from a A2 envelope!
Once you create your little basket you can decorate it many different ways! Great for party favors, co-workers or class room gifts! I am actually going to help my son's class make their own.
I will put a photo tutorial up tomorrow since Blogger has a scheduled outage today. Baskets measure apprx 2 1/4" square and 4 1/4" tall including handle.

The materials you need for the basic envelope basket are:

White A2 size envelopes
Bone folder
Paper cutter/scissors
Stamps for background
Inkpads
Adhesive/sticky strip

Take your white envelope and seal it shut. Stamp a background image all over on both sides.
Now you score 1" down both long sides and one end. Fold both ways on score lines. Now you will cut from the top end that has no score line down. Measure in across top from left side 1 3/4" and cut down 2 3/4", now cut out from that mark to left side (1 3/4") you will repeat this on the other side. This will leave your handle in the center. Now you will slide your hand inside and pop the bottom up at score lines and pop sides out to create your basket. Now you will have 2 little points that will fold under your basket and you will adhere with sticky strip!
This is hard to describe with words so I will be posting pictures tomorrow. It really is easier than it sounds.
You now have your basic basket. Decorate as desired!
I used the following materials:
Boho Backgrounds Stamps (on all backgrounds)
Layered flower #3 die in the Big Shot
Forest Friends stamp set (bunny)
Oval all stamp set
Scalloped oval punch
Scalloped circle punch
Ticket corner punch
Circle punch
Dazzling diamonds glitter (flower center)
Pretty in Pink ink
Kiwi Kiss ink
Bashful Blue ink
Chocolate chip ink
Creamy caramel ink (bunny)

Have a Sunny Day!

Peeps in a jar~Easter Bunny S'mores

2009-03-24T17:48:00.001-04:00

I have seen this fun project and recipe several places. Each version is a tad bit different. I used Easter M&M's but I have seen it with chocolate chips instead, however the basic recipe and idea are the same. I will put some links at the bottom where you can see some of the online versions.
I made this to send to my Niece for Easter. It is such a great little gift, especially for kids to bake. We baked a batch last night to try them out. Part of my family liked them warm with ice cream (but they were crumbly warm) and a couple of us liked them once they had cooled and set up and we could cut them into cookie bars.

I used a thinner designer paper on the lid. The peep bunny stamp and sentiment came from a*muse stamps, and it is one of my favorite stamps. Card stock is SU in certainly celery, pretty in pink & whisper white. I added dazzling diamonds glitter to the peep image for "sugar". I made my matching recipe card from the same papers & the Top Note die was cut with my Big Shot.

Here is the link to the instructions and recipe: Easter S'Mores in a jar

Have a BAKING day!

Mini Berry Basket~ Challenge TLC213

2009-03-23T17:47:00.001-04:00

These mini basket's were so much fun to make. They could really be used for so many things. Their small size makes them great for party favors or place markers. My basket measures 4" across L to R at the top widest point. 1.5" from front to back and aprx 4" tall including the handle. The inside is about 1 inch deep.
For my little Berry Basket I used the Tart & Tangy stamp set. The card stock is So Saffron and was stamped with the Bella's Borders on the Stampin' around wheel. The strawberry is inked in Classic Red Riding hood red & Kiwi Kiss. Bella's border is inked in So Saffron standard ink cartridge for the Stampin's around wheel. You can use a scalloped or eyelet border punch for the edges (optional)
I used Sticky strip to assemble the basket, liner & handle. The printable template for this great little mini basket is available on Splitcoaststampers under the TLC213 challenge thread.

I filled my basket with Strawberry Whoppers and edible candy Easter grass! It would also be a great basket to put 2 gourmet chocolate dipped strawberries in! I just didn't have any of those handy!

Have a SPRING day!

Happy Spring! SAB Goodies

2009-03-20T21:27:00.000-04:00

Happy 1st day of Spring! To celebrate I made a bunch of spring goodies using almost all Sale-a-bration free goodies. Look what you can do with the fun things you can earn free! Just in time for Spring!
Just to remind everyone that we are in the final countdown for earning SAB items with your order. Sale-a-bration ends on March 31st! If your not familiar with Stampin' Up or Sale-a-bration you can earn one free item from the SAB mini catalog for every $50 in product you order (before tax & shipping). There is no limit and this is in addition to other incentives such as hostess items.
This is a little preview of a few projects I will give instructions on in the coming days, if you see something you like be sure to CHECK back!
I will also be running a little promotion of my own from now till Sale-a-bration ends. I will be posting the details in a seperate blog post tomorrow.
Most of the goodies were made with using the Top Note die in the Big Shot. Projects from left to right are

Water bottle~holds a pouch of drink mix for your water bottle or can hold a small snack
Medium treat bag using Top Note die & Yummy stamp, med SU clear envelope with vanilla whoppers
Small treat bag with incentive stamp using Top Note die, yummy stamps & sm SU clear envelope
Wrapped Kit Kat Candy Bar with crimped ends and stamped band (striped SAB paper) Yummy stamp set
Top Note die cut Thank you card featuring Polka Dot punches stamps and new Occasions Oval All

ALL Designer paper is the Delicate Dots from the Sale-a-bration catalog, all ribbon is the SAB ribbon in Certainly Celery and So Saffron. Color pallete is Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Whisper White, Chocolate chip (ink only) and Kraft.

