Stampin' with Kristin

Romantic Heart Banner

Several years ago I made a Valentine's Day banner which has turned out to be one of my all-time favorite projects.  I loved it so much that it was one of the very few finished products that made the move to Utah.  Most of the products used to make the banner retired years ago.  But, it didn't stop me from hanging it in my office cubicle every February.  I can't take a ton of credit for it.  Another demonstrator designed it and I merely copied it exactly as she'd made it.  I honestly don't remember who that demonstrator was, but I'd love to give her credit!

This year I decided it was time to make another.  I'm sure it's easy to tell the elements I carried over.  But, this one seems so much more romantic.  It doesn't scream Valentine's Day like the original.  This one could be used at a bridal shower or in a baby's room.  The colors are so soft.  I'm totally in love with the way this one turned out, too.  Soon I'll have a Valentine's Day banner hanging in every single room of my house!  But, truthfully, I'm just overly excited to finally have a house with a fireplace that I keep making fireplace decorations! 

 Here's a closer look at the pennant (they're all the same).

To make the pennants, I cut a piece of Crumb Cake Cardstock to 3-1/2" x 4-1/2".  I found and marked the center of the short side at 1-3/4".  Using my Stampin' Trimmer, I cut the cardstock into a triangle by cutting from the top corners down to the center mark I'd just made. 

Next, I embossed each pennant using the Happy Heart Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I love that the shape of the heart on the folder coordinates perfectly with the die-cut heart.  Speaking of which, I cut the hearts using the heart die in the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits set of dies.  There's also a similarly shaped heart punch that I forgot about until after I'd finished designing the banner.

I took a tea lace doily and cut it in half.  I folded over 1/2 a doily over the top of each pennant.  I punched a small hole in the top corners of the pennants using my 1/8" Circle Punch and strung Whisper White Baker's Twine through the punched holes.

Finally, I embellished the centers of each heart with the medium size Vintage Faceted Buttons.  Note:  A package of Vintage Faceted Buttons contains 8 of each size.  Therefore, I needed 2 packs of the buttons to make the 13 pennants in my banner.

Stampin' Supplies:  All of the supplies used to create today's project are shown below.  Feel free to click on each image to learn more about each product or purchase them in my online store.   There's also a nifty link on the bottom left that'll allow you to create your own printable list of all of the supplies!

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online

Love Blossoms Designer Series Paper Stack - 140548

Price: $8.00

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock - 120953

Price: $7.00

Whisper White Baker's Twine - 124262

Price: $3.00

Happy Heart Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - 137364

Price: $7.50

Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies - 137547

Price: $40.00

Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons - 127555

Price: $6.00

Tea Lace Paper Doilies - 129399

Price: $3.00

1/8" Circle Punch - 134365

Price: $9.00

Stampin' Trimmer - 126889

Price: $30.00

Supply List

 

Love Blossoms Banner

Okay, okay....I know I've been absent for awhile.  I have a brand new house to decorate!   But I've been neglecting my stamping.  My "to stamp" list is miles long.  The people at the Post Office don't even recognize me yet and I've lived here for 3 months!  Well, I'm determined to get back on track and get some classes scheduled - online AND in person!  Yes, that's right!  I'll be starting up some local, Utah classes.  But, I'll also be in New Jersey throughout the year holding events there, too.

I have a very simple project to share with you.  A little background, first.  I went to a Pinners Conference back in November.  I don't remember if I posted about it or not (it doesn't look like it).  You'd love the Pinners Conference!  It's just a fun conference with speakers that present on things you might see on Pinterest - crafts, baking, finances, organization, and more.  I went to check out the crafty stuff.  And, Becky Higgins (you know, Project Life) was speaking.  I wanted to hear her and get some Project Life tips to incorporate into my Project Life by Stampin' Up! projects.  Different vendors had all sorts of fun things, too. 

I stumbled upon a local company that sells wood in all shapes in sizes for you to paint, cover with paper, and embellish.  Well, that was right up my alley!  I made a cute sign at the event but also raced over to their store to see what else they had.  Many of their projects had you covering wood with patterned scrapbook paper.  Hmmm...Stampin' Up! has patterend scrabook paper, right?  It's taken me awhile, but I finally incorporated my two passions into today's project.  They sell a variety of wooden pieces to make banners.  In fact, I made an adorable 16 "panel" mini Valentine banner over the weekend.  But, I also picked up these larger wooden "panels" to use with Stampin' Up! products.  The wooden pieces measure 3"x4" and are 1/4" thick.  The holes are pre-drilled. 

