Stampin' and Scrappin' With Kristin

Sweet Pea Sympathy

I had to make a sympathy card this week.  Those are the least fun to make.  I turned to my new, favorite designer paper and found a completely different print/color combo yet!  I know you'll just love the Sweet Pea DSP Stack!!! 

This card came together in no time!  I cut out a couple of butterflies and a tag using the Big Shot, stamped a sentiment from the best sympathy card set we offer - Thoughts & Prayers, and assembled!  The hard part was writing the inside!

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

• Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set
• Sweet Pea DSP Stack (OccMini)
• Lots of Tags Label 2 Sizzlit
• Beautiful Butterlifes Bigz Die
• Linen Thread
• So Saffron Card Stock
• Whisper White card Stock
• Pretty-in-Pink Card Stock
• Wide Oval Punch

I'm at Leadership Today....you can check out my Leadership section to see what I've been up to:

Daily Agenda	This Year's Swap:	Wednesday: Day 1 Highlights
Thursday: Day 2 Highlights	Friday: Day 3 Highlights	Saturday (Regional): Day 4 Highlights

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???

12 Days of Holiday Sales

Between now and December 22nd, you can save on select Big Shot Dies and raw vinyl!  Click Here to shop online!

Build-a-Bear Workshop Parties

Last week I hosted my first of two Build-a-Bear Workshop parties.  My second one is tonight!  We had a great time!  Everyone had a chance to watch the new Holly & Hal movie and then make a couple of projects.  I think everyone had fun playing with the Build-a-Bear products. 

We made two projects.  The first used the stamp sets.  They watercolored the bears with a blender pen and watercolor crayons.  But, I think they most loved playing with the Big Shot Dies!  I pulled out my scrap bin and let them design their own bears.  I know how much I loved playing with the bears.

I wanted to share with you some of the photos I took...sorry if they're not great, I lost my camera for about a week!  I took these with my iPhone.

 

 

And here are just a few of the cards they made.  I LOVE their creativity!!!

This first card was made by Bonnie.  I love her use of the Christmas Cocoa patterned paper to make the clothes and accents!  I also love the rhinestone brads.  She's adorable!
 

This next card was Jane's.  Check out the details!  I LOVE the baseball bat.  How'd she do that?  That's the Word Window punch shaped to look like a baseball bat.  She then drew the woodgrain using the blender pens and watercolor crayons (I think).

 

Finally is Suzie's!  Isn't this little ballerina adorable?  She used the Snowflake Punch to make the skirt.

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.

Build-a-Bear Fest!

Get ready for a Build-a-Bear fest!  Today I'm demonstrating the Build-a-Bear products to a group of about 120 demonstrators at our Fall Fest event!  It's a fabulous event where demonstrators from all over the Northeast...and then some...get together to stamp, swap, share, inspire, create, and chat!  It's SO much fun.  At today's event, we're lucky enough to have TWO fabulous demonstrators from Ohio demonstrate and teach us some stamping techniques - Karen Barber (my "grandma" in the SU family) and Michelle Zindorf (one of my "aunts" in the SU family) - both stamping "royalty"!

I thought I'd give you a sneak peek of one of the projects I've made to display.  It was inspired by a project shown at convention.  It's a dress-up bear game.  I've cut lots of clothes and accessories out of DSP and magnet sheets.  It's SO simple to make magnets with your Big Shot.  I found self-adhesive sheets online.  I just cut the DSP and the magnet sheet to the size I needed, adhered the DSP to the magnet, then ran it through the Big Shot! I placed a circular magnet to the back of a couple of SU containers.  One is for boys clothes.  One is for girls clothes.  It keeps them all nice and organized.

(Side note....I made this project at 1am on Friday morning.  When decorating the tin I was very focused on choosing colors that coordinated with the teal tin.  Apparently I forgot the tin was teal when I dressed my bear!  What was I thinking???  Olive Sweater???  Oh gosh!  It's still cute, though!

I used an empty Hodgepodge Hardware box as the case (thanks, Tina, for the idea).  It's the perfect travel-size companion!  I decorated the box - and turned it into a purse (inspired by a convention project from a few years back).  I think the result is absolutely adorable.

I'll be sharing more of the projects over the next few days.  But, let me tell you....these little guys are ADDICTIVE!!!  I couldn't stop cutting out little bears - trying to find new ways to use their accessories.  

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

Think Happy Thoughts

I completely forgot all about this stamp set!!!  But, it was exactly what I was looking for when I designed this card for Kacey's Custom Stamp-a-Stack last Saturday.  She contacted me through Facebook and asked to set up a custom stamp-a-stack for her, her mom, and friends.  It was loads of fun!!!   They made 12 cards...4 designs...3 of each.  I loved the simplicity of this one!

After the event, Kacey posted her thoughts from the class on Saturday.  I cried when I read it!  Experiences like this are what I love most about my "job".  I love the relationships, the laughter, the inspiration, and the sharing.  Wow!

Here are the supplies I used:

• Think Happy Thoughts Stamp Set
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink
• Melon Mambo Marker
• Melon Mambo Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Ribbon
• 3/4" Circle Punch
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch
• 1 3/8" Circle Punch
• Scallop Circle Punch
• Big Shot
• Finial Press Embossing Folder

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!!!

Convention Gifts - Part 2

Good afternoon!  I know, I'm spoiling you with all of these posts!  But I have SO much to share this week.  This project is the gift I gave to my SAM yesterday.  What's a SAM?  It's a person at Stampin' Up! that helps to answer my questions, coaches me on my business, and is there for whatever I need.  I was assigned a SAM because I earned the incentive trip to the Southern Caribbean.  Personally, I think my SAM is more valuable that the free cruise.  You think I'm nuts, don't you?  Well, I'm not alone - once you've had that level of support, you never want to lose it!

