Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Simply Scrappin Gifts

This past weekend, I hosted an annual Holiday party for my downline.  Every year, we get together and exchange hand-stamped Christmas gifts.  I love to see all the wonderful gifts and I'm always challenged to come up with a creative idea.


Luckily, I came across a wonderful blog by Becky Roberts.  She has designed this fabulous milk carton container and her tutorial is well worth every bit of $3.95.  I'll definitely be making these containers for Valentine's day!


Here is my version:


Milk carton 


I had some paper and die-cuts leftover from the I Wish Simply Scrappin' kit and this was a perfect way to use them.  I filled each container with various stampin' supplies--ribbon, brads, stampin' spot, etc.  Becky has designed an ingenious way to open the boxes from the bottom, so you don't destroy the boxes to get to your gifts. 


Now, I had to design a matching gift bag, so here it is:


I Wish Bag 


I love how versatile these kits are!  If you know that you'll need to quickly scrapbook your holiday pictures, I highly recommend the I Wish Simply Scrappin' kit!  You won't be disappointed and you'll be able to create beautiful pages in no time.


I hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas! 


Happy Stampin'


Melissa



Saturday, December 13, 2008

December Scrapbook Club Layout

December08page


  Here is the layout that my scrapbook clubs created this month.  It features many Big Shot elements including Snowflake #2, Snowflakes set #2 sizzlits set, and the swirly and Join in the Cheer decorative strips.  We used tone on tone stamping with the Scandinavian Season stamp set to create texture on the pages.  The colors are Kiwi Kiss, Real Red, Baja Breeze, and is accented with Whisper White.


Here are some close-ups:


Decemberpage1  Decemberpage2 


New clubs will be forming in January and February.  Local customers attend a free monthly class, and long-distance customers receive class projects by mail.  Club members also receive Idea Books & catalogs, mini catalogs, and hostess benefits during their club membership. 


Happy Stampin'


Melissa



Sunday, December 7, 2008

Another Pizza Box For You

It's been a busy weekend.  Both of my handmade holiday gifts classes were a lot of fun.  I promised the participants that I would prepare a tutorial of the pizza box & cards that we made and I thought my blog readers might enjoy it, too!


Download Mini Pizza Box with Cards


3pizzabox


This project uses the stamp set that is included in the Country Living Holiday Collection.  I love the way the images fit our punches perfectly!


Countrylivingset 


The stamp set alone is fantastic, but there is so much more in this kit!  You also get:


  • Four 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut chipboard

  • Eight 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 4 double-sided designs)

  • Four 12" x 12" sheets of Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 2 double-sided designs)

  • Two 12" x 12" sheets of Whisper White card stock

  • 25 yds. Silver Metallic cord

  • 10 yds. 3/8" Whisper White taffeta ribbon

  • Pretties Kit brads (20)

  • Stampin' Dimensionals

  • Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (1/2 oz.)

  • Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive

  • Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Spot

  • Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot

  • Uninked Stampin' Spot

  • Whisper White Craft Ink refill

  • I absolutely love this kit and I'm working on some more creative projects to share with you soon.  Unfortunately, these kits are only available through December 31st or while supplies last.


    Get yours today by visiting www.stampdoc.stampinup.net and clicking SHOP NOW.


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa


     




    Wednesday, December 3, 2008

    Blog Candy Winners!

    Congratulations to:



    You both have won a Deer Friends stamp set!  Enjoy!


     


    I promised more sneak peeks at the Handmade Holiday gifts class.  Unfortunately, I left my camera at my parents' house and it's 6 hours away.  So, I'm going to wing it!


    One of the projects we'll be making is a top note mini scrapbook.  I cut the covers with my Big Shot from the On Board Long Board (Item #114320, $6.95).  This size of chipboard is perfect for sliding into the Big Shot without needing to trim or cut pieces.  Each package contains 6 sheets of natural colored chipboard (5-3/4" x 13-3/4") and can be used with rule-based dies (Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies).


