Stampin' and Scrappin' With Kristin

Create a Christmas Keepsake

Stampin' Up! is offering a fabulous Christmas Keepsake Box kit for you this holiday season!  I sat down with one of my friends on Monday night and we made our boxes together.  They turned out super cute!  You can check mine out in my classroom.  I'll have it on display for the remainder of the year.

The kit is a fabulous value!  It includes instructions and most of the supplies you'll need to complete the box including fabric, buttons, ribbons, an entire container of champagne glitter and an entire package of self-adhesive pearls!  You'll have extra supplies to use on other projects! 

Christmas Keepsake Kit:  129024
Price:  $19.95
(No minimum purchase or limits apply!)

There are a few supplies that are not included in the kit:

• Pines & Poinsettias stamp set - Item # 123762 (W) or 123764 (C)
• Early Espresso, Real Red, and Wild Wasabi Stampin’ Write Markers
• Adhesives
• 3/16" Corner Punch
• Paper Cutter
• Paper Snips
• Needle
• Glue gun (I used Sticky Strip, Glue Dots, and Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive instead)
• Simply Scored (optional - the instructions don't call for it, but it would be MUCH easier if you have a scoring tool)

Christmas Lodge

The Christmas Lodge stamp set is probably my favorite Christmas stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I used it to make 126 Christmas cards for my Founder's Circle swaps - you'll get to see those next week!  And, I'm not tired of it yet!  I created this card, inspired by a card I saw on Dawn Olchefske's blog.  But it was actually designed by Jan Carlson.  I made some minor changes, but it's essentially the same card.

I stamped the lodge in Early Espresso.  I added some "snow" to the lodge and ground using the new Dazzling Details on page 41 of the Holiday Mini Catalog.  The sentiment (also from the Christmas Lodge stamp set) was stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  I added some layers of Whisper White, Garden Green Cherry Cobbler, and Frostwood Lodge DSP.  The ribbon is some Cherry Cobbler seam binding which I'd completely forgotten we offered!!!

Snow Much Fun

Today's card is the second card we made at Mary's workshop.  Just like yesterday's project, I wanted to highlight the DSP that's on sale now - Buy 3 Get 1 Free.  This card uses the new Holiday DSP - Letters to Santa.  I specifically used it because she told me she didn't like it!!!  Now, I'm not generally a mean person, but I wanted to show that this paper could be so much fun!

I stamped the snowman (from the Snow Much Fun Stamp Set) in Versamark and then Stazon and heat embossed him with Clear Embossing Powder.  Why didn't I use Black Embossing Powder?  I don't know.  I then bleached the entire snowman using an old blender pen and bleach.  I learned this trick from one of my downline members at our downline meeting last month.  It's so much fun!  Two of my demonstrators show us a fun technique each month.  This one was taught by Hallie!

After he was dry, I took Stampin' Up!s markers and added some color to my snowman in Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray, and Early Espresso.  I stamped the sentiment from the Merry & Type Stamp Set in Marina Mist Classic Ink.  I went a little overboard with the layering.  The colors are Pear Pizzaz, Early Espresso, Whisper White, and Marina Mist - the same colors used in the DSP.  I then teased them a bit with some of the new quilted Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon that will be coming out in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Christmas Home Decor

Tonight I'm stamping with Heather and about 16 of her friends!  I'm SO excited!  It's my last workshop of 2010 - and it sounds like it's going out with a bang!  She asked for a 5x7 frameable project, so here is one of the designs I came up with (I'm still toying with the idea of changing it).  I  LOVE this design (and so does she), but she originally asked for something that could be used all winter.

This frame was easy to make (as it should be if 16 people are going to make it).  I ran some Very Vanilla Card Stock through the snowflake embossing folder (the official name is escpaing me right now).  I then glitterfied the sheet with the champagne mist/rubbing alocohol mix that I'm completely addicted to!  After it dried, I stamped the tall tree from Lovely as a Tree in Always Artichoke.  Then I bunched some more ribbon - Cherry Cobbler Seam binding this time!  I added a tiny pearl to the end to give the appearance that it was tacked down.

