Stampin' with Kristin

Attic Boutique Side Notes

Once I started playing with the Attic Boutique Side Notes from the Occasions Mini, I just couldn't stop!  This is another card that I made last weekend that uses one of the Side Notes as the focal point. 

I stamped En Fracais in Versamark and heat embossed it with clear powder on Pool Party Card Stock.  I layered it over Whisper White and a Poppy Parade card base.  I next spritzed some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint/Rubbing Alcohol all over the layers.  I added a quick sentiment to the focal point and added some Daffodil Delight Seam Binding.  A fun, fast card stepped up just a little.

Attic Boutique Memories

This is the first card I made on Saturday.  It was inspired by a card in a recent Stampin' Success Magazine (a magazine sent to all demonstrators each month).  I changed up the colors to use my favorite paper in the Occasions Mini Catalog - Attic Boutique.

The base of the card is simply layers of Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, and Attic Boutique DSP.  I cut a label using my framelits out of Pool Party Card Stock.  I'm not sure how noticeable it is, but I sponged Very Vanilla Craft ink lightly around the edges of the label.  I stamped the flower image from Elements of Style in Versamark Ink.

Using the butterfly die, I cut out two coordinating butterflies from the Attic Boutique DSP and offset them so you could see both layers.  I created a butterfly body using a Vintage Trinket Saftey Pin and tied some Crumb Cake Seam Binding. 

I stamped the sentiment using the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set.

Willow Valley - Day 2

We had a fun-filled day yesterday!!!  The girls called it a relatively early night last night.  I believe most of them turned in by 10pm.  But, two of them were in the room and scrappin' at 6am!!!  Not me.  I slept!  There were 13 of us popping in and out, shopping, stamping, scrapping, EATING, and laughing throughout the day. 

In the afternoon one of my fellow demonstrators (and upline), Claire Lawrence taught a mini technique lesson.  She taught us the Faux Tile, Direct to Paper, Reverse Masking, Faux Silk, and Spirelli techniques.  Everyone was able to go to each station and make their own samples for future reference.

In the evening we attempted to play Bunco for Stampin' Up products.  I called it a relatively early evening knowing I'd have to pack everything back up again in the morning.  But, I did get lots of stamping (and blogging) accomplished.

Finally, I thought I'd share a card that I made yesterday.  Others will be posting over the coming week(s).  I decided to add a few more details than I normally would.  This card was for me to just have fun.  And, sadly, I rarely sit and stamp for the fun of it anymore.  I'm usually prepping for a class or an event.  I also used a few things that I hadn't used from the Occasions Mini.  I figured I should use them before they're no longer current!

First, I was determined to use some of the Attic Boutique Side Notes (125413).  I've sold several packs, but never use items that I only have 1 or 2 of - I need back ups.  I actually cut this one apart so it only showed at the top and bottom of my focal point.  For the focal point, I stamped several images and words from the Rue Des Fleurs stamp set in the Occasions Mini.  This stamp set brings back LOTS of memories from the last Founder's Circle - I actually packed this stamp set in its box in Kanab.  Also, did you notice I added quite a few little pearls to the umbrella?  And, to jazz it up a bit, I spritzed a little of my Shimmer Paint/Rubbing Alcohol mix over the layers.  Do you recognize the ribbon?  Yup, it's new!  Keep an eye out for Daffodil Delight Seam Binding in April!

Sring Stamp-a-Stack Revealed!

I know many of you have been patiently waiting for me to design the Spring Stamp-a-Stack projects.  It was tough for me because I'm SO in love with the FREE Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper and SAB-only stamp sets that are available now.  Unfortunately, some of the sessions for this class are being offered after SAB ends.  Sniff. So, I didn't want to tease you with products that were no longer available.

Luckily, I received a special delivery of some sneak peek products that WILL be available to customers in April!  (All demonstrators get to order them now - just one of the fun perks I enjoy!)  So, no, you're not losing your mind if you don't recognize ANY of the Designer Series Paper in the samples below!  It's all BRAND NEW.  And, I'm TOTALLY in love with the Daffodil Delight/Not Quite Navy combo going on there in the middle!!!  I know you're going to fall in love this bright and fresh DSP!!!  There's also a stamp set and other coordinating products that will be available in April.

