Saturday, March 31, 2012

Twitterpated for Men - A Brand New Tutorial


I'm so happy to share with you today a brand-new tutorial that I have designed specifically for the men in our lives! It's been a goal of mine to put together a group of projects that will see us through birthdays, Father's Day, graduations and "I think you are so special" occasions. This is it! The set includes two cards, an easel card, a gift box and a gift card holder.


I've made this group of projects using Twitterpated DSP from Stampin' Up!'s 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog along with Basic Grey, Pear Pizzaz, Baja Breeze, and of course, Whisper White.

The tutorial includes twenty pages of easy-to-follow instructions and a supply list  along with step-by-step pictures for all five projects allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy being creative!




As an added bonus, I will be recreating and posting these same projects in June, but with a feminine flair for the gals, and again in July featuring Stampin' Up!'s brand new Christmas Designer Series paper.  What this will give you is five projects that you can count on for many occasions. The tutorial, however, will only be available through this page. So, click below, and let's get stampin'!



Download Tutorial Now $3.95



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Labels Collection


Just wanted to share a quick card with you today using one of Stampin' Up!'s newer products - the Labels Collection Framelit Die. There are so many, many creative ideas for this die; but for this card I combined it with another wonderful item - the Designer Frames Embossing Folder.

I love the dimension embossing gives a card, so I added a little to the background die also.  Mocha Morning DSP pairs up with Everyday Enchantment DSP. This great paper and the stamp set areavailable only until March 31st - each one free with a $50 order .... so don't wait a day longer to add them to your collection. Everyday Enchantment has been one of my favorite papers  this year! Order online now.


Supplies:
Mocha Morning DSP
Everyday Enchantment DSP
Sahara Sand card stock
Poppy Parade card stock
Very Vanilla card stock
Very Vanilla seam binding
Labels Collections Framelit Die
Designer Frames Embossing Folder
Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
Bird Builder Punch (love those leaves!)
3/4"  Circle punch - for the flower
1/2" Circle punch  - for the flower
Basic Pearls

Monday, March 26, 2012

Smooches in Grey

Here's my card from late last night - hard to put the stamps away sometimes! I decided to tone down the Summer Smooches DSP with Basic Grey card stock. I find myself reaching for Basic Grey often, especially the ink. It's much softer than black and I use it almost exclusively for sentiments. Every stamper needs Basic Grey ink!

This wonderful "Hello" is from Elementary Elegance - a stamp set free during Sale-a-bration with a $50 order. Time's running out tho' as the promotion ends March 31st - order today!

The sentiment is framed by one of the stamps from the Four Frames stamp set and then punched out with the Decorative Label punch. I love it when everything just works together so well. Thanks Stampin' Up! Add a little stitching, a couple of pearls and Daffodil Delight seam binding (coming soon) and the card is complete.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Where does Your Inspiration Come From?


Thank you, Mary Brown for your sweet and simple card that I just had to make! I love all the incredible creativity that is only a click away for each of us. Who do you look to for that spark that sets you on a stampin' marathon? Have you checked out Pinterest 
 Splitcoast Stampers  or   InkingIdaho.blogspot.com .... and the list goes on!

This photo didn't pick it up as I would've liked, but I love using Textured card stock when I have quite an area without embellishments. It dresses it up just enough.

Supplies: 
Summer Smooches DSP (coming April 1st)
Bright Blossoms stamp set (coming April 1st)

Whisper White Textured card stock
Crumb Cake card stock
Crumb Cake ink
Peach Parfait ink
Lucky Limeade ink
Cajun Craze ink
Whisper white taffeta ribbon
Pearl


Kindness Matters stamp set (free w/$50 order til March 31st)

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Summer Smooches!

Is anyone else about ready for spring and some color added to your day?      I have the perfect solution - Summer Smooches and Bright Blossoms! Sounds so fun, doesn't it?  Here's my first sneak peak of this super fun Designer Series paper and stamp set that will be available
April 1st for pre-order.

Or better yet..... how about the opportunity to order it today and receive a 20% discount at the same time! Click here to find out how!

This simple garden tote holds four 3" x 3" cards and their envelopes ( if you're out of chocolate and feeling creative!)  Stay tuned for some other simple and bright projects coming soon!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Bird Feeder Treat Box - Free Tutorial


Oh my! In the last magazine Stampin' Up! published specifically for their demonstrators (all kinds of perks!) they gave directions for a treat box that I thought was too cute!
However, as often happens, when I get an idea it ends up being quite different from the original and this project was no different. First, I thought I would do the entire box using Window Sheets so you could see all the goodies inside - but I happened to be out and had to place an order for more.... so, while I was waiting I used the very last little bit of Mocha Morning (polka dot) I had left to create this delightful little number. You kind of hold your breath when you use the last of something - ever done that?  
This treat box is filled with chocolate covered coffee beans - yummy!


