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