Nutz about Stamping

Sundays with Sizzix – “BOO” Wall Hanging

I sure wish Halloween was another week away because I am on a roll with ideas to share with you. Unfortunately today is the BIG day so I will share one final idea, using the Big Shot of course!

First a photo of the entire project followed by a list of supplies I used:

 

Basic Supplies:

Scrap Card stock: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Wicked Fun designer series paper

Punch: Bat

Accessories: Black Flourish jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Black satin ribbon, Spooky Night Rub-Ons, Snail Adhesive, Bone folder, Big Shot, Standard Cutting plates, Serif Essentials Alphabet, Top Note die, Raven Lace Trim, Crop-a-dile

Now a photo of each piece:

"B"

I added texture to the Cajun Craze 2 ½" circle using the Spider Web embossing folder

"O"

This piece is featured on the video tutorial below. I decided to add a bow using the Raven Lace Trim ribbon after the video was over to add that final touch!

"O"

I popped up the Basic Black 2 ½" circle using four Stampin' Dimensionals and used some left over Black Flourish jewels as a vertical strip inside the "O". As a final touch I added the bat image.

And now the video tutorial. Enjoy!

 

To hang the entire project, I used my Crop-a-dile to punch holes in the top and bottom of each Top Note and threaded the Basic Black Satin ribbon through. I then created a loop in the top, tied and knot and then it is ready to hang tonight!

Don't you think a Big Shot should be at the top of your Christmas Wish list this year? If so, have a look at how we can make your wish come true!

Happy Halloween!

Spooky Night Rub-Ons

If you have a "trick or treater" going out tomorrow night, or if you yourself are attending a Halloween party this weekend, I am sure you will be taking photos of the fun. Here's a very easy scrapbook page you can create to preserve the memories. I used left over card stock, Spooky Night Rub-ons and Black Flourish jewels and came up with:

 

My original design was an 8 1/2 x 11 page but when taking a photo I layered it onto a 12x12 Basic Black card stock sheet. You can decide what works best for you!

Supplies:

Card stock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Wicked Fun Specialty designer series paper

Punches: Bat, Designer Label

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals, Spooky Night Rub-Ons, Black Flourish Jewels

If you have left over Halloween products, try this page layout and have a Happy Halloween! If you don't, these products are still available for purchase until January 3, 2011!

 

Wicked Cool

This past year a group of my close friends went to see "Wicked" at the Durham Performing Arts Center. I was not very thrilled about going but I never turn down a play. Boy was I wrong about this one! It was fantastic and I RAVED about it for days and days.

This same group of friends also exchange Halloween cards every year because it is so much fun to do!  A few days ago one of these friends, who happens to be a customer of mine too, came over to pick up her order and just before she left handed me a Halloween card she had made just for me.

Check it out!

 

Is that not the coolest Halloween card? Wicked Cool, Waffle paper and Black Flourish designer jewels. She is one creative stamper!

Thanks for my Wicked Cool card, Laurie!

Autumn Days

I can't seem to think about Fall without thinking about Autumn Days, a stamp set that was introduced a year ago and a personal favorite for this time of year. So I pulled it off my stamp set shelves and created this fun card:

 

This is a tone-on-tone layout with the top More Mustard layed onto the main More Mustard card base but using Stampin' Dimensionals to separate the layers.

Autumn Days

Stamp Sets: Autumn Days, Curly Cute

Card Stock: More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Markers: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango

Ink: Early Espresso, More Mustard

Accessories: Scallop Ribbon punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Corner Rounder punch, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 2-Way Glue pen

If you would like to see some additional Autumn card ideas, why not book a private class for you and your friends? Contact me for my open dates.

Ronald McDonald House

You know that I volunteer each month at Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill and this month I had three other Stampin' Up! demonstrators also volunteer to come and stamp with the residents too! I was really excited about this as it is nice not only for the residents to see new faces as they stamp but also to have more than one card to create.

Some months we don't have a lot of people coming over to stamp and other months we do - it all depends on a variety of factors. This time was a low attendance month so we decided to make each other's cards and chat about how much fun it is to be a demonstrator while becoming better acquainted.

Here are two of the cards that the other Stampin' Up! demonstrator volunteers brought as projects:

 

 

And here is my card.

 

See how different they all are and how cute each one is? Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill is my way to give back, a way to make a difference in a person's life, if only for one evening.

Team Meeting Swaps

Last Sunday was our Stampin' Up! team meeting monthly gathering. We always have so much fun at these meetings, making new friends, learning new techniques, tips and tricks and swapping cards we made.

I always look forward to the team card swap because each member has a different creative style and each card exchanged is delightful. This month I remembered to take photos to share with you!

This is Taimara's card. Notice that she embossed the Basic Black layer and used Fang-tastic as the stamp set. Taimara speaks fluent Spanish so if you have Hispanic friends who would love to hold a Raleigh and area working in Spanish, I am happy to pass on their contact information to her.

 Denise embossed on her card too, using the Northern Flurry textured embossing folder from the Holiday Mini catalog. Denise also used Rhinestone Jewels and Silver Foil Smooch Spritz for added bling!

Kelly put a lot of work into creating her swap card, not only cutting out all the Paisley Prints leaves but also embossing the card base using the Square Lattice embossing folder.

Pam used Rejoicing in Christmas and the Northern Flurry embossing folder and added a shiny touch to the snowflakes by using Shimmer Paint.

And here's my card for the team swap. I created a variety of cards using the Spooky Night Rub-Ons and let each member pick which card she wanted. Here's one of them:

To see the rest of the cards I created using the Spooky Night Rub-Ons, go on over to my Facebook Business page and look under the photos tab!

We have a great time at our team meetings and I love to share business and creative ideas at each one to help my team members build their businesses. If you would like more information about becoming a Stampin' Up!demonstator, feel free to contact me.

Spooky Things Décor Elements

I have had so much fun this Halloween season creating some really fun decorations for my home. I saw this craft idea at Stampin' Up!s Convention this past summer and knew I wanted to create a similar idea this Fall to share it with you too:

Isn't that too cute for words? I found these pumpkins on sale at that big box store that begins with a "W". I applied the Spooky Things Décor Elements to each one in only about 10 minutes. I had a packet of the Black Flourish Designer Jewels so cut them into smaller pieces and applied them above the "trick" and the "treat". Then I set the set of three onto an end table in my living room along with the "Trick or Treat" Letterpress card I made last week.

I bet you could think of a few other fun Stampin' Up! products that could be added. Contact me to order your Spooky Things Décor Elements and you'll have a Halloween craft idea all ready for next year's holiday season!

Sundays with Sizzix: Box #2 XL die

Here's a fun and easy treat box idea for those special Trick or Treaters that will be coming to your door this Halloween. I used the Big Shot and Box #2 XL die, then decorated the box using the Spooky Night Rub-Ons. This new product is such a great value - you get four sheets of images that have a metallic finish to them and are very easy to apply to card stock:

What makes this box so simple to make? The few number of supplies needed!

Spooky Night Treat Box

Card stock: Basic Gray (5 ½ x 12), Old Olive scraps, Basic Black scraps

Accessories: Big Shot, 1 Extended Cutting pad, Extended Premium Crease Pad, Shim (if needed), Box #2 XL die #114518, Sticky Strip, Paper Snips, Spooky Night Rub-Ons #120989, Wide Oval punch, Snail Adhesive

And now for the video tutorial. Enjoy!

 

If you would like to order the supplies to make this fun box, email me at: [email protected] . Watch for another blog post using the Spooky Night Rub-Ons, coming this week!

Christmas Wish List

 

Now that my 12 Weeks of Christmas exclusive emails are underway I am sure you are getting some creative new ideas to try and are seeing lots of products you would love to have in your stamping room.

Well, why not let someone else buy those supplies for you?

Introducing my Stampin' Up! Christmas Wish List!

Here's how it works:

• Download my Christmas Wish List document and fill in the items you'd love to find under the tree
• Shop through the Idea Book & Catalog, Holiday Mini Catalog, and Decor Elements Catalog (click here to see the catalogs)
• Hand or email me your completed Wish List no later than December 8th
  
• Include the names and contact information for the friends & family you'd like to get your Wish List
• Tell your friends & family that I will be in contact with them
• Long distance orders to family are welcome!

And that's it! Let me be your Santa's little helper this year - send me your completed Wish List today!

 

 

Christmas Card Design Studio

Do you want to create your own Christmas cards this year but have no idea where to begin? Then take advantage of my brand new service:

Christmas Card Design Studio

Step into my Stampin' studio and we will work together to design the perfect card. Then we'll order the supplies you will need for as many cards as you want to create. After our time together, you'll leave with the design in hand and specific suggestions on how to complete your Christmas cards in a timely manner.  And wnen your supplies arrive, I will cut all your cardstock for you so you're ready to stamp!

Set up a time with me on Saturday, October 30th between 9:00 am and noon or Monday, November 1st between 7:00 and 9:00 pm so I can help design your personal Christmas card. You may bring ideas with you or look at my ideas and let me help you personalize it to your taste.

If you cannot come on those dates, please email me at [email protected] and we'll find a time that works for both of us.

Need your supplies shipped to you? No worries I can do that - there will be an additional shipping fee, otherwise my Christmas Card Design Studio service is free!

Get your cards in the mail by Thanksgiving and have a worry-free Christmas this year!

 

Just Believe

Do you have some left over Wicked Fun Specialty designer series paper and you have created all the Halloween cards you want to send out this year? Try this idea, a great way to think outside the box:

 

I made this greeting card using Just Believe (the image was embossed in black) and a strip of left over Wicked Fun Specialty designer series paper. Doesn't look like Halloween at all, does it? Yet it fits really nicely on this card because I added the strips of Basic Black above and below (using up left overs) and the Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon.

Notice, too, that I didn't add a phrase to the outside of the card. I deliberately did this so that I can use the card for whatever need arises. All I have to do is add a stamped phrase inside, sign my name and pop this cute card into the mail!

Your turn - pull out your pile of left over designer series paper and make your own "outside the box" card. Use your Color Coach to help you pick unique colors and let the creating begin!

Handmade Holidays (part two)

Yesterday I posted about Stampin' Up!s Handmade Holiday promotion amazing bundle special, designed to help you create beautiful handmade gifts for friends and family this Christmas.

I have designed the perfect classes to go along with this promotion:

Holiday Gifts & Crafts Class

 

Dates: Thursday, November 4th (7:00 pm) OR Sunday, November 7th (2:00 pm)
Cost: $30

Create beautiful holiday gifts and home decor crafts using Stampin' Up! fabric and other products. Class fee includes all products and supplies except Snail adhesive. 

Choose below:

Thurs., Nov. 4th (7:00 pm) $30.00 Sun., Nov. 7th (2:00 pm) $30.00

Register payment deadline: October 25th. Limited to the first ten participants who register with payment.

 

Holiday Bags & Tags Class

 

Date: Saturday, December 4th
Time: 2:00 pm
Cost: $25 - please bring your Snail adhesive

Click below to register for this class. Registration with payment due by November 25th.

Don't let the holiday season sneak up on you and leave you unprepared. Register today and get your holiday gift creating done early this year!

Announcing: Handmade Holiday Promotion! (part one)

 

About this time of year I start thinking about the handmade gifts that I want to make and how wonderful I feel when the friends and family receive these gifts. There are so many possibilities with all the different products Stampin' Up! has to offer and to help you make these purchases, I am excited to announce a brand new special: the ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday

A is for Amazing Cards! - I know most of you make your own holiday cards but have you thought of making a bundle to give as a gift itself?

B is for Beautiful Packaging! - You can create beautiful tags and present packaging worth of that perfect gift inside!

C is for Cherished Gifts! - Handmade gifts will hold a special place in the heart of those who receive them.

And here's a way for this holiday season to be perfect for you too - from October 19 - December 16, 2010 you can purchase select products at 20% off!

Click on the flyer below to download one to your desktop

 Bundles:

• Vintage Christmas Card Bundle (Wood $23.95, Clear $19.92)
  Bells & Boughs Set
  Deck the Halls designer series paper
• Contempo Christmas Card Bundle (Wood $20.72, Clear $17.52)
  Contempo Christmas Set
  Jolly Holiday designer series paper
• Tags til Christmas Bundle (Wood $3832, Clear $31.92)
  Tags til Christmas Set
  Decorative Label punch
• Gift Packaging Bundle (Wood $26.32, Clear $19.92)
  Gifted Set
  Mini Lunch Sacks
• Simply Adorned Gift Bundle ($39.88)
  Charming Set
  Simply Adorned 1 x 1 1/4" Charm
  Simply Adorned 24" Chain
• Frame Gift Bundle ($19.92)
  Definitely Decorative Chunky Frame
  Small Chocolate Chip Dotted Fourish Decor Elementsto download the Bundles list.

Click here to download a Handmade Holidays bundles handout - complete with photos!

 Contact me at [email protected] to place your order today. Save 20% on products for creating cards, gift packaging and gifts. It's as easy as ABC with Stampin' Up! this holiday season!

Check back tomorrow for my Holiday Gifts & Crafts Class!

 

 

Color Coach

Have you seen this wonderful new tool, called the Color Coach?

 

The Color Coach will help you put together custom color schemes to express your unique creativity. Whether you want a quick reference of all colors in a collection, a card for every color, or blank cards to record your own color combinations, this swatch book Is for you!

■ Includes 55 double-sided cards with removable metal post fastener
■ Includes color theory cards and individual color swatch cards
■ On individual color cards, one side shows color, the other side lists coordinating colors

The Color Coach even comes with add-in cards for the new In Colors!

I use the Color Coach when I want something completely different from my "norm", when I want to use up a color but are sure what colors coordinate with it or when I want to explore color theory. I always end up with a unique card that receives very positive comments.

Ask me to see the Color Coach - this is a great "must-have" tool for all card makers, scrapbookers and paper crafters!

Sundays with Sizzix: Leaves #2

Now that the air is chilly and the leaves are starting to turn, thoughts turn to Fall and all the wonderful photos that can be taken during this time of year. Here's an easy page you can create using your Big Shot:

Paisley Prints Scrapbook Page

Stamp Set: Paisley Prints #121121 (Clear Mount) - page11 in Holiday Mini catalog

Ink: Versamark

Card stock: Crumb Cake (12x12, one piece ½ x 10, one piece ½ x 8 ½"), Riding Hood Red (8 ½ x 11, two pieces 2" square – cut diagonally to create four corner triangles), River Rock (11 ½" square, 4 ¼ x 5)

Accessories: Big Shot, Platform, Standard cutting plates, Square Lattice embossing folder, Leaves #2 die, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Clear Block D

And now for the video tutorial. Enjoy!

 

 

If you want to place an order for the products used to make this page, please contact me at: [email protected]