    I then cut 4 pieces of DSP with the Top Note Die and adhered these pieces to both sides of the covers with Tombow adhesive.  The pages are Whisper White or Very Vanilla cardstock.  I found that 10-12 pages creates a nice-sized book.  I used the crop-a-dile to punch a hole in the corner, and tied it together with riboon or a binder ring.


    Our Handmade Gift will be created using the Holiday Treasures DSP and Winter Post stamp set to make a vintage-feel book.  My class participants can use the book for recipes, photos, etc.


    Below is a picture of a Wish List mini scrapbook featuring the Ski Slope DSP and rub-ons:


    Dear Santa 


    I gave the book below to my mother at Thanksgiving.  She passed it around and had everyone write down one thing that they were thankful for.  It made a great keepsake of the day and she can always add pictures later.


    Give Thanks 


    These mini books are so easy to make!  If you make one for yourself, I'd love to see it.


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa


     












     


     


     








    Monday, December 1, 2008

    Handmade Holiday Gifts

    Handmadeholidaygifts copy


     Here are the projects that we will be making at my upcoming Handmade Holiday Gifts classes.  There are still a few spots remaining in both sessions, so email me by Wednesday if you would like to attend.


    Handmade Holiday Gifts Class---$25  


    All supplies are included


    WHERE:  The Stamp Shack, 120 S. Buckeye Street, Kokomo, IN


    WHEN:  2 Sessions Available


    Friday, December 5th from 7pm--9pm


    Saturday, December 6th from 2pm--4pm


    You've already seen the tutorial for the lip balm holder, and I'll be sharing more sneak peeks of the other projects throughout this week.


     



    Monday, November 24, 2008

    A Sweet Treat for YOU

    Lipbalms


    As promised, I am providing you with a new tutorial today.  These are lip balm holders and they are so easy to make!  Avon has gingerbread lip balms for the holidays, so you'll want to contact your AVON lady to get your hands on some before they sell out!


    Lipbalm holder   


    Gingerbread Lip Balm Tutorial


    The stamp set that I used on these holders is a hostess only set called Deer Friends.  It is not available for sale.  However, I will be giving away not one, but two of these sets next week.  Here is how you can win a set for yourself:



    • Leave a comment on any of my blog posts.  You will receive one entry for each comment that brightens my day. 

    • Place an online order through my demonstrator website anytime before December 1st.  All online orders placed during the month of November will be entered to win.


    Two drawings will be held, one for each group.  Winners will be randomly selected using the website www.random.org and will be announced on December 3rd.


    There is a reason that I am encouraging online orders this week......Stampin' Up! is keeping the Holiday Extravaganza sale a secret until Wednesday, but I do know it is tied to online ordering.  So be sure to check back on Wednesday for some great Stampin' deals.


    You can shop online anytime by clicking the SHOP NOW button on my Stampin' Up! website .


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Sunday, November 23, 2008

    What I've been up to.....

    Wow!  It's been awhile since I last posted.  I have a good excuse:  A CRAFT FAIR!  Boy, these are alot of work.  Fun, but still work.


    Here is a picture of one side of our booth at the IUPUI craft fair.  Sorry, I didn't put the dolly away before snapping some pics.


    HPIM0728 


    Tiffany and I are blessed to have a card rack that we picked up from a store that went out of business.  It is perfect for displaying our MANY cards.  We sell them for $2 each.  Most of these cards are extras that we have from classes, so we aren't usually making those up at the last minute.


    Here are a few more close-up pictures of this table:


    HPIM0729 


    HPIM0731 


    HPIM0732  


    Tiffany purchased this rack at Hobby Lobby about 2 years ago.  It is fantastic for displaying our odds and ends.  We would love to get another one, but have been unable to locate one. 


    See the bowl of gingerbread men in the lower right corner?  Well, check back on Tuesday and I will have a new tutorial (and BLOG CANDY) for you featuring the Deer Friends stamp set.  You don't want to miss it!


