Stampin' and Scrappin' With Kristin

Home Decor Wedding Scrapbook Page

The last project my Stamp Club made earlier this week was this 8x8 frameable scrapbook page.  Annemarie's daughter got married over the summer and so did one of our former stamp club members!  Every few months my stamp club asks for a non-card project.  And, Annemarie wanted one she could use to showcase a wedding photo.  I tried to design something a bit flexible that could also be used for a non-wedding page.  Many of my friends have recently posted fall-related family portraits on Facebook.  And with Halloween just last week (at least it was in NJ), I figured several other club members may have a recent picture to use.  So, I chose fall colors.

Now, I got married in March - not exactly "fall themed".  I always wanted to get married in the fall.  But, we scheduled our wedding to coincide with the Hawaii Incentive trip back in 2009 (it was our honeymoon).  However, I remembered some of our photos were taken out behind the reception hall by a waterfall.  And guess what?  There were still leaves on the ground in the background!  It totally works!  I can't recall what colors Annemarie's daughter chose for her wedding.  But, Meghan chose a Pool Party-like color.  So, I hope this works for everyone.  I have the perfect shadow-box-like frame in which to display mine....until the next club member asks for a non-card project!

The colors are inspired by the Comfort Cafe DSP - Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, and Very Vanilla.  I sponged the edges of the Summer Starfruit with Soft Suede and then spritzed it with some sort of concoction (Soft Suede reinker, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, and rubbing alcohol.  You can't really tell there's Soft Suede in it, though.  I punched 10 circles out of the DSP and coordinating cardstocks.  I then embossed the cardstock circles.  And, to finish of the project, I used one of my favorite buttons from the Holiday Catalog with some crochet trim tied through the holes.

Happy Halloween!

Over a month ago I spotted this idea on Pinterest.  I made a dozen or so of these as door prizes, favors, and displays for my open house earlier this month.  I just love them.  They're individual S'Mores Kits!  Aren't they fun?  Tucked inside of each cello bag are 2 graham cracker Squares, a chocolate bar, and a ghost Peep!  The toppers were a bit of work since I decided to hand-cut each little ghoul.  

If you live in a town like mine, Trick-or-Treat has been postponed to Saturday due to Hurricane Sandy.  So, you still have plenty of time to pick up ghosts and candy bars on clearance to give away on Saturday! 

I hope you have a fabulous, fun, and frightful Halloween!

Thank You!

Wow!  I'm thrilled that so many of you stocked up on new stamp sets yesterday during Stampin' Up!'s one day sale.  Thank you to each and every one of you who placed an order in the middle of the crazy storm.  It was a record-breaking day for Stampin' Up!

Earlier today I made a huge stack of these thank you cards for those of you who placed an order at my open house and/or took advantage of the extra 15% off discount.  This card's layout was inspired by a card by Kimberly Van Diepen.  The stamped leaves was inspired by a card by Melissa Levay.  It's a little labor-intensive, but I'm pleased with the result.

I used the Gently Falling and En Francais stamp sets.  The colors are Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Soft Suede, and Crumb Cake.

Thanksgiving Invites

About a week ago one of my co-workers asked if I could design her Thanksgiving Invitations this year.  I was flattered that she'd ask.  She throws a FABULOUS Thanksgiving dinner every year - at least I imagine it that way in my head!  Each year she has a theme.  This year's theme is cranberries.  She and her husand have found a cranberry glaze for the turkey, there will be cranberry side dishes, there will be cranberries in the centerpieces.  She goes all out.  But, she was struggling to find invitations with cranberries.  The best I could do was cranberry colored card stock (otherwise known as Cherry Cobbler).  I designed a few invitations and she chose the one on the right.  I'll also be printing up menus, place cards, and possibly favors to coordinate. 

The invite she chose uses Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, and Cherry Cobbler Card Stock.  I cut out leaves using the Autumn Accent die from Cherry Cobbler and Champagne Glimmer Paper.  I embossed the Cherry Cobbler leaf using the woodgrain embossing folder.

The next two are the two she didn't choose:

Thankful Fall

Yesterday one of my demonstrator friends dropped off some glimmer paper that she had borrowed.  Tucked inside the bag was this gorgeous thank you card.  She said that it "hadn't made the cut" for one of her recent events.  Ignoring the fact that she had given me a "reject", I fell in love the card and couldn't understand why she decided against it.  I think she chose such a unique color combo - Summer Starfruit, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze, and a few others!

Melissa used the Gently Falling Stamp Set.  I love how she stamped off some of the solid stamps to fill in the white space.  She told me she did not use a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig.  She didn't have to!  This stamp set is so forgiving. 

Open House Fun!

What a wonderful day it was yesterday!  It was a perfect fall day.  Lots of people were out and about in Elmer enjoying the Harvest Festival.  And so many of you stopped by my Open House.  My house was never empty the entire 7 hours!  And I loved that I had the opportunity to visit with everyone who stopped by.  It truly was a perfect day.  But, I know many of you would LOVE to see my displays.  I posted some pictures on Facebook yesterday before everyone arrived. I was actually ready 30 minutes before it started which was a record!  That's mostly because Mike was a HUGE HUGE HUGE help!  He assembled the boards, put together (and stamped) the recipe cards, prepped the make & take supplies, cleaned the bathroom, moved furniture, and more!  We made a great team.  So, I know...on with the photos..

The first display area everyone saw first was my Christmas display.  You'll see more about the wallhanging tomorrow in my Twelve Weeks of Christmas series!

The next stop was my Holiday Catalog Accessories display.  Each and every die, punch, special ink, DSP, and embellishment was on display on this board (if they weren't displayed elsewhere).

As they continued to walk through my living room, they encountered one of my two large display boards.  These featured swaps I'd recently received at Disney, convention, or downline meetings.  I also had a few fall items on display (and my gingerbread cookies).

As they looked left, the final living room display was Halloween.  Have you noticed the "kraft paper" table cloths?  I used packing material from my SU orders to cover my tables, tv stand, piano, and piano bench.  I stamped images from the stamp sets on them!  I realized that there are four stamp sets that I don't own out of the Holiday Catalog!  That might be a record!  I usually buy it all - and there was a time when I bought it all in both clear AND wood!  That was just silly (the buying both in wood and clear part).

As they entered the dining room, I'd set up a small "coffee bar" with my Keurig and a wide variety of coffee, decaf, tea, hot cocoa, and apple cider.  Besides the gingerbread cookies, I'd also baked brownies, cupcakes, and pumpkin bars.  I'd also purchased an Cinnamon Apple Walnut Coffee Cake (from QVC) that was dubbed the "best cake I've ever eaten" by one of my guests.  It was pretty darn good for something that I ordered off of the tv!  My dining room was set up as a place everyone could sit and order from the catalog.

The next stop was the Make & Take in my classroom.  They wandered down the hall and could look through my hallway display rack (sorry, I didn't snap a picture).  I had a second large display board of swaps in there for everyone to enjoy.

Perfectly Preserved

My hostess, Judy, from last Saturday's workshop also requested a card using the Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set.  Nothing on this card is original!  This card is a hybrid - meaning I've cased a couple of projects to make this card.  You may recognize the background from a card I posted a couple of weeks ago.  LOVE this background.  Everyone at the workshop was scribbling down measurements for the strips.  They are 3/4", 1-1/2", 1-1/2", and 1-1/4".  The focal point is cased directly from the Holiday Catalog.

World Card Making Day

Did you stamp any cards this past Saturday?  It was World Card Making Day.  I did!  I made several projects.  One was a wedding card that I've already given away.  This is sad...I don't remember the last time I actually sent a hand-stamped card to someone.  Seriously.  Months.  It's sad.  I didn't actually take a photo of it, but I will be creating a similar card for my stamp club next week so I'll share it with you.

Today's card was inspired by a lot of cards I've seen or received.  The color scheme was inspired by a couple of cards I've received from my friend, Claire.  But, apparently the layout was subconsciously cased from Shelli!  I posted this card on Facebook while I was making it and one of my friends commented that it looked a lot like a Shelli card.  And, she's right!  I had looked at her blog a few days earlier and it must have stuck.

