"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project is a card that features a birthday gift from my sweet niece and her family . . . the "Sewing Room" Sizzix die.  I have wanted this die for a little while and could hardly wait to use it!  Of course, most of the products used to create  this card are from Stampin' Up! and include Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla card stock, "Pennant Parade" stamp set, designer buttons, linen thread, "Just Add Cake" designer paper, 3/4" circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, and the Petite Pennants builder punch.  Haley, if you see this blog post, THANK YOU so much for this fun die!!!

SPICE CAKE PENNANTS

I needed a "thank you" card this week and, of course, it had to be square.  All products used to create this card are from Stampin' Up! and include "Pennant Parade" stamp set, Early Espresso quilted ribbon (gorgeous), "Spice Cake" designer paper, pearl jewels, Square Lattice embossing folder, and the following punches:  3/4", 1", and 1-1/4" circles, Petite Pennants Builder, and the scallop-edge circle from Itty Bitty Shapes.  Card stock colors are Pool Party, More Mustard, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla.  Well, I'm off to spend some time with my family.  I hope that you, too, have something fun planned for today!

JULIE'S "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" PROJECT

Is it really Friday already????  Where has this week gone?  For her Freestyle Fridays project, it appears that Julie has used Stampin' Up!'s "Forever Young" stamp set.  This particular image is one of my favorites in the current catalog, and I like how Julie has given (sparkly) life to the tree!  We'll have to visit her blog to get more details about this card, and I know she'd appreciate feedback.  Have a wonderful Friday, a safe weekend, and visit me on Monday for another "snappy" project.

"SPICE CAKE" VINTAGE ADORNMENT

I {heart} Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software!  Seriously . . . I love using this program!  Most of the time, I keep things really simple by choosing an 8.5" x 11" individual page and create a design that I can print, cut to size, and use on a card.  And that's how this card got its start.  I started with a square punch, filled it with Crumb Cake color, added the script image from "French Foliage", added a scallop square, filled it with Spice Cake designer paper, and gave it a drop-shadow.  The bluish floral image was created by using assorted sizes of Very Vanilla Vintage Adornment Flowers, which were given drop-shadows in Baja Breeze, Pool Party, and Crumb Cake.  The final digital addition to the design was the crochet trim.  After the design was printed and cut, I sponged the edges with Early Espresso ink, adhered it to a Pool Party layer, and then used brads to adhere it to the Very Vanilla layer, which was embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  I used Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the Very Vanilla layer to a Soft Suede square card.  And the best part of all?  I can whip up another card just like this one by printing the image again!  What's not to love about that?

THERE'S A SKUNK IN THESE WOODS

I recently purchased the "Campin' Critters" cartridge, which arrived two days ago, and today was the day to make something with it.  I think this skunk exiting the outhouse is so adorable . . . and with toilet paper stuck to his paw!  I used the Gypsy to design the circle card, my Cricut Expression to make all of the cuts, and then I adhered all of the layers to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I will send this card to my grandmother, and I know she'll enjoy it.

"CHRISTMAS DREAMS" WINNER



Congratulations, Karin!!!

random.org chose the 8th comment on my blog, which was yours, so you will receive a FREE pass to the "Christmas Dreams" session on Stampin' Fun and Friends.

Thank you, everyone, for your comments!  Don't forget that Early Bird registration ($15) will end soon--the price for the "Christmas Dreams" session will go up on November 2nd.  To register, just click on the red and yellow button at the top of the sidebar on the right side of my blog.  

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

I love the way Stampin' Up!'s embossing folders can carry a card design!  Whenever you're short on time or need to make a card quickly, just reach for an embossing folder (or two).  For today's MISM card, I used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder on the large Very Vanilla layer, and one of the Designer Frames folders was used for the focal point on the smaller vanilla layer.  I stamped the ornament (from the "Tree Trimmings" stamp set) onto Very Vanilla card stock using Pacific Point ink and then placed it in the oval embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.  I used the Lucky Limeade to color the white areas of the stamped image, and finished off the design with a pearl jewel.  Other Stampin' Up! products used were scallop dots ribbon, linen thread, and Lucky Limeade card stock.

