This week's Stampin'Up! Weekly Deals {Apr 7}

Hi all!  Happy Tuesday! I just wanted to pop in real quick with this week's Weekly Deals:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Being the flower girl that I am (ahem..my name IS Rose), I have to say one of my faves this week is the Flower Frame Framelits Die! Here's a card I had created recently for my cousin's wedding shower.  I just love the flowers, don't you?!

Now, if you're a big flower fan like I am, this is a must-have to add to your stash. You'll love all the flower variations you can make! So pretty. Just food for thought, with the free shipping and all. :) Feel free to checkout my online store here.

Well, dear friends, I've got to run for now. I'll catch up with you all soon. Toodles!

{Tech Tip Tuesday}: #7 - Using wax paper with Hexagon Hive Thinlit

Hello and happy Tuesday, blog friends!  This week's tech tip is using wax paper with the Hexagon Hive framelit, but it's definitely a tip that will make die cutting intricate thinlits much easier!  It's amazing what a little wax paper can do.  It does make using detailed thinlits much more enjoyable where you don't have to work so hard to peel off the DSP or card stock from the metal frame.  If you're like me, then you probably didn't read the packaging that recommends you use wax paper with the thinlits {heehee, packaging smackaging!}.  But, not to worry - once you make the discovery, you will definitely keep wax paper at your disposal! I had fun finally using the Hexagon Hive thinlit and taking it for a spin!  How do you like the 3 cards I created above?  What's cool is, you get all the cut hexagons from the thinlit as a byproduct, too, so you can definitely create more projects!  Now, here's the super simple process of using the wax paper:

1.  To create this cute and simple 'Gee, thanks' card, you'll need Real Red card stock cut at 4 1/4" x 11" and folded in half, a piece of wax paper, one sheet of Fresh Prints DSP, and the Hexagon Hive Thinlit.
2. Assemble your sandwich for the Big Shot starting with the acrylic plate at the bottom, then Fresh Prints DSP, wax paper, Hexagon Hive Thinlit, and acrylic plate on top.  Now you're ready to take it through the Big Shot!
3.  Your finished Hexagon Hive die cut!  The hexagons pop out and you'll be able to easily remove the die cut from the thinlit die.  Gently peel away the wax paper and you'll have your fun Hexagon Hive piece of DSP!
4.  Assemble your card.  Tip - I use SNAIL adhesive and apply it onto the Hexagon Hive die cut on the silicon craft sheet.  Why?  This way, I'm able to to put adhesive along the edges easily without making a sticky mess on my work surface!  For the sentiment, I used the Just Sayin' Clear Mount Bundle, which comes with the Just Sayin' stamp set and Word Bubble Framelits!  Just stamp it using the Coastal  Cabana stamp set, adhere it with dimensionals and you're done!

Easy peasy, right?  Here are the 3 cards I made for my first batch of Hexagon Hive projects:

Here's a bigger view of the card we just created.  Simple, quick and fun!

This card is my favorite of the bunch! I created the flower using the Pansy and Blossom punches.  For the center of the flower, I used the Linen Thread and Regals Designer Buttons and embellished a little with the Natural Chevron ribbon.  

Here's a bit of a closer look at the flower. The Pansy and Blossom punch make such a fun bloom!

For this card, I used the Crumb Cake card stock as the base and stamped the flower from the Nature's Hello hostess stamp set as my sentiment.  The ribbon is the Natural Chevron ribbon on the reverse side and the pretty button is from the Very Vintage Buttons.

Hope you liked the projects today and hope this week's tip helps make your crafting with framelits and thinlits much more enjoyable!  Thanks for stopping by today!

ETA: So excited to play along in the Happy for Hexagons Challenge in the Moxie Fab World!

{Tech Tip Tuesday}: #3 - Stamping on Muslin bags

Hi there blog friends!  Welcome to another week of {Tech Tip Tuesday}!  This week, I'm gonna share how easy it is to stamp on Muslin using Stampin'Up!'s Photopolymer stamps.  Aren't the bags above so cute?  I have to admit that I had to get over my own fears of stamping on Muslin - i.e. "Will the image come out ok?" or "Are the inks going to look dark enough?"  among other musings of mine that were preventing me from experimenting on these fun little bags sooner.  I'm pleased to share that it's really super easy to stamp on the bags and get a nice image.  Are you ready to get started?  I've got 4 easy steps for you.

1. To get started, here are the items I used: Muslin bag, Stampin'Up! Classic Ink pads in Smokey Slate and Daffodil Delight, Eye-catching Ikat Photopolymer Stamp Set, Acrylic Block.