SO...to show my appreciation, I made up a little gift for my SAM.  Using an empty Pretties Kit box, I decorated it with some Cottage Wall DSP and coordinating Rich Razzleberry ribbon.  I filled it with all kinds of things I thought she might need while "working" at convention - chocolate, chocolate, tissues, chocolate...you get the idea.  I cannot wait to se my SAM this year.  I talk to her every week, but only get the chance to see her once - maybe twice - if she's lucky enough to attend Leadership.  I'll post a picture of the two of us over on the convention section of my blog.

Convention Bag Tag

I thought I'd share with you my convention bag tag!  I made this cute little tag so I could easily identify my convention bag from all of the others - since there will be thousands of us with the same bag!

I covered pieces of raw chipboard with various patterns of Cottage Wall DSP - adhering them together with Tombo Multi-Purpose adhesive.  I then ran them through my Big Shot using the Top Note and Butterflies dies.  I cut some coordinating letters using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Simple Letters Alphabet and Timeless Type Alphabet Junior Letters and Numbers Sizzlits out of Rich Razzleberry card stock.  I popped a Jumbo Eyelet through the top and looped some Old Olive Wide Grosgrain ribbon through for a tie.  Finally, I adhered some half-pearls from the Pretties kit to the butterfly using Crystal Effects.

Full of Life

Whoo Hoo!!!  Do you know what tomorrow is??? I leave for Salt Lake City and the Annual Stampin' Up! Convention.  I have worked my butt off to give you daily samples while I am gone - check back every day.  And, no worries, I will be blogging as well from SLC - and if you followed along with me last year, you know you'll feel like you're experiencing the convention right along with me.

I am IN LOVE with this snazzy Big Shot technique!  You might remember my Die Cut Diva's card from a few days ago.  I was inspired by the Bella Bleu DSP color combo when I designed this card.  There will be more Bella Bleu later this week. 

How did I achieve this look?  I brayered the flat side of the embossing folder with Not Quite Navy Classic Ink.  I then ran it through with Shimmery White Card Stock.  The raised areas don't get inked.  Here's my tip - make sure you have your embossing folder well-inked.  And, I run the folder through the Big Shot four times!!!  I want to make sure every little drop of ink gets transfered.

Here are the supplies I used on this card:

• Full of Life Stamp Set
• Finial Press Embossing Folder
• Big Shot + required pads
• Kraft Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Not Quite Navy Card Stock
• Shimmery White Card Stock
• Not Quite Navy Classic Ink
• Whisper White Satin Ribbon
• Dimensionals
• Brayer

Die Cut Divas

I designed this card for tomorrow's Die Cut Diva class.  It was inspired by a card that one of my friends shared with me the other night.  I just LOVE this card!  It is awesome how many different techniques and projects you can make with the Big Shot!!!  I made a few of these cards tonight to mail out to my stamping friends.

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Big Shot
• Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder
• Lots of Tags Sizzlit
• Wide Oval Punch
• Shimmery White Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink
• Pretty in Pink Marker
• Chocolate Chip Marker
• Brayer
• Button Latte Designer Buttons
• Linen Thread
• Thank You Kindly Stamp Set

Diva Night

Each quarter my "upline", Claire, hosts a Diva Night where she cooks a yummy dinner, plans several projects, and gives us door prizes!  Tonight was one  of those nights.  To be eligible to attend Diva Night we must meet certain criteria - lots of us strive to earn it every quarter because it's so fun.  Here are the projects we made tonight!

 

The More the Merrier - Level 3 Hostess Set

Can you tell I love cupcakes???  I've been stamping a whole lot of them recently!!!  Here's a card I made a couple of weeks ago using the new The More the Merrier Hostess Level 3 Stamp Set!!!  I fell in love with this set the moment I saw it.  Want it?  Contact me to learn how you can get this stamp set absolutely free!!!

I can tell you're going to be seeing a lot of this color combination over the next few months - I just love Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, and Chocolate Chip together.  I also love the new Polka Dot ribbon that comes in all of the new In Colors.  The best part?  It only has polka dots on one side.  Since this card uses Very Vanilla, I didn't like the white polka dots on the ribbon......so I flipped it over!  What do you think?

Here are all of the supplies I used:

• The More the Merrier Hostess Level 3 Stamp Set
• Melon Mambo Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Watercolor Paper
• Big Shot
• Stampin' Up! Texturz Blackgrounds 1
• Modern Label Punch
• Word Window Punch
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink
• Jet Black Stazon Ink
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink
• Close to Cocoa Classic Ink
• Certainly Celery Classic Ink
• So Saffron Classic Ink
• Dimensionals

Hostess Appreciation Party Invite

Last night was my annual Hostess Appreciation Party.  Every year I throw a fabulous bash to celebrate my fabulous hostesses!  This year was no different.  They stamped several cards, ate tasty food (at least I thought it was tasty), and won FANTASTIC door prizes.  Some lucky winners even went home with some of the new In Color Paper.  Other lucky winners won brand new stamp sets, accessories, Decor Elements, Designer Series Paper, Ribbon, and more!  They also got to take advantage of some fantastic promotions I offered just for the evening.  Half of the attendees have already booked parties for this next catalog!  They certainly don't want to miss out on the fun next year....and neither do you!  Contact me to book your own workshop!!!