IT'S A HOLIDAY BLOG HOP!!!!!

I'm so pleased to share three projects in the North Carolina Stampin' Up! demonstrators' first blog hop!!  You may be arriving from Lisa Tedder's blog where she featured the Simply Scored tool or perhaps you're just starting here--either way, WELCOME!  The stamp set that I'm featuring in this blog hop is "Stitched Stockings," and my first project is a treat packet that holds a single serving of coffee. I used My Digital Studio to design the focal point for this pouch, and the "coffee mug" was created with the Stitched Stockings stamp set by altering the stamped and punched image.  The 3/4" and 1/2" circle punches were used to create the handle for the mug.  The digital products used for the decorative label on this project include:  Established Elegance, Frames with a Flourish, and Wishes & Greetings stamp brush sets; Modern Label and Curly Label punches; Staple & Stitching embellishment.  Other accessories used include Real Red satin ribbon, linen thread, Word Window punch,  Stampin' Dimensionals, and "Holly Berry Bouquet" specialty designer paper.

My second project - a Criss Cross Box - also features the gorgeous "Holly Berry Bouquet" designer paper.  This is such an easy box to create, and it is quite a great size!  Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored tool really came in handy for scoring the card stock for the box and the polka dot rosette.  Behind the rosette, I used waffle paper purchased from Stampin' Up!'s clearance rack.  The rosette was finished off with a scallop circle (embossed with the Snow Burst embossing folder), a Real Red blossom from the Boho Blossoms punch, and a linen thread bow on top of a Neutrals designer button.  My favorite part of this project is the stocking, which features red glimmer paper and pearl jewels.  Other Stampin' Up! products used for this project include rhinestone jewel, Wild Wasabi card stock and ink, Real Red ink, tag punches, and "Grateful Greetings" stamp set.

And now . . . my third (and favorite) of my three Blog Hop projects . . . an oversized card that could easily be made into a framed art decoration.  The hardest part of this project, of course, was deciding how to decorate my four panels but, in the end, I was very pleased with how it all came together. 

All products used to create this project are from Stampin' Up! and include:  

Stamp Sets:  Stitched Stockings, Delightful Decorations, Tiny Tags; Punches:  1" and 3/4" Circle, Stocking Builder, Ornament, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Snowflake, Corner Rounder; Sizzix:  Serif Essentials Alphabet, Snow Burst embossing folder; Accessories:  Glimmer brads, Baker's twine, Scallop Dots ribbon, designer button, Stampin' Dimensionals, rhinestone jewels, Dazzling Details (glitter glue); Card Stock & Ink:  Old Olive, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler

I hope you've enjoyed these projects, and I'd love to hear your feedback!  To continue on the Blog Hop, your next stop is Sharon Maranich's blog.  You can bet she has some creative projects featuring the "Gift Givers" stamp set.

MY "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" WREATH PROJECT

ETA:  (10/20/11) I know that today isn't Friday, but I scheduled this post to show up on Friday (10/21) a.m.  I'm not sure why it's already here, but . . . we'll just call it "Freestyle ThurFriday"  Thanks, Blogspot!

Last week, with her gorgeous Fall wreath, Julie challenged me to create a wreath project.  I had all kinds of ideas bouncing around in my head and was looking forward to the mission, but it wasn't long before the wreath that I was so excited about (in my head) just wasn't turning out too spectacular.  It was one of "those" projects that no matter what you add next, something is still missing, lacking, off, unacceptable, etc.  Finally, I decided to pull another idea and run with it . . . a paper cone wreath.  Even though this one doesn't have an open center, it is a mini wreath, nonetheless.  The paper cones were a tiny challenge to begin with because I've never been very good at forming a cone from a square or rectangle, but then it occurred to me to use a circle.  Perfect--and easy!  Everything about this project is from Stampin' Up! . . . the designer papers are from First Edition, Spice Cake, and a retired paper collection, and they are all 2-3/8" scallop circles; the More Mustard ribbon is a retired product; and the "Give Thanks" banner was created with My Digital Studio using the "Hand-Penned Holidays" stamp brush set.  All of the cones were adhered with hot glue to a 3.5" circle (Sizzix die).

