New Tutorial: Matchbook Valentine Treat

I've got a great project for you today......especially if you need to whip up some quick treats for Valentine's Day.

You can get 4 of these Matchbook Valentines from a single sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" card stock.  I show you how in the video below:

 

In case you missed it, here are the measurements:

• Score along the 11" side at 3/4", 4-1/2", and 5"


• Cut along the 8-1/2" side at 2-3/4" increments


• Front panel (red dots) measures 2-1/2" x 3-1/4"


• Finished base will measure 2-3/4" x 8-1/2" with score marks at 3/4", 4-1/2", and 5"

STAMP SETS:  Hearts a Flutter and Ciao, Baby!

INK:  Real Red, Crumb Cake

PAPER:  Crumb Cake, Real Red, Whisper White, Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper

ACCESSORIES:  Big Shot, Hearts a Flutter Framelits Dies, Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

OTHER:  Stapler, Candy

 

Did you know....

You can save 15% when you purchase the Hearts a Flutter Stamp Set and Framelits Dies together as a bundle? 

 

Wood-Mount Bundle  Item # 131098  $42.95

 

Clear-Mount Bundle  Item # 131097  $36.95

 

 

 

And when you place your next order, don't forget the new Stampin'
Trimmer (Item # 126889  $29.95).  It is a must-have tool for any
paper-crafter and it makes creating this project a snap!

 

All products demonstrated in this tutorial can be purchased in my online store.

 

 

 

I'll be posting pictures of my other matchbook Valentine treat tomorrow, so be sure to check back.  Better yet....subscribe to my blog and receive email updates!

Have a sweet day!

Another Double Easel Valentine's Day Card

I want to thank all of you that have left comments about the double easel tutorial.  I've definitely been feeling the love.

Some of you have been creating amazing cards!  I love this one from Sue Beranek.  She doesn't have a blog, but if you leave her a comment here, I'll make sure she sees it.

That's all I have for you today! I'm working on my next video project, so hopefully I'll have another doozie for you on Friday.  Be sure to subscribe to my blog to receive updates.

If you need to purchase any Stampin' Up! products, please visit my online store.

New Tutorial: Double Easel Valentine's Day Card

One of the fun things to do at Stampin' UP! events is to look at everyone's swap cards.  Today's card was inspired by demonstrator Kim Bolzenthal.  We were checking out her card over dinner and you've never seen a bunch of middle-aged women get so excited over a card.  I couldn't wait to make one when I got home.

At first glance, it looks a little complicated.  But I assure you, it is actually quite easy to create.  I even made a video to show you how it is put together.  You can decorate it however you choose!

Here are the card measurements from the video:

Real Red Card Stock:  6" x 11", scored at 5-1/2"

Real Red Card Stock:  3-1/2" x 7", scored at 3-1/2"

Crumb Cake Card Stock:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2" (used for cutting out single hearts)

STAMP SET:  Wacky Wishes (hostess)

INK:  Real Red

PAPER:  Whisper White, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper, Red Glimmer Paper

ACCESSORIES:  Big Shot, Heart Framelits, Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, 3/8" Brights Glimmer Brads, Paper Doilies, Designer Builder Brads, Delicate Details Lace Tape, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer

To order any of these fun products, simply visit my online store at

http://stampdoc.stampinup.net

 

How would you like to win the Paper Doilies and Designer Builder Brads?

2 Ways to Enter:

• Leave a comment on this post.  If you've recreated this card, leave a link so that everyone can check it out!


• Pin it! Everyone that pins directly from my website will receive one entry.

I'll select 2 winners at random on February 14th and announce them here.

 

Happy Stampin'

 

Time to Sale-a-Brate!

View Sale-a-Bration FREE Product Choices

 

Open House at The Stamp Pad

1781 E. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, Indiana

Sunday, January 27th

Stop by anytime between 1pm and 4pm

Light refreshments, make & takes, plus plenty of samples to inspire you!

Please RSVP by Friday to have a Make & Take packet ready for you.

 

• For every $50* you spend (including on-line orders), you can choose a FREE Sale-A-Bration product. 


