Clearly For You!

My Stampin' Up! order came in last night and I didn't have a minute to even open the box.  Can you imagine? Hopefully I will be able to play with some of the new products later today.  It's a wonderful Occasions catalog this year.  If you are one of my customers and have not received your mini please email me and I will make sure you get one.  If you don't have a demonstrator and would like a copy of the newest mini catalog please let me know.

Today I am sharing a card that I made months ago.  Sometimes Stampin' Up! will carry over a stamp set from a mini catalog and place it in the Idea Book and Catalog.  This is the case with "Clearly for You".  It's a great set when you are looking for small images and it has one of my favorite "for you" stamps.

• I spotlighted the berries in the image by stamping them in a different color, punching them out with a circle punch, and them popping them up with dimensionals.
• The Framed Tulips Embossing Folder makes a lovely border don't you think?  It will be a great border this spring.  And I'm already looking forward to spring!
• The large basic pearls make a real statement against the Rich Razzleberry card stock.  I can never decide what's my favorite - rhinestones or pearls so I just make sure I have a good supply of both. 

Stamp Set:  Clearly for You (121976C), (121911W)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry (115658), Basic Black (101179)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry (115316), Whisper White (100730)

Accessories:  Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (121809), Big Shot (113439), Basic Pearls (1192470)

Another reminder :)...I just don't want you to miss out on some great deals. Maybe you received some cash for Christmas.  It'll go a log way at the Clearance Rack.  SHOP NOW!

Thanks for stopping by and have a joy filled day.

Smile! - Top Note Gate fold Card

Smile!  Wouldn't you like to receive a card that let's you know someone is thinking of you.  I bet it would put a smile on your face.  I know it would mine.

Today's card is a gate fold card made with the Top Note Die and Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper.  I love how this paper gives the card a vintage feel.

• A portion of the Top Note is attached to the left flap of the card and then the Designer Series Paper is carefully trimmed  around it.  
• The Fun Flowers Die is my go to flower but this time I also layered pieces punched from the Boho Blossoms punch. It's great how you can mix and match.
• I really like adding a pop of color to a neutral colored card like this one.  

Stamp Set:  Fabulous Phrases (120501C) (117002 W)

Ink: Early Espresso (119670)

Paper:  Mocha Morning DSP (122366), Very Vanilla (101650), Soft Suede (115318), Certainly Celery (105125)

Accessories:  Tope Note Die (113463), Fun Flowers Die (121812), Big Shot (113439), Boho Blossoms Punch (119858), 3/8" Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon (122967),Basic Pearls (119247) 

Shop Now

I'm really excited that I'm finally receiving my Occasions Mini catalog order today.  I'll be waiting for my UPS driver!  Come back to visit and check out some projects made with the new products.

Valentine Card - Mojo Monday

I didn't get a chance to look at the Mojo Monday Challenge yesterday but when I saw it today I thought I would like to use it to make my first Valentine Card this year.  I decided to pull out the cute owl punch.  I love the little heart and that fact that you can dress him/her up any way you'd like.  It reminds me of when I used to play paper dolls as a kid. :)

This week you could choose between a scalloped round card or a square one.  I decided on the round and am happy with the way it turned out.  I used paper from the Brights - Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack and decided to stay with traditional Valentine colors - red and pink.  I love the way all the Stampin' Up! products coordinate...don't you?

• The Scallop Circle Die makes it so easy to make a round card.  I made a 5" square top folded card base and then placed the card so 4 scallops are above the fold before running it through the Big Shot.  You can then use as is if you like the flat top.  But in this case I cut an additional scallop circle to place over the card base to make the card completely round.
• Using an embossing folder on the heart (in this case the square lattice) allows you to layer the heart over the same color and still have it stand out.
• The ribbon and sweet button from the Brights Designer Buttons add that final touch.

Stamp Set:  Tiny Tags (C118592, W118091)

Ink:  Real Red (103133)

Paper:  Brights - Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (117155), Real Red (102482), Pretty in Pink (100459), Whisper White (100730)

Accessories:  Scallop Circle Die (113468), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Big Shot (113439), Owl Builder Punch 118074), Full Heart Punch 119883), Scallop Trim Border Punch 118402), Jewelry Tag Punch (117190), Circle Scissor Plus (112530)and Glass Mat (112531), 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon (109025),  Designer Buttons (119747), Glue Dots (103683)

Reminders...