The Stamp-a-Stack is already 1/3 of the way sold out - even before I posted samples.  So, I expect it to fill up quickly!  Don't delay!  You'll make three of each of the cards displayed below.

This class is being offered several different dates and times:

• Saturday, March 31 - 10am
• Tuesday, April 3rd - 7pm

Materials Fee:  $25 (includes all supplies, including envelopes)

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Simply Scored Class

I just received my Simply Scored Diagonal plate last weekend which helped me to FINALLY finish the projects for the Simply Scored class that's coming up in a week on Sunday, March 11th.  Space is very limited.  So, if you're interested, don't wait too long to sign up.

In this class you will make:

• An adorable 5-sided favor
• A box filled with three 3x3 cards and three coordinating envelopes.  You will also make the envelopes!
• You will also decorate one of the fabulous Kraft Gift Boxes with a pleated, scalloped rosette!

Materials Fee:  $25.00

Sunday, March 11th - 2pm

Event Registration Online for Score Simply powered by Eventbrite

A Fun Saturday in Columbus!

This past weekend I flew to Columbus, Ohio for one of Stampin' Up!'s Regional Conferences.  They only hold a half dozen or so a year all over the country and I try to attend at least one.  I usually attend one the day after Leadership, but I've learned that I'm too exhausted from Leadership to attend a Regional and usually .  The second-to-last regional of the 2011/2012 year was held in Columbus.  I have several demonstrator friends and non-demonstrator friends who live around Columbus, so I quickly registered and booked a flight!

I didn't take a ton of photos since I didn't even pack a camera.  But, I did snap a few with my iPhone so I have a few to share.

I flew in on Friday night and met up with my good friend, Mary Ellen, and her family for the conference.  I enjoyed meeting her mom, aunt, and cousin.  It was a relaxing conference.  The majority of the morning was spent "My Way".  I visited some demo booths, made BOTH make & take projects, checked out the swaps & displays, and visited with some of my friends.  I received some GREAT tips from Georgia.

It's rare for me to make Make & Takes at a conference anymore.  I'd so much rather relax and visit.  But, these were a little complex and used templates that I did not have at home.  So I decided it was probably a good idea to suck it up and make them.  I'm so glad I did!  They're adorable.  They make me want to use the kite stamp set - whatever it's called!  Pathetic, I know.

After the conference, I had dinner with my bestest friend - and my matron-of-honor - Stefanie.  We hadn't seen each other since my wedding (almost 3 years ago).  It was wonderful to catch up.

Yesterday I had a relaxing day that was all about me.  I'd booked a hotel at the Easton Town Center because it looked like pretty neat shopping mall.  I spent the majority of the afternoon checking it out.  I was smart, I packed my Founder's Circle tote from a couple of years ago in my suitcase so I'd have an extra bag for my purchases.  

The first card is just so cute.  I love some of the tricks they used on this card.  The corners were rounded using a circle punch.  I knew this technique, but I don't often remember to do it.  I love curved corners!!!  The petals and leaf on this card were made by stamping the polka dot kite and punching it out.  SO CUTE! 

The second card is SO fun.  It's got a wheel that you can turn and different kites show up in the window!  I don't think I'll be recreating this one any time soon, but it's fun to look at!

 

The Pooping Butterfly

Yes.  You read that right.  That's the unofficial name of this card.  If you read my post from yesterday, you probably read that I've been posting cards on Facebook as I've been designing them in hopes of getting feedback.  This is another card I recently created but was unsure about the pink rhinestones.  The questions I presented to my Facebook friends - does it look like the butterfly is pooping rhinestones? In the end, I removed the rhinestones - only due to the fact that I didn't have enough to go around for the large workshop where we made this card.

Several people wanted to know how I made my glittery butterfly pink.  I came up with this all by myself - although, I've heard other people saw it posted on Splitcoast - so I guess it wasn't original.  But, it is original to me if I didn't read that post, right?!?!  I rarely go on Splitcoast anymore.  ANYWAY...I mixed up a concoction of reinker and rubbing alcohol.  I used the same proportions of reinker to rubbing alcohol as I do when I'm mixing shimmer paint and rubbing alcohol.  On this card I spritzed Regal Rose - yes, it does look more like Blushing Bride.  But, the reinker dries lighter and I didn't want to soak my silver glimmer paper.  Some people dye their glimmer paper using an aqua painter.  I think my spritzing technique is quicker and less messy. 

