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Do you remember Sandwich? He's my Stampin' Up! bear that I got at our Convention a few years ago. He's always good so I take him to all of my Stampin' Up! events.
When I finished these cards a little bit ago I decided he should be in the group photo. (By the way, Sandwich's fashion eye wear came from Build-a-Bear when we went there for my granddaughter Nora's 3rd birthday. And tomorrow she'll be five! Yikes!!!)
Back to the cards........these are single sided cards to be used as quick notes to customers or friends as a thank you or thinking of you or........as Just a Note.
And they use accessories from the the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog and....and little sneak peak from the upcoming Sale-a-Bration Catalog. The S-A-B catalog will go live on January 24th so stand by for more sneak peaks. I love the Designer Series Paper and some of the accessories inside those pages.
The new Edgelits Dies and Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders are just awesome AND addictive. I'm constanting thinking of how I can use them for my next project. I used them for both of my Leadership swap cards. I also used them earlier today to make my January and some February birthday cards. But I can't share those with you yet because of certain people who have b-i-g e-y-e-s.
Here's the second note card, with only a different sentiment:
Be sure to click on the photos for a larger image. This is pretty much a look--see--do card.
I've packaged these cards up in sets of 4 and will be giving them to my two Leadership roommates, two downline who are attending, and my fabulous upline Debra Godfrey. And then I'll make some more for my own use!
Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Oval All (113790, p. 131), More Great Greetings (retired a long time ago), Tiny Tags (118091-W; 118592-C, p. 136)
Card Stock: (based on the DSP I used): Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Ink: Pool Party
Accessories: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Punches: Scalloped Oval, Large Oval, Jewelry Tag; Lucky Limeade 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals.
I hope you'll try making some of these simple note cards. Just choose a Designer Series Paper that suits you, and then select your card stocks. I cut pieces of the upper decoratively cut piece of Pool Party card stock to 4-1/4" x 1-1/2". I trimmed it using the Adorning Accents Edgelit and the Big Shot. Then I set that piece into the matching Embossing folder, lined up the design and ran it through the Big Shot.
Need supplies? Send me an email and I'll help you out or click on the shopping basket in the upper right side bar which will send you right to my Stampin' Up! Store and you can place your own order. But..........wait until....................tomorrow!
Tomorrow: I have a fun offer for you while I'm off to San Antonio and Stampin' Up!'s Leadership conference. Even though the Marriott Hotel makes getting online annoying, I'll be posting either swapped cards or a fun idea every day while I'm there. Be sure to check in.
After I finished the card using the Heart Framelits I knew I had to make one with the Labels Framelits just as soon as possible. And I'd earned a free Gnome Sweet Gnome stamp set from Stampin' Up! so I wanted to us it too.
I'm still going to add another embellishment to my card but I'm not sure just what yet. And since I'm not at home, I can't do anything anyway! I'll just keep on thinking on it.
Here are the steps I used along the way to layer my card:
After you've selected the Framelits you want to use, the largest Framelit will go on your top/uppermost piece of card stock. Sounds simple but---I'll admit, it took me two "ooopes" (several hours apart) before I got it right!
Attach the top layer to the next layer and then position the next Framelit and run it through the Big Shot.
Then lay the top layers over the stamped layer so you can determine where to lay the ribbon. Place a bit of Snail adhesive about 1.5" from each end. Position ribbon and press on adhesive to hold it in place.
Then flip the layers over and adhere the tag ends.
Now it's safe to attach your layers to your card front base and send your finished card off to a friend. My girlfriend's birthday is tomorrow and she has an amazing yard--always trimmed and decorated for the season. I just realized that this will be her birthday card because she does "Light up my LIFE" -- rather than MY lawn. Our 'lawn' is non-existant. Only natural mountain landscaping!
CARD STOCK: Certainly Celery or Pear Pizazz, Whisper White, 2010-12 In Color OR Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper
INK: Classis Pads: Going Gray, Blushing Bride, Marina Mist, More Mustard, Soft Suede; Markers: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, Certainly Celery
ACCESSORIES: Labels Framelits (125598, Occasions Mini), Big Shot, Ribbon: 1/4" Certainly Celery Grosgrain or Pear Pizazz Seam Binding, Snail Adhesive
I hope you've enjoyed today's card. My vow is to be using supplies from the 2012 Occasions Mini all month. I've got 'em so I'm going to be sharing 'em.
If you don't have the new Occasions Mini, let me know and I'll be glad to send you one. It's full of fun products and accessories for sure. In the meantime, you can view it via a link from the right sidebar. Check it out!
I'm loving the new products in the just released 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog. AND I'm vowing to use each one of them just as soon as I can for both my own pleasure and creativity and for yours.
