Decorative Candles part 2

Here is the second project that was made at my candle stamping class last week.  Transforming these tealight candles into a decorative gift item was so quick and easy, I’m planning on creating more of these for holiday gifts!

I sure wish I could take credit for this clever idea, but must admit to finding it in my wanderings.  Many thanks to Tanya Boser for generously sharing her talent and directions.  I modified the size of the gift box to hold 3 tealight candles and added a divided insert.  The images were initially stamped with one color, then markers were used to highlight various portions of the leaves to add some color and depth.  I suppose a disclaimer should be added when burning the tealights.  Since the image is stamped on tissue paper, it may burn – so never leave these unattended!  I did a trial run on one candle and it only singed a bit of the image, but you never know … it is paper and we all know paper and fire do not mix well!

Of course, no gift is complete without a coordinating card.  I love this simple layout using Stampin’ Up!’s square punches, layered with a wide strip of matching designer paper and contrasting scallop edged borders. 

Project Recipe (all projects included)

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude
Paper:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Autumn Spice DSP
Ink:  Old Olive, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Markers, square punches, corner punch, Scallop Edge border punch, brads, tissue paper, heat gun, scallop oval punch, wide oval punch, 1/8” grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4” striped ribbon, linen thread, dimensionals

 

Decorative Candles

Using your favorite rubber stamps is such an easy way to personalize those inexpensive plain white candles into a one-of-a-kind piece of  artwork.  I often turn to this technique when I’m looking for that perfect item for someone special who already seems to have everything.  I can choose images and color combos that fits into their home décor, making it a heartfelt gift that is definitely for them alone.

For this candle I used my current favorite Stampin’ Up! stamp set Just Believe.  To add a bit more interest to this solid image, I used markers to color in the flowers and stems before stamping.  I added a coordinating greeting card, masking off a horizon line and sponging in various hues of greens and blues.

I finished this gift by wrapping it in a clear cellophane bag and adding a quick gift tag and piece of ribbon.  Who wouldn’t love receiving (or giving!) this wonderful gift!

PROJECT RECIPE:

STAMPS:  Just Believe, En Francais, French Filigree
PAPER:  Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist
INK:  Not Quite Navy, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
ACCESSORIES:  Basic Pearls, Taffeta Ribbon, sponges, dimensionals, XL Oval punch, Two Tags die, cellophane bag, tissue paper

Stampin’ Addicts SU Summer Mini Blog Tour

Welcome to Stampin’ Addicts Summer Mini Blog Tour.  This tour is a preview of many wonderful creations made using items included in the new Stampin’ Up! Summer Mini Catalog.  Items from this mini catalog will be available for sale beginning on May 1st. 

If you started this tour from the beginning you came upon my blog after visiting Holly.  Didn't you just love her marvelous creations made with the Elements of Style stamp set?  If you're starting the tour at my website, follow the link at the bottom of this post to continue on your journey.  If you get lost along the way, you can always jump back on the tour bus by visiting Stampin' Addicts for the complete list of participants.  This tour will run through Sunday evening ... so sit back, relax, enjoy and come back often!!!

I am showcasing the “Mostly Vintage” Decor Stencils.  I adore all the stencils in the Definitely Decorative line, this is quickly becoming my current favorite.  I love the versatility, and that the set comes with an additional mask stencil.  Fun, fun, fun!  I don’t want to hold up the tour bus, so am going to keep things brief.  Please check back later in the week for card recipes and more details.

My first project I decided to use both the main stencil AND the mask – wanted to play around a bit and see how these two items worked together.  I wish I had taken a few pictures along the way as the original colors in this came out uber-bright … they actually kind of hurt my eyes looking at it.  Figuring I was going to probably toss it and start over, I decided to soak it down with my water spritz bottle ……let it sit awhile to dry, added a few details and finishing touches.  I decided I loved the muted colors and the final outcome!

My next project was so much fun to make, I used several different items from the Summer mini-catalog.  The circle focal piece is actually the very center of the Mostly Vintage mask stencil.  I sponged a bit of the mask, punched it out and decided to sponge the edges a bit to give it some depth.  I felt this project needed much more of a vintage look, used the new embossing folder and sponged the heck out of it – then sponged some more.  The Bashful Blue satin ribbon gives it a little touch of elegance.

For my final creation I chose to use the main stencil from the set, once again using only a portion of it.  I masked off the unwanted areas – then sponged until I had the color depth I wanted.  
I thought this area of the stencil was perfect for a cute little set of monogrammed note cards and coordinating envelopes.  I was amazed how quick and easy these came together, might just sit down and make another batch for myself!

