Stampin' with Kristin

A Christmas Card From All of Us!

Yesterday my co-workers went out to lunch for our annual department lunch.  I was tasked with making a card to give to our boss even though I'm not the only Stampin' Up! demonstrator on our team.  This is the card I made for us to give to Brenda. 

This is a hybrid card - I used MDS to print the sentiment in Gumball Green.  I didn't own a stamp with the sentiment "Happy Holidays From All of Us" - let alone in the correct size, style, and font!  So, I quickly printed on the Whisper White card stock in Gumball Green!  It was SUPER easy.  I thought it would be fun to punch out an assortment of mittens to represent the team.  Granted, there are about a dozen employees on our team - but I just couldn't squeeze that many sets of mittens on the front of the card.

For the card base, I wanted something sturdy.  I knew the mittens, sweater trim, and layers of card stock and glimmer paper would be a bit heavy for a Whisper White card base.  So, instead of using card stock, I cut down a piece of the heavy weight card stock that comes with each package of Designer Series Paper!  It was PERFECT!

The finished card is 6"x6" so I also had to make an envelope - thankfully we have the Simply Scored Tool and the Diagonal Plate.  It wasn't a problem!

Handstamped Christmas Cards AND a Sneak Peek!

Yesterday was a FABULOUS snail mail day for several reasons.  Only one of which I'll post about today.  I received this gorgeous Christmas Card from my friend (and fellow demonstrator), Mary Ellen Byler.  And, since she's also a demonstrator, she has incorporated a Sneak Peek stamped image from the upcoming Spring Catalog.  Yes, you read that right - the cute "Christmas Wishes" ticket focal point is part of a brand new stamp set in the Spring Catalog! 

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 11

Today's project is super fun and super easy to make!  It would also be a fantastic project for you and your kids!  I love using little wooden signs for seasonal decor - they don't require you to put a nail in the wall, they're not fragile, and they store easily!  I actually have a wide assortment of this sort of decor all over my house at Christmas.  You can even see a second sign poking out of the right side of the picture below.

To make this home decor piece, I took a scrap piece of wood and painted it white.  My father cut this piece for me.  But, if you don't own a saw or have a father/husband/boyfriend/neighbor with the tools, your local home improvement store will cut your wood to your specified lengths for free! 

I then decided on a phrase and cut the letters using my Big Shot and some Pool Party Core'dinations Card Stock (yes, a Spring Catalog Sneak Peek).  Now, may I suggest that if you choose to make a similar project you choose your phrase BEFORE you cut your wood!  I adhered the letters to the wood using Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive.

To finish the project, I stamped some snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree Stamp Set in Versamark Ink and heat embossed them using some Silver Embossing Powder.  Yes, you can heat emboss on the wood!  As a final embellishment, I adhered rhinestones to the middle of each flake.

Something I didn't do here, but have done previously, is coat the entire project using Mod Podge.  I did that on this project - HERE - that I gave as a gift last Christmas.

Thank You Cards

Earier this week I sat down and stamped a bunch of these thank you cards to send out to customers who placed online orders from me in November. 

I kind of got away from my challenge to use all of the products in the Holiday Catalog, but I still have another month, right?  This card uses an embellishment I haven't used before - Flourish Designer Frames (127835).  I've always been frustrated that there's never a perfect layer for the Decorative Label Punch, but it doesn't matter a bit if I can frame it so nicely with these adorable, metal frames!  I used the 1/8" Mini Brads (122941) to attach them to the card.

Here's the complete list of supplies I used to create this card:
- Snowflake Soiree Stamp Set W-127922 or C-127925
- Lacy and Lovely Stamp Set W-122885 or C-122887
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Marina Mist Card Stock
- Not Quite Navy Classic Ink
- Marina Mist Classic Ink
- Decorative Label Punch
- Flourish Designer Frames
- 1/8" Mini Brads

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 10

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here, but it certainly doesn't feel like it!  It was close to 70 degrees here in New Jersey today.  Yuck!  But, that's not stopping my holiday prep!  I successfully mailed out 160 Christmas Cards this morning.  I'm sure I'll be sending more out as I remember people I may have accidentally forgotten or whose address I'm still trying to hunt down.  I'll be honest about that.  I love getting the bulk of those out the door - it allows me to stamp for fun for the rest of the month!  I don't know about you, but I don't feel like I can stamp for fun until I get those need-to-do projects off of my list.

