Stampin' and Scrappin' With Kristin

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

Kelly's Stamp-a-Stack...Second Card

I was so flattered that Kelly liked my card that posted on August 5 (click here to view my original).  Unfortunately, my original design wasn't a great stamp-a-stack card since I just don't have enough DSP in that pattern to make 48 cards...or enough of the rub-ons!!!  But then we came across another swap I received at convention that I received from Teresa Clark (pictured at the bottom of this post).  At first I didn't realize her card had a stamped background using the Autumn Days stamp set.  It looks SO similar to the DSP.  It makes a great stamp-a-stack card!  We stuck with the layout from my card - especially since another of her cards already uses punched squares (see yesterday's post).  She wanted to omit the square card stock because she didn't want to cover up too much of the stamped background.  But we both agreed that the card needed something.  So, we decided on an Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet along with some Dusty Durango Ribbon.  I LOVE it!

Here are the supplies we used to make this card:

• Autumn Days Stamp Set
• Sincere Salutations Stamp Set
• Crushed Curry Classic Ink
• Dusty Durango Classic Ink
• Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
• Crushed Curry Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Dusty Durango Card Stock
• Crop-a-Dile
• Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets
• Dusty Durango Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

Here's Teresa's original card:

Halloween Home Decor Blocks

There are new, wooden blocks in the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog.  I can't wait to use them!  I'm working on a holiday home decor class where you can get your own set. 

So, after making the Halloween favor from yesterday, I was inspired.  I made my own blocks out of card stock using the Petal Card Die for the Big Shot.  I cut out some letters using the new Simple Letters Alphabet Dies in Old Olive, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie card stock.  I embellished the blocks with some of the Spooky Treats Rub-Ons, Cast-a-Spell DSP, Black Brads, and Black Grosgrain Ribbon.  How cute are these???  However, I felt like I was cutting out Petal Cards forever! 

Tip:  You can't cut more than 1 at a time since there are score lines on the dies.  The Big Shot will cut through the score lines when you try to cut multiple sheets at once.  So, I ran 18 pieces of card stock through, individually, for these blocks.  I get bored easily, it was torture.  But, the result is worth it!

Don't have a Big Shot???  Want to WIN one???  Click on the Big Shot picture below to learn how you can win a Big Shot from me!  Already have a Big Shot?!?!?  No worries...you can choose a $100 Gift Card instead!!!

Halloween Collection

I went a little nuts with Halloween this past weekend.  I made a card, an invitation, a party favor, and check back tomorrow for a coordinating home decor item!

First up...the card.  I showed this to my husband and he immediately commented that it wasn't my style.  He thought I should add some orange.  I kinda like the Olive/Black combo going on.  What do you think?

Here are the supplies I used to make the card:

• From the Crypt Stamp Set
• Spooky Treats Rub-Ons
• Cast-a-Spell DSP
• Basic Black Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Basic Black Classic Ink
• Basic Black Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon

Next up...the Invitation.  This one too FAR longer than it should have.  Even though it's possible to apply rub-ons to our ribbon...it takes FOREVER!!!  My arm felt like it was going to fall off.  Definitely not a technique I'd actually use on an invitation.  But, I was determined to make it work.  And, yes....labor-intensive steps were popular on this project - I cut out all of the stamped images.  I was nuts.

Here are the supplies I used to make the invitation:

• Graveyard Gala Stamp Set
• From the Crypt Stamp Set
• Spooky Treats Rub-Ons
• Cast-a-Spell DSP
• Old Olive Striped Ribbon
• Basic Black Brads
• Basic Black Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Basic Black Classic Ink

I made the favor last.  It's stinkin' simple....maybe because I killed myself on that stupid invitation!!!  I made this box with 7 Petal Card cut-outs.  One for each of the sides.  One for the bottom.  And, two for the lid.  The lid is tricky...if you make it too tight, you can't get it on the box.  But, it makes a very nice sized box.

Here are the supplies I used to make the favor:

• Petal Card Die
• Big Shot
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Basic Black Card Stock
• Old Olive Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon
• Spooky Treats Rub-Ons

Don't have a Big Shot???  Want to WIN one???  Click on the Big Shot picture below to learn how you can win a Big Shot from me!  Already have a Big Shot?!?!?  No worries...you can choose a $100 Gift Card instead!!!

Stampin' Up! Convention

It's finally here - it's Check-In Day for Convention!  I created a special section on my website just for convention.  Click on the following convention icon to read all about it!!!

 

As promised, I still have a daily sample for you!!!  Honestly, I really struggled with this card.  I don't know why!  I couldn't figure out which rub-on to use or whether I should stamp or not stamp.  Why are some cards harder to design than others???  I do like the result.  It's simple!  And, there's no stamping!

Here are the supplies I used on this card:

• Autumn Harvest Rub-Ons
• Autumn Traditions DSP
• Playground Designer Buttons (free in August with $35 purchase from the Growing Up Section of the catalog)
• Linen Thread
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Crushed Curry Card Stock
• Elegant Eggplant Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Dimensonals

Autumn Days

I designed this card for my Die Cut Divas, but my husband told me the inside didn't match with the outside so it got scrapped.  But, I still love the card front!  I didn't think I liked the Pheasant, but he's growing on me.  The pheasant brings back memories of my childhood.  My grandfather shot a pheasant and had it stuffed.  We carried that silly, stiff, dead bird around like a pet.  Gross, huh?

Anyway, here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Autumn Days Stamp Set
• Great Friend Stamp Set
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Crushed Curry Card Stock
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Soft Suede marker
• Old Olive Marker
• Linen Thread
• Jumbo Vanilla Brads
• Dimensionals

Halloween Swap

I made this card as my swap for our July Philly Inkers meeting earlier in the week.  They were picking on me for swapping a Halloween card!  But, I have been looking at the new Groom Specialty Paper and the new Eggplant Rick-Rack ribbon and they screamed Halloween to me.  I hadn't received any of the new Halloween stamps yet, but House of Haunts did the trick!  I also thought this card absolutely needed some Pumpkin Pie ribbon.  But, the only Pumpkin Pie ribbon that we offer is narrow grosgrain or striped stuff that just wasn't matching the mood of this card.  So, I made my own!  I pulled out some White Satin ribbon, my Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink Pad, and a sponge dauber.  A few minutes later, I had EXACTLY the look I was aiming for.  What do you think?

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• House of Haunts Stamp Set
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink
• Jet Black Stazon Ink
• Pumpkin Pie Card Stock
• Elegant Eggplant Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Groom Specialty Paper
• Whisper White Satin Ribbon
• Orchard Ribbon Originals
• Stamp-a-Ma-Jig

And, no, my technical issues aren't resolved....I just bought a new computer.  Check it out!  Isn't it cute????  It fits perfectly in the front pocket of my purse!!

Halloween Scrapbook

Aren't the two kids in this picture adorable?  Do you know who they are?  Yup, that's me and my brother - dressed as witches!  I'm teaching him to play the piano. 

I designed this page for one of my stamp clubs this month.  I think the page would make a great framed picture to showcase your kids' Halloween costumes each year!  The black piece was sized to fit a 5x7 picture, but as you can see, my picture was only 3.5x4.5 - remember when that was the standard picture size???  So the picture didn't look quite as lost, I matted it on more Kiwi Kiss and Pumpkin Pie Cardstock.

I used the Big Shot and the Serif Essentials Alphabet for the title - I love those letters!  Yes, they're an investment, but they're a great size for all kinds of projects.  I used the 1 inch and 1/2 inch circle punches to make the eyeballs.

Boo Banner

Isn't this banner adorable?  My Die Cut Divas Club had the chance to make one of their very own last Wednesday.   We used both the Penant and the Serif Essentials Alphabet Dies with the Sizzix Big Shot.  We also used the Ghostly Greetings DSP with coordinating card stock and Kiwi Kiss Ribbon.  Wouldn't this look cute in your house too???

Fall Stamp-a-Stack

Wanna see the cards that we made last weekend at the Stamp-a-Stack???  Here they are!  Everyone got to make 4 of each of these cards.  I had all kinds of sentiments on the table so that everyone could customize the cards for various occasion.  Which is your favorite?  I'm torn between the Close to Cocoa/Baja Breeze card with the Pocket Sihouettes stamp set and the Flower for All Seasons card.  The Flower for All Seasons stamp set is growing on me.  Stampin' Up! gave it to me for free at convention.  How fun is that?!?!?

   

Big Shot Treat Bag

I think this bag looks a lot cuter in person, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway!  Last night another of my stamp clubs gathered for food, fun, and stamping.  The hostess specifically said - NO CARDS!  And she requested to learn how to use the Sizzix Big Shot.  Well, I think this project meets that criteria!

I simply ran a lunch bag through my Big Shot and cut out a window using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Top Note Bigz Die.  I love this die!  It's great on card fronts, bag toppers, bag windows, scrapbook pages, the options are endless!!!  I adhered some acetate inside the bag to create the window.  I then cut out leaves with the Leaves #2 Originals Die. 

Love that Ribbon???  That's more of the new Alpine Ribbon Originals from the Holiday Mini catalog and some of the new Rope Twine.

I created a tag using a scalloped chipboard square that I covered in Really Rust Craft Ink and Clear embossing Powder.  I stamped a sentiment in Chocolate Chip Classic Ink from the Thoroughly Thankful Stamp Set.

Upsy Daisy

Good morning dear friends!  Wow, what an eventful week this has turned out to be - I wish I could share everything, but some of it's top secret...at least for the moment.   But, in the meantime, I have squeezed in some time to stamp!  One of my stamp clubs meets tonight so I put together three projects for them this evening.  I always challenge myself when I design projects.  My challenge this time - use the 15% off Stamps, use new product, and use the Big Shot.  Tonight's hostess didn't have any special requests, so the sky was the limit!

The card I'm sharing with you today meets all three of those criteria.  It uses Upsy Daisy which is currently on sale for $16.11 through the end of September.  It uses the brand spankin' new Top Note Bigz Die - a Stampin' Up! exclusive for the Big Shot.  And, it uses Haiku DSP and So Saffron Poly Twill ribbon!  I love the colors in this card - I think it's a great fall card.  Heck, it's borderline masculine, too!

Just Jawing

Miss me?  I took the weekend off to relax and spend time with Mike.  I did get some organizing done, but sadly, no stamping.

I made this card last night.  I'm trying to stamp my way through my new stamp sets.  Whenever I see this stamp set, I picture this skull with glittery eyes - thanks to the catalog.  Except for the cutting, this card was simple to make.  Here are the supplies I used:

• Just Jawing Stamp Set (on sale this month)
• Basic Black Classic Ink
• Tangerine Tango Card Stock
• Kiwi Kiss Textured Card Stock
• Basic Black Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Black Chunky Glitter
• Tombo Multi-Adhesive
• Ghostly Greetings DSP
• Rub-Ons

Blog Candy Winner and a New Class

Thank you EVERYONE for such uplifting comments on my blog yesterday!  I have decided that blog comments are better than therapy.  Granted, I've never tried therapy, but your comments were so inspiring and heart-warming - I can't believe anything would be better!

I will try to respond to your comments over the next couple of days.  I'll definitely try to incorporate some, if not all, of your feedback/suggestions over the next weeks and months ahead.  The winner of the blog candy is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

10	

Timestamp: 2008-08-27 10:51:17 UTC

Winning Name:  Allison P.

Allison said:  Hi Kristin, I love your website! Your postings from the convention were really good and I enjoyed checking them out everyday! Keep the new ideas coming!

I was going to say, send me an e-mail with your mailing address, but I can give you the free stamps when I see you next!!!  E-mail me if you'd like them sooner.  Congrats!

I'm also introducing a class that's been on my calendar for awhile.  But, last night I finally sat down and made the sample.  I just love the way it turned out.  What do you think?  I had some excellent pictures to work with - they are of my brother's wedding a few years ago.  They got married in October and the colors worked REALLY well with the Haiku DSP.  And, Brooke, my sister-in-law, even got to experience some of the design phase - and provided lots of helpful feedback.  She came over to scrapbook last night.  I really enjoyed being crafty with her!!!

You can make your own home decor with me in September.  I will also be offering it as an in-the-mail kit!  So, if you're located in another part of the country, you can make one too!!!  If you're attending in person, you'll get to play with the new Sizzix Big Shot...if you're taking it in the mail, I'll be doing the work for you!  The Class Page lists everything that is included in the class.  I am not pre-cutting the paper this time so that you can customize your wallhanging to work with your photos and theme.