Here's today's card:
Although you can't see all of them, I used 4 new products:
Hearts Collection Framelits Die, 125598, p. 6
Adorning Hearts Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 125601, p. 7
Yesterday, at our Little Library in the Woods, here in Mi Wuk Village, CA, we made this charming card. And huge thanks goes to my sister and fellow demonstrator, Janet, for helping me with the idea. My brain was not cooperating with me when it came to planning.
This is really an easy card. I have to confess right here that I could not locate my 1-3/8" circle punch yesterday. I really wanted a layer of Soft Suede between the Basic Black scallop circle and the Very Vanilla stamped piece. So, instead, I sponged the edges to get that Soft Suede color layer.
SUPPLIES:
STAMP SET: Lovely Letters Alphabet
CARD STOCK:
Basic Black: 5-3/8" X 4-1/8"
Soft Suede: 8-1/2" X 5-1/2"
Very Vanilla: 5-1/4" X 2-1/8" (TIP: cut a piece to 5-1/4 x 4-1/4, run it through the Big Shot with the Finial Press Folder, and then cut it in half, thus prepping for two cards at one time)
Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper: 2" x 5-1/4"
TIP: For seam binding, layer the 2 different card stocks onto the Basic Black card stock, then wrap seam binding around the pieces, over the seam, and secure, with SNAIL adhesive on the back side. Then attach this Basic Black layer to the card front.
I hope you enjoy this basic card. If you have any questions, please let me know but I think it's pretty much a follow the bouncing ball type of card. Just start from the bottom layer up in recreating it. Reuse the template to change up colors, ribbons and the sentiment for any occasion.
I'll be back tomorrow with another great (I hope) idea to share with you. It's great for me to be back in the rhythm of posting! :)
AS PROMISED, here are the various Shadow Boxes the gals made last Thursday evening at Jen's Holiday Party. All were made with the focal feature being the Merry Trees Décor Element, size small, $3.95, 121643, p. 229, Stampin' Up!'s Idea Book & Catalog. I got the shadow boxes, 8" x 8" and 10" x 10" square, black or white, from Joann's. Yes, I wiped out the supply they had on hand last Sunday.
Andrea and I had created two nice looking samples the night before so the gals would have a clue where or how they might get started on their own shadow boxes. Andrea's on the left is 10" x 10" square and mine, the one on the right, is 8" x 8".
Below is a prototype we just laid out on the work table:
And below again is another we just laid out on the work table:
And now for the projects of the evening. If I know for sure who made a certain shadow box I'll label it.
Above: I'm pretty sure this is Carol's with the addition of some beautiful Northern Frost Sizzlit Decorative Strip snowflakes made with Silver Glimmer Paper and the current Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, 10" x 10".
Above: Melissa, laying out her project, retired Designer Series Paper.
Above: Melissa and her mom, Peggy, are real pleased! 10" x 10"
I think this is Peggy's. Love her use of the retired DSP. :) 8" x 8"
Amy created this shadow box going in a totally different direction from the others. She used bits from the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit, 124007, p. 26, Holiday Mini Catalog. 8" x 8"
This is a 10" x 10" framed shadow box. Who??? Andrea might have made this one for Stacey who was out sick. She sure missed some fun!
This is Christine's 8" x 8" shadow box, also using last year's Designer Series Paper. She has excellent taste! :)
This is Jen's 10" x 10" interpretation of Merry Trees.
Haven't these been FUN!?
All you need is some Designer Series Paper, a few ribbons and embellishments, like the Glimmer Papers in Red or Silver, and your Décor Element of choice. It's a pretty quick and easy project.
Last Thursday night I was privileged to conduct a fabulous Holiday Fun Class in Dublin at Jen's home. Jen and her 6 guests had a great time creating some gift tags (as a warm up), a gift box (with a treat from me) and finally, a shadow boxed Merry Christmas Décor Elements gift for themselves or a loved one.
We started off with these two tags created using Stampin' Up! Two Tags Die and the Big Shot:
STOCKING TAGS:
SUPPLIES USED:
STAMP SETS: Winter Post, Tiny Tags
CARD STOCK: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Inside is the "to/from" on the top and Merry Christmas on the lower half.
SUPPLIES USED:
STAMP SETS: Many Merry Messages, Winter Post, Pennant Parade
CARD STOCK: Blushing Bride, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
INK: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot, Two Tags Die, Punches: Petite Pennants Builder, Cupcake Builder, Butterfly, Dimensionals, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon
Details for how to create the angel tag can be found here. We made them in November at my cousin's Christy's Christmas Fun party.