When I first saw the Watercolor Winter Stamp Set, I immediately thought of all kinds of non-card projects that I wanted to make.  One of my Christmas sets of China (yes, one of) is the traditional Lenox Holiday pattern.  And the holly in this stamp set coordinates beautifully!  I can imagine menus and place cards and invitations....and candles!  An entire coordinated Christmas dinner table!

It's been years since I've made one of these candles - and they're super easy!  Here's what you do...

- Cut a piece of white tissue paper the size of your candle. 
- Stamp your images on the tissue paper.  For my holly candle I actually used my Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green Markers, along with my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, to create the coordinating holly.  For the pointsettia candle, I simply stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  I "stamped off" the solid layer of the images for both candles.
- When you've completed your stamping, lay the tissue paper around the candle. 
- Next, wrap a layer of waxed paper around the candle - covering the tissue.  I like to keep my waxed paper a little longer so that I have a handle. 
- Using your heat tool (on the low setting), move the heat tool all over the candle like you would if you were heat embossing.  You'll see the candle start to look moist as the top layer of wax begins to melt.  At that point, move on.  You don't want it getting too melted.
- When the entire candle has been heated, gently remove the waxed paper.  Sometimes I'll "touch up" the candle over any spots where the tissue didn't melt into the wax or to smooth any rough edges.  I simply hit those spots again with the heat tool (again, on low).
- Then embellish!  I tied some Cherry Cobbler Seam binding around the tall candle.  I dotted the middles of the flowers using some Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details.

Ornamental Elegance Kit

The ornament on the cover of the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog has been such a hit that Stampin' Up! is making it available to you--just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself!  The kit is only $14.95 and includes elements for you to make 10 ornaments!

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) includes:

• Die-Cut Cardstock Elements
• Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
• Natural Linen Thread
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons 
• Large Pearl Basic Jewels

They've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results (no Big Shot Requried). In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. Anywhere Glue Sticks (104045) are perfect for assembly. 

Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination. Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on some Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

Introducing Holiday Packaging Bundles - 20% Off!!!

Around the holidays, we're are always looking for cute ways to package little treats and gifts for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. At 20% savings, holiday packaging bundles are an affordable and adorable solution. Simply add a treat or gift and assemble.

These bundles are available November 29 through January 2.

Trimmings & Tags Bundle - Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Bundle Includes:

• Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
• Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
• Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)

Petite Treats Bundle - Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Bundle Includes:

• Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
• Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
• Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)

Home Decor Wedding Scrapbook Page

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

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

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

Make a Mitten!

Did you read yesterday's post?  If not, scroll down!  Today's card is the second card that Annemarie requested for stamp club this month.  She also spotted it on Patty Bennett's blog.  I changed a few elements around.  I didn't have the wheel that was used in the background.  Instead, I swapped out the wheel for some Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations Cardstock.  I just LOVE this card stock. I chose it over the standard smooth because I love the textured side.  I thought the "woven" look would coordinate with the mitten.  Does that make sense to you, too?

This card was a bit tricky - the strips of paper on the Tag aren't really strips.  It's part of a specific sheet from the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper.  Luckily I had enough for everyone in club.  I didn't want to change it up since I think I remember that Annemarie likes owls.  I'm guessing that's why she liked this card.  One other change - I didn't have the stamp set with the sentiment.  Mine came from the No Peeking stamp set from the Annual Catalog.

Fun Stamp Club Christmas Card

Last night was my final stamp club of the year.  I've been stamping with this club every month for several years now!  They've become wonderful friends.  Each month a different member of the club is our hostess - she gets the free goodies.  I also let the hostess dictate what we're making (but I do reserve the right to overrule).  This month's hostess was pretty specific.  She had spotted a couple of cards over on Patty Bennett's blog from earlier this month and she asked to make them and a "frameable" project that could feature a photo. 

