Upsy Daisy!

I've been patiently waiting for the UPS man to get here with a few new things I ordered, so I decided to get out a set I HAD to have but I think I've only used it twice, and get some cards made. I'm almost out of cards in my box and that has never happened before! Slacker!

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Tangarine Tango, Whisper White

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot and Top Note Die Cut (I know, shocking!), Sweet Always DSP

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy, Say it With Scallops

Accessories: Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1", 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Paper Piercing Tool, Bella Rose DSP

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OK, so here is my BIG Upsy Daisy...I'm a total looser. As a blogger I am so grateful people enjoy and comment on what I make and post. I've had several ladies nominate me for blogger awards. I'm very flattered and I thank you so much.

I've not posted them as I hate all that 'answer 12 questions, and list 5 facts about yourself and mostly the pass it on' part... I know, what a whiner.

THANK YOU Priscilla for the Your Blog is Fabulous award!!

Thank you Georgann for the Kreativ Blogger award!!

Thank you Patti for the Este Blog...!!!

And, I know there were 2 more over the past few months and I've misplaced the paper I wrote them on. I know, no excuses!!!!! But I truly am grateful for the recognition, thanks again!

Valentine Basket

I found this darling little basket on SCS and followed it to her blog for directions. It was so easy as Lynn gives great directions! It measures 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"...perfect for a tiny baggie of chocolates.

Not really sure what is up with my lighting...maybe it's our latest snow storm??

My downline Danee is at it again! She just sent these newest punch art nugget holders to me to share with you. I updated her last bunch of animals with the punches she used if you care to look back.

Owl
CS: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Punches: Scallop Circle, Round Tab, Trio Flowers, 3/4" circle, 1/2" circle, 1/4" circle, 5-Petal Flower

Worm
CS:Kiwi Kiss, Real Red, Whisper White, Blush Blossom, Chocolate Chip
Punches: Round Tab, Square Scallop, Horizontal Slot, Word Window, 1/2" circle, Trio Heart (smallest cut to seeds)
Accessories: Chocolate Chip and Regal Rose markers, google eyes

Rooster
It's movable - body and wing can swing in different directions
CS: Kraft, Barely Banana, Really Rust, Not Quite Navy, Real Red (Riding Hood Red is better), Chocolate Chip
Punches: Large Oval, Trio Flower, Boho, Large Star, 1-3/8" circle, 1/2" circle, Scallop Circle, Scallop Square (tail = 5 humps), body feather = 4 and 3 humps) and neck)
Accessories: Earth Elements (Not Quite Navy) brads, Dazzling Diamonds, White Gel Pen, google eyes

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Take a look at this stationary box!

It was made by Felicity Gray of Melbourne Australia.

You can check her blog here.

Happy Heart Day Cards

I'm sooo enjoying my Top Note Die-Cut and the Big Shot! I just can't stop using it ;)

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray,
Bella Rose DSP
Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Accessories: Top Note Die Cut, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Heart To Heart Punch, various Stampin' Write Markers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Two-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Bella Rose DSP
Stamp Set: Happy Heart Day
Accessories: Top Note Die Cut, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Word Window Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Kiwi Kiss Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Bold Brights Brads, Various Stampin' Write Markers, White Gel Pen

2009 Spring-Summer Catalog Is Here!

Stampin’ Up! has produced yet another outstanding idea book with their new Spring-Summer 2009 Catalog!

This catalog contains over 200 pages of project samples and ideas, making it so much more than just a catalog...it is your one stop shopping and inspiration source for all things Stampin' Up!

Backed by 20 years of quality, award-winning designs and innovation, you will LOVE the product offerings. We have fun & beautiful new stamp sets, gorgeous new Designer Series Papers and awesome new accessories.

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If you are in the Boise area and would like to purchase a copy of the new catalog, please contact me at yasou@cableone.net. To purchase a catalog or place an online order, please visit my demonstrator website here .

Monthly Birthday Organizer

I've been wanting to make a birthday organizer for a long time now. January is flying by so I thought I better make it a priority this weekend! The box measures 5 1/2" x 3 3/4" x 1 1/2"

1. I started with a piece of Certainly Celery cardstock cut to 8 1/2" x 9".

2. Score the short side at 3 3/4" and 5 1/4".

3. Score the long side at 1 1/2" and 7". fold on the score lines shape into a box.

4. Before assembling, I cut the opening so you can see the contents. I measured in about a 1/2" on each side and down about 1" from the top. I used my paper cutter to cut out that little section. Assemble the box with Sticky Strip.

