Sweet Summer Sale-A-Bration Gift Box

I want to clear up any confusion regarding the box I created for this past week-ends blog hop.  I apologize if I led anyone to think that the template for this box was included on the SAB Digital Content CD.  The CD contains only the new items in the SAB catalog:  So Happy For You, Punch Bunch, Ice Cream Parlor DSP & Quick Accents Pack, Ice Cream Parlor Ribbon & Button Pack, Sweet Summer, Notes décor elements, Bliss.  The box template I used is an add-on for the My Digital Software program and is sold seperatly: Mini Project Boxes - Item # 120171 which sells for  $1.95 and contains 2 mini project boxes. 

In order to create this cute little box, I went through several steps.  None were time consuming at all, the entire design process came together in about 10 minutes – then all I had to do was print, cut, color and tape.

I started by selecting the multiple output option and a blank landscape 8 1/2” x 11” canvas area.  I found the Mini Project Boxes in the Designer Kits section of the Stamps area.  This box is mini box #1.  When I applied it to my project I had to rotate it right and then select mirror.  It then looked like the photo above and I was ready to “stamp” away.

The template gave me a nice idea of where to begin my design and what the end result would be like.  I used various stamps in the Sweet Summer set, placing, coloring and resizing as necessary until I had my desired result.  I rotated and resized the butterflies, bees and bird so they would fit into the tiny spaces.

When I had it all completed, I highlighted the original box template stamp and selected “remove” from the options.  This allowed me to print it out without having my cut and scoring lines printing onto my design.  At this point I printed it onto copy paper so I could check out alignment issues in the next step.

Now I needed to get that wonderful box template to print on the reverse side of my cardstock.  I added a new page to my project, again selected the Mini Project Box #1 stamp, rotated, mirrored and then selected “flip”.  I printed on the reverse side of the copy paper I used in the previous step, held it up to a light and I could see exactly where my design was going to fall when I actually printed it on cardstock.  I did have to go and make a minor adjustment to my stamps – easily accomplished by using the Arrange menu and “select all” – then my arrow keys on the keyboard to slightly move all the items at the same time.  I inserted my cardstock, and printed only the template page first.  Then reinserted my cardstock to print my designed area on the reverse side (try to remember if the right or left side of the page prints first so your alignment is correct).

You could also just print the template onto copy paper and use temporary adhesive to apply it to the back of the cardstock you printed the design area on – then cut.  I like having it right on my cardstock, it’s just a personal preference.

My last step was to create the flowers for the lid of my box.  Once again I added a new page to my project.  I went back to the page of my original design, selected the flower I had stamped on the lid and copied it (edit menu – copy).  Then back to my new page and pasted it (edit menu – paste).  I pasted three copies of this stamp, then moved them into one row and printed onto copy paper.  Using the Dotto temporary adhesive I adhered colored cardstock over the images on the copy paper, reinserted into my printer and printed this page only.  My multiple flower layers were now printed on cardstock and ready to cut and put together.

I hope I haven’t totally confused you with my instructions.  This really is a quick, easy and fun project to complete!

Stampin’ Addicts 2011 Sale-A-Bration Hop

Welcome to Stampin’ Addicts Sale-a-Bration blog hop, I am the 4th stop along your journey.  There are 21 talented stampers on this tour, all are eagerly awaiting your arrival so they can share with you some of the wonderful products that you can earn for FREE during Stampin’ Up!’s Sale-a-Bration promotion.  If you started at the beginning of the tour, you have just seen the bright and cheery creations Twila created using the fun Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper & Quick Accents Pack.  If you are starting the tour with me, you can continue on to visit all participants by using the link at the end of my post.  If you get lost anywhere along the way don’t worry, you can find links to all the stops on the Stampin’ Addicts website. 

I was so excited when I saw the Digital Content CD offered in the Sale-a-Bration catalog.  What a great way to have access to all the new stamps, Designer Papers, ribbon, buttons … well … EVERYTHING!  Did you see the Décor elements chalkboard piece on page 9 of the catalog?  Guess what?  With the digital CD, you are not limited to only hanging it on a wall and using chalk.   The individual elements are available on the CD as separate stamps! 

