It's A Wrap Candy and Card

I wanted a small gift of candy and a coordinating card, so I used It's A Wrap Holidays and Circle Circus.  The stamps from It's a Wrap Holidays are the perfect size to cover Hershey's Nuggets (and when it comes to candy, you really can't beat chocolate!).

The four wrapped nuggets were loaded into a Stampin' Up small cellophane bag.  I used the Top Note die for the topper and attached it with Sticky Strip.  I stamped the 4 YOU image on another piece of Whisper White card stock and punched it out with the 3/4" circle punch.  I attached the punched circle to the image stamped on the topper with a Stampin' Dimensional, rotating it so that the words were upright.

Ink:  Night of Navy

Cardstock:  Night of Navy, Whisper White

Other:  Card: Silver Brads

Candy:  Cellophane Bags, Top Note die, Hershey's Nuggets



French Foliage and It's A Wrap Holidays

It's a Wrap Holidays is not just for wrapping Hershey's Nuggets -- though the stamps are sized perfectly to do just that.  I used the set, along with French Foliage, to create today's card.

Cardstock:  Naturals Ivory, Soft Suede (textured), More Mustard

Ink:  Soft Suede, More Mustard, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green, Sahara Sand



French Foliage cards using Simply Scored

Have you seen the new Simply Scored tool?  I love it!  Makes scoring cards, boxes and other 3-d items so easy!  I'll be posting more projects using the awesome tool in the near future.  Today's cards use the Simply Scored to create the look of tiles.

We made the top card at the recent "Share the Wealth" party that I had.  If you missed it, you missed a good time.  Hopefully you can join us at my next event!

The bottom card is a simpler version.  It's cute for a quick notecard, but the twine in the top card really steps it up a notch.  I like the addition of the rain splotches in the top card, too.



Both cards:

Cardstock:  Naturals Ivory, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler

Ink:  More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede

Stamps:  French Foliage

Top Card also uses Hemp Twine and Sahara Sand ink

To create the tile look:  Use the Simply Scored tool to score top layer at 1/2" intervals both vertically and horizontally.  Stamp on the side where the score lines are inverted so that they give the look of the grout lines. 

Digital Scrapbooking Day

Visit MyDigitalStudio.net November 4-7 and get free digital downloads.  These downloads can be used in My Digital Studio (a very cool digital crafting program offered by Stampin' Up).  However, the downloads are also compatible with most other design software.

Digital Scrapbooking Day is November 5, but Stampin' Up will keep the celebration going from November 4-7! The event will include free downloads, blog posts with exciting project ideas all weekend long, and the announcement of the 2011 My Digital Studio Contest winners.
Here is just one of the images you can download for FREE! 

There are four downloads total and each has multiple parts.

Hope you enjoy the fun at MyDigitalStudio.net!  If you have questions about this event or the My Digital Studio software, please contact me.  I'd be happy to hear from you!

(Remember, these are only available for FREE from Nov. 4-7! 

On Nov. 8, they will be added to SU's product offering for purchase.)

November Happenings and two Birthday cards

Hi Stampers!  Just wanted to fill you in on what's happening:

1)  Saturday, November 5th I will be having a "Share the Wealth Party."  See the Classes/Events page for details.  Hope you can make it!

2)  Hostess Bonus:  From now until Dec. 15 earn an extra $35 in hostess dollars with a party of $350 or more.  Click the button on the left for more details.

3)  Free Big Shot:  Sign up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator and get a free Big Shot (or $100 shopping spree).  Hurry, offer ends November 11th!  Click the button on the left for more details.

Now a little inspiration, two cards using the same colors and same stamps in a little different way:

Both cards use Wisteria Wonder ink and card stock, Whisper White card stock, and the following stamp sets:  Elements of Style and Sincere Salutations.

The top card also uses Stampin' Dimensionals to lift up the top layers.

The bottom card also uses the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. 

NC SU Demonstrators Holiday Blog Hop 2011

I'm so excited to be part of the very first North Carolina Demonstrator's Blog Hop!  Follow the links to see an assortment of projects created by several talented Stampin' Up demonstrators, using products from the current Holiday Mini Catalog and this year's Idea Book and Catalog.

Both of my projects use the Bigz L Holiday Stocking Die.

The first project is a gift card holder.  The picture on the left shows the stocking with the gift card tucked away completely.  This allows the gift to be a secret until it is removed.  The picture on the right shows the stocking hanging from a hook on my hearth with the gift card sticking out - also a fun way to present a gift card.

I used the Big Shot to cut two stockings in Whisper White and the other pieces in Real Red.  The stockings were texturized using the Square lattice Embossing Folder.  You can see it better in the left picture, but I think it makes the stocking look quilted.  I added the red accents to each stocking and then used a thin bead of Tombow adhesive to attach the outer edges of the stockings to each other, leaving the top open.  This made the pocket to add the gift card (or cash or any other thin item) to.

The holly leaves were made with the Large Oval Punch, which I folded in half.  I then used the 1 1/4" Circle Punch and Paper Snips to shape the leaves.  The berries were punched with the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.  I added the Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon so the stocking could be hung.  How cute would they be hung on a Christmas tree?

My second project is a Christmas card.  I folded the card stock in half and lined it up just inside the top cut of the stocking die.  This left one long piece that folds over to make the card.  I made the cuff the same way, but made the cuff narrower.  This not only fit the card better since the cuff needed to line up with the top of the card, but by modifying the size the card can now fit in a Medium Square Envelope (p. 182 of the IB&C).

I used the Textured Impressions Designer Frames Embossing Folders Set to add the oval the card.  I stamped the image from Word Play and then punched it out using the Extra Large Oval Punch, which fit perfectly in the embossed oval.

This die is so full of possibilities.  Imagine making the gift card holder with Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.  Or make fabric stockings with felt or Designer Fabric.  Fill with a little candy and you have a cute gift for a teacher or classmates.

This die isn't limited to Christmas, either.  What about a baby bootie?  How cute would that be at a baby shower?  I'll try to get some other ideas posted over the next couple of weeks.  Be sure to check back to see what I come up with.

www.makelifecreative.blogspot.com



I hope you've enjoyed this stop on the NCSU Demo Holiday Blog Hop.  Thanks for stopping by!  Click on the link above to go to the next blog to see more great projects (Tiffanie Doyle) or the link below to go back to see the variety of projects at the previous blog (Sharon Maranich).

http://inkiefinger.blogspot.com/



Happy Stamping!

NC Demos Blog Hop

First off, let me apologize for neglecting my blog for so long.  I have been struggling with some health issues which have prevented me not only from keeping up my blog but from even being able to do much stamping.  As much as I love stamping and hate not being able to do it, even worse, I have had to miss family events and my kids' activities.  And anyone who knows me knows how hard that's been.  I appreciate my customers who have stood by me during this difficult time and hope that those of you who have followed my blog in the past will continue to do so.  Hopefully after the first of the year things will be a little more back to normal.  Until then, I'll try to post as I am able.

Now, for some exciting news....

On Sunday, October 23, I will be participating in the first ever NC Demos Blog Hop.  This will be an exciting opportunity to see the creative work of several demonstrators from North Carolina.  They will be sharing projects usings products from the current Holiday Mini Catalog and this year's Idea Book and Catalog.  You won't want to miss it!

Wish Big Pennant

Here's another card made with the Petite Pennants Punch.  I used the Wish Big stamp from Word Play.  I inked each letter of wish separately and stamped them out with the punch.  The pennants are strung on white baker's twine that I dyed Elegant Eggplant.

Awash With Flowers using In Colors

Sometimes you just need a quick, simple card that's still cute.  I stamped two flowers using the set Awash With Flowers then cut out an embossed scallop square to use as a vase (or planter).



Awash With Flowers is a two-step stamping set, so I stamped the outline and then the color for the petals separately.  I used a separate stamp for the stems.  This gave me the flexibility to angle the stems the way I wanted them.



Calypso Coral Daisy Die

I recently bought the Daisies #2 Die and this is the first card I made with it.  The center of the flower is a glimmer brad.  I love the sparkle that glimmer brads add.

Remember, you can order the supplies used in this card or any other Stampin' Up products here or by clicking on the the Order Online button.  Once you get to my demonstrator website, click Shop Now.

Engraved Greetings in In Colors

Engraved Greetings is retired, but I still love this set.  It makes an elegant thank you or birthday card in a hurry.  If you didn't get this set before it retired, I happen to have a brand new one that I'd be happy to sell you.  Just let me know.

The top card uses the Sweet Button Embosslit which is great for making your own embellishments.  You can make cardstock buttons in any color you want to match your project.  On this card I made the "thread" with my Island Indigo marker, but on other cards I have used my 1/16" circle punch to punch out the holes and then used Linen Thread or Baker's Twine.

Flower Garden Embossing Folder with Four Frames

This card is similar to one I posted back in May.  To show you how versatile this layout can be, I used different ribbon and different stamps (Four Frames and Teeny Tiny Wishes).  The ribbon has retired, but you could use 5/8" satin ribbon in its place.



Petite Pennants Punch Baby Card

I used the Naturally Serif Decoritve Strip with my Big Shot to cut out the letters and then layered them on pieces punched with the Petite Pennants Punch.  I stamped the background with the bear from Family Accessories (which coordinates with All in the Family).  The Designer Series Paper on the pennants is from the Brights Patterns Designer Paper Stack.

Petite Pennants Punch Ice Cream Cone

I used the Petite Pennants Builder Punch to make an ice cream cone.  I've seen it done with the the coordinating stamp set (using the straight edged pennant) and Cupcake Builder Punch, but this is done with the scalloped pennant for the cone and uses the Scallop Circle Punch for the ice cream.

The Square Lattice Embossing Folder makes the cone look like a waffle cone and also gives texture to the background of the card.  I used Stampin' Pastels and Sponge Daubers to randomly add very light color to the raised embossing.  A Texturz Plate was used to add swirls to the ice cream.  The ice cream cone is layered on the larger scallop square from the Scallop Squares Duo die.

The sentiment comes from Sunny Fun.  I inked half of it up with my Island Indigo Stampin' Write marker and stamped it.  Then I cleaned the stamp and inked the second half of the sentiment so I could stamp it under the first half.  I punched it out with the Oval Punch and layered on the Scalloped Oval Punch.

Cardstock colors used:  Whisper White, Island Indigo, Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede.

Plant Hope in In Colors

Hi stampers!  Sorry it's been so long since I posted.  I've been on vacation to Michigan.  We went to my good friend's graduation party (she got her Ph.D. -- congratulation Melissa!) and had a great visit with family.

This card uses the stamp set Plant Hope.  I wanted to use some of the new In Colors and thought of this set.  I also used the larger scallop square from the Scallop Squares Duo die.

Pennant Punch Party Hats

I have been having so much fun with the new Petite Pennants Punch.  I love being able to use a punch for more than it's intended use and this one is easy to do that with.

I punched the hats from Whisper White cardstock with the Petite Pennants Punch, then used the Confetti stamp set to stamp them with various festive colors and designs.  I used the flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to punch the pom poms in coordinating colors and I added a basic rhinestone in the middle of each.  I used the Birthday Builder Wheel along the bottom because I wanted the Happy Birthday to be big and bold.



Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Hope you enjoyed today's share.

Flower Garden Embossing Folder in Frame

I ran Calypso Coral and Island Indigo through the Big Shot using the Oval Scallop Frame die.  The Calypso Coral oval was then embossed with the Flower Garden Embossing Folder.  The Whisper White background was embossed using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I attached the Calypso Coral oval inside the Island Indigo scallop frame and tied Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon around it.  Then I used Stampin' Dimensionals to attach it to the card base.  I used Stampin' Pastels to add a little color to the raised flowers.  It's kind of subtle, but I like the effect.



Petite Pennants Punch Card from Open House

Thanks to those who came out for the Open House this morning.  If you missed it, you missed a good time.  We checked out the new catalog, talked stamps, ate muffins, went through the retired stamps I'm clearing out, and made this cool card:

It features 4 of the 5 new In Colors and the new Petite Pennants Builder Punch.  The design on the pennant was made with the stamp set Confetti.  The Happy Birthday is from On Your Birthday.  The background was embossed with the Big Shot using Texturz Plates and the pennant was attached with white Baker's Twine.  I untwisted the Baker's Twine to make it easier to thread through the holes made with my 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch.  The top two corners of the Pool Party layer were rounded with the Corner Rounder Punch to tie in with the pennant and the bottom two corners were left squared to coordinate with the banner.

We also learned how to make the banner.  I'd tried this once before, but it's the first time I've shared it at an event.  Punching the ends was much easier with the Petite Pennants Builder Punch than the way I did it before.  If you look, you can see the shadows where the banner goes up and down to make it appear wavy.

See, you never know what you'll miss at one of my events.  I'm having a class later in July.  I'll post details soon.  You won't want to miss it!

New Catalog Open House this Saturday

The New Catalog Open House is this Saturday, July 9th from 10:00am to noon.

Make a card (FREE)

See the new catalog

Get your own catalog (FREE or minimal cost - contact me for specifics or find out at the Open House)

See Samples

Purchase Retired Sets

Socialize with other stampers

and more...

Bring a friend who is new to me and you and your friend will receive a gift from me.

Please RSVP so that I have enough supplies prepared!

Hope to see you Saturday!!

Can't make it to the Open House?  I'll be placing an order later in the day, so if you want to join the group order (main bonus:  save on shipping if your order is less than $69.95), call or e-mail your order by Friday night.

Remember, you can always order online anytime.  Just click the Order Online button at the top of the right side column.

New 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catlog is here!

It's here!!  The 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalog is now posted online:

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-US/20110601_lkjds_ibc/

And did you know that if you go here on my website that you can find links to all current catalogs, plus the recipes for the projects in the catalogs.  It's a great resource if you want to try to create any of these projects for yourself.  Of course, you can always ask me, but sometimes it's nice to just have that info available when you want it.  (You can also download a .pdf file from here in case you can't use the Flash version in the top link.)