• Spend $150* and choose 3 FREE Sale-A-Bration products (one for every $50) plus earn $25 in Hostess Rewards.  BONUS: Add #133318 in the Hostess Rewards section and get a packet of Stampin' Up!'s Silver Glimmer Paper FREE!

 

• Stock up (or team up with a friend or two) and spend $400* (one for every $50) and choose 8 FREE Sale-A-Bration gifts, get a BONUS Sycamore Street Bundle (Madison Avenue Stamp Set, Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper and a coordinating Ribbon & Button Pack) PLUS a FREE pack of Silver Glimmer Paper. You're not done yet! You still get to select to $65 in Hostess Rewards and have the option to purchase one additional item at 50% off. 

If you are placing your qualifying ($400+) order though my Stampin' Up! website, please use the following numbers for the extras:

Wood-Mount Hostess Bundle: 133316
Clear-Mount Hostess Bundle: 133317
Free Glimmer Paper: 133318

 

• BEST SAVINGS OF ALL! Purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit for $99 and get $156.50 of your choice of any available Stampin' Up! products. That's 25% more Starter Kit products for FREE during Sale-A-Bration. You can even include Stampin' Up!'s specially priced bundles. Save another 10% since your kit ships FREE. You do not earn Sale-A-Bration gifts on the starter kit purchase but will on any subsequent demonstrator orders you place during Sale-A-Bration (along with taking advantage of your demonstrator discount). This is a no-risk, no pressure way for hobby stampers to fill their Stampin' Up! wish list at a savings, be part of Stampin' Up! and receive demonstrator discounts, benefits, and exclusive resources.


• Plus, did I mention that I get to take 1 NEW DEMONSTRATOR to convention 2013 with me?   Email me at melissa@thestampdoc.com for more details.

*Qualifying product totals exclude shipping and tax.

 

RECEIVE A FREE SPRING CATALOG & SALE-A-BRATION BROCHURE! If you would like FREE copies of one or both sent to you, please email me at melissa@thestampdoc.com. U.S. delivery only. If you plan to purchase products through another Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please contact them directly for your copies. No demonstrator requests for catalogs, please.

Ready to shop?

Visit http://stampdoc.stampinup.net 

 

 

Magnetic Frame: Spring Sampler Meets Summer Smooches

I am so glad that you enjoyed the Soda Pop Top Jewelry tutorial, but today's project is truly my favorite with the Soda Pop Tops!  It is a magnetic frame with little magnets created with the Spring Sampler stamp set.

There are tons of cute images in this stamp set!  It would be very easy to change out the magnets with other images for different months or an Easter theme.

I started by carefully removing the glass from the frame.  Then, I asked my husband to cut a piece of steel flashing to fit inside the frame.  Cutting the metal requires tin snips and will created a sharp edge......be careful!

I then wrapped a piece of Summer Smooches fabric around the metal, securing it with sticky strip on the back.

I punched 1" circles from various patterns of Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and added it to the Soda Pop Tops.  The images from the Spring Sampler were stamped and then punched with a 3/4" circle punch.  I adhered them with dimensionals and added rhinestones, dazzling diamonds, and did a little bit of paper piecing.  Here are the results:

I added magnets to the back of the Soda Pop Tops with Tombow multi-adhesive.

STAMP SET:  Spring Sampler

INK:  Lucky Limeade, Black Staz-on

PAPER:  Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight

ACCESSORIES:  Soda Pop Tops, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds, rhinestones, dimensionals, Summer Smooches fabric, sticky strip

NON Stampin' UP!:  Frame, magnets, steel flashing (available at home improvement stores)

Sale-a-Bration starts Tuesday, January 22nd!  Receive FREE stampin' goodies with every $50 purchase.  You can shop anytime on my Stampin' Up! website.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Sale-a-Bration brochure, simply email me at melissa@thestampdoc.com with your address.  I would love to be your demonstrator!

Happy Stampin'

 

New Tutorial: Creating Jewelry with Soda Pop Tops

I'm so excited to share this tutorial with you!  When these Soda Pop Tops were demonstrated at Leadership conference, I couldn't wait to get home and start playing with them.  I've done quite a bit of trial and error this week, so my video contains many helpful hints.  Hopefully, you'll learn from my mistakes.