Have a Sunny Spring Day!

A Tisket, A Tasket~A Blue & Chocolate Basket

2009-03-17T12:22:00.006-04:00

I have not posted in a few days because I was a bit under the weather! I am feeling so much better & was anxious to get back to creating! I LOVE these easy little baskets. You can really do them so many ways. I am so impressed with the Parisian Breeze Specialty designer paper. The catalog does not do it justice! The color matches for this paper set is Baja Breeze, chocolate chip & Kraft.

These little baskets are made from a 6x6" square of 2 sided specialty paper or cardstock that is scored, folded & adhered.
The handles are cut at 1/2" wide by 8,5" long. After adhering the handles I used vintage brads to finish them off.

I used the Yummy stamp set that is available in the Sale-a-bration catalog ~you can earn it free by purchasing $50 in catalog merchandise (before tax & shipping). There are only 2 weeks left for Sale-a-bration! This is a very useful stamp set and co-ordinates with the Top Note Bigz die for the Big Shot.

I hope you enjoy this little project as much as I did! I used brown M&M's and Cadbury chocolate eggs in pastel blue to fill my medium flat Cello bags and tied them off with the 1/4" chocolate grossgrain ribbon.

Here is the photo tutorial~Click on the collage to make it bigger!

Cut 6x6" piece of 2 sided cardstock, Score at 2" and at 4". Turn and score at 2" and 4". now your piece will be scored into 6 two inch square. Turn and score from tip to center of score marks on each of your 4 corners (as shown in picture) make sure you do NOT score through the very center square. Attach sticky strip on one side of each of the 4 points inside and adhere. Now place sticky strip on one side of the outside of each point and adhere each flap forward. Adhere your 1/2" by 8.5" handle, add brads and decorate!

I used the BRAND NEW scallop oval punch and stamp set from the Occasions mini that will be available April 1st!

Have a Sunny day!

Smarties Chick

2009-03-10T18:27:00.007-04:00

I was looking for a quick little Easter project to hold something small for the kids in my son's class.

This Smarties card seems to be the perfect thing. I am using a few different spring and Easter stamps on them but I will show this little spring chick for my example.

Cut your card stock 6 1/2" long by 3 1/2" wide. Score at 3", again at 3 1/2" and 4". The smaller flap will be your front. You can use a punch or cut with scissors aprx 3/4" down from the top left side( you will have your card folded so your middle score line is the "edge".) Then cut in up to your other score lines, be careful not to cut through the interior score lines. Cut aprx 1/8" below the first cut and notch out that little section. Repeat from the bottom edge up. You should now have two small notched out sections. This has made the edge have 3 sections. You want to push the top 3/4" section and the bottom 3/4" section to the inside of the card. This leaves the bigger section out to slide your Smarties candy through.

Use your slit punch or notch tool and make a half moon closure on the right side of card.

I decorated with the Fun & Fast Notes stamp set colored with Stampin' pastels. The background on my certainly celery card stock is Boho Backgrounds inked in certainly celery ink. Barely banana & almost amethyst card stock were also used.

Have a FUN day!

Sweet & Tangy Treat Purses

2009-03-09T18:46:00.006-04:00

I made these for a challenge today (TLC211), they would be a great project for almost any theme. I think I will try them again in the fall in a holiday theme. I was looking for a good project to use the Tart & Tangy stamp set on. I mixed that with the new Sweet Slumber specialty designer paper and several colors of SU cardstock (listed below)

You can make the handles out of cardstock but I decided to put grommets and use ribbon. There is also plenty of space to add a piece of cardstock with a message inside when you open them up. I filled these with lifesaver brand jelly beans using the small clear cellophane bags from SU! They are the perfect size to fit in these treat bags! The "bones" of this project are really easy, you can decorate as simple or as fancy as you like! I will share a couple more pics and some instructions on tomorrow's blog post!

Stampin' Up Supplies~

Garden Green card stock

Whisper White card stock

Red Riding Hood Red card stock

Sweet Slumber specialty DP

Whisper White organza ribbon

Tart & Tangy stamp set

Fundamental phrases stamp set (sentiment)

Snail adhesive

Sticky strip

dimensionals

Small cellophane bags

Chocolate Butterfly~Hostess set

2009-03-08T08:47:00.004-04:00

I designed this card for a color challenge using a level 1 Hostess set called "God's Beauty". The sentiment is from the Boho Backgrounds set.

