Nutty Notecards Class (updated info.)

Date: Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00.
Cost: $15
RSVP as soon as possible! I still have spots available.

Make this adorable box and 4 coordinating note cards that fit inside. Envelopes included!

Add on Options: Add the Acorny Thank You Stamp set and Acorn Bulider Punch (HC p 45) for only $30. Save $3!
Add a pack of Notecards and envelopes for only $6. Save $1.08!
RSVP and Payment due October 3.

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Stamp-a-Stack Samples

Thanks to those of you who attended my Stamp-a-Stack today!  I hope you enjoyed making your cards.  For those of you who couldn't attend, these are the last 2 of the 4 cards we made today.

The card on the left uses the Perfect Pennant stamp set  (item # 133227, $29.95 in wood or #133230, $21.95 in clear) which also coordinates with the Framelits set called Banners (item #132173, $26.95). We didn't use that on this card, though.  I added the Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape from the Holiday Catalog.

The card on the right uses the Calling All Heroes Photopolymer stamp set (item # 138002, $25.95).  This is such an adorable set for little boys or the super hero fans in your life!  It has so many stamps in the set that you can make an endless variety of projects with it.  This set is available in Photopolymer only.  Blocks A, B, C, and I are recommended.

Stamp-a-Stack October 5

Here are two of the cards we will be making at my October Stamp-a-Stack. The class is Sunday, October 5 at 2:00.  The cost is $15.  We will make a total of 8 cards--2 of 4 different designs.

Learn the Starburst technique and see how easy it is to create beautiful cards with the Work of Art stamp set (which is my personal favorite!). We will also be using the Calling All Heroes photopolymer stamp set to make an adorable card perfect for the little or big hero in your life!
As with most of my card classes, you will have the freedom to choose from various sentiments to make the type of cards you need most.

If you wish to attend the class, please RSVP and send payment by September 21 so that I have enough class kits prepared.  Don't forget to bring your own adhesive.

Swap sample #2

Here is another swap I made using items out of the new Holiday Catalog.  Yes, I know it's a little early for a Christmas card, but how could I pass up this adorable tree and matching punch?  You know you want it, too! 

This card uses the Festival of Trees photopolymer stamp set (#135059, $15.95) and matching Tree Punch (#135859, $16.95).  I love this set!  It has 5 different trees and a few different ways of "dressing" them up.  It only comes in the photopolymer set.  The "joy" stamp is from the Endless Wishes photopolymer stamp set (#136829, $15.95).

I also used the Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack (#135824, $6.95).  These little paper stacks are 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" and include 4 each of 12 double sided designs for a total of 48 sheets of paper.  I like to use these because they're cheaper than a full pack of designer paper and because I waste less paper when I cut into them.

Holiday Catalog is Live!

Today is the day!  You can begin ordering from the new Holiday Catalog!  You are going to LOVE everything in it.  Still need a Holiday Catalog?  Let me know and I can put one in the mail or you can pick one up if you're out my way.

My card today features some new items found in the Holiday Catalog.  I made this card for a demonstrator swap. 

I used the For All Things stamp set and the Color Me Autumn Washi Tape.  Once again, I focused on the new In Colors.  I just adore the new 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon that comes in all of the new In Colors.

The Blackberry Bliss background is embossed with the Fancy Fan embossing folder for the Big Shot.  I love how easy it is to make tags using our Tag Topper punches.  I used the Angled Tag Topper (#133323, $22.95).

Fun New Stamps!

 Images copyright Stampin' Up!

Hello ladies!  I wanted to share with you a couple of cards that I made a while back for my new catalog open house.  The new catalog is filled with so many new, fantastic stamp sets and accessories.  I had a hard time narrowing down my choices for my first order.

The card on the left uses the very versatile Work of Art stamp set.  There is so much you can do with the artistic elements in this set.  I've seen flags, flowers, and more made with the stamps in this set.  Super cute!  I focused on using the new In Colors on both of these cards.  I just love all of these new colors.  The Blackberry Bliss (background on the card on the right) is fantastic.  We really needed a color like that.