I've listed all of the products that I used at the end of this post.  If you would like to order any of the items, please visit my website.  Thanks for watching!

 

STAMP SET:  Collage Curios

INK:  Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Primsrose Petals, Versamark, StazOn Black

PAPER:  Very Vanilla Card Stock, First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper, Tea for Two Designer Series Paper, 1" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Soda Pop Tops, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Tombow Multi Adhesive, 1/16" punch, Crystal Effects

Happy Stampin'

 EDITED TO ADD:  I've had several questions about the bracelet shown in the video.  You'll want to look for "bracelet blanks", either online, in a jewelry supply shop, or craft store.  This is what mine looks like:

I used Crystal Effects to adhere the soda pop tops to the bracelet.  Hope this helps!

 

Seriously Cute Oh Whale Cards

I'll admit, I wasn't sold on the Oh Whale stamp set when I first saw it, but it has really grown on me.  I'm going to try very hard not to bombard you with too many samples with this stamp set.

One of the things I love about this set is that it has images and phrases that coodinate.  You can use it for so many occasions!  My first card is a very clean & simple Valentine's Day card.

 

Another great thing about this set is that there is a matching clearlits
die that will cut out the whale image for you!  How cool is that?

 

For the waves, I used the Jumbo Oh, Wave wheel by rolling it across Pacific Point ink pad onto Marina Mist card stock.  Then I enhanced the waves with Dazzling Details.  A little hint....the dazzling details takes a little bit of time to dry, so you might want to save this step for the very end after everything has been put together.

The Whisper White card stock was embossed using the Big Shot and the Cloudy Day Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  I stamped the hearts first, then did my embossing to avoid covering them up.

 

STAMP SETS:  Oh, Whale! and Oh, Wave! Jumbo Wheel

INK:  Pacific Point, Real Red, Basic Gray

PAPER:  Whisper White, Marina Mist, Pacific Point

ACCESSORIES:  Jumbo Wheel Handle, Dazzling Details, rhinestones, Big shot, Happy Whale Clearlits Die, Cloudy Day Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and Dimensionals

 

And here is one of my favorite cards with this stamp set that was demonstrated at Leadership.......

If you would like to see more of my pictures from Leadership conference, click here.

Remember, you can order any of the products shown here by visiting my Stampin' Up! website.

I am still working on the bottle cap pendant tutorial and hope to have it ready for you on Friday.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Who's going with me to Convention?

Today, I'm celebrating 11 years as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!!!!!

And I want to share that celebration with you!

During Leadership conference, 5 names were drawn during each general session.  If your name was drawn, you would win a FREE registration to convention PLUS a FREE registration for a new recruit that signs up between now and February 1st.  Pretty cool, huh?

My buddies at Leadership asked me several times if I planned to attend convention.  I've been on the fence about it for awhile, so I used my FREE event registration for Leadership conference this year (at my title, I get to attend one event per year for free).  So, if I wanted to go to convention, I was going to have to pay for it or win one of those FREE registrations.....yeah, right!  There were like 1500 people there, and only 25 giveaways.

But, lo and behold, my name was called at the last general session.  You could have knocked me over with a feather!!!!!!  So, guess what......

I'M GOING TO CONVENTION!!!!!

The big question is......who wants to go with me?

 Now don't go sign up just yet.  There are a few points to keep in mind:

• If you've been thinking about signing up to become a demonstrator, I want you to contact me.  Email me at melissa@thestampdoc.com

• You'll want to wait until January 22nd to sign up to receive the additional Starter Kit bonus from Sale-a-Bration.  $156.50 worth of product for just $99!!!  You will need to sign up by February 1st.

• Even though the registration fee will be covered by Stampin' Up!, you will still be responsible for all transportation, lodging, and meals during the convention.

I often have new demonstrators join my team in January.  Personally, I believe it is the BEST time to become a demonstrator!  So, if more than one is eligible to go to convention, I will do a random drawing.

Tonight, I'll be doing a special anniversary giveaway at 8pm EST on my Facebook page.  Hop on over to check it out!

I'll be back tomorrow with another fun stamping project.