The Seasons Greetings sentiment was fun to make!  I made a REALLY long designer label background.  I've included a photo that shows you how I did it!  But, basically, I inserted a strip of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock into the punch and punched off one end.  I then adhered the Seasons Greetings sentiment (on Very Vanilla) to my Cherry Cobbler and then put the strip back in the punch to punch the other end!  This way it looks perfectly centered!  I added some more pearls and it's done!  Voila!

Here's a close up of the strip in the Designer Label Punch!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Six

Welcome back to my Twelve Weeks of Christmas!  This week I wanted to share with you a treat bag we made at a workshop this week.  I designed it using products from another one of the Holiday Promotion Bundles - The Gift Packaging Bundle.  I think I might have to make a bunch of these to use as favors for our annual Christmas Party!

The Gift Packaging Bundle contains a package of Mini Lunch Sacks and the Gifted Stamp Set for only $19.92 or $26.32 - depending upon if you choose wood or clear mount stamps).

I also added some Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper, Old Olive Card Stock, Very Vanilla Card Stock, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, and 1-3/4" Circle Punch.  They were so quick and easy to make!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Five

Friday gets here quicker and quicker each week it seems!  But, I was ready for today's project!  If you attended my Die Cut Divas class this month, you were lucky enough to make this adorable banner absolutely FREE!  Yes, hard to believe, isn't it?  But, my Die Cut Divas get to attend a class every month for free.  Usually they make three projects, but this month they only made this one.  It was a bit more involved than the usual projects.  How do you become a Die Cut Diva?  Easy!  Just buy a Big Shot from me!  It's that simple.  Do you already own a Big Shot?  No problem, you're welcome to join, too, but I ask that you pay a small materials fee.

So, onto how we made this banner!

• I cut chipboard pieces into 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" squares.  This enabled me to get one banner out of our chipboard sheets.  The excess was used on the letters.
• Because I was preparing supplies for twelve banners, I glued an entire sheet of 9-3/4" x 9-3/4" Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper to a 9-3/4" x 9-3/4" Sizzix Adhesive sheet.  I then ran it through my paper cutter to cut the squares down to 3-1/4" x 3-1/4".  Does that make any sense?  I ended up with DSP stickers!
• I repeated that step with each of the four patterns of DSP. 
• I then cut 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles of chipboard out of the excess created in the first step. 
• And, similar to the DSP, I adhered a sheet of card stock to a Sizzix Adhesive sheet and cut the card stock into 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" rectangles in Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, and Early Espresso. 
• That was my pre-work!

When my Divas arrived, they did the following:

• They carefully cut scallop squares out of the new Scallop Square Due Die in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  It was a tight squeeze, but it definitely worked!  They then cut their letters out of the Alphabet Simple Numbers die.
• They adhered the letters to the scallop squares using Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
• Next, because they are Divas, I simply put out an assortment of coordinating embellishments so they could customize their banners.  But, do you know what?  I think they all copied mine!  (I'm flattered because that means they approved!)
• For the "N", I ran a strip of Snail (yes, Snail) down the left side of the scallop and bunched some of the Always Artichoke Seam Binding (in the Holiday Mini) and trimmed up my edges.
• For the "O", I took an Always Artichoke button (in the Holiday Mini) and tied Linen Thread through the holes and tied a bow.  I attached mine with Glue Dots, but some of the girls used the Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
• For the "E", I actually decorated the background first because the "e" is over the trim.  I cut a piece of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock using the Ribbon Punch.  I then wrapped more Linen Thread around the square twice before making a bow.  To finish the edges, I snipped the Cherry Cobbler with my paper snips as close as I could after it was glued to the square.  I then took a sanding block and smoothed the edges.
• For the "L", I simply adhered three of the Basic Pearls - I think I used the large ones.  I also took a small piece of the Victoria Lace Trim and glued it to the back.
• Finally, to string them all together, we laid our finished squares out on top of some Early Espresso Striped Ribbon to figure out spacing.  We then took a hot glue gun and adhered the squares to the ribbon.  We left a loop at the top - I used a HUGE O-Ring as a hook on mine.  Some didn't glue the top until they got home if they wanted to use something else.

Everyone who has seen this banner seems to like it.  And, as much as I was worried, my Divas didn't complain that they only made one project.  This is one I hope that they'll proudly display for years to come!