QUICKIE FLORA & FAUNA

While cleaning the stamp room tonight and moving a few things around, I uncovered a stamp set that I bought on clearance, probably close to a year ago.  I had never opened it and couldn't remember what possessed me to purchase it at the time, so I decided to take a break and challenge myself to create a quick card with it.  Here it is!  While the stamp set and designer paper are not from Stampin' Up!, the Lucky Limeade and Soft Suede card stock are, as well as the Island Indigo ruffled ribbon.  It looks like I have a blank masculine card ready to be signed, sealed, and delivered.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . AND A GIVEAWAY!!!

Today's MISM project has nothing to do with Fall, Thanksgiving, or Christmas . . . it's all about sending a sweet "hello" card to someone who makes others happy.  This is a clear card with a layer of Wisteria Wonder card stock adhered to the inside.  On that layer, I stamped the sentiment from Stampin' Up!'s "Petite Pairs" stamp set, and I added a layer of fringe-cut Lucky Limeade to simulate grass.  On the front of the card, I created a dot-embossed flower from the "Floral Fusion" Sizzlits die, added a printed designer brad to the center, and used the Blossom Petals Builder punch for the leaves. Easy peasy, and I really like the look of this card!  Now . . . for the giveaway . . . I was asked to design a couple of projects for Stampin' Fun and Friends "Christmas Dreams" session, which will feature 15 projects in 15 days from November 8-22.  How ironic that the begin date is my birthday, and the end date is my sister's birthday!  Early Bird registration is going on now until November 1st for $15, but I will be giving ONE free pass to "Christmas Dreams".  All you have to do to enter the drawing for this awesome giveaway is leave a comment on this blog post.  There will be a written tutorial with photos for each of the projects featured on the "Christmas Dreams" session, and you will be able to download each tutorial.  To go ahead and register for this festive crafty session, just click the picture at the top of my right sidebar.  I will draw the winner of the free pass on Friday, October 21st. 

A "MERRY" LITTLE GIFT BOX

How cute is this little holiday box?  It's a great size for a generous treat, too!  The box and ornament tag are two cuts available on Cricut's "Art Philosophy" cartridge, and I used Stampin' Up!'s "Pennant Parade" stamp set and Jewelry Tag punch to create the mini "merry" tag.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this project include the rhinestone jewels, Baker's twine, designer paper (retired), Stampin' Dimensionals, and Old Olive 1.25" striped grosgrain ribbon (clearance rack).  Be sure to visit my blog tomorrow for my "Make-It-Snappy-Monday" project AND an opportunity to win a really special giveaway!

JULIE'S FALL WREATH

It's time for Freestyle Fridays, and Julie got really decorative this week!  I'm sure this GORGEOUS wreath was the first festive eye-feast that welcomed her guests when she celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend in Canada.  Don't you just love all of the Fall colors?!?!  There was an incident last Saturday that knocked out the power at Julie's house, but she still managed to get her turkey cooked and on the table.  As if that wasn't enough stress, she had internet woes (translated to mean "no 'net") this week, but she managed to get that fixed in time to share her project today.  She is a superwoman!!!  I hope you'll join me in visiting Julie's blog to learn more about her beautiful wreath, and don't forget to leave a little comment love.  ;-)  Visit me again on Monday, and I'll have a "snappy" project to share.

"FOREVER YOUNG" . . . DIGITAL STYLE

When I first saw the "Forever Young" digital stamp brush set in the Stampin' Up! catalog, I knew that it would be one of my first "new catalog" purchases.  The reason that I really wanted this one in digital form is because I could make the frame and tree/swing image the size needed for just about any project.  Those two images are so pretty!  It's kind of hard to tell from the picture, but I used a drop-shadow effect (in My Digital Studio) on the image which gives a slight tea-stained appearance.  After printing my digital project and getting the card assembled, I used a clip (from Clips Assortment, p. 197 in the Stampin' Up! catalog) to hold the stamped tag, which is from the "Pretty Postage" stamp set.  Additional Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Postage punch, Scallop Square punch, and ribbon.

