Stampin' with Kristin

Twelve Weeks of Halloween - Week 6

We're halfway through my Twelve Weeks of Halloween already!  Can you believe it?  Today I wanted to share a card with you.  I had lots of fun coloring this scene using my Blendabilities.  It's certainly not a quick and simple card, that's for sure!  But, that's okay!  I don't send many (or any) Halloween cards.  It's not like Christmas!

The houses are stamped using the Holiday Home Photopolymer Stamp Set then they're cut using the Homemade Holiday Framelits. And, when you purchase them together, you can save 15%!!  I love this set because it's so flexible!  You can make Halloween, Thank You, Housewarming, Christmas, and more using this set!  There's a snoman, bats, cobwebs, a couple of trees, santa, leaves, snowflakes, and more!

Holiday Home & Homemade Holiday Framelits
Holiday Home & Homemade Holiday Framelits Bundle - Item 137631 / Price $31.95
Holiday Home Photopolymer Stamp Set - Item 135095 / Price $15.95
Homemade Holiday Framelits - Item 135857 / Price $21.95

Christmas in Blue and Silver

I had so much fun creating this soft and elegant Christmas card.  The color scheme is Soft Sky, Lost Lagoon, and Silver.  I love making these wreaths.  They're SO EASY to line up because of the tabs and the fact that it's photopolymer.

I stamped the full wreath in Soft Sky followed by the second wreath layer in Lost Lagoon.  I heat embossed the berries using my Versamark ink and Silver Embossing Powder.  I cut the wreath using the coordinating Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies.

I stamped the Hardwood background stamp in Soft Sky as well.  I stamped the sentiment and wreath hanger directly on the Hardwood background in Versamark and heat embossed them both using the Silver Embossing Powder as well.  I popped the wreath up using dimensionals and then adhered a Lost Lagoon bow made using the Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon.

Wondrous Wreath
Wondrous Wreath Stamp Set & Wonderful Wreath Framelits Bundle - Item 137624 / Price $43.25
Wondrous Wreath Photopolymer Stamp Set - Item 135047 / Price $25.95
Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies - Item 135851 / Price $24.95

Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon (10 yards)Item 135841 / Price $5.95

Christmas Curvy Keepsake Boxes

Yesterday I shared some Halloween-themed Curvy Keepsake Boxes.  And, as promised, today I'm sharing some Christmas-themed boxes.  Again, I can't take credit for these, they were all designed by Lynn Starzl (I believe).  However, in some cases I made some minor tweaks to the original design.

Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Dies:
Item Number - 135853
Price - $32.95
Order Now

 Here are the supplies I used for each of them:

Penguin:
- Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White Cardstock
- Owl Punch (eyes and nose)
- Extra-Large Oval Punch (belly)
- Modern Label Punch (feet)
- White Gel Pen

Snowman:
- Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock
- Silver Glimmer Paper
- Subtles Candy Dots
- Pool Party 1/4" Cotton Ribbon
- 2-1/2" Circle Punch
- Paper Trimmer

Santa:
- Real Red and Basic Black Cardstock
- Silver Glimmer Paper
- Owl Punch (buttons)

Twelve Weeks of Halloween - Week 5

I'm so in love with these little guys!  If you're on Pinterest, most likely you've seem some of them!  They're made using the new Curvy Keepsakes Die in the Holiday Catalog.  I think the'd make perfect little boxes for giving away Halloween treats.  I wish I could take credit for them, but I found them on Pinterest, just like you may have!

These boxes are super simple to put together.  You simply cut out two of the box pieces and adhere the bottoms on top of one another.  I use Sticky Strip.  Then you decorate!  Check back tomorrow for some Christmas/Winter-themed Curvy Keepsake Boxes!

Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Dies:
Item Number - 135853
Price - $32.95
Order Now

 

Here are the supplies I used to make each:

Witch (inspired by Lynn Starzl):
- Old Olive, Basic Black, and Whisper White Card Stock
- Burlap Ribbon
- Owl Punch (eyes)
- 1/2" Circle Punch (nose)
- Project Life Pens (sketching)
- 2-1/2" Circle Punch
- Tree Punch
- Paper Trimmer

Mummy (inspired by Terri Ransom):
- Sahara Sand, Whisper White, and Basic Black Card Stock
- White Gel Pen
- Project Life Pens
- Sahara Sand Ink
- Sponge
- White & Tangerine Tango Two-Tone Trim

Pumpkin (inspired by several):
- Pumpkin Pie Card Stock
- Work of Art Stamp Set
- Pumpkin Pie Ink
- Mossy Meadow Ribbon
- Linen Thread
- Autumn Wooden Elements

Santa Stache!

I have fallen completely in love with Santa Stache.  I loved coloring and shading Santa's hat using my Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities and his face using the skintones.  It was nice to sit down and color for the fun of it last weekend!  I stamped his mustache a second time and cut it out using the Mustache Framelits Die in the Annual Catalog.  It's SO fun!  I can't wait to go color the nutcracker image!

I layered my Santa over some Whisper White, Garden Green, and Sahara Sand Cardstock along with some of the Trim a Tree DSP stack.  I added just a little bling to his had using my two-way glue pen and dazzling diamonds.

Santa Stache
Wood Mount - Item 135032 / Price $21.95
Clear Mount - Item 135035 / Price $16.95

Mustache Framelits Die
Item 133741 / Price $7.95

Gift Card Envelope

If you haven't noticed, this year's Holiday Catalog is packed full of gift packaging ideas including boxes, bags, tags, and even a Gift Card Envelope Die!  Today's project features the new Gift Card Envelope & Trims Thinlits Dies. 

The folded size of the envelope is 4" x 2-3/4" - perfect for those credit card-sized gift cards.  These would be perfect to embellish and give away to your mail delivery person, your favorite man/woman in brown, a teacher....or imagine making these and tucking a tip for your server at a restaurant!  Hmmm....I might have to do that.  I eat out almost daily!

I decided to make a belly band for mine to keep it closed.  I embellished with some of the Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper, Venetian Crochet Trim, and feathers made using the Four Feathers Stamp Set and coordinating Feathers Framelits Dies.  I adhered the belly band using the new stapler.  But, I didn't want boring silver staples!  I colored a row of staples using the darkest of the Crumb Cake Blendabilities.

Gift Card Envelope & Trims Thinlits Dies
Item 135854 / Price $32.95

Four Feathers Stamp Set & Feathers Framelits Dies
Wood Bundle Item - 137629 / Price $22.75
Clear Mount Bundle - 137630 / Price $20.25
Wood Four Feathers Stamp Set - 135050 / Price $13.95
Clear Mount Four Feathers Stamp Set - 135053 / Price $10.95
Feathers Framelits Dies - 135852 / Price $12.95

Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper
Item 135820 / Price $10.95

Bright and Beautiful Bundle

In case you missed it, I announced last Friday that you can get your choice of several FREE exclusive bundles of products when you purchase a Big Shot this month!  Today's card features one of those bundles valued at more than $51 in clear mount or more than $59 in wood mount!  This was the card I designed to be the Make & Take at my Stamp Sorority Team Gathering last month.  I wanted them to have a sample to show off when the promotion began!

