Stampin' and Scrappin' With Kristin

Tropical Wedding Shower Thank You Cards

Kara, one of my friends from my former consulting client, contacted me about making some thank you cards for her niece's wedding shower.  Her niece is getting married at a tropical destination.  So, Kara specifically asked for something colorful and tropical.  So, I turned to Splitcoast and the Idea Book & Catalog for some inspiration.  The wonderful thing was, Kara liked one that I designed!!!  It also turned out to be the first card I made.  But, Splitcoast was a great resource for color combinations that I wouldn't have thought of.

The card I designed was inspired by the color combo that I chose from some DSP from last year's Summer Mini Catalog.  I just think Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive look great together - and tropical!  I stamped the images in Versamark and heat embossed them with clear powder.  I embossed the Old Olive layer with the Big Shot and Lattice Embossing Folder - I thought it was kind of a thatched roof/woven/tropical kinda look.  The brads weren't part of the original design - Kara requested those.  We threw them on at the last minute - which explains why they're not straight! The stamp sets we used were Paradise and Thank You Kindly.

It was an interesting evening.  I've never had anyone come over, look at designs, make a decision, and make them in one night.  Kathleen came along with Kara to stamp ('cause she's addicted to stamping).  While they finished their dinner and I started cutting paper.  I casually asked how many we were making.  Kara said 50!!!  YIKES!  It was 6:30pm.  No paper was cut.  And we had to make 50 - including 150 brads (ouch).  We decided to skip the heat embossing and stamped Melon Mambo on Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise on Tempting Turquoise, and Pumpkin Pie on Pumpkin Pie.  And, we did it in under 3 hours!  And there were a lot of steps!  I hope Kara's niece appreciates the work we put into these!

Want to see the other samples I made?  Here they are....

Fabric Friday - Embossed Fabric

I wanted to share another project my Die Cut Divas are making this month.  And this card uses a layer of Springtime Vintage Fabric! 

You probably can't tell in this photo (at least I can't) but I embossed the fabric using my Big Shot!  I used the Big Shot Fabric Adhesive Roll to adhere a piece of the fabric to a piece of Very Vanilla Card Stock.  I then cut both with the Top Note Die in the Big Shot and then ran it back through with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder to texturize it!  I layered it over a full Very Vanilla Top Note.  I stamped the sentiment from Word Play (love this set) in Not Quite Navy Ink.  I embellished with some Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Baja Breeze Andornments, tiny butterflies using the Butterfly Embosslit, and pearls.  After the card was put together, I grabbed my Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint/Rubbing Alcohol Mix and spritzed the entire card....and then regretted it!  I think I should have just spritzed the Top Note piece....not the entire card.  But, there it is! 

Petal Cone Die

Today I'm working on some projects for my Die Cut Divas!  My group of divas is REALLY growing - it's so exciting!  I'm welcoming several new divas this month!  This is one of the projects they'll be making.  One of my downline members, Kristin Allcorn, demonstrated fun 3d projects at our Spring Fling event.  I didn't get too much time to watch the demonstrations but this particular project just stuck with me.  Shelli demonstrated a similar project on stage at Leadership in January.  I modified the punched pieces just slightly from Kristin's.

Don't you LOVE the red glitter paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog?  Hey Stampin' Up!  WE WANT MORE GLITTER PAPER - IN MORE COLORS!!!  I would love to use this on my Christmas projects this year.  Think Stampin' Up! is listening?!?!?  I'll definitely be telling them that we want more!  I've heard you say it, too!  Stampin' Up! is great and does pay attention to what we tell them.  But, just in case they have other ideas, STOCK UP NOW!  This paper will be GONE after the Occasions Mini is gone at the end of April.  There ya go, you've been warned!

I made this box using the Petal Cone Die in my Big Shot.  The Petal Cone Die is also in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I punched a 1" Circle window in one of the sides and adhered a window sheet inside.

I stamped the sentiment from the Eat Chocolate Stamp Set (Occasions Mini).  I used my Early Espresso Ink Pad to ink up the chocolate piece only.  I then used my Real Red Marker to color the words.  I stamped it on some Very Vanilla Card Stock, punched it out with my 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch and layered it over a Basic Black piece of Card Stock that I punched out with my Designer Label Punch and embellished with some pearls.  Whew!  I cut a 16" length of Basic Black Striped Grosgrain ribbon, pulled it up, and secured it with a strip of Chantilly Lace Trim.  I did not glue the ribbon at all.  I tucked inside some Hershey Kisses.

Easter Blossoms - Basket of Eggs

Have you ever wished that you took a picture of a card you wanted to case?  Have you ever thought, "Oh, I'll remember that idea"?  Well, that happened to me last weekend while I was designing my projects for my Easter Blossoms Class.  When I feature a stamp set in a class, I try to use all of the stamps in the set.  If you remember from my post on Wednesday, my favorite image in this set is the branch.  I'd actually never used the egg.  But, I had to - that's my rule!  I figured I'd cut the eggs out and put the them in a basket.  But, how do you make the basket?!?!?  Several samples at Spring Fling (including one by Karen Barber) featured a card with eggs in a basket.  But, for the life of me, I couldn't remember how they'd made the basket.  Why didn't I take a photo?!?!?!!?  Max was here and watched me struggle.  She was even surfing the internet for ideas. Finally, I came up with this simple idea.  I cut a rectangle of Crumb Cake Card Stock, rounded two of the corners, embossed it with the Lattice Folder, and used some ribbon as the handle (Max's idea).  Let  me tell you, it's AWESOME to have another demonstrator with you when you're designing projects for a class and are stuck for an idea!  Thanks Max!

Easter Blossoms - Shades of Blue

Have you ever owned a stamp set that you just couldn't put down?  It seems like a lot of you are with me on this one!  I just can't stop using Easter Blossoms!  Last Sunday I offered a class that featured this stamp set.  This is one of the cards we made. 

There's a funny story behind this card.  Back in January when I was designing the projects for my Occasions Mini Classes, I turned to Stampin' Connection (an online resource for Stampin' Up! demonstrators).  I found a card that I thought I'd case.  I cut the supplies, turned to my stamp shelves, and found that I had not ordered the stamp set!  So, that quickly put an end to the projects for the class until I ordered the stamp set!  Well, literally months went by and I managed to not lose the paper I'd cut!  However, I couldn't remember what the original looked like or who even created it.  I thought I remembered the branch.  So, Saturday night only a few hours before the class was set to begin, I sat down and created this card.