Today's project is the first card Annemarie liked.  I changed it up a bit.  You probably can't tell in the photo, but I "painted" the white embossed cardstock with Frost White Shimmer Paint using a sponge dauber.  It added an extra (subtle) shimmery effect to the card.  Patty's card also featured a punched mitten.  Since the second card Annemarie requested also featured the mitten, I replaced the mitten with one of the clear faceted buttons and adhered a large pearl in the center.  Finally, I cannot believe there's only a little over a month left to use the sweater trim!!!  I keep saving it "just in case".  I know I'm not the only one who does that.  Well, if I don't use it, I'll have several brand new rolls of retired ribbon for my next yard sale!  I'd rather use it.  Now, I'm not saying that I know anything about what's carrying over and what's not carrying over from the Holiday Catalog, but I think it's a pretty safe bet to assume the sweater trim isn't carrying over - "specialty" ribbons like that rarely do.  So, stock up now!  It comes in Whisper White (129937), Gumball Green (127838), and Cherry Cobbler (129938). 

Brown and Blue Holidays

While I was casing cards I spotted on Pinterest, I made this one designed by Kirsteen Gill.  Hers was actually a birthday card, but I love brown and blue for any occasion (okay, maybe not a baby shower for a baby girl).

This was the second card my Divas made last week.  The colors are Midnight Muse (YUM) and Crumb Cake.  I used several dies on this card:  Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Floral Frames Framelits, and the Snow Flurry Bigz Die - LOVE LOVE LOVE this die!  I cannot stop using it.  Die Cut Divas this month was certainly a good test for everyone to see if they could make the correct "sandwich".

Merry Mini Christmas Card

Here I go again....I spotted this card on Pinterest the other day.  I thought it would make a fun card for my Die Cut Divas.  Yes, I know, not much is Die Cut, but it was too cute NOT to make.  It was designed by Mindy Backes.  I haven't used the Merry Minis stamp set and punch pack much - so I was racing to my stamp set shelves to find it and recreate this card.  I also realized we still sell White Craft Ink.  Yes, I'm terrible - I'm embarrassed that I did not know that.  Craft Ink (available in Basic Black and Whisper White) are pictured in the bottom right hand corner of page 157 of the Annual Catalog.  I made the mistake of assuming we no longer sell any ink when it wasn't pictured with the rest of the Neutrals Collection.  I sponged a little White Craft Ink around the edges of the Crumb Cake Card Stock using a sponge dauber.

The Garden Green scallop across the top was made using the Large Scallop Edgelit.  I paper pierced the scallopand the ornament "strings" using my Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), and the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126187).  All of those are pictured on page 181 of the Annual Catalog.

Seriously Simple Christmas

I received this seriously simple swap card in the mail from my upline, Claire, last week.  I think if you asked me today, the Scentsational Bundle in the Holiday Catalog would have to be my absolute favorite!  There are just SO many different ways to use the framelits and stamps.  You could crank out (literally - since you need the Big Shot) a big ol' stack of these for Christmas this year.

Thanks so much for the card and the idea, Claire!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 6

Wow!  Can you believe we're already halfway through my Twelve Weeks of Christmas Series?  I apologize that I'm a day late in getting this to you.  But, I focused on cleaning my craft room this weekend.  Can you relate?

I spotted the idea for this week's project on Pinterest weeks (if not months) ago!  I think it's a super fun gift package idea.  And it's super inexpensive!  I took an empty toilet paper roll, wrapped a large scrap of Designer Series Paper around the tube, and adhered it with some Sticky Strip.  Finally, I wrapped some cello wrap and tied the ends with some Sweater Trim. 

Now, my first thought was that these would be great for packaging candy.  UM - we're using TOILET PAPER ROLLS.  Empty ones.  Empty ones that have been in a bathroom.  SO, while I like the size of the toilet paper roll, I thought that maybe a paper towel roll might better.  But, I'd think that the toilet paper rolls would be just fine for small, non-edible gifts!

