So ready for Spring already....

Don't get  me wrong, freshly fallen snow is BEAUTIFUL, but I've had enough already.  Bring on the sunshine and warmer weather.  I'm ready for it.  Unfortunately, I live in Indiana and it doesn't usually start to warm up until May.  I'll just have to be patient and stamp some Spring cards. 

I absolutely fell in love with the Easter Blossoms stamp set when I saw it in the Occasions Mini catalog.  Then, I stumbled across a challenge from Our Creative Corner that I just had to give a try.

"Thank You is the theme of our challenge this week, but with a twist. We want you to use a blue and cream color palette and add metal and vellum to your creation."

 

SUPPLIES

Stamp Sets:  Easter Blossoms, Tiny Tags

Ink:  Not Quite Navy

Paper:  Not Quite Navy, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper, Vellum Cardstock, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die, Ovals Die, Crochet Trim, Jewelry Tag Punch, Antique Brad

To order Stampin' Up products, visit my Stampin' Up! website:  http://stampdoc.stampinup.net

 

 



Holiday Stamp-a-Stack

A downside to being a Doctor of Chiropractic is that you know when something is really wrong with your own body.  A few weeks ago, I started having trouble with my right elbow.  I've had minor problems with it in the past and have jokingly called it "stamper's elbow."  However, this time it was bad and I knew that I had an ulnar nerve entrapment.  I also had a Stamp-a-Stack coming up and was worried that I would not be able to cut card stock for my guests.

With some rest and therapy, I was able to help my elbow pain.  However, I didn't want to irritate it more by cutting tons of paper.  You'll see that the cards I designed for this class are super simple.  Almost all of my guests were finished within 1 hour.  We made 2 each of 4 designs.  The other card was featured in this previous post.

The picture above may give you some indication of why my elbow was hurting.....so, the first card was a simplified version of one of my recent swap cards.

Stamp Set:  Christmas Postcard

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Kraft (sponged around edges)

Paper:  Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Sticky Strip, Champagne Glass Glitter, Sponges

The finished size of this card is 3" x 6".  The main question everyone asked is if we have envelopes to fit this size of card.  The answer is "yes!".  Item # 107286  Small Open-End Envelopes. 

Stamp Set:  Word Play

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive markers

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Originals die, Dimensionals

 

And I just had to throw one Halloween card in the mix.  My customers LOVED the Spider Web embossing folder, but are wanting ideas for using it at other times of the year.  We decided it would be good for an "Over the Hill" birthday.  If you've got a creative idea, share it by adding a comment at the end of this post.

Stamp Set:  Wicked Cool

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Wicked Fun Specialty, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Accessories:  Big Shot, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Raven Lace Trim

Happy Stampin'

Wicked Lace & Bling

This is my card for the Mojo Monday sketch this week.  I used the Wicked Cool stamp set....one of my new favorites....plus, some of the fun accessories from the Holiday Mini catalog.

Stamp Set:  Wicked Cool

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Nite & Day Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Big Shot, Circles #2 die, Scallop Circles #2 die, 1/2" Raven Lace Trim, Black Flourish designer jewels, crystal effects, markers (Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive), Dimensionals

I added Crystal Effects to the black portions of the hat and shoes to make them shiny.

Happy Stampin'

 

Got More Treats

Last Friday was the Got Treats Stamp-a-Stack.  I've already shared the cupcake card, so it's time for you to see the other 3 cards.

 

This card would be great for an anniversary or a fun wedding/engagement card.  It uses the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, and a little bit of the Play Date designer series paper.

I am soooooo holding back on sharing all of my Halloween projects with you, but I was able to sneak this card in.  Wouldn't this stamp image be perfect on the Pumpkin Poop boxes?  I've got your wheels turning, don't I?  The designer paper is called Wicked Fun Specialty and it features black flocking.  Some of the black circles are fuzzy....love it!

And last but not least, GINGERBREAD MEN!!!  Something about these little guys just makes me smile.  The large stamp image is from the Got Treats stamp set, but the smaller gingerbread man image is from a Holiday Mini stamp set called Jolly Bingo Bits.   The designer paper is called Jolly Holiday.