I first sanded and painted each piece.  For the projects in the store, they tell you exactly which paint to buy (kinda like Stampin' Up! where everything coordinates).  I used a pale pink and white paint on this banner.  I then chose three patterns from the Love Blossoms Designer Series Paper Stack and cut them to fit the panels.  I adhered the paper to the panels using a wood glue they suggest.  But, I think our Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive would work just fine, too.  I then sanded the edges of the paper (after it was adhered to the wood) to smooth out the edges that were hanging over the sides.

For the fourth panel, I painted the whole thing white.  I also picked up a pre-cut wooden heart that I knew I was going to cover in the Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper.  First I painted the edges of the wooden heart in pale pink ink.  Then I simply traced the heart on the back of the glimmer paper and hand-cut the heart.  I adhered it with the wood glue as well and sanded.  Did you spot it?  I'll give ya a hint....it's on the panel on the right.  If you look closely, you'll notice one heart is larger than the rest.

Finally, I added one teeny tiny little heart from the Love Blossoms Embellishment Kit that I also painted white.  Then I strung the whole thing together with White Baker's Twine.  What do you think?  I haven't figured out where I'm going to hang it.  Between my two wooden Valentine's Day banners and this month's Paper Pumpkin, I'm feeling the love!

If you're thinking something like this would make a fun class, don't worry - so do I!  Stay tuned!

Stampin' Supplies:  All of the Stampin' Up! supplies used to create today's project are shown below.  Feel free to click on each image to learn more about each product or purchase them in my online store.   There's also a nifty link on the bottom left that'll allow you to create your own printable list of all of the supplies!

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online

Love Blossoms Designer Series Paper Stack - 140548

Price: $8.00

Love Blossoms Embellishment Kit - 140551

Price: $12.00

Blushing Bride Glimmer Paper - 140550

Price: $5.00

Whisper White Baker's Twine - 124262

Price: $3.00

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Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop - Home Decor

I hope you're enjoying this month's Stamper's Dozen Blog hop.  We've got a baker's dozen projects to share with you this month.  The theme this month is home decor!  If you simply stumbled upon my blog, I hope you'll continue to hop ahead to Jodi's blog or back to Janet's.

I love creating home decor with Stampin' Up! products.  And, I absolutely love the Hello Life Simply Created Kit in the Occasions Catalog.  This is actually the third collage I've had displayed on the frame.  I love that it's so easy to swap out the elements.  (Click here to view my Valentine's version.)

My husband and I are definitely starting a new adventure here in Utah.  We love spending weekends exploring our new home state.  Last weekend we visited Moab.  Yesterday we checked out Park City.  And, we have a LONG list of places on our to-visit list.  Plus, we've driven across the country twice since Thanksgiving!  Today's project features a few of my favorites from some of those trips.

The frame features a WIDE selection of Stampin' Up! products:

The sentiment "The Adventure Begins" is from the Adventure Awaits Stamp Set.  I stamped it on plain old Basic Black Cardstock with Versamark.  I then embossed it with my special "chalk" blend of embossing powders - a mix of White and Clear.  I then dabbed my finger in Whisper White Craft Ink and smudged it over areas to make it look like eraser marks.  You may be wondering why I didn't use our new Chalk Paper - well, I wasn't using Chalk Ink so I didn't think it was necessary.

The set of five banners was made mostly out of Flashback Designer Series Paper.  I cut the banners using the Banners Framelits.  The heart was cut using the heart framelit that comes in the Mini Treatbag Framelits.  The Crushed Curry Button is from the SAB Accessories Pack.  I used hot glue to adhere the banners to Silver Baker's Twine. The center pennant is Basic Black Card Stock.  For some reason I chose to stamp the images using White Stazon.  I think I need to go back and use the same "chalk emboss" technique.  The images are from the Let's Get Away Stamp Set.

The "do more of what makes you happy" is from the Hello Life stamp set that coordinates with the Hello Life Simply Created Kit.  I stamped it just like I stamped the other.

Finally, the Map It Out Photopolymer Stamp Set was PERFECT for illustrating our move from NJ to UT.

