Saturday, November 29, 2008

Church Birthday Cards

Just a quick post today, lots to do this weekend.
Every month I make birthday cards for my church to send to the congregation. Here are 2 designs from this month.


Thanks for looking see you Monday!


Friday, November 28, 2008

Snowman Kisses

Here are some cute gifts I made for my nieces and nephews. They were so easy and came together so fast with the bigshot.
The little tag reads:
Heard you've been nice
since the year began
so enjoy these sweet
kisses from this little
snowman!
I filled the bags with mini marshmallows. I think they'll be a big hit!



I'm off to shop at a huge craft show today. I love craft shows....hope I find fun stuff!
Thanks for looking, see you tomorrow!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Supplies:
Thoroughly Thankful stamp set
More Mustard, Staz on ink
More Mustard, So Saffron, Glorious Green, and Watercolor paper
Watercolor pencils, blender pen, Crystal effects, dimensionals, stamp a ma jig

Thanks for looking, have a great Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!

The Holiday Extravaganza Sale has begun. Click here to see what's on sale and then head over to my SU website to shop.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Angel with punches--Thanks Karen!

At our meeting last week. Karen demoed how to make an angel with our punches. She so generously pre-punched everything for us and let us make our own at home.

I couldn't remember exactly how she made hers so I modified mine. I think it's similar.I also added glitter to her halo and dress, and I added hands. I drew her face on.....Sorry Karen I just couldn't use the tiny punched pieces for her face (Karen had punched her eyes with the 1/16 punch and her mouth with the 1/8 punch-I just don't have that patience to use the tweezers to put them on).

But all in all I think she came out quite cute. I put her on a small 3x3 card. Thanks Karen for showing us and for giving us the supplies to make our own!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Holiday Extravaganza Sale!

Bonus Tuesday post-scroll down for Tutorial Tuesday....


For your Holiday shopping convience, Stampin'Up! is having a sale. Beginning on Wednesday, November 26th, you can save 20% to 50% on selected Stampin'Up! stamp sets and accessories.What will be on sale? All will be revealed when the sale launches on Wednesday. But supplies are limited.


Check out my Stampin'Up! website Wednesday (the earlier the better) for some great deals on gifts for the card maker, scrapbooker, or paper crafter on your Holiday list. Don't forget yourself too!


Don't worry about standing in long check-out lines. Just order directly online through my website. Just click on the "shop now" button in the upper right hand corner of the site. If you need any assistance please don't hesitate to contact me.

Scroll down for Tutorial Tuesday-it's super fun and easy!!!

Tutorial Tuesday-Box without scoring

Today I have a super cool box to make and it's so easy to do, you can do a ton of them in no time and it's so easy to make them in so many different sizes. There are NO score lines for this box, all we're going to do is fold. I learned how to make this box from my upline Amber not too long after I signed up to be a demo, but I had forgotten about it until our meeting last week when she showed us again how to make it. I just love it, so I thought I would share it with you.

To make the box you'll need 2 rectangle pieces of cardstock or DSP (I'm using Parisian Summer DSP that is cut to 5x7). You'll also need a ruler, pencil, scissors, a bone folder and sticky strip (I'm using snail for mine but I would recommend sticky strip if you're going to put a gift in it).







Use your ruler and line it up from corner to corner diagonally and make a light pencil mark in the center. Do the same in the opposite direction. Your pencil marks will make an 'x', that's the center of your paper and will be your guide for the box.

QUICK TIP: Your 'x' will be on the inside of your box. If your using DSP like I am make sure you figure out which side you want showing on the outside and inside.



Fold your paper into the center meeting at the 'x'. For the top of your box you'll need it slightly bigger so that it slides on and off easily so don't go all the way to the center when you fold it.
The picture above and below illustrates, the flower pattern is the top and so I didn't go all the way to the center when I folded my paper.







Cut your tabs on your box and glue together.

Put sticky strip on the center tabs and fold over box. So this to both sides.




Do the same to the other piece.


Put the lid on and add embellishments if desired. You're done!!!



Thanks for looking, see you tomorrow!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Brownie Box

I'm in a bunco group that meets once a month and I made these super yummy brownie lollipop things. If you want the recipe, scroll down I have it on the bottom. Oh, but they were so good. After bunco I had a few left over and so I made cute gift boxes for them and gave them to some friends.
For the boxes I used acetate and our rub ons. The box came together so quick. and it was so cute with the brownie inside! To make the box you'll need a 4.5x8.5 piece of acetate. Score it at 2,4,6,8, use the 1/2 inch tab to glue it together. For the bottom and the lid I used a 4x4 piece of cardstock and DSP, score 1 inch on all the sides and cut the tabs and assemble it. Glue the acetate in the bottom and place your lid on top. Done, quick and easy.



