Stampin' and Scrappin' With Kristin

2009 Christmas Card....one of them...

Today I'm sitting in my classroom cursing myself!!!  Why?  I'm working on one of the designs for my holiday cards.  I'm NOT GOOD at "assembly line".  I'm making 60 of this particular design.  I have 25 done.  These are TIME CONSUMING!!!  Who in their right mind would heat emboss the Medallion???  ME!!! 

I also sent out 100 My Digital Studio cards last week.  And, since I'm married, I have a feeling that 60 of thsi one just isn't going to be enough to go to everyone else.  SO, there will probably be a third card.  So, yes, if you're counting, I'm sending out around 200 cards this year.  The post office LOVES me - especially this card - it requires extra postage.

Back to today's card.  I cased it from leezil on Splitcoast.  I was creating a card for my stamp club last month when I ran across this card.  I LOVED IT so it also became my Christmas Card this year.  But, it didn't make much sense to buy 30 simply scrappin' kits.  So, I made my own scallop center. 

ANYWAY, mine wasn't easy.  I used the 3-3/8 inch Medallion Circle die to make my scalloped circle.  However, if you own this die, you know that we don't sell a nesting circle to go inside.  So, I whipped out my Circle Cutter Plus and cut a 3 inch circle out of whisper white card stock.

Next, I showed the card to Mike without the "Merry Christmas".  He thought it needed to say "Merry Christmas" somewhere.  And, he wanted it "stacked".  Well, we don't sell one that works well with this card.  So, I had to make my own.  Using my Real Red marker, I stamped the Merry and the Christmas separately.  The stamp came from the "A Christmas Cardinal" stamp set.

My card measures 5.25x5.25.  The base is actually Real Red Textured Card Stock.  I had a TON of it sitting around from a bulk buy last year.  I then layered a whisper white and old olive layer.  I heat embossed the Medallion with Versamark and White Embossing Powder.  I finished it off with just a little narrow Real Red Grosgrain ribbon.

What do you think???

Christmas Tri-Shutter Card

One of my hostesses recently asked me to do a tri-fold card at her workshop.  And here's what I came up with.  I went to Splitcoast for the tutorial and cased GrammaM's card.  I liked the way she used the Top Note for the front.  I wanted to keep it as basic as I could....for a Tri-Shutter card!

Here are the supplies I used:

• Real Red Textured 12x12 Card Stock
• Real Red Card Stock
• Merry Moments DSP
• Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Real Red Classic Ink
• Garden Green Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• 1/16" Circle Punch
• Real Red Corduroy Buttons (Occasions Mini Sneak Peek - I couldn't help myself)
• Many Merry Messages Stamp Set
• Season of Joy Stamp Set
• Big Shot
• Top Note Die
• Stampin' Sponges

Merry Moments Frame

Each year Stampin' Up! selects a handful of demonstrators to win an Artisan Award.  Any demonstrator can enter.  But, only a few are chosen out of hundreds who submit fantastic cards, scrapbook pages, and 3D projects. 

Throughout the year, the Artisan Award winners create projects to inspire us.  I'm always amazed at what they come up with.  Just recently some new projects were posted for demonstrators.  One immediately caught my eye.  It was a framed home decor item made by Fran Sabad.  I immediately set out looking for a similar frame so that I could recreate it.  I failed miserably at locating her exact frame, but I think I like the one I found even better!  Fran's frame had seven openings.  Mine had eight.  I was very uncreative and copied (or at least tried to) her rectangles exactly as she created.  I only had to create one.  No, I won't tell you which one - but it's definitely my least favorite of the eight!  I cannot wait to display this in my home this holiday season!

The majority of the components are from the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit and the Merry Moments DSP.  Other accessories used were:

• Real Red Wide Grosgrain Ribbon
• Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon
• #2 Snowflake Die
• Big Shot
• 1 1/4" Square Punch
• Dimensionals
• Scallop Edge Punch
• Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware

Now, since I CASEd most of this project, it came together quickly.  Would you believe that I made it in under an hour!  My husband couldn't believe it when I carried it out of my classroom this evening.  The hardest part might have been prying open all of those little metal things that hold the glass in place.  By the way, I removed the glass since I used ribbon and hardware.  Besides, I broke one of the panes taking it out of the frame!!!  But, what I love is that I can easily change out the pictures in the frame throughout the year.

Holiday Decor and Gift Giving

Hello.  Remember me?  I've been SO busy!  It's good busy!  It's great!  I've got so many events on my calendar that it's hard to keep track!  Some of you have even booked your workshops out through February!!!  And, that's a great idea!  I saw the Sale-a-Bration and Occasions Mini brochures yesterday - trust me - you will want to host a workshop in January, February, or March!  I can't share any details yet, but I can say that Stampin' Up! never ceases to amaze me.  And, the upcoming Occasions Mini is definitely no different!