5. Lid cardstock is 5 1/8" x 9 1/8" of Certainly Celery.

6. Score at 1 3/4" all around. Cut all 4 sides up to the intersecting score line,

7. Use the scallop edge punch to scallop the bottom of all 4 sides and that takes it up to the length you need it to cover the opening.

8. The monthly divider cards are 3 1/4" x 5 1/4" in Chocolate Chip cardstock with Round Tab Punch computer generated months.

9. I used Microsoft Publisher to make the index cards. They measure about 3 1/8" x 5 1/8"... if you cut them straight ;)

10. Embellish as desired!

Showing all the different pieces. The index card has a place for name, birthday, favorites and a photo of the birthday person.

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I've shared with you a time or two about my boys and our stairway they think is a play ground. Well...it continues...

Nicholas got a new mattress and of course there is only one way to get it down the stairs, right?

Mattress Surfing!!!!!

Perhaps you'll notice the stairway's very plain undecorated walls. I've given up over the years and all our various stairway issues...it remains undecorated and safe of framed glass for a reason! :)

Benjamin, my forever chicken and oh-so-cautious 12 year old.

Nicholas, my forever confident and free spirited 9 year old.

Gotta love boys ;)

Love You Much Pocket Card

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Stamp Set: Love You Much
Accessories: Candy Lane DSP, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Flower Fusion, Bold Brights Brads, Stampin' Write Markers, Ghiradelli Chocolate, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

Lots of Sharing

I have some things to share with you today that are not mine.

My third level downline, Danee Hoang is one creative lady!! She made all these Nugget holders from various punches.

ETA: Danee's instructions

Basic Nugget Holder:
Cut 6" x 1-1/4" strip of cardstock
Score 1", 3" and 5" along the 6” side

Nugget wrap (if desired):
Cut 3" x 1-1/4" Designer Series paper

Flamingo (Danee Hoang)

1 large oval – Pretty in Pink (body)
1 word window – Pretty in Pink (neck)
2 small ovals – Pretty in Pink & basic black (beak) – the black is also punched with the boho punch
One ¾” circle – pretty in pink (face)
1- scallop circle & wide oval – Pink pirouette (wing)
1 boho punch flower – kiwi kiss (bush)
2 strips of 1/8” x 1-1/2” and 1/8” x 2-1/2” - Pretty in pink (legs)
Dazzling diamond glitter
Pretty in Pink (soft subtle) brad
stampin' dimensionals
Sticky strip
Black marker
Always Artichoke – holder

I have the pdf of the step by step picture directions to assemble the flamingo. If you are interested in a copy, please e-mail me at yasou@cableone.net.

Crab (Kelly Sampson - - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/510919?

One large oval – real red (body)
Two small ovals – real red (claws)
Two horizontal slots – real red (antenna of eyes)

Spiral punches cut out to form tentacles – real red
Black markers for smile
Glue dots to attach google eyes
Basic black for holder

Monkey (Kelly Sampson - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/498895?what=allfields&condition=and&name=emmiestamps ):
Two 1” circles – creamy caramel (ears)
Two ¾” circles – chocolate chip (ears)
One ½” circle - creamy caramel (nose area)
One large oval – creamy caramel (mouth)
Glue dots to attach google eyes
Chocolate chip marker for smile

Tiger (Kelly Sampson - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/507665?what=allfields&condition=and&name=emmiestamps ):

One 1 3/8” – only orange (face)
1 big boho flower with each petal cut to center – basic black (stripes)
One ¾” circle – only orange, cut in halves(ears)
One ½” circle – basic black, cut in halves (ears)
Two ¼” circles – eyes
¾” circle – only orange (overall nose mouth area)
One ½” circle – basic black, cut in half for nose
Black marker to draw mouth and dots.
Only orange - holder

Penguin (courtesy of Helen Schadegg):

2 - large ovals – basic black (wings)
3 - small ovals – whisper white (body and wings) – snip just a little bit of one oval at top for the body
One point - from large star punch – pumpkin pie (beak)
2 - trio flowers – pumpkin pie (feet)
Glue dots to attach google eyes
Basic black – holder

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Santa (Meg Loven’s friend Becky Strater - http://lovenstamps.blogspot.com/2008/12/scallop-punch-santas.html) :