I stamped the branch (my favorite stamp in the set) in Not Quite Navy Classic Ink.  I then used my blender pen to pull the color from the outline into the flowers.  It's a fun watercoloring trick I was recently re-introduced to by my upline, Claire Lawrence!  I also stamped the sentiment in Not Quite Navy Classic Ink. If you look closely at the image (or click on the photo to enlarge), you will notice I put small self-adhesive pearls in the centers of many of the flowers.  This was something I added later.  I just thought it needed a little something extra!

The rest of the supplies I used to make this card are:  Very Vanilla Card Stock, Baja Breeze Card Stock, Not Quite Navy Card Stock, Springtime Vintage DSP, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Self-Adhesive Pearls, Big Shot, Scallop Circles #2 Die, and the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.

Clearly For You

Okay, will you let me create one more post about last weekend's Spring Fling?  I hope so because I'm doin' it anyway!

Remember how I mentioned that I was still holding a class when Max had to leave for the airport on Sunday?  Well, after the class was over, I came into my craft room (where Max was staying for the weekend), and I found an envelope sitting on my desk.  Tears immediately formed in my eyes.  Max had made me a card!  And, I absolutely love this card!  (Thanks Max!)  It's not something I would have come up with on my own.  And, when I saw it, I remembered her asking me if I'd ever tried stamping on the First Edition DSP.  No, I hadn't.  To be honest, I couldn't imagine how that even looked good.  WOW.  I was wrong. 

Max used the Clearly For You stamp set (one we all received for FREE from Stampin' Up! at the Leadership Conference earlier this year).  It looks like she's stamped in Concord Crush and Always Artichoke.  Hmmm...new color combo, too!  It looks like she's also used her Spritzer tool to spritz Concord Crush marker over it as well then crumpled and tore the edges to distress it.  LOVE IT!!!

I also never would have layered those two punches together, but I love it, too!  So, Max, I'm gonna hang this card on my metal white boards in my craft room....right next to the picture of you and the other SAMs!!!  Thank you SO very much!

Fabric Friday - Fabric Brads

Okay, I admit, this card is a stretch for my Fabric Fridays!  BUT, I've been fighting the worst cold all week long.  I haven't even left the house since Tuesday afternoon.  (That's my secret to lowering my gas bill - don't go anywhere!)  I didn't even stamp for a few of the days.  To give you an example, on Wednesday I received a box full of some goodies that you'll be able to buy next month (you've never seen them before - they're from the next BIG catalog!!!)  BUT, I was SO sick that the box sat on my back porch for HOURS before I got up the energy to go and get them.  Yup.  That sick!  I attempted to make something with them on Wednesday night but didn't get very far - I took the paper out of the packaging and assembled a four-stamp set.  I decided that the best course of action (considering my schedule for the rest of March) was to just sit on the couch and rest.  But, now I'm making up for lost time!!!  Look out!  Over the next few days I'll be posting the fruits of my labor!  TYou see, I woke up this morning at 3:30am with the worst coughing fit.  I couldn't get back to sleep.  My mind was racing with everything that Claire and I have to do for next weekend's HUGE Spring Fling event.  So, instead of torturing myself (and listening to my husband snore), I decided to stamp.  I must be feeling better, right? 

Now that I've shared too much information, let's move on to today's card.  Many of you have asked when I was going to do something with the Build-a-Blossom Stamp Set and Blossoms Punch.  Well, to be honest with you, they don't excite me!  Sure, I've seen cute projects, but they just weren't lighting my fire.  However, one of my hostesses this weekend specifically requested the card on page 5 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  At least the design work was pretty much done!  I decided to tweak the colors and use the Sew Suite line of products as my inspiration.  I chose to use the Sweet Stitched Fabric Designer Brads for the center of my flower.  I changed the colors to Daffodil Delight and Wild Wasabi.  As a demonstrator, I love that the brads are all the same size - making it easy to design a card!  So, there ya go - my Fabric Friday project - Fabric Covered Brads!!!  Does that count?  I kept the card a Mother's Day Card and stamped the sentiment from my favorite hostess set (at least today) - Something to Celebrate.

Be sure to check out my blog over the next few days - cards will post!  I promise they will be there because I'm going to be scheduling them next!

Springtime Vintage Prayer

I had the pleasure of stamping with two of my Die Cut Divas this afternoon - Charlotte and Darlene.  I love them both.  And, Darlene always brings me a stack of cards that she's created.  She's EXTREMELY talented.  Three of her cards jumped right out and me!  So, I immediately grabbed my camera to take photos.  This is the first one.  I tried to "step it up a notch" but I'm not entirely sure that my tweaking actually improved on Darlene's original design!  I think I like hers better.

Some of the stamps she used aren't Stampin' Up! (or they're retired).  And hers worked PERFECTLY with the Springtime Vintage DSP.  I used the branch from Easter Blossoms and the sentiment from Thoughts & Prayers.  I also looped up the Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (which Darlene didn't do).  Darlene actually hand-cut one of the flowers out of the DSP to use as an embellishment on her Designer Label Punch.  I chose to use one of the satin rosettes.  I think I like hers better.  But, my rosette matches my ribbon.  What a great layout! 

AND...what's even better???  This card will work PERFECTLY into April's promotion!!!  You'll want to stay tuned for that - a new stamp set and DSP that will totally work with this layout!  So, you'll definitely be seeing a version of this card in my April workshops!  (Oh, and April hostesses?  You can get the new stamp set and DSP for FREE on top of your regular hostess benefits in April.)

Dozens of Door Prizes

Wow!  What a fun day today has been!  I decided that I was going to sit down and make 30 door prizes for my March workshops!  Unfortunately, door prizes are the last thing I usually think of when preparing for a workshop - so they're usually the thing that gets "cheated".  But not this month (and hopefully every month after March). 

If you're coming to one of my workshops in March - one of these could be yours.  And, if you're hosting a workshop in March, one of these IS yours!  My hostesses ALWAYS win a door prize on top of whatever gift they also receive from me.

These are made using the Petal Cone Die in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It's the same die I used to make the basket yesterday.  WOW!  Was that a hit!  I had seven Die Cut Divas show up last night and I think this die is now on EVERYONE'S wish list (they're not too thrilled with me)!  Ha Ha!

I cut the box from Baja Breeze Card Stock and stamped the small flower image from Bliss (free during Sale-a-Bration).  I cut the scalloped flaps out of Very Vanilla.  Sticky strip works best to glue it all together.  There are a variety of ways to seal the box.  The one I like best (because it takes care of decorating the top) is to punch two holes in the scalloped flaps, lace some Rose Red Seam Binding through, and tie a pretty bow.  It's easy to open and close as well.  I may decide to add a tag later.  I still think the top looks a little bare. 

