Stampin' Celebration #54

This month I missed designing for the May Stampin' Celebration challenge since my wonderful hubby and I were out of the country celebrating out 10th anniversary!  We had an absolutely wonderful trip, although it is good to be back home with the kids. 

Anyway, I still wanted to play along with the challenge this month, so here is my submission.  I used the bright colors from the fun inspiration piece, and several items that will be no longer available after the end of the month.  The layout is simple and could easily be changed up for a variety of different occasions.  I thought this birthday card could easily be used for a child's birthday, teen birthday, or even adult birthday. 

I used a couple strips of the Big Top Birthday Designer Paper (great way to use up those little scraps that are laying around!), some Daffodil Delight and Real Red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, and silver brads.  The sentiment is from the On Your Birthday stamp set which will be discontinued. 

And just a reminder to play along with us at Stampin' Celebration! You have until May 25th to create a card, 3D item, digital item, scrapbook layout, etc. using the inspiration piece above. Link your creation to the Stampin' Celebration blog so we can see your project. We will choose the "Pick of the Party" at the end of the month. We can't wait to see what Stampin' Celebration inspires you to create!

If you missed the original Blog Hop of the Design Team, you can see it here:

Candace Lawlor - cj lawlor designs

Cori Kozak - Creative Chat

Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroo Designs

Erin Gonzales -Hand Stamped Style

Krystal De Leeuw - Krystal's Cards

Marlene Peters - Hands On

Stampin' Celebration Inspiration Challenge

Captain America Birthday

This year I made a goal to send birthday cards to all of our family members.  Grandparents, parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews.  I'm happy to say that so far I'm still on track!  A few of the cards have been a little late :-) but I don't think I've missed anyone yet.  During a year this adds up to just over 40 people, or about 3 or 4 cards per month.  Not really too much to ask a 'card maker' to do when it comes down to it! 

I'm not necessarily sending a unique card to each person, but I am trying to get a good variety and at the very least not send the same card to two people in the same immediate family.  :-)  The hardest cards to design are the ones that are for the brothers and brother-in-laws.  Fortunately this year my husband came up with a great idea!  I showed him THIS card and asked what he thought.  "Sure, but can you change the colors to make it look more like Captain America?"  (He and his brothers are all huge comic book fans--even before the recent Hollywood revival.)  So I asked him to show me a picture of what the Captain America shield looks like and created then the card as closely to that as possible.  Hopefully the guys will notice and appreciate!  :-)

The Pacific Point (blue) layer and the Whisper White circle are up on dimensionals.  The larger Real Red circle is actually the card base showing through the 'window' on the Pacific Point layer.  The sentiment was stamped with Versamark and then heat embossed with White embossing powder.  I distressed the edges of the Pacific Point layer using my Cutter Kit. 

Have a great day!

Stamps:  All Holidays (discontinued)
Ink:  Versamark
Paper:  Pacific Point, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories:  1" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Star Punch (random from my kids' collection), Big Shot, Circles #2 Die (for the white circle--2nd largest circle on the die), embossing buddy, heat tool, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Last Minute Sale-A-Bration

Just popping in today with a couple more cards made using Sale-A-Bration products.  And just a last minute reminder that if you've still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends tomorrow--Saturday the 31st. With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE! 

The first card today uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set.  Although there were some fantastic options this year in the Sale-A-Bration catalog, I think this was my favorite. 

The idea for this card came from Sharon Field.  If you are a demonstrator, you can see her card HERE on Stampin' Connection.  I changed the color and that was about it!  I picked Calypso Coral since I wanted to use the ribbon from the Everyday Enrichment Pack.  I've used almost two sets of the brads, but sadly have barely touched the ribbon.   A very simple card that I'm sure I'll be making some more of soon! 

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Curly Cute
Ink:  Calypso Coral
Paper:  Whisper White
Accessories:  Calypso Coral organdy ribbon (only available during SAB), Whisper White taffeta ribbon (under the other ribbon), dimensionals

The second card is super simple and uses the Outlined Occasions stamp set.  I did heat emboss the sentiment, and then used my Versamarker to color it in.  It makes the sentiment pop just a little more (especially in real life).  The Designer Series Paper is actually the Twitterpated set from the Occasions Mini Catalog--with a thin strip of Riding Hood Red card stock on top.  