When I saw this I knew I was going to have fun with it.  I decided to make a cute journal, complete with lined paper inside.  In addition to the Chalkboard elements, I added paper, borders and an accent from the Ice Cream Parlor set; and a few buttons for good measure.  You may have noticed that the colors of my notebook are not as bright as those in the paper pack.  By creating this with the My Digital Studio software, I was able to lower the opacity and get lighter color tones.  I can also submit this to the printer through the software program and have it professionally printed as a hard-bound journal.  How fun is that!

While I was wandering around the software program, I stumbled on a template for a box and wanted to see what I could do with it.  I decided to use the Sweet Summer set this time.  The cute border at the bottom of the box is once again from the Ice Cream Parlor Quick Accents.  When I was done with placing all my items where I wanted them, I printed it out.  The majority of the coloring was done with a blender pen, markers were used for the center of the flower blossoms and the bees.  A few strategically placed pieces of sticky tape and it turned into a beautiful little gift box! 

Here’s a closer look at the larger flower on the lid of the box.  This was printed out on scraps of colored cardstock and the individual layers cut out.  I topped it with a glimmer brad, and surrounded it with lots of bling!

 

 

For my last project I decided to play with the Bliss stamp set and make a hybrid card.  Believe it or not, I do not yet have this stamp set in my possession … all images were created using the Digital Content CD!  It is one layer printed on Very Vanilla cardstock, which I trimmed and mounted to an Early Espresso card base.  I’ve found that one of the greatest perks of using the My Digital Software program is that you aren’t limited to using a stamp in just one size.  If you look closely at this card you will see that the background is the same stamp as the main image – just scaled much smaller.  I also lowered the opacity of the back panel so I could achieve a tone-on-tone designer paper look. 

Thanks for sitting with me and letting me share my creations with you.  I hope you enjoyed these projects as much as I did making them!  Follow the arrows below to continue on the tour.  Your next stop is Sarah’s Ink Spot, where Sarah is going to share her gorgeous creations using the Sweet Summer set (yes, I have peeked already!).

    

Sidetracked Valentine

I have decided that I am my own worst enemy, I’m getting sidetracked way too easily lately.  Yesterday I found some time to escape into my stampin’ quarters with every intention of getting things in order so I could post details and photos regarding the butterfly card I made last week.  In order to accomplish this task it meant I had to first clean up another pile of stuff that managed to get shoved on my desk.  Oh my, all that stuff just happened to be the latest order of new toys I decided I just couldn’t live without.  Here’s where I get in trouble, a little peak into how my brain works (or doesn’t, you decide):  “I better first sort through the box to make sure this order is correct” … “Ok, now put this pile away so you have a place to work” … “oh wait, maybe I’ll quickly mount just this one stamp set”.   I’m sure you’ve already figured out where the brain takes me next … “I’ll just play a little bit, the butterflies will wait”.  Yup, they are still waiting – I was having so much fun that I totally lost track of time.

This is what my playtime resulted in (along with another mess – it’s a vicious circle).  I have now decided that the Framed Tulips embossing folder from Stampin’ Up! is my new BFF!  I love that with a few runs through the Big Shot and minor placement adjustments, this frame can be used on almost any layer size.

If you look closely, you can see that the main image panel is using the debossed side of the cardstock.  I think it looks as beautiful as the intended embossed side!  Many thanks to Sharon Field for her wonderful tutorial on how to accomplish this!

Once again, I chose to let this elegant frame speak for itself and not clutter things up too much.  I used the Valentine definition stamp and surrounded it with some free-floating hearts.  Those tiny little hearts were the scrap pieces left behind from using the Pinking Hearts border punch on the bottom of the red panel, scattered randomly and affixed with a very small dot of Tombow multi-purpose glue. They were laying all over my desk and I really hate throwing away perfectly good paper, figured I should use them for something!

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Valentine Defined
Paper:  Naturals White, Real Red
Ink:  Real Red
Accessories:  Framed Tulips embossing folder, Big Shot, Pinking Hearts border punch

Vintage Puffy Heart

The cold temps here in Chicago-land are keeping me inside once again – not that I get out much anyway (my children will confirm this little tidbit of information), but now I don’t WANT to leave the warm refuge of my home and at least have an excuse that others understand. <grin> 

I’ve finally found a little shred of “quiet time” and am going to share details of one of my projects from last weeks blog tour.  As previously noted, my task was to play with showcase the Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric line available now in Stampin’ Up!’s new Occasions Mini Catalog.  I adore the bright cheerfulness of the colors, as well as the variation of fabric designs.  In each package you will receive these three beautifully coordinated 100% cotton fabrics, each piece measuring 28” x 18”.  That’s a whole lot of fun all wrapped up in one little package!