What's inside?  Well, I can't give away all of my secrets!!!  You'll just have to be a lucky guest at one of my March workshops to see!!!

March Die Cut Diva Projects

Tonight and Friday my Die Cut Divas are coming over to make some FREE projects!  Yes, that's right!  Each month, anyone who has purchased the Big Shot from me is welcome to come over and make some free projects using the Big Shot.

The first project is a cute Easter basket made with the Petal Cone Die found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Second, they're learning how to make a square frame using the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  And, finally, they're making a St. Patrick's Day card that was inspired by a card one of my demonstrators, Lynn Fones, swapped last week at our downline meeting.  I hope they enjoy them!

Brayered Easter Blossoms

Last week one of my hostesses specifically requested to learn how to do the "Reflection Technique".  I don't even know if that's the actual name of the technique.  And, to be honest, I've been scared of the technique for years.  But, there I was, the morning of the workshop, and I needed to create a card.

I had expressed my anxiety to one of my demonstrators and she told me that all I had to do was stamp on the imaging sheet of the Stamp-a-ma-jig, flip it over, and run my brayer over the image.  Sounded easy enough!  And, it was!  Never in a million years would I consider doing this at a workshop.  But, something in my brain misfired when Andrea asked, and I agreed to do it.  She booked the workshop MONTHS ago and I was secretly hoping she'd forget.  She didn't.  But, do you know what?  It was OKAY!  Everyone's card turned out great!  And, there were 5 women who were stamping for the first or second time!

So, here is the card I demonstrated!

I stamped the girl in Basic Black Classic Ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock.  I then used my markers (Regal Rose and Early Espresso - I think) and colored the branch.  Next I stamped the girl in Basic Black Classic Ink on my imaging sheet, turned it upside down, lined it up with the image I previously stamped, then rolled an uninked brayer over the sheet to make sure the ink was transfered.  It worked!

Next, I used my brayer to make the pond in Baja Breeze Classic Ink.  I used the Michelle Zindorf technique of starting off of the page and rolling towards the middle so that the bottom is darker than the top.  I repeated this step over and over until I had the shade of water that I desired.  I made some ripples in the pond using my White Gel Pen.

Using my sponge daubers, I added some Certainly Celery Classic Ink as grass and Daffodil Delight Classic Ink in the sky.  I finished it off by adding a sentiment.  I recommended to my workshop that they position the sentiment wherever they needed to hide something they weren't happy with!

Fabric Fridays - Butterfly Tote Bag

I have been wanting to share this tote bag with you for a couple of months!!!  Last December my group of demonstrators gathered together for our first annual holiday party.  We exchanged names about a month before and made a homemade gift for someone else in the group using Stampin' Up! products.  Some people baked goodies and packaged them up with SU products.  Others made fabric book covers, trivets, home decor items, and a variety of other wonderful gifts.  Today's tote bag was the gift I received from April Boyea.  Does her name sound familiar?  Yes, she's also the demonstrator responsible for yesterday's card!

I just love this tote bag and I know many of you do too.  It's been in my classroom for the past two months and many of you have commented on it.  April used the Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric in the Occasions Mini catalog to embellish a bag she picked up at a local big box craft store.  She cut the fabric using her Big Shot and the Butterfly die.  She embellished each butterfly with one of our self-adhesive pearls.  She tells me that she adhered the butterflies to the bag with hot glue - easy enough, right???  She stamped my name in coordinating ink and even made the letters glittery.  To top it off, she made ribbon out of the fabric and tied it to the handles.  How is that for an adorable, personalized, homemade gift?!?!?  Thanks April!

Birthday Swaps

Last night was my downline meeting.  My downline never ceases to amaze me.  And, I love gathering with them to stamp and share ideas each and every month.  One of the highlights are the cards!!!  We swap card fronts every month.  I love the variety of styles and techniques!  Today's card is the card I decided to swap.  It's a fairly simple card - but I like clean and simple!  Here are the supplies I used to make my card:

• Bring on the Cake Stamp Set (Occasions Mini)
• Daffodil Delight PomPom Trim (Occasions Mini)
• Melon Mambo Card Stock (scraps for punches)
• Daffodil Delight Card Stock base (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
• Whisper White Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4" - I also stamped the sentiment and punched it out of this layer before adhering it to the card)
• Pacific Point Card Stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8")
• Ice Cream Parlor DSP (SAB - 1" x 3-7/8")
• Pacific Point Classic Ink
• Designer Label Punch
• 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch

Father's Day - Plane & Simple!

Father's Day you ask?  Of course!  Last night's workshop hostess actually requested a Father's Day card!  She is planning ahead!  Granted, this design is flexible enough for any occasion!  This card was made using the Plane and Simple Stamp Set out of the Occasions Mini catalog.  This is a great stamp set - and maybe, just maybe, I'll try stamping it in a different color scheme at some point!!!

Last night's workshop was especially special for me.  Why?  Because my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were in attendance!  They've certainly been the recipient of my hand-stamped cards, but they've never gotten to see me in action!  They both enjoyed themselves!  My friends joke that the "7 Degrees of Kevin Bacon" is really the "2 Degrees of Kristin".  It's really amazing how small our worlds really are!  Last night's hostess was someone I met at a workshop a couple of years ago through a woman who spotted my ad in the local paper for an Open House about 3 years ago!  WELL, apparently my nephew and the son of last night's hostess are really good friends!  Did you follow any of that?  No worries, I won't quiz you later.

Check out the Father's Day oval.  HELLO?  When I stamped that, I thought - OMG! An Easter Egg!!!  I'm going to have to try stamping that diamond pattern in a pastel color and punching it with an oval punch.  Who would have thought this masculine, vintage stamp set would have a little Easter in it!?!?!?

Here are all of the supplies I used to make this card:

• Plane & Simple Stamp Set (Occasions Mini)
• Crumb Cake Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
• Basic Black Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4") - punch the designer label layer out of the middle of this piece to save paper.
• Very Vanilla Card Stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8") - plus scraps for punching
• Basic Black Wide Grosgrain Ribbon
• Designer Label Punch
• 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Punch
• Basic Black Classic Ink
• Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Crumb Cake Classic Ink

Button, Button

I did not like these buttons....until I attended the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference last month.  This was a card that one of the employees showed on stage - I believe it was Carrie.  I immediately fell in love.  Carrie was showing us all kinds of projects made using fabric.  On this card, she showed how she used fabric as a layer on her card.  No sewing - perfect for me!  Carrie found (and I completely agree) that the best adhesive to use when adhering your fabric to card stock (like I have done here), is to use the Anywhere Glue Stick.  This card was SO simple to make.  And, the best part - it's postal friendly!

