Rubber Room Stampin'

Fresh Cuts Note Tote & Cards Class

Don’t you just love summer? It seems like the time of year when we tend to kick 
back and relax, and get together more often with friends and family. Now you 
can freshen up your summer-gift giving with this adorable set of 4 thank you 
cards in a custom-designed 5” x 5” note tote. Make a bunch of them, and you’ll 
never be caught without a cute hostess gift to give, or a thank you card to 
send. In this class you will make 1 note tote & 4 fresh cuts note cards.




Date: Monday, June 23, 2008
Time: 1-4 p.m. (will probably run over just a bit)
Cost: $23
Location: My Country Loft, 24133 Lama Hisum Road, Mi Wuk Village

Please email me to sign up for this class: (blythek@mac.com)

Supply List
•Stamps: Fresh Cuts 
•Paper: Fresh Cuts die-cut notes, Soft Sky 12” x 12” designer paper (DP), 
Blue Bayou DP; Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Blush Blossom & Groovy Guava 
8 ½” x 11” CS
•Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink Pad, Whisper White Craft ink refill, 
Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava Classic ink
•Adhesives: Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive, 2-way glue pen, mini 
glue dots, Snail adhesive.
•Accessories: Paper trimmer with scoring blade, paper snips, 3/16”corner 
rounder punch, 5-petal flower punch, paper piercer with foam mat, 
Crop-a-Dile (or alternately 1/8” handheld circle punch), embossing buddy, 
white EP, heat tool, Blue Bayou double-stitched ribbon, whisper white 
taffeta ribbon, silver brads, stampin’ sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig (optional) 

Now I know some of you are definitely farther away than Mi Wuk. IF 
you are interested in a Class-To-Go, please let me know. I'll be glad to 
figure out the specifics. Please look over the over the supply list, letting me 
know what you have on hand and what I'll need to prep for you. Cost will be 
around $35.00. It's a beautiful tote and card set so I can just imagine that 
some of you will really want to have your own! And what a great gift. I look 
forward to hearing from you!

Another Challenge Template--This means FUN!

I joined another card challenge on Sudsol (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing on Line--a business email list for Stampin' Up! demonstrators only) the other morning. It was based on this sample from the September 2005 Stampin' Success, a monthly publication sent by Stampin' Up! to all of its Demonstrators. (Ask me how you can become a demonstrator. It's a great way to be creative and earn extra money on your own schedule.)

 

And this is my version of the template:


I followed the idea, using a patterned paper at the bottom (the sample used cardstock stamped with a now retired background stamp, On the Spot).  I also staggered my tags since I just didn't want mine straight in a row this time.

INGREDIENTS:
STAMP SET: Live your Dream*
CARDSTOCK: Close to Cocoa (8-1/2" x 11"), Groovy Guava** (2"x3" scraps--3 of them), Very Vanilla (scraps) , Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper* (Occasions Mini Collection 2008) 5-1/2" x 2-1/4" INK: Soft Sky**, Wild Wasabi**, Groovy Guava**, Versamark
ACCESSORIES: Groovy Guava Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Snail Adhesive, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Crop-a-Dile, Metallic Eyelets

I stamped the Flower Sprig using Versamark to create a pattern on the Close to Cocoa cardstock since it looked so bare with no images. I chose to use Versamark because it just creates a 'watermark' or intensity of the cardstock's color where the image is placed. I turned my stamp "this way and that way" to create the random pattern. The flowers on the tags were a bit harder to stamp since I had to use the stamp PADS for coloring the stem one color and the flowers another. The butterfly was stamped off the edges of the paper intentionally. I also scraped the edges of the Very Vanilla layer, to give them definition, on the Soft Sky pad.

*The Occasions Mini Collection 2008 retires on June 30, 2008 so if you'd like some of this beautiful Designer Series Paper or the great Live your Dream stamp set, be sure to contact me before then to place your order.

** These colors, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi and Groovy Guava, are a part of the 2007-08 In-Colors from Stampin' Up! and they will retire and be gone August 10, 2008. Be sure to order yours before that date by contacting me.

Why don't you try your hand at following the template and creating a new card?  If you send me a photo of yours, I'll be happy to post it on my blog!  :) 

"

Popcycles and Punches ???

What do popcicles and punches have in common?  They're both fun to play with---in different ways!  I received this fresh and tantalizing card in a monthly one-on-one Sudsol*  swap.  It was made by Brenda T. from Randolph, Minnesota.  What a great card this is for kids of all ages.  Or how about a summer party invitation?

Be sure to click on the card for a larger view.  You need to check out the details so you can make one for yourself!

Ingredients:
Stamp Set: None
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Only Orange, Real Red, Creamy Caramel
Ink: None
Accessories: Punches: Word Window, Large Tag, Scallop Circle; White Gel Pen, Snail Adhesive

I  think the "how-to" is pretty self explanatory.  :)  But, if you have any questions, don't' hesitate to contact me!

*Sudsol is a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator-only email list where questions and needs are answered practically in a heartbeat.  If you're an SU! demonstrator, Sudsol is a fabulous business tool.  Feel free to ask me about it or click on the 'blinkie' in the right sidebar.  Don't forget to mention my name if you decide to join.

Have a great weekend!   

"

Card Sketch Challenge

Last night I participated in a "sketch challenge" on Sudsol, a Demonstrator-only email list I've been a member of for over 10 years.  Here's the sketch we were given:

Now, I've been wanting to push myself and this opportunity was just what I needed. So, here's my card, created with Fresh Cut, the sneak peek stamp set announced by SU! this month:

I'm loving this stamp set and knew I wanted to use it, if possible, for the challenge.  It worked perfectly.  I also wanted to create a soft feminine card.

Ingredients:
Stamp Set:  Fresh Cut
Cardstock:  Going Gray, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Embossing Buddy, Gold Embossing Powder, Embossing Tool, 1/16" Circle Punch, Gold Brads, Stampin' Pastels, Snail adhesive

Now, my challenge to YOU is to take this layout, create your own card----any colors, any set, any accessories, and email it to me.  I'd love to post your card on my blog and give you credit.  I had so much fun with this last night and think you will as well.

Sneak Peek into the 2008 Fall/Winter Stampin' Up! Catalog!

Stampin' Up! just announced a Sneak Peek into the new catalog that will be released August 11, 2008.

I love the gentleness of this lovely five piece stamp set.  As a CUSTOMER, when you purchase the Fresh Cut stamp set for $21.95, you can also purchase the Fresh Cut Notes (package of 15 die cut notes) for only $5.00 (regular price: $8.95).  If you host a $400 workshop during the month of June, you'll receive both the Fresh Cut stamp set and the co-ordinating Fresh Cut die cut notes for FREE.  This is a $30 value that's in addition to your regular hostess benefits! 

Simply email me if you'd like to get your sneak peek stamp set.  Offer good through June 30, 2008.  (Did I mention that the stamp set is die cut? You don't have to trim it!  How cool is that?)

I participated in an on-line "create-a-card-using-this-template" challenge last night and of course I used the Fresh Cut set.  Stay tuned...........

"

Carousel Note Photo "Purse"

Thanks to Jan Tinklenburg's brilliance, I recreated this lovely 'purse' for my daughter for Mother's Day on May 11th.  It's taken me this long to get it posted to share with you.  Jan is another Stampin' Up! demonstrator and a very creative one at that.  If you'd like to recreate this 'purse' she has the tutorial all written out at the link above (her name).  In the meantime, here's my interpretation:



INGREDIENTS:  From the Occasions Mini Catalog (with an extended expiration date of June 30, 2008): Carousel Notes, p. 7, Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper, p. 8, Live Your Dream stamp set, p. 9.  From the 2008 Spring/Summer Collection: Smarty Pants stamp set, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla cardstock, Close to Cocoa Classic Ink, Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi Double-Stitched ribbons, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Pick a Petal Class Brass Template, Crafter's Tool Kit,  Scallop and 1-3/8" Circle  Punches, Red Sticky Tape and Snail Adhesive.

When you open it up, it's a lovely photo memory gallery.   I made the album to commemorate my daughter as she follows her path, with photos of my mother, as well as my daughter's family.


With the flap open and then extended you can see the 4 panels for photos and, where the divots  are located, hidden pockets that are Carousel Note pull-outs with photos on each side. 


These photos are my daughter, granddaughter and me on the left; me, my mother, and my daughter on the right.


This is one of the pull outs.  My daughter and her son are catching snowflakes on their tongues.

If you would like to make one of these Carousel Card Photo Purses, I can help you. 

*Gather a minimum of 4 people and we'll have a class at my home or yours.  You do have to live in the Mi Wuk or greater San Francisco Bay Area for this option.  :)

*For $40 I have created a KIT-TO-GO, with all supplies included.  Please email me and I'll send you complete information and a Paypal invoice. 

I hoped you've enjoy this 'purse'.  I think it's a beauty!  See you again soon.

WANTED: Happy Father's Day

CRISS CROSS CARD for Dad (or brother or son or uncle.......well you get the idea)

We made this card at the Mi Wuk Village library gathering in May.  While it looks complicated, it really isn't.  Simply follow along, step by step.  You'll need:

STAMP SET:  Wanted
CARDSTOCK:  Really Rust, Very Vanilla, Western Sky Designer Series Paper (I actually used Outlaw from the Fall-Winter 2008 Collection)
INK:  Really Rust
ACCESSORIES:  Personal Paper Cutter w/scoring blade, Punches: Scallop Circle , 1/8" Circle , Corner Rounder ,  Round Tab , 1-3/8" Circle; Crop-a-dile (or eyelet setter), eyelet (from the Metallic Eyelets), Snail adhesive, Dimensionals.

Two 4-1/4" x 11" pieces of cardstock for the card base
One 4" x 5" piece of patterned paper
One 3-3/4" x 5" piece of cardstock for insert
One 3-1/2" x 4-3/4" piece of neutral cardstock for insert
Scrap cardstock for accents

STEP 1:
Score both 4-1/4" x 11" pieces of cardstock at 5-1/2"

STEP 2:
Take one scored piece and cut it diagonally from center top of the score line to bottom left.

STEP 3:
Take the other piece of scored CS and cut it diagonally from the center top of the score line to the bottom right.

STEP 4:
Add adhesive to the back of one of the CS pieces.


STEP 5:
Tape both pieces together.  Make sure both long edges of the diagonal sections are on the top.



STEP 6:  Cut the patterned paper in half diagonally.



STEP 7: Adhere the pieces to the front of your card.  Each piece will only fit on one side of the flap.



STEP 8: Add Red Sticky Tape to the bottom of the middle panel, as well as the bottom of the triangle flap that will be on the top of the card.  Tape these pieces together, burnishing (rubbing hard) with the bone folder to secure.  Set aside.



STEP 9: Take both pieces of CS for the insert and corner round the top corners.  Attach these two layers to each other.

 


STEP 10:  From a piece of Designer Series Paper, punch a tab using the Round Tab Punch.  Apply adhesive to 'inside' of the tab and fold over the insert AFTER you have stamped it as desired.



STEP 11:  Using Really Rust ink, stamp the medallion image on a piece of Very Vanilla CS.



STEP 12:  Turn the 1-3/8" punch upside down, center the medallion, and punch out.

 

STEP 13:  Punch a medallion from Really Rust CS using the Scallop Circle punch.  The white circle below is the backside of the 1-3/8" circle you just punched out.



STEP 14:  Attach these pieces to each other with Snail adhesive.



STEP 15:  Using the small (1/8") punch on the side of the Crop-a-Dile, punch a hole in the center of the layered medallion.



STEP 16:  Using the C-3 setting on the Crop-a-Dile, secure an eyelet.  Place the eyelet in the punched hole, 'pretty' side visible from the top.  Place the 'tooth' of the Crop-a-Dile into the front on the eyelet and gently squeeze the handles together.  Voila!  Set.



STEP 17:  See?!



STEP 18:  Place 3 Dimensionals on the back of the medallion.
 

STEP 19: Place the medallion in the center of the folded over pieces of the card being careful not to stick it to the insert.



Now wasn't that fun!  You could adapt this to a card for any occasion--place a photo on the insert perhaps.   Or  a Christmas  greeting.  The  ideas are endless.  Choose any Designer Series Paper and let your imagination fly!  Have fun!