Christmas Card Idea

You may remember me posting about my Shoebox Swap last Sunday.  I played around with a couple of card ideas before I settled on my card.  This is one that didn't make the cut.  I cased a card that was on the Stampin' Up! Facebook page and created by Amy Bollman.  Her's wasn't a Christmas Card.  But, I cased the layout.  I didn't like the focal point which is why it didn't make the cut.  I'll keep playing with the design and might include it in my All That Glitters Card Class.

The colors I used were Baja Breeze, Gumball Green, Whisper White, and Cherry Cobbler.  The sentiment is from the Joyous Celebrations Stamp Set from the Holiday Catalog.

Introducing: All That Glitters Card Class

I know many of you have been waiting to see the projects in my All That Glitters Card Class.  Well, the wait is over.  In this class you'll make one of each of the four cards displayed to the right.  You'll also receive a special glittery product bonus when you attend.

Want to make TWO of each card?  Simply register yourself and a friend who has never attended one of my classes before and you'll get to make two of each card for the same price!

Dates:
Thursday, Novemer 8th - 6:30pm
Saturday, Novemer 10th - 10:00am
Thursday, November 15th - 6:30pm

Materials Fee:  $20 (includes all supplies, adhesive, and envelopes)

Please use the online form below to register using your credit card.  If you'd prefer to pay by cash or check, please e-mail me at kristinkortonick@yahoo.com.

Online Ticketing for All That Glitters Card Class powered by Eventbrite

Happy Halloween!

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

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

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

2012 Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Five

Have you heard?  All stamp sets (excluding hostess sets and bundles) are 15% off today (Monday, October 29, 2012) only!  And when I say "All Stamps", that includes today's fabulous gift idea that showcases the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps!  I just LOVE them.  And, did you see the packaging options in the Holiday Catalog?  Don't you think a Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamp Set (and cookies) would be an awesome hostess gift idea?  How about a teacher's gift?  The bus driver?  The list goes on and on during the holidays!  And today is the day to stock up!!!  The Sweet Pressed sets include the handle and a variety of silicone "stamps".  These stamps are super easy to pop on and off the handle.  And, they go right in the dishwasher!  I packaged my set up using the Gusseted Cellophane Bags in the Holiday Catalog (127850).  I tied them up using some of the Cherry Cobbler Tulle and embellished with the Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt ornaments.

I also packaged up some Gingerbread Cookies in the Season of Sweets Designer Kit - displayed on page 15 of the Holiday Catalog.  Actually, I shouldn't say "I"!  My husband packaged them up for the Holiday Open House last weekend.  The designer kit comes with foodsafe cellophane bags, clear stickers to secure the bags, and then 2 sheets of stickers to decorate the treat envelopes.

Thanksgiving Invites

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

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

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

2012 Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Four

You may have caught a sneak peek of this week's project in the open house pictures I posted yesterday.  I'm pretty excited about this project.  My college roommate inspired this project (and she doesn't even know it)!  She had pinned a non-SU version of this project on Pinterest awhile back and I've been wanting to make one ever since.

The idea behind this "12 Days of Christmas" project is that you write an activity on each card (tucked inside of each day's pocket) for you and your family to do together in the 12 days leading up to Christmas - Christmas Caroling, Baking Cookies, Reading the Christmas Story, or something like that.  Granted, if you're like me, and you don't have kids, you could write a romantic activity for you and your spouse/significant other to do together each night during the busy holiday season leading up to Christmas.  I was joking with some of the women at my open house that you could write up ideas inspired by the popular Fifty Shades of Grey books!  He he!  Some women were thinking of ideas like "Go Out to Dinner".  That's the best part - you can make it whatever YOU want! 

I am offering a class where you can make this project!  And, I'm offering a long distance kit option as well!  Neither class includes the frame.  The finished project is 12x16 and is mounted on a sturdy canvas panel (included in the class fee).  It doesn't even really need to be framed!

The in-person class includes everything you'll need to complete the project, including adhesive!