For the recipe. It's a pampered chef recipe from the Festive Holiday Desserts Cookbook. I modified it alot....for a number of reasons. The actual recipe is called Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops, but I can't eat anything minty, it just makes me sick. I'll give you the whole recipe, as the book has it and you can modify it if needed too.
1 package fudge brownie mix-plus ingredients to make brownies
24 candy canes---(I just used sticks I bought at Walmart in the candy/craft section and sprinkles instead of the candy canes)
10 oz chocolate flavored almond bark---(I used dark chocolate chips that I melted in the microwave)
  • Line medium sheet pan with a 13 inch piece of parchment paper, lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package. Pour batter into pan. Bake 30 minutes until tooth pick comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven cool for 20 minutes or until slightly warm.
  • Cut off straight ends of candy canes to form 4.5 inch sticks. Place tops in ziplock bag and crush.
  • Using medium scoop, scoop brownies into 24 rounded scoops. Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into center of balls, mounding brownie around the stick.
  • Melt almond bark in microwave. Spoon over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip in crushed candy canes or sprinkles. Let stand upright on a piece of parchment paper until set. Place in mini cupcake liners.
  • Enjoy!!!!

Thanks for looking see you tomorrow for tutorial Tuesday!


Saturday, November 22, 2008

Meeting Highlights

Our monthly Demonstrator meeting was Thursday night and I had a blast as usual. Here are just a few examples of our swap and make and takes.


Amber made this one. So pretty.

Angela made this one. She used crystal effects on the heart. It's so pretty in person.


Jane did this one. See that super cool heart punch in the bottom corner, that is a new punch coming out in the new Spring/Summer catalog. It will also be available in December so watch for more info on that coming soon!


This was one of our make and takes. We stamped the heart with a baby wipe with reinkes on it.



This was my swap.
Thanks for looking see you Monday!




Friday, November 21, 2008

Passion for Punches class preview and an announcement!!!

I am so excited for my punch class I can hardly contain myself. Here is one of the cards you'll get to make at my punch class---how cute is he!??!!! He was not my originally idea. I copied him from Jackie's blog. I added legs to my reindeer with the word window punch. He is just so stinkin cute though. Scroll down for class details and a BIG announcement!



Here are the details about my class
It will be Dec 6, 10am at St. John’s Cathedral, 318 Silver SW. At the class you will make 5 projects all with our wonderful punches! The fee for this class is only $12! I can't wait for this class, email me if you would like to sign up. Last day to sign up will be December 1! I hope you can come! At this class too ALL punches will be on sale!

Now here's a big announcement!!!!!! If you can't come to the class but still want to make the 5 wonderful projects. You can get the kit. For only $3 more you will get everything pre-punched and directions on how to assemble everything together. Let me know by December 1st if you want a kit for only $15


Supplies
Real Red, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Black cardstock and Real Read DSP
Word Window, 1 3/4 circle, 1 1/4 circle, 3/4 circle, small oval, wide oval punches, Big Shot, sizzix swirl die, dimensionals, kiwi kiss satin ribbon.

Thanks for looking, see you tomorrow!






Thursday, November 20, 2008

Another pun from the past....

I have another sample for you from the stamp set Puns from the Past. This card is soooo cute. I may make a bunch of these just to have them on hand. The card is a 4x4 card. So it's great for just a little note to someone. I used my brayer for the background of the grater. It's on glossy cardstock. To get this look I inked up my brayer half with So Saffron and half with More Mustard and then brayerd it on. With the glossy cardstock it blends the colors really nicely and you don't have a line down the center where the 2 colors met. Super fun and easy.

We have our monthly demonstrator meeting tonight so look for samples of that soon. I'm always so excited about our meetings. They're just so much fun. I always get great swaps and learn something new.