I know you’ve seen this photo before, but I like this card so much I just couldn’t resist posting it again. <hehehehe>  To make the two scallop circles I cut a square of each of the fabric designs I wanted to use and applied them to a sheet of Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive paper.  I took my trusty bone folder and applied pressure over the entire pieces to make sure the adhesive stuck well.  So I wouldn’t gunk up my paper snips or other good scissors, I used my craft/rubber scissors to cut those out and ran the pieces through the Big Shot using various scallop circle die cuts – resulting in perfectly cut fabric swatches!  

I decided on a 5” square card and stamped the base layer with a background stamp, then sponged the edges for more of a vintage feel.  I very lightly sponged the edges of my largest scalloped circle fabric piece, removed the backing paper and applied it directly to the card base, again using the bone folder to make sure it adhered well … layered a circle cut from cardstock … then another scallop circle cut from fabric using the same process as above.  A bit of unsolicited advice when doing this (sure wish I would have thought of this procedure first) – only remove a small corner of the backing paper and start positioning your die cut, remove more of the backing and smooth the fabric as you go.  This way you will get your piece affixed exactly where you want it with no creases, folds or bumps.

The dimension on this heart was hard to capture in a photo, it pops up about 1/4”.  To achieve this I started by finding a portion of the fabric piece I wanted for my focal point – I loved the two little flower blooms, cut a small square of that section of fabric.  I then cut a piece of card stock and punched a heart in the center, turned this piece over and applied snail adhesive around the edges.  I began sticking my fabric to the adhesive, pushing a bit of the fabric through the heart as I went.  When I was happy with the results, I ripped apart and stretched a cotton ball, smooshed those pieces into the fabric from the reverse side until the heart was puffed out – then attached it to another layer of coordinating card stock.  I had a few spots that weren’t sticking well, so I used a very tiny bit of Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue and applied pressure for a few moments.  The resulting piece was popped onto the center of the card using dimensionals which I double stacked for extra “lift”.

Lots and lots of Basic Pearls were used to finish this card off.  I deliberately chose not to use a sentiment, thought I’d just let the card speak for itself!

Project Recipe:

Stamps:  Bella Toile background, Wonderfully Worn background, Confetti background
Cardstock:  Not Quite Navy, Rose Red
Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Rose Red
Accessories:  Big Shot, Scallop Circle die, Scallop Circle #2 die, Clear Circle die, Full Heart punch, Corner Rounder punch, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Basic Pearls, cotton ball, adhesive, dimensionals

Stampin’ Addicts SU! Occasions Mini Blog Hop

Welcome to Stampin’ Addicts Occasions Mini Blog Hop.  Once again we’re ringing in the New Year by showcasing many products found in the newly released Stampin’ Up! Occasions Mini Catalog.  These items will be available for purchase beginning January 4, 2011.

If you started this hop from the beginning, you just came from InkPaperStamps where Holly previewed some beautiful projects using the Petal Cone Die.  If you’re starting the tour at my blog, you can continue on to visit all participants by using the link at the end of my post.  If you get lost anywhere along the way don’t worry, you can find links to all the participants on the Stampin’ Addicts website.  All links will remain live until Sunday evening, so take your time visiting, enjoy and come back often!

I chose the Springtime Vintage fabric as my item to showcase.  I love the colors and patterns in this fabric, so bright and cheerful and definitely scream springtime!  I haven’t used any fabric in my paper crafting endeavors, honestly never once thought about the possibilities.

I dug in deep for my first project – have to admit making that first cut into these gorgeous fabrics was darn right scary … but once I did it, I never looked back!

This 5” square card started with the puffy heart in the center and grew from there, layering scalloped circles of fabric with a circle of card stock.  For more of a vintage feel I sponged the blue cardstock, if you look closely you’ll see I even sponged the edges of the blue scalloped fabric circle.  Ink on fabric, wooohoooo!!! 