 

 

Valentine Treat Bundle Turned Swap Card

Today, I'm sharing my 2 swap cards from Leadership Conference.  I didn't get to do too much stamping over the holidays, so I didn't get to create as many swaps as I would have liked.  But seriously, it doesn't matter how many you make.....you never have "enough".

This first card may look familiar......it was based on this card that I shared last week.  The project prescription is the same, so check out that post if you want to learn more.

 

My next card features the single stamp from the special Valentine Treat Bundle.  This bundle includes the heart-shaped "Happy Valentine's Day" stamp AND a package of the 1" x 8" cello bags (50)--perfect for making quick classroom treats!  The best part.......the bundle is only $5.95!

 

This card is simple, but there was a lot of punching involved.  Check out all those rounded corners!  I sponged some whisper white craft ink around the top layer of cardstock to give it that chalkboark look that is becoming so popular.  A white gel pen was used to add stitch lines & doodles to accent the small pieces of cardstock.

 

STAMP SET:  Valentine Treat Bundle

INK:  Whisper White Craft, Real Red

PAPER:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Primrose Petals, More Amore Designer Series Paper

ACCESSORIES:  3/16" corner punch, Full Heart punch, Scallop Edge border punch, white gel pen, dimensionals

 

Don't delay!  Order your Valentine Treat Bundle today!

 

 

Back from Leadership

Wow!  What an amazing, whirlwind trip to Orlando!  This year's leadership conference was probably one of the best I've ever attended. 

It all started with the Manager's reception at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.  We were told to expect light hor d'oeuvres and a dessert bar.  Now you tell me, who considers this "light" or an hor d'oeuvres?

Look, I've worked way too hard the past 6 months on losing weight and I wasn't about to blow it.  My trainer would be very proud that I only took a few bites of the food I really wanted to try......with the exception of the Cauldron cakes  (chocolate muffin dipped in chocolate and filled with chocolate). 

I really enjoyed the Butterbeer!  YUM!  Do not miss this treat if you go to Universal.  Most people describe it as being similar to a frozen cream soda. 

But enough about the food, we were there to learn new things.  The sessions were filled with great stamping ideas.....way too many for me to post here.  I loved this idea of making a necklace from the bottle caps and the Collage Curios stamp set.  This project is one of the first on my list this week.  Leave me a comment if you would like to see a tutorial.

My roommate, Kathy was so kind to share her photos from leadership.  There are over 400 photos for you to view here. 

I've got more to tell you about, but you'll have to check back tomorrow.  I strongly suggest that you LIKE my Facebook page to stay current on all of the upcoming promotions, events and specials.  Stampin' Up told us several times to expect many new things this year and to expect them at a fast & furious pace.  I can update Facebook much quicker and I don't like to fill my blog with page after page of specials.  You're here to see stamping stuff, right?

Happy Stampin'

 

 

Well, that was a nice litttle break.....

You may have noticed that I took some time off from blogging.  The holidays are always crazy around our house and I decided to take it easy this year.  In between all of the family get-togethers and parties, I reorganized my stamping space.  That was a much bigger job than I originally anticipated and it prevented me from stamping for almost an entire month!

My stamping table has been piled high with goodies from the Spring Mini catalog just begging to be used.  If I haven't stamped for awhile, I often lose some of my mojo.  I have always found that the Mojo Monday sketches can provide me with a great starting point for creating cards. 

For this card, I used the new Parker's Patterns Designer Series paper and the Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon to create a very masculine card.  The greeting is from the stamp set, Daring Adventure.  I distressed the edges of the circle with the Stampin' Distress Tool, then sponged the edges with Early Espresso ink.

STAMP SET:  Daring Adventure

INK:  Early Espresso

PAPER:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper

ACCESSORIES:  Big Shot, 3" Circle Die, Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon, Stampin' Distress Tool, Stampin' Sponge, Dimensionals

 

You can order any of the products above from my Stampin' Up! website.  And be sure to check out all of the new goodies in the Spring Mini!

I'm hoping that things will be returning to "normal" soon. I'll be leaving on Thursday for Leadership conference in Orlando, so it may be another week before I resume a normal blog posting schedule.