I stamped the Dictionary background stamp in Smoky Slate and the sentiment in Cherry Cobbler.  I also stamped the large star in Cherry Cobbler and cut it using the coordinating Stars framelits.  I wanted to embellish just a little bit, so I folded some Silver Satin Ribbon in the top right corner and colored one of my pearls using the largest of the Smoky Slate Blendabilities.  I think it looks just like a black pearl.  This card came toget very fast and would make a great Christmas card!

You may be thinking that you already have a Big Shot and missed out.  Well, technically you could buy a second Big Shot and tuck it away as a Christmas gift for this year or for yourself!  BUT, you can also take advantage of the special bundles and save 15% off when you buy them.  These bundles will NOT be available after August.  In fact, this special Bright & Beautiful Bundle won't even be in the Holiday Catalog!  If you want it discounted, be sure to buy it this month!

Santa Fry Boxes!

Yesterday I posted the first of two designs for the Treat Holder Swap in which I'm participating.  Today I'm sharing the second design.  I'm loving these Santa Fry Boxes.  I spotted a project on Pinterest that inspired them.  I have to believe that I'm not the first person to do this with the Fry Box!  I know I've seen them decorated for fall/Halloween.  These were super simple to make - they'd make great favors for treats for school or favors for a holiday gathering.  The box is created from a 1/2 sheet of 8.5 x 11 cardstock cut using the new Fry Box Bigz L die for the Big Shot.

Do you recognize the sentiment on the flag?  No, it's hot handwritten.  That's a sneak peek of an AWESOME new Hostess Stamp Set that will be available soon - I'm guessing the Holiday Catalog.  I AM IN LOVE with this hostess set.  It's like the best hostess set...EVER!  Seriously!  I love the font, I love the phrases...I love it all!

Flower Patch

One of the most popular stamp sets in the catalog has got to be Flower Patch along with the coordinating framelits.  I've seen so many gorgeous samples online using this set.  And, I've sold quite a few of them already.  In fact, it's so popular, that it's already on backorder!  If you love both of those items, you can buy them together and save 15%!

Today's card is another of the projects that my Die Cut Divas got to make a couple of weeks ago.  It was inspired by the journal at the bottom of page 155 in the new catalog.  I embellished with some of the fabulous, new Whisper White Seam Binding!  The sentiment is from Occasions 4 You which I thought was appropriate.

Something for Baby - Baby Girl Card

Today's card is another one of the projects I designed for my Die Cut Divas class a couple of weeks ago.  It uses the Baby's First Framelit Dies.  And, to be honest, I kinda like using the dies without the Stamp Set!  Although, the stamp set is pretty cute and very popular, too!  If you buy them together, you can bundle and save 15%!

I cut the little onesie shape using the framelits then ran it back through my Bit Shot to add the Large Polka Dots using the brand new Large Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The Designer Series Paper behind the cut image is from the All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack.

I then embellished with a Melon Mambo punched heart using the new heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.  I tied some Blushing Bride 1/4" Cotton Ribbon (YUMMY).  The sentiment is from the brand new And Many More Stamp Set which fits perfectly inside of the Word Window Punch layered over the Modern Label Punch.

 

Die Cut Divas Class

This coming week I'm offering a class that features LOTS of the new dies and accessories for the Big Shot.  Here's just one of the projects you'll get to make in that class.  If you saw yesterday's post, you may have read how much I love the new Little Letters Thinlits.  I wanted to include a project in my Die Cut Divas class that let you make a project using the same idea.  And, I'm pretty pleased with how this card turned out.

The color combo - Calypso Coral - Blackberry Bliss - Old Olive - Soft Suede - Daffodil Delight was inspired by the new Park Lane Designer Series paper.  That same paper is what is peeking through the cut out "YOU".  To finish it off, I added a few coordinating Candy Dots.

I'll be working on designing the rest of the projects this weekend.  I'd love to have you join us. This is the first time ever that I'm opening up my Die Cut Divas class to anyone! 

Materials Fee:  $20.00 (unless you've purchased a Big Shot from me - then my Die Cut Divas classes are free)

Location:  222 Center Street, Elmer, NJ 08318

Dates/Times:
Tuesday, June 10 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 11 - 6:30pm
Thursday, June 12 - 6:30pm

 Use the form below to register online now.  Or, feel free to e-mail me (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) or call me at 856-503-7459 if you would prefer to pay by cash or check.

Online Ticketing for Die Cut Divas powered by Eventbrite

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!

Happy National Donut Day!

Did you know that today is National Donut Day?  I wouldn't have known if it hadn't been for Facebook.  But, as soon as I heard about it, I imagined the new Hamburger Box Bigz XL Die filled with a big ol' donut.  Maybe I should have measured the box first!  It's a bit smaller than I had imagined - which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're the gift-giver!  I envisoned the hamburger box with a single donut and the fry box filled with munchkins.  But, as you can see by the photos posted, I had to mix it up a bit based upon my donut size.  I was pretty bummed the big one didn't work.  I'd picked out a pretty donut to use and very carefully transported it home.  On the contrary, it tasted pretty good!

I just think this new Hamburger Box Bigz XL Die is PERFECT for giving little gifts.  At my "day job" we've been celebrating Employee Appreciation Week all week long.  We've had movies playing in our theater (yes, I work for a bank that has its own theater), Mister Softee came to visit, we had free lunch, a free breakfast, and they had Wii games set up in one of the conference rooms earlier this week.  Between Employee Appreciation Week and National Donut Day, I figured this would make the PERFECT gift to give today!  Granted, when I make things for folks at the office, I never know where to stop.  So...don't tell them that I was thinking of them.  I didn't make them any.

The box itself is Daffodil Delight.  But the color combo is Daffodil Delight - Pistachio Pudding - and Strawberry Slush.  I then embellished with several new products!  See below for the full list and links for the new products to purchase them!

Want to see and use more of the new Big Shot dies, embossing folders, framelits, and other accessories from the new catalog?  I'm hosting a Die Cut Divas class three different nights next week.  I'd love to have you join me.  Click here for all of the details.

- Hamburger Box Bigz XL Die
- Daffodil Delight Cardstock
- Whisper White Cardstock
- All Abloom DSP Stack
- Starburst Framelits
- 1-3/8" Circle Punch
- Strawberry Slush Thick Baker's Twine
- Strawberry Slush Ink
- Pistachio Pudding Ink
- Hello There Hostess Stamp Set (ya gotta host a party or place a qualfying order to get it)

Hello Honey!

Have you seen the new 2014-2016 In Colors?  I'm sure other demonstrators have posted some sneak peeks by now.  I finally broke mine out and made this card.  There are two new In Colors used here - Hello Honey and Blackberry Bliss.  Hello Honey is awfully close to some of our other yellows.  It's a tad bit duller than Crushed Curry.  However, Blackberry Bliss is just YUMMY.  It's a deep, rich purple.  It's utterly gorgeous in person - and I don't like purple!  And, don't these two look amazing together?  Granted, I'm not sure I would have paired them up if it hadn't been for the new Moonlight DSP Stack.

How many sneak peeks can you count on this card?  I believe there are SIX!  The layout was cased from the catalog, but I tweaked it a little bit.