Stamps:  Outlined Occasions
Ink:  Versmark and Versamarker
Paper:  Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Twitterpated DSP
Accessories:  Embossing Buddy, White Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat tool, White Baker's Twine

Two last notes: 

I am hosting a Open House and Rubber Rummage Sale tomorrow!  If you are in Houston (Clear Lake area) and would like more info, send me an email as I'd love to have you come. 

And, some fantastic news. . . The Stampin' Celebration Blog is getting started again!!  Come April 1st we will be back with monthly challenges and a new format.  So check back soon.  :-) 

Sale-A-Bration Ending

I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I last posted!  Where does the time go?  I guess part of it is having a curious crawling baby who gets into everything and keeps me on my toes.  :-) 

I've also been working on organizing my craft room with any spare time I can find. . . a scary and much needed project!  Although I'm not there yet, I am getting very close. 

Anyway, before Sale-A-Bration ends, I thought I would post a couple of my favorite cards that I've made in the last couple months.  Both of these were ones that we made at club in February and were inspired by other people.  The first one uses the Elementary Elegance stamp set and I got the idea from Shelli Gardner (CEO and co-founder of Stampin Up).  You can see her card HERE.  The only thing I changed was the center of the butterfly. 

Stamps:  Elementary Elegance (only available during SAB)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Luck Limeade, Elegant Eggplant marker
Paper:  Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, First Edition DSP, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)
Accessories:  Curly Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), Color Spritzer Tool, stapler

The second card uses the Fresh Vintage stamp set and was inspired by Debra Currier.  You can see her card HERE.  The only thing I changed up was that I used my new Labels Collection Framelits to cut out the main image (instead of a circle).   

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage (only available during SAB), Thank You Kindly

Ink: Soft Suede, and Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party markers

Paper:  Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Every Day Enchantment DSP (only available during SAB)

Accessories:  Framelits Labels Collection, Big Shot, Everyday Enchantment Brads (only available during SAB), pearls, cutter kit, sponge

So if you have still been meaning to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration, now is the time since it ends on Saturday the 31st.  With each $50 purchase you can choose an item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog for FREE! 

Have a great day.  :-)   

Party Treat

June is passing quickly, and soon we will have a brand new catalog!  But for now, you still have the opportunity to purchase Last Chance items from the current catalog.  If you haven't seen the pdf list of Last Chance Stamps (ie soon to be discontinued stamp sets) you can see it by clicking HERE.   To view all of the Last Chance items (stamps, accessories, decor elements) in the online store click HERE. 

The stamp set Party Hearty (a fun birthday set) is on the list of retiring stamps.  This fun Mini Milk Carton showcases the Party Hearty stamp set.  The milk carton was created by using the Mini Milk Carton Big Shot die.  After adhering that together, I wrapped around the Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon and then a thin strip of Melon Mambo card stock.  

The clip at the top is one of the Library Clips from the Clips Assortment pack and has a bit of 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon tied on.  For the main image, I stamped twice, once in Melon Mambo and once in Tempting Turquoise.  I used the 3/4" Circle punch to punch out just the center circle.  I added some sparkle with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. 

Note:  In addition to the stamp set, the 5/8" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon is being discontinued.  In fact, ALL of the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon is being discontinued.  In the new catalog this style of ribbon will no longer be available! 

Note:  By the way, this stamp set can be used for more than birthdays!  To see a graduation card I made using this stamp set click HERE. 

Stamps:  Party Hearty

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Accessories:  Mini Milk Carton die, Big Shot, Library Clip, 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, 5/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, 3/4" punch, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

Father's Day Wallet

As you've noticed my blog has been neglected lately.  :-)  Ironically I have a whole stack of projects to share--so it's not for lack of stamping on my part.  I've been keeping busy getting everything ready for the baby to come.  If all goes as scheduled, we'll have a new baby girl join our family next week!

Father's Day is right around the corner.  This wallet card is a fun way to present money, gift cards, pictures of the (grand)kids, or coupons.  This is an idea that has been around for many years so I can't claim credit for it.  This is also a great idea for graduation! 

