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,

Skittles Pouch

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

This is a quick and easy little pouch that will hold snack size Skittles, M&M's, and Resee's Cups.

Directions:

1. Cut an 8 1/2" x 3 1/4" piece of cardstock. Score at 4 and 4 1/2. Fold along score lines.
2. Use Scallop Edge punch along top edges, if desired.
3. Adhere a 3 x 3 1/4" piece of Designer Paper to the front.
4. Use Horizontal Slot punch or a circle punch, to make space to tie your ribbon through/
5. Embellish with stamped image(s) as you wish.

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.

On to Halloween Projects!

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

It's that time of year---fall and Halloween time! I am going to share some quick and easy projects that can be made for your your family, co-workers, or as class treats. I haven't decided exactly what I am going to make for Kyle's class this year. Here's a quick project that can be adapted to any size candy bar.



Isn't it cute?! This is a giant Hershey's bar. I wrapped a 6 3/4" x 8" piece of Cast a Spell designer paper (found in the Holiday Mini) around 4.4 oz candy bar. I adhered it with Snail. Now that Kyle is a bit older, I'm finding that I need more "big boy" stamp sets. I bought the set Just Jawing to use when I thought Kyle was having a Pirate party. It can seem a bit "girly", but you can always cover the heart eyes with punched stars or circles.

I colored the eyes with my Elegant Eggplant marker and then added some fun purple glitter from the Fine Cosmo glitter collection. Just be careful where your glue goes because unlike Dazzling Diamonds glitter, the colored glitter is very noticeable!

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)

More Club Swaps

Here are 3 more swaps from Club:


Made by Michelle


Made by Kimberly


Made by Leslie

Previously Owned Stamp Sale

Yes, it's that time! I am having my Previously Owned Stamp Sale (formerly known as Used Stamp Sale, but since not everything is actually used, I changed the name)! I have over 100 sets for sale as well as retired Simply Scrappin' Kits, ribbons, die cut boxes, Designer Paper, etc.---all at an excellent price! Don't miss out. Invite your friends and get here early!

Times:
Friday, October 2 ---6:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 3 ---1:00 - 3:00 pm

I price my sets and retired accessories at a pretty good price, but this year I am adding an extra incentive:

When you place an order on the day of the sale, you will receive 20% of your order (*before shipping and tax) in Stampin' Bucks. You use these Stampin' Bucks to purchase any of my used/retired items for sale. So, if you were to place an order of $25*, you would get $5 in Stampin' Bucks to spend.

*All orders will be placed together and shipped to my Miamisburg home. You will be notified when you orders are available for pick up.
*Stampin' Bucks earned must by used by the end of the sale on Saturday.

Club Swaps

Here are a few swaps from our last Scrappin' Club meeting:

Made by Jen


Made by Pam:


Made by Connie:

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.

Scrapbook Swaps

Over the next couple days, I am going to share some of our club swaps with you. One of the best things about being a member of one of my Scrappin' Clubs is swapping with the other members.

Each person designs a layout using only SU! materials and makes one for each person in the club. So, each month the club members go home with 9 two-page layouts (number varies according to number of ladies in the club)--one that I designed for them to make at the club meeting, one that they made, and 7 more from the other members. Swapping makes keeping up with your scrapbooking super easy!

These are the swaps I made for this month. I made a "girl" and "boy" version. I used the Extreme Elements stamp set and the Extreme Guitar stamp. The title was made using the Serif Essentials alphabet and the SU! Simple Letters alphabet dies for the Big Shot.

Made by Jennifer:


Made by Claudia:

Soccer Treats

I made this adorable little box to hold the treats for Kyle's soccer team last week. I used the Fancy Favor box XL die for the Big Shot for the first time and I LOVE IT!! It has now become my favorite new die--at least until my next post about the Big Shot.

When you use a die with score lines (any dies that make boxes), you want to use it with the Premium Crease pad. We have two sizes--one for the Bigz dies and one for the XL dies. The job of the crease pad is to make sure that score lines are scored while cut lines are cut. It also gives a good crisp crease on those score lines. If you use a regular cutting pad on top, your score lines may be cut through.

I used the Just Soccer stamp set along with the new Extreme Elements stamp set. I love this set and have used it on my last 4 projects. I'll show a scrapbook page I made with it tomorrow.

Here is another idea using the box. I used my Horizontal Slot punch to make an opening for my ribbon to close the box. I made this box for Kyle's kindergarten class for his birthday treats. The dinosaur stamp set retired with the last catalog. It's called Prehistoric Pals.