Christmas Class - Only Four Seats Left!

Did you see my Christmas Card Class?  I took the samples to Kim's workshop last night and everyone LOVED them.  There are still four seats left in my class on Thursday, November 18th!  Simply e-mail me or use the form below to register online!

In this class you will make five Christmas-themed projects in varying colors and styles!  You'll even learn a technique or two (or more).  I will provide all of the supplies needed to complete the projects!  Hope you can attend!

Dates:
- Thursday, November 18th - 7:00pm
- Sunday, November 21st - 2:00pm

Online Ticketing for Christmas Class powered by Eventbrite

Inspiration for these cards provided by: Kimberly Van Diepen, Kelly Acheson, Kim Peck, and Glenda Travelstead

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly

That's the tune that I hum every time I talk about the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set!  Truthfully, that's how I remember how to pronounce "bough".  In this class, every attendee will go home with the "Bells and Boughs" stamp set AND an entire pack of Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper!  Each attendee will get to make four projects using their brand new "Bells & Boughs" stamp set. 

The class is being offered on two different dates because there seemed to be A LOT of interest in this class!  However, because I need to order your supplies, I'll need you to RSVP by November 5th to ensure everyone's products arrive in time!

Please use the form below or e-mail me at kristinkortonick@yahoo.com to register!

Thursday, November 11th - 7pm
or
Wednesday, November 17th - 7pm

Online event registration for Deck The Halls With Boughs of Holly powered by Eventbrite

Inspiration for these projects was provided by:  Diana Gibbs, Mary Ellen Byler, Vicki Edwards, and Nikki Leman.

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Two

It really feels like I was posting the week one post just a few minutes ago!  WOW!  Christmas is now one week closer and I'm not any more prepared!  But, never fear, I still have a Christmas idea for you.  How about a home decor project?

Luminaries are really fun to make.  I've seen all sorts of luminaries online.  I designed this particular projects for a workshop tonight.

I took an 8.5x11 sheet of Real Red Cardstock and cut it in half.  I scored the long edge at 4" and 8" leaving a 1/2" tab for adhering on both halves of cardstock.  Next, using our Paper Trimmer, I cut a window in each of the four sides.  I adhered some cardstock vellum to the inside and then stamped my images.  I used markers, Whisper White Craft Ink, and blender pens to color my images - from the inside.  For a final touch, I used my Tombo Multi-Purpose Adhesive on the front and adhered some Glass Glitter around the edge for a finishing touch.

This style folds flat - perfect for storage!  And they're SO easy to make.  I can just picture a display of assorted luminaries as a holiday centerpiece!

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

Even the Water Bottles Were Festive!

I'm wrapping up my posts about my Holiday Mini Open House - I have one more to go - and it's one of my favorites.  Check back tomorrow!

But, I just had to share this one!  I even decorated my water bottles for the Open House!  I picked up 70 bottles!  I cut the label off of the bottle and replaced it with a 8" x 1-1/2" strip of Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper.  And, don't worry, if you missed it, I'm sure I'll be serving them up for the next month or so at my events!  I still have a few left!

Candy Cane Frame

Did you know that Stampin' Up! sells a picture frame?  Well, if you didn't, you do now!  It can be found in the Definitely Decor catalog on page 9.  It holds a 4x4 picture but it's actually a 12x12 frame.  It gives you plenty of space to decorate!  I chose to use the Candy Cane Christmas Decor Elements - another assortment in the Holiday Mini catalog that can be broken up and used a variety of different ways.  I wanted to find a picture to put inside, but I couldn't lay my hands on one.  So, I took a 4x4 square of Candy Cane Christmas DSP and put it inside!  I think it works!

Christmas Postcard

How about a card?  I haven't posted one in awhile!  Well, to be honest, I'm composing this post back on September 12th - the day after my open house.  I imagine I'll be posting some cards while I'm at Founder's Circle.  But, as I'm posting all of my open house projects, I'm realizing that the projects I'm sharing aren't actually cards!  Many of the cards I had on display at the open house were cards that I had previously posted from workshops or classes - so you've seen most of them.  Many of them were often swaps I've received.  As a personal rule, I rarely post swap cards.  I'm afraid that I won't post someone's card and they'll be sad that I didn't share theirs!