Keep in mind you can earn this hostess set FREE in combination with Sale-a-bration rewards!

My color challenge was to use pretty in pink, Chocolate chip & kiwi kiss.

The top part of the card is SU card stock in "Pretty in pink", the bottom is the awesome new 2 sided specialty paper called Parisian Breeze. I also used cardstock in Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White. Leaves are inked in Kiwi Kiss, flowers in Pretty in Pink and Pixie pink for the layering. The butterfly & sentiment were inked in chocolate chip and then colored with Stampin' Pastels in the 2 pink colors.

Remember that Sale-a-bration ends March 31st! You can pre-order the Easter items listed below from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog now and still earn hostess AND SAB items! This is a great time to order!

Have a SUNNY day today!

Altered frame~Desk top calendar, post it & pen

2009-03-03T08:49:00.004-05:00

I love this project! I made this for the desk in my new stamping room. You can do any paper/stamp/color theme. I have a few more ideas for this I am going to try. This one is pretty simple!

I started with a clear acrylic picture frame, you can find these about anywhere and mine was under $2. You can print the calendar from splitcoaststampers under downloads and it comes with instructions on how to cut it.

Simply cut your card stock to fit in your frame, you can pull out the promotional "picture" that comes in the frame and use it as your template. Then simply stamp and add some designer paper of your choice and slide it in the frame! I attached my post it pad with sticky strip and once I had made my calendar I added sticky strip to it as well. I topped mine off with some ribbon and a bow. The pen holder was made by cutting and scoring a small strip of cardstock into a square and leaving a tab that you can slide into the frame and stick with tape to your larger cardstock. At this point you can add a piece of rolled up DP to the inside of a pen (not shown) I just stuck a gel pen in for picture purposes as the pen I plan on using is not here yet.

Stampin' Up Materials~
Eastern Blooms Stamp
Pretty in pink CS
Bella Rose DP
Whisper White organza ribbon
square gem brads
sticky strip

Have a CREATIVE day!

For PEEPS sake!

2009-03-02T20:38:00.000-05:00

All my friends know that I am a HUGE Peeps fan! Now the funny part is that I really do not like to EAT Peeps candy but I have a huge collection of Peeps items. Sunglasses, YoYo's, sidewalk chalk, Peeps bubbles, Peeps lipgloss, I even write with a plush purple peeps pen! You would be amazed how many items there are with Peeps on them! Don't get me started on the cool Peeps Tee shirts! So when I saw this new Peep bunny stamp by amuse I HAD to have it. I have MANY plans for this little Peeps stamp but this was my first project. I like to make things for my son's class that have goodies. The stamp is a single Peep bunny and the sentiment is a seperate stamp. I stamped 3 peeps in SU pastels (Almost Amythest, So Saffron & Pretty in Pink) and added some dazzling diamonds for the "sugar".

These little matchbook style candy holders are some of my favorites to make for the kids. They hold a fun size pack of candy such as skittles or M&M's. The card opens up just like a book of matches and has a scalloped edge which I could not get to show up in my pictures with this polka dot card stock.

TLC210 Challenge~Crimped envelope pocket card~Friends 24/7

2009-03-02T16:23:00.001-05:00

I just got this new Friends 24/7 stamp set from Stampin' Up and this challenge was the perfect project to use it on. These crimped envelope cards are so fun to make! You simply seal up a size A2 envelope, then cut 1 1/4" off one short end. This will be your "top". Send the larger part through your paper crimper and it will shrink just enough to fit inside your "top" Stamp and embellish! For the inside card that slides out, start with a 4" by 4 1/4" piece of cardstock. If your layering then make your next piece just a bit smaller.

My color pallete for this project was~
Ink~ SU Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock~SU Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White
Stamp Set~ SU Friends 24/7
Ribbon~SU chocolate chip grossgrain 1/4"
White gel pen
Dimensionals,A2 white envelope,snail adhesive

Occasions Mini Catalog Pre-Orders for YOU!

2009-03-01T13:43:00.001-05:00

That's right! Order your Easter themed items from the upcoming Occasions Mini catalog (which starts April 1st) NOW! Even though the new mini does not go active until April 1st YOU can start ordering some of these new goodies beginning TODAY!

You don't have to be a SU demonstrator to pre-order a few of the BRAND new goodies in the new Mini! From March 1-31st every customer is eligible to pre order these new sets!

Also, don't forget that Sale-a-bration is still going on until March 31st! You will still earn a free SAB item for every (pre shipping and tax) $50 spent even when pre-ordering these new Occasions Mini catalog sets.

Here are the items you can Pre-order starting TODAY!