This is important - YOU WILL DESTROY YOUR PUNCHES IF YOU USE YOUR PUNCHES WITH SILVER GLIMMER PAPER.  There.  I said it.  You've been warned.  HOWEVER, with that said, if you carefully peel off the back layer of the glimmer paper (it's not hard to do - especially if your paper is still damp from spritzing) your shapes punch much easier.  Now, I've only punched about 25 of these glittery guys with my brand new Blossom punch.  I'm not sure what the long-term effect will be if you were to punch hundreds even with the "thinned" glimmer paper.  I do know that I destroyed my stocking punch at Christmas before learning to peel the backing (thanks Janis for the tip).  I purchased a new stocking punch before they retired. 

The rest of the supplies are:  Island Indigo Classic Ink, Neutrals Buttons, Baja Breeze Ribbon, Whisper White CS, Blushing Bride CS, Twitterpated DSP, 3/8" Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Blossom Punch, pink rhinestones (from the Blossom Builders Kit on page 18 of the Occasions Mini Catalog).

The Lunch Club

At the beginning of this year, several of us at my "office job" created a "Lunch Club" in an effort to save money and be more healthy.  The rules are simple.  Every Wednesday plus one other weekday, you must pack your lunch!  If you don't pack your lunch, you must put a dollar in the jar.  It was my job to decorate and bring in the jar.

Well, last month went quick with a 2-week vacation followed by a week of Open House prep.  I finally sat down this past Monday night to decorate our jar.  I knew I wanted to use the new framelits and ribbon.  Here's what I came up with! 

I watercolored the flowers using my Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, and Lucky Limeade markers and a Blender Pen.  I stamped the image first then cut it with the coordinating framelit.  I also cut a larger frame out of the new SAB DSP.  That layer hides the ends of the ribbon.  I used the Daffodil 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain, Chocolate Chip Satin, and Victoria Lace Trim.

You'll notice that there's already $6 in the jar.  That would be MY contribution so far to the lunch club.

What happens when the jar is full?  We're treating ourselves to lunch or ice cream!  At this rate, it won't take too long!

Stamp Sorority Swaps

It felt like it had been ages since I'd gotten together with the gals in my downline.  But, it had only really been a month (a month with a couple of holidays and a lot of traveling).  I was so excited to see them all and share with them all of the exciting news, updates, and swaps from Leadership!  At each and every downline meeting we swap cards and we learn a couple of techniques.  We have a swap contest, door prizes, and share inspiration! 

The first card was the winner of our swap contest and designed by Darlene K!

Here are the remainder of the Stamp Sorority January swap cards:
Gail's Card:

My Card (inspired by Mary Fish):

Lynn's Card:

Hallie's Card:

Patty Jo's Card:

Jane's Card:

Claire's Diva Night

Last week Claire invited a group of wonderful women (and demonstrators) over for dinner and stamping.  She made us a yummy Mexican feast that included homemade guacamole, turkey tacos, spinach enchiladas, rice, beans and a Chocolate/Orange Mexican cake.  As usual, everything was great!  I don't get to stamp with my Pennsylvania demonstrator friends that often since I don't regularly attend Claire's meetings.  It is always nice to see so many new faces at Diva Night - I knew all of the gals, but for many it was their first Diva Night (at least their first when I was there). I enjoyed celebrating everyone's accomplishments and hearing about the events they have scheduled over the next few months.

Following dinner, Claire designed a couple of Make & Takes for us.  NO ONE likes to sit next to me when we stamp.  I must finish first.  I don't share well.  I make everyone nervous.  And they love tormenting me every moment!  Gina, for one, always chooses to sit as far away from me as possible.  She's admitted that she waits for me to choose my seat first and then sits at the opposite corner. 

