Stampin' with Kristin

Candy Cane Frame

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

Halloween Candy Jar

Okay...this jar had more candy in it before my Open House last weekend, but thankfully some of my guests weren't afraid to eat the candy!  I told them that if it was edible, even if it was on display, they were welcome to eat it!

This is another fun project where I used Spooky Things decor elements on the jar.  I used Old Olive Satin ribbon and the Raven black lace trim on the top of the jar.  Inside, the little Hershey Nuggest are each wrapped in the Nite Owl DSP found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

Headed to Utah!

So, when this post appears on my blog, I will be sitting on a Delta airplane headed back to Utah for the Founder's Cirlce retreat.  THANK YOU, again, for helping me achieve that honor this past stamping year.  I will be there until Sunday - and posting TONS (I hope).  I already have the "Founder's Circle Section" of my blog up and ready for posting!  There's some info up there now about the activites I get to enjoy over the next few days.

But, I've also scheduled posts showing more of my projects from last weekend's Open House.  So, you might want to check back multiple times a day!

Today's project is a SIMPLE frame that I made using the Wicked Fun DSP.  Did you know the bats are flocked???  LOVE IT!  I used an entire 12x12 sheet.  Then I rubbed on the Happy Halloween sentiment from the Spooky Things decor elements.  I love both collections of decor elements in the mini catalog.  You can cut them apart and do SO MANY things with them!  I think I used the Halloween decor on at least four different projects - and I still haven't used the bird!

Pumpkins

You may have seen similar pumpkins floating around the internet (I know I have).  This year, at the Stampin' Up! Convention, Brent Steele demonstrated how to make these.  Every time I say, "this year, at the Stampin' Up! Convention", I hear myself saying, "one time, at band camp"!!!  You know that line from the movie American Pie?  I hope you don't feel that way!

ANYWAY...Brent showed us how to make these pumpkins (you can click on the photo to make it larger).  So, I ran out to my local craft store even before my mini catalog pre-order arrived because I wanted to make them, too.  Brent's were made with white pumpkins.  I stood in the store for about five minutes with a pumpkin in each hand trying to decide between white or orange.  I'm glad I chose white!  Brent's were a couple of different sizes, but I decided to go all the same size - I'm a matchy-matchy kinda girl.

They were SUPER easy to make - I took one package of the soon-to-be-released Black Flourish jewels in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Yes, it only takes one package if you get creative with the swirls.  I then took the Spooky Things Decor Elements (only $14.95) in black....and voila....decor pumpkins!  Oh, and I also tied them together with 1/4" black grosgrain.  I'm not sure why...but Brent's were tied together, therefore mine needed to be tied together.  Whatever!

Many of you have told me that you received your Holiday Mini Catalogs last week, both of the products used to decorate these pumpkins can be found on page 8.  You'll notice that there are other images included in the Decor Elements.  You'll just have to attend my Holiday Mini Extravaganza on September 11th to see what else I've made!  Ha Ha!!!

Did you do the math?  It cost less than $20 in products to decorate these pumpkins!  And, I had LOTS of leftover product for other projects.  Granted, you have to buy the pumpkins.  But, even in early August, my big box craft store had them on sale for 40% off!

Holiday Decor and Gift Giving

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Thankful Decor Blocks

I LOVE the wooden blocks in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I've also fallen completely in LOVE with the Autumn Meadows DSP in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I joke that I thought the paper was the "ugliest in the catalog" based upon the teeny tiny swatches in the catty.  But, when you look at the paper in person, it's absolutely GORGEOUS!

Inspired by the blocks in the catalog, I made my own vinyl letters for these blocks using some raw Chocolate Chip vinyl, my Big Shot, and the Serif Essentials Alphabet.  I just LOVE the result!

Make Your Own!!!

Do you want to make your own set of Thankful blocks???  No problem!  I've scheduled a class where you can make your own set for $35.  It is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at 7pm.  Email me to register!

The class fee includes:

• 2 Sets of Wooden (3"x3") Decor Blocks (Holiday Mini Catalog)
• 1/2 Pack of Autumn Meadows DSP - you'll have leftover paper to keep for future projects
• 1 Anywhere Glue Stick
• Chocolate Chip Vinyl (you'll receive pre-cut letters if you order the "in-the-mail" kit)

Can't attend or live too far?  No problem!  I'm able to offer this class in the mail!  Your kit will include all of the supplies listed above plus step-by-step instructions.  I recommend that you provide your own hobby blade and sanding block to trim off any excess paper from the blocks, if necessary.  Classes will ship via USPS Priority Mail.  Total cost, including postage is $45.  Simply use the PayPal link below to order yours today!  Kits will ship the last week of October.  Or, feel free to e-mail me with other questions.