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

- Yippee-Skippee stamp set
- Flamingo Lingo stamp set (sneak peek)
- Petite Petals Punch
- Scallop Tag Topper Punch
- Chalk Talk Framelits
- Blackberry Bliss CS (sneak peek)
- Blackberry Bliss Ink (sneak peek)
- Hello Honey CS (sneak peek)
- Hello Honey Ink (sneak peek)
- Whisper White CS
- Moonlight DSP Stack (sneak peek)
- Basic Rhinestones
- Big Shot & Magnetic Platform

 

Inspiration and Sneak Peeks

I hear time and time again from friends and customers that they think they're not creative.  Well, I have a little secret - neither am I!  Today's card is a prime example.  It's pretty darn cute, right?  How about that color combo?  Isn't that fresh and fun?  I copied the card EXACTLY as it is in the new catalog!  I changed absolutely NOTHING on this card.

There are two teeny tiny sneak peeks hidden on this card - but if you were itching to make this card now, you could easily swap it out with product you already have.  Can you spot them?  First, the little flower is part of a brand new Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.  What's the second?  The Designer Series Paper!  I'm sure you have black and white DSP sitting around somewhere.  But, this DSP is part of the new Back to Black DSP that was a giveaway at the Long Beach Catalog Premiere "After Party".

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

- Just Sayin' Stamp Set
- Word Bubbles Framelits
- Arrows Textured Embossing Folder
- Vellum Cardstock
- Basic Gray, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, and Strawberry Slush CS
- Back to Black DSP (sneak peek)
- Crushed Curry Ink
- Neutrals Candy Dots
- Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (sneak peek)- Big Shot & Magnetic Platform

Peekaboo Hexagon Hive

Today's card is one that I created for my stamp club earlier this week.  it features the Hexagon Hive thinlit.  Would you believe I'd never used this thinlit?  Don't get me wrong, I love almost every card I've seen that uses it.  It was inspired by this card by Sarah Sagert.  I changed up the colors and the orientation, but the idea was all hers.

I used the Retro Fresh Washi Tape as well as the Summer Silhouettes stamp set.  What do you think?  I love it!

 

Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop - Congrats!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  It's the 15th of the month which means - it's time for another Stamper's Dozen Blog Hop!  This month's theme is "Congratulatory Cards" to get you ready for the graduation/wedding season - or any other occasion you wish to celebrate!

I was running REALLY short on time this month so this month's card isn't completely original and is pulling double-duty.  Today's card is a sneak peek for my stamp club!  They'll be making this card tonight.  It was inspired by a couple of cards and I want to be sure to give credit where it is due. 

First, the layout and color-scheme was inspired by a card I spotted on Pinterest by Diana Eichfeld.  I thought it could be a fabulous masculine graduation card!  You could make this in any school's colors! 

BUT, one of the enhancements I wanted to include was a "shaker feature".  I mean, seriously, what's a celebration without a little confetti?!?!?!  I've been wanting to do this since January when I saw this trick at the Leadership conference.  Stampin' Up! shared how to make quick confetti using the Fringe Scissors!  You simply cut some fringe, turn the paper 45 degrees, and cut again creating little squares.  Easy peasy!  The confetti is encased in a cello envelope.  I cut the cello down to size to fit my window and sealed it with sticky strip.

Finally, for some reason I felt the need to add a silver button.  I love how thin these little buttons are.  Hooray for mailable embellishments!  However, it was frustrating to me that I didn't have any Midnight Muse ribbon to lace through the button.  And, I know some of my stamp club members will feel the need to tie something through the button.  (Note - I momentarily forgot that we have Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine which would have worked!)  To make my "thread", I cut a thin strip of Midnight Muse cardstock and laced it through!  I included this trick years ago and had forgotten.

I hope you'll continue through this month's hop to see a dozen congratulatory cards!  Thanks for stopping by!

  

 

 

Yippee Skippee!

Yesterday was such a dreary day here in New Jersey that I just had to make a bright and cheerful card!  For inspiration, I turned to the Color Coach.  Do you have one of those?  It gives you ideas for color combos.  Sometimes I find it to be good inspiration for me.  Granted, yellow and gray isn't exactly a new color combo.  I love these colors together, but stumbling upon them simply reminded me that I like them!  The layered fringe was inspired by a project I saw in the Stampin' Up! demonstrator magazine, Stampin' Success.  I also hadn't yet used the On Film Framelits and really wanted to.  So, add all of those ideas together, and here's what ya get!

Here are the products I used to make today's card:

- Yippee Skippee Stamp Set
- Petite Petals Stamp Set
- On Film Framelits
- Petite Petals Punch
- Fringe Scissors
- Jet Black Stazon Ink
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Daffodil Delight Card Stock
- Smoky Slate Card Stock
- Basic Gray Card Stock
- Brights Collection DSP Stack
- Rhinestones

Getting my Mojo Back

Have you missed me?  Last week was a crazy week with the storms and travel for me.  I had to fly up to Canada on Monday afternoon in the middle of all of that snow.  Granted, if you live near me you didn't get any.  But, just a few miles up the road they got TONS.  I made it safe and sound, attended my all-day meeting in Toronto on Tuesday, and flew back right before the ice storm on Tuesday night.  I've felt so far behind all week long!  But, after a restful weekend of sleeping in, visiting with friends, a date night, and a birthday party later today, I'm feeling more like myself again!

I don't have any stamping events on my calendar this week.  So, I had some time to sit down and stamp just for the fun of it.  I often turn to the Mojo Monday website for some good card sketches and decided to take a stab at sketch 330.  Today's card is what I came up with.

Here are the supplies I used:
- Starburst Sayings Stamp Set
- Starburst Framelits Dies (the stamps and framelits are available as a bundle)
- Bermuda Bay Card Stock, Classic Ink, and Candy Dot
- Silver Encore Ink
- Corner Rounder Punch
- Basic Black and Whisper White Card Stock
- Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper
- Silver 1/8" Ribbon
- Arrows Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Tune in tomorrow for an exciting announcement!

Spiral Flowers - Gorgeous!

I'm in love with this very unmailable card!  This is the third card my stamp club created on Wednesday night.  It was also inspired by a card on Pinterest - this one by Wendy Weixler.  You can probably tell that I changed this one up quite a bit.  But I loved her color scheme and grouping of roses.  I loved the Hardwood Background, but thought I could simplify it a bit for my stamp club and still make it gorgeous.

The colors I used were Crisp Cantaloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, and Very Vanilla.  If you haven't seen it, the roses were created by the fabulous, new Spiral Flower die.  I use my hot glue gun to adhere the flowers.  But, I'm sure you can use others.  I prefer hot glue because it cools/dries so quicly!

The sentiment is from the Perfect Pennants stamp set that is bundled with the Banners Framelits that I used on their other two cards.

Happy Watercolor for People Who Don't Watercolor!

I like to think that the new Happy Watercolor Stamp Set is for those of us who don't like to watercolor!  There are these cool "blotches" in the set that are pretty darn awesome that help you fill in the flowers or just add color! 

If you saw yesterday's post, you might have guessed that this is the second card that my stamp club made last night.  I was browsing to find a different style.  And, knowing that I had a request to use this stamp set on Friday, I was hoping to find something that would work for both.  This doesn't.  But, I loved it.  I loved the style.  It was inspired by this card created by Jenny Peterrson.  I think what stood out was her use of ribbon - just strips of it in the background - and the color combo - Daffodil Delight and Bermuda Bay!  I stamped the Dictionary Background stamp in Smoky Slate and the flower outlines in Jet Black Stazon.  The pennant was cut using the new Banners Framelits.  