OF FALL AND FONDANT

On Saturday, my sister (Renee) and I decided to try decorating a cake.  I recently ordered a Cricut Cake machine, which I had very briefly used just to see what it could do, but the main thing that I wanted to try was fondant.  Our first decision was the theme for our cake and, obviously, we chose "Fall."  I had baked the cake that morning and had delicious homemade buttercream frosting ready to go, so I showed Renee how to color gum paste that we could use to cut our leaves and letters.  This was so much fun, and the machine did a beautiful job of cutting our colored leaves.  Didn't Renee do a beautiful job getting the colors just right?  After all of our decorations were cut, it was time to frost the cake.  I can't put into words how much I dislike this part of the process.  Well, I do have some words, but I shouldn't use them here.  Fortunately, Renee is a very patient person, and she did a wonderful job with the frosting even though I don't yet own a spreader.  She worked so patiently with the frosting until it was very smooth!!!!  She was quite disappointed when I wanted to cover the smooth frosting with fondant, but it was something that I really wanted to try.  We ended up taking our cake to a family reunion on Sunday, and it was very well-received.  I was surprised, though, by the number of people who had never heard of fondant and then others who just didn't care for it.  It appeared that some people didn't realize that it's okay to pick the leaves off of the cake when/if they get in the way of cutting it.  Truth be told, they might not have been that easy to pick off.  The die-cut gum paste gets kind of hard (like candy), and can't easily be cut with a butter knife (you know that's what people mostly use to cut reunion desserts), and they stick very well to fondant or frosting.  The fondant also can seem tricky when cut with a too-dull instrument, but I thought it did very well AND tasted good.  IMHO, it was a nice compliment to the buttercream frosting.  All that's left of this cake is the photo, and I look forward to making another one.  Renee . . . please come back, and I promise we won't cover your smooth frosting with fondant.  Without you, there will be no smooth frosting--that's a promise!  We'll even decorate the cake board the next time!

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

It's time for another MISM project, and this one is a fun (and quick) Halloween treat featuring Stampin' Up!'s "Peekaboo Frames" die (p. 36, Holiday mini catalog) and the Box #2 die (p. 221, Idea Book & Catalog).  The Peekaboo Frames die has five different frames in a variety of shapes and sizes,

and they make fun elements on scrapbook pages, mini album, cards, and projects such as this.  My project began by using the Big Shot to cut the Box #2.  I used a piece of designer paper to cover the lid portion, which is standing up behind the package of pretzels, but the paper doesn't show in the picture.  I then cut two circle frames and a "B" using the Seriff Essentials Alphabet dies.  Circle punches used were the 1-3/8" and 3/4".  A dotted scallop ribbon bow finished off this project!  Obviously, the box could have been stamped or wrapped with designer paper, but keeping things simple made this a very snappy project.  BTW, if you're looking for a delicious, inexpensive treat for the little goblins who ring the bell on the 31st, Walmart has a big box of pretzel packs for cheap!

SCARY & SWEET

I'm getting ready to go to a family reunion today, but I thought I'd share a fun Halloween treat that was one of the planned projects for my Inkerbelles' class last month.  We used some really fun Stampin' Up! products to create this festive treat which include the brand new Simply Scored scoring tool,  designer buttons (yum!), "Frightful Sight" designer paper, "Dark & Dreary" and "Grateful Greetings" stamp sets, linen thread, Dazzling Details, Basic Black and Cajun Craze card stock, and a glimmer brad.

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"



It's time for another installment of Freestyle Fridays and my completion of yet another mission from Julie.  Last week, she challenged me to create a project using designer paper and a fence.  I have to admit that this mission kind of stumped me, but I definitely enjoy her missions!  When I finished this card, I wasn't pleased that I had only used a tiny piece of designer paper on the owl's belly, so I decided to add a pleated ruffle to the left side of the card.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this project include River Rock, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla card stock, "Spice Cake" designer paper, My Digital Studio (for the sentiment from the "Piece of Poison" stamp brush set), Modern Label and Owl Builder punches, rhinestone jewels, Chocolate Chip ribbon, and a 1-3/8" punched circle (mask) for the moon.  I used sponges to color the background using More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, and Always Artichoke inks.