My next project is also a card.  In case you didn’t know, I LOVE cards! I also can’t get enough of butterflies so was super excited when this idea popped into my head.  It isn’t often when I am able to keep a project clean and simple, but this was one of those items that less was definitely more.

For the body and antennas I dyed white 1/8” ribbon to match the Not Quite Navy, then looped it around the back.  The butterfly is double stacked on dimensionals to give it extra lift.  I wish you could see this up close, it looks like it is really ready to take flight.

For my last creation I broke out of my comfort zone, dug out my sewing machine and dusted it off (it was REALLY dusty!).  Thank heavens it was still threaded (probably from the 1990’s) as I’m not sure I’d remember how to do it again. 

I used one of those cardboard coffee holders from a local coffee store as a template, layered felt and fabric, hand gathered a strip of complimentary fabric for the ruffle and sewed it all together.  I decided it still needed “something” for more interest so I cut some flowers using the Big Shot and layered them all together, then added one of the new big buttons.  What did I end up with?  My very own one-of-a-kind coffee cozy!  (the red at the bottom of the cup is part of the cup design, NOT a sample of the Springtime Vintage fabric line)

Thanks for stopping by and visiting, I hope you enjoyed the projects I’ve shared with you.  I’ll post more details and project recipes during the next month.  Please continue on the hop and visit Lisa, who will be sharing some fun ideas using the Easter Blossoms stamp set.

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The Christmas card that wasn’t

I had everything planned out well ahead of time, all paper cut and ready to go.  This card was not overly involved, should have been a quick and easy thing to get out in the mail.  Then all heck broke loose …..

First, I found I cut the top layers too small … went and recut it all, only to have my daughter (who is brilliant by the way!) ask me, “mom, why didn’t you just cut the lowers layer 1/8” smaller.  Not like anyone would have noticed”.  DUH!  Now why didn’t I think of that!  I put things off a little longer while I tackled some other holiday tasks, procrastination seems to be my middle name these days … then came down with the worst bug I have ever had in a long time.  It took me out of the game for close to 2 weeks, took my husband as well and now has a firm hold on my brilliant daughter.

I probably should put them all together anyway and be ahead of the game for next year … and hope I don’t lose them in the meantime.

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Peaceful Season
Paper:  River Rock, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke
Ink:  Always Artichoke
Accessories:  Blender Pen, Basic Pearls, Always Artichoke Seam Binding

 

Holiday Bag Topper

I love making toppers for cello bags.  They add a special handmade touch to your small hard-to-wrap gifts, and are another one of those fast and easy projects to pull together at the last minute. 

This is one of the toppers I made recently.  A piece of cardstock, designer paper, a punch, button and trim … strategic placement and call it DONE!  Best of all, it was made using only paper from my scrap pile! 

The large button can be found in the new Stampin’ Up! Occasions Mini catalog, available for purchase January 4, 2011.  It is actually the Pear Pizzazz color, yet still coordinated perfectly for this project.  Ok, I will admit I didn’t pick up on this fact until now. <sigh>

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Bright Christmas
Ink:  Old Olive
Paper:  Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday designer series paper
Accessories:  snowflake punch, button, gold cord, dimensionals

Embossed Snowflakes

Arrrrrgh … the last few weeks before the holidays is NOT the time to be sick!  Whatever this bug is that has decided to take up permanent residence in the family, has successfully zapped every ounce of energy from my body (not that there was much there to begin with).  In a valiant attempt to get back to my blog (I’m sure ya’ll have missed me terribly!), I’m going to try to keep this short and sweet.

This is another card that was made at my holiday card stamp camp, inspired by many other creations I have seen.  I have this thing for snowflakes, just can’t seem to get enough of them.  When Stampin’ Up! released the Northern Flurry embossing folder, I swear my neighbors could hear me squeal with delight!

The snowflakes are embossed on vellum cardstock.  The heavier weight of this paper didn’t shred during the embossing process and is still light enough to give the desired effect.  I added several of the new self adhesive rhinestones in various sizes to give it a touch of bling, along with a bow made with matching satin ribbon.  Did you notice the sentiment?  I love how the new Decorative Label punch layers with the Holiday Windows movers and shapers die – perfect!