This was another card that my stamp club made this week.  And, I think they loved it - several of them ordered the supplies we used!! 

Be sure to check back tomorrow to read about my newest blog series!

Here are the supplies used to make this card:

• Button, Button Stamp Set (Occasions Mini Catalog)
• Say it Simply Stamp Set (Occasions Mini Catalog)
• Sweet Stitches Fabric (Occasions Mini Catalog)
• Chocolate Chip Classic ink
• Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink
• Tangerine Tango Classic Ink
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• 1" Circle Punch
• 3/4" Circle Punch
• Paper Piercing Tool
• Mat Pack

Springtime Vintage Quilt Card

Sorry I'm a bit late at posting today - technical issues.  BUT, never fear, your card is here!  This is a card I designed for my stamp club.  I love this group of women.  They actually approached ME several years ago saying they wanted to start a club.  And, now I eagerly look forward to the third Tuesday of every month!  This group all knew each other long before I met them!  I've seen weddings, babies, and graduations!  So, because they've welcomed me into their lives, I like to try to design projects I know they'll love while trying to teach them something new.  This month's hostess didn't request anything specific this month.  But, her mom is in the club and is a quilter.  And I mean she's a SERIOUS quilter.  She has been requesting to "sew on cards" for over a year now.  Definitely out of my comfort zone.  But, I was determined to fulfill that request this month since her daughter hadn't asked for anything specific....which ties in nicely to a new series I'm starting on my blog.  Check back on Friday for that!

Today's card does not include sewing.  But, it sure looks like a quilt!  In fact, my quilter fell in love with this card right away!  It features the Springtime Vintage DSP.  Here's how we made it...

First, I cut a Sizzix Multipurpose Adhesive sheet to 4" x 5" (found in the Occasions Mini Catalog).  I actually used the backing of the adhesive sheet for the back of the quilt!  We peeled off the top layer of the sheet - the one with the words.  We then arranged 20, 1" x 1" squares of Sprintime Vintage DSP to the adhesive sheet.  My recommendation is to lay out your pattern before you start gluing.  Because I knew that the squares were exactly the size of the adhesive sheet, we started adhering them from the corner of the adhesive sheet.

After all of the squares were down, we used the Top Note Die in the Big Shot to cut out the "quilt".  Next, we ran the "quilt" back through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing folder to give it a more quilted look.  Tip:  make sure you cut your top note before embossing.  Otherwise you'll only flatten the embossing if you try to cut it out second!!!

We adhered the quilt to some Not Quite Navy Card Stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8"), Very Vanilla Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4"), and a Crumb Cake Card Stock base (5-1/2" x 8-1/2").  We stamped the Enjoy sentiment from the You're a Gem stamp set (in the Occasions Mini Catalog) in Rose Red and punched them out.  We embellished the card using some of the Rose Red Vintage Flower Adornments (also in the Occasions Mini Catalog) and some lace ribbon.

Feeling Blissful

Today I'm stamping with Cheryl and her friends.  She asked for a custom stamp-a-stack.  I thought I'd share with you one of the cards they'll be making this afternoon.  For inspiration, I looked through some of my samples.  I came across a card that my upline, Claire Lawrence, designed for us to make at her New Year's Party last December.  I loved her card but I changed it up just a bit.  I kept the colors but changed the layers.  I also changed the shape of the center focal point as well as the ribbon.

While I was designing this card, I kept thinking...boy, I wish we sold Baja Breeze ribbon.  I strolled over to my ribbon racks thinking that I could change the card to Marina Mist when I spotted...BAJA BREEZE SEAM BINDING!!!  It's PERFECT for the card!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE SEAM BINDING!

Here are the supplies I used on my card:

• Bliss Stamp Set (FREE during Sale-a-Bration)
• Say it Simply Stamp SEt (Occasions Mini)
• Baja Breeze Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
• Soft Suede Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4")
• Very Vanilla Card Stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8" & Scraps for Punching)
• Baja Breeze Seam Binding
• 1-3/4" Circle Punch
• 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
• Crop-a-Dile
• Baja Breeze Classic Ink
• Soft Suede Classic Ink

Happy Easter

Yes, yes, I know....Easter is a couple of months away!  It's actually really late this year!  But, that doesn't mean that people aren't asking for Easter Cards at their workshops already!  YES! 

Today's card is another card I CASEd from a friend and sideline of mine, Ilina Crouse.  She is extremely talented!  I love her style!  I tweaked her card - which is an awesome shape, but it wasn't working well for my workshop.  So, I made it back into a standard card.  I also fought a little too long with my craft ink and changed the color of my little girl.  If you check out her card, you'll see what I mean.

Here are the supplies I used on my card:

• Baja Breeze Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
• Very Vanilla Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4" & Scraps)
• Crumb Cake Card Stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8")
• Springtime VIntage DSP (1" x 3-7/8")
• Easter Blossoms Stamp Set
• Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink Pad
• Crumb Cake Classic Ink Pad
• Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker
• Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker
• Rose Red Craft Ink
• Sponge Dauber
• 2 x 1-3/8" Oval Punch
• Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding
• Very Vanilla Vintage Flower

 

A Romantic Valentine?

I am back from Hawaii!  Did you even know I was gone?  I hope not - I scheduled blog posts to show up daily so you wouldn't miss me.  I got home last night and am back to work already!  I have a workshop tonight - and in true "Kristin Style", hadn't planned a thing before I left! 

My hostess had some very specific requests for the projects she wanted to work on.  She wanted a Romantic Valentine.  What on earth does that mean?!?!!?!?!?  Seriously.  Does "romantic" mean the same thing to everyone?  Right now, to me, that means something frilly and feminine. Hopefully Suzie likes this one!

Because I was running short on time, I turned to CASEing my friends' cards!!!  I remembered seeing a card awhile back on a Tiffany Bauer's blog.  You can click on the link to see her original card.  Well, since vintagey (is that a word?) is more Vanilla than White (at least in my opinion), I had to change up the colors. 

What do you think?  Did I accomplish a Romantic Valentine Card? 

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Very Vanilla Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
• Blushing Bride Card Stock (4" x 5-1/4")
• Rose Red Card Stock (4" x 7/8" & 2-1/2" x 2-1/2")
• Springtime Vintage DSP (4" x 3/4")
• Victoria Lace Ribbon
• Heart of Hearts Embosslit (I totally forgot we sell this thing until I saw it on Tiffany's card)
• Framed Tulips Embossing Folder
• Big Shot
• Small Vanilla Rosette
• Three Little Words Stamp Set (you can get it for FREE during SAB)
• Rose Red Classic Ink

Last Chance: Who You Callin' Cupake?