The long distance option does not include stamps, ink, or adhesive.  But, you will receive all of the pre-cut letters, numbers, other punched/die-cut elements, and embellishments to complete your project.  I'll include instructions and photos that correspond to each pocket.  If you have other questions about this class, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com).

In Person Class Date/Time:  Thursday, November 29, 2012 - 6:30pm
In Person Class Fee:  $35
Long Distance Kits Will Be Mailed on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 after registration closes
Long Distance Class Fee:  $40 (includes shipping)

Please use the registration form below or e-mail me to register if you'd prefer to pay offline.

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Open House Fun!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bootiful Winter

Last night I stamped with my monthly stamp club.  They get to make several projects every single month.  This month our hostess, Kim, requested some very specific projects.  This card is one that I made for them.  I cased a Halloween card I spotted on Splitcoast designed by Kim Singdahlsen.  She had some cute spider web accents that I replaced with some snowflakes from the brand new Snow Flurry Bigz Die (127813).

I stamped the bootiful boot image in Jet Black Stazon Ink and colored it with my Pool Party Stampin' Write Marker.  I also added some bling to the boot with my two-way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds.  I know Kim loves her glitter!  I also layered in some Island Indigo and Raspberry Ripple.

I created the tag with the Apothecary Accents Framelits.  It's "suspended" with some Pool Party Baker's Twine.  I fell in love with this card and I hope you do, too!!!

Don't forget that Saturday is my Open House.  I'm SUPER excited about it!  I don't think I've ever had this many cards and items on display.  I've counted - there are easily over 200 cards plus lots of projects that you can use as favors, gift wrap, plus I'll be unveiling some fabulous new holiday classes!  I hope you can stop by.

Perfectly Preserved

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

A Gingerbread Christmas for Judy

Yesterday I was invited to Judy's house for brunch and to stamp with her friends.  She asked me to design two cards using two different stamp sets.  You may remember yesterday's post.  That was supposed to be the card they made, but I switched it up when I received her request.  She asked to use the Gingerbread man.  Honestly, that was the one image in the Scentsational Season Stamp Set that I hadn't really used.  So, I was up for her challenge.  I'm sure you'll recognize the layout from yesterday's card.  I changed up the background because I FINALLY received the Distressed Dots Background Stamp from the Annual Catalog.  I've loved every card I've seen made using this stamp.  I finally broke down and purchased it.  The Distressed Dots and the Gingerbread Men are embossed using the new Gumball Green and Early Espresso Emossing Powders.  The sentiment is from one of my new favorite holiday sentiment stamp sets - More Merry Messages.

More Candlelight Specialty DSP

I shared a card on Thursday that used the window sheet from the Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP.  I wasn't entirely happy with it.  Then I sat down to create some cards for a workshop that's later this morning.  I was flipping through Pinterest for inspiration and came across a card created by Becky Jensen.  Her's is landscape and a bit more simple, but I loved the way she layered the window sheet over white and then adhered it to a white card base.  So simple and elegant.  But, if you know me, I couldn't stop there!

I turned the card to be portrait, added a layer of Red Glimmer Paper, and changed the sentiment layer.  I just love the sample in the Holiday Mini that uses the dotted scallop border punch similar to the way I have here.  I'm officially in love with this card!

Remember, you can get the Festive Paper Piercing template set absolutely free this month when you purchase this specialty DSP collection and the Ornament Keepsake Bundle!!!

Snow Festival Tree

Last summer at convention, Carrie Cudney showed us some adorable projects.  One of them was this cute Christmas card.  She rolled up strips of Snow Festival DSP and then embellished with Brights Glimmer Brads, Rhinestones, and some Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine bows.  I fell in love immediately.  So, when I sat down to create some projects for you, I knew I was going to case her card!

To make the rolled paper, I used varying widths of DSP that were 1-1/2" long.  I rolled them around the end of a long-ago-retired Stampin' Up! paint brush.  But, any small pencil, marker, or other small round object will do!  I adhered them to the card using Sticky Strip.  I think it's a fun idea for a card you want to give to someone special.  I wouldn't be cranking these out for the masses!