Did you notice I stamped on a couple of the photos?  I stamped the "you're so funny" sentiment from the So You Stamp Set on the photo of Baxter and I.  I stamped the "To Live is to Travel" sentiment from the Let's Get Away Stamp set.  I used White and Black Stazon Ink to stamp on the photos. 

The Crushed Curry pom-poms and silver clothes pins are from the Hello Life kit.  I just love that it's so easy to mix and match products since the colors so easily coordinate.

Here's the story behind each of the photos:

- The top photo of Mike and I was taken last weekend at Canyonlands National Park (there are FIVE National Parks here in Utah)!
- The photo on the bottom left was taken on our first drive across the country in November.  If you can't figure it out, we're standing under the Arch in St Louis.
- The photo of Baxter and I was from our second drive across the country in January.  It got a little boring in the backseat (yes, I sat in the backseat with the dog).  Baxter and I snapped some selfies.  This is by far my favorite!  I captioned it when I posted it on Baxter's Facebook Page - "Look how long my tongue is!"
- I snapped the photo on the bottom right on one of my many red-eye flights while I "commuted" between Utah and New Jersey during the month of December.  We were taking off out of Charlotte, NC and I loved the sunrise.

I've used clear "Command Hooks" to hang the frame on my wall.

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online

Stampin' Supplies:  All of the supplies I used to create the cards are displayed below.  Feel free to click on each image to learn more about each product or purchase them in my online store.   There's also a nifty link on the bottom left that'll allow you to create your own printable list of all of the supplies!

Note: The products that have a price of $0.00 below are items you can receive for FREE between now and March 31st!  When you order $50 in products, you can choose an exclusive, Sale-a-Bration item for FREE.  There's NO limit to the number of free products you can earn!

Hello Life Project Kit - 137949

Price: $24.95

Project Life Let's Get Away Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137157

Price: $13.95

So You Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137165

Price: $24.95

Map It Out Photopolymer Stamp Set - 134620

Price: $13.95

Hello Life Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137136

Price: $24.95

Adventure Awaits Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137148

Price: $25.95

Flashback Designer Series Paper - 133699

Price: $10.95

Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies - 137547

Price: $39.95

Banners Framelits Die - 132173

Price: $26.95

White Stazon Pad And Refill - 106960

Price: $11.95

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad - 101406

Price: $7.95

Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad - 101731

Price: $7.50

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Sheltering Tree

If you're like me and you surf blogs and Pinterest, chances are you've seen lots of home decor projects featuring Sheltering tree.  I love this stamp set and have been wanting to make my own for months!  I already had a 10x10 shadowbox frame from Pottery Barn that I knew would be perfect!

Each of my vanilla squares are 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" mounted on Early Espresso cut to 3-5/8" x 3-5/8" mounted on Pear Pizzazz cut to 3-7/8" x 3/7" mounted all on Early Espresso Card Stock.

I used the sample cards in the Occasions Catalog as my inspiration for the squares and I'm pleased with the result!

Here are some tips for each of the seasons:

- Winter:  I used a 2-Way Glue Pen to add small dots of Silver Stampin' Glitter.
- Spring:  I used a 2-Way Glue Pen to add the Crisp Cantaloupe sequins to the tree.
- Fall:  I inked the tree's leaves in Crushed Curry and then colored sections with the Cajun Craze M arker before stamping the image.

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online

Stampin' Supplies:  All of the supplies I used to create the project are displayed below.  Feel free to click on each item to learn more about each product or purchase them in my online store.   There's also a nifty link on the bottom left that'll allow you to create your own printable list of all of the supplies!

• Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137163
  Price: $24.95
• 2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment - 133631
  Price: $4.95
• Silver Stampin' Glitter - 133756
  Price: $3.95
• Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad - 126975
  Price: $5.95
• Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad - 131181
  Price: $5.95
• Pear Pizzaz Classic Stampin' Pad - 131180
  Price: $5.95
• Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad - 126974
  Price: $5.95
• Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad - 131172
  Price: $5.95
• So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad - 126957
  Price: $5.95
• Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad - 126959
  Price: $5.95
• Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad - 132708
  Price: $5.95
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad - 126949
  Price: $5.95
• Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad - 131173
  Price: $5.95
• Regals Stampin' Write Markers - 131262
  Price: $28.95
• 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon - 132140
  Price: $7.95