Did you miss this class?  It certainly seems that several people did.  So, I'm offering it AGAIN in February!  The gals who took the class earlier this month LOVED it!  And, today is the very last day to register!

This class is inspired by a couple of Stampin' Up! events - Convention 2010 and Founder's Circle 2010.  One of the SU staff demonstrated an adorable cupcake kit-in-a-box on stage.  I've been wanting to make one ever since!  Six months later, I did!  The cupcake was inspired by one of the pillow gifts we received at Founder's Circle.  The cards were inspired by the Make-and-Takes we created at Founder's Circle.  And now you can make them all AND receive stamp set and punch to make your own at home!  More photos of this awesome project are shown under the registration form....keep reading!

In this class you will receive the Build-a-Cupcake Punch and the Create-a-Cupcake Stamp Set (both are shown on page 22 of the new Occasions Mini Catalog) PLUS you will make a box full of projects using your new goodies. 

Registration will close on February 10th at 11pm ET.  I must receive your payment by that date since I will be ordering the supplies for this class on February 11th. 

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Say It Simply!

Did you overlook the Simply Sent kit in the Occasions Mini Catalog?  It is GORGEOUS!  This kit is perfect for non-stampers, new stampers, and seasoned stampers alike!  It's pictured on page 41 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.

The kit comes in 3 parts: 

• Consumable cards & Envelopes
• Stamp Set
• Ink Pad

I LOVE that the consumable parts are separate from the stamps and ink!  Why?  Well, why would you want to have multiples of the stamp set and ink if you wanted to make more than 8???  Brilliant!  These kits USED to come with everything you needed including stamps and ink.  But, what if you wanted more?  Did you really want to spend over $40 for another kit?  Or, did you really want to buy full packs of everything?  That would be expensive too for a newbie.

The Simply Sent Medallian Medley (121788 - $11.95) comes with gorgeous EMBOSSED cards in Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, and Vanilla.  Love that color combo!  They are prescored so all you have to do is fold them on the score lines!  It also comes with 16 self-adhesive labels where you can stamp your sentiment.  Hello???  Perfect for me!  They give you twice as many labels as you need - plenty of back-ups!  And, if you've ever stamped with me, you know I NEED back-ups!  And, it comes with 8 envelopes!

The stamp set they've paired with it is "Say it Simply" (122324 - $7.95).  It is perfectly proportioned for the card.  But, many of our other stamps would work, too!

I used Soft Suede ink to make my samples.  However, you could use any of the colors that are in the kit!

What would you say if I told you that you could get this for FREE?  During Sale-a-Bration, if you sign up to be a demonstrator, you get to purchase the starter kit for 15% off (it's only $148.75) PLUS, Stampin' Up! is throwing in a Simply Sent Kit, Simply Sent Stamp Set, a punch, and the color coach absolutely FREE!  That's over $360 in products for only $148.75!   Did you do the math?  That's a 60% discount!!!  If you want to join, it's EASY!  Simply click HERE to learn more and join!

Introducing March Madness Stamp-a-Stack

I'm offering another Stamp-a-Stack!  I know you LOVE these classes.  They are some of my most requested classes I offer.  In this class you will make twelve cards for $25!  You will make 4 of each of the cards displayed here.  I will have LOTS of sentiments available so you can customize them for whatever occasions you have coming up!

This class is being offered:

• Thursday - 3/3 - 2:00pm or 7:00pm
• Saturday - 3/5 - 10:00am, 2:00pm, or 7:00pm

Materials Fee:  $25 (includes all supplies, including envelopes)

You may register by e-mailing me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) or you can use the online registration form below.  You must pre-pay by March 1st to reserve your seat!

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A Valentine - No Stamps Required!

I was digging through some piles of stamping stuff that I had tossed on my classroom table when I ran across a pack of Love Impressions Rub-Ons!  The best part?  They were FREE from Stampin' Up!  That's right - they just threw them in the box as a bonus to all demonstrators!  How cool is that?  I love those little surprises.

So, since it's almost Valentine's Day and I haven't showed them to you yet, I thought it was time that I did!!!  I made this card using the Love Impressions Rub-Ons - and no stamps!

Here are all of the supplies I used:

• Love Impressions Rub-Ons (121886 - $7.95)
• Love Impressions DSP (121780 - $11.95)
• Pink Pirouette Card Stock
• Basic Gray Card Stock
• Real Red Card Stock
• Big Shot
• 3/16" Corner Rounder
• Scallop Rectangle Clearlit

Happy Birthday Mike!

Yesterday my wonderful husband's 39th birthday!  I waited a day to share it because I don't want him to see this come up on Facebook before I have a chance to wish him a happy birthday and give him his card before the whole world sees it!  And, as many of you know, we're five time zones behind those of you on the east coast!  So, it's safer to wait.

We are celebrating in Hawaii!  I keep joking that this trip is my gift to him.  He keeps threatening to not come home if we visit too often.  We came here first with Stampin' Up! on our honeymoon almost two years ago.  This is our first non-Stampin' Up! REAL vacation - ever.  Sure, we do weekends away.  But, most of our vacations are because of Stampin' Up! - Hawaii, a Southern Carribean Cruise, an Alaska Cruise this May, and Disney World next year!  I don't mind having hundreds of demonstrators on our vacations, but I think he does.  Although, he doesn't complain!  But it seems that we can't escape them!  One of my downline members is actually staying at the resort here in Maui with us!  It was completely coincidental.  They have a timeshare in Maui and come this time every year.  But, this year they came a few days early and are staying at our resort!

So, back to today's card.  I can't stop using this punch!  You NEED this punch!  As I was punching out the cherries, I realized, it's like getting 5 punches in one for $16.95!  You could easily buy a cherry punch, a candle punch, tiny circle punches, a cupcake wrapper, and an icing punch!  I am also in love with this stamp set - Bring on the Cake.  And, I know many of you love this stamp set, too!  I've already sold quite a few of them!

Here are all of the supplies I used to make Mike's birthday card:

• Bring on the Cake Stamp Set
• Build-a-Cupcake Punch
• Very Vanilla Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2" & 3-1/4" x 4-1/2")
• Early Espresso Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4" & 3-3/8" x 4-5/8")
• Daffodil Delight Card Stock (scraps for icing)
• Real Red Card Stock (scraps for cherries)
• Soft Subtles DSP Stack in Marina Mist (scraps for wrappers)
• Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
• Marina Mist Marker
• Real Red Marker
• Pumpkin Pie Marker
• Wild Wasabi Marker
• Daffodil Delight Marker
• Big Shot
• Polka Dot Embossing Folder

Last Chance: Bold Blossom Class

Today is the last day to register for the Bold Blossom Class!