Thank You!

I wanted to share with you the thank you cards that will be mailed out today!  I made a HUGE stack of these - so I had to keep them fairly simple.  I got the idea from a swap or an idea on Pinterest or something.  I honestly can't remember, but it's definitely not an original idea to adhere several strips of washi tape (Retro Fresh in this case) and then layer over it the negative image cut from the Hearts Collection Framelits dies.  I thought it needed a little something so I added a rhinestone and stamped a sentiment from the Simply Celebrate stamp set in the Occasions Catalog. 

Buzzing By...

Today's card is the third and final card my stamp club made this month.  Yes, it was also inspired by a card on Pinterest.  I think it was the yellow and black that caught my eye.  Here's the original by Anne Marie Hile.  I had to get VERY creative on this one since several of the products she used are no longer available.  But, I'm always up for a challenge!

When I started to recreate her card, I couldn't immediately locate my Houndstooth Embossing Folder - and I'm glad I couldn't!  I chose to use the Honeycomb folder instead.  Well, what do you think of when you've got honeycomb, yellow and black and you need to replace a flower?  Bumble bees!!!  Believe it or not, I'd never actually used the Backyard Basics Stamp Set or coordinating framelits!  They're almost a year old!  They just aren't really my style.  I remember debating if I should even buy them or not.  But, if you know me, you know I buy it all so I wasn't surprised to find it sitting on my stamp shelf!  And the bee image and framelit worked PERFECTLY on this card!  I stamped the bee in Black Stazon and colored it with my Daffodil Delight and Smoky Slate markers. 

We also no longer sell the DSP she used.  But, you wouldn't know that, would you?  Because the exact same DSP is available in the Neutrals DSP Stack!  PERFECT!  (I almost grabbed Modern Medley DSP but the dots are vanilla.)  I embellished with some Neutrals Candy Dots and Smoky Slate Chevron Ribbon.  The ribbon was added because I thought the sentiment "flag" was too small.

Get Well Butterfly

I started sharing the cards I designed for my monthly stamp club on Monday.  But, I took a break the last couple of days to focus on some FABULOUS deals!  Have you taken advantage of them yet?

Today's card is another card I spotted over on Pinterest.  The original didn't really use Stampin' Up! products, but I loved the layout and the idea.  And, clearly, it can be recreated using all SU! ('cause I did)!

By now, you probably know that I love using the Squares Collection Framelits to make windows.  Well, this time I made a little different window.  It kinda resembles a slide.  Remember them?  I cut the slide/frame out of the Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I love this paper because the design is embossed - which is why I moved my sentiment (from the Express Yourself hostess-only Stamp Set).

The butterflies were cut using the Butterfly die and both of the current SU butterfly punches.  The Crisp Cantalope butterfly is stamped from the Best of Butterflies Stamp Set.  Can you tell I stamped the Soft Sky butterfly?  Can you tell which stamp I used?  I used the Six-Sided Sampler Stamp Set!  I stamped a hexagon in Pool Party on Pool Party then punched the butterfly.  I wanted him to have a little texture and that set worked perfectly!

How about the "arrows"?  Know where they came from?  They came from A Banner Christmas Stamp Set!  Yes, this card uses four different stamp sets!  Doesn't look like it would, would it?  I absolutely adore this card!

Embossing Folder Craziness!

Yesterday I sat down to design the cards for tomorrow night's stamp club.  I've been stamping with these women almost as long as I've been a demonstrator!  I love them.  And, I look forward to seeing them every month.  I usually ask the hostess if she has any requests.  This month's hostess, Nancy, told me that I didn't have to do a holiday card.  So, I forced myself to get out of that zone.  Besides, I'm sure many of these gals already have their Christmas cards designed - maybe even finished!!!

I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration.  We pin all of these ideas, but do we ever make them?  Today's card is one that I pinned awhile ago.  I had to alter it a bit to use current products and colors!  But, I usually change up the cards a little bit.  Once I had my idea, I turned to the catalog for some color combos.  And, Designer Series Paper is my favorite place to go for fun, color combos.  This one was inspired by the I Am Me Designer Series Paper collection.  It features Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Pool Party, Real Red, So Saffron, and Whisper White. 

The squares are each 1".  The Basic Black layer is 5-3/8" x 3-3/4".  I used the Large Scallop Edgleit to make the scallops.  The squares are embossed using the following folders:  Chevron, Fancy Fan, Polka Dot, and Flower Garden.

I stamped the sentiment in Real Red.  It's from the A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set.  The mosaic design to the left of the sentiment is stamped in Pool Party and is from the Mosaic Madness Stamp Set.

Wanna see the original?  It was designed by Leanne Pugliese.  Click here to view her version.

November Die Cut Divas Projects

Last night was my final Die Cut Divas class of 2013.  Wow.  I can't believe I'm wrapping up my 2013 classes.  I just have a couple of Stamp-a-Stacks later this month and then I'm on "vacation" for the month of December.  But, don't worry - I'll still be stamping and blogging and here for your questions! 

My Die Cut Divas got to make these three projects this month.....

I posted a sneak peek of this first card on my Facebook page over the weekend and it was a hit!  So many of you loved this card.  And, so did I when I saw the inspiration.  I cased a card designed by my friend, Maggie Patterson.  I'd spotted it on Pinterest and knew it would make a great project for Die Cut Divas.  I changed the sentiment and I chose to use Red Glimmer Paper instead of plain Real Red Card Stock.

You probably recognize this next card, it was inpsired by a swap I received at my downline meeting created by Lynn.  I modified it slightly by adding a sentiment.  I love this alternate use of the snowflakes to make a wreath!

Finally, they made a cute treat bag.  The bag is one of the Chevron Tag a Bag Gift Bags.  They come flat, but I showed them how to turn it into a gusseted bag.  We had a lot of fun creating the tags.  The circle layer in the back is made with DSP-covered coaster board.  I thought it made a much sturdier base for the tag.  The sentiment is from the Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set and cut out using the Chalk Talk Framelits.

Welcome Cards

I'm sure you saw the starter kit promotion that ended on Monday.  Quite a few people decided to give Stampin' Up! a try.  I sent out welcome cards to each of the people who joined during the promotion.  I figure that they should have received their cards by now so it's safe to share here!

I used a stamp set that was only available to demonstrators who attend convention a couple of years ago called "I Am...".  I just love it.  The rest of the supplies include:
- Pool Party Card Stock
- Pool Party Core'dinations Card Stock
- Baked Brown Sugar Classic Ink
- Baked Brown Sugar Card Stock
- Very Vanilla Card Stock
- Etcetera DSP
- Polka Dot Embossing Folder
- Burlap Ribbon
- Labels Collection Framelits

Order Your Magnetic Platform Tomorrow!

The wait is ALMOST over!  Starting tomorrow (September 12, 2013), you'll be able to order the Magnetic Platform (item 130658) for the Big Shot.  I know so many of you are waiting patiently to order yours.  I will actually be traveling to San Diego tomorrow but you can still place an order online.  I've been told that Stampin' Up! received a "full shipment" of the platforms earlier this week.  I'm hoping this means they don't end up being backordered again.  If you would prefer to not order yours online, you can always send me an e-mail (kristinkortonick@yahoo.com) and I'll place the order for you. 