KRAFT GIFT BOXES from the Holiday Mini:
L >> R, back row: Melissa, Carol, Carol's daughter's Jen and Amy; Jen was also making another set of projects for her sister Stacey who got a 'bug' and couldn't come.
L >> R, front row: Melissa's Mom, Peggy, my daughter Andrea and neighbor Christine
I provided each of the gals with a Kraft Gift Box filled with 4 pieces of 2-1/4" x 3-1/4"Holly Berry Bouquest Designer Series Paper and 1 piece of 3-1/4" square DSP, (each box had a different pattern inside), and a strip of Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric, the brown print---with the option to use either of the other fabric prints if they so chose.
This was a really easy project: sponge all edges of all 5 pieces with Chocolate Chip Ink and a Stamping Sponge wedge. Then attach all five pieces to the box.
I had baked (not real successfully) a batch of Shortbread Cookies using the Sweet Press Cookie Press and the snowflake image. I'm going to try the Sugar Cookie recipe next time.
I thought it would add color to use some green sugar sprinkles that I had on hand. Bad idea. Not recommended. So I switched to plain white sugar before pressing the cookies. I had already rolled the balls in the green sugar.
Does anyone want to tell my son-in-law that his wife would LOVE to have a new oven for Christmas!? Not only is theirs quite dirty, it bakes quite unevenly. :)
Anyway, I wrapped several up in plastic wrap since I forgot my cello bags, and handed one to each guest to place in their Gift Box. Then the Gift Boxes were tied with the fabric ribbon for a vintage look. We didn't make the tag because I knew we'd need the remaining time to create the Shadow Boxes.
I'll be back tomorrow with our shadow boxes using the Décor Elements (Merry Trees), Designer Series Papers and various embellishments. It was so much fun watching each person's box develop!
AND HOPEFULLY MY STAMPIN' LIFE WILL RETURN TO NORMAL!
I am missing posting to you all but it's so far out of my control right now that it's just crazy!
I had a great (!!!!) stamp camp/party in Dublin (CA) last night, took lots of photos and apparently left the download cord for my camera at home. ARGH. I can't share of them this morning.
We made a few Christmas tags--cute of course plus a Kraft Gift Box (filled, after decorating with a few Sweet Press Cookie Pressed cookies) and then, delightful -- wait till you see them -- framed Merry Trees (black, small, 121643) Décor Elements complete with Designer Series Papers, ribbons, retired sparkly "ribbons" from last year, red and silver Glimmer Paper snowflakes.......... Each crafter was so creative.
I'll be back tomorrow, Saturday, with pix and more info. OH-----the frames we used were black OR white, 8" x 8" or 10" x 10". We wanted to go for the 8" x 8" black but I bought all of them that Joann's had and had to expand to the white ones and the 10" x 10". No problem for these gals.
Here are the prototypes that my daughter, Andrea, and I put together a few nights ago:
This one is a 10" x 10" frame.
And this is an 8" x 8" frame. I couldn't crop too closely because the photo is from my iPhone and not that clear when closely cropped.
You'll see improvements in this one tomorrow when I can download photos from my other camera. Plus the lighting will be better. Nothing like taking a photo into a glass frame with either overhead lights, sunlight, or flash creating an unwanted glare.
I truly look forward too seeing you all tomorrow---much later in the day but that's the way it has to be.
Remember not to click on my shopping basket if you want to go to my online store. You might want to order yourself some Décor Elements!!! Instead, click HERE.
ACCESSORIES: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Two Tags Bigz Die, Punches: Butterfly, 3/4" Circle, Petite Pennants Builder, Cupcake Builder; 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Here are a few other renditions of the Angel Tag:
If you click on the image you'll be able to really see the glitter detailing on the tag edges.
Cute little angle for her angel isn't it?
Do YOU have the BIG SHOT or the Two Tags Bigz Die? It's a really convenient combination of tools. I can help you get yours---just email me or click on the shopping cart above right and place your own order.
Have you ever been something like "fear-struck" before you set off to try something new to you? Well I sure have and this past weekend I broke that pattern. Mind you, the product I used was several years old -- and I had three of them -- but you can definitely get a good basic idea. I'll also have several more (some are even current) to share in the coming weeks.
I still have to rough up, or darken, the frame a bit but this was my major step #1. And it's so much more striking in real life.
The original Season of Thanks looked like this:
Because I had purchased a 10" x 10" frame at the new JoAnn Craft Store in Sonora, CA (opened 11-11-11), thinking my words would fit inside, I had to adapt the Décor Element by eliminating the second and third "season of" words and then carefully scrunching the other words closer together.
Realizing I could cut the elements apart gave me a great sense of power!!!
I used a sheet of Grid Paper behind the glass for positioning.