The first Make & Take was this adorable pouch made using the Fancy Favor Box Die for the Big Shot.  It was inspired by a swap we both received from Missy Shipman at Founder's Circle.  I never took the time to figure out how it was made - but it amazed me.  And, it's SO SIMPLE to make!  This will be a future Die Cut Diva project!

Next up was a pouch that Claire designed that was made using the Labels Collection Framelits.  She's stuffed the pouch with some adorable, coordinating 3x3 Love Notes.

 

Open House Make & Takes

I just realized that I never posted the cards that everyone had the opportunity to make at last Saturday's Open House.  They had the opportunity to make 2 fairly easy cards.  They have to be easy because I'm rarely in the classroom to demonstrate what they'll be making.  I wanted one of the cards to feature all Sale-a-Bration products and another to feature the new Blossom Punch and coordinating Mixed Bunch Stamp Set.

The Mixed Bunch card features the new Twitterpated DSP pictured on page 13 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The colors in this card are Riding Hood Red and Baja Breeze.  I haven't realy touched Riding Hood Red since Cherry Cobbler was introduced.  Thank you Twitterpated for pushing me to use it again.  I love how I'm using it in a completely different way.  It's now a spring color?!?!  Wow.  Thanks!  I also used my 1" Circle Punch to punch out the center of the flower and stamped a sentiment from Curly Cute in Riding Hood Red ink.

The second card was inspired by DawnOlchefske.  I love her clean style.  It uses the new Everyday Enchantment DSP from the Sale-a-Bration catalog, Calypso Coral Everyday Enchantment ribbon, and the Outlined Occasions Stamp Set.  Cute, huh?  I LOVED seeing all of the variations that everyone made of this card.  A few copied it exactly.  While others arranged their postage stamp squares in a variety of different layouts.  Some layered their butterflies.  And some flipped the DSP to add color.  I wish I had a camera to take photos of everyone's variations. 

Framelit Pouches

I made a bunch of these last week.  They were inspired by a project that Shelli (I think) demonstrated on stage at Leadership earlier this month.  I used colors inspired by the Twitterpated suite of products in the Occasions Mini.

I used the 2nd largest of the Labels Framelits to cut 2 pieces out of Blushing Bride Card Stock.  I then used my Simply Scored to score at 3-1/2" to create a base.  I adhered the two together (does that make any sense?).  I inserted some Reeses Hearts in a small cello bag.  I then punched through the bag and two Blushing Bride layers using my Crop-a-Dile and inserted some Pear Pizzazz ribbon.

I embellished with some of brand new Large Pearl Basic Jewels.  Did you even notice them in the new catalog?  Warning - I doubt they're postal friendly - at all!  But, they're great for projects like these or hand-delivered cards.  I cut another frame out of some Twitterpated DSP.  I stamped the For You image in Blushing Bride and Riding Hood Red from the Apothecary Art Stamp Set - it coordinates perfectly with the framelits.  I love that you can stamp the images and cut them out!  I chose to cut out the Blushing Bride image with the framelit and I punched the Riding Hood Red center using my 1" Circle Punch.

Attic Boutique Treat Box

I absolutely love how this box turned out.  I made it as Suzie's hostess gift for her workshop last week.  The idea to cut a window in the lid of one of the Kraft Gift Boxes using one of the framelits popped into my head earlier in the week.  So, I decided to give it a try.

It took some finagling, but I got it to work.  You have to fold the box so that it's only as thin as the lid.  When I was running it through the Big Shot I was SO worried that I'd destroy the box - but it worked.  And, if you do it right, you can even get a debossed edge around the window (the picture below shows the debossed edge better than the finished picture).

I then adhered a 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" window sheet to the inside of the lid.  When I closed it, I realized I'd need to cut the flaps off, too!  Otherwise, you'd only see the flaps through the window!  I adhered some Attic Boutique DSP around the edges of the box.  I tied the box up with some Daffodil Delight Striped Ribbon.  Since this is a thank you gift for Suzie for hosting a workshop, it needed a tag.  I cut a smaller tag using the piece I cut out of the lid!  I stamped an image and sentiment from the Rue Des Fleurs stamp set and punched it out using the largest oval punch.  I attached the tag using a small pin from the Vintage Trinkets I added a couple of tiny pearls and spritzed some champagne glitter mist over the entire box. 

