By The Seashore - August Club

Here is one of the projects we made at the August stamp clubs.  The stamps are from the Stampin' Up set By the Seashore.  I've been having a lot of fun with this set, so look for more postings using these great stamps.

I showed the stampers a couple of techniques with this card.

To make the sand, we tore the Naturals Ivory card stock so the shoreline looked more natural.  Then we lightly sponged the piece with Soft Suede ink.  We used a stamping sponge rather than a dauber so that the sponging would be airier and not end up circular.

For the clouds, we made a stencil by punching out a scallop oval from a piece of scrap paper.  Then we used a sponge dauber and Whisper White craft ink with the stencil.  It's important to overlap your clouds so that the shapes are not too uniform.  Also, use varying amounts of pressure so that some areas are lighter and some are darker.  If you need just a little more cloud cover in a few spots after you are done stenciling, randomly pounce with the dauber.

All of the supplies used on this card are available from my Online Store.  And just so you know -- I am very appreciative of all orders.  Thank you!

I enjoy working with vellum and thought I'd share a card I made with it.  I embossed the vellum with the Flower Garden Embossing Folder and my Big Shot.   Then I used sponge daubers to sponge on the backside of the vellum.  This highlights the raised embossed image by leaving it white.  I attached the vellum to a Whisper White card base (which looks even better in person, by the way).

I stamped images from the Reason to Smile set, cut them out, and attached them on top of the vellum.  The flowers go great together.  If you missed out on getting the Reason to Smile set, let me know and I can get you one.

So, how about it?  Get some vellum card stock (101856) and give it a try.  You can get it and any other Stampin' Up supplies you need in my online store.  Prefer the personal touch?  Contact me and I'll be happy to handle the order for you.

P.S. If  you are participating in the Treasure Hunt, the list has been updated.  It won't be long until there are 50 sites to visit!

Butterflies and Flowers

Here's a coordinating set I designed.  I think it's nice when you give a gift to coordinate the card with the packaging if possible.

 The candy wrapper die is an interesting way to package a small gift.  You could also fill it with candy and use it as a favor at a banquet or party.  Here is a close up of the candy wrapper.

 This is a 3 x 3 card.  Stampin' Up sells square envelopes to fit this size card.  They can't be mailed, but are great for hand delivering, packing in a lunchbox, leaving on a co-workers desk, or attaching to a gift.

Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive

DSP:  First Edition

Punches:  Boho Blossoms,  Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack

Big Shot:  Candy Wrapper die, Butterfly embosslits

Gift Card Holder Instructions

When I posted the Gingerbread Gift Card Holder last week I got a comment asking for directions.  Here's what I came up with.  I wanted to do this on a nice sunny day to get good pictures but decided that wasn't going to happen.  So, sorry about the quality of the pictures, but at least I'm getting this done.  I hope you'll find it helpful.

 Finished Gift Card Holder:

 Use the Simply Scored tool to score a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of cardstock at 3", 5 1/2" and 8"

 The middle fold should be a mountain fold and the two others should be valley folds.  In other words, the middle score line should be folded opposite of the outer two.

 Use Sticky Strip to adhere the middle pieces together.  Only put Sticky Strip on three sides.   Do not put it on the folded edge.  I tried to get a picture of this, but the red Sticky Strip did not show up on the Real Red cardstock.

 Use the Word Window punch to cut two notches along the folded edge of the middle piece (the two pieces that were just stuck together).  Go in less than half the width of the punch or the edges will start curling back.

 Use the 1 1/4" circle punch to cut a half circle in the center of the folded edge of the middle section.  This will join the notches made by the Word Window and make it easier to get the gift card in and out (now you see why I said not to put Sticky Strip along that edge).

 Finish the front of the card.  It needs to be a relatively simple design since the belly band will go over it.  It's basically more of a background.  Here I stamped ornaments from the Ornaments Keepsakes stamp set with the Illuminate Glimmer Stampin' Pad.  I stamped two ornaments from the same set, cut them out with my Big Shot and the Holiday Ornaments framelits and then attached them near the bottom.  I stamped Merry Christmas with Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched it with the Word Window Punch and layered it on a piece punched with the Modern Label Punch.  This was placed where the belly band will go so that it gets covered.  It's there so the card isn't so plain when the belly band is removed.

 Finish the inside.  I randomly stamped an ornament (again from Ornament Keepsakes) on the first three panels.  Then on the last panel I put a layer of Whisper White and stamped a sentiment from More Merry Messages.

 Cut a strip of cardstock (in this case Whisper White) 7" x 1".  Wrap it around the card.  Do not make it too tight because it has to slip on and off the card.   Glue the ends together on the front side.  Cover the seam with a decorative element.  And you're done.  Did you notice the silver top on the ornaments?  I colored them with the Silver Stampin' Dazzle marker.

I hope you'll use these instructions to create your own Gift Card Holder.  If you do, leave a link in the comments so I can go see it.  If you don't have a blog or somewhere else online to post it, e-mail a picture of it to me and I'll post it.  Can't wait to see what you create!

P.S. Don't forget about the Late Night Stampers Treasure Hunt.  Prize is $150 in Stampin' Up merchandise provided by Sherrill Graff.  Updated list of participating demos is here.

$150 Treasure Hunt

I belong to several online stamping groups.  One of the groups -- Latenight Stampers -- is having a Treasure Hunt!  I kid you not.  It's more like a scavenger hunt in that you need to visit blogs and find clues.  But it's a Treasure Hunt because once you've collected 50 clues, you can be entered to win a $150 Stampin' Up shopping spree!    How cool is that!?!

Instructions:

* Go to the  'LNS Web Ring' page.  The tab is under the Home page tab (upper left).
* Visit the blogs listed and look for clues.
* Look for this symbol in a blog post:

 * If you see this picture, it means they are participating.
* It's my understanding that most of the blogs on the list will be participating, but it's possible that some aren't.
* Find their clue, which will be a Stampin' Up item.
* Make a list of clues and the blogs on which you found them.
* Once you've collected the 50 clues, email the list to Sue Root  (stampin_sue@nc.rr.com) by Wednesday October 30th, 2012 to be entered into the contest.
*Drawing will be October 31 and winner will be notified by e-mail.

Remember:  Your list must include the clues and the corresponding blogs.  Deadline is Oct. 30.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Let the fun begin!

Here is my clue:

Love that jar! Why buy just one when you can save on two? The Perfectly Preserved Clear Mount Bundle

Edit 8/22:  An updated list of Treasure Hunt participants is on the LNS Web Ring Page.

Not everyone has their clues up yet, so to help you get started, here are the ones I know so far that are ready.  As for the others, if they aren't there yet, check back later.

*  Sue Root -- http://stampin-with-sue.blogspot.com
* Sherrill Graff – http://latenitestampinwithsherill.blogspot.com

*  Deborah Smart – www.stampandcreatewithdeborah.blogspot.com

*  Brenda Hugar - http://brendasstampingcorner.blogspot.com

*  June Reister -  http://junescreations.blogspot.com

*  Jeannie Bushman - http://stampingingeorge.blogspot.com

*  Lori Witt – www.stampinwithlori.com

*  Trish Cortez –  www.astampinsole.com

*  Beverly Farmer - www.createwithbev.blogspot.com

*  Dawn Johnson – http://stampinwdawn.blogspot.com/

*  Laurie Reaume - www.stampwithlaur.blogspot.com
* Glenda Witt - http://graphicallyinking.artisteer.net
*  Penny Hanuszak - http://pennytokensstampinspot.blogspot.com/
*  Julie Fields - http://ribbonsnjulz.blogspot.com
*  Brenda Riehle - www.stampandscrapwithbrenda.blogspot.com

Googly Ghouls Halloween Card Kit

I know it seems early to be thinking about Halloween, but it really isn't considering you need to order supplies and have time to make your projects.  Besides, I'm already working on Christmas projects and I know some of you are, too.  Be sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post to see information about Halloween Cardstock Assortments that I'm selling.

Googly Ghouls Halloween Card Kit

Get all the consumable supplies needed to make 2 of each of the cards shown here (6 cards total).  Googly Eyes are included, even though they are not shown on cards (for all characters except the bat).

Cost:  $8 (includes envelopes)

Shipping extra if kit needs mailed.

Additional supplies needed:  Classic Ink in Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive; Adhesive; and Googly Ghouls stamp set.  If you choose to color Frankie as I did in the Old Olive card, you will need an Old Olive marker and a Basic Black marker.  However, you can just stamp him with Old Olive as in the Pumpkin Pie card with three characters.

Since the Old Olive ribbon is retired, these kits will be available while supplies last.  So contact me today to order yours.  Yes, you can order more than one kit.

Because many of you are ready to move on to Holiday cards (I know because you've told me so), I am not planning to offer a separate Halloween class.  This is your take home class.  I'll send you a .pdf with pictures of each card and hints for assembly, but for the most part you should be able to figure it out by looking at the pictures and matching up the card parts.  Of course, if you have questions, please feel free to ask.

Halloween Cardstock Assortment Packs

The colors you need to make your Halloween projects.

  

Each assortment contains 24 sheets and sells for the same price as buying a pack of cardstock ($6.95 plus shipping and handling = $8.17)

Assortment 1:  6 sheets Basic Black, 6 sheets Pumpkin Pie, 6 sheets Whisper White, 3 sheets Elegant Eggplant and 3 sheets Old Olive

Assortment 2:  6 sheets each of Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive

Assortment 3:  9 sheets Basic Black, 9 sheets Pumpkin Pie, 3 sheets Elegant Eggplant and 3 sheets Old Olive

Just let me know which assortment(s) you'd like.

Coffee Cup Punch Art

Today's card has punch art on the front and on the inside.  I made it for my Father-in-Law.  We wanted to give my him a gift card for coffee, but his main spot doesn't have gift cards -- so we improvised.

This card is actually 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (a full sheet of cardstock folded in half) so that it would be large enough to hold the cash (our solution to not being able to get a gift card).  I made the coffee mug on my own through trial and error.  The handle was made with two different sized oval punches.  I used the square lattice embossing folder and my Big Shot to give the mug some texture.  I also lightly sponged around the edges with Early Espresso ink.

I'm not sure what's up with my photography, but the card actually is straight and the sentiment actually is readable!  It's from Morning Cup and says,  "A morning without coffee...is like sleep!"

Here is the inside left panel of the card (empty and filled).  I've seen the travel cup idea several places (one of which was Inkspirations 4 U -- not really sure of the others, I just know they've been around).  The ones I've seen have all been stand alone gift card holders with lids.  I took what I remembered and then modified to get the size I wanted and didn't make a lid because I wanted it open.

If you use a gift card you could probably shrink everything down and make a standard size card.

One added touch:  I went to the bank and got brand new bills, so they were nice and crisp and all in sequential order.

August Stamp Set of the Month - Bug Me

Bet you were wondering about this month's Stamp Set of the Month.  With vacation and jumping right into classes when we got back, it never got posted.  Sorry about that.  Please contact me if you'd like to order the stamp set and accessory of the month (or anything else).

“Bug Me”

Accessory of the Month: Bitty Buttons

 

When you order the August “Stamp Set of the Month” Bundle, you’ll get a kit containing all of the precut pieces needed to make 6 of the cards shown above for FREE! Additionally, you’ll be e-mailed a PDF File that contains step-by-step instructions on how to make the card shown above along with 3 BONUS designs for creative inspiration on other things that can be done with the featured stamp set so you can see its versatility and get the most bang for the buck! Supply Lists are included for the bonus designs.

Want more precut pieces? No problem! When you order the Stamp Set of the Month Bundle, you can order additional quantities of precut cardstock pieces in increments of 6 so that you can make as many as you want to have on hand!

August Stamp Set of the Month WOOD Bundle: $21.90 + Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “Bug Me” stamp set in wood mount and 1 pack of Bitty Buttons plus the FREE kit)

 August Stamp Set of the Month CLEAR Bundle: $17.90+ Shipping and Tax

(Includes your order for the “Bug Me” stamp set in clear mount and 1 pack of Bitty Buttons plus the FREE kit)

Additional Quantities of the August Kit: $6 + Shipping (if not local) for every set of 6 cards

Other supplies you’ll want to order: Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, and Marina Mist Classic Ink Pads, Postage Stamp and 1 3/8” Square Punches, Lucky Limeade Bakers Twine, Dazzling Details, Whisper White Envelopes, Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Glue Dots, and Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Christmas Ornament

We made this ornament in the Holiday Catalog Kickoff class that I held on both Saturday morning and again today.  At both classes we had a great time creating and socializing.  This was designed as a Christmas ornament, but it could also be used as a fancy gift tag (which the recipient could then use as an ornament).

I started off by punching two scallops out of Always Artichoke cardstock with the 2 3/8" Scallop Punch (one for the front and one for the back).  I spritzed them with shimmer paint that I mixed with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.  After adhering Sticky Strip to the back of one of the scallops, I took half a width of 3 1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon and pleated it around the scallop.  On the front of the scallop I layered a Whisper White doily cut with the Delicate Doilies Sizzlit, a Cherry Cobbler button cut with the Sweet Buttons Embosslit and a Basic Rhinestone.  Then I attached a length of Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine and finished by attaching the second scallop to the back of the ornament (so the Baker's Twine is sandwiched between the two scallops).

Edit 8/19/12:  Some of the ladies in the class used the bigger, round button from the embosslit with a little bigger rhinestone.  That looked cute, too.  Also, a real button would look good.  I just didn't have 7 of  the same button in a coordinating color (to have enough for everyone), so I didn't go that route.  You could even use Baker's Twine tied in the button holes instead of using the rhinestone.  So many ideas.  Maybe I'll have to go make another!

Scentsational Gingerbread Giftcard Holder

I just have to tell you -- I am one lucky demonstrator!  I just love the ladies that come stamp with me.  I always have so much fun at classes, clubs and parties.  Yesterday was no exception.  The Holiday Catalog Kickoff class was a blast!  Lots of laughing, chatting and having fun.  And, of course, lots of stamping.  I'm sure tomorrow's class will be the same :)

We made three projects -- the Giftcard Holder shown in today's post, the card shown here, and a Christmas ornament that I will post tomorrow.

Here's the front of the Giftcard Holder, as it will look when given to a lucky recipient.

Just to give you an idea of how it works, here's the belly band that holds the Giftcard Holder together.

 This is the Giftcard Holder without the belly band -- a little plain, but still cute.

And this is the inside of the Giftcard Holder.  The part in the center is where the giftcard goes.  One of the stampers yesterday had the great idea to add gingerbread men and peppermints to the inside of the card.  They really add a lot.  The sentiment will go on the far inside panel (which is blank in this picture).

Supplies used:

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink:  Soft Suede, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories:  Basic Pearls,  Holiday Collection Framelits, Big Shot

Stamps:  Scentsational Season, Jolly Bingo Bits

Punches:  Word Window, 1 1/4" Circle Punch

Edit 8/22:  Gift Card Holder instructions are in this post.  Check it out and then make one of your own.

Perfectly Preserved Card for Holiday Catalog Kickoff Class

Here's one of the cards we are going to make tomorrow and Monday at the Holiday Catalog Kickoff Class.  There are so many incredible products in this new catalog that I've been having a hard time narrowing down which to use.  Luckily the next class is only a couple weeks away!  There is still time to register for this class and the next.  See details here and then contact me to reserve your spot.

The card uses the stamp set Perfectly Preserved and the Cannery Framelits.  This is such a cute stamp set and the framelits make it a breeze to cut them out with my Big Shot.  And how great is this?  You can buy both products as a bundle and save 15%.  Got tell you, I'm loving these bundles!  I'd be getting the items anyway, so the extra savings is just a bonus :)

I also used the Bitty Banners Framelits to cut out the sentiment and the border behind it and the DSP is from the In Color Patterns Pack.  It took me a while to warm up to Summer Starfruit, but I really like it now.  I think it's a great color for the pear.

Thanks for reading my blog today.  Hope you can make it to one of the upcoming classes.  I'm also getting ready to start a new round of stamp clubs, so if you'd like to take classes for free contact me to find out how (or see details on the Classes/Events page).

Edit 8/19/12:  Some of the stampers in the class were having a problem with the framelits sliding and then the image not being centered.  One of the ladies, Nancy Baker, suggested using an easily removable tape (Scotch tape type) to hold down the framelit.  It worked great.  Today I got a tip from another demo, Brenda Tapp.  She suggested using Post-It notes to hold down the framelit.  Sounds even easier than the tape.  Definitely going to try it next time I use my framelits.

Scentsational Season Gingerbread Card

Here is another card using the Scentsational Season stamp set and the Holiday Collection Framelits from the new Holiday Catalog.  This time I used the gingerbread men.

The scallop strip cut with the Tasteful Trim die really is on the card straight.  It's my photography that's a little off, lol.  I also used the Stripes Embossing Folder on the scallop strip.

You can get any of the items used on this card at my Online Store.

Scentsational Season Christmas Tree

Hi Stampers!  Sorry it's been a while since I've posted.  We were on vacation and the Internet was pretty spotty where we were.

Here's a card I made using the stamp set Scentsational Season and the coordinating Holiday Collection Framelits Dies, both of which are available in the Holiday Catalog.

One thing I really like about the new Holiday Catalog is that many items are available in bundles to save me money.