Here's a view of the inside:

Measurements:

9" by 3 1/2"  --scored at 4 7/16" and 4 9/16" (sounds scary, but it's just on either side of 4 1/2")

8 1/2" by 3 1/4" --scored at 4 3/16" and 4 5/16" (just on either side of 4 1/4")

4 1/8" by 2"  --TWO of these pieces

The measuring is by far the hardest part!  The next step is sponging with Soft Suede--the edges and all over to give the soft leather feel.  On the largest piece, I used my Mat Pack to paper pierce the edges and a corner rounder punch to round the edges.  I used the fine tip end of the Soft Suede marker to 'connect the dots' where I had paper pierced to make it look like it was sewn.  Then stamp/embellish as desired.  Here I used Plane & Simple (no longer available).  Monogramming your wallet is a fun idea too!   

Note:  When assembling the wallet, make sure to not adhere the 'tops' of the pockets--just the bottom and sides.  You'll want to be able to slip in money, gift cards, etc.

Thanks for stopping by!  If all goes as planned, I'll be scheduling some posts for the next month or so.  

Stamps:  Plane & Simple

Ink:  Soft Suede (and marker)

Paper:  Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, sponge

Last two. . .

You thought we'd never make it, huh? ;-) Here are the last two cards showcasing stamp sets from the Last Chance list. Today is the last day to order from 2009-2010 Catalog--starting tomorrow, the NEW catalog goes live! I can't wait!

Ok, so the idea for this card came from my friend Lyssa. She is one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet! You can see her card HERE. The only change I made to her pretty card was to change up the colors. The card uses the set Close as a Memory. I used markers to color the stamp, and then sponged a bit around the edge. Really a very simple card.

Stamps: Close as a Memory
Ink: Really Rust and Sage Shadow markers, Sage Shadow
Paper: Sage Shadow, Really Rust, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Horizontal Slot Punch, sponge, dimensionals

Note: Items marked in red are retiring.

This next card uses the set A Beautiful Thing. The colors are Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, and Regal Rose. Another simple card that can easily be changed up with different colors or images.

Thanks so much for stopping by--stop by again soon to see more from the new catalog!

Stamps: A Beautiful Thing, Curvy Verses
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Black Gingham Ribbon, dimensionals

Note: Items marked in red are retiring.

To place a Stampin' Up order on-line click HERE. Have a great day!

Lots of Blue

A few more cards from the 10-10-10 class. . . . This first one uses the soon to be discontinued set Nursery Necessities--a fabulous baby set if you are looking for one. I used the coordinating wheel Nursery Letters along the bottom. The tag uses the set Tiny Tags and the Jewelry Tag Medium punch. This card uses Brocade Blue, which is one of the retiring colors. I like this card becuase you can use the exact same design, changing only the color, and have a card for a baby girl. :-)

Stamps: Nursery Necessities, Nursery Letters Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Brocade Blue (and cartridge)
Paper: Brocade Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Large Star Punch, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, Linen Thread, dimensionals

Note: Items marked in red are retiring.

I got the idea for the layout (see HERE) for this next card from Dawn Olchefske, a very talented stamper. The stamp set I chose was Best Wishes & More--a versatile set that has images for several different occassions. This card also shows the NEW 2 3/8" scallop circle punch that will be in the new catalog! Just a couple days until the new catalog is released. :-)

Stamps: Best Wishes & More
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Versamark
Paper: Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: 1 3/8" and 1 3/4" Circle Punches, 2 3/8" Scallop Punch (from new catalog), 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Whisper White grosgrain ribbon

Note: Items marked in red are retiring.

Two more. . .

Two more Last Chance cards for you today! This first card uses the set One of A Kind. It also uses one of my all time favorite color combinations: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, and Creamy Caramel. I will definitely miss Ruby Red and Creamy Caramel!

This card also uses the 1 " Double Stitched ribbon and the Antique Brass build-a-brads that are both being discontinued. We will still have build-a-brads in the new catalog, but they will only be available in the pewter finish.

Stamps: One of A Kind
Ink: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Antique Brass build-a-brad, Chocolate Chip 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/2" Circle Punch, dimensionals

Note: Items marked in red are being discontinued.


The idea for this next card came from Jen Sannes. I loved her layout, and I just changed it up with different designer paper (Thoroughly Modern DSP). This card also uses one of the Corduroy Buttons, all of which are retiring as well.

Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Celebrate Everything
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Accessories: 1" Circle Punch, Star Punch, Hemp Twine, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons, Cutter Kit, Rich Regals Brads

Note: Items marked in red are being discontinued.

Here's another card from the 10-10-10 class! This card uses the A Happy Heart set, which is another fun set we will be losing. I stamped this card as a Valentine's Day card, but I also thought it could work well as a wedding or anniversary card too.

I stamped the heart image on Shimmery White card stock which gives it just a little bit of sparkle. The idea for this card came from Sara over at Splitcoaststampers. You can see her card HERE. You'll notice I used her adorable layout, and then changed the stamp set and colors. Incidentally, she used the stamp set One of a Kind, which is also being discontinued at the end of June.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: A Happy Heart
Ink: Cameo Coral, Basic Gray
Paper: Shimmery White (for heart), Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Accessories: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Cutter Kit, Dimensionals

Note: Items marked in red are retiring.

Surf's Up

This week I'll be posting cards that we made last Saturday at a 10-10-10 class I hosted. This is one of the cards that we made, and I think it ended up being one of the favorites too! All of the cards we made at the class focused on stamp sets, colors, and accessories that are retiring.

The idea for this card came from Krystal over at Krysta's Cards and More. See THIS post to see her adorable surf card and matching ensemble. I love all the detail that Krystal had on her card, but I wanted to simplify a bit since this was supposed to be a card that you could make in 10 minutes.

This card uses the set Just Surfing. The surf boards were stamped and then cut out. To create the 'sand', I just tore the edge of the card stock and then added a little sponging. The hemp twine is two pieces tied together.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Just Surfing
Ink: Only Orange, Green Galore, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay
Paper: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White
Accessories: Hemp Twine, sponge

Note: Items marked in red are retiring.

Last Chance Baby

It's such an exciting time of year! The new catalog is about to be released, and the Last Chance list is here! If you haven't seen the hundreds of items on the Last Chance list, check out THIS POST for links to all of the lists.

One of the items that will no longer be available after June 30th is this stamp set Nursery Necessities. This is one of those stamp sets I've had for years and is looking a little worn from all the love it's received. :-) This card is the baby girl version of THIS card--the very first card I posted on this blog! Looking back at old cards is always kind of fun--one thing I notice is that my photography has improved a little. ;-)

Anyway, this card uses a technique called 'rock and roll'. I inked the star stamp with Regal Rose and then gently 'rolled' it in Melon Mambo ink so that the very edges of the stars picked up that ink. After I stamped, I punched the starts using my Large Star punch. The rest of the card is pretty easy--just layers of paper and lots of dimensionals (under the stars and under the white layers).

Note: Even though we will still have Melon Mambo in the new catalog, the adorable Polka-Dot Grosgrain ribbon will not be continued--in any color.

Thanks for stopping by--have a great weekend!

Stamps: Nursery Necessities
Ink: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo
Paper: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories: Large Star Punch, Melon Mambo polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Textured Birthday

Last week was my husband's birthday, and this is the card I made for him. Now I find male cards difficult to make in general, but for some reason making a card for my hubby is the hardest! Not really sure why. . . but this one did get the stamp of approval. . . . pun intended. :-)

Anyway, I used my texture plate from the Texture Plates Kit #4 to get the wood grain look. I started by inking the texture plate with Chocolate Chip ink. Then I carefully placed my 4 1/4" by 4 1/4" Close to Cocoa paper on the texture plate, placed a piece of typing paper over the top, and then ran it through the Big Shot.

Next I accessorized with Hemp Twine and a Very Vanilla Jumbo Brad. The Happy Birthday is from a now retired set called More Thoughts--I used it because it is the most masculine Happy Birthday stamp I own. :-) I used my cutter kit to distress the edges of the Very Vanilla layer and then popped it up on dimensionals.

Note: If you don't have the Big Shot, you could also make a very similar card by using the Woodgrain Background stamp.

Stamps: More Thoughts
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot, Corner Rounder punch, Hemp Twine, 5/16" Very Vanilla Jumbo Brad, cutter kit, dimensionals

Happy Heart Day!