I am absolutely in love with the Etruscan Elegance Jumbo Wheel.  Seriously in love with it.  I don't love wheels.  But, I keep find myself reaching for this one.  I rolled it up the side of the card.  Who does that?  I did!  I like it!  I then cut some leaves using the Autumn Accents die using some More Mustanrd, Raspberry Ripple, and Champage Glimmer paper.  I embossed the leaves using the Woodgrain and Houndstooth folders.  The sentiment is stamped in Island Indigo classic ink using a sentiment from the Sweet Essentials Stamp Set (w-126455 or c-126457).

Happy World Card Making Day!

That's right!  Today is World Card Making Day!  I'm planning to spend most of the day making cards and other projects for my open house.  But, I wanted to share with you a card I received yesterday from my friend, Claire!  You just know it's going to be a good mail day when you open your mailbox and find a sealed Stampin' Up! envelope.  My mail delivery person always makes sure they're at the very top of the pile of mail.

So, I challenge you today - sit down and make a quick card!  Claire's is a fabulous example of a card you can whip up in no time!

Autumn Friends

I noticed a friend of mine pinned this card the other day and it worked perfectly to round out the projects my Die Cut Divas made this week.  I love the simplicity and texture on this card.  AND, I love how it uses a DSP that I struggled to use on a project!

Here are the supplies I used on the project:
- Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Orchard Harvest DSP (126895) - Holiday Catalog page 28
- Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons (127833) - Holiday Catalog page 32
- Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127821) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Linen Thread
- Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
- Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Early Espresso, and Crumb Cake Card Stock
- Cajun Craze Classic Ink

A Die Cut Halloween Favor

I know I said I was done with Halloween over a week ago, but I just couldn't help myself!  And, I'm pretty sure this won't be the last, either!  This simple little guy was another project my Die Cut Divas made last night.  It uses the Petite Pocket Die and the Spider Web Textured Embossing Folder.  Hershey bars were on sale at the local grocery store this week and I picked up a hundred or so!  I have a really fun project planned for them for my Open House!  But, I also need to stock up on sale candy for my hundreds of Trick-or-Treaters later this month!  By now I'm sure you recognize the Googly Ghouls stamp set!  Yup, it's my favorite!  They're just so stinkin' cute!!!  I decided to "suspend" my little spider from my Basic Black Scalloped Ribbon using some Whisper White Baker's Twine.  The sentiment is from the Monster Munchies stamp set.  Think I could whip up a couple hundred of these for my Trick-or-Treaters by the end of the month?

Here are all of the supplies I used to create this project:
- Googly Ghouls Stamp Set (w 128060 or c 128063) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Googlies (127539) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Monster Munchies Stamp Set (w 127904 or c 127907)
- Whisper White and Basic Gray Card Stock
- Jet Black Stazon Ink
- Basic Black and Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Markers
- Petite Pocket Die
- Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
- Basic Black Scalloped Ribbon
- Whisper White Bakers Twine
- Corner Rounder

Holiday Catalog Tour - Easy Thanksgiving!

You've heard me talk about the amazing projects in the demonstrator-exclusive Stampin' Success Magazine.  Here's another sample I spotted in this month's issue.  Would you believe me if I told you this simply elegant card was made using Christmas DSP?  YUP!  There's a fabulous little stack of DSP in the Holiday Catalog on page 20.  It's a 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" tablet with 48 sheets of DSP!  I love the assortment of patters than are included.  Here are just three of them.  I simply adhered strips to a Very Vanilla Card Stock base.  I then added a strip of scalloped Very Vanilla card stock on which I stamped the Happy Thanksgiving sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set.  I added a bow tied out of the brand new 7/8" Cotton Ribbon and adhered it to the card using some glue dots.  So quick, so simple, and so flexible!

Here are the supplies and item numbers:
- Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (126904) - Holiday Catalog page 20
- 7/8" Cotton Ribbon (127844) - Holiday Catalog page 20
- Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set (w 115370 or c 127802) - Annual Catalog page 133
- Early Espresso Classic Ink
- Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Marker
- Very Vanilla Card Stock
- Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882) - Annual Catalog page 183

One More Wonderfall

I have one more sample featuring the Wonderfall Stamp Set and coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  This projects better showcases the way the stamp set and die work together.  This project was inspired by fellow demonstrator - BJ Peters.  She made a gorgeous assortment and discusses how they were made.  My pumpkin is Tangerine Tango and was embossed with the new Lacy Brocade embossing folder. I did, however, think BJ's pumpkins needed a stem.  So, I added one using some rolled up Early Espresso Card Stock.  However, I think a cinnamon stick would be awesome!  I used a bunch of glue dots to adhere the stem.  However, a glue stick would probably be better!

Here are the supplies I used to make this project:
- Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127819) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Wonderfall Stamp Set (w 128084 or c 128087) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, and Garden Green Card Stock
- Garden Green Classic Ink

Holiday Tour - Wonderfall

I'm SO in love with the Early Espresso Stampin' Emboss Powder.  You have NO idea!  I've wanted a brown embossing powder for YEARS!!!  Did ya miss it?  It's kinda tucked away at the bottom of page 32 in the Holiday Catalog.  But I'm getting ahead of myself!  I wanted to feature the Wonderfall Stamp Set and the coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die today.  These guys work perfectly together.  Stampin' Up! previously offered a Leaf Die.  It was nice.  It did the job.  But, it wasn't exclusive.  It didn't coordinate with our stamps like this one.  So, don't get confused (I know many of you have).  This is a BRAND NEW LEAF DIE!

I find the easiest way to stamp and cut these leaves is to cut the leaf first, ink up my stamp, lay the stamp face up on the table, and carefully lay the leaf on top of the inked stamp.  I gently rub the card stock to transfer the ink.  It works great!  I stamped these leaves in Versamark.

Can you see th Crumb Cake background layer behind my Early Espresso Tulle Ribbon?  Have you seen the Natural Composition Specialty Paper in the Annual Catalog?  I love this stuff.  The design is a glossy, raised pattern printed on a natural, heavy weight paper.  LOVE IT!!!

Here are all of the supplies I used to make this card:
- Wonderfall Stamp Set (w128084 or c 128087) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Seasonal Sayings Stamp Set (w 128006 or c 128009) - Holiday Catalog page 34
- Early Espresso Stampin' Emboss Powder (128980) - Holiday Catalog page 32
- Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons (127833) - Holiday Catalog page 32
- Early Espresso Tulle Ribbon (127839) - Holiday Catalog page 4
- Versamark Ink
- Early Espresso, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Lucky Limeade, and Crumb Cake Card Stock
- Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper (126917) - Annual Catalog page 162
- Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon (122967) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (119275) - Annual Catalog page 183

Holiday Catalog Tour - Tweet Leaves

I'm officially kicking off the next section of the catalog tour - Autumn.  Unofficially, I consider that to be pages 28 through 33 in the Holiday Catalog.  I'll probably be spending the next week on this section of the catalog before diving into Christmas.  Today I'm sharing with you a card I used with the single stamp - Tweet Leaves.  This affordable stamp (under $10!) is located on page 31 of the Holiday Catalog.  It coordinates with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die on page 33.  However, you don't need to have the die to enjoy the stamp!

To make the leaf, I started by cutting the maple leaf out of Very Vanilla Card Stock.  I then colored the Tweet Leaves stamp using a variety of Stampin' Write Markers.  I huffed the stamp then gently laid the card stock on top of the inked stamp.  I gently rubbed the card stock to make sure the ink was transferred. 

To make the woodgrain background, I used several new products in the Holiday Catalog on page 6.  Stampin' Up! introduced Core'dinations Card Stock.  One of the features I've always loved about Stampin' Up! card stock is that it's solid core - meaning the color goes all of the way through.  However, sometimes you may want to change it up.  Core'dinations card stock allows us to do just that!  It's got a white core.  You can emboss it witn an embossing folder (like I have here) and then lightly sand the raised edges with the brand new Stampin' Sanding Block.  When you're done sanding, you can then pick up every speck of dust using the Core'dinations Dust Buddy.  Yes,  you really want to get a Dust Buddy (they're only $2.50).

I love the layered ribbon on the sample in the Holiday Catalog on page 31 so I copied it.  I adhered a strip of Lucky Limeade ribbon and then wrapped some Early Espresso 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (white stitching removed) around the card.  Finally I wrapped some linen thread through and tied it all up around a ribbon slide!

