Sunday, January 31, 2010

I told you there were a bunch of birthdays.....

Whew!  This has been a busy weekend.  I taught another Birthday Box class on Saturday and everyone was very pleased with the finished project.  It features the Forget-Me-Not-Keeper, monthly divider cards, and 10 Birthday cards---perfect for just about anyone at any age!


Birthdayboxpromo2 I'll be adding the instructions to my Tutorials for Sale section soon, but for now you can purchase the tutorial from this post by using the Paypal button below.



Birthday Box Tutorial $5


Note to Demonstrators:  This is not a class planner, but you are welcome to make the project and teach it as a class.  If you would like an un-watermarked, personalized copy to distribute to your customers, the cost is $15.  You will also receive un-watermarked photos to advertise your class.  Please allow 48 hours to complete your personalization.  Contact me at melissa42@msn.com if you would like more information.


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]





Thursday, January 28, 2010

Another Day, Another Birthday

It seems like there have been a lot of birthdays in my circle of family & friends lately.  Thank goodness there is an endless supply of sketches over at Mojo Monday!  This week's sketch can be used for either a round or a square card.  How fun!


Because this birthday card is for my mom, I had to incorporate her favorite color--yellow.  I'm not a big fan of yellow, but I saw this really cute top at Kohl's the other day.....inspiration had struck!


Mojo123SketchRoundorSquare Kohls top
  
By combining the colors of the top and the sketch, I was able to design this card.  I also used the Vintage Vogue and Whimsical Words stamp sets just as I did on my last birthday card.


  Mombday



 Want to recreate this card?  Here are the supplies you'll need:



  • Cardstock:  Whisper White, Soft Suede, and Crushed Curry

  • Ink Pads:  Crushed Curry, Soft Suede

  • Designer Series Paper:  Razzleberry Lemonade

  • Accessories:  Scallop Trim Border punch, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Big Shot, Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribon, 5/16" chocolate brads, dimensionals


Click here to order


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]




 



Sunday, January 24, 2010

Last-Minute Mojo

One of my New Year's resolutions was to participate in at least one weekly sketch challenge.  I loved the Mojo Monday sketch from last week, but I had been too busy to give it a try.  Then, I realized that my co-worker has a birthday today, so I had to come up with something....FAST.


Leeanncard


Even though this card is very simplistic, it took me over an hour to get all the elements just right.  I used the Bella Bleu designer series paper, which coordinates perfectly with Kraft and Very Vanilla cardstock.  That part was easy.  The hard part was figuring out what to stamp in the ovals.  I knew I also wanted to use the new Vintage Vogue stamp set from the Occasions mini catalog, but none of the images looked right within the oval.  I ended up stamping the "happy birthday" from the Well Scripted stamp set in Chocolate Chip ink.  I stamped and cut out the three small flowers from the Vintage Vogue stamp set, added Very Vanilla brads, and adhered the flowers to the front of the card with dimensionals.  Now I have a great "go-to" card that I can make anytime.  I'm sure I could whip up a bunch of these very quickly.


Here are the 2 stamp sets that I used.  Just think of all the great combinations you could create with this sketch and these stamps!  Change the designer series paper and you'll have cards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, and more.


Wellscripted Vintagevogue 
 
  
But for now, I need to go clean up my stamp room....there are lots of partially stamped ovals to throw away!


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]


 


 




Friday, January 22, 2010

Another Sweet Treat

Lovebanditsucker


Here is one more treat from the Sweet Treats class that was designed by my good friend & downline Tiffany Cline.  She has some really cute ideas for Valentine's cards on her blog, so be sure to check her out.


This card features the Love Bandit stamp set, Sending Love Designer Series paper, Scalloped Heart of Hearts embosslit, and Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon.  You could easily make up a bunch of these for a classroom of kids....be the COOL mom at this year's class party!


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]


 


 


 

 

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Make a Difference

Haiti_ecard_jan2010_01


Download the flyer


On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope. 


From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold will be donated to the American Red Cross' Haiti Relif and Dvelopment Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.