Yesterday I went to my first (of many I am sure!) school program. My son's preschool had a little Valentine's program which was of course very cute. :-) As part of their party, they exchanged Valentines. So another first was making Valentines with my son--a lot of fun! Start to finish it only took a little over an hour to make 20, and my son loved being able to pass out Valentines that he had made.

I did the stamping while my son started to color. While he finished, I cut the Real Red and Basic Black layers, punched the holes (I punched 5 at one time with my Crop-A-Dile) and started assembling. Next my son helped me put the dimensionals on the back of the Basic Black layer, and then we finished assembling together and added the suckers.

And of course I couldn't let my son have ALL the fun coloring--so I had to make one using my crayons. ;-) I colored mine with Watercolor Wonder Crayons and then used an Aqua Painter.

Note: The dimensions of the red layer are 2 3/4" by 4 1/4" This way I could get 8 bases per sheet of cardstock.

Stamps: Happy Heart Day

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Accessories: Crop-A-Dile, Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Basic Gray), Aqua Painter, dimensionals

New Catalog!

The new Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book and Catalog is here! Lot of gorgeous new stamp sets, accessories, and tools! To see the new catalog online, click HERE, or to browse the new products, click HERE.

One of the new sets from the catalog is called Sweet Stems. I've already had a chance to play with this set, and I'm loving it! This card is what I made for my floor swaps at Leadership. I'll admit that I was in a little of a rush to get all my swaps done beforeI left (you can't imagine me procrastinating can you!!), so to speed up the process I actually took an old idea of mine and just changed it up a bit.

So HERE is a card I made over two years ago (my very first card I posted on Splitcoaststampers!), and then below is the 'updated' version. Hopefully I've improved a bit in my stamping over the years! At the very least I've learned to love dimensionals. ;-)

Note: The black for the flowers and the word are embossed to give the card an extra little 'bling'. A little trick I learned a while ago, is to use Black Craft ink and then emboss with clear embossing powder (EP)--MUCH easier to use than black EP! Stray specks of clear EP just don't show as much as stray specks of black EP.

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Wonderful Favorites

Ink: Basic Black Craft, Rose Red Kiwi Kiss

Paper: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Accessories: Clear EP, Blender Pens, 1/4" Whisper White grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, cutter kit, heat tool, embossing buddy

I also thought I would show another fun picture. One of the reasons I've been so quiet lately is that I was very fortunate to attend Stampin Up's Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida earlier this month. It was a wonderful experience! Among the many highlights was being able to meet Shelli (CEO and co-founder of Stampin Up). Shelli was truly one of the kindest, most sincere, down-to-earth people I think I've ever meet. Also very photogenic! It was truely a pleasure to meet her!

Retiring Stamps!

Once again it is time to say goodbye to some stamp sets! The retiring list for the Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog is here. The sets on the list will be discontinued after January 18, 2009. Click HERE to see the list, or HERE to see pictures of all the retiring sets.

The best news is that from now until December 23rd ALL of the stamp sets on the retired list are 10% off! And, if you order $70 or more, shipping is FREE! Can't beat that. :-) But remember both promotions end December 23rd.


One of my favorite stamp sets that is retiring is Baby Jesus is Born. This card is actually what I made last year for all of my Christmas cards. I basically just copied the sample that was shown in the Fall-Winter 2007 catalog. This card shows off the Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aqua Painter. A fun technique if you haven't tried it before!

Stamps: Baby Jesus is Born
Ink: Basic Black, Close to Cocoa (for sponging)
Paper: Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Ruby Red, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Going Gray), Aqua Painter, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Cutter Kit, Sponge

Way too long. . . .

Obviously it has been WAY too long since I've posted!! In an attempt to make it up at least a little, :-) I thought I would post some pictures of a couple of the things that have been keeping me busy over the last while.

This year I participated in two Holiday Boutiques--one at an elementary school and one private show. My overall best seller for this year were votive candles--the candles and glass are from Ikea. I first created these to fill a special order, and have since made quite a few more! I used the stamp set Deer Friends and lots of punches.


Stamps: Deer Friends
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Brocade Blue, Real Red, and Old Olive
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Brocade Blue, Real Red, and Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Brocade Blue 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, and the 1" circle punch, 1/16" circle punch

Another project I did with the stamp set Deer Friends were some Martinelli bottles. I found these 'mini' bottles of sparkling apple juice at a local grocery store and knew they would be good for something. :-) I originally made these up for gifts for the members of my Stampers 25 Club, but made a few extra as well to sell. As you can see the tag part is almost the exact same as I did for the votive candles above.