Burnish the letters with the Applicator and then gently and slowly peel the heavier 'grid' layer from the lighter weight layer, ensuring that the letters remain on the lighter weight paper.
Roll your thumb along the corner to separate the two layers and then carefully pull them apart ensuring that the letters stay on the non-grid sheet of paper.
And here are the words positioned on the glass before putting the decoration in place.
SUPPLIES:
Season of Thanks, Chocolate, Small Décor Element (retired!!!)
Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Big Shot Die Cut Machine
Leaves #2 die
Stamping Sponge
Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad
10" x 10" square Shadow Box Frame (mine came from JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores)
I've been trying to actually post this for 3 days but wouldn't until I could proof-read it. And first came home necessities like chasing down hopital beds, a Dynavox, a van with a wheelchair lift and more. As I said about a month ago, my life and schedule will not be my own in the coming months. Not complaining............just saying.
Now it's your turn to get some creativity going with some Décor Elements. They're really fun! Send me an email or leave a comment if you have needs (like an order) or questions.
This past weekend was the much awaited Christmas Card Marathon Weekend at my home and My Country Loft here in Mi Wuk Village CA. Five stampers braved the elements and arrived from near (not really) and far.
Christy from San Ramon, Linda from San Jose, Jen from Dublin (CA!), daughter Andrea from Dublin, Moi, and sister Janet from Santa Rosa
Friday morning brought a little surprise:
Janet arrived Thursday late afternoon, Jen and Andrea mid afternoon on Friday, Christy, just in time for dinner (yummmmmy squash soup) on Friday and Linda mid morning on Saturday. Once they arrived and unloaded their cars, s-t-a-m-p-i-n-g took over.
Friday was pretty much r&d and Saturday was implementation of projects. We stamped till nearly midnight, back at it around 8:00 the next morning. AND we got the benefit of the end of 'daylight' savings time' on Saturday p.m. Let's hear it for that extra hour!
Usually I'm unable to accomplish anything during this weekend but this year was an exception. My first personal challenge was to make a wreath from the Bud Light Lime cans we had gathered a few months ago. Using the Big Shot (113429) and the Snowflake #2 die (113460), I popped out around 16 snowflakes in lime green and silver.
Next I punched out a bunch of Whisper White snowflakes using the Snowflake Punch (119852). And finally, back to the Big Shot and Silver Glimmer Paper (124005) I popped out a strip of snowflakes using the Northern Frost (120901) Sizzlet Decorative Strip Die.
I made the supporting 'wreath base' using pieces of the cardboard packaging that comes with Designer Series Paper packs or other products. This 'form' does NOT have to be precise since it's not really going to be seen. I traced the lid from a container in my room onto one of the pieces of cardboard, added about 1/4" to the outside of it, and also 1/4" to 3/8" to the inside. Then I cut it out using a cutting blade and laying the cardboard on a self-healing cutting mat. After cutting out the wreath form I traced it onto another piece of card board and cut it out. I layered the two pieces using Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Mind you, these are NOT beautiful at all. Just functional.
Next: I decided this wreath form needed to be covered because it would show behind the snowflakes. So I pulled out a Lucky Limeade piece from the 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Paper Stack, traced the wreath onto it, drew an extra 1/2" on the inside and outside edges and cut it out. Finally, smear (precision is again not necessary) Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue on the wreath form and lay it on DSP. Cut 1/2" 'tabs' on both the inside and outside edges of form and fold them over onto a wriggly stripe of liquid glue.
Then, using my trusty, crusty, OLD glue gun, I just started randomly attaching the aluminum-can snowflakes to the wreath. Next: Whisper White and Silver Glimmer snowflakes. Before attaching the white and silver snowflakes I laid them out and saw that it looked a little bland so...........I inserted a few Pear Pizzazz and Real Red Glimmer Brads (Brights and 2010-2012 In Color groups) into the center of a few of the snowflakes.
And here's the whole wreath:
Be sure to click on any picture for a larger view!
Tomorrow--more of our great projects and weekend. Let me leave you today with this parting image, around 5 p.m. on Friday:
Pomegranate martinis!!! Click here for the recipe. :)
I'm working on the link above---no clue why it's not working for me. Any luck for you???
Please note the darling wind charms that Jen made and brought to me for the weekend occasion. So cute, each with it's own individual color and image.
And we made one more just for Christy when she arrived:
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Start saving ANY KIND of aluminum cans for your projects. We don't drink sodas or canned beer (bottles preferred) so we really do have to scrounge around for the elusive aluminum cans. I'm on the hunt now for root beer cans. I have an idea brewing. And if you're wondering, my preference is for wine and fortunately it's not packaged in aluminum cans!