Evergreen and Candlelight

I was sitting around playing with some of the Holiday Catalog items I haven't really used yet and came up with this card.  I'm not entirely sold, but I like it enough to share it!

I layered the flocked window sheet from the Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper over some silver glimmer paper to make the base of this card.  It really reminds me of some vintage wrapping paper!  But after I'd created that beautiful background, I wasn't entirely sure what to do with the card.  Has that ever happened to you?  I decided to pull out the Evergreen Stamp Set and stamp it in Lucky Limeade and the sentiment in Jet Black Stazon.  It works, but I'm not sold.  I'll keep working on it and share it again when I've nailed it!  I also layered some of the Whisper White Organza Ribbon and some Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon.

Don't forget - when you purchase the Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP along with the Ornament Keepsakes bundle this month, Stampin' Up! will throw in the Festive Paper Piercing Template absolutely FREE!!!

Holiday Catalog Tour - Owl Occasions

Thank goodness I swapped with my dear friend Ilina Crouse at convention - I don't think I purchased this stamp set.  Lucky for you, she swapped this card with me.  Well, she pity swapped with me.  I think I was out of swaps when she gave me a whole stack of cards!  THANK YOU ILINA!!!

The Owl Occasions is an adorable set, but I'm not a real "cutesy" style kinda stamper.  There's a lot of work on this card.  She hand cut the stocking, markered the owl, and probably hand-cut the Merry Christmas banner.  It would also be great for Christmas Tags.  Hmmm...maybe I'll have to invest!

Owl Occasions Clear Mount - 128003 or Owl Occasions Wood Mount - 128000
Page 13 - Holiday Catalog

World Card Making Day

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

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

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

2012 Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week Two

I've been anxious to share today's project with you for weeks.  I know this ornament is ALL OVER the internet, but it seems appropriate to share it with you now because it's part of the October promotion for Stampin' Up! 

I'll be honest, these ornaments aren't exactly something you can churn out quickly.  The first one, the one that's on the cover of the Holiday Catalog, took me an hour and a half to create!  It took 30 separate stamped and scored ornaments!  But, it's totally worth it.  In fact, I love it so much that I'm in the process of creating an entire Christmas tree full of these ornaments!  My tree is shaping up nicely.  It'll be on display at my open house in two weeks.  Today I wanted to share with you two of the ornaments I've made so far.

To make the ornaments, I stamped three ornaments for each section.  I scored each ornament down the middle then glued the halves to each other to create the section.  I then adhered them to a circle that I'd cut from card stock.  There are so many different variations.  My favorite so far is second one with the glittery snowflake. 

Don't you think these would be fantastic gift tags on a gift for that special someone?  I love using holiday ornaments as gift tags.  This would be perfect!

This month, when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (w-128048 or c-128051) on pages 3 of the Holiday Catalog with the Candlelight Designer Series Paper (126901) on page 4, you get the coordinating Festive Paper-Piercing Pack (127857) on page 30 of the Holiday Catalog absolutely FREE! 

Simple and Elegant Christmas Card

A lot of my posts recently start with "I spotted a card on Pinterest".  I really haven't spent much time on there, really.  If I'm on there too long I get hungry!  But, it's a great place to go for inspiration!  A few days ago a friend of mine pinned an all-white, embossed card.  I don't remember much about it.  But, I liked it!  Here's my version - in vanilla (and crumb cake and soft suede).

Can you see the embossed snowflakes in the background?  I stamped a variety of snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree Stamp Set in Versamark and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  It's a nice, subtle, elegant background.  How many adjectives can I use???  For the sentiment, I stamped the word Merry in Soft Suede Classic Ink and cut it out using one of the Apothecary Accents Framelits.  I layered some Victoria Lace Trim and Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon.  Finally, I adhered a Brushed Bronze Designer Button.  I cannot stop using these buttons!!!