Eight Great greetings # 113822

Huit souhaits sympas (French Eight Great Greetings) #114643

Ocho saludos geniales (Spanish Eight Great Greetings) #115421
An Egg-Cellent Easter # 113196

Egg Hunt~ Stampin around wheel # 113833

Wagon full of fun # 113262

Color Challenge CC207~Sunny Hedgehog

2009-02-24T09:51:00.005-05:00

Today I can see the blue sky and sun! Even if it is only 23 degrees out, I am Thankful! We have had so much winter gloom and snow. Not the fun kind of snow that you can play in, just the amount that is enough to make the roads a mess and be annoying.
Our little squirrel "Bonkers" was enjoying the sun this morning when I went out to feed him, I could tell he was thankful too. Even though Bonkers now lives as a squirrel should, up in the 100 year old Maple tree, He still comes to his "Mama" every morning and afternoon for his food. He has grown so much since he was first orphaned and came to us. (We raised him in a bunny hutch and our pockets) I see he is now hanging out with one little squirrel all the time, I am calling her his girlfriend. I named her "Hussie" LOL Bad Mommy!

OK so today's color challenge was .....Kiwi kiss, Pumpkin & Summer Sun. I adore this little hedgehog stamp! I have a good friend who has a hedgehog, so this is a great friendship stamp! It is from the Fun & Fast notes stamp set. The layered scallop has dazzling diamonds in the center and is on dimensionals. The little hedgehog is inked in Stazon black & colored with Stampin' pastels

Materials~
Whisper White card stock #100730
Pumpkin & Summer Sun card stock #105566
Bella Rose kiwi dot DP #112041
Fun & Fast Notes Stamp Set #113500
Whisper White organza ribbon #114319
Stampin' pastels #105542
Uni-ball signo gel pen #105021
Dazzling Diamonds #102023
Dimensionals #104430
Snail adhesive #104332
Scallop punch
round punches

Have a BLUE SKY day!

Make a Wish Treat Bag

2009-02-23T11:22:00.017-05:00

I just checked out the new release stamps over at Elzybells! They are awesome! I am so in love with the Hey Cupcakes & Just Desserts. Adorable! Be sure to check them out!

Now for the project~
I love this little treat bag. I was trying to come up with a little birthday something for a little boy. This combination could work for a lot of themed parties, not just boys. I love the color combination of Baja Breeze, Red Riding hood red & Whisper white. I will have a few more projects in the future with this color combination. I am also looking forward to making these for holidays.

Stampin' Up Materials~
Baja Breeze and Red Riding hood red cardstock #111347
Whisper white card stock #100730
Vintage brads #109109
Chocolate Chip Classic ink #100908
Red Riding hood Red Classic ink #111836
Chocolate chip 1/4" grossgrain ribbon #111367
Uni-ball Signo gel pen in white # 105021
Big Bold Birthday stamps #114926
Holiday Blitz stamps (star) # 114982
Sticky strip # 104294
Snail adhesive #104332
Non Stampin' up materials~
velcro dots
small white lunch bags

Have a SUNNY day!

Petal Pens & Altered paint can

2009-02-22T13:15:00.003-05:00

I got the idea for this project from my friend Dawn! She has a great tutorial for making the flower pens right here!
For my "pot" I came up with this lovely altered pint size paint can.

Each flower AND the leaves are pens! I put them in this can to take to my classes and workshops. They look so pretty sitting on the table! Sometimes I put a little sticker on one pen and later give a door prize if someone has the special pen.

The paint cans are available at Lowe's, I paid a little over $2 for the pint size.
I used the Bella Rose DP and Dreams du Jour stamps for this project.
Dream stamp is inked in Chocolate chip and colored with Stampin' pastels. Paper and ribbon adhered with sticky strip.

Materials~
1 pack Bic pens
1 bunch of silk flowers of your choice
1 roll green floral tape
1 silver pint size paint can (Lowes)
Bella Rose Designer paper #112041
Whisper white & Pink Pirouette card stock #111351
Sticky Strip #104294
Dreams du Jour stamp set #111624
Chocolate Chip classic stamp pad #100908
Stampin' Pastels #105542
Whisper White organza ribbon #114319

If you use the pint size can your DP will not quite reach around the can. You will have to do a decorative strip to fill in your space, this is where I used the pink card stock and then layered a piece of Bella Rose and my stamped image.
My flower leaves were really soft and flocked so I decided to use a couple of them to make pens too, it added to my arrangement. You can pour a small bag of dried beans in the bottom of the can to "plant" your pens in. It holds them in nicely.

Have a PEACEFUL day!

I won blog candy!

2009-02-19T23:33:00.001-05:00

I "won" a homemade gift by leaving one of the first 5 comments on Linda's crafty creations so now I'll see who my first 5 are. The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you! (there is a possibility it will be a purchased item instead of homemade or both)

Read carefully before posting comments!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done sometime this year (I will want to get it done ASAP so it will be in the next month or so).
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.
5-The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog! (then come here and post, I WILL check your blog *wink*) The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!So....who will be the first 5 people?????