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Hello Life

I think my most absolutely favorite project in the Occasions Catalog is the Hellow Life Project Kit pictured on page 6 of the Occasions Catalog.  Demonstrators received a sneak peek of the kit during a fun "launch party" during the first week of December.  You've probably ready about me attending these before.  My trip to Long Beach last spring?  Or the New Catalog Launch Party at the home office in Riverton in 2013?  Well, I didn't attend the "live" event in Columbus, OH this time around.  Instead, I attended at one of the movie theaters a few miles away from the Stampin' Up! home office (which is also 15 minutes from where now I live)!  I am friends with several of the SU staff members assigned to the Utah event and they were a little surprised to see me.  And very surprised to hear that I now live in Utah!

Anyway, back to the project.  I love the finished project just as it was designed.  But, a few weeks ago I saw another demonstrator change it up and use different colors (I wish I remember who it was so I could give credit - if it was you, let me know and I'll gladly change this post).  I loved the idea!  I had already planned to change mine out every few month.  But she inspired me to do it sooner and share it with you. 

If you pay very close attention, the DSP featured in the kit is the EXACTLY same DSP that's in the Stacked with Love DSP Stack!  You wouldn't think that would you since the colors are SO different?  What's even better - the kit comes with LOTS of extra pieces!  I was able to create a Valentine's version using the extra supplies and some of the Stacked with Love DSP and a few other supplies that are listed at the bottom of this post.  I can display the Valentine's version for the next month and a half - then I can switch it out for the Crushed Curry version.  And, when I get tired of that, I can easily decorate the metal frame with seasonal colors.  It's already found a home on one of the walls in my new craft room.

If you're not a black and yellow fan, don't overlook this kit!  It's so easy to swap out the few yellow bits with other colors!  I'll bet you may even have some DSP and cardstock sitting around your craft room that you could use!

On a funny note after composing this post - the project doesn't look too bad, right?  It fell BEHIND a toilet not once, but twice while I was trying to get it all prettified for the photo.  I was devastated because I'd put quite a few hours into it trying to find the perfect patterns, arrangement, and then pom-pom assembly.  Just so you know, if you're ever trying to set something on top of a toilet to get a good picture, a row of dimensional edges will prevent it from sliding behind the toilet.

Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online

Stampin' Supplies: All of the supplies I used to create the cards are displayed below. Feel free to click on each image to learn more about each product or purchase them in my online store. There's also a nifty link on the bottom left that'll allow you to create your own printable list of all of the supplies!

Hello Life Project Kit - 137949

Price: $24.95

Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper Stack - 137779

Price: $6.95

You Plus Me Wood Stamp Set - 137133

Price: $25.95

Hello Life Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137136

Price: $24.95

Big On You Photopolymer Stamp Set - 137151

Price: $25.95

Real Red 1/4" Cotton Ribbon - 134563

Price: $5.95

Painted Blooms Cotton Twine - 137873

Price: $6.95

Confetti Hearts Border Punch - 137415

Price: $21.95

Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies - 137547

Price: $39.95

Chalkboard Paper - 137786

Price: $7.95

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock - 102482

Price: $6.95

Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock - 122925

Price: $6.95

Window Sheets Base Material - 114323

Price: $4.95

Rose Coral Colorbox Chalk Ink Pad - 138091

Price: $5.95

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad - 132708

Price: $5.95

Stampin' Dimensionals - 104430

Price: $3.95

Liquid Multipurpose Glue - 110755

Price: $3.95

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Merry Christmas Frame

Today's project is one I'll be displaying in my home from Black Friday through the end of the Christmas season.  I purchased this frame from Walmart back in July while purchasing frames for my Moonlight DSP Sampler class.  Personally, I don't shop at Walmart all that often.  I prefer to go to Target.  There's not really a Walmart that's convenient for me.  BUT, I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with some of the stylish frames that are available there - and how affordable they are!  When I spotted this silver beauty, it immediately made me think of Stampin' Up!'s Striped Scallop Thinlit die.  And, the silver made me think of Christmas and Winter.

The background Designer Series Paper is from the All is Calm Specialty collection in the Holiday Catalog.  The colors are Lost Lagoon and Pear Pizzazz.  The Christmas sentiment was the tricky part.  I needed to find a sizable "Christmas" that also coordinated with the style of the frame.  I found my answer in the Cheerful Christmas stamp set. 