Autumn Friends

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

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

A Die Cut Halloween Favor

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

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

Scentsational Cards

I have seen a variety of variations of this card theme all over the internet on blogs and Pinterest.  The Merry Christmas card displayed on the right is a card that my Die Cut Divas will be making tonight.  It's my variation of the theme.  The second card (farther below) is one I cased directly from Pinterest.  I instantly fell in love with it.

To make these fun ribbon cards, you simply cut a shape out of your card layer.  In this case, I used the tree from the Holiday Collection Framelits.  I then adhered a Jumbo Sticky Round to a piece of scrap card stock and adhered strips of ribbon side-by-side to the round.  In the case of the tree, it took five strips.  I then lined up the ribbon layer behind my tree "window" and adhered it in place.  Super easy!  However, I would recommend stamping and doodling before adhering the ribbon behind!  It allows the card stock to lay flatter! 

Here are all of the supplies I used to make my card:
- Holiday Collection Framelits (127814) - Holiday Catalog page 16
- Greetings of the Season (w 128030 or c 128033) - Holiday Catalog page 8
- Jumbo Sticky Rounds (127853) - Holiday Catalog page 31
- Early Espresso Classic Ink
- White Gel Pen
- Old Olive Scalloped Ribbon
- Cherry Cobbler and Crumb Cake Card Stock
- Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Want an Early Christmas Gift?

Yes, you read that right!  There are still a few months until Christmas, but Stampin' Up! is giving you a Christmas gift in October--a FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack when you buy the Ornament Keepsakes Set and Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper Bundle. 

I spotted today's card on Pinterest a few days ago and knew it would be perfect to show just one of the ways you can use your new Christmas gift!  I pierced the subtle background ornament using the ornament template.

Here are all of the supplies I used to create this card:
- Merry Minis Stamp Set (w 127916 or c 127919) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Merry Minis Punch Pack (126882) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Festive Paper-Piercing Pack (127857) - Holiday Catalog page 30
- Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set
- Paper Piercing Tool
- Crumb Cake, Gumball Green, and Whisper White Card Stock
- Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, and Gumball Green Classic Ink
- Scallop Edge Border and 1-1/4" Square Punches
- Whisper White Baker's Twine
- Basic Jewels Rhinestones

Holiday Catalog Tour - Easy Thanksgiving!

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

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

One More Wonderfall

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

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

Holiday Tour - Wonderfall

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

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

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

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

Holiday Catalog Tour - Perfectly Preserved

I admit, this set did absolutely nothing for me when I first saw it.  But, as others post samples, I'm beginning to see the versatility!  The layout was inspired by the birthday card I received from Claire last week.  I really liked the look of the DSP nested inside of some scored lines.  Granted, they're not as visible since I rolled the Timber Wheel along the top and bottom of the card.

Here are all of the supplies I used to make this card:
- Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set (w 126690 or c 126692) - Holiday Catalog page 29
- Cannery Set Framelits Dies (127822) - Holiday Catalog page 29
    The two items above are available as a bundle to save you money!
- Timber Wheel (129717) - Holiday Catalog page 33
- Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper (126895) - Holiday Catalog page 28
- Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, and Early Espresso Card Stock
- Island Indigo, More Mustard, Basic Grey, and Primrose Petals Classic Ink
- Linen Thread (104199) - Annual Catalog page 173
- Naturals Designer Buttons (127554) - Annual Catalog page 176
- 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch (119871) - Annual Catalog page 183
- Small Oval Punch (120908) - Annual Catalog page 184
- Simply Scored Tool (122334) - Annual Catalog page 180
- Pearl Basic Jewels (119247) - Annual Catalog page 175

Holiday Catalog Tour - Tweet Leaves

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday Catalog Tour - Sealed With Love

I know - I kinda skipped right into the Valentine's Day section of the Holiday Catalog with today's post.  But, I've been anxious to share this affordable card kit with you - and it doesn't scream Valentine's Day to me.  I think it can be used any time for lots of occasions.  All supplies are included in this kit so that it's perfect for anyone - even someone who doesn't own a single cardmaking or scrapbooking product!  It would make a fabulous gift with the holidays coming up.  It's also perfect if you need to write a quick note, want to make it special, but don't have time to create a card.  The best part?  The kit is only $7.95 and includes enough supplies for 10 notecards and envelopes!  (That's less than $1 each!)  You'll find this card kit on page 35 of the Holiday Catalog - item 126923.