Today's card is the invitation they all received in the mail a few weeks back.  I should have taken photos of the party, but I also baked cupcakes and put them on a fancy tiered cupcake server to mimic the card. 

Here are the supplies I used to make the invitation:

• Crazy for Cupcakes Stamp Set
• Family Phrases Stamp Set
• Ruby Red Card Stock
• Barely Banana Card Stock
• Baja Breeze Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Big Shot
• Clear Circle Die
• Scallop Circle Die
• Dimensionals
• Jet Black Stazon Ink
• Ruby Red Classic Ink
• Baja Breeze Classic Ink
• Barely Banana Classic Ink
• Blender Pens

Jessica's Sweet 16 Card

This past weekend we celebrated my step-daughter's 16th birthday!  I've previously shared the invites.  Her color scheme was hot pink, black, and silver.  So, naturally, her card had to coordinate!  I made a larger-than-normal card for me.  It was 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 (a full piece of card stock folded in half).  At first I was worried I wouldn't be able to cover that much real estate, but no worries!  It turned out just fine!

Here are the supplies I used for her card:

• Taffy Alphabet Stamp Set
• "sweet" sentiment from some unknown stamp set from SAB a few years back!
• Sticky Cuts Letters
• Chunky Essentials Glitter
• Basic Black Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Melon Mambo Card Stock (New In Color)
• Brushed Silver Card Stock
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink (New In Color)
• Small Oval Punch
• Large Oval Punch
• Big Shot
• Stampin' Up! Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates
• Standard Texturz Impressions Pad
• Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber
• Stamp-a-Ma-Jig
• Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon (upside down)

Win a Big Shot!

Have you used the Big Shot yet?  Chances are...if you've attended one of my events recently, you have!  I love this Die-Cutting machine.  I find myself pulling it out whenever I'm making a card or scrapbook page. 

Here's your chance to WIN your very own Big Shot!  All you have to do is schedule one of the following events in July, August, or September 2009:

• Qualified In-Home Workshop
• Qualified Custom Class
• Qualified Catalog Party

Already own the Big Shot???  No problem!  If you are the lucky winner, you can choose a $99.95 gift certificate instead!

Here are some available dates for your event!!!

July - 10th (Fri evening) - 12th (Sun afternoon or evening) - 14th (Tues evening) - 17th (Fri afternoon) - 22nd (Wed afternoon or evening) - 24th (Fri evening) - 25th (Sat evening) - 26th (Sun afternoon or evening) - 29th (Wed evening) - 31st (Fri afternoon or evening)

August - 1st (Sat afternoon) - 2nd (Sun afternoon or evening) - 3rd (Mon evening) - 14th (Fri afternoon or evening) - 15th (Sat afternoon or evening) - 16th (Sun afternoon or evening) - 21st (Fri afternoon or evening) - 26th (Wed or evening) - 27th (Thur evening) - 31st (Mon evening)

September - 9th (Wed evening) - 11th (Fri evening) - 12th (Sat evening) - 13th (Sun evening) - 17th (Thurs evening) - 23rd (Wed evening) - 25th (Fri evening) - 27th (Sun afternoon or evening) - 29th (Tues evening) - 30th (Wed afternoon or evening)

There are just a couple of rules:

• Qualfiying Workshops or Catalog Parties must have sales of $250 or more (before tax and shipping)
• Custom Classes must have at least 8 paying attendees to qualify.
• This promotion is offered by me.  This is not a Stampin' Up! promotion.

Big Shot Movers & Shapers Curly Label (and a Sneak Peek)

I purchased the Movers & Shapers Big Shot Die quite awhile ago but haven't used it until now.  In fact, I buried the first one that I made the expensive mistake of buying a second one!!!  Ouch.  As part of the sneak peek for the new catalog, Stampin' Up! allowed us to purchase a set of dies that work with the Movers & Shapers Die.

Let me take a step back and explain this die.  A lot of people weren't really sure what it was when looking at the catalog.  And, because I hadn't gotten around to demonstrating it, no one learned from me!  It's a big die that will actually cut and score an invitation-size card base.  But, what makes this die special is that it comes with a magnetic, moveable piece that you can position to cut a window anywhere on your card front.  Sure, you can punch windows with your punches.  However, our punches are designed to only punch through 1 layer of card stock.  However, as you probably know, the Big Shot will cut through several.  The Movers & Shapers Die comes with a moveable piece that coordinates with the Curly Label Punch.  However, in the next catalog, you can purchase a set that coordinates with three more punches - including the brand new Modern Label Punch.

Here are the supplies we used to make this card:

• Movers & Shapers Die
• Curly Label Punch
• Cute & Curly Stamp Set (Going Dormant?)
• Pacific Point Card Stock (Retiring)
• Pacific Point Classic Ink (Retiring)
• Pacific Point DSP (Retiring)
• Summer Sun Card Stock
• Whisper White Satin Ribbon

Big Shot Beach Box

Each month any of my customers who have purchased the Big Shot get to attend a free class!  This month I let them check out some of the new dies and make some cute projects!

This was the first project - a beach scene box.  Perfect for summer.  These were designed by demonstrator BJ Peters.  We're making a box each month!

We used the following Big Shot Dies to make the box:

• Box #2
• Top Note
• Scallop Circle
• Clear Circle

Sweet 16 Invitations

Hi friends!!!  Some of you have started to e-mail me to see if I'm still alive.  I'm here.  I'm kicking!  No worries - I've been stamping up a storm - a couple of hundred cards to be exact!!!  Okay, well 100 of them were my wedding thank you cards.  Then there were the Tastefully Simple Invitations, the Hostess Appreciation Party Invitations, the Sweet 16 Party Invitations, and all of the projects for my stamping classes!  Whew!  No worries...I took photos of everything.  First up is a snazzy birthday party invitation.