Product Name Item # Price 
I {Heart} Hearts - clear-mount  (block D recommended) 118571 $18.95 
I {Heart} Hearts - wood-mount 117010 $26.95 


In the past, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, when a hurricane destroyed New Orleans, and when wildfires ravaged Australia, Stampin' Up! demonstrators have stepped forward and showed their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This time is no different. 


I plan to order this stamp set today and I may even order an extra one....just because.  I'll be sharing lots of samples using this stamp set over the next few weeks, so that you'll have plenty of ideas for cards & scrapbook pages.  Below is a milk carton container from the Sweet Treats class that was designed by Tiffany Cline. 


Milkcarton To order the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, please visit my Stampin' UP! website  today.


Thank you!


Stoutsiggy[1]



 



Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Chew, chew, I like you!

Gumholder


Today, I'm sharing a simple project from my Sweet Treats class.  Don't you just love the greeting with this image?  It is perfect for packaging.......gum!


Gumholderopen


Here are Step-by-Step instructions:



  1. Cut Bashful Blue card stock measuring 3" x 7".  Score long side at 2-1/2", 3", 5-1/2", and 6".

  2. Fold on score lines and adhere small flap with sticky strip to create an open-ended box.

  3. Punch holes in top and bottom of box approximately 1/2" from the end.  I used the Crop-a-dile for this.

  4. Adhere a 1" x 3" piece of Old Olive designer series paper (from the Welcome Neighbor pack) to the bottom of the top portion of the box.  Adhere a 1/4" x 3" piece of Real Red card stock directly above the Old Olive paper.

  5. Stamp train image in Basic Black ink onto a 1-3/4" x 2-1/2" piece of Whisper White card stock. 

  6. Color imae with Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Sahara Sand, and Real Red markers.

  7. Layer image onto a piece of Real Red card stock measuring 1-7/8" x 2-5/8".  Place dimensionals on all four corners.

  8. Thread a 12" length of Real Red polka dot grosgrain through both holes that you punched in step 3.  Slide bubble gum into box fully, pushing the ribbon down.  Tie ends of ribbon and trim.

  9. Adhere train image to left side of box.




The train image is from the Whoo's Your Valentine stamp set.   With images designed specifically to adorn treats like suckers and packs of gum, you'll find something you love to make all those valentines!


Whoo's your valentine
Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]




 



Sunday, January 17, 2010

Simply Adorned

Friendscharmcu


At convention last year, we got our first look at the Simply Adorned jewelry line from Stampin' Up!  I absolutely could not wait to order it when I got home, so you can only imagine my disappointment when the release date was pushed back.....WAY BACK!


Well, I'm happy to say that you can now order from this line and that the wait was well worth it!  I ordered the 1" x 1" charm and the 24" chain (to start).  I sat down to make an insert for my charm, and within an hour, I had more than a few inserts completed.


Monogramcharm 
On this charm, I used the "M" from the Monogram Sweet alphabet and a small piece of patterned paper from the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper pack.  If you don't want to use the stainless steel chain, you could always tie Satin Ribbon through the charm as I have done here.  I'm calling this my Stamp Doc Blog charm.


Browncharm 
I wear alot of brown, so I wanted an insert that I could wear everyday.  I stamped the background with the Bella Toile stamp set in Close to Cocoa, the stamped the flourish stamp from Tiny Tags in Chocolate Chip.  I went over it carefully with Crystal Effects, then layered it onto Chocolate Chip cardstock.  In this photo, you can kind of see the beveled edge of the glass on the charm.  The front is beveled, and the back is flat glass.  You can decorate both sides, or just one.


Cooncharm 
I thought it would be fun to use the animals from The Love Bandit stamp set to create a series of inserts for Valentine's day or as children's jewelry.  I have been reading about Cadmium in children's jewelry (BAD) and the Simply Adorned line would be a fabulous, safe alternative to give to a child.  Now, some of you may be thinking.....the charms are made of glass.  Well, I will tell you that I have dropped my charm several times on hard surfaces and it hasn't even chipped.  These are very durable, however, I would give it to a child that is a little older and responsible.  Making inserts could be a fun, creative activity for moms & daughters to do together.


