Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Preserve your Christmas Memories

The festivities are over and the memories are still fresh.....now is the time to scrapbook all of those photos you've taken in the past few weeks.  If you are like me, you are probably short on time and energy after all the craziness.  So, I've designed 6 double-page 6" x 6" layouts to help you quickly and easily put together a Christmas 2011 scrapbook!


ChristmasscrapbookmainI used the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' Kit and the Cherry Trim Designer Printed 6" album.  These items are only available until January 3rd, 2012, so don't delay if you want them.


These layouts also used Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Whisper White card stock, and SNAIL adhesive. 


You can order all of these items on my Stampin' Up! website.  Be sure to check out the clearance rack while you are there---more items were added today!


Layout1 Layout2


Layout3

Layout4

Layout5

Layout6
If you have any questions regarding these layouts or the products shown, feel free to contact me.  This will probably be my last post of 2011, as I plan to spend the rest of the year getting ready for some exciting changes launching in 2012.  I'll also have some fabulous sneak peeks for you from the upcoming Occasions Mini catalog and Sale-a-Bration.


Enjoy the rest of your week & year!  See you soon!


MelissaSignature



Monday, December 19, 2011

How many days til.....

This has definitely been one of those months that I feel like I need to be reminded of EVERYTHING!!!  There have been so many rehearsals for the kids, school programs, parties.....I'm trying very hard to keep up.


Lucky for me, my daughter's preschool teacher is great for sending email reminders.  Good thing, too.....I didn't know that I needed to provide treat bags for the children at her class Christmas party.....tomorrow.  Uh-oh!


So after I pulled myself together, I realized it was only 10 treats and just for the girls.  Okay, I'm good!  I've got some lip balms left over from the craft fairs and I think I might have some candy canes.  Throw in some stamps, ink, paper, ribbon, and VOILA!


Preschooltreats3


10 Treats ready for tomorrow's party!!!!!


 


Preschooltreats1


MelissaRecipeGraphic
STAMP SET:  Snow Much Fun


INK:  Staz-on Black ink pad


PAPER:  Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper


ACCESSORIES:  Old Olive Scallop Dots Grosgrain Ribbon, Small Cello Bags, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Markers (Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray), Simply Scored, Dimensionals


The tutorial for making the lip balm holders can be found here.


As chaotic as this month has been, we have been very fortunate to enjoy every moment.  Here is a picture of Bella in her preschool classroom before their Christmas program last week.  It's always fun to watch the little ones sing their hearts out.


IMAG0243


I hope you are also taking time to enjoy those special moments.  I'll be sharing a great way to record those memories later this week.


 


Clearance rack blitz2 


HUGE STAMPIN' UP! ANNOUNCEMENT!!!  SAVE UP TO 80%!!!  From December 15, 2011, through January 5, 2012, nearly 200 products are being added to the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack--with some discounted up to 80 percent! These great deals are only available when you purchase on-line.


Click here to go directly to the clearance rack in my online store


There are tons of punches, Big Shot dies, ribbon, paper, and more!  Shop now for best selection.  Only while supplies last.


Happy Stampin'


MelissaSignature


 



Thursday, December 15, 2011

Clearance Rack Blitz---Save up to 80% on select Stampin' Up! products

Clearance rack blitz2 


HUGE STAMPIN' UP! ANNOUNCEMENT!!!  SAVE UP TO 80%!!!  From December 15, 2011, through January 5, 2012, nearly 200 products are being added to the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack--with some discounted up to 80 percent! These great deals are only available when you purchase on-line.


Click here to go directly to the clearance rack in my online store


There are tons of punches, Big Shot dies, ribbon, paper, and more!  Shop now for best selection.  Only while supplies last.


 


 



Monday, December 12, 2011

Tile Coasters

If you are looking for a super-easy, WOW, 3-d project.....look no further.  While they may look a little intimidating, you can whip up  a bunch of these in a very short amount of time.


Here are the supplies you'll need:



  • 4-1/4" Square Tiles from a Home Improvement Store

  • Cork Sheets from Stampin' Up (Item #119819)

  • Hot Glue Gun

  • 4" Squares of Designer Series Paper of your choice (I used Mocha Morning Specialty Paper on these samples--Item #122366)

  • 3/16" Corner Punch (Item #119871)

  • Brayer

  • Modge Podge

  • Foam Brush

  • Clear Acrylic Spray

  • Ribbon (optional)


Coasterset


DIRECTIONS:



  1. Cut cork sheets into 4-1/4" squares.  Adhere to the bottom of the tiles with hot glue.

  2. Use corner rounder punch on the corners of each square of designer series paper.

  3. With foam brush, apply a thin layer of modge podge to the back of the paper.  Adhere to the tile and smooth out any air bubbles.  A brayer can be helpful.

  4. Allow paper time to dry.  Apply a thin layer of modge podge to the top of the paper to seal the tile.  You may apply a second coat if desired.