Halloween Card - Circle Thinlits Card Die

I thought you'd all enjoy seeing one of the cards my stamp club made last week.  It was inspired by a variety of cards I saw online.  I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:
- Circle Card Thinlit Dies
- 2-1/2" Circle Punch
- Chevron Embossing Folder
- Designer Label Punch
- Halloween Happiness Stamp Set
- Neutrals Candy Dots
- 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon
- Jet Black Stazon Ink
- 1" Circle Punch
- Witches Brew Designer Series Paper
- Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Summer Starfruit Cardstock

Gold Foil Thankful Card

So many of you commented on this card at my open house.  It's a card that my Die Cut Divas got to make last Wednesday.  It's funny...I designed it the night before the class.  I was really dragging and just couldn't come up with a design that I loved.  So, I finally settled on this one.  I found that this sentiment is SO hard to work with because it's just so gosh darn long!  I saw several cards on Pinterest where the sentiment went up the side like I have here.  I loved it - and so did you!

The stamps are from my favorite Holiday Catalog Stamp set - Truly Grateful.  The fabulous patterned paper is from the Sweater Weather DSP.  And, of course, the fabulous gold sentiment was created using the Gold Foil Paper and the Expressions Thinlits - both from the Holiday Catalog.  Oh, and who can forget - I added a couple of Chocolate Chip Candy Dots to the card because I thought it needed something extra to balance it out.

Fancy Fold Birthday Card

Yesterday I shared a Christmas card that I cased from a convention project.  Today is another project inspired from convention.  This time I'm case-ing Shelli.  She shared some pretty over-the-top cards this year and I loved each and every one.  However, today's project has to be my absolute favorite.  I admit, it's not exactly a mailable card, but that's okay! 

Sure, the card is pretty and colorful, but the really cool part is how it opens!  You flip the top flap (the bow) up and the inside of the card slides out of the top!  We'll be making a card similar to this and several other fun fancy fold cards in a class next month!

Like yesterday's card, this card also features a really cool sneak peek - THE BOW!  I have to admit, I was NOT in love with the Gift Bow Bigz Die featured in the Holiday Catalog.  I'm a ribbon fan.  Why would I want to create a bow with paper when I can tie a pretty one out of ribbon?  I now know why.  I saw so many ideas with this die, this was the first thing I had to make when I got home. 

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:
- Gift Bow Bigz L Die (Holiday Catalog)
- Polka Dot TIEF
- Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die
- Chalk Talk Framelits
- Chalk Talk Stamp Set
- 2013-2015 In Color DSP Stack
- Eastern Elegance DSP
- Crumb Cake Card Stock
- Coastal Cabana Card Stock
- Chocolate Chip Card Stock
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Strawberry Slush Card Stock
- Coastal Cabana Classic Ink
- Strawberry Slush Classic Ink
- Sticky Strip
- 2013-2014 In Color Boutique Details
- Linen Thread

Open Sea - Father's Day Card

While flipping through the catalog, I spotted this fun layout on page 77 of the catalog.  It featured the By The Tide stamp set, but I felt like I've used that a lot recently.  Instead, I pulled out an oldie but a goodie, The Open Sea.  I think it makes a fabulous Father's Day card.

Using the Chalk Talk Framelits, I cut three tags out of Very Vanilla Card Stock.  I then stamped a variety of images from The Open Sea stamp set in Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Cherry Cobbler, and Soft Suede Classic Ink.  The sentiment is from Delightful Dozen.  I used some linen thread, 7/16" Natural Trim, Neutrals Candy Dots, and Vintage Trinkets to embellish the card.

Wildflower Meadow

It seems like cards featuring the Wildflower Meadow stamp are everywhere!  I have to admit, it's not my favorite - but a lof of other people sure do like it!  So, I thought it would be a good idea to design a card for my Die Cut Divas using the stamp and embossing folder.

To create the card, I had them stamp the image in Versamark Ink on Whisper White Card Stock.  They then sprinkled Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder over the image and heated it using the heat tool.  After letting it cool for a few seconds, they then lined it up inside of the coordinating embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.  It is neat how the images line up - one of the things I love most about Stampin' Up! - coordination.  To make the hummingbird yellow (yes, I know hummingbirds aren't yellow), they colored the bird after heat embossing it using a Daffodil Delight marker.  Easy peasy!

The sentiment, from the Really Good Greetings Stamp Set was stamped in Coastal Cabana then cut using the new Deco Labels Collection Framelits.

 

Lovin' the New!

I received a HUGE box of new products from Stampin' Up! yesterday - including all of the new framelits, the magnetic plate, all of the Designer Series Paper, and much, much more!  I had so fun playing last night!!!  On my to-stamp list were three projects for tonight's Die Cut Divas.  I sure hope they like them.  Here's a little sneak peek of one of the projects they'll be making.

I couldn't be more in love with the new magnetic platform!  It makes die-cutting a breeze!  No more Post-It Notes required!  Your framelits just SNAP onto the platform and hold the paper tight.  I even picked up the platform with the paper and framelit attached and held it vertically - and it didn't move!  If you love framelits, you're gonna need this platform. 

Here are the supplies I used to make today's card:

- Chalk Talk Stamp Set (available as a bundle)
- Chalk Talk Framelits (available as a bundle)
- Big Shot
- Magnetic Platform
- Large Scallop Edgelit
- Quatrefancy Specialty DSP
- Strawberry Slush Card Stock
- Whisper White Card Stock
- Daffodil Delight Card Stock
- Coastal Cabana Card Stock
- Versamark Ink
- Jet Black Stazon Ink
- Whisper White Craft Ink (used to make smudgy background)
- Whisper White Embossing Powder
- Neutrals Candy Dots

More Amore Valentine's Day Card

Today's card was inspired by a card I spotted at the Leadership conference.  In instantly fell in love.  I changed mine a bit to make it more workshop friendly.  Here's a quick description about how I made it...

The background layer is Pool Party Core'dinations Card Stock.  I ran it through my Big Shot with the new Honeycomb Embossing Folder.  I then gently sanded the embossed edges with the Stampin' Sanding Block to expose the white core.

Do you know where the Primrose Petals heart is from?  In each pack of More Amore Specialty DSP, you get a laser cut sheet of these hearts in Primrose Petals and a sheet in Real Red.  Each sheet contains 16 hearts. 

I adhered a sneak peek button in Pool Party that you can get for free during Sale-a-Bration!  I adhered some flags behind the heart made from the More Amore Specialty DSP and Basic Gray Card Stock. 

I stamped a sentiment in Primrose Petals using the new That's the Ticket Stamp Set.  The final embellishment is a flower from the 5/8" Flower Trim.  They come in Very Vanilla, but are so easy to dye!  I simply cut one flower from the strip, laid it face down on top of my Primrose Petals Ink Pad, and smooshed it into the pad a bit using a sponge dauber.  The color doesn't hit all of the parts - and that's okay.  As Shelli taught us at Leadership, you can simply spitz the flower with some water and the color will bleed and cover those remaining vanilla areas!