Saturday I had the pleasure of stamping with my new step-daughter and her mom.  She's turning 16 next month and is having TWO birthday celebrations.  So, we had to design two invitations.  This first invitation is for a handful of her friends.  She's taking her friends down to the Jersey Shore for the weekend.  Because we only needed 4, we were able to add some extra special touches.

The inspiration was a cross between my wedding invitations - which Jess helped to assemble - and a card in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Here are the supplies we used to make this card:

• Life's a Breeze Stamp Set
• Circle Scissor Plus
• Big Shot
• Swirly Decorative Strip Die
• See You Around Jumbo Wheel
• Bashful Blue Classic Ink
• Brocade Blue Classic Ink
• Riding Hood Red Classic Ink
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink
• So Saffron Classic Ink
• Bashful Blue Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Riding Hood Red Card Stock
• So Saffron Card Stock
• Dimensionals
• Riding Hood Red Striped Ribbon
• Crop-a-Dile
• Whisper White Jumbo Brads

And, here's a picture of the inside of the invitation.  The pull-out tab includes some friendly packing reminders.

Big Shot Flower Pot Box

Wow!  Isn't this flower pot so stinkin' cute?  Stampin' Up! demonstrator, BJ Peters, showed us a bunch of cute boxes in Hawaii.  She has one for every month.  She also shared all of the instructions with us.  How cool was that?  So, each month my Die Cut Divas will get to make a box appropriate for the season.

So, you may have heard the saying "April Flowers Bring May Flowers".  It seemed appropriate to make a flower pot as we left the month of April and headed into May.

The base of the box is made using the Box #2 Die.  If you don't own this die, you need it.  I use it over and over and over again.  And, who knew there were so many uses for the Top Note Die?  I've seen it turned into a snowman, a flower pot, a mummy, a pumpkin, and countless other shapes.  It's great on Scrapbook Pages and cards.  If you don't own this die, you need it too!!!

Crazy for Cupcakes

Here's a card my Die Cut Divas made last night.  What's a Die Cut Diva?  Die Cut Divas are the members of my exclusive club for anyone who has purchased the Big Shot from me!  They get to attend a FREE class every month and make a few projects using the Big Shot.  I love these classes because they challenge me to find new ways to use my Big Shot!  Tune in Saturday for another project my Divas made on Wednesday!

To make this card, we used the Decorative Accents Big Shot Die.  We cut the swirl out of a Sticky Page.  They're found on page 180 of the current catalog.  They are a 12x12 sheet of sticky.  You can create your own sticky cuts using the sheets.  Or, you can cover one of our chipboard albums using them.  Ever since the catalog came out in January, I've wanted to run them through my Big Shot.  Here it is - April - and I'm just now doing it!  Darn wedding.  I cut down the Decorative Accent and then glittered it up with turquoise glitter from the Fine Cosmo Glitter collection.

Here are all of the supplies I used to make this 5x5 card:

• Crazy for Cupcakes Stamp Set
• Short & Sweet Stamp Set
• Rainbow Sherbet DSP
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Tempting Turquoise Card Stock
• Green Galore Card Stock
• Tempting Turquoise Marker
• Apricot Appeal Marker
• Green Galore Marker
• Jet Black Stazon Ink
• Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink
• Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon
• Fine Cosmo Glitter
• Decorative Accents Bigz Die
• Big Shot
• Dimensionals

That's Funny Birthday Card

This past weekend was my father-in-law's birthday.  My husband's family gets very excited when they open one of my homemade cards.  So, I felt a bit of pressure.

I had Jaron's color challenge still sitting in the back of my head when I sat down to design this card (and the scraps still sitting on the craft table), so I used them!  When I made the card for Jaron's Color Challenge on Friday, I remember thinking that it was a good color scheme for a masculine card - maybe because Jaron is male.  Dunno.

But, here's what I came up with.  Mike always buys humorous cards when he goes shopping.  Therefore, I wanted something with a sense of humor - yet homemade.  I think I accomplished that!  I found this stamp set in the "That's Funny" Stamp Set.  Whoo Hoo...I used another new stamp set off of my shelves!  I stamped the image in Jet Black Stazon then colored it with my Taken With Teal, Old Olive, Summer Sun, and Barely Banana markers.  I added some "bling" with my Ice Square Brads.  I turned them on their points to coordinate with the textured diamond background I made with my Texturz plates on the Whisper White Card Stock.

Candy Jar

Mike loves pickles.  He finished off a pickle jar this week on the same day that I decided I wanted a candy jar for my desk at work.  So, I decided to alter his empty jar.  I loved it because it had ridges.  The only problem?  It's about 14 inches around.  Stampin' Up! paper is only 12 inches wide, right?  Ah ha!  No problem!  If you turn the paper so that it's a diamond, you can actually create a 3x14 inch strip!  You waste a ton of paper - or create really big triangular scraps, but it works!  I have an 18" cutter, so cutting the paper isn't a problem. 

I had some extra supplies sitting around from last week's stamp club, so I decided to go with Basic Gray, Walk in the Park DSP, Baja Breeze Ribbon, then cut some letters out of Basic Gray Card Stock using my Sizzix Big Shot and Go-Go Boots Alphabet.  Very simple, quick, and will look lovely filled with chocolate!