In this class you will make four cards (two of which are posted here).  You'll also receive the Bold Blossom Stamp Set as part of your registration fee!  You guys seem to LOVE it when I include the stamp set with the class, so I've added several to my calendar for the next few months.

The Bold Blossom Class is scheduled for the following dates/times:

• Saturday, February 12th - 10am
• Saturday, February 12th - 2pm
• Thursday, February 17th - 2pm
• Thursday, February 17th - 7pm

Materials Fee:  $26 (clear mount) or $30 (wood mount)

You can use the online registration form online (see below).  Or, you can e-mail me and send a check to secure your seat.  All payments and registrations must be received by Wednesday, February 2nd so I can have your supplies ready for you!

Already have the stamp set and want to attend?  No problem!  Let me know that you already own the set and I'll let you swap out the stamp set for any other product(s) of equal value!

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Cupcakes!!!

It seems that everyone who touches this punch and stamp set fall in love!  It happened again at a workshop last weekend!  More than one person picked up the set!  If you're interested in getting the stamp set and punch AND making an adorable gift set, there's still time to register for Who You Callin' Cupcake!  Space is VERY limited - only 5 seats remain!

But, let's focus on today's card!  The cards were inspired by the Oh Sew Suite line of products in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The layout was inspired by a swap card that I received at the Leadership Convention.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when making this card:

• Adhere the DSP to the bottom of the card base before the Wasabi.  If you cut your paper to the measurements I used, the Wasabi will overlap your DSP (this is good).  You want the Wasabi on top so that the embossed polka dots don't show through your DSP.
• I used only a knot of the Daffodil Ribbon and adhered it to the card with a glue dot.  It gives you the same effect as wrapping it around, but saves on ribbon!
• Glue the Cupcake (with dimensionals) to the card last (it makes it easier to run your SNAIL adhesive over the back of the layers)

Here are the supplies (and dimensions) I used to make this card!

• Create-a-Cupcake Stamp Set
• Build-a-Cupcake Punch
• Whisper White Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2" & 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" & scraps for punching)
• Daffodil Delight Card Stock (3-1/2" - 3-1/2" & scraps for punching)
• Wild Wasabi Card Stock (4" x 3")
• Melon Mambo Card Stock (scraps for punching)
• Sweet Stitches DSP (4" x 2-3/4")
• Early Espresso Classin Stampin' Pad
• Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
• Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon
• Big Shot
• Polka Dot Embossing Folder
• Scallop Squares Duo Die (still available from the Holiday Mini Catalog)

Vintage Valentine

What's your definition of vintage?  I copied this card straight out of the Occasions Mini catalog because the heart image reminded me of an old-fashioned valentine.  And, just like any card in a Stampin' Up! catalog, it was a bit labor-intensive, but not too bad.

We made this card at Heather's Vintage Valentine workshop a couple of weeks ago.  I love it.

Did you know that ALL of the supplies used to make every single project in the Stampin' Up! catalogs (including the minis and Sale-a-Bration) are listed online?  YES!  It's a great resource. 

You can find the supply lists online on the Stampin' Up! website at the following navitagion:  Our Products > 2010-2011 Catalogs.  You'll see all of our current catalogs listed.  You can even download a PDF of each catalog to save for ideas!  And, below each catalog is a link to the supplies - also a PDF that you can save to your computer for future reference.  I've been saving ALL of these for years!

• Be My Valentine Set
• Crumb Cake Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Cherry Cobbler Card Stock
• Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper
• Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
• Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Big Shot
• Clear Circle Die
• Scallop Circle Die
• Kit #4 Texturz Texture Plates

PJs and Paper Crafts - and a Video Tutorial!

Welcome to the first day of the rest of my stamping career!  As of today, being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is my only job!

I thought I'd start by posting a video tutorial of me making a card.  To some of you, this card looks familiar.  I designed this card for my open house last weekend.  What a fun, simple card!  I cranked out a dozen of these for this week's downline meeting.

Here are the supplies I used:

• Wild Wasabi Card Stock (5-1/2"x8-1/2")
• Whisper White Card Stock (5-1/4"x4" and 2-1/2"x3")
• Early Espresso Card Stock (2-3/4"x3-1/4")
• Sweet Stitches DSP (1-1/2"x4")
• Button, Button Stamp Set (OM11)
• So Happy For You Stamp Set (SAB11)
• Tangerine Tango Classic Ink
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink
• Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink
• Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
• Wild Wasabi Classic Ink

Video Tutorial:

 

Eat Chocolate!

One note before I get to today's project....I'm heading off to Nashville, TN today to go to the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference!  I'm SO excited!  Stampin' Up! has changed the agenda around this year and it is SUPER-PACKED with fun!  And, for the first time ever, I'm eligible to attend "Manager's Reception".  I'm typing this a few days ago - it was Sunday morning.  As I type, the weather is predicting more snow.  I'm a bit worried that my flight will be delayed and I won't get to Nashville in time to check in for Manager's Reception.  It's always a BIG surprise!  One year they took them to Universal Studios.  Another year they went to a Polo Match.  Last year was a Rodeo.  What do you think we'll be doing in Nashville?!?!?  The theme is "A Night Out in Nashville".  Hmmmm....well, stay tuned to hear what we end up doing.  I DO know that we get a free stamp set (woo hoo).  And, I've heard that we've never seen the stamp set - maybe from the Summer Mini?  Maybe from the next big catalog?  I can't wait!!  I'll be posting more updates over the next few days.

Okay...so back to why the title of today's post is "Eat Chocolate".  Well, that's the name of the stamp set I used to make this yummy card.  Last November I participated in a swap with some other Founder's Circle achievers using the products we had received as part of Founder's Circle.  You may remember me posting mine here.  Well, I received a similar stack of adorable projects.  I was cleaning out my craft room when I stumbled across them last Saturday night.  I was looking forward to an easy-to-duplicate card that was also postal-friendly and found Shelly May's card (shown at the end of this post in Rich Razzleberry).  I decided to make mine with Early Espresso and Marina Mist.  Hers had some ruffly ribbon - which I love, but I didn't think the post office would love it. 

Here are the supplies I used to make my cards:

• Eat Chocolate Stamp Set (121931 or 122006)
• Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Marina Mist Card Stock
• Early Espresso Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Subtles DSP Stack
• 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850)
• 2-3/8" Scallop Oval Punch (currently unavailable to order)
• Small Heart Punch (117193)
• Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893)

You can purchase any or ALL of these products at any time on my website - click here to shop now!