And did you notice the chain?  I read on the Stampin' Up! website that you can embellish the chains with ribbon, felt flowers, etc.  I weaved Pretty in Pink and Real Red Satin Ribbon through the chain to create this look.  This does "shorten" the chain quite a bit, but offers an interesting look.


Valentinescharms 
Here are a few more that I did for Valentine's Day and another look at the ribbon embellished chain.  You can add a few layers to your inserts, as well as glitter and small pretties flowers.  I tried adding pearls and rhinestones....didn't work.  You don't want to force the charm to close with too many layers because it could break.


Specialoccasions 
I think the charms would be great to give for special occasions.  How about giving one to a mom-to-be or someone that is newly engaged?  The "friends" charm would be perfect for a bridesmaid gift or just to let someone know that you are thinking of them.   
Friendsbox 
The Simply Adorned charms and chains come packaged in these great little brown boxes.  I simply tied Certainly Celery Satin ribbon around the box and tied on the charm.  Wouldn't this be a great way to present the jewelry and include some additional inserts within the box?  Who wouldn't adore this gift?


Our Simply Adorned line includes nickel-plated charms in three sizes and anodized stainless steel chains in two lengths. 




























 ItemDescription

Price


116797

Simply Adorned 1″ x 1″ charm

$17.95


116798

Simply Adorned 1″ x 1-1/4″ charm

$18.95


116799

Simply Adorned 1-1/2″ x 2″ charm

$21.95


116800

Simply Adorned 24″ chain

$10.95


116853

Simply Adorned 34″ chain

$12.95



In the Occasions mini catalog, Stampin' UP! has added 5/8" circle and square charms and an 8" bracelet.  If you would like to order, please visit my Stampin' UP website.


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]

  



Saturday, January 16, 2010

Paper Rosettes Video

As promised, here is the video on how to make the paper rosettes:







Below, is a picture of the scrapbook page that was featured in the video and that we made at scrapbook club in January.  It has three rosettes using different pattern papers from the Sending Love designer series paper pack. 


Rosettes Janpage2


And here is the coordinating page:


Janpage1


I would love to see what you create using the Paper Rosette tutorial.  Leave a link to your project in the comments section to share your creation.  I'll select my favorite at the end of January and the winner will receive a package of the Real Red Sending Love epoxy brads. 


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]

  



Friday, January 15, 2010

Stunning Paper Rosettes

As I was browsing through some scrapbooking magazines over the holidays, I noticed quite a few pages featuring paper flowers.  I could not wait to try them out with some of my Stampin' Up! supplies and I've been having too much fun making simple paper rosettes.  In fact, these were incorporated into my Stamp-a-Stack class and Scrapbook Club layout for January. 


Rosettemojo


I used the Mojo Monday sketch for this card and we made it at the monthly stamp-a-stack.  There are lots of details on this card and I'm sure someone special will be receiving it.


Rosette2


This card was the first one that I made using the Paper Rosettes.  I love the layout of this card because it helps me use up those little scraps of Designer Series paper that always seem to be lying around.


Rosettecu 


Both of these cards were made using the Sending Love Designer Series paper, available for a limited time only in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  And did you notice the coordinating Sending Love epoxy brads, Satin Ribbon, and With All My Heart stamp set?  Stampin' Up! makes it so easy to create a beautiful project!


Tomorrow, I'll be sharing another video with you featuring the paper rosettes.  Plus, you'll see pictures of the January scrapbook club layout featuring 3 of these stunning flowers.


Stoutsiggy[1]
 
 
  


   



Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Mojo Monday on Tuesday

Mojo121Sketch



I loved this sketch on the Mojo Monday blog and I knew I finally had to break open my new package of Sweet Pea Designer Series paper.  I tend to hoard beautiful papers and not use them, so this was a difficult card for me to make.  :0)


Whimsicalsweetpea 


This large pack of Designer Series paper is a delightful mix of spring images and colors, perfect for seasonal projects or for anytime. Each sheet is double-sided in Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors and images. Coordinates with Sweet Pea stitched felt.