But, here is one card that I made for the open house.  It uses the Christmas Postcard stamp that is found in the back of the Holiday Mini catalog and the Christmas Collage background stamp.  I stamped the background in Crumb Cake.  I stamped the Christmas Postcard image in Black Stazon and watercolored it with my ink pads and a blender pen.

Angelic Joy

The night before my open house, I stayed up the entire night finishing up my displays.  When I was putting up my Christmas display, I realized it was a little "light" on samples.  I had been having way too much fun with Halloween!  I had seen several people make fun luminaries on their websites, so I quickly made my own.  So quick, that I didn't really pay attention to size or proportion.  This one stands over 8" tall and each side is shy of 4 inches.  I actually had to use two sheets of DSP to make it all of the way around.  See, I wasn't real sharp with the math at 4am when this was made and I didn't want to throw the whole thing in the trash.

I stamped the Angel in Black Stazon and colored the back of the vellum using a variety of our Stampin' Write markers.  It's sort of the stained glass technique.  A traditional stained glass technique would have included heat embossing the outline imagine but I was too lazy!  It still turned out cute.  But, when it was done, I realized I had too much "white space" at the top.  So, I tied some Always Artichoke seam binding around the top.  I happened to also have a second battery-operated tea light so it worked perfectly!

I'd love to make additional, similar projects later this year - maybe I'll plan them out and have them a bit more proportional next time!  I'll post them when I do!

2010 Founder's Circle Swap Card!

I'm thrilled that I can finally share this card with EVERYONE!  Here's the swap card I made for this year's Founder's Circle Retreat.  I made 136 cards plus an additional 64 for the Baltimore Regional!  So, if you're a demonstrator and you're attending the Saturday Baltimore regional, maybe you'll swap with me and get one!

When I designed this, I underestimated just how time-consuming this card really was!  I've cut back on one of the time-consuming steps, but it still took a LONG time to make!

It actually took 20 packs of Designer Series paper to make this card.  And, it took 7 rolls of ribbon (and there's not even a bow)!  So, this wasn't exactly inexpensive.  Granted, I could have used different patterns from the DSP pack to make the scallops, but I wanted them to match!  Oh, and the original design included heat embossing the scalloped sentiment.  And, since I'm making a total of 200 cards, that would be 400 heat embossed pieces!  Thank you, Claire, for talking me out of it!

Here's what I used to make this card:

• Perfect Punches Stamp Set
• Old Olive Classic Ink
• Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Cherry Cobbler Card Stock
• Jolly Holiday DSP
• Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
• Tasteful Trim Die
• Big Shot
• 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch
• 1-3/8" Circle Punch
• Victoria Lace Ribbon

Today is another fun-packed day at Founder's Circle!  This afternoon we have a final event - that's about all I know.  But, they're usually spectacular.  Tonight a group of us is heading over to Tuacahn to see a show!  And, sadly, tomorrow we fly home.

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!

The 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog Has FINALLY Arrived!

I have been waiting SO long to share this with you!  I know, many of you received yours in the mail a couple of weeks ago.  But, if you're not on my "snail mail" mailing list, I'm excited for you to see it for the first time.  I've already received e-mails from customers with orders asking me to place them on September 1st.  I think that's a first!  And, one of them is even coming to a class tonight where she could have placed it in person.  THAT tells you just HOW GOOD this mini catalog is.  She cannot wait to get the products in her hands.  Honestly, I CRIED when I first saw it.  YES.  I know...you all know how easily I cry!  But, seriously, I've never cried when I saw our others!  This one is packed full of new punches, new Big Shot dies, FABRIC - Yes, you heard me right - FABRIC!!!  There's glittery paper and glittery brads...and new glitter!  There's FABULOUS new designer series paper, new ribbon, new albums, the list goes on and on.  I'm SURE I've forgotten something!!!  But you can click here to shop online NOW or you can click on the catalog picture to view this catalog (and all of SU's current catalogs) online.