I made sure my stamp was COMPLETELY clean.  I didn't want any "ghost images".  I then simply covered up all of the parts of the image that I didn't want inked with post-it notes.  Maybe "simply" is the wrong word!  It was definitely an exercise in creative masking - especially since the "i" in Christmas extends down to the "h"in Cheer!  But, you can't tell, can you?

I used the Little Letters Thinlits to cut out the "Merry" and very carefully replaced the centers of the "R"s.  Behind the cut out "Merry", I adhered some silver foil paper.  The pattern on the DSP was just too busy behind those letters.  And the silver ties it together perfectly with the frame.

Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop - A Spooktacular Halloween Tree!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  Did you come from Jodi's or BJ's blogs on today's Blog Hop?  Then you probably know we're sharing some Halloween-themed projects.  My project for the hop has been one I've been planning to make for over a month.  I'd found this glittery tree in my basement while cleaning out over the summer.  I'd purchased it a couple of years ago when I made a similar Halloween tree.  I simply swapped out some of the ornaments wth current product for this season!

Here are the supplies I used for the ornaments:
- Freaky Friends Stamp Set
- Good Greetings Stamp Set
- Motley Monsters Designer Series Paper
- Memento Ink
- Bermuda Bay and Tangerine Tango Classic Ink
- Blendabilities
- Simply Scored
- 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-3/4" and 2" Circle Punches
- 1-3/4" and 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punches
- Linen Thread
- Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay, and Basic Black Card Stock

Get the Good Greetings Stamp Set absolutely free!  Simply contact me at 856-503-7459 or [email protected] to host an online party, in-person workshop/class, or simply place a $300 order before October 31, 2014! 

Click here to start shopping!

* Hostesses receive the free Good Greetings stamp set absolutely free when their party orders reach $300.

I hope you are enjoying today's hop and continue through the rest of the posts!  Click here to move ahead to BJ's blog or click here to go back to Jodi's.

  

Introducing Classes To Go!

I'm starting a series of Classes To Go!  These are perfect if you can't attend my classes in person.  I'll be adding more as I dream them up!   If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call (856-503-7459) or e-mail me ([email protected])!

Isn't this little countdown calendar fun?  It contains 13 pages plus a cover page so you can countdown the days to Christmas all December long!  I thought it would make a perfect Class To Go!  It's a simple as 1, 2,3!

1 - You order the 25 Days Stamp Set (shown below) from my Stampin' Up! online store. 

2 - You order the class kit from me which include the white frame, 2 rings, 24 sheets of Trim a Tree DSP (2 each of 12 double-sided designs), ribbon/embellishments, card stock, and instructions with a photo of the cover and 25 countdown pages.

Class Kit & Instructions - $30.00 (includes Priority USPS Shipping)

Class shipping schedule:
Kits ordered by September 10th will be mailed by September 25th.
Kits ordered by October 10th will be mailed by October 25th.
Kits ordered by November 10th will be mailed by November 25th.

3 - The additional supplies you'll need to provide are ink (Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Garden Green, and Early Espresso), adhesive, paper trimmer, scissors, and punches.  If you don't have these colors or wish to order additional items, you can add them to your order when you purchase the 25 Days Stamp Set.

Project inspired by Heather Conklin.

Fall Crepe Paper Flower Stick Wreath

I just realized that I don't think I shared this wreath on my blog!  It's kinda funny since the photo was edited and watermarked already!  I guess dinner was ready and I got distracted the night I intended to post it.

I designed this wreath for my Stamp Sorority Divas.  Each quarter, I recognize the demonstrators on my team for certain accomplishments.  They must meet at least one of three criteria to be invited.  It's based on their personal sales, recruiting, and personal promotions.  I give them dinner.  Usually I cook, but due to some time constraints, we've ordered from a local restaurant the last couple of quarters.  I hope next quarter I get back to cooking for them!  Then I come up with a project for them.  They've all pretty much unanimously agreed that they prefer one big project rather than a few cards featuring new products.  Each quarter it gets harder and harder to come up with something unique!  I was literally down to the wire when I designed this wreath.  I'd found the stick wreath at one of my local craft stores.  I then used our crepe filter paper, some Mossy Meadown card stock, and the Flower Frenzy Die to make the flowers and leaves.  I spritzed the flowers using a mix of rubbing alcohol and reinkers to die the flowers.  I used Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, and Blackberry Bliss Reinkers.  For a little extra embellishment, I added some gold sequins and scraps of burlap ribbon around the flowers.  What do you think?  It was super easy to make!