Vellum Butterflies

I am completely addicted to cutting and embossing vellum with my Big Shot!  I've moved on to vellum butterflies.  It all started with a favor box I saw in Creating Keepsakes this month...you remember my post from 2 days ago?  Then I received a swap from one of my fellow demonstrators, Melanie Robson.  She layered a vellum butterfly all "glittered up" over another butterfly of the same size.  So, I took these two ideas and morphed them.  I glittered up a vellum butterfly using Versamark, Heat & Stick Powder, and Dazzling Diamonds.  I then adhered it to a whisper white butterfly using glue dots.  Then I took some silver cord and tied it around the butterfly to make a body, head, and antenna.

Here are all of the supplies I used on this card:

• Oval All Stamp Set (Mini Catalog)
• Rose Red Classic Ink
• Scallop Oval Punch (Mini Catalog)
• Large Oval Punch
• Whisper White Satin Ribbon (Mini Catalog)
• Dimensionals
• Glue Dots
• Silver Cord (retired)
• Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die
• Sizzix Big Shot
• Pink Pirouette Card Stock
• Kiwi Kiss Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Rose Red Card Stock

Pillow Box Favors

I just love making little boxes these days!  I was sitting at work the other day and I got the idea to fill a trifle bowl full of pillow box favors.  How cute would they look?  So, when I got home, I pulled out a pack of Sweet Always DSP and some coordinating ribbon.  You can get 48 coordinating boxes out of a package of DSP! 

Have you ever seen how expensive little favor boxes can be if you purchase them in a store?  These little guys cost around 58 cents each - including DSP, ribbon, sticky strip, shipping, and NJ sales tax.  That's not bad at all!!!

Each box is 1/4 sheet of DSP and 14 inches of wide grosgrain ribbon.  I fit 24 pillow boxes into my Pampered Chef trifle bowl over there on the right.  I decorated the bowl with some Pink Pirouette grosgrain ribbon.  Now I'm in the mood to throw a party!

Friends 24-7

Have you seen this stamp set in the catalog?  I didn't realize I'd even bought it until I had seen a beautiful card in a stamping magazine that Stampin' Up! sends to demonstrators monthly.  The card was not my style - my husband even admitted that when he saw it.  But, I love it.  So, that's why it came to mind when I was seeking out a sentiment for today's card.

A fellow demonstrator of mine was having a ribbon emergency the other day.  I was glad to come to the rescue.  But, how can you send another demonstrator ribbon without a hand-stamped card?  Well, I can never pull a card off of my shelves to send to anyone.  I have to make them their own special card.  But, I admit, it was 10pm and I didn't have a lot of time.  So I whipped out this card.  It is SO insanely quick and simple, yet turns out so elegant because of the card stock vellum.  Ever since I used it on my wedding programs, I'm drawn to card stock vellum and this Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die.  I'd like to think I was the first person to think of this, but I'm sure I wasn't.  But, to be honest, I did come up with it on my own - without seeing it online first!

Anyway, I ran a layer of card stock vellum through my Big Shot with the Textured Impression Die.  It's great because it's easy to hide adhesive on this card.  I ran a strip of Snail behind the ribbon and strategically placed Glue Dots around the edges of the flowers.  I then layered it over Whisper White, Certainly Celery, and So Saffron Card Stock.  Like I said, I found the sentiment in the "Friends 24-7" stamp set and stamped it in Certainly Celery.  I tied some of the old So Saffron Wide Grosgrain Ribbon left over from Sale-a-Bration around the card.  LOVE IT!!!  Hope you do to!

Big Shot Easter Favors

Here are a couple of last-minute of Easter Favor ideas!  Apparently I'm hosting Easter dinner this year.  It's not too bad, there will only be 12 of us.  I love setting a table!  And, with all of these fabulous new Big Shot Box Dies, I don't know what to do with myself....especially since I'm totally in love with the thick window sheets in the Mini Catalog!!!  It just amazes me that I can create a box out of plastic!  It's the little things...ya know!

ANYWAY, back to the favor ideas.  The first is my favorite - maybe because it's inspired by my wedding favors or because it holds a lot of chocolate.  I used the Box #2 Die - my favorite - out of a Window Sheet.  Warning...if you want to have 100 favors, you will need to order 20 pounds of M&Ms!  I thought I'd have a bunch left over after making mine....I was wrong!  I only had a sandwich-sized baggie.

After I cut my box out of the window sheet, assembled it, and filled it with M&Ms, I tied some of the old Sale-a-Bration Certainly Celery Poly-Twill ribbon around it.  You could easily use any ribbon.  I then punched out a tag using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Lots of Tags Sizzlits in Certainly Celery.  I layered some Tea Party DSP which was laying around from the other day - punched from the large oval punch.  Then, finally, I stamped "Happy Easter" from the "A Good Egg" stamp set in Lovely Lilac.  There I go with that purple again!!!  What's gotten into me???

The next favor is made using the BRAND NEW Matchbox Die found in the Mini Catalog.  I'm lovin' this thing too!  There are so many possibilities!  Oh, and yes, I'm also using Window Sheets!!!

First, I cut the box out of Certainly Celery card stock.  It's really easy to assemble....once you get the hang of it!!!  Believe it or not, it uses no adhesive!!!  Crazy, huh? 

Anyway, I filled this little guy with M&Ms...far fewer that the box above.  I love the band that goes around it - also cut and scored with the same Matchbox Die.  But, before I put it together, I punched a window using the Curly Label Punch.  I then cut a small square out of the Printed Window Sheets to keep those little M&Ms from falling out.  I tied some Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain Ribbon around it, stamped "hoppy easter" from the "An Egg-cellent Easter" stamp set (also in the Mini) in Regal Rose, and punched it out using the Word Window.