Noel Decor Blocks

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

Here are the supplies I used:

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

Growing Up! Promotions

Check out these two great promotions for August!!!

Promotion #1 - Growth Chart:  Purchase the brand-new Décor Elements Growth Chart, only available August 1-September 30, and as an added bonus, receive a free applicator tool with your purchase (a $1.95 value).

Isn't this chart too stinkin' cute?  I wish I had a growing child so that I could have this charting their height!

Promotion #2 - FREE Buttons:  Spend $35 on stamp sets from the Growing Up section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (pages 74-90) and receive a FREE package of Designer buttons--a $7.95 value! Eligible buttons are listed below.

Item #	Page	Description	Retail Value
116313	181	Playground Designer buttons	$7.95
116312	181	Sherbet Designer buttons	$7.95
114333	181	Button Latte Designer buttons	$7.95

So Many Toys....

Demonstrators across America started receiving some of the products from the new catalog today.  I'm thrilled that I was one of them.  I stayed up late on Sunday night and got up REALLY early Monday morning to make sure I was at the front of the line!  I LOVE the new products.  I've already got the new In-Colors filed away in their own special box, the extra packs of paper on my shelves, and one of the stamp sets assembled.  But, what did I make first?  I'll share a picture...

If you checked out the Last Chance Decor Elements list, you'll notice that A LOT of them are retiring.  Well, Stampin' Up! shared with us a few of the new Decor Elements as well.  I'm sure this one is designed with a little boy's room in mind, but I thought it would be PERFECT for my classroom.  My husband certainly thinks so!  He thinks it is perfect up over all of my punches.

And, here's a hint....if you look really close, you might see another sneak peek!!!

Spooky Spider Decor Elements

Wow!!!  Trick-or-Treat!!!  Stampin' Up! just gave all of you a treat!  They were not going to start this promo until October 1st, but have started it today!  You can now order your very own Spooky Spider in three different sizes!!!  He makes the cutest candy jar, or click here to see how I used him on my china cabinet!!!  He's a vinyl, self-stick cut out that is easy to apply and remove once the holidays are over.

Want to order yours now???  E-mail me to order yours today!  This deal isn't available online.

Don't wait to order yours - he'll be gone at the end of October!  Look for more brand new Decor Elements starting on October 1st - Stampin' Up! gave us a sneak peek earlier in the week and I'm SO excited.  You're gonna love all of the holiday designs!

NOTE:  I've received a couple of questions about this promo.  The extra web length is automatically included with your spider.  I have the Medium Spider applied to my china cabinet.

Black	White	Description	Price
114761	114764	Spooky Spider Décor Elements (S)	$5.95
114762	114765	Spooky Spider Décor Elements (M)	$10.95
114763	114766	Spooky Spider Décor Elements (L)	$14.95

Parisian Summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sizzix + Raw Vinyl = Custom Decor!

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

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

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

Intoducing Decor Elements Phase Two

I just received my shipment of convention orders.  So, stay tuned for another sneak peek later this afternoon.  But, first, let me introduce you to a sneak peek of one of the items you'll see in Phase Two of Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements.  Only those of us who attended convention were able to order this!  You may remember seeing it in some of my convention photos - it was on a candy jar.  Very cute, but I wanted to do something different. 

This design comes with lots of long web so you can adjust it's height.  I only used about 2/3 or it.  I also changed the position of the word "spooky".  I kind of like it at the top of the arch in my china cabinet.  But, I think it's time to change out my spring china with something a little more festive for fall.

I cannot wait to see what other surprises Stampin' Up! has in store for us this fall!!!

Decor Elements

I just received my second round of Decor Elements - I love these things!  I applied the Long Stem Silhouettes to my living room wall.  Have you seen the brochure?  This brand new product line from Stampin' Up! is available for purchase NOW!  I have received lots of positive feedback about the designs and sentiments on my classroom walls.  They're easy to apply and also removable!  You could change your decor daily if you wanted!!!

Contact me by e-mail or at 856-503-7459 to place your order today!