• The You Are Loved ( C123779) W123777) stamp set which has some wonderful stamps for Valentine Cards, Gifts, and Scrap Book pages will be gone soon.  It is in the Holiday Mini Catalog which is only active until January 3rd.
• The Stocking Builder Punch (124095) will also be discontinued January 3rd and is only available until supplies last.  And don't forget the coordinating stamp set Stitched Stocking (C123784) (W123782). 
• The Clearance Rack Blitz is still on.  Shop for some great products at great prices!

SHOP NOW

Thanks for stopping by...hope to see you tomorrow.  Feel free to ask questions or leave comments. :)

Embossing Folder Brayer Technique

It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone yet another year.  I hope your Christmas was merry and you were able to spend it with family.  I was lucky to have both my grown sons with us this year though it was a short visit compared to most years.  The youngest flies to Honduras today to spend a week with his girlfriend and her extended family.  The oldest leaves tomorrow for Canada to spend some time with his girlfriend's family. I'm learning to share. :)  Here's the two of them with the pets.  I really didn't want the pets in the picture but it seems boys will be boys especially brothers when it's time to take pictures.  Anyone who has boys...understands!

Today I have a card to share with you that we did in technique club this month.  We used a brayer with the Petals a Plenty embossing folder using two colors of ink.  One side of the brayer was inked with Daffodil Delight and the other with Marina Mist.  It was then rolled from side to side on the debossed side of the folder (the side with the writing) until you get the coloring you like.  Note that the green on the card is where the colors mix. Place a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of whisper white card stock in the folder and run it  through the Big Shot to emboss.  

Details:  

• The Word Play sentiments are great when you want the sentiment to stand alone especially on a busy background.
• The middle layer of the sentiment section was inked with the brayer without re inking so it would coordinate with the rest of the card.  
• Now add the special touches - Marina Mist ribbon and our beautiful Basic Pearls.

Stamp Set: Word Play (C120651, W120308)

Ink: Marina Mist (119668), Daffodil Delight (119667)

Paper:  Whisper White (100730), Marina Mist

Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Petals-a-Plenty Embossing folder (116824, Brayer (102395), 1/4" Marina Mist Grosgrain Ribbon (120929)Basic Pearls (119247)

                        

I now want to show you the same card but this time I used Crumb Cake ink and sponged it on the embossed flowers.  The card base, sentiment layer, ink, and ribbon where all changed to Crumb Cake.  It changed the look of the entire card.  Which is your favorite?  The club members were split about even.

If you are local come join us at our next club meeting.  Friday, January 13 from 10am to noon or Sunday January 15 from 2:30 to 4:30.  Click Here to RSVP or email me if you have questions.

Now have a delightful day.  Maybe do some after Christmas sale shopping :) and come back to visit tomorrow!

My Digital Studio Christmas Tags

Hi Everyone!

Up really early today because I just couldn't sleep...and that's not like me! Must be the fact that Christmas is so very close and I still have so much to do.  I hope that's not the case with you.  

Today is present wrapping day at my house and I need some Christmas gift tags.  My first thought was to pull out some ink, stamps, and paper but then I thought...My Digital Studio...save time!  And time is what I need today. So I am sharing the page of tags I created using this fun, easy, and creative program.  

The tags are 2" x 2" and can be layered on solid pieces of card stock or used as is.  I will be punching a hole in the upper left hand corner and adding some Cherry Cobbler or Whisper White Baker's Twine.  The stamp brushes used were Winter Post, A Holly Jolly Christmas, Holiday Blitz, Old Saint Nick, and Season of Cheer.  Many of these actual stamp sets are retired but that's one of the nice things about My Digital Studio - stamp sets never retire.  You can go online to my website 24/7, download the stamp that's just right for the project you are working on and use it immediately.  No need to wait for your order to come in.  I love it because I'm a night owl and everything I need is a download away. 

If you have questions about My Digital Studio please contact me.  If you're local come by for a hands on demo or let's schedule a party where you and your friends can both stamp a card and check out this awesome program.

And now an Important Note:  Stampin' Up! has just advised us that the Stocking Builder Punch in the Holiday Mini catalog will be discontinued and will not be in next year's Idea Book and Catalog.  I think most of the demonstrators were in shock over this.  So if you have had your eye on this punch you need to order it NOW!  The Holiday Mini catalog ends on January 3 but this punch will be gone when current stock is sold.  The product number for the punch is 124095 and the coordinating stamp set - Stitched Stockings is C123784, W123782.  