Here are the directions as I made it:

Cardstock:
Mocha Morning DSP                 122366   (1) 4" x 6-1/2"
                                                            (2) 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"                                            
Pear Pizazz card stock              119795   (1) 3-1/2" x 4-1/2"
Very Vanilla card stock              101650   (1) 2-1/2" x 6"
Early Espresso card stock         119686   (1) 4" x 4"
Window Sheets                         114323   (1) 1-1/8" x 4"

Ink:
Sahara Sand                             105208

Embellishments:
Brads, Brights                             119740  (1)
Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon        124327  (10")

Tools:
Big Shot! Machine                       113439
Island floral Die                            118871
Scallop Circle #2 Die                   113469
Bird Builder Punch                       117191
Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer
Punch                                         122464
Crop-a-dile                                   108362
3/4" Circle Punch                         119873
Paper Snips                                 103579
Sticky Strip                                  104294
Stampin' Dimensionals                  104430
Glue Dots                                    103683
Bone Folder                                 102300
Stampin' Sponge                          101610




Directions:
1) Score Mocha Morning DSP at 1-1/8", 2-1/4", 3-3/8", 4-1/2" and 5-5/8".
2) Using the 3/4" Circle Punch, punch one hole centered between the 2-1/4" x 3-3/8" score
     lines, with the punch placed as far in as paper will allow. Refer to picture below.

3) Using Snail Adhesive, adhere Window Sheet to back side of 3/4" hole.

4) Create tube by adhering with Sticky Strip along 3/4" side as pictured below.

5) Using Mocha Morning DSP (3-1/2" x 3-1/2") cut two flowers using the Big Shot! Machine     
    and the Island Floral Die. With Crop-a-dile, punch 1/4" hole through the center of one flower
    to accomodate ribbon. the other flower is for the bottom and will have a tiny hole in it which
    was created by the die. It shouldn't be a problem - you can always put your "created by"
    sticker over it if you want to hide it. That's what I did :)

6) Using Bone Folder, crease each petal on both flowers so they each form a hexagon.
7) Using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch and Very Vanilla card stock, punch out three 
     flowers using the setting that creates a solid flower. Punch 1/4" holes in center of each flower
      using Crop-a-dile.
8) Using Paper Snips, cut each flower to create petals as pictured below. Sponge front and
     back of flowers using Sahara Sand ink and Stampin' Sponge. Use Bone Folder to curve
     petals. Changes the look of them quickly, doesn't it?

9) Using Pear Pizazz card stock and the Bird Builder Punch, punch out three sets of leaves.
     Conserve paper as shown below. Adhere leaves  to top of treat holder with Glue Dots.
 10)Adhere flowers to top of treat box using Glue Dots. Tie ribbon through to create a loop and
     secure with a knot underneath top.

11) Apply Sticky Strip on inside of each petal on both DSP flowers and adhere one to top of
      box - fill box with treats and adhere the final flower to the bottom of box.

12) Using Early Espresso card stock and the Scallop Circle #2 Die cut out one of the large
       scalloped circles. Adhere to bottom of box using Sticky Strip.


Monday, March 19, 2012

Aviary - for a Special Friend

I haven't played with the Aviary stamp set for awhile, but I love it, and it just seemed to suit the person I wanted to send a card to. A very special friend who has been an inspiration and a mentor to me.  I am so proud of her and some of the decisions she is needing to make right now! You go, girl! (and come visit me in Idaho! - we need about four days of non-stop coffee, chocolate and chatting! 

As we go through the different stages of life we are met with different decisions and challenges and this gal has been with me through all of them. She has a huge heart for others and always, always has a listening ear.  Fortunately, for me, I have a few of these kind of friends - who could ask for more? So, this card applies to a few of you out there, but today, Janet, this one is for you!  Hugs!

Supplies:
Poppy Parfait card stock
Very Vanilla card stock
Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon
Aviary stamp set
Labels Collections Framelits Die
Square Lattice Embossing Folder

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Stamped Eggs

Have you ever considered stamping real eggs - how about dyeing (or spongepainting your eggs with Stampin' Up! ink?) Here are a few of my first ones.... have lots of plans for more tho'!

Eggs were sponge painted with Stampin' Up! ink and Stampin' Sponges and then stamped
with coordinating ink. I especially love the Sahara Sand ones - kind of vintage-like.
 

Saturday, March 17, 2012

A Peek At My Trip to Florida!