Did you know that there's a promotion going on in April?  For every $40 you spend out of the Mini Catalog, you can choose an item from the "Under $10" page of the Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog!  Yes!  You bet I'm stocking up on Window Sheets this month!!!

Here's one final picture of our cute little matchbox partially opened.  How cute?!?!?!

Tea Party - Scrapbook Sessions

Have you read about my upcoming Scrapbook Sessions Series?  I'm offering a scrapbook class every month.  Each month will use a different collection of the Designer Series Paper.  This month's selection is Tea Party.  If you aren't able to attend the class, or would like to purchase a long-distance option, please e-mail me - kristinfuller@aol.com - for details.

In each class, you will make three, two-page scrapbook spreads.  Here is an example of one of them.

 

As I was creating this page, I was wondering - what on earth was I thinking when I selected this particular DSP collection.  If you know me, you know I am not a fan of pastels.  And, you probably realize by now that purple is my least favorite color.  Heck, I couldn't tell you which purple is which in the SU color family if my life depended on it.  How terrible is that?  What kind of demonstrator am I?  Oh well.  I'm sure you'll forgive me.

Anyway, these classes offer you a chance to get caught up on your scrapbooking.  Imagine, if you attend every month, you'll have 36, 2-page spreads complete in a year!  WOW!  Maybe I'll get caught up right along with you. 

Baby Shower Card

My friends Julie and Brandon are having a baby!  Yesterday was their baby shower.  I wanted to share with you the adorable card I made for them.  It uses tons of new Stampin' Up! tools - the Texturz Plates and the Circle Cutter!

I cut the Baja Breeze scallop using the Circle Scallop #2 Die.  I used the circle cutter to cut the Barely Banana circle.  Then I used the Circles #2 Die to cut the Whisper White Circle.  I'm falling in love with the circle cutter.  Once you get the hang of it, it's a piece of cake.  The trick is holding it down steady and using enough adhesive to hold down your card stock.  Anyway....back to the card.  I used the exclusive Stampin' Up! Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates to emboss the polka dots in the background of the top layer of Whisper White.

The teddy bear image comes from Cute & Cuddly.  I stamped him in Close to Cocoa and colored him in with my ink and a blender pen using Close to Cocoa and Creamy Caramel.  I stamped the Welcome Baby sentiment from the Short and Sweet stamp set.  I love that little versatile thing!  Finally, I tied some Baja Breeze ribbon around the botton and voila!  A cute card!

I popped up several of the layers using dimensionals - especially between the top layer of Whisper White and the Whisper White card base.  I took a side-view photo so you could get a better idea of the dimensions.

Enjoy!

New Window Sheets

Have you had a chance to check out all of the new products in the Occasions Mini Catalog?  One of my favorite items are the new Window Sheets.  The other night I decided to play with the window sheets with my Big Shot.  I had no idea how thick "20 mil" really was.  But, oh my gosh!!!  This stuff is THICK and REALLY COOL!!!  I'm gonna have to stock up - and really hope that it lands in the regular catalog for years to come.

Inspired by the picture on Page 10 of the mini catalog, I made a box with the "Box #2" Die.  Of course the Big Shot sliced and scored it beautifully!  To decorate the box, I whipped out the new multi-color, Summer Love Rub-Ons (also in the new mini).  The rubbed on very easily.  I then tied some Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon around the box.  SO SIMPLE!

I packed the box full of little 3x3 love notes.  Inspired by the color scheme of the rub-ons, I used Basic Gray and Very Vanilla for the card bases.  I decorated the love notes with more rub-ons and coordinating ribbon.

Here's a full list of all of the supplies I used on this project:

• Summer Love Rub-Ons (114620)
• Window Sheets Thick (114324)
• Basic Gray Card Stock (108692)
• Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650)
• Box #2 Die (114518)
• Sizzix Big Shot (113439)
• Very Versatile Stamp Set (113806)
• Basic Gray Classic Ink (109120)
• Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink (111835)
• Cameo Coral Classic Ink (103035)
• Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon (111879)
• Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (109064)
• Valet Ribbon Originals (114318)

Stamp-a-Stack Reminder

This weekend and next I'm offering four Stamp-a-Stack Classes.  There is still room left in three of them!  Here is just one of the card designs class attendees will get to make.

When you attend, you will get to make 12 cards - 4 of each of 3 designs.  You can also choose to purchase envelopes.

Use the links below to register online!

• Friday, April 3rd - 7pm - Register Online
• Sunday, April 5th - 2pm - Register Online
• Thursday, April 9th - 7pm - SOLD OUT (please e-mail me if you want to be placed on a waiting list)
• Saturday, April 11th - 2pm - Register Online

Do you want to host your own Stamp-a-Stack for you and your friends?  I'll be happy to schedule a special date at my house or yours!  Drop me an e-mail or call me at 856-503-7459 to arrange a date!

Wedding Program Cover Revisited - Manhattan Floral and Vellum!!!

You may remember a few days ago I posted my wedding program.  If you read my blog, you know I wasn't overly thrilled with the cover - I thought it needed more layers.  So, as the week went on, I started designing my place cards using the new Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Die.  Well, I started to think my place cards were nicer than my programs.  Back to the drawing board I went, and here's what I came up with.  I LOVE IT!!!  There were a few more steps, but easier steps.  Everyone fell in love with the Big Shot (of course).  We had to make 125 programs and around 50 place cards.  Unfortunately, I only had about 80 sheets of cardstock vellum on hand so I had to expedite ANOTHER order this week to finish the programs.