2 - scallop circles – 1 blush blossom (face) and 1 whisper white cut in half (beard)
2 - word window – 1 whisper white (hat) and 1 basic black (belt - trim edge after mounting)
Two ¼" circles – 1 pretty in pink or pink pirouette (nose) and 1 whisper white (button)
One ½" circle - whisper white (pom-pom)
One 1-1/4" square – riding hood red, cut in half diagonally (hat)
Draw belt buckle with white gel pen
Black marker for mouth
Glue dots to attach google eyes
Riding hood red - holder

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Snowman (Dawn Griffith’s website: http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/dawns_stamping_thoughts/2008/10/snowman-card.html ):

One point – from small star punch – pumpkin pie (nose)
5 - double circles – basis black (mouth)
Two ¼" circles – basic black (eyes) – draw sparkle with white gel pen
One 1-3/8" square punch – basic black (hat - cut in half horizontally and draw stitches with white gel pen)
1 - word window – black (hat – draw stitches with white gel pen)
1 - trio flower – real red (flower – add one drop of Crystal effect in the center to let dry)
1 - Boho blossom (biggest flower with lots of petals) – old olive (leaves – trim only 2 petals from flower)
Dimensional for the flower
stampin’ pastels - regal rose (color cheeks)
Whisper white - holder

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Rudolph Reindeer (Angie Juda’s website http://chicnscratch.typepad.com/stampinacademy/2008/12/reindeer.html
and Heather Summers’ website: http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/stamp_with_heather/2008/11/i-love-holidays.html ):

Two ¼" circles – basic black (eyes – draw sparkle with white gel pen)
1 - Boho blossom (biggest flower with lots of petals) – chocolate chip cut in half (mane)
1 small oval/large oval – chocolate chip (Antlers - using small oval to punch from chocolate chip first and come back with large oval to get thin piece of oval. Trim this piece of oval by rounding into curves to get 2 antlers). See Heather’s video.
Draw mouth straight down with black journal writer. See Angie’s video.
Kraft CS - holder.
Rudolph with glitter nose: One ½" circle – riding hood red (nose – add red glitter after saturated with 2 way glue pen).

Rudolph with pom-pom: Michael's pom-pom is glued with crystal effect. Other adhesive, glue dot and Tombow glue don’t stick too well.

Frog (Heather Summers’ website: http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/stamp_with_heather/2008/10/frogs.html ):

2- large ovals – 1 old olive (face) and 1 kiwi kiss (body)
2 - small ovals - old olive (legs)
Two ¾” circles – old olive (eyes) – adhere in the back of the face
Two ½” circles – whisper white (eyes)
Two ¼” circles – black (eyes)
2 - Trio flowers – old olive (feet)
Black markers for smile and dimple
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Pig (Kelly Sampson - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/498895?what=allfields&condition=and&name=emmiestamps ):

Two ¾”circles – Pretty in Pink (nose and ears - cut in halves for ears) – sponge with close to cocoa
Two ½” circles – chocolate chip cut 2/3 of the way (hooves)
Two ¼” circles – chocolate chip (nostril)
Chocolate chip markers for smile
Glue dots to glue google eyes
Pretty in pink - holder

Hippo (Kelly Sampson - http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/504760?what=allfields&condition=and&name=emmiestamps ):

1 of each large & small oval – bordering blue (mouth)
2 - word windows – 1 whisper white cut in halves (teeth) and 1 bordering blue cut in halves (ears)
Four ¼” circles – basic black (nostrils and ears)
Two ½” circles – black cut 2/3 of the way (hooves)
White gel pen to draw on hooves
Black marker to draw eyelashes
Glue dots to attach google eyes
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Milk Carton Container courtesy of Carol Faubert in Canada. You can view her blog here.

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And my latest creation, the Valentine's Box.

These are made by Elisa and you can view her blog here.

Valentine's Box/Cupcake Box Tutorial Is Now Available!

This tutorial is about building a compartmentalized gift box and lid.

I am calling it the Valentine’s Box because of the time of year I am releasing it.

The 22 page tutorial contains instructions and step by step photos for completing BOTH the Valentine's Box and the Cupcake Box plus all the inside ingredients for $3.95.

I’ve filled the Valentine's Box with things I think are cute to photograph.

The tutorial also includes directions for the Valentine's Day tags, acetate box of Hershey Kisses and the covered Peppermint Patties.