My Heart's a Fluttering

I'm absolutely in love with the Hearts a Flutter bundle available in Wood or Clear mount.  I think it's super flexible.  I used elements from this bundle on all three cards one of my stamp club made this week - and they weren't all Valentines.  I'll be posting them over the next few days. 

I'm in love with today's card.  It got rave reviews from Mike when I showed it to him.  And, I posted a corner of the card on Facebook and quite a few of you posted that you liked it.  Here's what I did...

The "flag" on the left was cut out of Pool Party Core'dinations Card Stock using the scalloped framelit from the bundle.  I embellished the banner using some of the Designer Builder Brads.  The middle "flat" (the heart) was stamped in Real Red Classic Ink and cut out of the scalloped heart framelit in the bundle.  I layered a heart cut from the More Amore Specialty DSP.  The "flag" on the right was cut from using the bundle as well.  I embellished it with a Silver Designer Button and some Pool Party Ribbon.  To make the banner, I punched a 1/16" hole in the corner of each and strung them with White Baker's Twine.

Did you know that Whisper White Craft Ink is still around?  I have to admit, I thought all Craft Ink retired back in May but I was wrong!  I lightly sponged Whisper White Craft Ink over the Basic Gray Card Stock in the background.

The sentiment is stamped from the Seasonal Sayings Stamp Set which has been carried over from the Holiday Catalog.  I stamped it in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with some new Pool Party embossing powder.

Exciting News!!! Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine

Due to Stampin' Up!'s partnership with Sizzix, I'm excited to announce a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine!  Supplies are very limited and will be sold only while supplies last.  Based upon the test, it may or may not be available in the future - so get yours now!

The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut.

'Tis the season of giving, and the Texture Boutique makes a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to create their own elegant embossed art. To help you with your gift-giving needs, Stampin' Up! is offering a special value bundle that saves you $5.90. If you prefer, you can also purchase the Texture Boutique alone.  Looking for stocking stuffers? Pick up some additional embossing folders.

Texture Boutique Bundle Item 132700 $39.95 (a $45.85 value) Includes:
- Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
- 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads
- 1 Mylar Shim
- Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Stampin' Up! exclusive)
- Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Stampin' Up! exclusive)

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Item 132657 $29.95 Includes:
- Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
- 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads
- 1 Mylar Shim

Twelve Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK?  It's the earliest Thanksgiving can ever fall - which means that the official Christmas Shopping Season is longer than ever!  I officially started my Christmas shopping over the weekend.

I'm in love with today's projects.  The Santa Favor Box was created last year.  I saw them over on my friend, Heather Summers' blog.  I made a couple dozen of them to give as little gifts to co-workers last year.  I filled them with some homemade snacks.  They were CRAZY popular.

The Angel Favor Box was inspired by a project my friend, Ronda Wade, posted on Facebook.  Her angel was a bit different.  She didn't use the Petal Cone Die.  She had her angel "mounted" on a Fancy Favor Box.  She also used glimmer paper instead of Vellum Card Stock for the wings.  This little angel could also be glued to the front of a card.  My Die Cut Divas made the angel last week.  They LOVED it.

I thought I might start a tradition of featuring a new holiday favor box using the Petal Cone Box.  Hold me accountable next year, okay?

Here's how I made the Angel:
- Assemble the Petal Cone "box" out of Whisper White Card Stock.  Set aside.
- Cut out an additional "triangle" using the Petal Cone Die (121810).  Trim off the tab and the half circle.  Emboss the angel using an embossing folder of your choice.  I used the Vintage Wallpaper Folder (120175).
- Cut out two wings from Vellum Cardstock (101856) using the Elegant Bird Bigz Die (125593).  Glue the wings to the back of the embossed triangle.
- The face was made using a variety of punches:  The face was punched out of Very Vanilla using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch (119861).  The hair was punched out of Soft Suede using the Owl Builder Punch (118074).  I actually cut the owl in half from the bottom to the top.  I glued the pieces to the back of the face and trimmed off any excess.  The bangs were also made using the 1-1/4" Circle Punch.  I snipped them with my Paper Snips.
- I drew her facial features using my Basic Gray and Riding Hood Red markers.
- I punched her halo out of Silver Glimmer Paper using the Large Oval Punch (119855). 
- I glue-dotted the halo to the back of her head, glue dotted her face to the top of the triangle, and then used Snail to adhere the angel to the petal cone box!

Here are the ingredients/tools for Santa:
- Boho Blossom Punch (silver glimmer "puff" on top)
- 1-3/4" Circle Punch (bottom of the hat)
- Large Oval Punch (face)
- Cupcake Builder Punch (eyes)
- 1/2" Circle Punch (nose and mouth)
- Bird Builder Punch (moustache)
- His beard was embossed using a folder that's now retired.  But I think there are plenty of current folders that would work!
- Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Basic Black, and Pink Pirouette Card Stock
- Silver Glimmer Paper
- White Gel Pen

Stamp Sorority Make & Take

Last week I shared the card I swapped at my monthly downline meeting.  Today's card was the Make & Take.  It will probably also be a Die Cut Diva project tomorrow night. 

At last weekend's retreat I brought my computer to blog, scrapbook, e-mail, and surf Pinterest!  I stumbled across this card by Linda Cullen on Pinterest.  I changed it up for the Make & Take to incorporate the Summer Smooches Fabric Brads which are only available during the month of April.  I just love the bright colors!  And, adding the brad ties all of the colors together (Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, and Rich Razzleberry.

I adhered the strips to the Whisper White card base.  My strips are 3/4" wide and varying lengths.  After they were adhered, I ran the card through my Big Shot with the Flower Garden embossing folder.  I never would have thought to do that!  So simple!!!

Introducing the Petite Purse

Just another sneak peek of a new product that will be available on April 1st.  And, I'm pretty sure my Die Cut Divas will be making this next week, too!!!  Wouldn't these be ADORABLE as little favors?  They're super easy to make!  I embellished mine with a White Gel Pen, a Daffodil Delight Scallop punch, and a Summer Smooches Fabric Brad (also available April 1st). 

Secret Santa Gift

Last night about a dozen of demonstrators on my team gathered at my home for our annual Christmas Party.  It was an enjoyable evening filled with food, sharing, and creativity.  Most of the participants took part in a Secret Santa gift exchange.  The rules were very "loose" with the only restriction being that it should include SU supplies in some way.  Every single one of the projects was gorgeous.  All of the items were some sort of home decor.  Several of the gals made ornaments.  Some were glittery balls, one was heat embossed, and one made using chipboard.  Lynn made a beautiful fabric tray filled with brownies.  Hallie made everyone little Santa favors.  Patty Jo made an adorable night light that she stamped images from one of my all-time favorite stamp sets.  Darlene made a gorgeous wreath inspired by the one in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  And, I made this wooden sign. 

To make the sign, I took a piece of scrap wood and painted it.  I cut letters and butterflies using my Big Shot out of some DSP that you'll be able to earn for FREE during Sale-a-Bration next year!  I "tacked" the letters down using some SNAIL - only to hold them in place.  I then painted a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the sign to seal the letters.  I embellished the sign with some of the FREE brads you can also earn during SAB next year.  I cut the "legs" off of the brads and attached them to the middle of the butterflies using my hot glue gun.  I'm really pleased with the results and see lots of possibilities! 