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Monday, November 10, 2008

    Holiday Helper Update & Wedding Gift Card Holder

    HolidayHelpergif






    Update:  If you are already receiving my email newsletters or have signed up for the Holiday Helper, you will start to receive the Holiday Helper emails next Monday, November 17th.


    And if you haven't signed up yet, just click on the pretty red image to the left and you'll be able to join in on the fun!



    I'm keeping busy with craft fair projects and I'll be sharing some fun projects with you soon.  If you live in the Indianapolis area, come visit me at the IUPUI craft fair on Saturday, November 22nd.



    HPIM0683    HPIM0687


    Last weekend, I attended my cousin's wedding in Chicago.  It was an absolutely beautiful evening.  The ceremony and reception were held at the Crystal Garden at Navy Pier. 


    We don't see many palm trees in the midwest, so it was a real treat! 


    I designed a special gift card holder for the newlyweds.  The card measured 3" x 6" and featured the Lovely Letters alphabet, Baroque Border wheel, and the Together Forever stamp set.  The colors are Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip.


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa




     



    Friday, November 7, 2008

    Holiday Helper 2008

    Holiday Helper 2008


    I am happy to announce that I am a Featured Artist in this year's Holiday Helper newsletter.  Each of these 12 newsletters is packed with clear photographed projects highlighting a select theme or activity (Sizzix, Card Making, Gift Giving) and includes a full tutorial with step-by-step pictures, product highlights and other related project ideas. This year there are so many wonderful projects and designers you are NOT going to want to miss it.


    Simply sign-up to receive your FREE copy in the form to the left and you will receive a newsletter a day for 12 days. 


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa








    Saturday, November 1, 2008

    Snow Flurries Class

    Snow flurries 1  Snow flurries 2


    Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for that "hard-to-shop-for" person in your life?


    Everyone loves to give cards during the holiday season, so why not gift them with this gorgeous card portfolio with 5 coordinating cards!


    Local customers may attend the Snow Flurries Class on Friday, November 21st at 7pm at the Stamp Shack, 120 S. Buckeye Street, Kokomo, IN.  Cost is $25 and includes all supplies.  You must pre-register with payment by November 14th to attend. 




    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa




    Wednesday, October 29, 2008

    October Scrapbook Club Layout

    My club members have been patiently waiting for me to post this month's layout and I know you will love it, too.  Tiffany Cline, my very talented downline, inspired this layout.  I am very blessed to have such a great scrapbooker in my inner circle.  Be sure to check out her blog for more great ideas.


    October Pages


    These pages feature the Hawaii Papaya Designer Series paper and the crisp Autumn colors of Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, and Chocolate Chip.


    October Page1


    The Top Note die cut can be used for journaling or a page title.  An image, such as a leaf, or a letter could be stamped in the circle accent.  I always try to leave plenty of blank space for pictures and allow the scrapbooker to really personalize her pages.


    You'll also notice the creative use of the Kiwi Kiss striped ribbon and the Kiwi Kiss/Vanilla satin ribbon.  To complete the page, a flower designer brad was added next to the ribbon.


    October Page2


    Page 2 has lots of room for pictures!  The scallop circle accents were created using a combination of the scallope circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1" circle punch, birds & blooms die, and 20th anniversary embosslit from Stampin' Up!  Another flower designer brad is nestled near the circles.  Here is a close-up view:


    October Close-up 


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa


     


     




    Tuesday, October 28, 2008

    U R Sweet Flip Album

    Flip albums are really popular with many of my customers.  The albums are relatively easy to make, but generate a WOW response.  The Simply Scrappin kits are perfect for the albums, and you can create 2 albums from 1 kit---1 to keep and 1 to give away.


    URS4 


    URS6


    I had planned to do a Mommy & Me class using the U R Sweet Simply Scrappin' kit.  Unfortunately, my kits did not arrive in time.  But this is good news for you!


    I had not planned on preparing electronic instructions for this kit, but because of the class cancellation I had to prepare an electronic tutorial for the pre-registered class attendees.