Love, Love, Love the Little Letters Thinlits!

Have you ever seen a project that you instantly fell in love with and knew you had to recreate?  Today's project is one of them - at least it was for me.

This little home decor piece was inspired by a photo of some projects created by Rachael Van Rij - I think.  I spotted a photo on Stampin' Up! South Pacific's Facebook page of a display board from the South Pacific convention last month.  It appears that the display board featured "Typogrophy" projects that Rachael may have demonstrated at the event.  She had an assortment of three of these with words like "Faith", "Hope", and "Love" with a variety of Designer Series Papers in the background.  They just looked like they came right out of the Pottery Barn catalog or something!  I instantly knew I had to make one!

My frame is a 5"x7" frame from Target.  It's a very simple, inexpensive frame.  I used Strawberry Slush Designer Series Paper from the 2014-2016 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack.  My piece of Whisper White measures 3"x5". 

Thank goodness for the Magnetic Platform!  It certainly came in handy when trying to perfectly line up the Little Letters Thinlits!  I adhered a couple of scraps of Whisper White cardstock behind the top and bottom "love"s.  I popped up the 3"x5" piece using a whole lot of Dimensionals - I wanted it to stay popped when I put it behind glass.

What will yours say?  I'm already thinking of fall phrases in fall colors.  "Merry Christmas" in red and green.  Maybe "Home Sweet Home".  The options are endless!

Burlap and Blooms Wreath Kit

Did you notice the Burlap and Blooms Wreath Kit on the bottom of page 21 of the 2014 Occasions Catalog?  It was so much fun to put together and looks great!  I made this one the other night after being inspired at the Leadership Conference.  I absolutely adore those fringey flowers.

The Burlap and Blooms Simply Created Wreath Kit comes with everything you need to make the wreath except for adhesive, scissors, and a bone folder.  And, I'm sure you all have those!

I will be offering this as a class this winter/spring!  So, if you'd like me to walk you through how to make the wreath, this class will be perfect for you!  I'll be announcing all of the details at my open house on Saturay, January 25 and posting them online shortly after!

I just wandered over to the Stampin' Up! blog and see that they're also featuring this wreath today!  Great minds think alike!

More Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String And...

I did it!!!  I wrapped all of my gifts using brown paper and TONS of embellishments.  I took LOTS of photos - and so did some of the recipients!  I shared a few last week.  It was so much fun to create these pretty packages. Some of them were difficult to open - I used quite a bit of hot glue!  Here they are....

I purchased the brown paper in bulk from a large packaging materials company.  It came in a roll that was 970 feet long.  So, I have PLENTY to use for MANY years to come!

This is one of two gifts I gave to my nieces.  Instead of using one of the tags you'll see on all of the gifts that follow, I die-cut their initials in Silver Glimmer Paper adhered to coasterboard.  I spotted one of my nieces attaching the bow to her wristlet (the actual gift) to save.  I believe the ribbon on this one is from a large greeting card retailer.  The bells were purchased online - but I'm sure you can find them in most craft stores.

This next gift was for my mom.  I used the same black ribbon.  And you can get a good view of one of the tags I made this year.  This was my chalkboard tag.  I used the nativity image from the Best of Christmas stamp set.  It fit perfectly on the 2" wide tag.  I stamped it in Whisper White Craft Ink, added a little dazzling details to the stars, and sponged some white ink to the edges to give it a chalkboard look.

This next package features ribbon I picked up at at a large store that sells tons of products that contain things.  The crochet lace trim was from an online craft supply wholesaler.  You can kind of see the second handstamped tag that I created this year.  The deer image is also from the Best of Christmas Stamp Set.  I added some Dazzling Details to his antlers and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details to his nose.

I love the wintery look on this next package.  The ribbon is a wired burlap ribbon with some gold sparkle to it.  The gold likes to flake off and makes the packages look all gold and glittery.  It's SO pretty!  I picked up the pinecones online.  I hot glued them to the branches which are actually garland ties.  The garland ties are about a foot long and I cut them to size.  I had planned to visit the floral department at my local craft store, but these were PERFECT!