On all of the cards, I used the 1-3/4" circle punch and the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch.  I just changed the layouts and the designer paper choice to fit the occasion.  Most of the stamp images were inked with markers. I just love it when you can create many different cards with one stamp set and a limited number of supplies.

To order any Stampin' Up! products, be sure to visit my Stampin' Up website.

Got Treats Stamp Set (Set of 10)

119114     $24.95 Wood Mount

120627     $17.95 Clear Mount

 

 

Hooray for Fabric!

In just 2 short weeks, you'll be able to see all of the exciting new products being offered in the 2010 Holiday Mini catalog.  I think my jaw dropped when I saw all of the gorgeous stamp sets & accessories, but then there was....

FABRIC!!!!

Oh my goodness, I just about fell out of my chair!  It is absolutely stunning and I know you will love it, too!

My customers have been wanting to have a class on the rag quilt purses, so obviously that had to be my first project.  I've been a bit nervous to teach a sewing class--it has been 20+ years since I have touched a sewing machine.  Apparently, it's like riding a bike...just comes back to you. 

One of the things I love about stamping is that it can be very forgiving and you can always cover up mistakes.  This purse is like that.  Even if your lines aren't perfect, it still turns out cute! 

The first purse I made was with the Deck the Halls fabric.  The colors in the fabric are Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, and Crumb Cake.  It has a vintage, shabby-chic look.  LOVE IT!!!

 

The next purse was made with the Candy Cane fabric.  The colors in this fabric are Garden Green, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, and Real Red.  It has a very playful look--lots of dots & stripes.  I think it would also make a cute mini-diaper bag, don't you?

Each set of designer fabric comes in an assortment of 3 fat quarters that measure 28" x 18" each. 

Check out the buttons!  There are coordinating Big Designer Buttons for each of the fabric collections.  And they are really BIG.

To make the purse, you need to have a Big Shot and the Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die.  The die can easily cut through about 8 layers of fabric, so you'll have your purse panels cut out in no time at all.

 

Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die

Item # 115950

$21.95 (US)

Available on my SU website

After you've cut all your panels, you build a sandwich with 2 panels and batting in between.  Sew an "x' pattern on each square, lay out your purse plan, and sew it all together.  It's a little more complicated than that, but not much.  The first purse took me about 3 hours from start to finish, but the second one took me less than 2 hours.

The "rag" look is achieved by clipping the seams, then washing & drying the purse.  Here is a before and after shot so you can see the change.  I like it both ways.

If you are ready to try your hand at making one of these fun purses, check out the RAG QUILT PURSE CLASS page.  I will also have class kits by mail available to those unable to attend the local class.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

CLOSE CLOSE PREV | NEXT       PREV | NEXT Scallop Square Stampin' Up! Clear Bigz Die Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive Large Square Scallop Bigz clear die lets you can see the image you want and position it precisely before cutting. This die works wonderfully for cutting photos in a fun shape or for creating a focal point with a specific area of a Designer Series paper pattern. The scallop square shape is perfect for many projects, such as frames, journaling blocks, and accents. ■ Creates a 4-3/8" x 4-3/8" scalloped square ■ Can cut through multiple sheets of card stock, Texture Cuts wood sheets, window sheets, and more ■ Use with Sizzix Big Shot machine and standard cutting pads ■ Die size: 5-1/2" x 6"

Got MOJO?

If you are a follower of my blog, you could probably tell that I have taken a bit of a break from stamping.  The summer months have been so busy & chaotic, so I've had to put a a few things on the back burner. 

However, my new stamps and accessories from the new catalog have been begging for me to play with them.  One of my first purchases was the Got Treats stamp set.  I love that it can be used for so many different occasions and the Mojo Monday sketch this week was great inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamp Set:  Got Treats?

Ink:  Early Espresso, Blushing Bride

Paper:  Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Big Shot, Embossing Folders (Square Lattice, Perfect Polka Dots, Vintage Wallpaper), Markers (Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso), Punches (2-3/8" Scallop Circle, 1-3/4" Circle, Corner Rounder), Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Blushing Bride 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

After I finished this card, I need to simplify the design so that I could use it at my monthly Stamp-a-Stack.  This is just one of the cards we'll be making at Friday's class:

There is still time to RSVP for the Stamp-a-Stack if you would like to attend.  Here are the details:

Got Treats? Stamp-a-Stack

Friday, August 13th at 7pm

118 S. Buckeye Street, Kokomo, IN

We'll be making 8 cards, 2 each of 4 designs, using the new Got Treats stamp set.  Cost is $20 per person and  includes all supplies except adhesive.  RSVP by Wednesday if you would like to attend.