An Orchard Harvest Birthday

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

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

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

Halloween Tree!

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

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

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

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

More Halloween Decor

Well, I must have been inspired by the Howl-o-Ween Project I made and posted yesterday - I sat down to make this one today!  I just LOVE those silver glimmer spider webs!  The two on today's project were the scraps leftover from the frame I posted yesterday.

For this project, I just sat down and decided to have some fun.  I used the scrapbook page that is pictured on page 33 of the Holiday Catalog as my inspiration.  The frame I used has an 8x8 opening.  The actual decor is 6x6. 

Here are all of the ingredients used in this project:
- Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper (126906) - Holiday Catalog page 24
- Etruscan Elegance Jumbo Wheel (127868) - Holiday Catalog page 25
- Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127810) - Holiday Catalog page 6
- Basic Black, Basic Grey, and Tangering Tango Card Stock
- Silver Glimmer Paper (124005) - Annual Catalog page 160
- 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906) - Annual Catalog page 185
- 1-3/8" Square Punch (119877) - Annual Catalog page 183
- Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120889) - Annual Catalog page 189
- Typeset Alphabet Bigz Dies (127553) - Annual Catalog page 192
- Versamark Ink (102283) - Annual Catalog page 159
- Neutrals Designer Buttons (119743) - Annual Catalog page 176
- 3/16" Neutrals Brads (119736) - Annual Catalog page 174
- Paper Piercing Tool (126189) - Annual Catalog page 181
- Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199) - Annual Catalog page 181
- Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (126187) - Annual Catalog page 181
- 1/4" Basic Grey Stitched Ribbon - stitching removed (126879) - Annual Catalog 173
- Pumpkin Pie Baker's Twine - Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit (126914) - Holiday Catalog page 27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ghoulish Googlies

One of the most popular products in the Holiday Catalog is pictured on page 27 - the Ghoulish Googlies!!!  AND, I love that you can buy the googlies, the stamp set, and the kit together OR separate!  It offers you LOTS of flexibility.  This set of products is PERFECT for kids, new stampers, or "seasoned" stampers alike!  I've lost count of how many of these I've sold.  They've been on backorder more than once and are due to start shipping again this week.

I immediately fell in love with the adorably Googly Ghouls stamp set.  Those little monsters are just too dang cute - and the fact that you can give them googly eyes made them absolutely irresitable!  Did you see that we sell the perfectly-sized googly eyes, too?  You might be thinking that you can pick up googly eyes anywhere.  And, while that may be true, will they be self-adhesive googly eyes?  I've never seen them!  Here you can pick up a pack of 50 for only $2.50! 

But, Stampin' Up! wasn't done with little eyes and a stamp set, they also created an amazing treat kit.  For only $7.95, you get 10 glassine bags, PUMPKIN PIE baker's twine, plenty of 2-sided tags, and an entire package of googly eyes!  Seriously.  This kit is awesome!

But, Stampin' Up! STILL wasn't done yet.  They BUNDLED it all together saving you even MORE money!  For $16.95 (clear mount) or $20.95 (wood mount), you get it ALL!!!  And, if you need to make more than 10 treat bags, you can always pick up an extra kit!

Here are the supplies I used on my sample today:
- Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad
- Googly Ghouls Stamp Set (c-128063 or w-128060) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Googlies (127539) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Ghoulish Googlies Deisgner Kit (126914) - Holiday Catalog page 27
- Ghoulish Googlies Bundle (w-129852 or c-129853) - Holiday Catalog page 27

My 2012 Convention Swap

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday Catalog Tour - Monster Munchies

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

 

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

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

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

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

Halloween Tour Continued...

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

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

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

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

Stampin' Through the Holiday Catalog!

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

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

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

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

D) I LOVE a challenge!

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

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

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

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