  5. Air bubbles may appear as you complete step 4.  Use the brayer to smooth out the paper if needed.

  6. Once completely dry, spray tiles with acrylic spray.  Repeat if desired.

  7. Allow tiles to dry and tie with ribbon for gift-giving.


I've had people ask if the coasters are absorbant.  The answer is no.  These are sealed and will not allow moisture to reach the paper.  They are designed to protect your furniture surface.  The tiles should not be placed in the dishwasher, but can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.


Coastersetcu
I sold the tiles in sets of 4 at craft fairs for $6.  These sold very well and can definitely be made for any occasion just by changing the paper. 


If you would like to purchase any of the products shown here, please visit my Stampin' Up website.


Happy Stampin'


MelissaSignature


 


 


 


 



Sunday, December 11, 2011

IROK the Holidays Event

I just wrapped up my final craft fair of the year and it feels weird not to have anything stamping-related scheduled until next year.  I'll be taking a much-needed break at the end of this month, but I've still got a few more projects to share with you before the holidays.


Yesterday's craft fair was a benefit for the IROK foundation.  You can read more about the foundation on their Facebook page.  It's always fun to do craft fairs, but it's even better when you are doing it for a good cause. 


Each vendor was to donate an item to be used in the auction.  My item was a holiday glass block, featuring the small Jingle All the Way decor element (item #114707).  I filled the block with mini jingle bells and tied Real Red striped grosgrain ribbon (retired) around the block.  These are easy to make and would also be perfect as a hostess gift at the holidays.


Glassblock


I was lucky enough to have a great location at the entrance to the event.  The lighting was good, so I took a couple of photos with my phone.


Craftfair1 copy
Craftfair2 copy
Craftfair3 copy


The best-selling item of the day was the tile coasters.  I've had quite a few questions about these coasters and I plan to create a separate post specifically about them.  Look for it Monday evening or Tuesday morning.


Have you ever thought about joining Stampin' Up? Then you might want to hear about the current promotion. It's an exciting time to join!  Email me and I will fill you in on all the juicy details.  This offer is only good on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.....and it's a goodie!

Happy Stampin'


MelissaSignature


 



Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Handmade Holiday Gifts

I held my final class of the year last weekend.....Handmade Holiday Gifts.  This is always a fun class and the participants go home with lots of great ideas for gift-giving.


We made 5 projects and I'll be sharing 4 of them with you today.  I'm saving the other one for later this week.


Handmadegiftsensemble

The first project is a set of 4 coasters made with Designer Series Paper.  I purchased the coasters at a home improvement store for about 36 cents each.  Before the class, I cut our Stampin' Up cork sheets into 4-1/4" squares then hot-glued them to the bottom of the tiles.  The paper was adhered and sealed with Modge Podge.  We finished the tiles with a quick, light acrylic spray, then tied them up with pretty ribbon.


Coasters


I've shared this next project on my blog in the past, so it's an oldie but goodie.  My customers always seem to like the hand sanitizer holders and these are just perfect for the holidays.  You can find a great tutorial here.


Antibacholder


I've had several packages of fabric lying around and I really wanted at least one project to feature fabric.  We ended up making these adorable flower bookmarks with the Fun Flowers die.  I pre-cut the fabric and then we sprayed the flowers with spray starch.  They needed a bit of time to dry, but then we glued them together with a hot glue gun.  By adding the ribbon, we transformed the flowers into bookmarks, but you could easily use the flower on a headband, hair clip, or as a pin.


Bookmarks


And finally, I revisited the chap stick holders that I featured on my blog way back in 2008!  If you want the directions, just click here.  I purchased the lip balms from Avon....they have really cute designs and fun scents! 


Chapstickholder


I hope you've enjoyed these Handmade Holiday gifts!  I'll be making extra of all of these projects to sell at the IROK the Holidays craft fair this Saturday.  If you are in the Kokomo area, be sure to stop by Celebrations between 10am and 4pm for a shopping extravaganza.


It's not too late to get stamp supplies for the holidays.  You can shop in your pajamas at http://stampdoc.stampinup.net and your order is still guaranteed to arrive before the big day.


Happy Stampin'


MelissaSignature



Monday, December 5, 2011

Up On the Rooftop Blog Candy Winner!

Thanks so much to everyone that visited my blog during the Up On the Rooftop Blog Hop.  I've read each comment and I appreciate all of you taking the time to leave me some"love".


Congratulations Terry Duncan!  You'll be receiving some stamping goodies soon.  Here is her comment:




This is sooo cute, but I've got to say that it was your daughter's smile that made me smile! She is just adorable!




You can still join the Up On the Rooftop site.  There is no charge for the website and there are just tons of great ideas.  Hope to see you there!





Thursday, December 1, 2011

Up On the Rooftop Blog Hop



Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2001 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop.


 


If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Tara Bilbao's mantle decor.  What fun way to decorate for the Holidays!

 


If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem, as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

My project is a Countdown to Santa.  I had spotted something similar on Pinterest and couldn't wait to try it out with our punches and Big Shot dies.  If you've got little ones, this is a great way for them to count down the days to Santa's arrival.