The card on the right uses the Blended Bloom single stamp along with our new Blendabilities--alcohol based markers.  I am new to these type of markers, but I must say with a little practice I have already improved.  I was never very good at making highlights/lowlights with my aquapainter or blender pen, but the Blendabilities make this all so much easier!  Another great feature of these markers is that you can color on top of our rhinestones, pearls, and buttons to make custom accents for your projects.  I used the Daffodil Delight marker to color the clear button on my flower.  You can find the selection on page 212 in the big catalog.

I will be having a series of Blendabilites workshops beginning in October.  Each class will teach you some tips for using Blendabilities.   Details will be coming soon!

Lunch Box Notes #1

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I participated in a Lunch Box Swap years ago and want to share them with you over the next couple of days to give you some ideas for your own lunch box notes.  These two samples above are "postcard" notes--meaning they don't open up like a traditional card.  The smiley face card has a fun shape and super fun googly eyes.  The balloons on the right were made by heating up some fun foam with your heat tool and stamping on the foam.  The sets used in these notes are all retired, unfortunately.  They are perfect for lunch box notes!

Don't forget about my Lunch Box Note class on August 9 at 7:00 pm.  We will make 5 notes for $10--you can see 2 of the 5 projects in the post below.  You can also sign up for an optional swap to get more fun notes.  RSVP is due by this Thursday, July 29.  Final total will be emailed out on Friday.

Pony Party

How fun is this stamp? It is part of the Pony Party stamp set found on page 86 in the catalog. It is a 2-step set that includes a unicorn horn, party hat, and wing images. I love line images like this because Kyle enjoys coloring them in for cards he gives out. This card was made for his friend Olivia for her 6th birthday. Kyle was clearly in a hurry when he colored this card, though!

I like to make a stack of 5 or so simple cards like this and pair them with a pack of crayons as an easy gift. Kids love them!

This is a little gift I made for Kyle's Faith Formation teacher. I used the new Awash with Flowers stamp set that will be available in the new catalog that comes out in July. It has been a while since SU! came out with such a fantastic 2-step stamp set. I just love this one! It is actually quite a large set with a total of 18 stamps. My club girls will be using it this month on their layout. I will post a picture of that soon.

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!

Melon or Bermuda?

So, I was working on putting together a Stamp-a-Stack for February, but now have to move it to March. This is one of the cards we'll be doing using the Sale-a-Bration set Happy Moments.You can earn this set for FREE when you make a purchase of $50 or more.

The card is a bit bright, but after all these dreary, snowy days I think it's perfect. I had a hard time deciding on whether to use the Melon Mambo ribbon or the Bermuda Bay ribbon. What do you think?

The fun designer paper you see in the background is from the 6x6 Welcome Neighbor paper pad that you can also earn for FREE in the Sale-a-Bration catalog. You can read more about Sale-a-Bration by reading this post.

Ribbon of Hope Class by Mail Kit

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of all women who have fought the battle against breast cancer, I am offering this Card Kit. I will be donating $2 from every kit sold to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

You can pre-order your kit until October 12. The kits will be ready for pick-up (or mailed for an additional $4) beginning October 20. I apologize for having the ready date so late in October, but this was a project I just decided to do after seeing some great samples by Patty Bennet and Jill Hilliard. Next year I will be sure to get my act together ahead of time!

So, what's in the kit? You have two options:

#1 Receive the supplies needed to make 10 cards (2 of 5 designs) plus envelopes--this includes the Big Shot pieces as well as all the various oval punched pieces. You will receive a printout with pictures of the cards and quick instructions on how to make each one. You will not receive the stamped images as this is against Stampin' Up! policy. You can substitute a stamp set you already have.
Cost: $15

#2 All the above plus the Ribbon of Hope stamp ($7.95) and the Thinking of You stamp set ($13.95) for $38.