I just realized I hadn't posted anything about the amazing trip we had to Orlando.... five theme parks in five days with five of my favorite people in the world! It can't get much better than that (except I missed all my other favorite people in the world, especially my hubby!) Every time I take a trip by myself we say "never again" and then another "again" seems to come along...

It was the first time there for all of us - our daughter, Holly, her husband, Rod, and their children, Beau, 9, Kaylee, 7, and Hope, 5. What fun it was to enjoy this adventure together! As you may know because of distance we don't get to see as much of this amazing family as we'd like so the time together was very, very special! 


   Animal Kingdom - the real and the not so real!

   Beau, Kaylee and Hope - cutie patooties that u r!
Universal Studios and the Tower of Terror!!!!  
Epcot - I think I would have to say it was my favorite with all the topiaries and countries to visit.


SeaWorld
And last but not least, good old Mickey and Minnie - the ones who started it all!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Even Bunnies Have Tattoos!

Are you ready for Spring? I certainly am! Bunnies, flowers, sunshine and the smell of newly mown grass... I can't wait!

To help move the spring along I give you this little bunny card - complete with a little heart tattoo on her tushie! (She's a girl cuz she has a bow and a flower for a tail!) But I bet you could come up with some darling little boy bunnies also. My apologies to the bunny for getting her just a tad bit pink on the backside - oops!
Along with the bunny are some miniature candy bars dressed up with flowers. Wouldn't they be a great addition to an Easter basket or, I know, how about a Spring Tea Party! Can't you just see one at each place setting with a little message for your friends.

So... the sun is shining, the grass is getting greener and Spring will come!

Have a wonderful stamping day!


Supplies:
Big Shot!
Scallop Circle #2 Die
Island Floral Die - for ears and candy bar flowers
1-3/8" Circle Punch
1" Circle Punch
3/4" Circle Punch
Large Oval Punch
Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
Whisper White card stock
Sweet Shop DSP

Friday, March 9, 2012

Miniature Vintage Envelopes


So here are a few great little envelopes that add a nice little flourish to a project - simply made from the Extra-Large Tag punch!  They took just a minute apiece and just make me happy - I could (and have) made dozens! Wouldn't they be cute on the end of a bookmark?



And a close-up! These are a bit addicting, so be warned - but you can use up all those little scraps you haven't tossed yet. They go great with the Bird Builder punch, as it always helps to have a little bird to deliver a darling little letter!

Supplies:
Very Vanilla card stock     -  101650    2" x 11"
First Edition DSP              -   121878   2" x 11"
Crumb Cake ink                 -  121030
Tiny Tags stamp set           -  118091 w    for "hello" and "crown"
                                                 228592 c
French Foliage stamp set -  120845 w    for Paris postage mark
                                                 121166 c
Extra-Large Tag punch      -   119866
Stampin' Sponges             -   101160

Directions:  
1)  From card stock punch desired number of envelopes using the Extra-large Tag punch.

2)  Score along fold line of "envelope" as shown. 


3) Flip envelope over and cut at 1", measuring from the score line.

4) Sponge edges of envelope with Crumb Cake ink using a Stampin' Sponge.

5)  Apply Sticky Strip under envelope flap and adhere flap in place.


6) Using Crumb Cake ink, stamp "postage mark" onto envelope.
Now - isn't that just the cutest thing you ever did see?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

When A Kite Is Not a Kite!

 

Send Me Soaring is back again - this time in a couple of 3 x 3 cards with not a cloud or kite to be seen!

Have you ever heard of a "kite flower"? Well, here it is! Stamped in Poppy Parade and accented with a brad and ribbon - which are two free products available now from the
Sale-a-bration catalog. The ribbon curls nicely which adds a fun touch to projects.

My favorite stamp in this set is the striped kite which can be colored in with Stampin' Write markers creating a water colored look and makes a nice border.  Keep posted for
some masculine cards made with this same set!

Monday, March 5, 2012

A Tip for Your Clear Stamp Sets

Today I thought I'd quickly share my favorite way to store my clear stamp sets.

Step 1) Peel the backing from each of the actual stamps.

Step 2) Each set comes with an image sheet. One at a time, remove the backing from an image. The part you exposed is sticky and is ready for your stamp to be adhered to. Carefully press the back side of the stamp onto the image. It's easy to see exactly how it fits on.

In the picture below it shows the backing removed from the image and it's ready to have the stamp adhered.

Step 3) Take the rubber framework that all the stamps have been taken from and remove the backing from it.  This exposes a shiny beige surface. It doesn't feel sticky but will adhere nicely to the inside of the plastic case.

                        

Step 4) Turn it over and press it onto the inside of your stamp case, as shown below. Pop the stamps back into their homes and it all stays nicely in place. You can tell at a glance what you have and if one happens to be missing!



A quick look at the back also shows you all of your stamps!