Here are all of the supplies I used to make this card:
- Tweet Leaves Stamp Set (128111) - Holiday Catalog page 31
- Full of Blessing Stamp Set (w-128078 or c-128081) - Holiday Catalog page 32
- Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127821) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Designer Ribbon Slides (127834) - Holiday Catalog page 31
- Early Espresso Core'dinations Card Stock (127848) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Stampin' Sanding System (129367) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Core'dinations Dust Buddy (129366) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon (122977) - Annual Catalog page 172
- Early Espresso 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (126871) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Linen Thread (104199) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, and Lucky Limeade Card Stock
- Marina Mist, More Mustard, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, and Cajun Craze Stampin' Write Markers
- Early Espresso Classic Ink
- Small Oval Punch (120908) - Annual Catalog page 184
- 3/16" Corner Rounder (119871) - Annual Catalog page 183

An Orchard Harvest Birthday

I CASEd this card recently from a friend on Facebook.  I'm pretty sure she posted it on Saturday.  I want to give that friend credit, but I can no longer find the post! 

I love the simplicity of the card.  I love the variety of widths of the DSP.  I love the card.  This layout could easily be used for any occasion - male or female - with any DSP. 

Here are the supplies I used on my version:
- Orchard Harvest DSP (126895) - Holiday Catalog page 28
- Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650) - Annual Catalog page 156
- Cajun Craze Classic Ink (126965) - Annual Catalog page 155
- Paper Piercing Tool (126189) - Annual Catalog page 181
- Linen Thread (104199) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003) - Annual Catalog page 191
- 3/16" Corner Rounder (119871) - Annual Catalog page 183

Halloween Tree!

Each month, Stampin' Up! demonstrators receive an amazing magazine packed full of creative and business inspiration.  I spotted a project in next month's magazine that I just HAD to recreate - especially since it's perfect for the Halloween project portion of my Holiday Catalog tour (and uses my favorite little monsters).  It'll definitely be on display in my living room until Halloween.  I'm in love with the finished product!

I made eight more complex ornaments and five "balls".  The "balls" are the easy part!  I simply punched 4 circles for each, folded them in half, glued them together, punched a hole through the top, and laced some linen thread through to make a hook.

The base of the "complex" ornaments are made using strips of Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP that was either 1" or 1-1/4" x 12".  I scored each strip every 1/4" using my Simply Scored Tool to make the lollies.  I then used an assortment of punched shapes using card stock and Silver Glimmer Paper.  I embellished using ribbon, buttons, linen thread, googly eyes, and stamped images.

Here are the supplies I used:
- Mixed Medley Stamp Set (hostess set) - Holiday Catalog page 39
- Googly Ghouls Stamp Set (w-128060 or c-128063) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon (127837) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Googlies (127539) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch (127811) - Holiday Catalog page 7
- Assorted Circle and Scallop Circle Punches - Annual Catalog page 184
- Very Vanilla, Basic Black, and Tangerine Tango Card Stock - Annual Catalog
- Silver Glimmer Paper (124005) - Annual Catalog page 160
- Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743) - Annual Catalog page 176
- Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons ( 127555) - Annual Catalog page 176
- Linen Thread (104199) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Basic Jewels Rhinestones (119246) - Annual Catalog page 175
- Jet Black Stazon Ink (101406) - Annual Catalog page 157
- Simply Scored Tool (122334) - Annual Catalog page 181
- Black Faux Branches (non-SU product)
- Clay Flower Pot (non-SU product)
- Black Spray Paint (non-SU product)
-

Howl-o-Ween Printer's Kit Home Decor Class

I have an exciting class announcement today that features some products in the Holiday Catalog!  I have the opportunity to offer this class because I had at least one person join my team of demonstrators within the last few months.  Space is VERY limited in this class (I'm restricting it to 6 seats). I'm thinking it might be popular based upon some of the comments left on my posts on Facebook while I was making mine.

In this class you will make this adorable Halloween-themed home decor project.   You'll receive LOTS of extra goodies that you can take home and use on additional projects, too.  I'm also offering an option that includes the Toxic Treats stamp set!

Since this is a kit from Stampin' Up!, you'll receive an entire package of Basic Rhinestones AND an entire package of Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine as part of the class (and you'll have TONS of both leftover on your projects at home).

Please use the registration form below or e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) to register.  As usual, pre-payment is required to secure your seat.  All materials will be provided.

Date:  Thursday, October 4th
Time:  6:30pm
Kit Only Materials Fee:  $40
Kit + Toxic Treats Clear-Mount Stamp Set - $65
Kit + Toxic Treats Wood-Mount Stamp Set - $75

Online Ticketing for Howl-o-Ween Printer's Tray Home Decor Class powered by Eventbrite

My 2012 Convention Swap

Since I wasn't blogging over the summer, I never shared my swap from convention!  I decided to do Halloween.  Not many people swap Halloween-themed cards.  They're usually excited about the new catalog or Christmas.  I always enjoy the Halloween swaps I do receive - and most people seemed to be excited about receiving them this year.  However, there were a few who turned away saying that they don't do Halloween.  Oh well.  I hope their customers don't, either.  Ha! 

My swap card is perfect for my little challenge - I used the Ghoulish Googlies Bundle to make them.  It was actually kinda tricky.  I had to be very, very careful and strategic.  Convention is in July - the month demonstrators can pre-order products.  And, there's a limit to how many of each product a demonstrator can order during a pre-order period.  I typically make 96 swaps (one pack of card stock for the card base).  I wanted to use an image that required two googly eyes each.  That's just shy of 200.  There are 50 googly eyes per sheet.  That would require four sheets of googly eyes.  Oops!  Demonstrators could only order 3 sheets.  Luckily the googly eyes are also in the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit.  Ha Ha!!!  But, I still didn't have many to spare.

The layout for this card came from a Stampin' Success magazine from earlier in the year.  AND, I used the same layout for my Disney swaps.  I probably didn't share them either, did I?  I posted this card on Facebook in July and received several questions about how I made the tag.  I have one word - "punches"!  The top of the tag was made by sliding the strip of paper into the 2-1/2" Circle Punch.  The bottom of the tag was actually hand cut - but you could use a square punch.  I'm a perfectionist and thought it would be easier to get a symetrical tag by measuring and hand-cutting 96 of these.

I also used a technique to make his little face green.  I am NOT a watercolorer.  I don't claim to be a watercolorer.  So, when I tried using a blender pen it was too streaky and a marker was too dark.  So, I made a stencil!  I stamped my little friend on some scrap paper, cut out the face to make a stencil, and used a sponge dauber and some Lucky Limeade ink to sponge his face green!  It was SO much faster, not streaky, and I could get some shading in if I wanted.  I did go back in with a blender pen and color his hands and ears.  But, they're so small you don't notice streaking.

You may remember that I also posted a card last week that used this stamp set.  I didn't want it to go unnoticed!  I think the Googly Ghouls stamp set may be the most-used (so far) of my Holiday Catalog stamp sets.  If you missed that card, simply click here to view it.

Anyway, here are all of the supplies I used to make today's card:
- Googly Ghouls Stamp Set (w-128060 or c-128063) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Googlies (127539) - Holiday Catalog page 27
    (the above two products are also included in the Ghoulish Googlies Bundle on page 27)
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- Jet Black Stazon, Lucky Limeade Classic and Tangerine Tango Classic Inks
- 2-1/2" Circle and Scallop Edge Border Punches - Annual Catalog pages 183-184
- Basic Black, Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, and Tangerine Tango Card Stock
- Sponge Daubers (102892) - Annual Catalog page 179
- Blender Pens (102845) - Annual Catalog page 178
- 1/2" Basic Black Scallop Dots Ribbon - used upside down (124145)- Annual Catalog page 172
- Stapler (not SU)

Holiday Catalog Tour - Monster Munchies

Today I'm focusing on page 26 of the Holiday Catalog and using the Monster Munchies stamp set.  It's perfect for Halloween Parties!  I don't know about you, but I'm starting to love Halloween - it's another excuse to host a fabulous bash - and make LOTS of food!  I grew up in an area where we were lucky to get four Trick-or-Treaters and two of those were my brother and I!  I moved into town when I purchased my house eight years ago.  My first Halloween I purchased what I thought was quite a bit of candy - but ran out early and had to make an emergency run to the store for more!  We now keep count!  Last year we had 248 kids who stopped by!  It's a great social event!  We sit on our front porch and hand out candy - it's pointless to sit inside and wait for the doorbell!  I'm still the only one on the family who gets lots of kids so I've started to invite everyone to my house to help!  Since I've gotten married, it's turned into a rather large gathering.  A few years back I started making Chicken Pot Pie for everyone.  But, last year I baked, too, inviting friends to stop by!  I've already been scoping out decor for this year.  (I actually started in August.)

 

These are two of the pictures I found on my phone from last year!  You'll probably recognize some retired SU products in there!  I just LOVE those white pumpkins!  Behind them are some of the apothecary jars I fill with back-up candy!!!  The other picture shows some of the treats I served.  There was more in the kitchen.

But I should probably share about that first picture up there!  I had some fun making the treat bag (I won't be making 248 of those)!  I used one of the glassine bags that come in the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit and ran it through my Big Shot using the Spider Web Embossing folder.  A super-cute extra touch!  I made a tag for my bag using the Monster Munchies Stamp set, my Simply Scored Tool, and some DSP.  I used some of that 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon that is on the same page.  Cute bag, huh?  I also made a simple "love note" to accompany the treat bag.  I felt like I was sorta cheating by only using the one image from the stamp set!

Here are the ingredients for the treat bag:
- Monster Munchies Stamp Set (w-127904 or c-127907) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit (126914) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon (127837) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- Tangerine Tango Classic Ink
- 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punches - Annual Catalog page 184
- Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334) - Annual Catalog page 181
- Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, and Basic Black Card Stock
- Spider Web Textured Impressions Folder (120889) - Annual Catalog page 189

Here are the ingredients for the card:
- Monster Munchies Stamp Set (w-127904 or c-127907) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- Jet Black Stazon Ink
- Tangerine Tango, Basic Gray, and Very Vanilla Card Stock
- Decorative Label and Extra-Large Oval Punches - Annual Catalog pages 182-184

Halloween Tour Continued...

I wanted to continue my tour of the Halloween products on page 25 of the Holiday Catalog today.  A couple of weeks ago I CASEd a card created by Kimberly Van Diepen.  I absolutely adore her style.  I had CASEd her card to use as a Make & Take for last month's downline meeting, but changed my mind for a variety of reasons.  I loved the layout - and had it in the back of my mind when I started created today's card.  As I continued to create, I decided to dig out that card.  And, they're kinda different - but I'm sure you'll easily spot the design elements I carried over.  HOWEVER, it also reminded me that that CASEd card used ANOTHER Halloween stamp set from the Holiday Catalog.  So, again today, you're getting TWO different cards - I'm featuring the Etruscan Elegance Jumbo Wheel today!

The first card is the one I created for this blog post.  The layout may have been inspired by Kimberly, but the debossed card stock was inspired by Brenda Keenan's card from yesterday.  Seriously - why haven't I turned my paper over and used the debossed side before now?  Now I have twice as many embossing folders!!!  But, I'm getting ahead of myself.  This was originally supposed to be a Halloween card featuring the Etruscan Elegance Jumbo Wheel.  However, I rolled it in Crumb Cake ink on Crumb Cake card stock and it didn't coordinate with any of my Halloween DSP.  So, I decided to go for autumn.  I used the Orchard Harvest DSP on page 28 of the Holiday Catalog as my color palette inspiration.  I chose three of the colors for my "banners" - Island Indigo, Raspberry Ripple, and Lucky Limeade.  I embossed them using an assortment of embossing folders.  But then I needed a focal point - and that's where I got stuck for a bit.  That's when I turned to page 32 and remembered the Full of Blessings stamp set.  PERFECT!  I added another layer - embossed with another Holiday Catalog embossing folder and voila - a card that I adore!!!

Here are all of the supplies for my fall version:
- Full of Blessings Stamp Set (w-128078 or c-128081) - Holiday Catalog page 32
- Etruscan Elegance Jumbo Wheel (127868) - Holiday Catalog page 32
- Jumbo Handle (103661) - Annual Catalog page 6
- From My Heart Stamp Set (w-126555 or c-126557) - Annual Catalog page 139
- Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, and Raspberry Ripple Card Stock
- Watercolor Paper (122959) - Annual Catalog page 160
- Jet Black Stazon Ink (101406) - Annual Catalog page 157
- Soft Suede Classic Ink Pad (126978) - Annual Catalog page 156
- Lucky Limeade, Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede, More Mustard, and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Markers
- Blender Pens (102845) - Annual Catalog page 178
- Labels Collection Framelits (125598) - Annual Catalog page 191
- Victoria Crochet Trim (118481) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127819) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127821) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Sqaure Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976) - Annual Catalog page 189
- Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127751) - Annual Catalog page 189
- 1-1/4" Square Punch (119865) - Annual Catalog page 183 (used for notching the Indigo, Raspberry, and Limeade Card Stock)

This second card is the card I CASEd from Kimberly (click here to view her original card).  I used my new Basic Black Classic Ink Pad to stamp the images and sentiment.  It doesn't tend to dry immediately so I sprinkled clear powder over it it and heat embossed it.  You can't see it - but the black is lightly heat embossed.  I kinda like the look.  I'm SURE this doesn't show up in the photo!!!  Here are all of the supplies I used:
- Toxic Treats Stamp Set (w-127898 or c-127901) - Holiday Catalog page 25
- Etruscan Elegance (127868) - Holiday Catalog page 25
- Jumbo Handle (103661) - Annual Catalog page 6
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- Very Vanilla and Tangerine Tango Card Stock
- Basic Black and Crumb Cake Classic Ink Pads
- Sponge Daubers (102892) - Annual Catalog page 179
- Labels Collection Framelits (125598) - Annual Catalog page 191
- Clear Embossing Powder (109130) - Annual Catalog page 159
- Heat Tool (129053) - Annual Catalog page 159
- Antique Brads (117273) - Annual Catalog page 174
- A round punch of some sort to round the corners (sorry, I've forgotten which one I used!)

Stampin' Through the Holiday Catalog!

On Tuesday I posted that I was going to challenge myself to create something using every product in the Holiday Catalog.  Today is my first of maybe 40 or so posts in this series.  This challenge serves a bunch of different purposes:

A) I haven't scheduled my Annual Holiday Open House (yet) - so for now, we'll do it virtually.  I'll be sharing some original creations, some CASEd creations, and some swaps I've received.  And, that's pretty much what I'd have on display at a real, live Open House.  And, once I get through this challenge, I'll have even more projects to display whenever I do get it scheduled!

B) I overlooked MANY of the products in the Holiday Catalog when I was placing my first order - the new, Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad, the Stampin' Dazzle Markers (they write on dark card stock!), Champagne Glimmer Paper, and the 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon just to name a few.  Have you spotted all of those?

C) I think it would be beneficial to actually USE the products I buy!  (Silly, I know!)

D) I LOVE a challenge!

I sat down to start my challenge at the beginning of the catalog.  I actually already had a project created using some of the products.  I was excited that the first post could be SO easy!  Then I realized that it was a logistical mistake.  If I stamp a page a night, I wouldn't get to Halloween products until the middle of October since they don't really start until page 24!  That's just too late for you to order them when you fall in love!  So, I'll be hopping around a bit. My plan is to work through Halloween, then fall, the hit Christmas.  I don't own the Jewish Celebrations stamp set - and I'm not sure if I received a swap so that one could be a challenge!

Today's projects are both swaps I received at convention.  They're very similar so I decided to post them both!!!  Okay, you may be thinking that I've already failed my own challenge - that I didn't actually USE any of the products since I didn't actually create either project.  I actually have - I CASEd Ilina's card for a stamp club last month, but thought I'd post the original (it saves time since I don't know where mine went).  And, I've already used each and every product pictured tonight.  So, I haven't failed...yet!

Card One
The one up there at the top was created by Brenda Keenan.  She used one of those products I overlooked in the Holiday Catalog (1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon)!  Thanks Brenda!  Here are all of the ingredients Brenda used:
- Frightening Feline Stamp (w-128105) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Delightful Dozen Stamp Set (w-122650 or c-122652) - Annual Catalog page 140
- Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla Card Stock
- Jet Black Stazon (I really don't know which ink she used, but that's what I recommend)
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- 1/2" Striped Satin Ribbon (127837) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127819)- Holiday Catalog page 6
- Labels Collection Framelits (125598) - Annual Catalog page 191
- Modern Label Punch (119849) - Annual Catalog page 183
- Basic Rhinestones (119246) - Annual Catalog page 175

Card Two
This swap was created by my friend, Ilina Crouse.  She used a lot of the same supplies as Brenda, but there were a few extras in there that I thought I'd include it, too!  Here are the ingredients Ilina used:
- Border Banter Stamp Set (w-128927 or c-128930) - Holiday Catalog page 20
- Frightening Feline Stamp (w-128105) - Holiday Catalog page 26
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, and Very Vanilla Card Stock
- Labels Collection Framelits (125598) - Annual Catalog page 191
- Versamark Ink (102283) - Annual Catalog page 159
- Jet Black Stazon (I really don't know which ink she used either, but that's what I'd still recommend)
- Tangerine Tango Embossing Powder (123106) - Annual Catalog page 159
- NEW Heat Tool - it's quieter and has 2 het settings (129053) - Annual Catalog page 159
- 3/8" Basic Black Tafeta Ribbon (119962) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882) - Annual Catalog page 183

Halloween Divas - Part 2

Here's the second project my Die Cut Divas made this month.  It's an adorable treat holder inspired by Shelli.  She created this project for one of Stampin' Up!s Regional Conferences.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a Die Cut Diva project!  I know many of them already own the Petal Cone Die.  And, I love to show them new and fun ways to use products they already own - and throw in a few they don't!!! 

The body of the bat was made using the Petal Cone Die.  I cut off the "flaps" and cut a semi-circle on two of the sides to create the pointy ears.  The wings, according to Shelli, were created using the Perfect Pennant Die.  I used the largest pennant on the Die then took out three semi-circles from the bottom of each wing using a circle punch.  I used the new Simply Scored tool to score the top of the pennant to glue onto the body.  The wings were also embossed using the Spiderweb Embossing Folder.  And, like Shelli, I stamped and embossed bats from the Wicked Cool Stamp Set all over the body.  I punched 1/2" circles for the eyes and put some glimmer brads through the middle.  I created fangs using the Pennant Punch.  The mouth was drawn using a white gel pen.  I created a handle using narrow Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon.  And, I created some filler using narrow strips of Frightful Sight DSP.  My husband thought this guy was REALLY cute when he saw it!  WOO HOO!!!

Halloween Divas - Part 1

Tonight my Die Cut Divas are gathering together to make two Halloween projects.  They usually make three projects, but the 3D project they're making is a bit involved.  Want to see that one?  You'll just have to check in tomorrow to see it!

This first card is a Halloween Card.  It features the brand new Letterpress Plate - Festive Finishes Pick a Pattern shown on page 21 of the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I inked the plate using my Pumpkin Pie Craft Ink and ran it through the Big Shot to press the ink into some watercolor paper.  I finished the card by layering a strip of the Pick Your Poison DSP in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The stamped images are from a new Halloween stamp set in the big catalog - Scaredy Cat.  I embellished the card with a little lace ribbon and mini silver brads.

Haunted Forest

Here's a cute and easy card that you can make for Halloween!  It features the Haunted Forest stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  This stamp is one of the "A la Carte" stamps that are sold separately.  I used some of the Frightful Sight DSP that's on sale - Buy 3 Get 1 Free - just until the end of August!  The card measures 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" and still fits inside of one of the Medium Envelopes.  The squares of DSP are 1-3/4" x 1-3/4".  I then added some color to my stamped image with some of the Stampin' Write Markers.

Give Thanks!

Well, I'm thrilled to report that we survived the hurricane this weekend.  It got scary at points, but we made it through unharmed.  I know not everyone can say the same thing.  Many of my friends have flooded basements, downed trees, and a young girl even lost her life when her car was washed away in a neighboring town.  So, I'm definitely counting myself lucky. 

It was certainly an interesting week here in NJ.  We had an earthquake on Tuesday afternoon.  I was at the office at my part-time consulting job.  I figured I was just dizzy from drinking too much Diet Coke then quickly realized it wasn't in my head!  Then there was the hurricane - during which we had some tornado warnings.  Following the hurricane we have some extreme flooding.  Many roads and bridges are washed out.  I've seen pictures all over Facebook.  I haven't been out yet.  At one point during the evening, there was a tornado warning for our little town of Elmer.  We quickly rushed to the basement where we actually HEARD the streams of water pouring into our basement!  I looked down and saw a small river of water flowing into the drain in the middle of my basement floor.  Then I realized there was a similar sound coming from my left.  There was a pinhole leak through the concrete blocks and you could see a stream of water!  It was too low to the ground for a bucket, but we found a pot.  Then we had to identify the source of the stream into the drain.  We had some leaks at the front of the house.  So, for about an hour we were taking turns vaccuming, emptying pots, and using our utility pump to get rid of the water.  But, we soon realized that the water was no longer coming in!  The hurricane hadn't officially hit our area yet, so we took turns checking the basement every 30 minutes.  By morning, not one additional drop of water came in.  I don't know why it stopped, but I'm grateful.  We actually had far more water in our basement several weeks ago.  And, because of the work we did to clean that up and get damaged junk out of the basement, this seemed like a walk in the park!  But, because of the tornado warnings, we now know where our problem spots are.  Things happen for a reason!

What an adventure - not one I wish to repeat any time soon.  So, I'm Giving Thanks today because God is great and protected us!  The sentiment is a brand new stamp from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog - Hand-Penned Holidays.  The leaves are from French Foliage.  The colors were inspired by a card that I made for my In-Color Club - Pool Party, River Rock, Cajun Craze, and Whisper White.  LOVE these colors together!!!

Jack of All Trades

Here's one of the cards I designed for a workshop last week.  It highlights the new Frightful Sight Halloween DSP in the Idea Book & Catalog.  You know, the DSP that's on sale for Buy 3 Get 1 Free???  I wasn't quite sure what to do with this stamp set, so I turned to Stampin' Connection - an online resource for demonstrators - for some inspiration.  I immediately fell in love with a card made by Janella Sibert Clough.

I used the brand new Simply Scored Tool to make this card.  Normally at workshops I'd prescore everything, but because I can so easily mark where everyone should score, I let them do it themselves!!!  I started with a 5"x12" sheet of card stock.  I scored at 3", 6", 8", 10", and 11".  I then adhered a variety of strips of the DSP to the various steps.  I punched a strip of Cajun Craze with the scallop border punch - just like Janella.  I hand cut the pumpkins from the Jack of All Trades stamp set and punched out the candy from the Sweets for the Sweet Stamp Set.  The sentiment comes from one of my favorite fall sentiment stamp sets - Grateful Greetings.

Stamp Club's Autumnal Framed Home Decor Project

Okay, sometimes I'm just too good to my customers!  Is that possible!?!?!?  Each month a group of women gather together to stamp and enjoy each other's company.  They take turns being the hostess and cashing in on free Stampin' Up! products!  I take requests for the projects they'd like to work on each month - and hold my breath.  Sometimes I get some over-the-top, challenging requests.  One of my gals has asked me to design a card that requires sewing - a bit out of my comfort zone, but I'm determined to make that happen!  Sometimes they bring in magazine clippings of projects they want me to replicate using stamps.  This month, my hostess requested  5x7 Autumnal Home Decor page that they could display in a frame.  Well, I just LOVED a card on the cover of the October issue of Stampin' Success Magazine and decided to turn it into a work of art.  I LOVE HOW THIS TURNED OUT!!!  Yes, it's a bit more involved than I would normally get for a stamp club (they made two other projects that night, too), but I've been stamping with these ladies for years and I knew they could do it.

Here's how we made this project:

1. We started off with a 5x7 piece of textured Old Olive Cardstock for the base.
2. We took a 1.5x7 inch piece of Old Olive Polka Dot DSP (from the stacks) and stamped the "Wonderfully Worn" background stamp in Old Olive Classic Ink.
3. Using our Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, we stamped the small flourish from "Style Beautiful" along the top edge of the DSP in Old Olive.
4. We then adhered our DSP to the bottom of the Old Olive textured base.
5. It was a bit of a challenge for me to figure out how SU had stamped the flourish behind Happy Thanksgiving.  I knew it was also from "Style Beautiful", but I couldn't quite figure out how they got it to line up.  So, I stamped one on my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig and laid it right on top of the Stampin' Success cover!  Ah Ha!  Mystery Solved!  In Cajun Craze, we stamped the flourish behind the Happy Thanksgiving sentiment four times - each one turned a 1/4 turn on a piece of 2x7 Very Vanilla Cardstock.
6. We distressed the 2x7 Very Vanilla using the square stamp in the Distressing Essentials Kit and Crumb Cake Ink.  We also stamped the 2x7 Very Vanilla piece using the "Wonderfully Worn" stamp in Crumb Cake ink.
7. We adhered that to a piece of 2.5x7 Cajun Craze Textured Card stock and then ripped the edges.
8. We adhered a 1x7 inch piece of Newsprint DSP (also distressed the same way we distressed in step 6) and adhered it to the top of the Cajun Craze.
9. We then adhered the Very Vanilla/Cajun Craze/Newsprint ensemble to the Old Olive Textured card stock base.
10. Next we cut out a leaf using our Leaves #2 Die out of More Mustard Textured Card Stock and then ran it back through the Big Shot to emboss it with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and adhered it to the right side of the vanilla strip on the base.
11. We stamped the "Happy Thanksgiving" sentiment from the "Thankful For" stamp set in Early Espresso Ink on a 1x5 inch piece of Very Vanilla Paper - also distressed with the Wonderfully Worn stamp in Crumb Cake Ink.
12. We tore the edges and adhered it to a piece of 1.5x5 inch piece of Early Espresso Textured Card Stock and ripped the edges so it was slightly larger than the vanilla layer.  We adhered the sentiment to the base with Dimensionals.
13. Finally, we embellished the sentiment with a knot of Victoria Lace Trim adhered with a Glue Dot.

Did you follow all of that???

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Three

Happy Friday!  It's time for another fun Christmas project!  I've seen similar wreaths online and I immediately knew I wanted to make my own - and I even had the materials sitting around the house to make it!

The base of the wreath is a wire wreath frame.  It has 4 wire circles.  I simply cut 1-1/3 packages of Deck the Halls Designer fabric into 1"x6" strips.  Then, I tied them around the wires with a single knot.  No sewing required!  I didn't even actually measure the fabric!  I eyeballed the strips.  I let it fray.  I didn't even iron the fabric first!  Yes, it's so simple, anyone can do it!  I will warn you - make sure you have a lint roller handy!

Here are a couple of additional close-up photos of the front and back of the wreath.

Stampin' Up! Starter Kit

I LOVE the new Stampin' Up! Starter Kit!  I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with it this summer when Stampin' Up! invited me to present at their national convention in Utah.  You may remember me blogging about that. 

Right now is the perfect time to invest in the starter kit.  Not only do you get over $310 in products (for only $175), you also get this gorgeous tote bag AND a bonus stamp set out of the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog - it's super cute!  What I love most about the starter kit is how flexible it is!  You can mix and match and swap out most of the items in the kit!  So, last night I sat down and customized my own starter kit using many of the stamp sets in the current Holiday Mini Catalog.  Why?  Because I'm hosting an event TONIGHT where you can learn more about the kit!  Myself and a couple of demonstrators on my team are getting together to answer your questions.  So far about five people have RSVP'd to join us - and it's not too late if you're interested, too!  There's absolutely no obligation to purchase the starter kit if you join us.  Feel free to drop in just for the snacks, socialization, and stamping!

We'll be here to answer your questions, go over some of the highlights and benefits of being a demonstrator and give out door prizes while you check out the standard starter kit and make a couple of cards!  Do you want to see the cards we'll be making tonight?  Everyone who comes gets to make both of these cards absolutely free!  These are the cards I made with my "Holiday Mini" version of the starter kit.  Here's what I used (and I didn't use everything that you can get in the kit):

• Day of Gratitude Stamp Set
• French Foliage Stamp Set
• Christmas Postcard Stamp
• Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker
• Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker
• More Mustard Classic Ink
• Old Olive Classic Ink
• Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Cajun Craze Classic Ink
• Regals Card Stock
• Regals Designer Paper Stack
• Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Blender Pen
• Stampin' Sponge

Fall Stamp Class

In this class you'll make five fall-themed cards using many of the stamp sets and accessories found in the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog.

Sunday, October 17th - 2pm-4:30pm
Thursday, October 21st - 7pm-9:30pm

Feel free to e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) or use the online registration form below to register!  Space is limited!!!

Event management for Fall Class powered by Eventbrite

Halloween Candles

I was SO happy when I found these candles at a local store last month.  I was practically jumping for joy when I spotted Rich Razzleberry candles!  I instantly knew I was going to make a Halloween Candlescape to display at my open house.  Yes, I know, the orange candle isn't decorated - I ran out of time.  But, I'm not sure it really needs anything - the other two are pretty awesome!

I used the Wicked Fun Specialty Paper on the Razzleberry Candle along with some Old Olive cardstock, Black Satin ribbon, and some leftover black jewels.  I used the swirl from the black jewels package to decorate the olive candle.  I LOVE that candle!!!  I was worried that the jewels wouldn't stick to the candle, but it wasn't a problem at all!

I also cut out some circles of DSP for my candles to sit on.  My only complaint is that these adorable candles make me sneeze whenever I go near them!!!

Fall Basket

Yes, I'm still working on getting my Holiday Open House projects posted.  Are you sick of Halloween yet?  I have one more project to show you, but I need to take another photo.  But, in the meantime, how about a fun fall basket?

I just love how this turned out!  I picked up the basket at my local craft store while I was out shopping for "alterable items".  I cut out a bunch of leaves using the Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Series Paper.  If you haven't actually touched this paper, it's awesome!  It's actually textured, heavy-weight card stock!  It's significantly thicker than our regular patterned paper.  I cut the leaves using the Leaves #2 die in my Big Shot.  I actually adhered them to the basket with dimensionals.

I folded some Old Olive striped ribbon and adhered it around the top band.  I tacked down the end using a Vintage Brad.  I will be pulling this basket out every fall.  How am I using it?  I've got it filled with our remote controls!!!  Somehow I doubt they'll ever stay in the basket, but that's the plan!

Halloween Candy Jar

Okay...this jar had more candy in it before my Open House last weekend, but thankfully some of my guests weren't afraid to eat the candy!  I told them that if it was edible, even if it was on display, they were welcome to eat it!

This is another fun project where I used Spooky Things decor elements on the jar.  I used Old Olive Satin ribbon and the Raven black lace trim on the top of the jar.  Inside, the little Hershey Nuggest are each wrapped in the Nite Owl DSP found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

Halloween Treat Bags

Did you notice the Mini Lunch Sacks in the Holiday Mini Catalog?  I love these!  They are a perfect size for a little gift of goodies.  And, they come pre-scalloped!  The best part - the scallops coordinate PERFECTLY with our scallop edge punch!

I made this trio for my Open House display.  I rolled the Midnight Musings Jumbo Wheel in basic black along the bottom.  I then punched a bit of Pumpkin Pie using my scallop edge punch to adhere the flap.  I tied them up with some Basic Black Striped Grosgrain ribbon - SO EASY!  I'd love to make these for the Trick or Treaters who stop by my house this year, but I get around 200 kids who stop by!!!  YIKES! 

And, yes, I'm still in Utah!  This morning Stampin' Up! is treating us to an exclusive, private Regional Event!  Each year Stampin' Up! travels to a variety of locations throughout the country for mini-conventions.  They're coming to Baltimore in October.  I'm going to that one too since there are about 21 of my "sidelines" and "downlines" attending.  One of my sidelines is even a presenter at Baltimore!  I can't wait to see her on stage!!!  But, today's event was a FREE perk for those of us who won.  I can't wait to see what's in store!  We'll be making projects using the Day of Gratitude stamp set in the Holiday Mini - I'll be sharing those later.  And, tonight is the Sock Hop and Share - in our PJs, of course!  I've been working hard to make 135 swap cards to share with my fellow Founder's Circle achievers - many of you have seen my swap on display in my classroom over the past month.  I was FLATTERED that many of you loved it at my open house - if you couldn't make it, no worries, I'll be finally posting it tomorrow! 

BOO!

My friend, Andrea, hosted a workshop for me last weekend, too.  She wanted a Halloween theme and requested a 3D item!  Here's what I designed for her.  I think it's SO stinkin' cute.  And, all of the workshop guests loved making fun expressions with those little eyes.

I simply took some of the Wicked Fun DSP and adhered it to a piece of chipboard of the same size.  I used the new Sizzix Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets to adhere the DSP to the chipboard - super simple (I've been saying that a lot recently).  We then ran it through the Big Shot using the Top Note die.  I just love how the perforation shows up when you cut chipboard!

We cut the letters out of the SU Simple Letters Alphabet.  But, to make life easy (again) we used the Sizzix Multipurpose sheets.  This time, I adhered an entire sheet of card stock to the adhesive sheet and cut it into squares.  We ran it through the Big Shot and they only had to peel off the backing to adhere it to their chipboard hanging.  Are you following that?  I'm a better demonstrator than I am describer!

We used the 3/4" circle and 1/2" circle punches to make the eyes.  We used our Crop-a-Dile to punch some holes, inserted Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, and used Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon to create the hanger.  Oh, and we punched some bats!

FYI....I'm still in Utah, so feel free to click here to see everything I've been up to and have planned over the next few days.

Headed to Utah!

So, when this post appears on my blog, I will be sitting on a Delta airplane headed back to Utah for the Founder's Cirlce retreat.  THANK YOU, again, for helping me achieve that honor this past stamping year.  I will be there until Sunday - and posting TONS (I hope).  I already have the "Founder's Circle Section" of my blog up and ready for posting!  There's some info up there now about the activites I get to enjoy over the next few days.

But, I've also scheduled posts showing more of my projects from last weekend's Open House.  So, you might want to check back multiple times a day!

Today's project is a SIMPLE frame that I made using the Wicked Fun DSP.  Did you know the bats are flocked???  LOVE IT!  I used an entire 12x12 sheet.  Then I rubbed on the Happy Halloween sentiment from the Spooky Things decor elements.  I love both collections of decor elements in the mini catalog.  You can cut them apart and do SO MANY things with them!  I think I used the Halloween decor on at least four different projects - and I still haven't used the bird!

Haunted House

When I saw the house kit in the new Holiday Mini Catalog, I was instantly in love.  However, Brent demonstrated a Haunted House version that was very awesome!  I couldn't wait to make my own.  It was SO simple to make!  I purchased a can of black spray paint and while it was still went, sprinkled our black glitter over the entire house.  It's amazing in the light!

After it dried, I adhered vellum paper to the windows.  I sponged Pumpkin Pie ink over the vellum and stamped the bats from the Wicked Stamp set.

The Happy Halloween banner over the door was stamped from the Dark & Dreary stamp set with some Silver Waffle Paper behind.  I punched some bats from DSP, embellished with the Black Jewels, and stuck a battery-operated candle inside!  Super fun and super simple!  Oh, and super affordable, too!  The houses are only $5.95 - why not build a town?!?!?

2010 Holiday Mini Open House

Wow!  What a fun weekend!  Yesterday I held my 2010 Holiday Mini Extravaganza (Open House).  It was great to visit with some of my regular customers, a couple of customers I hadn't seen in years, and a couple of brand new ones, too! 

I confess, I didn't go to bed on Friday night because I couldn't stop stamping.  However, around 3am on Saturday morning I realized that I had overdone it on Halloween, didn't have nearly as much Christmas as I thought I had, and pretty much skipped over Thanksgiving - with the exception of a couple of items.  But, everyone was pleased with the displays. 

I'm sharing with you samples of my Christmas and Halloween displays.  There were several other sample boards containing tons of card samples from convention, previous workshops, and other random events.  I always welcome cameras!  So, it was so flattering to watch everyone taking photos of my projects.  I'm so flattered when you LOVE what I've created!

Everyone also made two quick and simple Make and Takes.  Neither are Kristin Originals.  They were both inspired by cards I received from other demonstrators and I tweaked them a bit.  The fall card was inspired by Claire Lawrence - my upline.  The Holiday card was inspired by one of my favorite swaps from convention made by Amy Smith from Arizona.  Her's was a GORGEOUS pink and brown Christmas card.  I loved her color combo because it was different.  But, many of my customers commented that they'd like it in traditional Christmas colors - so that's what I did.

If you're curious who won my door prizes, Patty Jo won a $40 shopping spree and Suzie won a hostess set!  Congrats ladies!

Stay tuned, I will be posting photos of some of the projects over the next few days.  Check back soon!

More Greeting Card Kids!

Remember last week?  I talked about how I fell in love with this silly stamp set?  Well, here's another project I designed using it.  Do you think my watercoloring is improving at all?  I've been using our ink pads and blender pens to watercolor.  Don't lie to me...am I getting better?

So, here are the supplies I used on this gal:

• Greeting Card Kids Stamp Set
• Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Soft Suede, So Saffron, Basic Gray, and Blush Blossom (marker).  Jet Black Stazon
• Blender Pens
• Black Flourish Designer Jewels
• Cajun Craze and Basic Black Card Stock.  Watercolor Paper.  Wicked Fun Specialty DSP.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm just moving through the holidays, aren't I?  Here's another card I designed for Mary's workshop last week.  It uses a returning favorite from last year's Holiday Mini Catalog!  Mary was SO happy this stamp set was "promoted" to the big catalog this year....she didn't get it last year!  This card was super easy and fun to make!  I could see myself making a stack of these cards to send out this fall!  It certainly could work for a variety of occasions.

Here are the supplies we used on this guy:

• Autumn Splendor and Thankful For Stamp Sets
• More Mustard, Riding Hood Red, Soft Suede, and Always Artichoke Classic Ink
• More Mustard, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, and Very Vanilla Card Stock

Mary's Wicked Cool Workshop Card

I designed this fun card (with some inspirational help from the September Stampin' Success Magazine) for Mary's workshop.  What's Stampin' Success Magazine?  What, you haven't seen that on the rack at your local big box craft store?  Of course not!  That's one of the perks of being a demonstrator.  Each month, Stampin' Up! sends us a beautiful magazine packed full of fun ideas.  I'm especially looking forward to the November 2010 issue!  You'll have to ask me why!

Here are the supplies we used on this card:

• Wicked Cool Stamp Set
• Bring on the Bats Jumbo Wheel
• Bitty Bat Punch
• Rich Razzleberry Satin and Striped Ribbon
• Versamark, Basic Black, and Rich Razzleberry Inks
• Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, and Basic Black Card Stock

Greeting Card Kids - Halloween

Okay, seriously, this stamp set is NOT my style.  But, I made three cards (maybe more) last week using this adorable little witch.  What's gotten into me?  I don't like to watercolor.  I don't like "cutesy".  Someone take my temperature!  But, I LOVE this stamp set!!!

I used some fun products on this card, too.  Hello?  Did you remember we have chunky black glitter?  I sure didn't!  But, a lot of people have pulled it out recently for Halloween projects...and so did I!

Here's everything I used to make this cutesy card:

• Greeting Card Kids Stamp Set
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray, Soft Suede, Blush Blossom (marker), So Saffron Classic Inks
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Rich Razzleberry Card Stock.  Watercolor Paper.
• Old Olive Striped Ribbon
• Tombo Liquid Adhesive
• Chunky Essentials Glitter (in black)
• Big Shot
• Spider Web Embossing Folder (Holiday Mini)
• 2-1/2" Circle Punch (Holiday Mini)

Wicked Cool Projects....Revealed

Last week I announced a bonus class for the month of September.  When I mentioned it at a workshop, six of the nine guests in attendance immediately signed up.  Another guest requested an additional date for Monday, September 13th.  Now that they're signed up, I sure hope they like the projects!!! 

Here are the four projects that all attendees will get to make.  AND, they'll be going home with the Wicked Cool stamp set and a package of Black Flourish Designer Jewels!  There's still room, but you have to hurry!  Registration closes on September 1st so that I can get all of your goodies ordered!

- Thursday, September 9th - 7pm
- Monday, September 13th - 7pm

You may e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) to register.  Or, you may use the order form below to register immediately!  Hope to see you there!

Online event registration for Wicked Cool Halloween Class powered by Eventbrite

Inspiration for these projects was provided by (whether they know it or not):  Mary Fish, Angie Juda, Dawn Griffith, and Heather Summers.  None of the projects are exactly like theirs, but some of the elements are close enough that I felt I should share the credit!

Pumpkins

You may have seen similar pumpkins floating around the internet (I know I have).  This year, at the Stampin' Up! Convention, Brent Steele demonstrated how to make these.  Every time I say, "this year, at the Stampin' Up! Convention", I hear myself saying, "one time, at band camp"!!!  You know that line from the movie American Pie?  I hope you don't feel that way!

ANYWAY...Brent showed us how to make these pumpkins (you can click on the photo to make it larger).  So, I ran out to my local craft store even before my mini catalog pre-order arrived because I wanted to make them, too.  Brent's were made with white pumpkins.  I stood in the store for about five minutes with a pumpkin in each hand trying to decide between white or orange.  I'm glad I chose white!  Brent's were a couple of different sizes, but I decided to go all the same size - I'm a matchy-matchy kinda girl.

They were SUPER easy to make - I took one package of the soon-to-be-released Black Flourish jewels in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Yes, it only takes one package if you get creative with the swirls.  I then took the Spooky Things Decor Elements (only $14.95) in black....and voila....decor pumpkins!  Oh, and I also tied them together with 1/4" black grosgrain.  I'm not sure why...but Brent's were tied together, therefore mine needed to be tied together.  Whatever!

Many of you have told me that you received your Holiday Mini Catalogs last week, both of the products used to decorate these pumpkins can be found on page 8.  You'll notice that there are other images included in the Decor Elements.  You'll just have to attend my Holiday Mini Extravaganza on September 11th to see what else I've made!  Ha Ha!!!

Did you do the math?  It cost less than $20 in products to decorate these pumpkins!  And, I had LOTS of leftover product for other projects.  Granted, you have to buy the pumpkins.  But, even in early August, my big box craft store had them on sale for 40% off!

Wicked Cool Halloween

If you stalk my "Classes and Events" section of my blog, you may have noticed that I quietly added a new class to my calendar in September.  I mentioned this class in my workshop last night and six ladies quickly signed up!  So, I thought I'd bring it to your attention before you miss out.  However, due to the popularity of the class so far, I may add another session later in September!  Currently, only two seats remain!!!

I have absolutely fallen in love with this adorable Halloween stamp set.  I've seen so many cute projects that feature this set.

In this class, you will receive your very own Wicked Cool stamp set, an entire package of Black Flourish Designer Jewels (in the Holiday Mini), and you'll make four adorable projects!  This class is a GREAT value!!

Materials Fee:
- Clear Mount Option (includes $19.90 in products) - $30
- Wood Mount Option (includes $24.90 in products) - $35

You may use the online ticket option below to register immediately!  Or, you may e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) if you would prefer to use cash or check.  Because I'm including stamp sets with this class, you must register by Wednesday, September 1st.

Online event registration for Wicked Cool Halloween Class powered by Eventbrite

August Die Cut Divas

Last night was the first of my three Die Cut Divas classes for this month.  It was REALLY hard for me to come up with projects this week.  I was SO inspired by SO many of the Big Shot dies and raw materials coming out in the Holiday Mini.  And, I didn't receive my pre-order in time to design projects for August.  It's okay, though.  There is SO much in the next Holiday Mini that it's going to take all four months for me to just scratch the surface with the new goodies!

So, when I was stuck, I turned to PaperCrafts magazine this month for inspiration.  I jumped for joy when it arrived in my mailbox on Tuesday!  This month's edition is packed full of cute ideas - many using SU products!  Both cards pictured here are cased from cards in PaperCrafts.  The Halloween card uses the wood sheets that SU sells and bats punched from the new Bat Punch.  The cards the girls made last night look a teeny bit different.  I let them play with some of my new Holiday Mini goodies.  They added some bling to their bats using the new self-adhesive black rhinestone jewel things.  See, they're so new I don't even know what they're called!!! 

The basket was a project I've had in mind for a couple of months.  I love the Basket from the Basket and Blooms die embossed with that texturey folder from the Occasions Mini.  Oh my gosh...the real product names are escaping me! 

I'm offering this class on Friday and Sunday afternoons this week.  There's still room!  If you've purchased a Big Shot from me, you can attend for FREE!!!  Otherwise, you're welcome to attend for $10.  Please e-mail me if you'd like to attend!

Thankful Decor Blocks

I LOVE the wooden blocks in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I've also fallen completely in LOVE with the Autumn Meadows DSP in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I joke that I thought the paper was the "ugliest in the catalog" based upon the teeny tiny swatches in the catty.  But, when you look at the paper in person, it's absolutely GORGEOUS!

Inspired by the blocks in the catalog, I made my own vinyl letters for these blocks using some raw Chocolate Chip vinyl, my Big Shot, and the Serif Essentials Alphabet.  I just LOVE the result!

Make Your Own!!!

Do you want to make your own set of Thankful blocks???  No problem!  I've scheduled a class where you can make your own set for $35.  It is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at 7pm.  Email me to register!

The class fee includes:

• 2 Sets of Wooden (3"x3") Decor Blocks (Holiday Mini Catalog)
• 1/2 Pack of Autumn Meadows DSP - you'll have leftover paper to keep for future projects
• 1 Anywhere Glue Stick
• Chocolate Chip Vinyl (you'll receive pre-cut letters if you order the "in-the-mail" kit)

Can't attend or live too far?  No problem!  I'm able to offer this class in the mail!  Your kit will include all of the supplies listed above plus step-by-step instructions.  I recommend that you provide your own hobby blade and sanding block to trim off any excess paper from the blocks, if necessary.  Classes will ship via USPS Priority Mail.  Total cost, including postage is $45.  Simply use the PayPal link below to order yours today!  Kits will ship the last week of October.  Or, feel free to e-mail me with other questions.

Wandering Words - Holiday Mini Swaps

Okay, okay....I guess the weekend is over...time to get back to work!!!

At our monthly downline meeting this month, a dozen or so of us are swapping cards made using stamp sets from the new Holiday Mini Catalog.  What's a downline meeting you ask?  It's our monthly demonstrator get-together!  I hate calling them meetings, because they're too fun for that boring title!  We chat, swap cards, stamp, and share ideas...oh yeah, and eat!  This month they've asked ME to conduct a "mock workshop".  I hope they know what they're asking for!!!  Do you want to see me conduct a workshop?  Contact me - I would love to do one for you and your friends!

Anyway...I was SO in love with this card that I just couldn't wait to share it online!!!  It's inspired by a couple of cards I've seen on other blogs and some techniques we learned at convention!

Let me tell you about my leaf!  First, I cut the maple leaf out of a 2.5" x 2.5" square of wood using my Big Shot and Leaves #2 die.  I LOVE the wood sheets in the Big Catalog.  And, you can get at least 10 leaves out of 1 sheet.

Next, I sponged some coordinating classic ink over the leaf using sponge daubers.  I used More Mustard and Close to Cocoa on this project.

Finally, I sponged just a wee bit of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint along the edges of the leaf over the Close to Cocoa ink.  This stuff goes a LONG way!!!  They gave us some tips at convention this year.  They suggested dropping a little bit of the paint into the container's cap.  You then pick up just a bit of the paint with your sponge dauber - which conveniently fits perfectly inside the cap!

I thought the glittery edge made the leaf look like it was kissed by morning dew!

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

• Wandering Words Stamp Set (Holiday Mini)
• Woodgrain Background Stamp
• Close to Cocoa Classic Ink
• Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (Holiday Mini)
• Versamark Ink
• Autumn Meadow DSP (Holiday Mini)
• Close to Cocoa Card Stock
• More Mustard Card Stock
• Taken With Teal Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Texture Cuts Wood Sheets
• Masterpiece Ribbon Originals
• Scallop Edge Punch
• Sponge Daubers

Grateful Leaves

One of the fun techniques I saw at convention showed the wood sheets dyed!!!  Why didn't I think of that?!?!?!  On this card, I ran the wood sheet through my Big Shot using the Leaves #2 Die.  I then sponged some coordinated classic ink on the wooden leaves.  So easy!!!

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Grateful Greetings Stamp Set (Holiday Mini)
• Wood Sheets
• Leaves #2 Die
• Autumn Meadows DSP (Holiday Mini)
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Dusty Durango Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• More Mustard Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Really Rust Classic Ink