You will need some basic supplies to complete the cards as instructed:
Paper cutter Adhesive, 2-Way Glue Pen, Melon Mambo ink pad, Stampin' Sponge Stampin' Dimensionals, Mat Pack (for piercing scallops and making holes for brads)

Teacher Gift

Kyle has just finished his first two weeks of kindergarten. He had a rough start at the beginning. He seemed nervous and would often tear up when he had to get in line to go inside the building. Each year, I like to give a small gift to the teacher as a thank you for all that she does and to let her know that we are looking forward to a great year.

I started buying some cute little teacher gifts at various dollar spots, bought a gift card to a teacher store, and had a fun bucket to put it all in weeks ago. Then Friday morning (when I had planned on Kyle giving his teacher the gift), I realized that I hadn't stamped anything for her! So, I quickly made this adorable box using the Fancy Favor XL die by Stampin' Up! Don't you LOVE the curvy top?

I used a retired apple stamp and made 6 little 3x3 cards to put inside it. I added simple greetings like Hello, Happy, and Thanks with the Fundamental Phrases stamp set. I also used my new Real Red Polka Dot grosgrain for the first time. This project took me all of maybe 20 minutes to put together.

One thing I really wish Stampin' Up! would come out with is a good selection of school themed stamps! I have a retired set that is okay, but I would love to see some new sets. This is a spinner card I made for a class a while ago. I used the Round Tab punch to make the apple shape. Isn't is cute?!

Sweet Treats!

I've mentioned that the Holiday Mini catalog has all kinds of great things in it that you will just HAVE to have. One of my favorite things in it is the Sweet Centers stamp set and the Sweet Treat Cups. You can put just about anything in the cups, as long as it fits. I've seen samples where people have actually made water globes with them.

While I love the stamp set and the fact that it takes care of at least 3 holidays, I love that you can use Sweet Treats cups without it. And, you can also use the Sweet Centers stamp set without using the cups!

So, how does it work? Well, you will want to use the 1 3/4" circle punch or the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Movers dies for the big shot to punch out the circle for the cups to fit in. You will want to cover the open back of the cups with either a square piece of cardstock or cut a 2 1/2" circle to cover it (and then trim the excess). Before adhering the cardstock backs, I like to use my Cutter Kit to make a perforated X on the back. This way, the receiver can easily punch in the back to get the treats inside!

Here are a few more samples:

I Can't Stop Myself!

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I am loving the My Digital Software! It is just so easy to use and so much fun. I couldn' resist sharing two more projects I made. The first is a photo card. The 2nd is a two-page 12x12 spread of Ansley's first birthday party.

Holiday Mini Sneak Peak

The new Holiday Mini begins today. You are just going to LOVE all the wonderful things in it! You should be receiving your Mini Catalog very soon. If you do not receive one by September 8 or are not on my mailing list, let me know if you would like a copy.

Demonstrators are offered a pre-order opportunity from the mini catalogs, so I ordered all kinds of fun stuff (as usual)! I signed up for a demonstrator only swap using stuff from the new mini, so here is one of the two cards I made. I'll share the other card with you another day.

This card uses a beautiful autumn leaf set called Autumn Splendor. I seem to be a sucker for leaf sets (worse than those darn bird sets!). I believe this is my 3rd or 4th leaf set I've purchased from Stampin' Up! I also used the Autumn Meadows designer paper and silver elastic cording found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The designer paper has this distressed, inky print to it, so I added that same effect using the Direct to Paper technique (simply rub your cardstock against your pad).

At the bottom of the card, I used a strip of the designer paper to make the folded band.

Flower Pot Pocket Card

I made this adorable card for my friend Jennifer's daughter's birthday. These are so fun to make. What I like is that you could also just put this straight onto a scrapbook page!

The pot was made by taking a 1/2 sheet of cardstock (hot dog style--4 1/4 x 11) and folding it in half. I used my paper cutter to make the two diagonal cuts that make the flower pot shape. I scored each end at 1 1/2" and then used the Scallop Edge punch on them. Adhere the flaps down with sticky strip. Adhere the sides to make your pocket. I ran my flower pot through my Big Shot with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder.