Anyway, back to the cover.  I ran a sheet of Vellum cardstock through the Big Shot in the Manhattan Floral Impressions Die.  I used SNAIL to adhere it to a layer of Soft Sky DSP (thankfully I had an extra 15 packs sitting around).  The brown satin ribbon hides the adhesive nicely!  The soft sky dsp is on a layer of chocolate chip cardstock over a layer of whisper white cardstock, then adhered to the chocolate chip cardstock base.

You may remember that the original version was bound with white ribbon.  Well, we all thought the ribbon on the side fought with the ribbon on the cover.  It was really only cosmetic.  The pages of the program are really held in place with sticky strip anyway.  So, we easily eliminated the ribbon.  Have I mention that I LOVE the result???  The inside contents haven't changed.

I'd highly recommend checking back regularly this week - I have lots to share.  There will be 100 votive candles decorated with chocolate chip and soft sky by Elaine!  There will be place cards - which are gorgeous!  Then there's the gift card box for the reception gift table.  I'll give ya a hint - Decor Elements!!!  I LOVE the way Stampin' Up! coordinates EVERYTHING!  There will be table names and probably several other wedding-related projects you won't want to miss!!!  Use the "Wedding" link at the bottom of this post to view all of my wedding-related projects!  Enjoy!

Wedding Favors

Yesterday was the first of my three, final Wedding Craft Days.  Several of us sat down and finished the favors.  We also made lots of progress on the Wine Lists and Menus (from my previous post). 

Here's a picture of one of the adorable favors.  We made 100.  The Big Shot really makes it easy to mass-produce boxes and tags!!!  I used the new Box #2 Die for the box.  And, I used one of the tags from the Stampin' Up! exclusive Sizzlits pack - Lots of Tags.  This favor was inspired by one shown at Leadership.  I immediately knew this would be my favor.  However, originally I had planned to close the box, but I think I like it better open - more chocolate fits inside!!!

I wrapped up about 3 ounces of custom-printed M&Ms in a cello bag and tied it with Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon.   I had NO idea custom-printed M&Ms were SO expensive!!!  I ordered 20 pounds thinking a little less than half would be leftover that I could display in an apothecary jar at the reception - wrong.  I have less than 1 sandwich bag full of M&Ms left!!!

To make the box, I found that using 12x12 Chocolate Chip cardstock, cut in half, was the most efficient use of paper.  One of my co-workers, Heather, ran all of the boxes through the Big Shot!  What I like most about this box is that you only need about 1 inch of sticky strip to hold it together!!!  The labels are Soft Sky (boy, I miss that color).  The ribbon is double-stitched Soft Sky ribbon and wraps around the entire box.

Finally, I printed the labels on Whisper White cardstock.  Now, if you've been watching closely, I'm trying to be very consistent with the fonts I'm using on all of the wedding stuff.  I'm only using two.  Do you think anyone will really notice my attention to detail???  Who cares!  I'm having fun.

I need to thank LOTS of people for their help in making my favors!  I already mentioned that Heather cut the boxes and most of the tags.  Elaine cut the remaining tags and assembled more than half of the boxes!!!  She's been a huge help - taking things home and making them in the evenings!!!  Her 8-year old friend, Erin, was also a huge help and filled all of the bags of chocolate.  My mom tied most of the bags.  And, I can't forget some of my other co-workers, Amanda and Jo-Anna, who helped to assemble boxes too!!! 

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.

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???

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!

Parisian Summer

So...as with most of my projects lately...I went shopping at lunch the other day and found this fabulous shadow box frame at Crate & Barrel.  It wasn't cheap.  But, I love the depth.  I knew immediately that I wanted some sort of Decor Element on the glass with a scrapbook page and embellishments inside.  So, I ran home and got to work.

I figured I would just make a page of Mike and I and use the word "Love".  But, you know what?  I think I've exausted my collection of photos with Mike and I together.  Brooke and Ed's wedding pictures were still fresh in my mind from the chipboard project the other day.  What a perfect subject - and such fabulous photos.

I actually made this after yesterday's card - you know, the swirly triangle?  Okay, I'll stop being so hard on myself.  Everyone who saw it at the Bella Rose Booklet Class last night loved it.  Anyway, I'm off-topic again.  I still had the pink and gray color combo goin' on in my head.  I was determined to make it work.  If only Stampin' Up! had a collection of paper with pink and gray.  You know what?  They do - and I had it on hand.  Parisian Summer DSP is absolutely gorgeous!!!  It has gray and pink and burgundy in it.  Well, now that I look at the catalog, I guess it's really Sahara Sand - but I just used the Pink Pirouette floral paper for the background.  The Bravo Burgundy was also appropriate because it was their wedding color!  HELLO!?!  It was meant to be.  Oh, and did I mention that the raw vinyl comes in dark gray???  PERFECT!

The "Love" phrase is one of the new Stampin' Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip Dies - Join in the Cheer.  I simply cut out some of my dark gray vinyl the size of the word "Love", laid it on my die, and ran it through my Big Shot!  I was thrilled to see how beautifully the thinner dies cut through the vinyl!  The tricky part was making the "L" in "Love" look right.  I had to hand-trim the left side with my paper snips.  Could you tell?  I think I did a pretty good job.

I then simply layered some Parisian Summer DSP, Bravo Burgundy Card Stock, Very Vanilla Card Stock, and Brushed Silver Card Stock.  I added some of the fabulous wide Pink Pirouette Ribbon and a hat pin from the pretties kit and viola - a gorgeous framed page!