Anyway...did you know that there's a Holiday Gift Extravaganza promotion going on?  Yes!  When you purchase $50 in products from the Holiday Gift Guide, you can get a free Decor Element of $16.95 or less.  And, there's no limit!  I thought I'd show you some of the projects I've recently made using Decor Elements.

First up is a shadow box.  It's inspired from one I saw somewhere.  I honestly can't remember where.  I actually scoured through my Google Reader and SU publications looking for it when I sat down to make it because I couldn't remember exactly what I'd seen.  So, here's what I did!  I went to my local craft store and picked up some jingle bells and a shadow box.  The frame is 10" x 10".  I lined the back with some of our Merry Moments DSP.  I filled the box with some jingle bells.  I then applied the "Jingle All The Way" (small) in Real Red directly on the glass.  This guy is only $3.95!!!   Then I wrapped some Old Olive Striped Ribbon around the entire frame.  I've gotten lots of compliments on this box wherever I take it.  And the best part - you can change it out with each season!  I'm going to have so much fun!

Next I took some leftover Decor Elements from the Holiday Mix collection found in the Holiday Mini.  I had these leftover from the Blocks I made back in September.  I picked up a jar at a local store where you buy storage stuff.  They were not too pricey - maybe around $3-$4.  I think they make the perfect gift filled with homemade candy.  We'll see if I actually get around to filling the jar this season!  Again, I also wrapped around some Old Olive Ribbon.  I've gotten lots of positive feedback about this one as well!

Finally, inspired by a photo in the Holiday Mini Catalog, I made another framed decor item.  Again, using the leftover Holiday Mix Decor Elements and some Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP out of the Holiday Mini, I made this frame in no time!  The hardest part is always cleaning the glass first!  I finished it off with some stitched Real Red Ribbon.

Want to purchase any or all of these items now???  Simply click HERE!

 

Noel Decor Blocks

Did you see the new Decor Blocks on page 30 of the new Holiday Mini Catalog???  They were some of the first things on my wish list!  I couldn't wait to decorate them.  The Holiday Mix Decor Elements are designed to fit perfectly on the blocks.  My first project using these new items was to simply copy the blocks right from the catalog.  It was pretty simple....but not really cost effective.  In fact, you need three different colors of the Decor Elements to make it.  But, that didn't matter to me!  I liked it and wanted to make it!  However, you could certainly eliminate some of the supplies....I left out the rub-ons and the stamped element on the "L" block.

Here are the supplies I used:

• Decor Elements Blocks
• Holiday Mix Chocolate Decor Elements
• Holiday Mix Real Red Decor Elements
• Holiday Mix White Decor Elements
• Anywhere Glue Stick
• Hobby Blade
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Old Olive DSP
• Snowfall Printed Window Sheets
• Medium Rhinestone Brad
• Scallop Edge Punch

Dasher and a Holiday Mini Sneak Peek (or two)

I made a dozen of these cards last week for our monthly downline meeting.  I love our downline meetings!!!  All of the demonstrators in our group (there are around 40) are invited to attend.  We share business ideas, techniques, tips, stamp projects, and swap cards.  This was my swap card.  It was inspired by a card I designed for my Holiday Card Workshops!

I'm not sure you can tell in the photo, but that is FLOCKED designer series paper.  YEP!  You heard me right!!!  There is FLOCKED paper in the Holiday Mini.  It's AWESOME!!!

Here are the supplies I used on this card:

• Dasher Stamp Set (Under $10!)
• Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper (Holiday Mini)
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Real Red Card Stock
• Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Real Red Marker
• 2-Way Glue Pen
• Dazzling Diamonds
• Mistletoe Ribbon Originals (Holiday Mini)

Hope is on the Horizon

One of my customers is a Longaberger Consultant.  She recently asked me to donate a gift for their Annual "Hope is on the Horizon" Benefit.  I was more than happy to contribute something!!!  Last year the group raised over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society.  I hope my little contribution helps them raise even more money this year!!!

I put together a simple Christmas card and included supplies to make 20!  Here's a sample of the card and the supplies I included in the kit:

• Holiday Best Stamp Set
• Real Red Classic Ink
• Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Real Red Card Stock
• Mini Glue Dots
• Medium Whisper White Envelopes
• Step-by-Step Instructions

Serene Snowflakes

I've been stamping up a storm since I got home from convention on Sunday.  I can't post everything...actually I can't post most of it...but I finally jumped into my box of Holiday Mini Stamp Sets....which arrived an entire WEEK AGO thanks to a minor "Next Day Air" shipping snafu. 