The following gift was for my father-in-law.  You can see the handstamped tag I described above REALLY well here.  The ribbon is some Gumball Green Sweater Trim.  I wrapped it around the gift five times and then hot glued some pinecones to the bow.

The next gift is a simpler version of the first one pictured in this post.  The ornament and ribbon are both from that giant retailer that sells tons of products that contain things.  They have an AMAZING gift wrap section set up this time of year.  And they have the wrapping products sorted by theme so everything coordinates!  Oh dear....as I sit here and type this post on the day after Christmas I'm wondering what kinds of after Christmas deals they're offering today!

This next gift is very similar to some of the others I showed.  The thick ribbon is from a very larger greeting card retailer.  Yes, I go to card stores but I don't buy the cards!

This next gift doesn't really follow my theme, but I couldn't help myself.  I used the same thick red ribbon and tied one of those little hand sanitizer holders because it didn't fit inside of the box.  My step-daughter likes penguins - or if she doesn't she better speak up because she gets LOTS of them!

Here's another gift that's similar to one I've shown.  But, it's a smaller box and I cut down on the number of pinecones.  I hope I didn't melt the chocolate inside this gift with the hot glue gun!!!

I had just a little of the Cherry Cobbler Ribbon from the Holiday Catalog remaining so I used it up on this gift.  I love the white edge.  I also tucked some of the white crochet ribbon underneath.  It's normal to layer ribbon on gifts, right?  I think this gift was my step-daughter's new tablet.  I wanted to make sure the giftwrap was extra special.  She got it all!  Two ribbons, pinecones, jingle bells, and branches!

This next gift was for my mom and another one of my favorites.  I bought tons of these red snowflakes but I think this is the only gift that got one!  Look out next year!  The green ribbon and the red snowflake are also from that retailer that sells tons of products that contain things.

This next pair was for my mother-in-law.  She got TONS of CDs.  I wanted to disguise these a little so I packaged two together to make them a little thicker.  The gift on the left features a red ribbon that's similar to the green above and of course I hot glued some branches and a pinecone.  And, the one on the right is also similar to ones I've shared above.

And, finally, the last package I photoed was this one - also similar to ones you've seen above.  I think this one was for my husband.  I LOVED this really wide, red ribbon.  It's all gone now (sad face).  But, of course his gift had to have it all, too - pinecones and branches and jingle bells...and lots of hot glue!

For my litlest niece and nephews, I went the more traditional giftwrap route.  I didn't really think my 6 month old niece would appreciate the effort!  However, watching the adults unwrap these pretties was definitely just as fun as "making the pretty happen".  Look out next year!!!

Remaining Stamp Sorority Holiday Gifts

Way back on December 9th, I posted the gifts that members of my Stamp Sorority team made and swapped with each other at our annual Holiday Party.  One of the gals was unable to attend.  I wanted to wait until everyone had received their gifts before I posted the remaining pictures (including the gift I received)!

This first picture is the gift that Jennifer made me!  I absolutely LOVE it!  I always love the samplers that people make.  I've admired quite a few of them this year but haven't taken the time to sit down and make one myself.  And, now I don't have to!!!  I have it displayed in my living room on top of our electric "fireplace".  I had a hard time getting a photo without glare so you can't really see all of the detail that went into her project.

Next up is the gift that Lynn made for Meggan.  She stamped some seasonal images on fabric that fits perfectly around a yankee candle.  Only 2 of the sleeves are shown here.  She still has 2 more to make.  But, this should hold her over through winter and spring!

And, finally, the last gift was made by Meggan for Patty Jo.  It's another shadow box filled with jingle bells.  I just love this idea!  She punched an assortment of designer series paper using the Postage Stamp punch for the background.  I also love the rustic frame she found!

All of the gifts my team made this year were fabulous!  They definitely set the bar VERY high for next year!

Paper Christmas Wreath

If you're a blog surfer or explore Pinterest, chances are you've seen one of these paper wreaths.  I'm pretty sure we have Jill Olsen to thank for making them popular this year.  She had them on display in her craft room when some of this year's Founder's Circle achievers stopped by for a visit in September.  I saw the pictures and was SO jealous of them for learning how to make them.  After that you immediately started seeing versions of them EVERYWHERE.  They look so HARD to make.  WRONG!  My Stamp Sorority Divas learned last night just how easy they are to put together!  It only takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours to make them - and patience.  Imagine Valentine's wreaths in a heart shape, Fall wreaths, the options are endless!