But, let me tell you a little about this one - I cut out the leaves with the new Sizzix Big Shot.  I ran a sheet of the Board Basics through the Big Shot to make my own chipboard embellishments!  I then cut the card stock using the same die and got a perfect layer over top!  No more trimming with a hobby blade!!!  I distressed the leaves a bit using my Stipple Brush (boy, am I glad they didn't retire).  I stamped a small sentiment with To Have & To Hold Stamp Set.  I was also excited to play with some of the new ribbon.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the So Saffron Poly Twill!  And, I love that we have Old Olive in Narrow AND Wide Grosgrains now too!!!  You want to make one, don't you???  Well hop on over and register!

Halloween Candlescape

Hello friends!  How was your weekend?  Mine was absolutely fun!!!  I spent the day on Saturday with friends.  I then locked myself in my classroom and played all afternoon on Sunday.  However, before going out with my friends on Saturday, I put together this darling Halloween Candlescape.  I had picked up these candles at a craft store over lunch on Friday (do you see a theme - lunch breaks = shopping?)  Anyway, my project ties in perfectly with a comment Jenn left on my blog the other day.  Jenn writes:

Quick question for you...what would you use some of the white rubons for?? In particular, the bats/pumpkins/faces/cauldron. I am having a hard time visualizing the versatility of it. Thanks in advance for your ideas:)

Well Jenn, you read my mind!  I picked up this black candle knowing I was going to rub on some of those white rub-ons!  I like the effect.  What do you think?  Sure, bats are traditionally black, but I like the reverse colors on the candle!  I think the white rub-ons would look great on any dark color.  For example, I think they'd look great on a black picture frame or scrapbook page! 

Besides using our Chills & Thrills rub-ons, I also used the Ghostly Greetings DSP along with some coordinating cardstock and ribbon.  I love the way you can see the reverse side of the DSP through the candle holders.  But, do you agree - do you think my pumpkin votive looks like Rambo with a bandana tied around his head???

House of Haunts

Okay...if we were placing bets about which card I'd make first when I received my first shipment of new catalog merchandise, this would NOT have been it!!!  Can you count how many new products I used on this card?  A LOT!!!

First, I'm loving the fact that all of the new stamp sets are die-cut!  I can be stamping with them in minutes!!!  So, let's see...first I used the brand new Top Note Bigz Die to cut the focal point layers.  The die actually has a perforation around the edge - so I trimmed the edge off of the white layer, sanded the rough spots with my sanding block, then sponged the edges with Perfect Plum Classic Ink to disguise any imperfections.  I layered the Whisper White on a layer of Tangerine Tango - hmmm - might be a bit bright for a Halloween card.  But, my original intention was to incorporate some of the new ribbon, but I didn't have any room at the end. 

I embossed the house image with VersaMark and Black Embosing Powder.  I then sponged some color in the moon, tombstones, and windows.  Since I sponged outside the lines, I then used my Stipple Brushes to apply color over the whole layer to disguise THOSE imperfections!!!  In the end, that was Mike's favorite part.

I decided to use Perfect Plum Card Stock as the base layered with some Tangerine Tango and paper from the new Ghostly Greetings DSP.  AND, the bats on the DSP I chose match perfectly with the bats in the Chills & Thrills Rub-Ons!!!  The small trio of bats and the sentiment are rub-ons!  Of course I had to work the Ticket Corner Punch in there somewhere.  What do you think?  New stamp set, new Sizzix die, new DSP, new Rub-Ons, and new In-Color Paper!!!

Then I just had to share this pic of some of the new ribbon - I believe the rest arrives tomorrow along with the new punches.  What was I thinking???  I ordered the punches with only 2-Day Air???

Intoducing Decor Elements Phase Two

I just received my shipment of convention orders.  So, stay tuned for another sneak peek later this afternoon.  But, first, let me introduce you to a sneak peek of one of the items you'll see in Phase Two of Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements.  Only those of us who attended convention were able to order this!  You may remember seeing it in some of my convention photos - it was on a candy jar.  Very cute, but I wanted to do something different. 

This design comes with lots of long web so you can adjust it's height.  I only used about 2/3 or it.  I also changed the position of the word "spooky".  I kind of like it at the top of the arch in my china cabinet.  But, I think it's time to change out my spring china with something a little more festive for fall.

I cannot wait to see what other surprises Stampin' Up! has in store for us this fall!!!