Stamps: Deer Friends
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red Patterns Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, dimensionals, 1" Double-Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, 3/4" Twill Tape, Alpine Ribbon Originals, 1 1/4" Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla ribbon, Linen Thread, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, and the 1" circle punch, cutter kit

Another best seller this year were some jars that I decorated with the bulk Decor Elements. I got the taller jars (back row--hard to see in the picture) at Michael's and the smaller ones at Ikea. Sorry for the strange picture, but I can't take another one as I sold all of them. . . . :-) This will be a project I will definitely do again as they were so quick to make. We also made these jars at my Technique Club last month.

Accessories: Rose Red and Chocolate Chip Decor Elements, 1/4" Rose Red grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" Chocoloate Chip grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" Whisper White grosgrain ribbon

Bold Birthday

Can you tell my Big Shot has been getting a workout lately? :-) This is another project using the Top Note Die and the Big Shot. We made this at a workshop I did last Friday. We ran the So Saffron paper through the Big Shot and then scored and folded in half.

A really cool thing with the Top Note Die. . . . For this project we folded the short way and used the small cello bags. But, if you fold the other way (long way) you can use the medium cello bags. Don't you just love how everything works together so well. ;-)

So after we folded the Top Note and filled our bags with candy, we stapled it shut and tied around the Pacific Point grosgrain ribbon. Next we used the set Big Bold Birthday to stamp the bottom part of the cupcake. (This is one of the sets that is 20% off. . . see the flyer HERE.) The scallop circle punch was used to make the top part of the cupcake. The small flower was punched with the Boho Blossoms punch.

Stamps: Big Bold Birthday
Ink: Pacific Point
Paper: So Saffron, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Big Shot, Top Note Bigz Die, small cellophane bag, stapler, Tempting Turquoise brad, Pacific Point 5/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/16" circle hand punch, dimensionals

Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Here it is! This is the tutorial for the gift card holder I posted last week (HERE). Since black paper is hard to photograph, I used different colored paper, but of course the idea is the same. . .

Start with a 4 1/4" by 11" piece of paper. Score at 3", 5 1/2", and 8". Then fold so that you have an "M".

Fold in half and use the Word Window Punch to punch out half of the oval shape. Repeat on the other side.

Here I used the top part of the Round Tab punch to punch out a little more and connect my punches from the Word Window punch. Although, you could use a circle punch, tag punch, etc.
***Note--if you want your corners rounded as I did on the graduation card, do that at this point. Do not glue (the next step) until the corners are rounded.***

Open the card and use either Tombow Mono adhesive or Sticky Strip to glue just the edges of the 3 sides of the middle as shown. Don't glue in the middle as this is where the gift card needs to fit.

After you glue, the base of the gift card holder is ready to go! Now you can embellish as desired.

Here's the inside of the Grad card again:
On the graduation card, I used a belly band as my closure. The yellow band is 1" by 7". The silver band and the scallop square are Brushed Silver card stock.

To make the scallop square, I found these great directions by MJ Albright on her blog Beauty Lies Within. Her tutorial about making different sized scalloped squares with the Scallop Edge punch can be found HERE. MJ did a lot of work for us in figuring out the correct sized paper to start with to get perfectly rounded scallops on the edges! For the graduation card I started with a 1 15/16" square piece of card stock. Just make sure you read all her directions (like I didn't the first time!) and don't push your card stock all the way to the back of the punch. Just line it up with the edge of the scallops on your punch.

And finally, to add the yellow to the Designer Brad (Star Assortment). . . .This is a trick that I saw at Convention and finally got around to trying out. All you need is a Craft Pad and your Designer Brad. Here I used Yoyo Yellow.


First just dip the brad face down into the ink. Take a paper towel and wipe it off. I found it easiest to leave the paper towel flat on the table and rub the brad that way. Then dip again and rub it off again. Repeat about 3 times total.What happens is the ink stays in the depressed areas on the brad and rubs off on the rest. Then just let the brad dry and you have a custom colored brad!