Supplies
Puns from the Past stamp set
Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, So Saffron ink
More Mustard, So Saffron, White cardstock. DSP sampler from SU level 1 hostess
Vanilla ribbon, dimensionals, brayer

Thanks for looking see you tomorrow! I have a special announcement for tomorrow so make sure you check in.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Sew glad your here

Yep, I'm sewing my cards now...heehee. I have this little craft sewing machine that is perfect for sewing cards and small craft items. It's alot easier to store in my craft room than a huge sewing machine and it only has one setting so it's super easy to use. I got mine at Hobby Lobby, if you don't have a Hobby Lobby near you, I'm sure places like JoAnn's and Micheals would sell them too. This one was super affordable, under $20, I think. I've had it for a really long time so I can't remember the exact price.
This stamp set is called Puns from the Past and I knew right away when I saw this image that I had to sew on the card. I really like the way this card came out. It's very cute in person. I inked around the edges of the image to give it an aged antique look.



Supplies
Puns from the Past stamp set
DSP from Winter Retreat simply scrappin kit, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, White cardstock
Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke ink
Mini Craft Sewing Machine, dimensionals
Thanks for looking see you tomorrow!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tutorial Tuesday--Shaving Cream Technique

This was one of the first techniques I learned when I became a Stampin' Up! Demo. I still love doing it. It's easy and fun-a little messy-but you get great results.
To do this technique you'll need shaving cream. Make sure it's shaving cream not the gel, it won't work with the gel kind. You'll also need a couple of classic reinkers(for this cards I'm using rose red and cameo coral). It's best to only use a few colors, if you have too many colors when mixed together it just gets too messy and the colors get muddy together. You'll also need something to put the shaving cream in. Our powder pals are great for this technique but if you don't have one you can also use a SU stamp case for it. I'm also using a popsicle stick to blend everything together. It's also helpful to keep a few paper towels handy, since this does get a little messy.


To start, spray a little shaving cream in your powder pal. Enough to cover it. Use your popsicle stick to spread it out.


Drop a couple drops of each color of reinker on the shaving cream.


Using your popsicle stick, swirl the colors together gently. Don't mix them too much or you'll lose the swirl effect.




Press your cardstock into the shaving cream mixture and lightly press down. Lift up and use the popsicle stick to scrap off any shaving cream stuck the the cardstock. Use a paper towel to remove any extra shaving cream.



What you're left with is a swirled effect on the cardstock. Let the cardstock dry.





I stamped my image on vellum. This stamp is from Happy Heart Day stamp set. It's on the dormant list for this catalog, hopefully it will be in the next one. It's so cute!






I attached my image to my card with brads. It makes a great background image!


Thanks for looking see you tomorrow!








Monday, November 17, 2008

Stationary Box Class

Saturday I held a class on how to make this Stationary box. We used one simply scrappin kit to make the entire box. I love these colors and the kits make it so easy. Here are some picture of mine.

box closed


Love Notes




greeting cards







Here is the box open, there is a space for greeting cards, love notes, tags, an address book, postage stamp and a pen. It was a super fun class and these boxes are so simple to make.
Supplies
Winter Retreat Simply Scrappin Kit, sticky strip, silver brads




Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday Bonus Post! Country Living Holiday Collection Kit

Thanks for joining me for this special Sunday Bonus Post!


Aren't those ornaments just so pretty and elegant. Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living Magazine to bring you an exclusive holiday kit.

Kit Contents

  • Holiday Collection stamp set
  • Die-cut chipboard and Designer Series paper
  • Card stock
  • Ribbon and cord
  • Pretties Kit brads
  • Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter
  • Adhesives
  • Classic Stampin’ Spots

This kit is extrememly affordable for everything that you get. For more information on this wonderful kit or how you can subscribe to Country Living Magazine for 75% off visit my Stampin' Up! website. While there, make sure to look at the short video about the kit that Shelli Gardner SU's CEO and co-founder has done. You can also purchase the kit while your there, just click the 'shop now' link on the top right hand corner.

Please contact me for questions!

Thanks for looking see you tomorrow!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

It's a Rub-On Holiday Day 3

It's day 3 and the final day of my Rub on Holiday. This card today uses the Old Saint Nick rub ons also in the holiday mini. I used the white ones this time. I really like the way the white rub ons look on darker cardstock, it's very dramatic and very cool.
I did the Santa on the outside and the greeting inside goes perfectly with the image. I hope you've enjoyed the special rub on cards I've shown you. You only have until Nov 30 to get the rub ons for 20% off.



Supplies
Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Glorious Green, White cardstock
Old Saint Nick Rub ons, Real Red striped ribbon
Thanks for looking, I have a special Sunday Bonus Post so make sure to check tomorrow for that!