Of course, these wonderful note cards would not be complete without a matching tin to present them in!

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting, I hope you enjoyed my preview of the Mostly Vintage Decor Stencils.  Please continue on the tour by visiting Michelle who will be showcasing some great ideas using the Rough Type alphabet set.

Catching Up

My apologies for not keeping up with my blog lately.  I’m used to the craziness that seems to be a constant state in our family, but this past month things have been busier than normal – leaving me little time or energy for much creativity.  I’m trying hard to work through the emotional roller coaster we seem to currently be riding, but sometimes it does get the best of me.

On to bigger and better things!  I never got back to giving you the details on the projects I made for the birthday celebration blog hop.  If you need a little refresher, check the post directly below this one! 

Transforming one of Stampin’ Up’s new file folders into a “designer folder” was so much fun and surprisingly easy … a few cuts and folds, embellish as desired and look what happens: 

 
Below is a close up picture of the cover details and what you find when you open it up.  I cut a small strip of matching designer series paper and inserted it into the pen, making this a completely coordinated ensemble!

PROJECT RECIPE:
Paper:  Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Thoroughly Modern DSP
Stamps:  Define Your Life
Ink:  Rose Red, Soft Suede
Accessories:  Thoroughly Modern File Folder, jumbo grommet, button, polka dot grosgrain ribbon, linen thread

I love coming up with packaging ideas, sometimes feel the containers are so much more exciting than the actual contents!  This carrier was another “easy-to-put-together” project.  I used the Box #2 Bigz XL die for the boxes, laying my paper so the top closure was cut off.  Sandwiched two pieces of cardstock between the boxes, punched a “handle” and DONE!  

One side holds a bottle of bubble bath and body lotion, the other side holds 3 small bottles of instant hand sanitizer.  I cut a strip of card stock, folded and adhered it inside to make compartments for each of the smaller bottles.  Isn’t this cute!?!?!

  

     

 

 

 

 

PROJECT RECIPE:
Paper:  pretty in pink, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack
Ink:  rose red, pretty in pink
Accessories:  sending love epoxy brad – pretty in pink, pretties kit flower and pearl, 5/8” satin ribbon, 1” circle punch

Keeping in the birthday theme, I have a new project to add.  When wrapping up a recent gift, I realized I had no gift bags to fit the items (dvd’s). I quickly ran into my stampin’ quarters (thank heavens the desk was clear for once!) and decided to design my own using some of my massive collection of designer papers.  I added a quick tag made using the Kisses Sending Love notes offered in the current Stampin’ Up! occasions mini catalog, punched a decorative top, added a paper bow created using more designer papers, ribbon, tissue and presented the gift.  Once again, I think the packaging is so much more exciting than the gift inside.  AND … it’s a double gift – the recipient can use this cute bag on THEIR next gift-giving occasion!

PROJECT RECIPE:
Paper:  whisper white, cameo coral, Pink Flamingo dsp, Kisses Sending Love Notes
Stamps:  Whimsical Words (SAB)
Ink:  tempting turquoise, cameo coral
Accessories:  jumbo eyelets, 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, curly label punch  
 

Stampin' Addicts Birthday Blog Hop

 
Welcome to Stampin' Addicts first Birthday Blog Hop!  Stampin' Addicts is a free website dedicated to all things Stampin' Up.  They offer SU-oriented galleries, challenges and special events. This Birthday Blog Hop is one of several events being held this week-end to help them celebrate their 1st birthday.  Membership at Stampin' Addicts is free of charge, and is open to Stampin’ Up! fans everywhere.  When you're done following the hop here, pop on over and check them out!

If you started this tour from the beginning you came upon my blog after visiting Allison.  Didn't you adore the young boys birthday ensemble she created?  If you're starting the tour at my website, follow the link at the bottom of this post to continue on your journey.  If you get lost along the way, you can always jump back on the tour bus by visiting Stampin' Addicts for the complete list of participants.  This tour will run through Sunday evening ... so sit back, relax and enjoy!!!

I have created a sister - practical and pampering gift ensemble to share with you.  My sister is very special to me and I don't get to see her often as she lives "fur fur away" as we say in my house - but I still like to make something special for her when I can.  I decided to take a "celebrate your entire day" kind of approach at this ... are there any of us who wouldn't enjoy celebrating every step of our day?  Without further ado, let us begin a journey through my sisters special day ...

*** SPOILER ALERT***  If you are reading this sis, stop now unless you really want to know what your belated gifts are!!!