Club Layouts

I was just thinking the other day that I never showed my club layouts. This month my club of 12 ends. They're actually two clubs of 6 that meet on the same night. Instead of everyone trying to do the same layout, I had 3 tables with a a different layout on them. Each month, they went to a different table. I try to show my girls a new technique or product with each layout.

The Autumn layout has all kinds of stuff going on. I used the Big Shot to make the leaves and title. I just love the new Simple Letters alphabet dies. I showed the ladies how to do the Poppin' Pastels technique for the stamped leaves on the tree. I also used the Basic Jumbo Grommets and larger eyelets. I LOVE the Autumn Traditions designer paper.

This next layout is my Scrap Map layout. I make up a scrap map and they choose the paper, stamps, and embellishments they want to use for their layout. Although, I think most of them chose to make the "girly" pages using the bright and fun Kaleidoscope Designer Paper. The green pages use the new Greetings. Earthing stamp set and some retired designer paper.

These last two layouts were very simple. My ladies don't like to take too long on their pages, so I've been trying to reign myself in and make simpler pages. I wanted to showcase the new In Colors. I let them choose between the two color schemes. I think, again, the "girly" page was the favorite.

My Digital Studio--questions answered

Well, I hadn't planned on a post today, but I've been playing so much with My Digital Studio, that I have more pages to share with you.

To answer some of your questions about My Digital Studio:

1. When can I order it? You can purchase the program beginning October 1. The price is $79.95.

2. Do I have to by the whole program if I like what I'm already using? If you already have a digital program that you use, Stampin' Up! will have individual downloads available. These downloads range in price from $1.95 - $14.95. Programs that support .jpg and .png files and layers will work with these downloads. You can order these downloads from my Stampin' Up! website: www.carrieclary.stampinup.net beginning October 1.

Here's a list:
118847 MDS DWNLD - BRADS ALL CORE COLORS $3.95
118866 MDS DWNLD - BUTTON BOUQUET $3.95
118867 MDS DWNLD - BUTTON LATTE $3.95
118849 MDS DWNLD - CARD STOCK PLAIN (ALL CORE COLORS) $3.95
118854 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS BLOOMS $4.95
118855 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS BROCADE $4.95
118856 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS DISTRESSED $4.95
118857 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS DOTTED STRIPE $4.95
118858 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS GRID $4.95
118859 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS LARGE POLKA DOT $4.95
118860 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS SCRIPT $4.95
118861 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS SMALL POLKA DOT $4.95
118862 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS STRIPE $4.95
118848 MDS DWNLD - EYELETS (ALL CORE COLORS) $3.95
118465 MDS DWNLD - HAPPY BDAY DIGITAL KIT $14.95
118863 MDS DWNLD - HARDWARE SHINY SILVER $2.95
118864 MDS DWNLD - HARDWARE VANILLA $2.95
118466 MDS DWNLD - HOPPY MEMORIES DIGITAL KIT $14.95
118853 MDS DWNLD - PUNCH SHAPES $3.95
118851 MDS DWNLD - RIBBON ALL CORE COLORS $3.95
118852 MDS DWNLD - RIBBON KNOT ALL CORE COLORS $3.95
118850 MDS DWNLD - ROUND BUTTONS (ALL CORE COLORS) $3.95
119098 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - A LITTLE BIRHDAY CHEER $1.95
118823 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - ABC ALPHABET LOWER $7.95
118825 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - ALL HOLIDAYS $5.95
118819 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - ALL SCALLOPS $3.95
118843 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - BAROQUE MOTIFS $3.95
118833 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - BIG BOLD BIRTHDAY $7.95
118820 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - CERTIFIED $3.95
118834 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - CHEEP TALK $5.95
119836 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - COPYRIGHT STAMPS $0.95
118844 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - DEFINE YOUR LIFE $7.95
119099 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - EXTREME ELEMENTS $1.95
118835 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FAVORITE THINGS $3.95
118836 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FOR ALL YOU DO $5.95
119104 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FRAMES WITH A FLOURISH $3.95
118829 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FRIENDS 24-7 $3.95
118824 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FUNDAMENTAL PHRASES $7.95
118837 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - GOOD FRIENDS $5.95
118830 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - GREATEST MOMENTS $5.95
118831 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - HEARD FROM THE HEART $5.95
118838 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - HOPPY MEMORIES $3.95
119095 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - HUGS AND WISHES $3.95
118839 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - INTRODUCING $1.95
119097 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - NURSERY NECESSITIES $7.95
119094 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - OLD SAINT NICK $5.95
118828 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - PARTY HEARTY $5.95
118840 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - PETAL PIZZAZZ $3.95
118841 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - RAZZLE DAZZLE $3.95
118832 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SCHOOL DAYS $5.95
118821 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SCHOOLBOOK SERIF ALPHABET $7.95
118822 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SCHOOLBOOK SERIF NUMBERS $7.95
118845 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SEASON OF CHEER $7.95
119835 MDSDWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SIMPLE FRIENDSHIP $3.95
119100 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SNOWBURST $3.95
118842 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SWEET SEASON $1.95
118826 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - THANK YOU KINDLY $1.95
119101 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - TOGETHER FOREVER $3.95
118846 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - TORN EDGES $3.95
119096 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - TREE TRIMMINGS $1.95
118827 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - UPSY DAISY $1.95
119102 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - WINTER POST $3.95
119103 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - WORLD TOUR $3.95
118817 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET-ALWAYS $5.95
118818 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET-ENJOY EVERY MOMENT $5.95
118865 MDS DWNLD - STITCHING $1.95
118464 MDS DWNLD - SUMMER HOME DIGITAL KIT $14.95