Ways to Use it Challenge~Changito

2009-02-19T11:36:00.002-05:00

I decided to ink up one of my new Changito monkey stamps for today's challenge. I don't usually like monkeys but this little guy is so cute! I love his antics and I just got a few stamps featuring him.

Today's challenge was to use stripes! I used this great vintage looking stripe DP from the Margo collection by K & Company. All the other papers are Stampin' Up~ Bella Rose DP Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White & Chocolate chip card stock.

Sentiment is SU~fundamental phrases

Changito is colored with a combination of koh-i-noor woodless pencils and copic marker.

Chip board pieces, orange twill ribbon, chocolate Kaiser pearls, chocolate gel pen.

This card just sort of came together as I was coloring Changito as far as the color scheme, I liked the combination of colors it ended up being.
Thanks for looking today!

Have a productive day!

Freezing rain turning to snow

2009-02-18T09:59:00.010-05:00

That was the weather announcement we had this morning! I'll be glad when the weather gets better. Ok here are the Round top box Materials~

SU Chocolate chip & Pacific Point card stock
SU Bella Rose DP Kiwi dot
SU Stamps Big Bold Birthday & Holiday Blitz
SU Classic Ink Pads in Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate chip & Bashful blue
Round top box template
Scallop punch
1" round punch
White organza ribbon
Sticky strip
Dimensionals

Have a warm day!

Round top Birthday Box

2009-02-17T22:09:00.002-05:00

This was for Monday's challenge TLC206, the round top box. I just got mine made today & will post all the details tomorrow!

Color Challenge 206~Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red & More Mustard

2009-02-17T14:34:00.004-05:00

This color challenge was interesting! I used mostly my VersaMark with my SU pastels for the coloring and stamping.The exceptions were the 3 circle flowers inked in Kiwi Kiss and the bird stamp in Stazon black (colored in with pastels).

Materials~

SU card stock in Kiwi Kiss #105566
SU card stock in More Mustard #105566
SU card stock in Whisper White #100730

Stampin' Pastels #105542
Kiwi Kiss Classic Stampin' pad #111835
VersaMark #102283
Stazon Black #10146

Eastern Blooms stamp set #111626
Fun & Fast Notes #113500

Dimensionals # 104430
Metallic Eyelets #105319

I stamped some of the images with versamark and dabbed pastels on them. The bird stamp was inked in stazon and colored in pastels with a blender pen. I used a sewing machine for the stitching.

Have a fun day!

Bella Rose Scissor holder Part 2

2009-02-15T21:58:00.006-05:00

Remember! If you place your order during sale-a-bration you get a free SAB item for every $50 you spend.

Bella Rose Scissor holder tutorial Part 1

2009-02-15T21:50:00.013-05:00

Materials~

Toliet paper roll

Bella Rose DP #112041 square cut 5 1/2" by 6",1 strip cut 3/4" by 6" use back side kiwi dot, 1 strip of coordinate cut 3/4" by 12" for front.

Kiwi Kiss Classic ink pad #111835
Sticky strip #104294
Bone Folder #102300
Whisper White Organza ribbon #114319
Metallic Eyelets #105319
Eastern Blooms stamp set #111626
1" round punch #109046
Whisper White card stock #100730
Dimensionals #104430

Begin by putting sticky strip on the inside top and bottom edges of the TP tube. Then add a piece of sticky strip around the outside middle.

Score both 6" long sides of your Bella Rose square of DP. Then clip every 1/2" up to (but not through) the score line on both sides (as shown in pictures).

Add a piece of sticky strip to the straight seam. Pull sticky strip plastic off and line up your paper with tab cut ends on top and bottom, smooth seam with meet around the back side of tube.
Now push your tabs in and stick to sticky strip on the inside edges on both top and bottom.

Attach your dot strip around the center using sticky strip or snail adhesive, ends meeting in back.

Using your Crop-o-dile #108362 make a hole for your handle on each top side of your tube, insert & set a silver eyelet in each side.

Cut a piece of whisper white organza ribbon aprx 12" long. Put one end through each eyelet and knot for handle.

Now take your 12" long strip of DP and slide through tube folding over, run adhesive on backside of the outer part, line up ends on the bottom and stick. Use the crop-o-dile and put a sivler eyelet in the tab that extends past the end of the tube, as pictured.

Ink up the 2 smallest flowers in the Eastern Blooms set with Kiwi Kiss ink. Stamp 3 flowers on whisper white CS and punch out with 1" circle punch. Place evenly on decorative strip on front of tube using a dimensional on each.

Scissor holder can hold 3 or so pairs of scissors depending on size/weight. Any size can fit since longer scissors can hang out through the open bottom. Hang from hook!
Enjoy!