The alarm clock rings, sis stumbles out of bed and finds her very first birthday gift is eagerly awaiting her ... just look at that trio of pretty boxes stacked high, bright red polka dotted ribbon cascading down the sides and a most beautiful paper bow perched atop (all Stampin' Up! items of course!).  Whatever could be hiding inside?  Should she open the boxes quickly or just sit and admire them ... this is almost too beautiful to take apart!  Alas, curiosity gets the best of me her and she decides opening would be the best way to start off her day.  And what a start it is!  Gently removing the bow (don't want to destroy this!) and untying the ribbon, she lifts up each of the colorful box lids to reveal ... an assortment of coffees, teas and mini creamers, specially designed for her to use in her Keurig coffee brewer.

After several minutes she finally decides which flavor to enjoy, then makes her way to get ready to head out the door ... unfortunately, sis still must go to work on her special day. 

 

... which brings sis to the second stop of her birthday celebration.  As she picks up her keys she finds another package sitting right next to the door - guess she best open that up before heading out for a busy day at the office (or where ever she heads to).  Oh my, now who wouldn't want to be seen with this darling note pad holder (and matching file folder!) in their arms? 

Unfortunately, due to time restrictions I can not show you today just how cute this is inside ... a junior legal pad sits on one side, with a coordinating pen, and a monthly calendar so I always know what day it is (I seem to forget this little detail quite often).  

Sis has had quite a busy day, gets back home to all those nightly household chores, and finally sits down to put her aching feet up ... and sees one last gift sitting on the coffee table.  What more could she possibly ask for, this day has already been perfect.  Ahhh, something special to help her relax at the end her day ... a lovely hand stamped scented candle and a gift tote of bubble bath and body cream.  Wait, turn that tote around (sorry, I can't show you this today) ... there are 3 tiny bottles of instant hand sanitizer neatly snuggled in the box on the other side!  Ok, I will admit that my sister is a nurse and I am sure she could use those little bottles of sanitizer!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you've enjoyed spoiling my sister as much as I have!  Check back later in the week for more photos of these projects as well as recipes.  Please continue on the tour by visiting Carmen who will be showcasing boys birthdays.

Occasions Mini Blog Tour, Stop #15

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts SU! Occasions Mini Blog Tour. We're kicking off the year in grand style, showcasing many of the products in Stampin' Up!'s newly released Occasions Mini brochure. These items will all be available from your demo on January 5.

You may have arrived here after visiting Dawnmarie's site, didn't you just love all the wonderful creations she made using the gorgeous Shades of Spring designer series paper! If you are starting the tour at my blog, you can continue on to visit all 23 participants via the link at the end of my post. If you get lost anywhere along the way, you can find links to all the participants on Stampin' Addicts website. All links will remain live until Sunday evening, so sit back, take your time, visit often and ENJOY!

I am showcasing the stamp set Vintage Vogue, available in wood mount and NEW clear mount. I decided to be brave and try the clear mount set, must admit I was totally thrilled with how easy they are to work with.

The first project I'm sharing is a stamped picture frame. I purchased this several months ago with the intention of altering it - this stamp set seemed perfect for this project. I used Brocade Blue and Soft Suede inks, and the "rock and roll" technique to get some variation in coloring; then stamped randomly all over the frame. Since these were the clear mount stamps, I was able to eyeball the placement. What a super easy project and I love how it turned out!

RECIPE:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Bashful Blue
Ink: Brocade Blue, Soft Suede

 

 

 

 

 

Next I chose to try my hand at stamping on a tumbled tile. This was totally new to me and a fun learning experience. The distressed look of these tiles just seemed to go wonderfully with this stamp set.

RECIPE:
Stamps: En Francais, Vintage Vogue
Ink: Pale Plum, Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant, Mellow Moss

 

 

 

For my last project I decided to make a stair step card. This was once again my very first attempt at this so please excuse my imperfections! I discovered (by mistake!) that the new Beautiful Wings butterfly embosslit layers PERFECTLY with the Bigz Beautiful Butterflies diecuts. I had so much fun making this card and it seemed to continue to grow with each and every step. I finally had to call it quits before it became too busy.

RECIPE:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Pretty In Pink, Mellow Moss, Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Pretty In Pink, Versamark
Accessories: White EP, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Pretty In Pink Corduroy Button, Regal Rose brads, Little Leaves Sizzlet, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, hemp twine

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting, I hope you enjoyed my projects as much as I did creating them. Please continue on the tour by visiting Marie who will be showcasing the brand new stamp set "Tiny Tags".