"DARK & DREARY" . . . IN A GOOD WAY

The inspiration for this card came from Ariel Matera's card pictured on the NC demo group, but I added a couple of things and "changed it up" a little.  Stampin' Up!'s "Dark & Dreary" stamp sets is one of my favorite Halloween sets, mostly because I love the candelabra and the variety of spooky images.  To age and give depth to the embossed frame, I sponged it with Basic Black ink and then used Frost White shimmer paint to add some highlights.  I used gold Smooch ink on each of the candle flames and finished off the candelabra with a rhinestone jewel.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, and Lucky Limeade card stock, "Tiny Tags" stamp set, Spider Web embossing folder, Designer Frames embossing folder, Jewelry Tag, Wide Oval, and Decorative Label punches, black satin ribbon, and Baker's Twine.  On the Cajun Craze embossed layer, I lightly sponged black ink and then spritzed the card stock with a shimmer mist created with a mix of Champagne Mist shimmer paint and water.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

I recently got Stampin' Up!'s "Happiest Birthday Wishes" hostess set, and what a great set it is!  The colors in my photo are a bit off but, for this "snappy" card, I used Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, and Pool Party markers to color the sentiment.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, "Beautiful  Wings" and "Scalloped Heart of Hearts" embosslits dies, and rhinestone jewels.  Although simple in design, I really like this card and how quickly it came together. 

BECOME A DEMONSTRATOR--NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME!

Have you noticed this picture in the left sidebar below my photo?  Stampin' Up! has an awesome promotion this month for new demonstrators . . . we're HIRING!!!!! . . . and, along with the huge starter kit, you could also get a FREE Big Shot die-cut machine!  If you have ever thought of becoming a demonstrator, now just might be the perfect time.  If you have a Big Shot already, you will get to select $100 worth of free Stampin' Up! product instead.  The starter kit ($175) contains $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies--everything you need to get started!  I have been a demonstrator since March 2004, and it's been a wonderful way to earn the money to support my paper craft hobby.  It's not all about the money, though . . . the friends that I have made and the stampin' good times with them are priceless.  All of the details about this promotion can be found HERE, but I am also available to answer any questions you may have.

DIGITAL AND GRATITUDE . . . PERFECT IN THE SAME SENTENCE

Every now and then, I will complete a project that . . . well . . . um . . . totally wows me, and this is that kind of project.  I don't mean that I am wow'd in a conceited kind of way--it's just that even though I knew how I wanted to work with this digital image, I was completely surprised by just how gorgeous it turned out.  If this card doesn't make you want to rush to my web site and add My Digital Studio to the shopping cart, then I'm sorry to say that there is something dreadfully wrong with you.  Of course, you will have to also add the Autumn Spice Digital Kit (digital download) to the shopping cart because it comes with the "Day of Gratitude" stamp brush set that I used for the main image and sentiment.  The digital kit also includes 8 designer series paper patterns, "French Foliage" stamp brush set, and two designer templates (an 8x8 two-page layout and a 4.25" x 5.5" card) for a low, low, low price.  I'm not sure if I'm allowed to quote the price but, trust me, it's less expensive than a pack of designer paper!  The design process for my card began with the large Very Vanilla image.  I added one of the designer paper patterns to the background (so it would show through/behind the image), and then I applied a drop-shadow to the image to give it a little digital lift/dimension.  I added a digital Scallop Oval (from the punch selections), filled it with Cajun Craze color, and then added the sentiment to fit the oval.  That's it, folks!  Once I printed the designs, I cut out the floral image, punched and sponged the sentiment and photo corners, used the Square Lattice embossing folder on the Always Artichoke card, and punched the Lace Ribbon border.  The last step was to add brads to the layered photo corners, and a pretty designer button (complete with Linen Thread) to the center of my card.  That's it!  Would you like to know the BEST thing about this card?  Since the focal point and sentiment were digitally designed, I can print them all day long and make a bunch of cards just like this one!  While I wouldn't want all of my creating to be in digital form, there is no denying that My Digital Studio is a tool that's just as important to your paper crafting as . . . paper.