2. For this Ikat pattern, I used 2 stamps from the Eye-Catching Ikat stamp set - the 2 diamond shaped stamps.  Place the 2 stamps on your acrylic block to create your repeating pattern.  Stamp the first row in Smokey Slate.  The beauty of the photopolymer stamp sets are that you can see the exact placement on the acrylic block and the actual stamped image on your Muslin bag.  Tip - be sure you evenly ink the stamps to ensure your full image stamps onto the Muslin.  Press the acrylic block firmly onto the bag and be sure not to rock the block back and forth for a clear and crisp image. 

3. Continue making your pattern and clean your stamps between colors. For the second row, I used Daffodil Delight.  You can stamp as many rows as you'd like to continue and repeat your pattern on the bag. For this sample, I create 3 rows.

4.  The finished bag!  As you can see, creating a pattern is a snap with the photopolymer stamps!

Here's a closer look at the trio of bags I stamped {notice the use of my rosette embellishments? - SOO fun!}:

For the rosette embellishment, I doubled up and used 2 flower dies rolled together to create a bigger bloom.

I just love this Ikat pattern and color palette! This pretty polka dot rosette was created using the Polka Dot Parade DSP.

For this stamped patter, I did a two-step stamp technique to create the yellow sunflowers.  Then, I topped it off with a happy orange felt rosette.  These Muslin bags are perfectly sized for cute little goodies or trinkets.  Hope you're inspired to create your own little gift bags. :)

Here are the supplies I used:

{Muslin Bag Trio}
Stamps: Eye-catching Ikat Photopolymer stamps
Inks: Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Pumplin Pie, Smokey Slate Classic Stampin'Up! Ink Pads
Accessories: Spiral Flower Originals Die, Mini Metallic Clothespins, Smokey Slate Chevron Ribbon, Secret Garden Framelits, Muslin Bags, Polka Dot Parade DSP 

Product recommendations for this project:

You can check these products out on my online store here.  And, don't forget - Sale-a-bration starts today!  So, what that means is, for every $50 you spend, you can choose Free product from the Sale-a-bration catalog.  Woot woot :)

Happy stamping and thanks for visiting!

Welcome Home Topiary Gift!

Hello friends.  I'm back with another project from Craft Project Central!  This sweet project was created by Christy Faulk:

Welcome your houseguests with this vintage-style topiary welcome banner.  This would look great in any home’s entryway.  Make one as a gift and another one for yourself.  Colors can be customized to match your entryway’s color scheme.  This would also make a great home décor class.

Isn't this such an adorable idea?  I love the topiaries and the cute little banner!  This project would also be great for birthdays, events or seasonal decor in your home or office.  Hmm...are those creative juices flowing?  Well, if you can't wait to make this project, be sure to head over to Craft Project Central for all the details!

Flowers, anyone?

Hi dear friends!  I'm back with the 3rd project of the month from Craft Project Central!  This pretty project was created by Sharon B:

Everyone loves having a supply of gifts ready to give to co-workers, friends or as a hostess gift.  This Flower Shop box and cards are a perfect addition to any gift stash and it would make a fun class too!  Project includes instructions for a pretty Vellum card box, two different card designs and a gift tag.

I personally love this stamp set and punch!  So pretty!  If you'd like the details of this project, be sure to check out Craft Project Central!

Birthday Bazaar!

Hello there blog friends!  How goes your week so far?  Today, I've got a fun birthday card to share for you, using the cool Chevron embossing folder and the Delicate Doilies Sizzlits.  How about my little scallop flower?  I love the smaller sized 1 1/4" scallop punch {from the Holiday Mini Catalog} that nests so perfectly to add an inner layer to my flower!  I created the flower petals by cutting towards the center of the flower at every 2 scallops.  I punched out the leaves using the Blossom Petals Builder punch.  Wanna see the rest of the card?  Here you go:

 

I used the Apothecary Accents Framelits as the background to my sentiment, from the Happy Hour stamp set.  And lastly, I created the scallop border at the bottom using the Large Scallop Edgelits. I had a lot of fun making this card for my good friend Robin :)  As you guys can probably tell, I'm a big fan of this color combo.  It's a change up from my regular repertoire of colors, but the Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party, and Daffodil Delight just pop with that happy freshness, dontcha think?

Hope you like the card!  Here's the quick recipe for you:

{Birthday Bazaar}

• Stamp Set: Happy Hour
• Cardstock: Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, International Bazaar, Summer Smooches
• Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake (to sponge on the edge of the leaves)
• Accessories: Chevron Embossing Folder, Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, Large Scallop Edgelit, Blossom Petals Punch Builder, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Apothecary Accents Framelit, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, Hemp Twine,

Thanks for the visit.  Have a great one!