And, as promised, here's Shelly May's original card....

Thank You Cards

One of my New Years Resolutions is to send thank you cards....and LOTS more of them.  We're not even halfway through January, and I already had a list of 20 people that needed to be thanked!  Who am I thanking?  Anyone who placed an order or attended a class!  I thought I remembered seeing a card similar to this somewhere.  So, I turned to Stampin' Connection to see if I could find it.  I found one by Emily LaBonte that I liked.  I tweaked it a bit and continued to use the Basic Gray and Real Red combo with some of the Love Impressions DSP.

So, what else did I use on this card?  Well, here's a full list:

• Valentine Defined Stamp Set (121941-C or 123057-W)
• So Happy For You (SAB 2011)
• Owl Punch (118074)
• Real Red Classic Ink
• Basic Gray Classic Ink
• Real Red Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Basic Gray Card Stock
• Love Impressions DSP (121780)

Don't forget, you can order any of the supplies to make this project online 24/7!

Valentine Banner

I didn't leave the house this past weekend....and I loved it!  The snow kept me inside, but I also was getting caught up on some much needed stamping!  I'll be showing you more projects over the next few days. 

This banner was inspired by the banner that I made here with my Die Cut Divas.  Everyone seemed to love it.  Well, one of my divas was over for my January class last week and mentioned she was making love banners.  Thanks for the idea, Suzie!  What a great idea!  I'm not sure what hers looks like, but I decided to make my own!

I used the color choices from the Occasions Mini Catalog in the Love Impressions Specialty DSP"  Pink Pirouette, Real Red, and Basic Gray.  LOVE this combo!

So, how did I make it?  I cut squares of chipboard and Red Glimmer Paper (121790) in 3.5x3.5, adhered them together with the Sizzix Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (120805), then ran them through my Big Shot with my Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die (120903) which is still available from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

I cut layering background pieces out of Whisper White card stock and the Pink Pirouette DSP from the combo.  What's that?  You're wondering where that is?  Well, the swatch in the catalog doesn't show it, but the "All You Need in Love" swatch has about 8 inches of fabulous heavy-weight pink pirouette over the sentiment.  Also look for those little hearts on a project sometime soon as well.  So, if you're not a scrapbooker, you can still use this paper!

I cut the letters with my Big Shot as well with my most favorite alphabet, Simple Letters (115960).  I should have used my multipurpose adhesive as well for the letters, but I was lazy and used glue dots.  I must have used a few thousand glue dots this weekend!  I then embellished with a punched glittery heart and some basic pearls. 

I assembled the final project with some Pretty-in-Pink 1-1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon and my hot glue gun.

January Die Cut Divas

I wanted to share a project my Die Cut Divas made this month.  It uses one of the new dies in the Occasions Mini Catalog - Fun Flowers.  It's a Bigz die so it will cut paper, fabric, tin, chipboard, and over 60 other materials!  We used paper to decorate a box.  The box was inspired by a gift I received from my friend and demonstrator, Kristin Allcorn.  She used a box that was on the Clearance Rack awhile ago.  I just loved it so much, I thought my girls would like to make one, too!

We cut two of each of the flowers in the die and used the three largest.  The flowers were cut from Pink Pirouette Card Stock.  We sponged some Rose Red Classic Ink on the edges of the petals.  Then we spritzed the petals and crumpled them to make them more "fluffy".

I think there are all sorts of possibilities for this flower! 

Here's a photo of the box my friend, Kristin, made.

Vintage: Plane and Simple

I'm not sure where you are, but it's a winter wonderland here in Southern New Jersey!  I had a Valentine Card class this morning, but we postponed my afternoon Valentine Class.  So, I have a wonderful, free day to sit and stamp.  I'm excited because I just finished making 96 of these cards as my swaps for the Stampin' Up! Leadership conference next week in Nashville!  I'm relieved that they're all finished!  Two of my demonstrator friends are coming over tomorrow to work on theirs.  I can't wait to swap these cards and get a great variety of samples to share with you at my Open House later this month!

When I sat down to design this card, I wanted to do something a bit different.  Masculine cards are not the most common swap cards at any event!  And, I'm in love with the vintage look.  So, I grabbed one of the stamp sets that I immediately liked when I saw the new catalog - Plane and Simple.  This card was inspired by a card we made in my Very Valentine class.  But the Valentine version used DSP.  I made my own DSP with a variety of stamps from the Plane and Simple Stamp Set and Artistic Etchings.  I stamped in Basic Black, Soft Suede, and Crumb Cake on sheets of 12x12 Very Vanilla Card Stock.  After I had made my own DSP, I cut it into strips of 1.5" x 3.75".  I mounted those strips on Basic Black Card Stock and Crumb Cake Card Stock.

For the sentiment, I chose the "Journey" definition from Define Your Life.  I thought it was appropriate with the images of goggles, airplanes, and a compass.  I stamped the definition in Basic Black on Very Vanilla, punched it out with my Decorative Label punch, and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake with a sponge dauber.

I cut, crumped, and adhered strips of Basic Black DSP from the Neutrals DSP stack and strips of DSP from the First Edition DSP collection found in the new mini.  The First Edition DSP is an awesome deal!  You get 24 sheets of "words" for $11.95.  It's a bit thinner than our DSP or card stock - and I like that!!!  It's like using real pages from a book on your projects without having to destroy a book!

Introducing: Who You Callin' Cupcake? Class

I'm super excited about this class!  It's inspired by a couple of Stampin' Up! events - Convention 2010 and Founder's Circle 2010.  One of the SU staff demonstrated an adorable cupcake kit-in-a-box on stage.  I've been wanting to make one ever since!  Six months later, I did!  The cupcake was inspired by one of the pillow gifts we received at Founder's Circle.  The cards were inspired by the Make-and-Takes we created at Founder's Circle.  And now you can make them all AND receive stamp set and punch to make your own at home!  More photos of this awesome project are shown under the registration form....keep reading!

In this class you will receive the Build-a-Cupcake Punch and the Create-a-Cupcake Stamp Set (both are shown on page 22 of the new Occasions Mini Catalog) PLUS you will make a box full of projects using your new goodies. 

I am adding a Class Planner option for this class.  This option includes only the step-by-step instructions.  If you choose this option, the instructions will be e-mailed to you on Sunday, January 16th.

The In-Person Class Registration will close on January 12th at 11pm ET.  I must receive your payment by January 12th.  I will be ordering the supplies for this class on January 13th. 

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Introducing Two on Tuesdays!

I am introducing a new series of classes in the next couple of months - starting in February.  I'm really excited about them.  I'm calling them "Two on Tuesday".  So, just as the name implies, I will be designing two different cards.  But, the trick is (and what the name doesn't imply) is that you get to make four of each of the two.  So, yes, it's just like a stamp-a-stack on a smaller scale! 

The cards displayed here are the cards you will make in the February Two on Tuesday class! 

As you may (or may not) know, I'm making a HUGE change starting in February.  I will no longer have a regular office job.  I'm giving up my consulting work to do Stampin' Up! full time!  To be honest, I'm scared out of my scull.  This has been the plan for the past two and a half years (as everyone keeps reminding me).  Two and a half years ago I stopped being an "employee" and started doing some independent consulting work for a former employer.  And, I've been saying that whenever they stopped renewing my contract, I would start stamping full time.  Well, I truly believe this is probably the last contract extension and it's only for an additional 11 days in January. 

What does this mean for you?  I have big plans for online video tutorials, lots more samples, more classes, more projects, more blogging, more workshops, and who knows what else. 

Anyway....back to my Two on Tuesday classes!  Because I will no longer have another job, I can now offer classes any time of the day, any day of the week!  I will be offering my Two on Tuesdays several times during the day on one given Tuesday each month.  Prepayment will be required to secure your class reservation.  The easiest way is to use the online registration form below.  That will allow you to pay by credit card.  However, you can also e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) and mail me a check (that also allows you to bypass the transaction fees).  Registration will close two days before each class.  If you'd like to register for my  March and April "Two on Tuesday" classes, registration is open!  Click here to register!

 

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Gearing Up

Good morning fellow stampers!  I know that it's been a LONG time since you've heard from me!  I've been a busy bee!  I'm sure you can relate.  It's been a good "month off" for me so far!  Mike and I visited Las Vegas earlier in the month for a quick weekend getaway.  We cashed in our free plane tickets after being bumped on our flights home from convention this past summer.  We desperately tried to get bumed again this time for more free travel, but it didn't work.  The following week we held our annual family Christmas Party.  This year I went all out and even hired a florist to create four floral arrangements!  They were beautiful! 

I also mailed out over 300 Christmas cards this year.  I stamped each and every one of them!  However, I realized I was running out of time to get the insides done (I always forget about the insides of cards).  So, I downloaded some of the great MDS downloads and created a digital inside to my cards this year.  I LOVE that idea!  I also felt lazy because I digitally signed them as well.  So, by incorporating a bit of MDS with a traditional stamped card, I sent out hybrid cards this year!

Now that all of that is said and done, it was on to my reward...FINALLY allowing myself to play with the Occasions Mini products!!!  WOO HOO!!!  They actually arrived the day after we returned from Vegas and sat in the box for about a week.  I finally got around to unpacking them and labeling them but would not allow myself to play.  However, yesterday, after I got home from a trip to Lancaster to visit a friend and shop, I sat down to stamp! 

I started by creating samples for my upcoming Valentine's Day class.  I posted  that as a status on my Facebook page last night and got lots of negative comments.  As a demonstrator, I have to think like a retailer.  I have to have the projects designed in time to post samples so that you will have time to sign up to take the class and hopefully have time to order ALL of the products you used in the class!!!  Ha Ha Ha!!!  This is why I start planning Christmas in August.

I'm offering this class a couple of different times:

Thursday, January 6th - 7pm
Saturday, January 8th - 2pm
Saturday, January 8th - 6pm

The materials fee for the class is $20 per person.  Each attendee will make one of each of the five cards shown above.  All supplies (including adhesive and envelopes) are included in the cost of this class!  Also, starting in 2011, I will be requiring prepayment for ALL of my classes.  You are welcome to use the registration form below and pay online via PayPal (you can even use a credit card when registering online)!  Or, you are more than welcome to drop a check in the mail!

Long Distance Options:  I am offering two long distance options for this class if you are unable to attend in person.

Option 1:  Class-in-the-Mail.  With this option, I will send you the step-by-step instructions, paper, embellishments, punched cardstock, and any other supplies required to complete this project.  What is NOT included is ink, stamps, and adhesive.   This class option is only available through January 6th.

Option 2:  Class Planner.  Are you a demonstrator?  Would you like to offer this class to your customers?  You may select the class planner option for $5.  I will send you the step-by-step PDF instructions including photos.   This class option is available through February 14th.

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Occasions Mini Sneak Peek

As a demonstrator, I'm VERY excited about next week!  Why?  Because demonstrators can purchase the Occasions Mini products a month before everyone else!!  Jealous?  You don't need to be - you still have 2 1/2 days left to take advantageof the 1/2 price starter kit special!

But, because I attended Founder's Circle, I have some of the products already!  And, about 20 of us are getting together for a swap using those products.  This is the card I designed!  It uses one of new stamp sets (You're a Gem) and the new Cupcake Punch - which is just yummy!

When will I ever learn to keep swaps simple?  I had to make 20 for my Founder's Circle friends but kept going to make swaps for my monthly demonstrator meeting on Tuesday.  So, how did I make this card? 

First, I glitterfied some Pretty in Pink card stock with my magical Champagne Mist/Rubbing Alocohol mix.  I let it dry then punched out the cupcake tops and the 1" circle behind the sentiment.  I love the subtle shimmeriness.  Next, I punched the cupcake wrapper out of Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper.  There are way too many punched pieces on this card!!!  I also stamped the "you're a gem" sentiment in Basic Gray classic ink and punched it out with the oval punch in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The back piece is actually the modern label punch.  But, I cut it in half so that it wasn't as long.

The card base is Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, and Pretty in Pink card stock.  I ran the Pretty in Pink Card Stock through the polka dot embossing folder with the Big Shot.  I then added another layer of the Lap of Luxury DSP.

I made a Basic Gray tag and popped up my cupcake.  There are a TON of dimensionals on this card.  I thought it was appropriate - my team was "The Dimensionals".  Each member of my "dimensional" team received a package of dimensionals.  I embellished the tag with some Very Vanilla seam binding that I bunched up and adhered with Snail.  I love this technique - which I learned at Founder's Circle during our special "Regional Session".  Kimberly VanDiepen showed us fun things we could do with ribbon - and I've been bunching this stuff ever since!

And, finally, since the sentiment talks about being a "gem", I needed to add some bling with rhinestones!

It was fun to design a non-holiday card this weekend.  I've made over 100 of my 250-300 Christmas cards this weekend!  I've been a stamping fool!!!