■ 48 sheets total, 2 each of 24 double-sided designs
■ 12" x 12"
■ Coordinates with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, and Taken with Teal


Sweetpea Whimsicalwords


The greeting is from the Whimsical Words stamp set which you can get for FREE during Sale-a-Bration with a $50 purchase.  How great is that?  With these 2 items and a little card stock, you would have endless possibilites with your card-making.


To place an order anytime, visit my Stampin' Up! website at http://stampdoc.stampinup.net


Stoutsiggy[1]



 



Monday, January 11, 2010

I did it!

I was finally able to upload my Heart Treat cup video to YouTube.  I received a beautiful new camera for Christmas that also shoots video.  You'll just need to be patient with me until I learn more about the camera. 


I didn't do any editing on this video, so be kind.  I hope you like it!



 






Here is a close-up of the alternate card that I showed:


Thankstreat



Both cards use the same measurements, I only changed the orientation of the layout.  Here are the dimensions if you would like to recreate this card:


Kraft cardstock:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"


Welcome Neighbor Designer Series paper:  1" x 3", 2" x 4"


Whisper White:  2-3/4" x 2-3/4"


Crushed Curry:  3" x 3"


Bermuda Bay:  3-1/4" x 4-1/4"


Bermuda Bay polka dot grosgrain:  12"


I used the Acrylic Block D with the Heart images and Acrylic Block A with the greeting image.


Happy Stampin'


Stoutsiggy[1]



 



 



Sunday, January 10, 2010

Love Bandit

It has been a long weekend, but I'm happy to say that the Mystery Hostess weekend was a huge success.  I've already contacted the winners and they'll be enjoying their new stamps very soon.


I stayed after today's workshop to shoot a video on the Heart Treat cups.  Unfortunately, I'm having some difficulty getting the video to upload, but I'm hoping to have it on the website in the next day or two.


So, I guess I'll have to share the other projects that I demonstrated at the Mystery Hostess workshops instead.  Both of these samples feature the Love Bandit stamp set from the Occasions Mini catalog.


Chocolate


This card will actually be for my husband for Valentine's Day.  I plan to fill out the "I like you more than_____" with the word "chocolate".  He knows how much I like chocolate, so this is saying a lot!!!


One of the great things about the clear mount stamps is that you can fit several images on one acrylic block and stamp all the images at once.  I used Acrylic Block D to line up the tree stump, owl, and saying--how easy is that?


The card also features the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder, Red Satin Ribbon, and the Scallop Trim Border & Corner punches.


This next card was one of our Make & Takes at the Mystery Hostess workshop.


Coon


I used alot of the same supplies on this card.  The raccoon was stamped with Basic Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I colored the little guy with a Sahara Sand marker and the heart with a Real Red marker.  The finished card measures 3" x 3" and would make a great Valentine's card.


Like most of the stamp sets in the Occasions mini catalog, the Love Bandit stamp set is available in wood mount or clear mount.  Here is a look at the additional images in this set.


Love bandit


Remember, you can order online on my website at http://stampdoc.stampinup.net


Stoutsiggy[1]

   



Saturday, January 9, 2010

Class Previews

Mystery Hostess Weekend is in full swing!  Have you placed your order yet?

For every $150 in sales this weekend, I will randomly select a customer to receive hostess benefits.  All orders qualify and you can shop in your pajamas on my website.  Winners will be notified on Monday.

 

Plus, if you live in the Kokomo area, you can still attend Sunday's workshop.  It is from 2pm-3pm at the Stamp Shack, 120 S. Buckeye Street, Kokomo, IN.  Contact me if you need directions.

 

My workshop attendees this morning got an opportunity to preview several upcoming classes.  And I am happy to announce that I am offering a Long-Distance option on all of the classes featured in this post.  Just click on the links to learn more.

 

BirthdayBox


 

Jan10layout


 

Sendinglovesas