Simple Posy Punch Thanks

Hi all!  Happy Saturday!  I've still got a case of the challenge bug, so today I'm sharing a quick card I made for the Pals Paper Arts challenge - where you need to use 1 piece of DSP 1 punch and 1 sentiment.  Plus, the inspiration photo reminded me so much of my kitty when we got him that I was inspired to play along!  Here's the inspiration photo:

How cute is that little kitty cat?  It soo reminds me of my Ollie when he was super little!  Well, anyway, here's a look at my full card:

This card was super easy to put together and I think it packs a lot of punch, considering how simple it is!  I love the Posy Punch Hostess stamp set and if you're curious as to what DSP I used, it's actually a Hostess DSP as well called Cheerful Treat, and what a treat it definitely is!  I punched out the Fancy Flower punch from the DSP, then I stamped the Posy Punch image {the flowers from this set actually coordinate perfectly with the Fancy Flower punch!} on a piece of Whisper White cardstock and lined it up with the punched DSP.  I then used dimensionals to adhere my DSP to the stamped cardstock.  Viola!  All I did after that was add the cute little pom pom trim at the top and then the button at the bottom of my pennant.  I hand cut the little "V" at the bottom, which was easy peasy!  Lastly, I stamped the Thank You from the "Thank You Kindly Stamp Set and I was done!  I think I'll be making a few more thank yous in this design cuz I think it's a fun and easy one to mass produce!  Plus, love the DSP!!  Hope you like it!  Here's the recipe for you.

{Simple Posy Punch Thank Yous}

*Stamp Set: Posy Punch, Thank You Kindly

*Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP

*Inks: Melon Mambo

*Accessories: Melon Mambo Pom Pom Trim {retired}, Subtles Buttons, White Twine, Fancy Flower Punch

Hope you guys have a great weekend!  Thanks for stopping by today ;)

Mojo 203 - {take 2!}

Hi all!  I'm back with another variation of the Mojo Monday Sketch 203 challenge - I still used the Beau Chateau paper, but this time I decided to have a flower focal point and add some more ribbon! 

I LOVE the Fun Flowers die and I think it really looks so pretty with this DSP!  For the center of the flower, I used the Boho Blossom punch and an Antique Brad as a finishing touch - love me the embellies!  I also like that the Crumb Cake Seam Binding makes such a pretty little ribbon accent.  I created the ribbon by creating 2 loops and then cinching the center with the twine and then knotting the button on top. Easy peasy!

This also fits into the So Shelli's Creative Challenge of a Thinking of You type of card, so I'm throwing this card into that hat as well.  Hope you like this version!  I still did the buttons at the top, too, but used the Early Espresso twine and kind of looped the buttons loosely. I also went with a little pennant sentiment, which I just hand cut and added a little twine and button at the top, then adhered to the card using a dimensional.

Here's the recipe for you:

{Mojo Take 2 - Beau Chateau}

*Stamps: You're a Gem

*Cardstock: Textured Soft Suede, Marina Mist, Beau Chateau DSP, Very Vanilla

*Inks: Soft Suede

*Accessories: Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Fun Flowers Bigz L die, Neutrals Buttons, Early Espresso Twine, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Basic Pearls, Antique Brad, Boho Blossoms punch

Thanks so much for popping by!  Ciao for now :)

Introducing the Triple Layer Punches!

Happy May, blog friends!  Today I'm excited to share some new products with you!  First, here's a look at one of the Triple Layer punches that are available in the Summer Mini Catalog - this one is the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch with the sweet little flowers.  In addition, I also showcase the Strength and Hope set that is a special stamp set being offered by Stampin'Up in partnership with The Breast Cancer Foundation.  This set will be available from May 1-Aug 31, and the cool thing is that SU! will donate $2 from the sale of each Strength and Hope set and Digital kit!  So awesome. 

The cards and purse ensemble pictured above also happens to be one of two projects I created for UStamp With Dawn and Friends this month in the Classes, Clubs and Camps issue, which just opened on April 29th.  Here's a close up of one of the cards:

So...if you'd like to see more, you should definitely head over there and register!  This is a great issue for demos because if you're looking for some creative class projects, you won't need to look further!  Or, for you crafters out there, you'll get your fill of fun projects with detailed instructions on how to recreate each of the projects.  Lots of fun!  Stay tuned for my second project, which I'll post once it goes live on UStamp with Dawn! :)

If you want to scoop up some of these adorable new products or just have to have it ASAP, you can always place an order 24/7 on my online store.  Isn't online shopping the best? ;)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  Toodles!