I've put sprinkles and chocolates in my Cupcake Box.
I’m sure you will find a lot of creative ways to fill your box. You'll learn how to customize your compartments to fit whatever ingredients suit your needs.

Order now for $3.95 using the link on the right hand bar or go to my "Tutorials for Sale" page on the left hand bar.

Now We've Got A Spiffy Little Cupcake Box!

Isn't this fun? I was going to make a 'coffee' box today but decided to jump to the cupcake box because it was pink...

All the ingredients.
The 4 mongo size tags that I completely cased from here . These are so dang cute if I do say so myself!

Looking down on the compartments or dividers inside the box.

All closed up! It just needs a ribbon and it's ready to give. I didn't want to tie it closed quite yet as I am still working on the directions.

Yes, the snow is cleared for the most part now. Thank you for all the comments and offering to send loved ones over to shovel snow while I write this tutorial ;o) I'm shooting for a Saturday or Sunday release. My little guy has been under the weather and I have to be a mom this week too...dang it!

Spiffy Little Valentine Box

I had such fun making this box! It measures about 9" x 4 1/2" and has cardstock compartments for the ingredients.

Closed with ribbons tied around it. The lid has a transparency film window in it.

Open for a peek inside. Full view of the compartments and ingredients.

I made 4 Valentine tags from the Top Note die cut and my oldie but goodie favorite Loads of Love set. Three more peppermint patties using the new Love You Much set. I made a Hershey Kiss holder from acetate paper (transparency film) and cardstock and left the Ghiradelli Chocolates uncovered because the pink matched perfectly!
The box is made from Riding Hood Red cardstock and the new Candy Lane DSP.

I can see so many possibilities for this little box! I'm going to make a birthday/cupcake one next as soon as that giant cupcake stamp (that I told myself I would NEVER order) gets here. I'm going to make little acetate boxes for cupcake sprinkles and all kinds of fun things. You can make the compartments any size you want for whatever you are putting in the box.

And guess what???????? A complete tutorial is on it's way that will include step by step instructions and pictures of this box, the cupcake box and whatever I come up with after that one, for only $3.95.
I'll let you know when it's ready, probably next week...I'm still shoveling snow today ;o)

More Love You Much & A Love You Mom

Two more cards using the Love You Much Bundle Promotion.

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Candy Lane DSP
Stamp Set: Love You Much
Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers, Light Pink Gingham Ribbon, Flower Fusion Too, Heart To Heart Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Bold Brights Brads, Corner Rounder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Candy Lane DSP

Stamp Set: Love You Much

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers, Flower Fusion Too, Bold Brights Brads, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch, Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

My Nicholas has learned to make boxes! He thinks he should do another tutorial for you but I told him you all would be great with just a picture :) He thought these would be cute with Hershey Kisses in them for Valentine's Day. There must be 20 little boxes of various sizes around here...and he doesn't pick up scraps!

Happy New Year!

It's nice to move on from Christmas projects. I almost forgot what to do without a Santa or snowman in the picture!

Happy New Year! What are your plans this year? I am going to loose 50 pounds...again, be less stressed about the things I can't change, rely more on faith, set office and work hours for my stamping business in order to be more productive and use less reds and pink in my projects. So far, I'm starting off with a bang! We made chocolate cupcakes from scratch and frosted them with Wilton Butter Cream frosting and my first post of the new year is red and pink! Who needs resolutions anyway...

These are my first three cards using the Love You Much Bundle that is the January promotion for Stampin' Up! You can see it here. The bundle is 20% off until January 31st.

It includes the Love You Much stamp set, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper and the beautiful new Heart to Heart punch all for $41.48. You can always purchase the pieces individually at regular price, only the bundle is on sale.

This card used the large heart in the Love You Much set. I stamped and cut out 5 hearts and folded them in the middle to make a dimensional flower of sorts.

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Candy Lane DSP

Stamp Set: Love You Much

Accessories: Very Vanilla Wide Grosgrain, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Stamnpin' Dimensionals

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Candy Lane DSP, Chocolate Chip DSP
Stamp Set: Love You Much
Accessories: Top Note Die Cut, SU! Big Shot, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponge and a little Pretty In Pink ink, Ruby Red Stampin' Write Marker.

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Candy Lane DSP

Stamp Set: Love You Much

Accessories: Blender Pens with Sahara Sand Ink for shading behind images, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Small & Large Oval Punches, Paper Piercing Tool, Stamping Dimensionals.