    Also, because this is a Mommy & Me class, I needed the instructions to be very simple and allow for quite a bit of creativity.


    The tutorial includes step-by-step instructions for creating the base album and pictures of each page.  Please note:  this tutorial is not as detailed as my class kits by mail or demonstrator class planners.


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Sunday, October 26, 2008

    Holiday Card Extravaganza

    It has been a whirlwind month of Stamp-a-Stacks.  I have held 3 classes this month, each featuring 5 different cards.  Many of my customers attended all 3 and now have most of their holiday cards completed.


    My favorite card from the last class was the one below that features the Sleigh Bells Ring stamp set.  It is so simple, but very elegant!


    Sleighbellsring 


    Stamp Set:  Sleigh Bells Ring


    Ink:  Chocolate Chip


    Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla


    Accessories:  Riding Hood Red Taffeta, Ticket Corner Punch, Gold Brads


    I have uploaded all the Stamp-a-Stack cards to the Holiday Card Gallery to inspire you (recipes coming soon).  You'll also find great cards that I received in the BIG SHOT Christmas swap that I hosted.  Some very talented demonstrators created cards utilizing at least one die-cut element.


    Another new feature on my blog is the Paypal storefront.  I do have a few card kits left over from the Stamp-a-Stacks, so those of you at home can make some great looking cards, too.  The card kits include pre-cut & scored cardstock, envelopes, and accessories to create 10 cards. 


    You will need to have the stamp set, ink pads, and punches to complete your cards.....all of which can be ordered online at http://stampdoc.stampinup.net


    Have a great week!


    Melissa


     


     


     



    Saturday, October 18, 2008

    Star Bright Wow!

    It doesn't happen very often, but occasionally I can be CREATIVE.  Last night, I was sitting on the couch with my sick son.  Because I just can't sit & do nothing, I began punching out the shapes from my new Star Bright Ornament Kit.  I have a class scheduled in November using this kit and I really wanted to put it together for my customers to see.


    If you are not familiar with this kit, here are the details:


    Star Bright Kit











    Star Bright Designer Series Paper Ornaments 113681
    Price: $19.95

    These cute ornaments will add a festive holiday touch to your home, and they’re fun to make too! Simply punch out the shapes and fold on the prescored lines. You can choose the size of the paper-circle globes you want to make for a variety of sizes. This kit is perfect for you if you want to make handcrafted holiday decorations without stress.

    Kit contains
    ■ 12 sheets of 12" x 12" die-cut and prescored Designer Series paper; 2 sheets each of 6 designs
    ■ 10 yards of Silver elastic cord
    ■ 12 Styled Silver brads
    ■ Kit contains enough pieces to create 54 stars, 6 paper-strip globes, and 5 to 25 paper-circle globes (depending on size)
    ■ Coordinates with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors: Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red
    ■ Instructions included on kit insert


    Back to my story....


    I'm a visual person, so the kit description and the picture above didn't really do anything for me.  So, I'm punching out all 12 sheets of this beautiful die-cut paper, folding & stacking the stars as I go.  The stack began to look like a Christmas Tree to me, so I quit punching for awhile and created this:


       


    Tree 1


     


    I had some small buckets from the Target $1 spot.  I filled the buckets with clear marbles and inserted a small dowel rod.  I punched a hole in the center of each star with the crop-o-dile and slid the stars onto the dowel until it was filled with stars.  The tree stands about 14" tall with the star topper.  I added our new candy cane striped ribbon to the bucket to dress it up.


    OrnamentMerry





    I now realize what a fabulous value this ornament kit is!  I have enough stars to make one more tree, plus enough other pieces to create a bunch of ornaments for my "real" tree.  I am sure that there are plenty of ornaments in this kit (if you use the stars) to fill a good sized tree!


    With so many people watching their Holiday budgets, this is a great project that the family can do together and it's only $19.95!


    This kit is featured in the new Holiday Mini Catalog and is available to order online.  If you would like a hard copy of the mini catalog, just email me at melissa42@msn.com


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa


     



    Monday, October 13, 2008

    Pumpkin Poop

    Pumpkin poop group


    On Saturday, I participated in my first craft fair of the holiday season.  These Pumpkin Poop boxes were one of the most popular items at my booth. 


    I am attaching two files here, so that you can easily make your own poop.  The first is the template to make the box, and the second is a sheet of the pumpkin poop poems that will fit perfectly inside your box.


    Download mini_pizza_box_template.pdf


    Download pumpkin_poop_poem.pdf


    Pumpkin poop close-up 






    This is a close-up of the inside of the box.  I bought the small packages of candy corn at Wal-Mart.


    The box is made from Basic Black cardstock and measures about 2-1/2" square.  I layered 2-1/4" squares of Ghostly Greetings DSP on the lid.


    The pumpkins and the pumpkin faces were created with Sizzix dies and the Big Shot.  I added the wiggly eyes for fun.


    These boxes would make a great school treat for your children and they are very easy to create.






    The other Halloween project that was very popular at my booth was the punched spiders.  Scalloped_Spiders_by_casegj


     I wish I could take credit for these little guys, but it is not my original idea.  To make these spiders, you will need:



    • Scallop Circle Punch

    • Photo Corners Punch

    • 1/2" circle punch

    • 1/4" circle punch

    • York Peppermint Patties (buy extra...they are yummy!)


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Sunday, October 5, 2008

    New Class Kits by Mail!

    Have you checked out the Stamp Doc Shop lately?  I've got three new class kits by mail for you, including this adorable Batty for You class.....


    Battygroup


    October Card Kit of the Month   


    SOLD OUT!!!! 


     



    And don't forget to check out these 2 kits featuring stamp sets from the new Holiday mini catalog.....


    Season of Friendship    Snow flurries 1


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa




    Friday, October 3, 2008

    And Finally, Meet Mr. Twigster

    SAS2 


    This little fellow is my favorite from the new Holiday mini catalog.  The colors on this card are a bit non-traditional for the holidays, but I really like the way it turned out.  I guess it could also be used as a winter birthday card by changing the sentiment on the inside.


    SUPPLIES:




    • Stamp Set:  Mr. Twigster



    • Ink:  Basic Black, Close to Cocoa, Tangerine Tango, and Bashful Blue classic ink



    • Paper:  Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Frosty Day DSP



    • Accessories:  Snow Blossom punch, 2-way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, blender pen, stampin dimensionals, rhinestone brad, tangerine tango 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon


    DIRECTIONS:



    1. Make card base from 6" square of Kiwi Kiss cardstock.  Finished card size is 3" square.

    2. Layer Strip of Frosty Day DSP onto Bashful Blue and Tangerine Tango cardstock.  Adhere to bottom of card, approximately 1/2" up from edge.


    3. Stamp Mr. Twigster and gifts with Basic Black ink onto whisper white cardstock.




    4. Color images with a blender pen and ink from the Close to Cocoa, Tangerine Tango, and Bashful Blue ink pads.




    5. Apply 2-way glue to images and sprinkle with dazzling diamonds.  Shake off excess.




    6. Layer stamped image onto Bashful Blue and Tangerine Tango cardstock, leaving a border at the bottom.




    7. Tie a knot in the middle of a 5" piece of Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain ribbon.  Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the knot and center the knot below the stamped images.  Adhere the ends of the ribbon behind the layered cardstock.




    8. Attach Mr. Twigster to card front with dimensionals.




    9. Punch a snowflake from a scrap of Bashful Blue cardstock with the snow blossom punch.




    10. Place a rhinestone brad in the center of the snowflake, and adhere snowflake to the front of the card with a dimensional.





    I hope you've enjoyed Holiday Card Week.  Have a fabulous weekend!


    Melissa



    Wednesday, October 1, 2008

    Holiday Card Week, Part 4

    SAS5 


     


    My class attendees are going to be so excited this Saturday!  They are going to get to play with my newest toy.....The Big Shot!  I'm sure this toy will be on many stampers' Christmas wish lists.


    Supplies:




    • Stamp Set:  Winter Post



    • Ink:  Chocolate Chip and Real Red Classic Ink



    • Paper:  Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, and Ski Slope Designer Series Paper



    • Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note Die, Designer Label punch, Round Tab punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, Alpine Ribbon Originals, Chocolate Chip marker



    Directions:



    1. Make card base from Sahara Sand

    2. Randomly stamp large snowflakes with chocolate chip ink onto top half of card

    3. Adhere a strip of Ski Slope Designer Series paper to bottom of card

    4. Adhere a 5-1/2" length of Alpine felt ribbon above strip of DSP

    5. Die cut a top note die from Chocolate Chip and Sahara Sand cardstock.  Trim perforated lines from Sahara Sand top note and layer onto Chocolate Chip note.

    6. Stamp "Post Card" at top of note

    7. Draw a straight line down middle of note with a chocolate chip marker, fine tip

    8. Stamp reindeer image and "to: from:" as shown with chocolate chip ink

    9. Ink postmark stamp with real red ink, stamp off, then stamp onto note as shown

    10. Adhere note to front of card with dimensionals

    11. Punch round tab from a scrap of chocolate chip cardstock

    12. Punch 1-3/8" circle from a scrap of real red cardstock

    13. Stamp "Do Not Open..." onto a scrap of Sahara Sand with Real Red ink.  Punch with designer label punch

    14. Layer punched pieces together as shown and adhere to front of card with dimensionals.


    If you would like to make some great projects at home, check out the STAMP DOC SHOP.  I've got THREE new class kits by mail available that I know you'll love!


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Tuesday, September 30, 2008

    Holiday Mini is Here!

    SAS3


     


    Today's card features a new stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog called A Cardinal Christmas.  Isn't it beautiful with the Holiday Treasures Designer Series paper?


    SUPPLIES:



    • Stamp Set:  A Cardinal Christmas

    • Ink:  Stazon Black

    • Paper:  Confetti Cream Cardstock, Ruby Red Cardstock, Old Olive Cardstock, Holiday Treasures DSP

    • Accessories:  Coluzzle, Aquapainter, Earth Elements Watercolor Wonder Crayons


    DIRECTIONS:



    1. Make card base from 4" x 10-1/2" Confetti Cream Cardstock and layer on to Old Olive cardstock measuring 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".

    2. Adhere strip of Holiday Treasures DSP to Ruby Red cardstock and adhere to right side of card. 

    3. Stamp "Merry Christmas" in left lower corner with Stazon ink.

    4. On a piece of confetti cream cardstock, stamp Cardinal image with Stazon ink.  Color image with aquapainter and ruby red, chocolate chip, and old olive watercolor wonder crayons.

    5. Cut around Cardinal image with Coluzzle. 

    6. Mist holly stamp lightly with water.  Apply old olive watercolor wonder crayon directly to stamp, mist again if necessary.  Randomly stamp holly around the cardinal image.

    7. Cut out ruby red and old olive ovals with Coluzzle and layer with Cardinal image.  Affix to front of card.


    There are so many wonderful promotions starting today with Stampin' Up and you can now order from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Be sure to visit my Stampin' Up! website today!


    I have also added a brand new class kit by mail and demonstrator class planner to the STAMP DOC SHOP.  Check it out!


    And stay tuned....I've still got two more fabulous holiday cards to share with you this week.


    Happy Stampin' Melissa




     



    Monday, September 29, 2008

    Holiday Card Week, Part 2

    Here is the second installment of Holiday Card Week.  This adorable card measures 3" x 3" and features the Deer Friends stamp set.  This stamp set is only available to hostesses with workshop sales of $300 or more.  Check back tomorrow to find out one more reason to host your own workshop during October & November.


    SAS1



    Shopping List:





    • Stamp Set:  Deer Friends

    • Ink:  Riding Hood Red and Kiwi Kiss Classic Stamp pads

    • Paper:  Riding Hood Red cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Bella Rose DSP

    • Accessories:  1" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, scallop circle punch, riding hood red taffeta ribbon, stampin dimensionals, scallop edge punch, crystal effects, dazzling diamonds glitter


    Directions:



    1. Make card base from 3" x 6" riding hood red cardstock by folding in half.

    2. Use scallop edge punch on 1" x 2-3/4" strip of whisper white cardstock and adhere to right edge of card.


    3. Adhere 2" x 2-3/4" piece of DSP to card, slightly overlapping whisper white strip.



    4. Stamp Tree image in Kiwi Kiss ink onto whisper white cardstock.  Clean stamp, and stamp image a second time with riding hood red ink.



    5. Punch Kiwi Kiss tree with 1" circle punch.



    6. Punch Riding Hood Red words with 1-1/4" circle punch.



    7. Punch a Riding Hood Red scallop circle.



    8. Layer all 3 pieces together and adhere to front of card with stampin' dimensionals.



    9. Tie Riding Hood Red taffeta around card.



    10. Apply thin stripes of crystal effects to tree image for "garland" and dots of crystal effects on the scallops.  Sprinkle with dazzling diamonds glitter and allow to dry flat for at least 30 minutes.




    Holiday Card Week Starts Today!

    On Saturday, October 4th, I'll be hosting my first Christmas Stamp-a-Stack of the year.  Participants will be making 10 cards, 2 each of 5 designs.  In addition, to the great cards we'll be making, I'll also have tons of samples available to inspire you.  To reserve your spot in the class, visit http://thestampdoc.eventbrite.com


    And because I know that many of you live too far away to attend, I'll be sharing each of the card designs with you every day this week.  This first card features the Snow Swirled stamp set, which is on sale through September 30th for 15% off. 


    SAS4


    Shopping List:



    • Stamp Set:  Snow Swirled

    • Ink:  Versamark, Night of Navy classic pad, Brocade Blue classic pad

    • Paper:  Glossy White Cardstock, Whisper White Cardstock, Night of Navy cardstock

    • Accessories:  Iridescent Ice embossing powder, powder pal, heat tool, brayer, navy grosgrain ribbon, SNAIL adhesive, whisper white envelopes (optional)


    Visit http://stampdoc.stampinup.net & click SHOP NOW to purchase any of the items shown here. 


    Directions:



    1. Randomly stamp snowflakes with Versamark ink onto glossy white cardstock. 

    2. Pour Iridescent Ice embossing powder over stamped images and shake off excess.

    3. Heat powder with a heat tool until melted.  Allow to cool.

    4. Ink up a brayer with Brocade Blue ink and brayer over snowflakes.  Wipe snowflakes with a paper towel to remove ink.

    5. Stamp small snowflake in Night of Navy ink to fill in spaces.

    6. Layer snowflake piece onto Night of Navy cardstock and tie navy grosgrain ribbon along one side in simple knot.

    7. Fold Whisper White cardstock (5-1/4" x 8") in half.

    8. Stamp greeting in lower right corner with Night of Navy ink.

    9. Adhere card to Night of Navy cardstock (4-1/4" x 5-1/2").

    10. Finish card by adhering snowflake strip to card front.


    I have added an option to buy a card kit for each of the cards featured this week.  In this kit you'll receive pre-cut cardstock and ribbon to make 10 identical cards.  Cost is $25 per kit and includes shipping.  Please allow 10-14 days for kits to ship.  Visit http://thestampdoc.eventbrite.com  for complete details and stay tuned this week to see more card designs!


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Thursday, September 25, 2008

    Flight of the Butterfly

    HPIM0406 


    We made the card above at last month's Stamp-a-Stack and everyone loved it!  It is just so pretty and feminine!  Wouldn't one of your girlfriends love to receive it in the mail?


    The card base is Pink Pirouette measuring 4-1/4" x 11". 


    The brown polka dot strip is from the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper and measures 1" x 5-1/2".


    The chocolate chip layer is 4" square.