For the card insert, I cut a piece of 3 1/4 x 3 1/2" Chocolate Chip, and a piece of 3 x 3 1/4" Whisper White cardstock. This size will vary depending on how large your flowers are and how much room you need to write your message. I cut 3 flowers out using 3 different embosslits. Embosslits actually emboss and cut out the shape when you run it through your Big Shot machine. I just love them!

I also used the Little Leaves sizzlit and some rhinestone brads. I stamped the little ladybugs from Garden Whimsy on scrap cardstock and glued them to the flowers. I added a little Crystal Effects to give them some shine and dimension.

To get the flowers just right, insert the card into your pot. Use dimensionals to adhere your flowers on top of the card so they overlap the front of the pot a bit.

Upcoming Classes

Birthday Cards & Box

Use half of the Happy Bday Simply Scrappin' Kit to make 10 fantastic cards and a fun gift box to hold them in. 10 Small Open Ended envelopes included!

Date: Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $20 for half kit, $30 for whole kit (use the other half for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

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Dashing Thru Christmas Card Set

Make this beautiful set of 4 cards and a card packet to hold them in (or turn it into a treat bag!). Learn simple folding techniques and use my favorite embossing technique--Faux Diamond Dust!

Class fee includes the Dasher and Merriment stamps found on page 208 in the catalog.

Date: Monday, October 5 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $25, includes two stamps
Add a whole pack of Merry Moments designer paper for an additional $10 (use this for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

Not interested in Christmas Cards? You can choose to make a beautiful set of Autumn cards using the Autumn Splendor stamp set and Autumn Meadows designer paper. Cost is $30 and includes the Autumn Splendor stamp set.

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Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Class
Make 4 two-page layouts using this adorable Simply Scrappin' Kit. Leftover paper and stickers are yours!

Date: Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30
Cost: $30
RSVP & Payment due: October 12

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Fall Scrap Classes

While my clubs take a short break, I am holding two Scrap Classes. Come and make a two-page 12x12 layout for only $12 or place a $25 order. If I get enough people placing orders to receive hostess benefits, I will raffle off the benefits---one person will get the hostess $ and another will get the hostess set(s).

Space is limited to 8 participants, so RSVP early! I am working on the pages for these classes and will post them to my blog as soon as I get them finished.

October Scrap Class--12th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by September 14
***you can sign up for a Holiday page swap (Halloween and Christmas) due on November 9!
Read about swapping here.

November Scrap Class--9th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by October 12

More Cards

Here are a couple of more cards from my demonstrator
swap:

This card by Andrea uses the Kind and Caring Level 3 Hostess Set found on page 16. It also uses the fun oval frame Big Shot die.


This card by Scheli uses the Christmas Punch Level 2 Hostess stamp set. Isn't that snowman adorable? This stamp set coordinates with many of our punches: Large Tag, Boho Blossom, Scallop Oval, Curly Label, Wide Oval, and Scallop Square.

New Stuff--Part 4

More samples from my swapping group:

Oh, this card by Lynn uses lots of new stuff! The stamp set is my favorite level 2 Hostess only set called Wings of Friendship. It's not my typical style, but it must be because I still have love for Stampin' Up's stupid birds! Let me tell you, in real life, I DO NOT LIKE BIRDS! I actually have a bit of a phobia about them. Ask me to tell you about the times (yes, plural!) we had birds in our house and my little walk through the San Diego Animal Park's Lorikeet Landing.
Anywho---this card uses 3 of the new In Colors--Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, and Crushed Curry. Plus, the Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon, love it!


This card by LeeAnn uses the Circle Circus stamp set. I love the colors--Melon Mambo, Basic Black, and Basic Grey. Whisper White. I also like how she used the Jumbo Grommet (page 179) in the middle of the scallop circle and tied the ribbon through it.