Bella Rose Scissor holder

2009-02-15T16:57:00.004-05:00

I have not been able to post what I had planned for the past couple days due to the fact that I had a little "accident". I had a run in with a plexi baby gate that was just a bit to tall for me to clear completely. It wasn't pretty, and x-rays, ice, meds were involved. I can say that it was the worst pain I'vw ever had (and I have slipped discs and have had natural child birth for a 10 lb 2 oz baby)
I have a high tolerance for pain, avoid pain meds of any type, even with the nerve damage I have on my right side, this was still WORSE! I can say I never want THAT to happen again, OH yes then I broke out in hives all over my face after taking the medicine for the first time. Fun, fun.

The good news is I will live. It was not so much the broken bone in my toe but the soft tissue damage to the tendon and nerve that I hit on the top of my foot when it was flexed. The sad part is we do not have baby gates for babies but for the ferrets. I know better than for short little me to try and hop over the gate, which brings me to my second trauma this week.

Our little rescue guy "Billy McKid" (he is a ferret) now suffers from insulonoma and his blood sugar dropped so low that I found him in a coma. (he was on the other side of the gate) He is also deaf so he is not easy to revive, usually a little kayro syrup rubbed on his gums snaps him out , then followed with protein, but not this time. 45 min's and still nothing, we made it to the vet and they were able to get him back. I am happy to report that he is back to his cute little self, on new meds and I now have injections I can use if he crashed again...whew! What a week!

Wait did I mention that hubby AND kids are on "winter break" Fri & Mon. Where did my stamping time go?

OH yes the PROJECT! I hope you guys like it! I plan to have a tutorial for this one, well I was going to have it up by now...but...see above LOL

I lived overseas when I was growing up, I had an American school teacher, it was basically a one room school house for the 4-5 American children that were there, my teacher was very crafty! Only now can I appreciate how cool our projects really were considering that the supplies for them were few and far between. I mean we lived without electricity on dirt roads in a village.

When I made one of these scissor holders in elementary school we used yarn to cover it and then tied knots at the bottom to create a fringe, then we made a yarn braid for the handle and each got to pick a couple special buttons to attach with. I actually still have mine...don't laugh...we all know that we little girls go for the color and bling at that age...wait some of us still do! Mine was variegated psychedelic purple, hot , pink, green and blue yarn with black buttons that had rhinestones in the center...a whole lot going on.

I have adapted it to Stampin' Up papers! I was wanting a new "grown up" version for my studio to hang within reach of my desk. The Bella Rose papers were perfect for my Waverly wallpaper!

This is just a sneak peek! I have taken the pictures for the tutorial and will get it all together I hope tonight, so check back soon if you would like the instructions! I am thinking I will make a couple more and hang them in a row to sort out all my paper and sewing scissors.

Have a SAFE day today!

Sketch challenge 215~Good N Plenty Kitty

2009-02-11T14:33:00.002-05:00

These colors always remind me of Good and Plenty candy! It is my favorite "non" chocolate candy!
All the designer papers and gens/pearls are from the "Sabrina" collection from Making Memories. On the stamps I used my koh-i-noor pencils and then outlined with my copic markers. The only punch I used was MS cornice punch, the rest was just layer, layer, layer.
I loved this weeks sketch! The layout is great. I seem to be on a pink kick lately! Can you ever have too much pink? I thought this little kitty was pretty cute and I had never found a place to use him before!

Recipe~
Stamps~Studio G from Michaels
Ink~Stazon black, copic marker, koh-i-noor pencils
CS~Bazzill, pink black, SU whisper white
DP~Sabrina collection by MM
Gems/pearl~Sabrina collection MM
Ribbon
Chipboard flower by k1
Dimensionals
snail adhesive

Don't forget to SMILE today!

CC205 Color challenge Spring Dreams

2009-02-11T09:35:00.003-05:00

Here is my color challenge card for this week! This weeks color challenge was Perfect plum, kiwi kiss and pink pirouette. This card is a fairly simple card but I liked the way the color combination worked out.

Recipe~
Stamp~Stampin' Up "Dreams du Jour"
Ink~Stampin" Up Kiwi Kiss, Koh-i-noor pencils
CS~Pink, Purple dot, whisper white
DP~Stampin' Up "Bella Rose"
Ribbon~Pink grosgrain stitch
Brads~mini brads in purple
Tools~Scallop punch, corner rounder, Basic Grey Notch & Die tool

Thanks for looking and have a FANTASTIC day!

Mini Monogram Notes with Acetate Box

2009-02-10T08:29:00.012-05:00

One of my favorite things are 3x3 mini notes! I love coming up with new designs and ways to make them. The one thing that led me to stamping and card making was my love for making BOXES, candy holders and CONTAINERS! What better than a box with mini notes!

These folding mini notes and box make a great gift!

The parts to this set are:

Set of 6 folding mini notes~ monogram stamped with Just Rite Special Occasion
Origami folded bottom of box, size adjusted to accomodate 3x3 notecards
Acetate box lid with scallop paper edge

I designed the acetate lid myself and I will be happy to do a tutorial if there is any interest.

Have a HAPPY day today!

Pixie Stick Flower Bouquet

2009-02-09T08:20:00.008-05:00

Today I thought I would share a cute little flower bouquet I made for Valentine's day. Most of the elements were made on my CRICUT using the Tags, Bags & more cartridge.This has to be my most used cartridge!

I used double sided card stock on the box, flowers and hearts. The base is the Popcorn box cut out at the largest size on the cricut. For the flowers I cut them out in various sizes, same with the hearts. Once I had assembled the popcorn box I cut a piece of floral foam to fit inside. I used my cop-o-dile to cut holes for the handle. I made a wide handle by wrapping it around a pencil to curl it. Scallop and circle punches make up the stamped "flower" image on the front with some green ribbon as the "stem and leaf".

To assemble the flowers I layered a couple then punched a hole with my crop-o-dile and used gem brads. The I used a small flower cut out to glue over the exposed back brad. The hearts are assembled without brads. I topped it off with some diamond glitter and some shredded paper to cover the floral foam.

The pixie stick stems are taped with sticky tape in between the flower layers and then gently pushed into the floral foam. This works great in pastels for a beautiful SPRING bouquet too!

Thanks for looking!

Our real life "Happy Hopper"

2009-02-08T09:30:00.002-05:00

Today I thought I would share our real life "Happy Hopper"! The reason why I love the Happy Hopper stamps so much!I guess I should start by saying we have a zoo! Growing up my family has said it was just known that animals followed me home from wherever I went! They really actually did and still do.I must have an invisible sign. My husband said he is never taking me to animal kingdom.

This is our French Lop ear, house bunny named "Truffles" She is a large rabbit and lives indoors. In most ways it is the same as having a small dog. She is completely litterbox trained, she plays catch with a ball, evening throws it back to us! She hops up on the couch to watch TV with my husband, if he stops petting her she grabs his shirt with her teeth and tugs so he will start petting again. She even goes outside for walks on a leash! When she is happy she blesses us with her fancy, high jumping kung-fu kicks. In this picture she is playing tug of war, she loves playing with strings,

She has a little bell in her cage and when she wants out attention she rings it! Bunnies are so smart and learn so fast! She also has a way of letting us know when she is displeased! She will give the ground ONE HARD thump! I have learned to speak "Bunny" and if I tell her NO don't leave the room and she keeps going, I give the ground ONE HARD thump and she stops, looks back over her shoulder with "The Look" but she obeys!
House rabbits make awesome pets! If you ever consider one, look for a shelter in your area, there are many rabbit shelters! A great resource for house rabbit information is The House Rabbit Society.

Have a Great Day!

Tweet Shadowbox card~Challenge LSC206

2009-02-06T14:20:00.002-05:00

Today's challenge on SCS was the Limited supply challenge and we were to use a "Sentiment" only stamp. I have totally fallen in love with the Imaginisce Twitterpated collection. OK maybe I am a bit obsessed with it. The front of the papers have glossy embossed areas and the snag em stamps come out so clear! I love hedgehogs and this paper has so many little animals on it. This time I wanted to showcase the little bunny and the hedgehog so I decided I would make a shadowbox card. I have been looking for a project to use my pink houndstooth cardstock. I colored the "So Tweet" stamp with my Koh-i-noor woodless pencils and odorless minreal oil.

For the front of the shadowbox I could not use a punch because I had to size the opening to match up with a custom size of the paper in order to keep the animals in the scene. I lightly traced the rectangle to my measurments on the back of the card stock and used my friskars cutter to drop the blade down and cut it out. The sentiment is up on dimensionals. The clouds are cut out of the same DP as they are printed on the backside.

Recipe~

DP~Imaginisce Twitterpated
CS~2 sided pink houndstooth by Heidi Snapp, SU whisper white
Stamp~Imaginisce Snag 'em So Tweet
gem brads and flowers
Ink~ Stazon black
Koh-i-noor woodless pencils
scallop punch
sticky tape
adhesive

Thanks for looking!

Green Day ~ Embellishment pile-up Challenge

2009-02-05T21:31:00.001-05:00

I had been holding on to this pretty metallic Wafugami corrugated paper by Marvy trying to figure out just what to do with it. I love the combinations of blues and greens so it worked out just right.
Today's challenge was embellishment pile-up so I dug through my trim stash in my sewing & paper studio and found just the right things!

Recipe~WT204

CS~Bazzill textured & shimmery in Petty cash
SP~Marvy Wafugami rainbow metallic E Flute
DP~Rhonna Farrer "Le Fleur"
Trim~Wrights flower trim, fashion sequins, sticky pearls
Ink~Stazon black

Thanks for looking!

Brownie Box Tutorial Pictures

2009-02-04T22:06:00.001-05:00

Brownie Box Tutorial

2009-02-04T21:24:00.001-05:00

For those of you that asked me to make a tutorial for my brownie box, I am sorry it has taken me so many days to get to it. The finished box measures just a bit over 4" by 4". It will hold one large brownie or 4 smaller brownies. It is also great to hold big cookies!

Materials~

2 sided card stock cut in a 7 3/4" by 7 3/4" square
card stock cut 3" long by 7/8" wide
large scallop punch out
smaller circles punched and stamped
1 brad
2 velcro dots
adhesive
1 dimensional
small paper doily~optional
ink
stamps

Tools~

paper cutter
bone folder
adhesive runner
crop-o-dile
scallop punch
circle punches

Score starting from corner tip and measure down 2 1/4", then again at 3 1/8" from corner tip, repeat on each of the other corners. make sure you have your ruler even before scoring since you are scoring at an angle. Once all your score lines are done, cut the notches out along score lines, it should then look like the template picture. All your corner tips should meet in the middle evenly to form your box.

Stamp and decorate your circles and bar for closure pieces. Attach your circles to your scallop and then make your hole for your brad with your crop-o-dile. Make sure to put your dimensional on the back of your scallop just under the hole for your brad. This will help hold your image even when you add the velcro to the other end of the scallop. Now punch your hole in one point of the flaps, this will be the top that your scallop tag goes in. Now you can add your sticky velcro dot to the back of the bottom of the scallop. I leave both parts of the velcro together and then uncover the adhesive, line everything up with bottom flap and stick. Now you can carefully separate your velcro and it is lined up.

Once your 3" piece of Cs is decorated you will cut your second sticky velcro dot in hlaf (again leaving top and bottom of velcro attached. I find it easier to stick the halves on the box flaps (while lining them up with other flaps) then uncover adhesive and stick your 3" bar of CS on the velcro sticky. You will have to have your top and bottom flaps out of the way for this. Now you can carefully separate the velcro half dots. At this point you can line your box points up. side to side, attach bar, then bottom to top.
Enjoy!
Please remember copyright info over to the right. I would appreciate a mention to this blog if you post your case of this template of mine! Thank you!

Black and White Elegance SC214

2009-02-04T18:55:00.001-05:00

I had this chandelier stamp and had been trying to find just the right project for it. Today's sketch challenge was just the right thing! I had also been wanting to do an all black and white card. This design was a lot of fun. I can think of a couple more ways I would make this same card with different sentiments.

CS~Solid Black, Stripe~The glitter stack, White (bottom layer is embossed with dots but did not show up in picture)
DP~MM Sabrina
Ink~Stazon Black
Ribbon~Black organza, White satin organza
Stamps~Just Rite Self inking sentiment, Studio G
Making Memories~Sabrina collection Black gems, Mini clear gems
Dimensionals to raise stamped image
Basic Grey~notch and die tool
long reach ribbon punch

Splish Splash, Citrus bath

2009-02-03T08:19:00.001-05:00

Schools are on a 2 hour delay today due to snow, so I thought I would go ahead and share the 2nd stamp that hubby brought me when I was sick. It is so cute! House of mouse "Splish splash, citrus bath". I was excited to work with the color combination. It was a little challenging since the cup was to be clear in part, as were the ice cubes. I ended up adding a bit of diamond glitter to the ice cubes to make them sparkle and using my white koh-i-noor pencil in the front of the mouse to show the water line of the lemonade.
This is a large image so the card is 5x7.

CS~textured Bazzill in lime, yellow, white
DP~Berry Sweet collection by K&Co
Stamp~House of Mouse~Splish Splash, Citrus bath"
Ink~Stazon black, Koh-i-noor woodless pencils, mineral oil, copic marker
Diamond glitter
Kaiser pearls in yellow
Grossgrain ribbon
Tombow adhesive

You snooze, you lose!

2009-02-02T22:19:00.001-05:00

I thought for my very first blog post I would share this card I just made. I was down with a cold last weekend & on Friday night my hubby brought me home 2 new stamps! I fell in love with this Happy Hoppers stamp called "You snooze, you lose" and had to color it right away.

I used my Koh-i-noor woodless pencils with odorless mineral oil to color the image.

CS~chocolate
DP~Elsie
Stamp~Happy Hoppers
Ink~SU Red Riding Hood Red, Stazon black
Punches~Scallop & round, MS cornice punch
Kaiser pearls in Ivory & Chocolate
Koh-i-noor woodless pencils,copic marker