Are you wondering what I tucked inside the box?  Well, I know Suzie LOVES her ribbon.  So, I gave her a roll of the Blushing Bride 3/4" Pleated Satin Ribbon!  I hid it under some shredded paper since the writing on the ribbon package was kinda ugly!

Designer Cuts - Cards & Envelopes

In yesterday's post, I talked about the popularity of the Designer Cuts Cards & Envelopes in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  To be honest, I'm not usually excited about this type of product.  And, based on your comments at my open house, neither are you.  BUT, once I made a couple of cards with them - and once you saw the cards, I know you loved them (and ordered them)!

When you order them, you get 8 Very Vanilla cards - 4 of each of the 2 designs.  They're completely pre-cut.  You don't even have to punch out the little pieces.  They come with 8 blushing bride envelopes.  The quality is exactly as you would expect from SU. The words that are stamped on the cards are from the new Loving Thoughts stamp set pictured on page 15 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.

To make the card on the far left, I actually cut the front of the card off of the back and layered it on a Blushing Bride card base using Dimensionals.  I placed some random pearls in some of the flowers.  This is a card that you'll make in my Wedding Class later this spring.  I think this was everyone's favorite.  But, I loved just how easy these cards were to put together.  They're great when you're in a pinch and need a card at the last minute.

Fabulous Open House

Did you miss my open house last Saturday?  I had SO much fun and my house was never empty for the entire 6 hours!  People were here from 12:55 straight through to 7:25.  I LOVED visiting with so many of my customers - who've become wonderful friends over the years.  It warmed my heart to watch them visit with each other - many of whom would have NEVER met each other had it not been for my classes.  I always get a little choked up when I see how stamping a little card has impacted so many lives.  It was SO wonderful.  I believe over 30 people stopped by throughout the course of the day based upon the number of cards that were made and the number of door prize slips completed - but I know not everyone filled out a slip or created a card - so it's hard to tell exactly how many popped in.

As usual, I waited until the last minute to do just about everything.  I stayed up until 4:30 creating samples and Make & Takes.  I did a little baking, but was afraid it wasn't going to be enough food.  I had a brainstorm - it's Girl Scout Cookie time!  I just HOPED (for maybe the first time ever) that the girls would be out at our local grocery store selling cookies.  I always say that I'll buy at least 1 box of cookies from every girl who asks.  I have to support them!  How can you say no to a little girl selling CHOCOLATE cookies?!?!?  When I pulled up, I could see them - I was so happy (and relieved) that I'd be able to execute my plan.  The mother slowly explained each variety (inside I knew I was going to buy quite a few boxes).  When she was done, I told her that I'd take one them and one of them and one of them and one of them and one of them.  She couldn't believe I wanted 5 boxes (which I really didn't think was a lot).  I explained that I was putting together a buffet of Girl Scout Cookies for an Open House - and everyone seemed to like it.  I posted a picture on Facebook and got tons of fun comments.

Okay...enough about cookies, I thought I'd share some of the displays that were up around the house.  I decided to bring the Sale-a-Bration and Occasions Mini Catalogs to life - and I think it was a GREAT idea!  Everyone loved being able to touch, see, and use the new products.  Between cards, embellishments, and new dies, it's nice to be able to actually see them in person.  Besides, the products made up for the fact that I didn't have as many samples as I would have liked!  This first display is on top of the Grand Piano in my living room.  It is a selection of Occasions Mini products.  If you look closely, you can see a couple of cards on the left hand side - they're made with the Designer Cuts Cards & Envelopes set pictured on Page 9 of the Occasions Mini.  It totally AMAZED me how popular these were!  I'll be posting them tomorrow - so stay tuned.  I sold TONS of those kits.  And, I love them a lot so I might have to stock up on a few more myself.  LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

My next display was dedicated to Sale-a-Bration.  I pulled out just about every item that is available for FREE during Sale-a-Bration.  The display board in the background was filled with swaps I'd received earlier this month at Leadership that featured SAB products (mostly the gorgeous DSP that everyone loves)!!!  I love the new Sale-a-Bration catalog, but even I JUST discovered some products that I didn't realize were free during Sale-a-Bration because of the way they were pictured.  I didn't realize you have TWO choices of embossing folders!