Fun new projects at Craft Project Central!

Hi all!  How are you guys doing? I'm working from home today, so I thought I'd pop in fo a quick post before getting my day started.  I've got some sneak peeks of 3 cute projects over at Craft Project Central.

First up is an adorable Flower Pot project created by Erika

Such a cute project to brighten your day!

For the chefs out there, how about a yummy recipe for Bread Pudding, compliments of Shelby:

She used the pretty Bliss set from the Sale-a-bration products that you can get for free when you buy $50 worth of Stampin'Up! goodies....time is running out though - this promotion ends on Thurs, March 31st!

And, to get you all ready for Easter, how about this pretty banner from Joanna:

These 3 projects are all available in the March issue at Craft Project Central.  If you'd like to subscribe, you can head over and check out the deets here.

Well friends, that's all for now.  Hope you guys have a fantastic day and I'll catch up with you in a little bit!  Toodles!

a dose of {Mojo}

Hello again, bloggie peeps!  It's been a LONG time since I've played in a Mojo Monday challenge and when I was blurfing earlier today and saw how cute the sketch was, I just had to play.  I even had a concept in mind ready to put to paper!  Wanna see?  First, here's what the sketch looks like:

And here's my interpretation:

I really love this color combo - it's so happy don't you think?  The pretty DSP is the Sweet and Sour Specialty paper.  LOVE it. How about the pretty scrunchy flower?  Its made out of the 2 scallop circle punches.  One layer of the big scallop and 2 of the smaller.  To make the petals pop a little more, I made a little snip towards the center of the scallop at every 2 scallops all the way around.  So fun and easy.  Here's a close up of the bow and fun brad:

Hope you like it!  Here's the recipe for you:

{A Little Mojo Just For You}

*Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

*Cardstock: Sweet and Sour Specialty DSP, Very Vanilla

*Inks: Melon Mambo

*Accessories: Jewely Tag punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch, Scallop Circle punch, Sweet Stitches Brads, Sweet Stitches Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Tastefu Trim Bigz XL die, Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Thanks so much for popping by!  Hope you have a fantastic day! :)

March Guest Designer at Craft Project Central!

Hi all!  Happy Saturday to you!  I am very excited to share that I'm a Guest Designer this month at Craft Project Central and I am so thankful to Jacque for giving me the opportunity!  The picture above is the Springtime Vintage Scallop Circle Card Set set I created.  All the details to create this pretty little gift box are included in the March issue.  There are lots of creative projects in store for you.  Here's a look at what's been posted so far.

This adorable Clearly for the Birds box set is was created by Tammy.

And this cute Bird House and bag project was created by Monika.

And, last but not least, this sweet bookmark gift was created by Naoko.  You can hop on over to Craft Project Central to subscribe and get the deets on these fun projects!! 

Enjoy your weekend, dear bloggie friends!  I've been trying to nurse my little cold here, so I'm hoping to shake this bug soon.  I'll catch up with you guys in a bit! Ciao for now.

Paper Crafters Sampler March Sneak Peek

Hey friends! Just popping in with a quick post about the upcoming March issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler with the theme of Spring Reverie.  Here's a peek of my banner project for you.  

This issue is chock full of great projects for Spring.  Head on over to Paper Crafters Sampler if you'd like to find out more about the issue or subscribe!  You can reference promocode PCSRD.  Enjoy!  I'll catch up with you guys in a bit.

Baja Wasabi anyone?

Hey there peeps!  It is one cold day in Southern CA today.  Temperature-wise, it really wasn't too bad - 53 degrees - but it's super windy, which makes it chilling to the bone when you're outside!!  I'm sure you East Coast folks are getting a kick out of that comment.  But, for this Southern California girl, it sure is COLD {I'm a wimp}! 

Anyway, how about some Baja Wasabi for you?  Doesn't that sound like a fun sushi restaurant name?  For all I know, it could be.  What I'm actually referring to are the fun colors of this birthday card I'm sharing today.  How do you like the little snippet?  Wanna see the full card?