Do you want to see the products and LOTS of samples IN PERSON?  Well, I have the event for you!  To kick off the Holiday Season (meaning - fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, winter, and Christmas...and a little Valentine's thrown in), I'm holding a Holiday Mini EXTRAVAGANZA next Saturday, September 11th.  It will be open house style for EIGHT hours!  My husband will be away for the weekend...so let's party SU style while he's gone!!!  Make sure you bring a camera!

Date:  Saturday, September 11th
Time:  11am - 7pm
Location:  Kristin's House - 20 3rd Street, Elmer, NJ 08318
Phone:  856-503-7459
email:  kristinkortonick@yahoo.com

I'll have lots of fun things for you to do and see:

• FREE Make & Takes using the new products
• Over a hundred different card samples!
• Home Decor, Party, and Gift ideas
• Samples and sign-up sheets for my Fall Classes
• Door prizes
• Tasty treats
• And More!!!

But, that's not ALL!!!  How about receiving this adorable Greenhouse Gala Tote FREE (it's a $39.95 value)!!!  That's right!  When you sign up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator between now and October 18th (while supplies last) you get this tote FOR FREE!!!  I've been using mine since convention and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it for transporting my stamping supplies.  I know you love it, too - many of you have commented about it when you saw me with it!

See all of the products tucked inside?  That's the starter kit you receive when you sign up to be a demonstrator.  You get to CUSTOMIZE your kit.  You get to switch out many of the products so you get what you want!  You get five ink pads, ribbon, four stamp sets, a blender pens, markers, dimensionals, SNAIL, a sponge, Stampin' Mist, Stampin' Scrub, and ENTIRE package of DSP prints in any color collection of your choice, two packs of card stock, a sponge, and more!  I really should remember everything - it was the topic of my convention presentation!  Oh yes...a wheel, the wheel handle, and a reinker of your choice as well!!!  Oh yes...and a Clear Block!  If you do the math, the products are worth $310 but you only pay $175!  When you throw in the adorable bag, you're getting $350 in products for $175 - THAT'S HALF PRICE! 

Contact me at kristinkortonick@yahoo.com or 856-503-7459 for more information on getting your starter kit and FREE Greenhouse Gala Tote!

Christmas Simplicity

Yes, I know...I've been posting a lot of Christmas cards recently.  Why?  Because I'm sharing my Founder's Circle Swap rejects!  This one is so simple, I just LOVE it.  Why did I reject it?  It's too pricey - and maybe a bit TOO simple.  See that button?  That's the culprit.  I need to make 135 cards for Founder's Circle!  And this girl is not buying 40ish packs of buttons so they all match!  But, I still LOVE this card.  You could certainly use Cherry Cobbler from the Regals, Early Espresso from the Neutrals, Vanilla might even work.  BUT, I'm a matchy matchy kinda girl and all of my swaps have to match.  Therefore, this one gets rejected and you get to reap the reward!  Maybe you'll receive one in the mail this holiday season - I'm not ditching this card entirely!

So, where did that scallop trim come from you ask?  Ah ha!  That's a sneak peek!!!  It's cut using the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die in the Big Shot!!!  FUN!  I also have the new FABRIC that would be fun to cut with that die, but I haven't been able to bring myself to cut my fabric.  SU only let me pre-order one pack and I can't cut into something unless I have a backup!  What if I screw it up?  I can't order another until September 1st - and that's like 3 weeks away!!!  I'm sure I'll break down as the month draws to a close  Stop laughing!  You know you do it too! 

Here are ALL of the supplies to make this stylishly simple card (sorry, I'm kinda goofy tonight):

• Christmas Greetings Stamp Set (one of my absolute FAVORITE Christmas stamps)
• Jolly Holiday DSP
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Cherry Cobbler Card Stock
• Victoria Ribbon (YUM)
• Brights Buttons (in Old Olive)
• Linen Thread
• Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Big Shot
• Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die

More Christmas?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?  Well, so it seems!  I just had a second customer this weekend request a Christmas-themed project.  She's more of a scrapbooker than a card maker.  So, she requested a scrapbook page for her workshop.  She wanted to see how stamps could be incorporated into scrapbooking.  She commented several times that punches make quick, affordable, and easy embellishments!  I asked if she had a theme - Christmas was her answer!  Okay, so here we go!