I also had a table (my piano bench) which was filled with the new Big Shot items - Framelits, Edgelits, Embosslits, dies, and folders!  I also had a Big Shot out and available to show how they all worked.  LOTS of people picked up the new framelits.  There was plenty to look at!  Over 100 card samples were on display!  Almost everyone remembered to bring their camera to snap photos of the cards.  I loved the variety of swaps I received at Leadership - but there were a couple that were definitely favorites.  THANK YOU for everyone who swapped with me!!!

My third, large display was of Valentine's Day cards and other cards that didn't really fit into specific categories.  This was set up on my TV stand. 

Finally, I mentioned earlier that there was a drawing for a door prize.  I just laughed and laughed when I saw whose name I pulled.  It was a particular person who had asked what I was giving away the night before at a workshop.  If you know me, you know that I don't plan those sorts of things ahead!  In fact, as I type this, I still haven't figured out what to give her!  But, CONGRATS to Patty Jo for winning the door prize.  Trust me, by the time this posts, I'll have figured it out - so you can't influence me!!!  If you didn't make it on Saturday, I hope that you can stop by my next open house which is tentatively scheduled for June 16th - my New Catalog Launch Party!!!  

P.S. I Love You

Here's the second card I designed for Suzie's workshop.  This meets her requirements for Valentine's Day and a new technique.  I showed the gals how to dye the Silver Glimmer Paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog - which, by the way, is still available for purchase!

I struggled with this card - and I'm still not 100% in love with it.  I mixed a random assortment of products together from different product suites in the Occasions Mini Catalog, byut I think they work together.  The DSP is from the Sweet Shop DSP.  The little button is from the Twitterpated Designer Buttons.  The stamp set is P.S. I Love You.  By the way, I would recommend picking up this stamp set in clear mount.

To dye the glimmer paper, I mixed a solution of rubbing alcohol and reinker.  I actually used Regal Rose reinker for this solution - the same portions as I've shown you for the shimmer paint.  I spritzed the solution.  It dried relatively quickly - and dries a bit lighter which is why I chose Regal Rose.

Sale-a-Bration Easter Card

I had a workshop last night with some of my favorite customers.  The hostess had some VERY specific requests:  Easter Card, Sale-a-Bration DSP, Valentine's Day Card, and a new technique!  I had to squeeze that into two cards.  New techniques always stress me out when I'm stamping with customers who have been stamping for decades longer than me. How can I possibly show them something that's new?!?!?!

This card met two of her requests:  Easter and it uses the Everyday Enchantment (FREE SAB) DSP.  I used a layout I saw over on Mary Fish's blog.  You may know that I visit Mary's blog quite often when I'm looking to break out of my normal design rut.  I especially liked her design because it incorporated TWO SAB products.  Do you know what the second is (other than the DSP)?  The set of Designer Frames embossing folders.  They are one of the Big Catalog products you can choose for free during SAB.  I LOVE these frames, but I'm always frustrated because we don't have anything (at least I thought) that cut them out.  Well, look how nicely the oval dots fits inside of the Labels Framelit!!!  You'll be seeing me do this more often!!!

You're My Type

I have to admit, the new "You're My Type" stamp set was not a stamp set that caught my eye when I browsed the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It did nothing for me.  I had no desire to buy it.....until I went to Leadership.  Those stinkin' swaps!!!  I saw SO MANY cute and adorable cards made using this stamp set.  So, would you believe that THIS was the very first card I made when I returned from Leaderhip???  (Yes, I owned it because I buy EVERYTHING for just this very reason!)

I designed this card for my stamp club.  It was inspired by two different cards I saw at Leadership.  First, the color combo was inspired by a swap that I received from one of my Founder's Circle buddies, Cindy Baughman.  The layout was inspired by one of the cards that a demosntrator submitted for the card contest.  She/he made it using Red and Black.  Unfortunately, I don't know who made it.  I'll give you credit if it was yours - e-mail me! 

When I was showing my stamp club members the card, I asked how many of them had this stamp set on their wish list - no surprise to me, no one had it on their list, either!  I'm pleased to report that two of them now own it!!