I've had the color green on the brain, since it's March and St. Paddy's day is coming soon, which also coincide's with my Mom's birthday.  What do you think of the card?  Does the Baja Breeze/Wild Wasabi combo work for you?  I have to admit it took me a while to put this card together.  I had creative block after I made my lattice square embossed focal point.  In fact, I needed to step away for a while because I was stuck!  Then, it finally came together after I decided I wanted to work in more of the Trellis Bigz die in Baja Breeze.  Next thing you know, I'm on a roll.  I layered the Baja Breeze Trellis on Whisper White and then trimmed the end into a pennant shape.  Finally, I topped it with a cute little flower from the Fun Flowers die and then added my Happy Birthday sentiment stamp from the Create a Cupcake set.  Hope you like it!  I really would love to hear what you think!  Here's the recipe for you:

{Baja Wasabi Birthday}

*Stamp Set: Create a Cupcake

*Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Crumb Cake

*Inks: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

*Accessories: Trelli Bigz die, Lattice Square embossing folder, Fun Flowers Bigz XL die, Sweet Stitches Fabric Brads, Vintage Trinkets brad, Jewelry Tag punch

Thanks for visiting.  Hope you had a great Monday.! I'll be back tomorrow with my card for this week's Hand Stamped Sentiment challenge!  See you in a bit :)

Sweet Blushing Rosette Parade Pizzazz box

Hi there!  You're probably thinking - what a crazy blog title!  Well, it's appropo I think because I repurposed the colors from this week's Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge into another fun project.  I have to say I am hooked on this color combo...AND the cute In Color DSP stack!  Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, and Pear Pizzazz  -  it truly is such a YUMMY combination!  So, about my project. Believe it or not, I was inspired by the explosion box concept, but wanted to create a shallower box, so this is what I've come up with.  The cool thing is that this cute little box is made out of two 6"x6" pieces of DSP, so you can make a BUNCH of these from the DSP stack!  Isn't that awesome?  Here's what you see when you open the box...

It fits this adorable little calendar {yes - I'm hooked on making those, too!}

Are you wondering what the dimensions of these projects are?  Wonder no more, dear friends! The box base is the full 6"x6" piece of DSP, scored at 1" on all 4 sides.  Then for each of the corners, score at a diagonal, so that when you fold the score lines, you get something that looks like this:

For the top of the box, cut the 6"x6" piece of DSP into a 5 1/2"x 5 1/2" piece of DSP, then score on all sides at 3/4".  You'll want to cut the the 2 score lines on the top and bottom and then glue the ends to make your box, so that the top securely fits on the base. As for the little calendar, You'll need a 7 1/2" x 3 3/4" piece of cardstock and score the long side at 1 7/8" and 3 3/4".  Super easy peasy!  As for the pretty rosettes an leaves - those fun flowers were made from the Table Setting Bigz XL die, which I just recently got and already LOVE since it makes the rosettes a snap to create! 

Here's a look from the side of the box.  You can see that the top is a quarter of an inch shorter than the base of the box.  Now one last, thing - how about that top note die?  I love making this shape with the top note!  Basically, you create your top note die, then place the die cut piece over the top note die again, turning it a quarter turn, and run it through the Big Shot.  Viola!  You get this fun shape!  Hope you guys liked today's post.  Here's a parting shot:

Isn't this such a sweet little package?  Try it out for yourself!  And, if you want to use this same color combo, come and play along with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments and post your finished project! Would love to see your take :)

Enjoy the rest of your Friday!  Toodles for now :)

HSS Color Challenge #57

Hello there blog friends!  Happy March!  Boy is this year flying, or what?  Well, in any case, it's time for this week's Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge and we've got a fun color combo for you to try out.  What do you think of the card snippet above?  I have to say I had fun putting together my card for this week's color challenge using these pretty In Color colors.  Here's a look at the details:

Do you want to see what my full card looks like?  Here it is:

Now how fun are those colors?!  I wouldn't have typically thought of putting them together, but I do like the outcome.  I got to play with the In Color 6x6 DSP papers that are from the Hostess Level 1 set.  I just opened the pack and LOVE all the pretty prints!  For good measure, I even created a second card in a slight variation:

The cool thing is, these cards were really easy to put together, yet the DSP instantly dresses them up a bit.  And, just so you can see them both side by side, here's one last picture:

What do you think?  It was my first time to use the For You stamp from the Punch Bunch set (Sale-a-bration), and I really love the sweet little poppy flowers on it.  I think the overall color scheme reminds me of summertime.  That Poppy Parade color just makes me smile!  Here's the recipe for you:

{In Color Prints For You}

*Stamp Set: Punch Bunch

*Cardstock: Shimmery White, In Color 6x6 DSP, Whisper White

*Inks: Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride

*Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Poppy Parade Poly ribbon, dimensionals

 Hope you like it!  Now try out this cute color combo and play along with us this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments!  Hop over to the site for some inspiration from our creative DT, and then add your own take on the challenge.  Have fun! :)