Ustamplead-1

I used the On Board chipboard sheets to create a base for the Countdown.  As an afterthought, I adhered one of our magnet sheets to the back and it now looks great on our refrigerator.

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My daughter is already having fun adding to Santa's beard.  Just use regular cotton balls and glue to add to the beard each day.

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Santaface-1


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As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!


Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!


 


AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!!





  • You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.





  • In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.



And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...

Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

YES!!

You read that right!!

YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!



***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***



Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.

Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing

and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!


Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to

THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!





Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and

there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!



You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and

join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

 




***


AND last but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next Designer's Roof Top, so please click below for NEXT BLOG, where you will find ROSEMARIE ready to share a delightful Holiday project with you.



If you would like to hop back to Tara's Mantal Decor, please click below.



Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Holidays to YOU!!


MelissaSignature


 


 



Monday, November 28, 2011

Two more....

There's only 2 more days for the Online Extravaganza sale, so don't let your favorites get away!


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Click here for a pdf with all the SALE items


Click here to view all the products online and Shop Now


EXTRA BONUS!


Place an order of $35 or more and I will send you the 2011 Quick & Easy Holiday Cards Tutorial for FREE!


How to Shop with The Stamp Doc:  You can click here to be taken to my Stampin' Up! website.  Look for the Products tab and click on SHOP NOW.  Add your items to your cart.  Orders of $150 or more qualify for Stampin' Rewards....AKA FREE stuff!


Plus, I've got 2 more cards to share from the recent Holiday Stamp-a-Stacks.  Heat embossing is always a favorite technique and I especially like to use it on my Christmas cards.  It creates such an elegant look!


Tidingsofjoy


Stamp Set: Tidings of Joy


Ink: Soft Suede, Versamark


Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Real Red


Accessories: Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Pewter Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Soft Suede 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals





 


 


Soundingjoy


Stamp Set: The Sounding Joy


 Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versamark


 Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake


 Accessories: Big Shot, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Pewter Embossing Powder, Heat Tool


 


Happy Stampin'


MelissaSignature



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

More Holiday Cards

Download a Christmas Wish List to give to Friends & Family


Why not get something that you really want this Christmas?  Add to your stamping and scrapbooking supplies by filling out the Christmas Wish list and giving it to your friends and family.  My contact information is available and I will help them every step of the way.


Here are 2 more Holiday card to inspire you.  If you like traditional Christmas colors, these may be the cards for you!


Pines


Stamp Set: Pines & Poinsettias


 Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip


 Markers: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Real Red


 Paper: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP


 Accessories: Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Real Red 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon, 1 ¾” Circle Punch, 2 3/8” Scallop Circle Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals


 


 


Stockingcard


SUPPLIES


Stamp Set: Stitched Stockings, Hand-Penned Holidays


 Ink: Real Red


 Paper: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Silver Glimmer Paper, Holly Berry Bouquet, Very Vanilla


 Accessories: Stocking Builder Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dimensionals








B1_header_onlinex_democust_usca


Click here for a pdf with all the SALE items


Click here to view all the products online and Shop Now


EXTRA BONUS!


Place an order of $35 or more and I will send you the 2011 Quick & Easy Holiday Cards Tutorial for FREE!


How to Shop with The Stamp Doc:  You can click here to be taken to my Stampin' Up! website.  Look for the Products tab and click on SHOP NOW.  Add your items to your cart.  Orders of $150 or more qualify for Stampin' Rewards....AKA FREE stuff!


If you prefer, you can email your order to me at melissa@thestampdoc.com.  I will happily review your order and we can make payment arrangements (Paypal or check).


Happy shopping!


MelissaSignature



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Christmas Lodge Samples

One of my favorite stamp sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog is Christmas Lodge.  The coordinating Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper evokes such a feeling of warmth.....I just love these together! 


So, obviously I had to create 2 cards for the 2011 Holiday Stamp-a-Stacks using these items.  I'm not 100% sure, but I think the class participants really liked these cards, too!  These cards came together very quickly and would be great to mass produce.


 


Lodgecard1Stamp Set: Christmas Lodge 


Ink: Early Espresso


Paper: Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Whisper White


Accessories: Big Shot, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler 3/8” Quilted Satin Ribbon, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Stampin’ Dimensionals


 


Lodgetree


Stamp Set: Christmas Lodge


Ink: Garden Green, Versamark


Paper: Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Whisper White


Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Early Espresso 3/8” Quilted Satin Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals


 


 


 


 


B1_header_onlinex_democust_usca


Click here for a pdf with all the SALE items


Click here to view all the products online and Shop Now


EXTRA BONUS!


Place an order of $35 or more and I will send you the 2011 Quick & Easy Holiday Cards Tutorial for FREE!


 


How to Shop with The Stamp Doc:  You can click here to be taken to my Stampin' Up! website.  Look for the Products tab and click on SHOP NOW.  Add your items to your cart.  Orders of $150 or more qualify for Stampin' Rewards....AKA FREE stuff!


If you prefer, you can email your order to me at melissa@thestampdoc.com.  I will happily review your order and we can make payment arrangements (Paypal or check).


Happy shopping!


MelissaSignature