PROJECT RECIPE

Stamps:  Snow Swirled, Serene Snowflakes, Northern Hearts
Paper:  Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, vellum cardstock
Ink:  Whisper White craft, Marina Mist
Accessories:  Northern Flurry embossing folder, Decorative Label punch, Holiday Windows movers & shapers, Big Shot, satin ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, dimensionals

It’s a Party!

I know I’ve been teasing you for over a week now, as to what that mega project I was involved in actually turned out to be.  Welllllll, without further ado … they are birthday invites for my grand daughters 1st birthday! 

My grand daughter has a security blanket which is a combination blanket and stuffed owl – she carries it with her everywhere.  Actually, she has several of these just in case one is forgotten somewhere, misplaced, in the wash, whatever – we do not want our little darling to be in distress!  Since Cam is so enamored with Owlie, her mom really wanted to do an owl theme for her birthday.  I didn’t have to be asked twice to be in charge of the invites, I was truly excited to have the opportunity to play with my new 2-step Owl punch.  Those that know me well, know I don’t think in “simple” mode.  I also tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist, am not happy leaving well enough alone. <sigh>  So what should have been a quick and easy 26 invitations, turned out to be quite an ordeal – but here is the finished product:

This started out as bits and pieces of several other cards I had viewed online, then off in my own direction I went.  The silliness kicked in when trying to figure out what wording we wanted on the front … I think my idea is rather self explanatory.  <grin>  I couldn’t find any current designer papers in Pretty In Pink that looked right on this card.  My neighbor let me dig through her stash of retired papers and I found a few pieces that were perfect!  I love the polka dot balloon, which is covered with crystal effects for more dimension; pink crochet thread added for the balloon string.  The party hat is a small pennant shape cut from a scalloped square punched piece.  Prior to punching and cutting, I lightly brayered Melon Mambo ink on the Square Lattice embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot – LOVE how the design turned out!

The invitation is a postcard style, this is the back.  I designed it using the Stampin’ Up! My Digital Studio software.  I honestly could not believe how quickly this portion came together. 

After completing the graphics and text boxes, I selected all elements and copied/pasted this design three more times so I ended up with a total of four invitation sections per page.  I then printed it on Pink Pirouette card stock and trimmed each quarter page to fit the back of the invite.  No embellishments were added to this side.  Since all the details were typed in the MDS program, all my daughter-in-law had to do when I turned these over to her was to put them into a stamped envelope and drop into the mail.

For my public blog posting, I did edit out all the personal info … am pretty sure my son will not be thrilled with me if you all show up on his doorstep. <grin>

Unlimited Possibilities

Have you been searching for something just a little different than the norm for your cards?  You can make your very own embossed backgrounds in any design you wish with just a few die cut pieces, some cardstock and a crank of your Big Shot!  

I stumbled on this technique totally by accident quite a few months ago, then quickly forgot about it as I became busy with other demands.  Imagine my surprise when I started seeing many more unique creations using the same basic principle I thought I discovered!   hehehehe, just goes to show you that great minds really DO think alike! 

This is a sample of my original “discovery” … I used the Lattice die and embossed it into the background panel.  I liked the end result so much that this became one of those cards I just couldn’t bare to part with, so tucked it away for safe keeping.  Evidently I created this card before the color renovation became official, so please forgive the use of retired product.  I felt it was a great example of this technique and photographed very well, so decided to include it in this post.

When I came across that card a few weeks ago, I decided it was a wonderful idea to teach to my club members.  This time I went with a more seasonal theme … snowflakes.

I chose to use the new Northern Frost decorative strip from the Stampin’ Up! Holiday Mini, using several of the snowflakes and trimming some off at the edges of the cardstock.  I now have a new “texture plate” of my own that I can use over and over again!

And the finished product this design was used on?  Since one of their projects for the evening was a holiday themed item, I wanted to go with something just a little different.  I felt this design could be easily used as a non-traditional holiday card, with a bit of a vintage feel … or simply as a winter themed greeting card.

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Fabulous Phrases, Serene Snowflakes
Paper:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls dsp
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Northern Frost decorative strip, Swirly decorative strip, Crochet Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, snowflake punch, 3/4” oval punch, photo corner punch, antique brad, linen thread

Mass Production

I’ve been busy, busy, busy the past few days – working on a very important project for a very special person in my life.  My stampin’ quarters are in total disarray at the moment as I’ve spent the past 3 days (I am not exaggerating) doing nothing but cutting out all the little pieces for this project.  My Big Shot got a huge workout, as well as a few favorite punches.  I’m tellin’ ya – my arms are screaming at me right now!!!

Here are a few snapshots of my over-organizational skills …

  

notice the little containers that are holding all those tiny pieces; they are the plastic containers that Stampin’ Up! puts their buttons and brads into.  I knew I needed to hang onto them for some reason!

All I have left to do is cut out all these circular shapes, then the assembling fun will begin. 

Have you guessed yet what all these pieces of paper are going to be turned into?  Stay tuned … I’ll be posting the finished project in a few days!    

Winter Greenery

I’ve been wanting to make a Christmas card that was created using minimal supplies and mostly white cardstock – thinking most everyone has an abundance of white in their personal paper stash.  It all came together rather quickly – gotta love it when that happens!  Once finished, I thought that this card might be a conglomeration of several cards I’ve viewed recently … there have been so many I can’t seem to clear my head of all the wonderful ideas I’ve seen.  I  guess I shall call it a loose case of too-many-to-name talented artists.

I did a lot of sponging on this card, covering the majority of the card stock with two complimentary shades of green. Then cut the brightness by dabbing a bit of very light brown ink on top of those greens.

See those little branches on the center panel? Look very closely … did you notice they are from the Lovely As A Tree stamp set?  I inked only the tips of the single tree and stamped randomly around the corner of the cardstock.  How wonderful to find yet another use for this fantastic set!

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Peaceful Season, Lovely As A Tree, Christmas Greetings
Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive
Ink:  Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Ornament punch, sponges, linen thread, dimensionals

The Winner Is ….

The past few weeks I’ve been working on and off to create some Holiday greeting cards.  I’m not so sure how I feel about this card, for some reason it screams “County Fair Ribbon Winner” to me … something about that waffle paper and circle combo.  It did get rave reviews from everyone else though, so I’ve decided I’m going to allow myself love it!

Once again I found myself playing with my newest Stampin’ Up! toys (isn’t that what we’re supposed to do???).  I created this in one of my favorite holiday color combinations … Navy and Burgundy.  I know, it’s not exactly traditional – but I’m not really a traditional kind of gal.  While it appears there is a lot to this card, don’t let it fool you.  It surprisingly all comes together very quickly with a few cranks of the Big Shot handle

I have to tell you … the waffle paper is tons of fun to work with and really goes a long way.  I enjoyed it so much I just had to place another order so I could have even more colors to play with!

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Dasher, Four the Holidays
Paper:  Night of Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla, Brushed Silver
Ink:  Platinum Shimmer Paint
Accessories:  2 1/2” circle punch, circle scissors, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Petals a Plenty embossing folder, Metallic Silver Waffle paper, basic rhinestones, dimensionals

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

Missing Spring

With these cooler fall days we are having in the midwest, I’m finding myself spending more time inside.  Today I decided to sift through the pile of my cards that I just can’t bare to part with.  Do any of you have that problem … you know, make a special card and then can’t handle the idea of sending it off in the mail because you will miss it too much?  Maybe I’m just weird, but this seems to happen to me quite often.  Anyway, this was one of those cards I absolutely adored.
  

I have seen the butterfly pansies used in many others cards, wanted to try my own hand at creating something with them.  I must say, after my very first attempt, I was completely hooked.  I love every idea I come across that is quick, easy and gives GREAT results – this is definitely one of those! 

Many of the products used in this card are now retired, but this can still be recreated using any current items.

PROJECT RECIPE:

Stamps:  Watercolor Trio
Paper:  Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink:  Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Yo Yo Yellow, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories:  Butterfly punch, Scallop Oval punch, Small Oval punch, 5-petal flower punch, ribbon, rhinestone brad, brads, markers, aqua painter

Playtime

A few weeks ago I found some time to play with more of my new toys, now am finally finding some time to share this quick little gift project with all of you.
 
These fun treats were made using the new Candy Wrapper die, then decorated quickly with a strip of designer series paper and some trim cut from the Tasteful Trim XL die.  It took a little bit of playing around for me to figure out how to twist the ends properly, but once I successfully accomplished this task it went super fast!  I’ll admit … I’m slow to catch on to stuff like this.  <sigh>  Four mini Dove chocolate squares stack perfectly inside!

Both of these dies can be found in Stampin’ Up!’s new Holiday Mini Catalog and are available for sale now through January 3, 2011.  I can already see that these items are going to be added to my FAVORITE list!

PROJECT RECIPE:
Stamps:  Tiny Tags
Paper:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper
Ink:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze
Accessories:  Big Shot, Candy Wrapper BigZ L die, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die, Vintage Trinkets brad, Jewelry Tag punch, ribbon

Black & White

Things have been hectic in my little corner of the universe, leaving very little time for me stamp.  While I find the time to rediscover my stampin’ quarters, I’ve decided to revisit some “oldies but goodies” that for one reason or another never made it to my blog. 

Black and White is one of my favorite color combinations, always seeming to leave the impact of clean and simple elegance.  If you look closely these two cards are made using the same basic products, but have completely different looks  (I think so anyway).

On this first card, I broke up the “whiteness” by wrapping a length of ribbon under the main image, tied it in a bow and hung a simple layered sentiment from the bow.  The single red gem in the center of the floral petals gives an eye-catching splash of color.  This card can go from birthday, anniversary, sympathy, etc., with a quick change of the sentiment.

I changed up the layout in this next card, opting for a quick and easy layering of punches.  Since I still had all my embossing folders, texture plates and butterfly die sitting on my desk, I decided to use them once again.   A single piece of gingham ribbon wrapped around the butterfly draws the eye naturally to the focal point.  Adding a border punch to a single edge of the bottom layer retained the clean lines yet added the touch of elegance I was hoping for.

 

Project Recipe:
Stamps:  Tiny Tags, Hope Happens
Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink:  Basic Black
Accessories:  Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, Backgrounds 1 texturz plate, Beautiful Wings Embosslit die, Scallop Edge border punch, Scallop Square punch, square punch, Jewelry Tag punch, rhinestone brad, Organza ribbon, gingham ribbon, dimensionals

Spooky Witch

While wandering around the internet, I came across a card made with one of the newest Halloween stamp sets offered from Stampin’ Up!.  I love how the originator used a piece of ribbon to create the illusion of a skirt (sorry, I don’t remember who I cased this from – really need to remember to write these things down!).  I hoped my club members would have fun with this during their last meeting.  I was not disappointed, it was definitely a HIT!

This is my take on the original idea.  I added some shimmer to the background, lots of bats, sponging and even a spooky moon peeking out from behind the “witch”.

Here is a closer look at the shimmering background.
 
I’ve taken several photos of the card and can’t quite seem to be able to pick up just how beautiful the sparkly background truly is.  A few drops of shimmer paint mixed with some rubbing alcohol and sprayed over a background is a great finishing touch.

PROJECT RECIPE:

STAMPS:  Wicked Cool, Bring On the Bats (jumbo wheel)
PAPER:  Concord Crush, Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla
INK:  Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie
ACCESSORIES:  brads, blender pen, dimensionals, crochet ribbon, oval punch, decorative label punch, Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die, champagne mist shimmer paint

Autumn Inspired

We’ve had a busy and fun-filled week here at Stampin’ Central.  Spending time with friends while stamping and chatting the night away is always a great way to spend an evening! 

This project I’m sharing is one of the items my club members made at their most recent meeting. 
I was inspired by one that I made while at a pre-convention event and thought the gals would have fun re-creating it.  After a bit of trial and error, I did successfully resize it to use standard 8 1/2” x 11” cardstock.  I love the changing seasons and all the colors of the fall leaves, so pulled out my new French Foliage stamp set (found in the new Stampin’ Up! Holiday Mini Catalog) as well as a few new ink colors and had a grand time putting this together.  This is what it looks like when it’s opened for display:

As you can see, plenty of room for your favorite Autumn photos and journaling.  This little scrapbook card was a huge hit!

PROJECT RECIPE: 
STAMPS:  French Foliage, Wonderfully Worn (background), Elements of Style, Friends Never Fade
PAPER:  certainly celery, cajun craze, crumb cake, old olive
INK:  certainly celery, cajun craze, crumb cake, old olive
ACCESSORIES:  Leaves #2 die, Two Tags die, embossing stylus, dimensionals, craft knife, sponges