And don't forget to check out the Clearance Rack if you haven't already. You will find some great deals!  Click Here to enter my website store where you will be able to take advantage of preferred pricing and shipping. 

Have a wonderful day! 

Christmas Gift Wrapping with Stampin' Up!

So does everyone have their Christmas shopping done?  I'm close.  Tomorrow I'm going shopping with my oldest son, who's home from Notre Dame.  I'm really looking forward to spending time with him...just the two of us.  He's looking for a gift for his girlfriend and I know he'll be looking to me to wrap it.  I'm sure you're not surprised. :)  Actually I'm the official present wrapper at my house. 

I like to make my own bags from Stampin' Up! designer series paper but when the gift is too large I keep on hand these medium bags from Michaels in both white and craft color.   Then I decorate them as simple or as elaborate as time allows.  This bag was very simple since I needed to do a dozen for my mother's Sunday School class gifts and I had very little time to complete the task.  

Details:

• Coordinating stamps and punches save so much time.  No need to fussy cut!
• Dimensionals and Real Red ribbon make the ornament stand out on this simple design.
• Stamp your tissue paper so it coordinates with your bag.  Love that!

Stamp Sets: Tags til Christmas (C121169 , W120847 ), The Sounding Joy (Holiday Mini C121979,W121967))

Ink:  Real Red (103133)

Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Read Red (102482)

Accessories: Ornament Punch (119847), 1/4 Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109034), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Make sure you check out the Clearance Rack with all the great sales.  Lots of old style punches with current designs and much, much more.  Everything is first come first serve so don't wait too long.  Clearance orders must be placed online through my web site.  Click Here to begin saving!  So as not to miss any of the deals... in the drop down menu click Show All.  

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a great day!

Hi Everyone!   I have a cute share for you today.  I love to receive Christmas socks and I also like to give them as gifts or... give them with gifts.  I was so excited when I came across the perfect way to "wrap" them.
I saw these cute snowmen on several sites with someone saying that they were oldies but goodies.  Yet, I've never seen them before and thought maybe it might be the same for some of you.

Mine is a simple version since Christmas is just around the corner.  Cut a piece of white card stock 6" by 9".  It will fit around a full size individual microwave popcorn bag, before you pop it of course. :)  Draw the eyes and mouth pretty much in the middle of the piece of paper.  If it would make you feel more comfortable wrap it around the bag first and then draw the face.  Add a Pumpkin Pie triangle for the nose and some Pink Pirouette ink to the cheeks with a dauber.

Now comes the tricky part to explain.  Take one sock and fold the top of the sock inside the toe section. Take the second sock and wrap it around the snowman's head.  While holding the second sock in place pull the folded sock over the the snowman's head covering completely the second sock.  Tie a ribbon at the top of the hat and at his neck.  You can also add a tag...I still may if I have time.

These can also be done with children's socks or mittens.  You might want to try a mini bag of popcorn or a hershey's candy bar depending on the size of the socks or gloves.  I think these are cute for the child in all of us.

The Clearance Rack Blitz- Up to 80% Off

Exciting news!  Nearly 200 new items have been added to the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack in my online store.  That's right... Up to 80% off!  Be sure to check it out!! 

If you have punches on your wish list now would be a great time to stock up.  There are lots of "old body" style punches to choose from.

While there, feel free to add any current items from your wish list to your order.

Details:

Dates: December 15, 2011 - January 5, 2012

Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items have been added to the Online Store at discount up to 80 percent off retail - but only while supplies last!

• Only online orders qualify for this promotion.
• Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items.
• The Clearance Rack Blitz includes old-body style punches - Nice!
• There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.
• Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards.
• Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last. There are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.
• You can view Clearance Rack Blitz items in my Online Store.

Snowflake Shaker Frame Card

December 7th already!  Tonight I have a dress rehearsal for our Christmas Musical at First Baptist in Ellijay.  I play in the orchestra and would love to invite anyone local to join us this weekend.  The performances are Saturday and Sunday.  Email me or leave a comment if you would like more details.

I'm sharing today one of the cards and techniques that my club members will be doing this month in club.  We will be learning to make a shaker frame card using the new Shaker Frames in the Holiday mini.  We will be filling it with Mica Flakes also found in that catalog.  They are so much fun!

I saw a shaker frame card where Catherine Pooler cut the center from one of the snowmen in Snow Much Fun and wondered what it would look like if I did the same technique with the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder.  Have to tell you the picture no matter how many times I took it or adjusted it in Photo Shop doesn't come close to what it looks like in person.  It's gorgeous! The mica flakes pick up the light and make the card sparkle.

Club is tomorrow night or Friday morning.  If you would like to join us email me today.  You can join the club or come and pay a class fee to check it out.  For more information on the club Click Here and go to my Events.  I'm working on a password protected blog where I can post videos of all the club projects so anyone can join no matter where you live.  I'll keep you posted.

Products:

Stamp Set:  Season of Joy

Ink:  Marina Mist

Paper:  Whisper White, Marina Mist

Accessories:  Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Big Shot,Shaker Framers, Mica Flakes, Window Sheets, Marina Mist 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Dimensionals

Christmas Stamp and Stack - Dasher and the Ornament Punch

Saturday was the Christmas Stamp and Stack and we sure missed those of you that couldn't attend.  We had a lot of fun despite the fact that my house was not decorated for Christmas.  :(  Actually... I was removing the Halloween lights and the bat from the front door as the first stampers arrived.  :)  Being sick with bronchitis (for 3 weeks!!) has really set me back for this Christmas season.

Smiles and laughter are always a part of stampers getting together and this was no exception.  I love stamping with my customers, club members and downline.  They enjoy what I love and spending time with each and every one of them is fun and something I always look forward to.

Gigi and Joyce

 Sandy

Jeannie and Leishman   

Did you notice not one picture of me...I always forget to take pictures with me in them. :)             

                                                                     
I shared two of the cards already in past posts for this Stamp and Stack and now I would like to share the last two.  First we have Dasher with small pearls in his antlers.  Backed by the beautiful Elegant Lines embossing folder.  I heard several "we need this Big Shot."  I so agree...I barely know how to make a card without it.  And it's so easy to earn one at 50% off. Just ask...I'll be happy to explain.

The base of the Dasher card is whisper white cut at 4-1/4" by 9" and then scored at 5-1/2".  The short end is punched with the scallop edge punch and then embossed.  The Soft Suede layer is actually 4-1/4" by slightly less then 5-1/2".  That's so it isn't too long when you fold the card.

Products:

Stamp Set: Dasher, Forest Festivities

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Suede

Accessories: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, 5/8" Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals 

Next is a card that was inspired or maybe I should say cased from Catherine Pooler.  I did of course make some changes to make it mine.  I loved the way Catherine did the ornament using the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Paper.  I changed the card base to Chocolate Chip and added the Real Read embossed layer.  I used the Finial Press embossing folder and then sponged it with Crumb Cake ink to make it stand out.  Very vintage and something different then the standard Christmas card.

Products:

Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Holly Berry Bouquet

Accessories: Finial Press Embossing Folder, 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

This week club gets together to learn some new techniques.  I have several ladies that have decided to wait until after Christmas to join us.  If you feel like you would enjoy spending time with a great group of ladies who love to stamp come join us too.  For details and to RSVP for January Click Here.

Hi Everyone!  Can you believe we are into December already!  Do you have your Christmas cards done?  Do you have them started?  I have to admit I'm certainly behind.  Those of you that are coming to the Christmas Stamp and Stack tomorrow will be glad you did.  This is one of the cards we'll be doing.  Isn't it cute?

I actually love the little mistletoe  stamp in the Easy Events stamp set.  I think it's so sweet.  And the little pearls just make it even sweeter. 

• The Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder was my first folder when I purchased the Big Shot and it's still my favorite.
• Here's several way to use your punches.  The large 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch was used for the window and how about adding some Wow with a border made from the 1" Circle Punch.
• To give the left side of the real red layer some added interest I embossed 3 lines 1/4" apart using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool.  
• Then of course dimensionals...can't live without them.  Popping up the layers gift the card that special 3-D look.

The Easy Events stamp set includes a stamp for just about every occasion. It's a great set for either a beginner or an advanced stamper.  And when you use your markers and blender pen you feel like a kid again. :)

Shop for Stampin' Up! products online 24/7 by clicking HERE.  Then use the "Shop Now" button.