This is the third scrapbook page I've made this month - that's gotta be a new record for me!!!  I love the way this one turned out.

I knew I wanted to use the new Jolly Holiday DSP.  I only had one pack on hand so I had to figure out a way to get 6 of these scrapbook pages (plus my sample) out of a pack.  No problem!!!  I barely made a dent!  I love using the DSP because it pulls together all of my colors:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla.  I stamped some "Simple Snowflakes" in Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler and tried my hardest to punch them out with my snowflake punch.  It's getting really hard to use.  Is yours?  Someone at convention this year mentioned that EKSuccess - the company that makes our punches - redesigned the body style to allow for more intricate shapes.  So, I'm anxious to order the snowflake punch in the new body style to see if it makes a difference.  I also used the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch and tucked a strip under my journaling box.  I love the more delicate scallop this punch creates.  Finally, I cut out the year (I chose 2009 because I'm SO far behind on my scrapbooking) using thick window sheets.  I love the subtle numbers on the page.  I adhered them to the page using my 2-way glue pen which dries clear.  I added a Cherry Cobbler button.  Voila!  My page is adorable, don't ya think?

Christmas in July....oops...August!

I guess I'm a few days late posting this!  I'm sure you'll forgive me!  I had a workshop last Friday night and the hostess requested a "stepped up" workshop with a "Christmas in July" theme.  What's a stepped up workshop?  These girls made 4 projects for $5.  I normally only design 2 cards for a workshop and don't charge a thing.  But, these gals LOVE hosting workshops - they've booked a party for every month between now and JANUARY!  Since I know these girls and their stamping ability, I can throw in a few more complex projects.  Here are the projects they made!

The first two cards probably look familiar to you....they're cased directly from the Idea Book and Catalog!  The tag was also inspired by the Idea Book and Catalog, but I simplified it to save time.  I thought these would be SO easy to reproduce for Christmas.  Finally, the fourth card made an encore appearance from last holiday season!  Both of the stamp sets used to make the snowflake card were in last year's Holiday Mini, but made it into this year's Idea Book and Catalog!  This one turned out to be their favorite (and I'm not surprised)!  So many of you loved this card last year as well!

 

Mega Gift Card Holder!!!

There are about a dozen of us that work together at my client.  I've grown really close to the gang.  I will miss them when my project is over.  Every year they give our supervisor an assortment of gift cards.  Last year they hung them on a small tree.  This year they wanted to frame them.  I was SO excited!  I quickly volunteered to decorate each of the 4x6 spots.  I had just finished my Merry Moments Frame back in December.  Everyone who saw it LOVED it. Did you miss it?  Here's a link to view the post.  No worries, if you want to make your own, all of the supplies are still available for purchase.

Not everyone in our group celebrates Christmas, so I had to keep the gift card holder generic.  I think I used every snowflake and snowman on my shelves!  Here are all of the supplies I used to make the frame:

• Simple Snowflake Stamp
• Merriment Stamp
• Merry & Bright Stamp Set (retired)
• Warm Words Stamp Set
• Four The Holidays (2009 Holiday Mini)
• Two Cool Dudes Stamp Set
• Holiday Lineup Stamp Set
• Serene Snowflaks Stamp Set (2009 Holiday Mini)
• Christmas Punch Hostess Stamp Set
• Bashful Blue Classic Ink
• Night of Navy Classic Ink
• Silver Encore Ink
• Bashful Blue Card Stock
• Night of Navy Card Stock
• Shimmery White Card Stock
• Silver Card Stock
• Big Shot
• #2 Snowflake Die
• Snowflake #9 Sizzlit
• Big Shot
• Night of Navy Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon
• Bashful Blue Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon
• Whisper White Satin Ribbon
• Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon (OccMini)
• Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon
• Small Tag Punch
• Tag Punch
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch
• 1 3/8" Circle Punch
• Scallop Circle Punch
• Large Oval Punch
• Scallop Oval Punch
• Boho Blossoms Punch
• 1/16" Circle Punch
• Snowflake Punch
• Self-Adhesive Rhinestones - Eggcellent Eggs Kit (OccMini)
• Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads

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.