    And the pink floral paper is 3-3/4" square and is another pattern from the Bella Rose Designer Series Paper.


    The two butterflies were stamped on whisper white cardstock with pink pirouette and chocolate chip inks.  I highly recommend the Stamp-a-ma-jig with this stamp set for correct stamp placement.  The butterflies were then cut out and adhered with mini glue dots.  The wings were folded up for display.


    To finish the card, I stamped 2 of the greetings from this stamp set: "one person can make such a difference and that person is you" and "thank you so very much".  I also stamped one butterfly in chocolate chip ink directly on the Designer Series Paper.


    Fotb 









    Flight of the Butterfly   Item #111564 

    Price:  $31.95 US


    Brdsp 









    Bella Rose Designer Series Paper   Item #112041 

    Price: $9.95




    If you would like to order any of the items you see here, please visit my Stampin' Up! website at http://stampdoc.stampinup.net and click the Shop Now button.


    Have a great weekend!


    Melissa



     

    Thursday, September 18, 2008

    Getting in the Christmas Spirit

    I know it is still September, but this is the time of year when I start preparing for Christmas.  If I survive the weekend, I'll start preparing for my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stacks coming up in October. 


    But first, I feel like I've bitten off a little more than I can chew this week....all my clubs meet this weekend, I have a mega swap due, and a shoebox swap with my downline.  Luckily my club projects are planned and the mega swap is completed!  Here is my card for the swap:


    Snow swirled


    I found a great sketch (SC 194) on Splitcoast this week and decided to try it out.  Unfortunately, I ran short on paper and had to modify it slightly from the original sketch.


    The card features the Snow Swirled stamp set which is on sale for 15% through the end of September.  I also used the Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper and the coordinating colors of Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Ruby Red.  I love this color combination!  Let me know what you think.


    And finally, I wanted to let you know that the Designer Series Paper Rings are now available in the Stamp Doc Shop and that there is less than 2 weeks to order your Crazy for Cupcakes class kit.


    Have a great weekend!  Happy Stampin'


    Melissa



    Tuesday, September 16, 2008

    September Clubs

    Sept Club Page  This is the layout that my scrapbook club members will be making this weekend.  It features the beautiful Bella Rose designer series paper, Flight of the Butterfly stamp set, and the Heard from the Heart stamp set. 


    Scrapbook club meets once per month and the members take turns receiving hostess benefits.  You are welcome to join anytime.  Just contact me and I'll reserve you a spot in either club:


    Noblesvile Scrapbook Club meets this Saturday, September 20th from 9am--11am at Noblesville Wellness, 18077 River Road, Noblesville, IN


    Kokomo Scrapbook Club meets this Sunday, September 21st from 2pm--4pm at the Stamp Shack, 120 S Buckeye St, Kokomo, IN


    Techniques book The first meeting of the techniques club is scheduled for this Friday, September 19th from 7pm-8:30pm at the Stamp Shack, 120 S Buckeye Street, Kokomo, IN.   Each month, club members will create a technique page and card.  Members agree to make a minimum $15 purchase each month for 10 months, and will receive hostess benefits once during the club term.


    The album above is the new 8-1/2" x 8-1/2" On Board Ring Album and comes with 10 clear page protectors.  It arrives "naked" and you have to dress it up.  I used the Bella Rose papers (again), pink pirouette wide grosgrain, riding hood red taffeta, and a hat pin from the pretties kit.  The letters are from the new On Board Lots of Letters.  I pressed each letter onto a Chocolate Chip craft ink pad, then sprinkled with crystal clear embossing powder and used the heat tool to melt the powder.  The result is a nice & shiny chocolate brown.....looks yummy!


    If you are not local to me and are interested in joining a club, I do offer several options for long-distance customers.  You can choose to commit to $15 a month for 10 months or $30 a month for 5 months.  Long-distance customers will receive a technique page each month and will receive hostess benefits once during the club term.  Feel free to contact me for more information.


    Happy Stampin'


    Melissa