Since I'm on the topic of the raw vinyl, I wanted to answer Sue's question about the Snowflake Jar question the other day.   She asked:

"So the candy jars with the vinyl are pretty cute & you said you can peel them off to make them seasonal. But can you stick them permanently? "

I've been thinking about this one...the beauty of the decor elements and the raw vinyl is that they aren't permanent.  You can apply them to walls or other objects, and they'll peel off without harming most surfaces.  Because the snowflake is a Sizzix Die, you could make the snowflake out of other material that would be permanent.  What that material would be?  I guess I'll just have to do some experimenting.  But, what I can tell you is that the raw vinyl is pretty durable - is that the word I want?  If you're familiar with rub-ons, you really shouldn't get them wet.  They peel off easily.  The Decor Elements vinyl is different.  I just experimented with my cookie jar.  I ran it under water, scrubbed it with a wash cloth, and then not-so-gently dried it off with a towel.    You can't even tell!!!  Now, I don't think I'd go running it through a dishwasher.  But, it's tough enough to withstand some not-so-gentle cleaning/scrubbing.

Okay...I really babbled on and on there.  If you stuck it out this long - thanks!!!

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!

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!

Kristin's Die-Cut Divas Club!

A lot of you stopped by my yard sale this weekend and saw the brand spankin' new Sizzix Big Shot sitting on my dining room table.  I love this machine!  I know quite a few of you are interested in owning your very own Big Shot, too!

When you purchase your Sizzix Big Shot from me, you'll become a member of a very exclusive club - The Die-Cut Divas!  What do you receive as a member of my new, ultra-exclusive club?  I'm glad you asked!

• FREE Monthly Classes where you can use your Big Shot to make fabulous projects. These classes are open only to customers who purchased the Big Shot from me. They will be held on the first Wednesday of every month in my classroom.
• A weekly newsletter delivered right to your in-box with additional project ideas, samples, and tips.
• Your choice of any free die as a bonus gift for joining ($19.95 or lower).

How can you join?  Simply contact me to order your Big Shot!  There are three different options for purchasing the Big Shot:

Option 1 - $99.95* (a $119.90 value) - Includes:

• Big Shot Machine
• Multipurpose Platform
• Standard Cutting Pads
• My Gift to You:  Your choice of any die ($19.95 or lower)

Option 2 - $195.95* (a $225.15 value) - Includes:

• Big Shot Machine
• Multipurpose Platform
• Standard Cutting Pads
• My Gift to You:  Your choice of any die ($19.95 or lower)
• 2 Stampin' Up! Exclusive Bigz Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note)
• 1 Stampin' Up! Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack (Birds & Blooms)
• 1 Stampin' Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip (Join in the Cheer)
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pads
• Extended Spacer Platform

Option 3 - $259.95* (a $295.10 value) - Includes:

• Big Shot Machine
• Multipurpose Platform
• Standard Cutting Pads
• My Gift to You:  Your choice of any die ($19.95 or lower)
• 2 Stampin' Up! Exclusive Bigz Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note)
• 1 Stampin' Up! Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack (Birds & Blooms)
• 1 Stampin' Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip (Join in the Cheer)
• Decorative Strip Cutting Pads
• Extended Spacer Platform
• Doctor's Bag

* Quoted price does not include applicable sales tax and shipping

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???

My New Stampin' Up! Sizzix Big Shot - Penant Bigz Die

When I got home from work yesterday I ran to the back porch to get my new Big Shot!  I couldn't wait to start playing. But, I have a tip - don't be SO anxious to play with it that you throw away the handle!  Some very simple assembly is required (screwing the handle onto the base). 

I had been preparing for the arrival of the Big Shot!  I ran to the craft store yesterday at lunch and picked up some felt and foam pieces.  I already had a project in mind - a banner advertising my Craft Room Sale this weekend!  No, you're not missing anything, there's no foam in these pictures...Mike came over and cooked me dinner so I stopped playing and cleared off the table so I could set it for dinner.  Oh, and then I had to apply my new spider from this morning's post.  Yes, did you catch that?  My boyfriend comes over and cooks me dinner.  After dinner last night he asked what I wanted for dinner tonight!!  How did I get so spoiled???  Anyway....back to stamping.....

All of the pieces were created using Shelli's favorite Penant Bigz XL Die - it's part of her new signature collection.  I quickly made a penant out of the felt I had picked up at the craft store.  Unfortunately, my alphabet dies aren't arriving until later this week, so I had to improvise on the letters some.  I used Sticky Cuts letters and Black Chunky Glitter.  I then strung it together with some retired Jersey Ribbon Originals and Sticky Strip.  It doesn't get any easier than this!!!  Can you see the possibilities?  Custom homemade banners for birthdays, graduations, showers, holidays, and other parties.  Stay tuned for other projects you can make using the penant.  I bought a ton of dies...but this is the only one I really played with last night.

The Penant Bigz XL Die also has several scallops so I cut a bunch of those...I'll figure out a project for them next!  I'm planning to have a station set up at this weekend's sale so YOU can play with my new Sizzix!

Oh, and remember if you want to order your Big Shot now, contact me, and I'll tell you how you can get your Big Shot for 30% off!!!

Stampin' Up! and Sizzix Big Shot!!

This is SO big, I'm putting it right on the main page for you to see!!!  Stampin' Up! announced a few hours ago that we will begin selling the Sizzix Big Shot and exclusive die-cuts!!!  I'm ordering mine now as I type!!!  Check it out: