Monday, November 29, 2010

Christmas Triangle Boxes

Hi there! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed a little time with loved ones - I know I did. I'm trying to get back into the stamping groove after taking a week off. I saw this Santa Hat project on Kimberly Van Diepen's blog a few weeks ago and I thought it was absolutely adorable! I liked it so much, that I shared it at our last downline meeting. Kimberly has a wonderful video tutorial - follow the link above, if you want to make one for yourself.

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red
Stamps: Northern Hearts
Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, Scallop Circle punch, Crop-a-Dile, Whisper White satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die

After I made the Santa Hat, I began thinking about what else I could make with the triangle box. First, I made this Christmas tree using Garden Green cardstock, Real Red satin ribbon and Basic Rhinestones:

Then I tried making the box out of designer paper. Imagine this baby filled with those tasty Dove Peppermint Bark chocolates - YUM!

Paper: Candy Cane dsp, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Real Red
Stamps: Christmas Greetings
Accessories: Extra-Large Snowflake punch, Candy Cane Big Designer Buttons, Whisper White organza ribbon

Don't forget - tomorrow is the last day to join my Stampin' Up! team for 50% off and to take advantage of the Online Spectacular promotion. Visit my demonstrator web site today for more information. Have a great day!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Online Spectacular Starts Today!

Treat yourself to a little Christmas cheer!

Stampin' Up!'s Online Spectacular begins today and runs until November 30th. There are some FANTASTIC deals on lots of stampin' goodies - up to 50% off select items. And don't miss out on FREE shipping on on-line orders over $150. Click here to view the complete list of sale items. Visit my on-line store today!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Get Started Demonstrating Today!

Have you ever thought about starting your own stampin' business? Maybe you're looking for some way to earn a little extra cash, or would like receive some fantastic discounts and perks? Signing up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator may be your solution... and you can do it right now for 50% off the regular price!

From November 15 through November 30, 2010 you can purchase the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits for only $87.50--that is 50 percent off the regular price of $175 for over $310 worth of paper or digital crafting and business supplies!

I became a demonstrator over 3 years ago, mostly because I needed to get out of the house once in awhile! I also loved stamping and I am a teacher by training - I couldn't think of a better way to combine the two things I love to do. This business has become so much more than a way to support my stamping habit. Here are some of the things I LOVE about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator:
* Receiving wonderful discounts on stampin' products
* Having access to exclusive, demonstrator-only inspiration on Stampin' Connection and in the monthly issue of Stampin' Success
* Seeing all of the "new stuff" first
* Making new friends and sharing my love of stamping with others

If you think you might like more info, contact me today!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Cocoa Treat Box

Today I'm sharing one of the projects we made at a recent stamp camp. The camp was all about small gifts - ideal for teachers, co-workers, neighbors and stocking stuffers. I thought this little cocoa gift box would make a great teacher gift!

I made the gift box using the Box #2 die, along with my Big Shot. I cut out 2 boxes and placed them back to back, using the lids to make the handles. As you can see below, I filled the box with all sorts of goodies.

Wouldn't this a fun gift to give to someone special? It's never too early to start thinking of handmade gifts to give this holiday season!

Stamps: Sweet Season
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Real Red, Real Red dsp
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Big Shot, Box #2 die, Designer Label punch, Snowflake punch, Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Extra Large Oval punch, small cello bag, cocoa packet, mini marshmallows, Hershey's Kisses, mini candy canes

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Snowflake Magentic Bookmark Card

Last week I shared a magnetic bookmark card we made at my recent stamp-a-stack. Here's another version, all ready for winter.

I made this as my trade for our downline meeting. Our trade theme was "Winter Thank You's" and I thought this would be a great way to express gratitude for a special gift or just to tell someone how special they are.

I brought a yummy treat to the downline meeting and had several people request the recipe. If you are a looking for a tasty, easy pumpkin dessert, here's one just in time for Thanksgiving! I got this recipe from our church cookbook.

Pumpkin Dessert
1 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. cloves
3 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
1 large can of pumpkin
3/4 c. butter or margarine, melted
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
3/4 to 1 c. chopped nuts (I used pecans)

Preheat oven to 350. Mix sugar, salt and spices. Add beaten eggs, milk and pumpkin; mix well. Grease a 9x13-inch pan. Pour pumpkin mixture into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top; smooth cake mix out gently and drizzle the melted butter on top. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake for 1 hour. Serve with whipped topping.

Stamps: Northern Hearts, Thank You Kindly
Paper: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Ink: Pacific Point
Accessories: Big Shot, Two Tags die, Northern Flurry embossing folder, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Basic Rhinestones, sponge, Magnet Sheets

Friday, November 12, 2010

More Stamp-a-Stack Cards

Here are a couple more of the cards we made at this month's stamp-a-stack. This first card is a case from a trade I received. I'm not sure who the original designer was - there was no name on the card. If it's yours, let me know! Stacey (my downline) had the fantastic idea of inking the embossed panel by swiping the Baja Breeze ink pad across the embossing. This really makes it pop!

Edited 11/16/2010: A blog reader kindly found the original creator of this lovely card. Her name is Karen Graff-Povis and you can visit her blog (Live, Laugh and Stamp with Karen) to see more of her creations. Thanks for the info, Beth!

Stamps: Because I Care
Paper: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Early Espresso marker, Baja Breeze marker, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, 1 3/8" square punch

This next card was inspired by a card I posted a couple of weeks ago. I really like this color combination for sympathy cards.

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz dsp
Ink: Marina Mist
Accessories: Marina Mist marker, Pear Pizzazz marker, Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo die, Marina Mist satin ribbon, Basic Pearls

That's all for this week! I hope you have a fantastic weekend. We're going to be hoppin' around here - I have a downline meeting and two stamp camps on Saturday. Yikes! I'm off to cut cardstock. See you next week!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tiny Tea Cup Bookmark Card

I saw this adorable idea for a card with attached bookmark on Julie Davison's blog. I used her layout, switched up the image and colors, and included this card as one of our "All Occasion" cards from last weekend's stamp-a-stack.

I love how Julie used the Two Tags die to create the bookmark. How clever! Here's a closer look at the inside of the bookmark. I trimmed some of SU!'s Magnet Sheets into small pieces to place inside the bookmark.

Here's a little tip for perfect magnet placement. Place both of your magnets together and remove the paper backing from one magnet. Attach the magnet to one side of your bookmark. Next, peel off the remaining paper backing (with the magnets still attached) and then fold over the other side of the bookmark, pressing the magnet into place. I had several customers remark that this might be a card they would keep for themselves! :)

Stamps: Tiny Teacup, Short & Sweet
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot, Two Tags die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Real Red narrow taffeta ribbon, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Magnet Sheets

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Perfect Birthday Card...

...for that special guy who loves any type of sea-worthy stuff. :) This card also makes a lovely sympathy card. Today's card is one we made at last weekend's stamp-a-stack. Our theme was "All Occasions", the idea being that the card designs were very generic and the customer could choose from an assortment of sentiments, depending on her card-giving needs.

I also tried to come up with designs that would allow the stamper to leave the card blank, if desired. This card was one of my faves - I truly love this set (Uncharted Territory), and this color combo is so masculine! I was surprised by how much I liked River Rock, Basic Black and Very Vanilla together. I hope you like it, too.

Have a super day!

Stamps: Uncharted Territory, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: River Rock, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Metallic Brads, Basic Black grosgrain ribbon

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Fast and Fruity!

Today's card was inspired by this week's Fall to Layout. I pulled out my Tart & Tangy stamp set, along with my Daffodil Delight and Wild Wasabi ink pads. Put those two colors and you have one bright and happy card!

I punched out a couple of extra lemon slices and cut them in half, which I popped up with some Dimensionals. I topped it all off with some Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon. After making this card, I have a huge hankerin' for some lemon bars! LOL! :) Have a bright and happy day!

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, On Your Birthday
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Daffodil Delight wide grosgrain ribbon

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A Different Kind of Project

This is the project my son and I worked on last weekend. :)

We had lots of fun building his tractor costume together, with some help from the cousins. He was so proud of his hard work!

I'm hoping to have some time to stamp today - we'll see what gets accomplished. Have a great day!