I used 1/2 a package of Season of Style DSP to make mine.  I cut one of each sheet in 12" x 1/2" strips.  You then curl each strip like you would ribbon on a gift using your bone folder then pin them to a styrofoam wreath!  I used a 12" white wreath.  I've seen some samples include tags and bows.  But, I like simplicity.  I wanted the curly strips of paper to be the focus. 

Hint:  You'll probably want to keep some bandaids nearby.  Paper cuts are inevitable when you're curling 150ish strips of paper.  You'll want to protect your index finger.  Trust me. 

Mine will be on display on my China cabinet all season long!  LOVE IT!

And, here are three of my four Divas working on their wreaths.  They were all happy that I "forced" them to sit down and make them.  They enjoyed a dinner of wine and chili along with some crustless apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert.  It was a very fun evening!

Season of Style DSP - 132340 - $10.95

Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon - 132315 - $8.95

Fall Diva Banner

Are you ready for more samples?  I have more to share!  Today I'm sharing the Fall Banner my Stamp Sorority Divas made last Wednesday night.  You know who my Stamp Sorority Divas are, right?  They are the top-performing demonstrators on my team from last quarter.  Each quarter I celebrate their successes - recruiting, sales, promotions - with dinner and stamping.  One of my Divas is a bit more vocal when it comes to requests than others - and I think it was a good thing this month!  She dictated the menu (which was entirely gluten-free) and the project.

First we had dinner - an easy, summer ham dinner with potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, and deviled eggs.  They all seemed to enjoy it (and I enjoyed it because it was easier than my usual diva meals).

Next came the stamping.  I typically design a few cards featuring something new.  This time, I asked for requests.  Several of them were over stamping on Monday night to make our convention Make & Takes (which I'll post later).  I asked for requests for a Diva Night project.  Patty Jo quickly requested to try out the stencils and banners.  She only really wanted to try one.  But, why stop at one, right???  We should make an ENTIRE banner! I had all of the supplies in a box and pulled it up on the table and revelead our stamping project.  I received a mix of emotions from excitement to fear (maybe).  How on earth would we make that banner in one night!  It's easier than you think - especially when all of the supplies are prepared for you!

I had an obscene amount of Sweater Weather DSP on hand (somehow I had 4 packs) so I decided to make the base of the banner out of DSP.  They're each 5x7 with a notch out of the bottom.  I find it easier to see the stenciled letter on a solid background, so I layered a 3" strip of coordinating cardstock over each and sponged Chocolate Chip classic ink to make the letters. The cardstock colors are Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Sahara Sand, and Crushed Curry.  Inspired by the two banner kits in the catalog, I made rosettes out of the Sweater Weather DSP.  Here's where it got tricky.  The banners in the kit are 2"x16" scored ever 3/8".  Sweater Weather DSP is only 12" long.  So, all four had to be pieced together.  When they're together, you can't even tell the DSP has bee pieced together.  We then layered Naturals Designer Buttons, stamped images and ribbon to embellish.

To celebrate five successfully created banners (created in 2 hours), we then headed out for ice cream at the Elmer Twist (featuring gluten-free ice cream cones)!  They all said they loved making one BIG project instead of a few cards.  It was pretty much unanimous that they wouldn't have made these banners on their own - but were thrilled to have one to display.  So, I'm already dreaming up my next Diva Night BIG project!

Here's a list of all of the supplies I used to create the banner:

- Sweater Weather DSP
- Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla Cardstock
- Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
- Tangerine Tango and Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Markers
- Circles Collection Framelits (for the 2" cirlce on the "f" and "l")
- Magnificent Maple Stamp
- Truly Grateful Stamp Set
- 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
- 1/2" Circle Punch
- Simply Scored Tool
- Naturals Designer Buttons
- Linen Thread
- Jumbo Sticky Rounds
- 7/8" Cotton Ribbon
- Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon
- 7/16" Natural Trim Ribbon
- Soft Sky Seam Binding
- 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon
- Jute Twine (available in the Banner Simply Created Kits)
- Stencils from the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit