November 17 Scrap Class

Make this beautiful layout featuring the Delicate Ornaments Thinlits set from the Holiday Catalog and our assortment of foil sheets.

Cost is $12 or free with an order of $ 30 or more ( before shipping and tax ).
Please RSVP by November 10 so that I can be sure to have enough supplies.

Mini Backpacks

I volunteered to make a couple of gifts for the teachers and staff at Kyle's school for Teacher Appreciation Week last week. I decided to make this adorable mini backpack that uses the Fancy Favor XL die for the Big Shot. This die is a MUST HAVE if you like to make mini boxes. It is SO easy to put together. I filled the mini backpacks with Hershey Kisses.

To make the backpack:

1. Use Big Shot to cut out one fancy favor box. I recommend using the Extended Premium Crease Pad for this! Do not fold or adhere box together, yet.
   
2. Cut a 3x3 piece of cardstock and rounded the edges of two corner. Score the straight edge at 3/4" and 1 1/4". This piece was adhered to the back of the box.
3. I attached my star punches to this piece before I adhered it to the box.
   
4. I used my Crop-a-dile to punch 2 holes through the lid and box-(I folded the lid at the crease so that I could punch through both layers.)
5. Punch 2 holes near the bottom corners.
6. Cut a 16 1/2" piece of ribbon.
   
7. Thread the ribbon through the top 2 holes on the lid. Be sure the ribbon is even on both sides and leave a little handle at the top for the backpack loop. Tie knots so the loop stays put.
8. Thread the ribbon through to the back of the box.
9. Thread the ribbon through the bottom holes.
10. Tie knots and trim.
11. Use Sticky Strip to adhere box.
12. Add Velcro dot underside of lid to close box.

Now, I just realized that you can see the ribbon that comes out of the back to look like the backpack straps! I'll take a picture of the back soon so you can see it.

Simple Paper Flowers

This is a page I did for a club swap a couple months ago. I used the fun paper pad that was available in the Occasions Mini. I sure hope SU! comes out with additional packs like this one. Anyway, I used my Inspired by Nature stamp set for the grass along the bottom. My paper flowers were made from various circle punches. After I punched each circle, I crumbled it up to give it some texture. The leaves were made with the circle punches, too.

It is neat the difference color makes. This next picture is the same layout, but with different designer paper. I had run out of Old Olive and Chocolate Chip, so I used what I had left---Certainly Celery and Close to Cocoa.

Shimmer Paint is 2 Cool!

This was my club layout for April. It is so much sparkly in real life! I used my Big Shot to cut my letters out of our Sticky Pages and added our fine glitter to it. I them made a glitter spray using alcohol and the Shimmer Paint that was available in the Holiday Mini.

Tip for using Sticky Pages: The Sticky Pages are just like using out Sticky Strip. When you cut peel both sides off the sticky part, it becomes very flimsy. I had a hard time getting my letters where I wanted them. So, for my club girls, I decided to back the letters in cardstock. Cut your sticky sheet to the size you want and peel off the white backing. Adhere the sticky part to cardstock of your choice and cut to size. Then run through your Big Shot. Peel off the red liner and add glitter. Then use your Snail to adhere the letters to your project.

The Shimmer Paint is still available to order. It comes in Champagne Mist (#116806), Frost White (#116854), and Platinum (#116807). I used the Champagne Mist. I bought a little spray bottle from the travel section of a drug store and filled it a little more than half way with rubbing alcohol. Then I poured some of the shimmer paint into it and shook it up. Maybe a teaspoon or two. Experiment with the amount of paint to get the look you want. The shimmer spray really pops on the dark black background.

March Club Layout

This one was of my recent club layouts. It uses the Things I Love stamp set that I earned for free during Sale-a-Bration as well as the new edge punch. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the punch right now, but if you missed out on earning it for free, it will be available in the new July catalog!

Using the matching corner punch along with the edge punch is a bit tricky, but I have found some tips from other demonstrators that might help you. First off, the paper you use has to be a specific size. Gretchen Barron figured out these measurements:

• 4 3/4" makes a square that has 10 scallops along each side
• 4 1/4" makes a square that has 9 scallops on each side
• 3 13/16" (just a hair bigger than 3 3/4") makes a square that has 8 scallops along each side. This is the size that fits perfectly into the guide that is printed on the Scallop Trim Border Punch and therefore makes this a great size to practice on. Once you get this size down, it will be easier to branch-off and make your squares smaller or larger.
• 3 1/4" makes a square than has 7 scallops along each side.
• 2 7/8" makes a square that has 6 scallops on each side
• 2 3/8" makes a square that has 5 scallops on each side
• And then, the original smallest square that I described above begins with a square that is 1 15/16" and uses only the corner punch.

You should punch all 4 corners first. Then use the punch upside down to line up the scallops. It can be a bit tricky, but I think the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Impressed with my Big Shot?!

This is a swap I made for a group of Demonstrators I swap with. It is a simple card using the Vintage Labels stamp set found in the Sale-a-Bration catalog. Yes, you can earn it for free when you make a purchase of $50 or more.

I used the Big Shot embossing folder called Elegant Bouquet. I love these embossing folders because they give such a sharp impression. Don't you love the wide striped ribbon? You can get it in 4 different colors---Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Basic Black. This will be another card we make for the SAB Stamp-a-Stack in March. More details will be coming soon!

Valentine Projects

Okay, ladies! I know I have been a total slacker about blogging. My downfall all started around Christmas when I became super lazy and started watching all kinds of Christmas movies. Then I started super couponing and have become completely addicted to it.

What is super couponing? Well, go to this blog and read all about it. I have been saving a TON of money using coupons and matching them up to sales. I have been getting all kinds of things free or nearly free by going to CVS and Walgreens and playing the "Drug Store Game." It really has been amazing.

Anyway, I am working on getting my stamping act together and sharing some projects that I did for Christmas and had planned on showing you as well as newer projects and classes I've been working on.

So, for today, I'll share the Valentine gift I made for Kyle's teacher. Isn't it adorable? I bought these pails at the $1 section at a local craft store. I used my Big Shot and raw Decor Vinyl to decorate it. I am so happy with how this came out.


Kyle and I also made his little valentines to pass out to his class. We bought heart shaped suckers from the Dollar Tree. He used the retired set, Wild About You to decorate the front. Mini Glue dots were used to hold the sucker on the cardstock. Tip: Kyle insisted his valentines have the bow tied around them like the example I showed him. Well, tying 24 ribbons around the little sucker stick was not going to be easy, so I decided to cut a short piece of ribbon and tie it into a know. Then I used a mini glue dot to adhere it to the stick. So much easier!

So, there---2 projects for you! Stay tuned for more posts this week! Happy snow day!

Snowman Box

This is the January project I made for Kyle's teacher. I have been sending her little gifts throughout the year with 3x3 note cards.

The box is made using the Fancy Favor XL die for the Big Shot. Isn't he adorable? The XL dies can be a bit pricey, but if you are looking for just one to invest in, I absolutely recommend the Fancy Favor die. I love it!

The little earmuffs were made using the Scallop Circle punch and some 5/8" Basic Black ribbon. I used the Paper Crimper to give the muffs some texture. I guess I could have used any of my texture plates for the Big Shot, too.
I kept the cards very simple and didn't even add a greeting this time. The snowflakes are from the Snow Swirled stamp set and were stamped in Not Quite Navy, Ballet Blue, and Bordering Blue.

Snowman Box Directions:

1. Cut one box from Confetti White cardstock using the Fancy Favor Die and Big Shot.
2. Use Sticky Strip to put box together.
3. Punch 5 black 3/4" circles. Cut the bottoms off 2 of them to make the eyes.
4. Add eye details using White Gel Pen.
5. Cut a 1 x 1 3/4" piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock. Cut it at a diagonal to make two noses.
   
6. Crimp nose with Paper Crimper.
7. Adhere face pieces.
   
8. Punch 2 scallop circles in color of your choice (I used Summer Sun). Crimp both pieces.
9. Cut an 8" piece of black ribbon and adhere to sides of box.
10. Place scallop circles on top of ribbon.
    

Club Christmas Gifts #4

Oops. I forgot to show the picture of the gift I won! Michelle made this adorable cocoa set from a photo storage box. Too cute!

Club Christmas Gifts #1

Ok, here are a couple gifts from our Club Christmas Party:

The first example is the gift I made. I used the Dasher Decor Element which is a Level 2 Hostess Only gift. I used the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Paper for the backing and some of the retired ribbon. I used my Big Shot to cut out NOEL from the same designer paper. I popped out the rhinestones from some Fire Circle Rhinestone brads and added them to the top of the glass with Mini Glue Dots.

This next gift was made by Jennifer. She bought the metal tub from Target and used the Big Shot and Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets to decorate it.

Don't forget!---From now until Dec. 22, you can purchase the raw Vinyl at a great discount in over 15 colors (as well as some Big Shot Dies). I am told that the vinyl will go through the Cricut as well as the Big Shot.

Jennifer filled her basket for a fantastic movie night! She even made some cute wraps for her microwave popcorn bags and 2 Liter of pop. So cute!

12 Days of Christmas Sale

Today Stampin' Up! has announced a 12 Days of Christmas Sale on select Big Shot dies and our fantastic raw Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets. Originally only available in Chocolate, Gray, and White, you can now purchase raw vinyl in over 15 more additional colors like Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Clear, and Chalkboard! So fun.

What in the world do you do with the raw vinyl you ask?! Well, you use your steel ruled Big Shot dies to cut fantastic shapes! You can cut the vinyl with the Original, Bigz, and XL dies.

The ornament you see here was made with Whisper White raw vinyl, SU Alphabet Simple Letters, Snowflake Sizzlits 4 pack. It also uses the NEW Real Red Satin Ribbon coming out in January (there will actually be 9 new colors!) and a yellow rhinestone brad (I popped out the rhinestone and attached it to the ornament with a Min Glue Dot.

Note: Sizzlits are intended to cut single sheets of paper and cardstock. Sometimes you are able to get them to cut a bit more. My Snowflake Sizzlit easily cut through the raw vinyl.

Here is a link to an Easter project I did last year where I used my Big Shot Serif Essentials alphabet and some raw vinyl to make personalized baskets.

Visit my website to view all of the selected sale items. You will click on SHOP NOW at the top right corner. Once my "store" comes up, click on "12 Days of Holiday Sales" from the list on the left. You have from now until December 22 to get these deals. Order by December 15 to get your order before Christmas!

Item	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$74.95	$59.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$21.95	$18.66
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$21.95	$16.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$21.95	$18.66
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$19.95	$15.96
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$32.21
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$39.95	$31.96
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$42.95	$36.51
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$15.95	$13.56
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
118797	n/a	So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118798	n/a	Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118799	n/a	Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118800	n/a	Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118801	n/a	Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118802	n/a	Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118803	n/a	Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118804	n/a	Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118805	n/a	Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118806	n/a	Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118807	n/a	Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118808	n/a	Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118809	n/a	Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118810	n/a	Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118812	n/a	Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118813	n/a	Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118814	n/a	Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118815	n/a	Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$14.95	$11.21

Quick & Cute Christmas Ornaments

Hi Ladies! Sorry for being away for so long. I am going to try to post some quick and easy projects over the next couple of weeks, so check back soon. I will also be posting additional information about my Super Stampin' Weekend on Wednesday.

These next two projects are a couple ideas I'm working on for my MOPS group craft. I'm not sure if either of these will be used, but at least I have something to share with you all!

The Snowman is a pocket ornament. It is made from a standard invitation size envelope and has a great pocket to hide some goodies.

The Snowflake ornament is made with the Snowflake die for the Big Shot. The stamped image is from the retired Deer Friends set, but you could substitute any image in its place. I sprayed the entire thing with my Shimmer Paint/alcohol mixture to give it some sparkle.

Shimmer Paint: Fill a small spray bottle about half way with rubbing alcohol. Add a couple teaspoons of shimmer paint (found in Holiday Mini) and shake vigorously. The best way to add the spray to your project is to spray it in the air and drag your project through the mist. This way your paper won't get too wet and the ink won't smear. As you can see from my sample, I didn't take my own hint!

Snowman Directions:

1. Seal your envelope and cut it at 5".
2. From the bottom, fold back to small triangles to give your snowman face some definition.
3. Cut a 4 1/4" x 1 3/4" piece of cardstock (Night of Navy) and stamp on it with a snowflake stamp of your choice (mine is from Christmas Punches hostess set).
4. Cut a thin piece of cardstock (Soft Suede) and adhere to bottom of stamped piece.
5. Adhere "hat" to top of snowman's head.
6. Punch (2) basic black circles with the 3/4" circle punch. Add details with white gel pen.
7. Adhere to face with dimensionals.
8. Cut a 6" piece of ribbon and tie a knot at one end.
9. Adhere your "scarf" to bottom of envelope.
10. Cut a triangle from orange cardstock and fold in half to make nose. Attach with Mini Glue Dots.
11. Make blush circles by sponging through a hole punched from your black eyes.
12. Add face features with black marker.
13. Punch two holes with your 1/8" handheld circle punch on the back side of the envelope near the edges and tie an 8" piece of cording through them.
    
14. Fill with a candy cane and candy!
    

I started making this JOY Pennant banner last year some time and just never finished it! I had all the pieces cut and everything. I happened to come across it again when my friend Jennifer came over and helped clean up my stamp room. The paper used is now retired, but wouldn't the new Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper found in the mini catalog look beautiful?!

The pennant is made by using the Pennant XL die for the Big Shot. The die also cuts the fun scalloped circles you see at the bottom of each pennant. The ribbon is from the Mistletoe ribbon found in the Holiday mini catalog.

I think I might jazz this up a bit by adding some rhinestone brads in the center of the small scallop circle and embossing the letters or use some red glitter. Not totally sure, but I'll have to play some!
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Choose Your Own Christmas Adventure!

I am excited to offer a new class on November 30. I am offering 3 different Christmas Projects that I couldn't fit into my Christmas Stamp Camp a couple weeks ago. You can choose to do one, two, or all 3 projects. Each one is priced individually. You may make up to two of each project. The class will begin as early as 5:00 for those of you who are able to make it then. The "normal" start time is 6:30 pm.

RSVP & Pre-payment is due by November 25.

Here are the projects:

Jingle All the Way Lighted Glass Block
Cost: $22 or $10 if you purchase your own glass block and lights
Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Details: I am giving you the option to purchase your own glass block and lights from a hobby store so that you can take advantage of any coupons or sales the store might offer. I am not able to use multiple 40% off coupons, so I'd have to pay full price. These are pre-drilled glass blocks.

The block I used is the mini, but you could definitely use the larger blocks. If you choose to purchase the mini block, you will want a string of 20 lights. If you choose the larger block, a string of 35 lights would work well. I will be purchasing the mini blocks for those of you who are paying the full price for the class.

Items to bring to class: Glass block and lights (optional), Stampin' Up! heat tool-- if you happen to have one!



JOY Wall Hanging
Cost: $8
Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Make this adorable hanging that uses a couple of Big Shot dies and the Merry Moments Designer Paper.

Items to bring to class: Paper Cutter, Adhesive





Box and Tags
Cost: $8
Approximate Time: 30-45 minutes

Learn to make this adorable see through box that will hold 40 Christmas Tags.

Items to bring to class: Paper cutter with scoring blade, Adhesive, Ornament Punch--if you happen to have one!

Lauren's Paper Display Board

Last December I held a class where we made paper display racks that hold your child's papers. You can see the ones the class made by clicking here.

Over the summer, Kyle's friend Austin and sister celebrated their birthdays at BounceU, so I made Lauren this paper display board using the fun and bright Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper. I used the Stampin' Up Beautiful Butterflies die for my Big Shot to add some fun and popped them up with Stampin' Dimensionals. The die cut letters are from the Stampin' Up Alphabet Simple letters dies. The ribbon used is the retired Purely Pomegranate Satin ribbon.

Deals of the Week #2

Oh, my! Such good deals for the BIG SHOT!! I can't believe it.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$25.99
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$5.99
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$25.49

Deal ends next Monday, October 19 at 11:50 am! Don't miss out!
Shop at my online store by clicking here.

Chocolate for the Teacher

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I made this cute little tin of candy for my son's kindergarten teacher. I found the tin in the Dollar Spot. I used the beautiful Autumn Meadows designer paper from the Holiday Mini to line the bottom. The tag is made from the Stampin' Up! Two Tags die for the Big Shot. I filled the tin with autumn colored Hershey Kisses and Resee Cups.

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I added a pack of 3x3 cards that I made using the Autumn Splendor stamp set also found in the Holiday Mini. The greetings are from the Fundamental Phrases stamp set. You might remember that I made another set of 3x3 cards for the teacher earlier in the school year. I plan on making a set for each season/holiday throughout the year.

Recipe
Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Fundamental Phrases
Inks: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Autumn Meadows DP (bottom of tin), Very Vanilla
Other: Dusty Durango Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon, Chocolate Chip Striped Ribbon, Linen Thread, Metallic Eyelets,

Pencil Holder

Images copyright Stampin Up!

I've made some pencil pouches before that are similar to the pixy stick holder found here, but saw this new version in one of the SU catalogs.

I cut a scallop circle from the large scallop circle die for the Big Shot from the Cast-a-Spell designer paper found in the Holiday Mini. I stamped some images from the Pirate Party stamp set in Basic Gray and Elegant Eggplant ink and layered it with some circle punches. I punched a 1/4" circle at the top and tied my Old Olive 5/8 grosgrain ribbon in a knot. To hold the 3 pencils together, I tied some black gingham ribbon around them. You will want to have your 1/4" hole at the top somewhat close to the top of the pencils so that they don't just fall out of your holder.

Stampin' Up! Build-a-Bear

Oh, my goodness! I am loving these new Build-a-Bear products in the new Holiday Mini! At first glance, I didn't think I would need these BAB dies for the Big Shot, but when I started seeing all of these adorable samples pop up, I knew I couldn't be left out of the fun!

To get started, you will want to order the Stampin' Up! Bear die (#117977) and the Beary Essentials die (#117978). The Beary Essentials die has the skirt, pants, shirt, jacket, and shoes. If you want a few more accessories for your bears, there are two sizzlits that have hats, bow, bags, etc. To make the fun patterned clothes, you are going to want the Pawsitively Prints designer paper (#118060). It has plaid, striped, argyle, and jean "material" that's just perfect for making clothes.

To make these super cute holiday bears, you can choose from the Beary Merry die (#117980) and the Kooky Spooky die (#117979). Or, do what I did and buy them all!

Pumpkin Treat Boxes

I made these cute little boxes for my clubbers. It was our last meeting of the round, so I wanted to give them something special. A few of the boxes had prize slips in them---free stamp sets, $10 gift certificates, etc.

I saw this idea for the box on another demontrator's blog, but can't find it now. The box was made using the Box #2 XL die for the Big Shot. I used the Wide Oval punch to make the window and covered it with our Medium thickness Window Sheets found on page 158. I used the Small Oval punch to make the pumpkin and the Swirls & Scribbles Sizzlit for the vine. I handcut the sign after stamping on it with the Sanded background stamp.