Halloween Divas - Part 2

Here's the second project my Die Cut Divas made this month.  It's an adorable treat holder inspired by Shelli.  She created this project for one of Stampin' Up!s Regional Conferences.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a Die Cut Diva project!  I know many of them already own the Petal Cone Die.  And, I love to show them new and fun ways to use products they already own - and throw in a few they don't!!! 

The body of the bat was made using the Petal Cone Die.  I cut off the "flaps" and cut a semi-circle on two of the sides to create the pointy ears.  The wings, according to Shelli, were created using the Perfect Pennant Die.  I used the largest pennant on the Die then took out three semi-circles from the bottom of each wing using a circle punch.  I used the new Simply Scored tool to score the top of the pennant to glue onto the body.  The wings were also embossed using the Spiderweb Embossing Folder.  And, like Shelli, I stamped and embossed bats from the Wicked Cool Stamp Set all over the body.  I punched 1/2" circles for the eyes and put some glimmer brads through the middle.  I created fangs using the Pennant Punch.  The mouth was drawn using a white gel pen.  I created a handle using narrow Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon.  And, I created some filler using narrow strips of Frightful Sight DSP.  My husband thought this guy was REALLY cute when he saw it!  WOO HOO!!!

Christmas Door Prizes

I wanted to share with you a couple of door prizes I made the other day for a workshop.  I'm not sure I'll be making them quite like this again, but they sure were cute!  They were inspired by some things I saw/received at convention.  First, the belly band around the door prize was inspired by the gift I received from Mary Ellen.  However, I made it glittery because I saw a glittery strip somewhere else at convention.  And, I don't remember where.  It just stuck with me.

The box was made using the Matchbox Die in the Big Shot.  The card stock is Garden Green and I used window sheets to make the sleeve.  The belly band is Real Red Glimmer Paper.  And, to hold it all together ('cause I didn't trust the adhesive with the glitter), I tied around some Garden Green Narrow Grosgrain ribbon.  I'm THRILLED we now have Garden Green ribbon! 

And did you see those cute little bells?  They're a sneak peek from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  You're gonna love them.  I actually took some Baker's Twine, separated the fibers and used a single strand to tie them onto the box.  Um.  Not again.  I'll find regular thread!

Fun With Big Shot Backgrounds

The new Idea Book & Catalog had several fun, new ways to add texture to your projects.  This month my Die Cut Divas got to play with each of them and learn a few new twists.  Did you know that the "Die Cut Divas" are a group of my customers who get to attend a FREE class EVERY MONTH???  Yup!  Any customer of mine who has purchased a Big Shot from me automatically becomes a Die Cut Diva and can attend these classes.  How cool is that?  Want to be a Die Cut Diva too?  Click here to purchase your Big Shot now!

Fancy Fan Letterpress

First, I designed a vintage card that uses the new Fancy Fan letterpress plate that was inspired by some of Mary Ellen's convention cards.  I inked up the letterpress plate using Very Vanilla Craft Ink and ran it through my Big Shot with some Wisteria Wonder Card Stock.  The letterpress doesn't really press into the card stock like it would Stampin' Up!s watercolor paper, but it still makes a nice background!  I also used the Designer Frames to emboss the Concord Crush layer.  The stamps are from the Kindness Matters and Tiny Tags Stamp Sets.  I layered up some Wisteria Wonder and lace ribbons.  I attached the tag with a Vintage Trinket.  To add an extra special finishing touch, I sprayed some Champagne Mist shimmer paint (mixed with rubbing alcohol) over the entire card.

Houndstooth Embossing Folder

The next card was inspired by two things:  Lady Gaga on The View on Monday and a conversation I had with one of my customers on Monday evening.  Suzie was explaining to me how a local college came to have their colors!  Apparently Rowan University was built on an old sunflower field!  So, between the sunflowers and the colors and Lady Gaga's houndstooth outfit, this card came to be!

I ran Whisper White Card Stock through the Big Shot with the Houndstooth Embossing Folder.  I then gently brayered Early Espresso Classic Ink over the raised design.  The flower was made using the Flower, Daisies #2 Die and the Blossom Petals Builder Punch.  The sentiment is from the Tagtastic Hostess Stamp Set.

Stripes Embossing Folder

The final card my Die Cut Divas made this week used the Stripes Embossing Folder.  I don't think you can really tell in this photo, but I ran it through the Big Shot twice.  I ran it through to make the stripes then I turned the card stock a 1/4 of a turn and ran it through again.  This made a woven look in the background.  You probably can guess where the inspiration came from on this card - my shoebox swap card.  I used Pool Party, Island Indigo, and Lucky Limeade on the card with the Raining Flowers and Petite Pairs Stamp Sets.

Fabric Friday - Quilt Block Swap - Part 2

Last Friday I posted the raw materials for a quilt block swap in which I'm participating.  It's taken everything in me to hold this post until this Friday!  I wanted to share them with you as soon as they were finished!  They only took THREE trips to my local quilt shop and to a Big Box store for the backing and batting.  Whew! 

Want to know what I used to make these???  A LOT of Big Shot Dies!!!  That was one of the requirements.  Here they are:

- Tasteful Trim Die (stems)
- Leaves #2 Die (leaves)
- Flower Folds Die (flowers)
- Penant Die (scallop circle on large flower)
- Scallop Circle #2 Die (scallop circle on small flower)
- Circles #2 Die (circles in center of flowers)
- Beautiful Butterflies Die (butterflies)
- 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon
- Springtime Vintage Designer Big Buttons (Occasions Mini Catalog) - only available until April 30th!
- Sweet Stitches Designer Big Buttons (Occasions Mini Catalog) - only available until April 30th!

I had to make 9 of these blocks.  So, I snapped a quick photo of all of them before I popped them in the box to mail off to the swap host.  I can't wait to see all of the blocks I get back!!!

Fabric Friday - Quilt Block Swap - Part 1

It's Fabric Friday!  And, guess what?  I'm actually playing with fabric!  Unfortunately I don't have a finished project to share just yet - that will be posted NEXT Friday.  But, I thought I'd tease you with the supplies.  First, I'll back up a bit.  Quite a few months ago (back in January), I signed up to participate in a Quilt Block Swap.  What's a Quilt Block Swap?  It's just like a card swap, but we're making Quilt Blocks!  Thankfully, I only need to make 9!  But, there were some guidelines....they MUST use Big Shot Dies.  They didn't need to use SU fabric.  My first choice would have been to use Springtime Vintage but I don't have much on hand and it's a little late to be ordering it!  So, I ventured out to my local Quilt Shop.  I'd never been there but I used to pass it every night on my way home from work.  I checked them out online and saw that they opened at 10am.  I figured they could help.

Before heading out this morning, I sat down and tried to come up with a layout.  Mine looks more like a card front than a quilt, but I guess that's because I make cards - not quilts!  I cut some pieces of fabric that I did have on hand in the pieces I wanted to use so that I could show the shop owner what I had in mind.  I walked into the store as they were opening and was immediately in love with the colors and patterns.  Fabric is just like paper, isn't it?  I spread my cut fabric samples on the counter and the shop owner was excited about what I had planned and promised me I wasn't biting off more than I could chew (these need to be done in under a week).  She gave me some ideas and let me wander.  She was trying to steer me towards fat quarters - there was even a "sale bin".  But, after being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for close to 5 years, I had no idea how to pair them together!  The colors didn't match in the sale bin.  But, she did have bolts of fabric in coordinating colors grouped together.  So, I told her I couldn't work with the fat quarters.  I needed to use the "families".  Why doesn't everything in the world come in nice coordinated packs and sets like Stampin' Up!  I was drawn to one group and we started pulling out fabric and tried to make it work.  I walked out of the store with a pile of fat quarters from the sale bin and fabric for my quilt blocks.