I instantly fell in love with the Serene Snowflakes stamp set.  I can tell it's gonna be a popular one!  Inspired by the projects on the same page of the mini, I designed this card.  I also took my first stab at using the new shimmer paint.  I started by sponging some on the edges.  But then it got lopsided and I added more to each side.  Frustrated, I just decided to coat the entire card base with the shimmery stuff.  I love the subtle shimmer it adds!  Not sure how well it shows up online, though...I think it may actually be more subtle in person.

I also "aged" the DSP and the Very Vanilla Card Stock by tearing the edges and sponging Close to Cocoa Classic Ink over the top.

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

• Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set (Holiday Mini)
• Four the Holidays Stamp Set (Holiday Mini)
• Kraft Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Bella Bleu DSP
• Close to Cocoa Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Frost White Shimmer Paint (Holiday Mini)
• Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon
• Sponge Daubers

And...if I'm reading the announcements correctly, the Holiday Mini Catalog will be online tomorrow!!!

PJ Party

We had SO much fun last night at my Holiday Ornaments and Tags Pajama Party.  Due to the fact that my life is completely insane, I never had a chance to make up samples....which was probably a good thing!  Why?  Well, the four of us "cased" and shared and modified the ideas that everyone else came up with.  I was SO tired (I got up at 4:30am to shop), but I didn't want the evening to end.  I was sad when I started seeing the end of my kit. 

My ornaments are now all displayed on my Classroom Christmas Tree.  I also made a handful of gift tags which will be proudly displayed under my Living Room Tree...once I get the presents wrapped!  The options you have with the Country Living Kit are almost endless.  Sad you missed out?  Don't worry...you can still order your kit which includes everything you need to make these ornaments!!  The only thing I added were some beads and pearls from the Pretties Kit.

Click here to order yours online today (click the Shop Now button on my Stampin' Up! page).  The easiest way to find this kit is to enter item number 114447 in the Search Box - or look under the Specials Section.

Want to see some of my tags and ornaments up close?  No problem!  Click on the images to view them larger.

Santa Gift Bag

Wouldn't you like to make this cute gift bag???  Well, my Die Cut Divas are making it absolutely FREE on Wednesday night!!!  That's right!  All of my customers who have purchased the Big Shot from me, get to attend monthly classes free of charge.  In these classes they get to make fun projects with their Big Shot.  Where else can you purchase a product and get free monthly classes showing you new ways to use it???  These days, those places are slim.  Well, that's exactly what you can get to.  Click here for more info on becoming one of my Die Cut Divas!

Anyway, back to the gift bag!  I made this cute guy with two Big Shot Dies - the Stampin' Up! exclusive Pennant Die and the Circles, Scallop #2 Die.  It also uses the Scallop Edge Punch, the 1/2 inch Circle Punch, and the 3/4 inch Circle Punch.  He's made from Real Red, Whisper White, Blush Blossom, and Basic Black Cardstock.  I sponged some color in his cheeks with Blush Blossom Classic Ink and a sponge dauber.  I thought his eyes were boring, so I added some accents with my White Gel Pen. 

Next, I adhered him to one of our white gift sacks, but since he blends in so much, I made a background using Old Olive and Real Red Cardstock along with some Ski Slope Designer Series Paper from the current Mini Catalog.  And, what gift sack would be complete without some tissue paper!  I took a white sheet of tissue paper and stamped the snowflake image from the Country Living Promotion Stamp Set in Baja Breeze Classic Ink.

Christmas Scrapbook Page

Miss me???  I've had a busy, but great, week!  As of October 1st, I'm officially self-employed.  Whoo hoo!!!  How exciting (and scary) is that???  So, besides getting settled in with my newest and first client, I've found some time for stamping!  We had a fabulous time at this weekend's stamp-a-stack - we made 288 cards!!!  I also stamped with several fun groups of ladies at several workshops.  I'll be sharing the projects with you throughout the week.  I hope you'll check back!

But, first, I want to show you a scrapbook page I made for yesterday's workshop.  Everyone made a 6x6 scrapbook page.  I showed them how they could use it as an element on a larger scrapbook page.  Here's mine.  I added some of the cute felt flowers in the Holiday Mini Catalog and some of the In-Color Buttons from the Button Bouquet.  What do you think?  I made the title using the Stampin' Up! Sizzix Big Shot and the Go-Go Boots Alphabet.