3. Will Stampin' Up! provide printing services? Yes, beginning October 1, SU! will have printing services you can use. You can also print to your own computer or use another printing service. However, Stampin' Up! can only guarantee color matching from it's printing service.

4. What do I do with the stuff I make on My Digital Studio? You can print an entire bound book, calendars, cards, or single pages that can slip right into your scrapbook! You can combine your digital products with actual supplies and create Hybrid products. For instance, you could print out a 12x12 page that you made with My Digitial Studio, and then add ribbon and brads to give it some dimension.

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:

More Digital Pages

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I really am having so much fun making digital scrapbook pages with My Digital Studio! I'm a bit addicted to how quick it is to get a page finished. Here are two more pages I worked on Saturday morning.

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

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.

My Digital Studio

Some of you may have received your Holiday Mini catalog today and noticed the new My Digital Studio, a software studio that lets you make cards, photo albums, scrapbooks, and more! This new software will not be available for purchase until October 1. However, demonstrators are allowed to order one so that we can get familiarized with it. So, what do you think? Did I buy it?

Yes, of course I did! I have just had a little time to play with it tonight, so I'm still figuring things out. But, I LOVE it! Digital scrapbooking will never replace regular scrapbooking for me. I love the tactile experience from making my own pages by hand as well as the texture, and really, just the stamping part of it. But, I will be using MDS (My Digital Studio) to make super fun vacation books, gifts, and calendars.

There are plenty of other digital scrapbooking programs out there, but this program is much more than that. It is a digital crafting solution. Besides, NONE of the other programs have exclusive Stampin' Up! images and colors. You will love how easy it is to put together well-coordinated projects using the colors you've come to know and love.

Stampin' Up! will soon be offering training for me to learn all about this new program. I will be offering a free class so that you can learn all about it. Stay tuned for details.

The two pages you see were made by me using the MDS software. The Taylor page was made from scratch while the Snow Angel page was made from a template. I was able to pick my own designer paper for the background, add the stamped snowflakes on the big pictures in colors that I chose, add eyelets and ribbon.

As I play with the program a little more, I will post more pictures.

Ladybug Birthday

My friend Jennifer threw a first birthday party for her daughter Ansley on Sunday. The party was a lot of fun and Ansley ate her cake like a little lady. Before the party, we had a lot of fun coming up with ideas for her invitations, decorations, and treat boxes.

Jennifer chose Pixie Pink, Lovely Lilac, and Gable Green as her colors. No red and black ladybugs here! Our first project was the ladybug invitations. We cut two large scallop circles from the Big Shot and used the Scallop Circle punch for the head. We used a retired stamp to make the dots, but any circle stamp would do--even a pencil eraser would work.


While we were working on the invitations, we came up with the idea for this name banner. We used the Pennant XL die and the Serif Essentials Alphabet dies.
We used a modified version of the 2-4-6-8 box to make these adorable treat boxes. So cute!

Here are the measurements: Start with an 8 x 11" piece of cardstock. Score along 8" side at 2 1/2, 5, 7 1/2, & 10". Turn the cardstock and score at 2 1/2". We scallThen, just follow the directions for the 2-4-6-8 box found to the right under "Project Directions." The handle is 1" x 8 1/2".

Jennifer did a fantastic job on her projects. I loved helping her come up with the ideas!