After a quick lunch of leftovers, I quickly started cutting into the fabric.  I cut one piece wrong (but recovered).  And, the one pattern that wasn't part of the "set" that we threw in was just too bright.  So, back I went to the shop!  She was excited to see my project coming together but could see I was struggling with the one.  We quickly found a replacement and I was on my way.  I've got it planned out, but wanted to take a quick picture of the raw materials before I cut them to pieces.  Check back next week to see how I made out!

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Have you seen the new Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper?  It's a special Sneak Peek from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog that comes out in July.  But, you can buy it in April!  I have a ton of this paper on hand and decided to blow through a lot of it at my stamp club tonight.  Some of my fellow Philly Inkers pointed out a set of cards that Meg Loven recently created for one of her classes.  I was stuck for a project idea so I decided hers would be perfect since I was trying to figure out a way to incorporate the new DSP in a project for my club. 

I tweaked it just a bit since I'm already using the Four Frames Stamp Set on another project tonight.  My gals are making a little gift set of three of the cards in one of the Skinny Silver Tins that are still available on the Clearance Rack.  The tins are available (while supplies last) for only $2.99 for a pack of 5!  How awesome is that deal!??!?  That's less than 60 cents per tin!!!  If you've never checked out the Clearance Rack, what are you waiting for?  There are LOTS of awesome deals to be had on retired products!  Stampin' Up! adds new products to the rack all of the time!

Fun Flowers Pot

Each month every Stampin' Up! demonstrator receives a complimentary copy of Stampin' Success Magazine in the mail.  Each issue is packed full of stamping and business inspiration.  My favorites are always the ones that come out around the time a new mini catalog is released because they showcase the new products.  In last month's issue, a GORGEOUS flower pot was pictured on one of the pages. I immediately knew I wanted to try to make it.

While I was at out shopping last weekend for pillow gifts for my incentive trip, I came across some cute flower pots that I thought I could decorate in some way.  The first I used as a flower pot - inspired by the one in last month's Stampin' Success magazine.  My inspiration actually had leaves glued up and around the edges of the pot - I skipped those.  And, my pot was larger so I doubled the number of flowers.  My flowers are Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, and Daffodil Delight.  I cut them with the Fun Flowers Die and embossed them using the Polka Dot and Lattice embossing folders.  The centers of the smaller flowers didn't turn out exactly as I  hoped, but I like them anyway.  I took a 1-3/4" circle punch and punched out a piece of card stock. I then adhered Brights Buttons to the centers of each flower using Glue Dots.

Using my paper snips, I spiral cut each center then curled them up.  I used a 8-1/2"x11" sheet of Crumb Cake Card Stock that I cut into narrow strips and ran through my crimper (yes, I finally found it) to make the "potting soil/grass".  To embellish the tin, I frayed some 1-1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (Daffodil Delight) and tied it around the pot.  Somehow I needed to tie in the Summer Mini Catalog - since this project was ultimately created to be a sample at next month's open house.  So, I punched the "thanks" sentiment from the Pretty Postage Stamp Set and adhered it to a piece of Melon Mambo that I'd punched with the large tag punch.  And I used my favorite new accessory - White Baker's Twine - to tie the tag to my pot!

Summer Mini Sneak Peek - Triple Layer Punches!!!

One of the best perks of being a demonstrator is the ability to pre-order products before customers can!  I have a BIG weekend getaway coming up this weekend with a couple of my top demonstrators.  I wanted to be sure I had new stuff to play with!  I wish I could take a photo of the box when it arrived yesterday, but I'm not allowed to show photos of the actual products until May 1st.  My absolute favorite new tools in the next Summer Mini Catalog are the two layering punches!  You've just got to see these punches to fully understand the POWER!  I used the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch to make this card.  You'll see LOTS of scrapbook pages and cards and projects that use these shapes.  But, you can make out the three different shapes this punch creates.  First, it punches the full background piece - best seen on the Certainly Celery "flower" on the left hand side.  Then you move a switch and it punches a border and smaller "flower" - best seen on the Plum/Baja "flower" in the bottom left hand corner.  Then you move a switch and it punches out a petal flower in the middle of the smaller layer - best seen in the bottom right-hand corner.  YES!  You get ALL of these shapes out of ONE PUNCH!  There are some tips I learned when punching:

1 - DO NOT hold your punch up in the air (like you normally do) when punching.  It WILL NOT punch!  You NEED to set the punch on the table and punch.
2 - Get used to the fact that it doesn't feel like it's punching when you're punching the full, large flower.  You barely feel like you're pushing down, but it's punching!  The more complex the image, the farther down the punch will compress.
3 - Keep your scraps!!!  I punched each of these in the various colors and had fun piecing them together.

I used a color combo from one of the thank you cards I made for Kara last week:  Perfect Plum, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso, and Sahara Sand.  Kara and Kathleen (and me) loved this color combo!  I was excited to use it again.

There are a couple of other sneak peeks on this card.  Can you find them?  Recognize that stamp set?  Nope, I didn't think so!  It's one of six sentiments that will be part of a NEW stamp set called "Happy Greetings".  I even have a class that features this stamp set on my calendar in June!  The other sneak peek...can you find it?  Is that white thread?!?!?  YES!!!  I'm TIRED of linen thread.  Stampin' Up! has a new collection of baker's twine coming out.  This one was pure white.  LOVE IT!!!

Here's a list of everything I used on this card (hopefully I get it all):

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum, Early Espresso
Stamps:  Happy Greetings, Dot Dot Dot, and A to Z
Punches:  Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer, 3/4" Circle, 1" Circle, 1/2" Circle, 1/16" Circle, Corner Rounder
Card Stock:  Perfect Plum, Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, and Old Olive
Accessories:  Pearls, Subtles Buttons, Brights Buttons, Big Shot, Lattice Folder, Polka Dot Folder, White Baker's Twine

Fabric Friday - Embossed Fabric

I wanted to share another project my Die Cut Divas are making this month.  And this card uses a layer of Springtime Vintage Fabric! 

You probably can't tell in this photo (at least I can't) but I embossed the fabric using my Big Shot!  I used the Big Shot Fabric Adhesive Roll to adhere a piece of the fabric to a piece of Very Vanilla Card Stock.  I then cut both with the Top Note Die in the Big Shot and then ran it back through with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder to texturize it!  I layered it over a full Very Vanilla Top Note.  I stamped the sentiment from Word Play (love this set) in Not Quite Navy Ink.  I embellished with some Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Baja Breeze Andornments, tiny butterflies using the Butterfly Embosslit, and pearls.  After the card was put together, I grabbed my Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint/Rubbing Alcohol Mix and spritzed the entire card....and then regretted it!  I think I should have just spritzed the Top Note piece....not the entire card.  But, there it is!