A Cardinal Christmas

Good morning!  Boy, do I have samples for you this week!  I've been busy all weekend long with classes and making swaps.  Today's sample is a swap card I designed for our downline meeting tonight.  This one is from this year's Holiday Mini Catalog.  You can see the mini here on October 1st!  It's packed full of gorgeous new products!!!

Here's what I used to make this project:

• A Cardinal Christmas Stamp Set (mini catalog)
• Ruby Red Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Kraft Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Ruby Red Stampin' Write Marker
• Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker
• Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Marker
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Alpine Ribbon Originals (mini catalog)
• Stamp-a-Ma-Jig

I colored the Cardinal image with my Stampin' Write Markers and positioned him on the Very Vanilla Cardstock using my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig.  The rest is pretty self-explanitory.

Snow Swirled

Let me start by saying - this is not how this card looked in my head!  It came really close to not getting blogged.  I like the concept.  I like the color scheme.  I like the technique.  But I don't like the result.  The jury is still out on the stamp set.  First, the tree doesn't have a trunk.  It looks like a swirly triangle.  If it didn't say "Season's Greetings", would you know it's a holiday card?

I was rooting through my new stamp sets trying to find something new to show you when this set caught my eye.  I immediately thought - heat embossing!  Then I thought - on vellum!  Well, the only open pack was Cardstock Vellum...but I don't think that's the problem.  I also thought about sponging the back of the vellum but instead stuck with a square of Certainly Celery Card Stock to make my tree green.  I do like the Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White together.  I'll definitely use that color combo again.  But, it all started to go downhill when my embossed tree wasn't as crisp as it would have been had I just stamped it. 

Then, in the end, it doesn't help that I took a crappy picture.  But, not to fear, I'm not giving up on this stamp set, yet!  I'm probably just having an off-night - why should the stamp set get punished?

Sizzix + Raw Vinyl = Custom Decor!

Oh WOW!!!  I just received my final new catalog order last night.  Well, at least the last of the orders I placed on August 11th - the day the catalog was unveiled.  It contained some additional Sizzix dies.  Ever since I saw the Sizzix and heard that we could purchase sheets of uncut vinyl, I saw tons of possibilities!!!  I picked up this jar on my lunch break yesterday and in less than five minutes, made this adorable gift packaging for some tasty Christmas Cookies!!  I tied some Baja Breeze Ribbon and made a coordinating tag.

Don't want to give this as a gift?  No problem!  You can now decorate your kitchen canisters with various designs to coordinate with all of the holidays!  The vinyl peels off very easily!!!

My Die Cut Divas will have fun making fun projects like this one!

Here's a Story...of a Little Monkey!

Can you hear it?  As I was typing the title of this post, I was humming the Brady Bunch theme song.  I have been itching to make another card with Sock Monkey.  Last night I was stamping my cards for this week's blog posts and I was using Heard from the Heart - another new stamp set.  You'll have to check back later in the week to see the GORGEOUS card I made.  But, I saw the Christmas sentiment in the stamp set and it made me think of a Christmasy monkey holding a heart.  So, I stamped the Sock Monkey with the Santa Hat from Crab and Company and put his little heart in his hands.  It's a rather basic card, but I was just playing around with masking.  How cute, huh?

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Sock Monkey Stamp Set
• Heard from the Heart Stamp Set
• Crab and Company Stamp Set
• Jet Black Stazon
• Close to Cocoa Classic Ink
• Riding Hood Red Classic Ink
• Blush Blossom Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Kiwi Kiss Card Stock
• Close to Cocoa Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Riding Hood Red Card Stock
• Stamp-a-Ma-Jig

Anyway, back to the title of this post...one of my downlines, Cindy, posted a message on our group's forum with the story behind the Sock Monkey the other day.  I thought it was adorable so I had to share it with you:

The Red Heel® socks where first manufactured in 1890 by The Nelson Knitting Mills in Rockford Illinois. John Nelson came to this country from Sweden in 1852 with the Swedish immigrants stepping off the train in Rockford.  The first sock knitting machines were patented by him in 1869. Incorporated in 1880, The Nelson Knitting Co. was the first company world wide to manufacture socks. These sturdy and comfortable work-socks were worn mainly by farmers and factory workers.

In the 1900's mothers started crafting these socks into sock monkeys and other animals for their children. These quality sock were intended and used as work socks, but they became so much more when the Sock Monkey was born. In 1920 Nelson Knitting Mills started to include the directions for the Sock Monkeys with every pair of red Heel® Socks.

Nelson Knitting Mills was purchased by Fox River Mills in 1992 and now Fox River Mills continues the tradition and includes the original directions with every pair of Red Heel® Socks they manufacture.

The original instructions have been packaged with the Red Heel® Socks since 1920.