Got Treats Stamp Set (Set of 10)

119114     $24.95 Wood Mount

120627     $17.95 Clear Mount

To order supplies, visit my website at http://stampdoc.stampinup.net.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

Punch Flower Video

I've had quite a few requests for how to make the flower from yesterday's card, so I shot a quick video.  It's real easy, and I would love to see your creations.  Leave a comment with a link to your project using the scallop punch flower.  Remember, this will work with any size of scallop circle punch or die.

Happy Stampin'

Mojo Monday 142

I don't have a lot of time this week but I wanted to participate in the Mojo Monday sketch.  Here is my  quick entry:

 Stamp Set:  Artistic Etchings

Ink:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Newsprint DSP

Accessories:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, 2-3/4" Scallop Circle punch, Black Striped 1-1/4" Grosgrain, Vanilla Jumbo Brad, Dimensionals

Be sure to check out my previous posts for more cards made with Sneak Peek items.

Happy Stampin'

 
  

 

 

Artistic Etchings Meets Wall Decor & More

Not too many people know that I previously worked in the matchmaking industry.  It was years ago and only for a short time, but I learned a lot from those jobs.

So today I am putting my matchmaking skills to work on a fabulous card.  I just received the Wall Decor & More Cricut cartridge and thought it would go great with the new Artistic Etchings Stamp Set (available July 1st).  What do you think?

Highlighted items will be available on July 1st.

Stamp Set:  Artistic Etchings

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP

Accessories:  Cricut Expression, Wall Decor & More cartridge, Stickles, Dimensionals, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Filigree Brads, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Movers & Shapers Die

The Eiffel Tower was cut at 4-1/2" using Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black
card stock.  I added Stickles to the Cherry Cobbler layer and to the crown as a final
touch.  Here is a close-up:

If you haven't checked out my other cards made with the Artistic Etchings stamp set, be sure to scroll down for several more.  I've tried to show how versatile one stamp set and a few accessories can be and I hope that you've added many of these items to your Stampin' Up! wish list.

I'm going to be super busy this week and I'm not sure how often I will get to post.  So, I am going to do a little giveaway for everyone that places an order online through my Stampin' Up! website.......

As a thank you for ordering, you will receive one of the Artistic Etchings cards that I have featured within the last week.  I can't promise which one you'll get, but if I need to make more, I will.

Any order placed through Sunday, June 12th for any amount will receive a card!

There are many great sale items to choose from, as well as retiring stamp sets, decor elements, and accessories.  Be sure to check them out before they are gone on June 30th!

Happy Stampin'

Cherry Amour

This was such a fun card to create.  I had seen some paper flowers made from other newsprint paper and knew I had to try it.  I sponged Cherry Cobbler ink onto the Die Cuts from the Flower Folds Die, putting more color around the edges.  I roughed up the petals a bit and made the center from the 1-3/8" and 1-3/4" circle punches.

I also stamped off the filigree circle with Cherry Cobbler ink before stamping onto the Newsprint DSP panel on the right.  I am finding that stamping the Cherry Cobbler ink at full strength is too dark for the look I am going for....although it was perfect for the Christmas card in my previous post.

I also sponged Cherry Cobbler ink onto the raised portions of the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder to make it stand out.

Before I added the flower to the front of the card, I spritzed the flower with Silver Foil Smooch Spritz to add some shimmer.  Here is a close-up:

Stamp Sets:  Artistic Etchings

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP

Accessories:  Big Shot, Flower Folds Die, Vintage Wallpaper DSP, Movers & Shapers Die, Sponges, 1-3/8" Circle punch, 1-3/4" Circle punch, Modern Label Punch, Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Silver Foil Smooch Spritz, Dimensionals

If you would like to get your hands on some of these new products before July 1st, consider becoming a demonstrator with our special $99 Starter Kit.

The Mini Starter Kit—valued at over $180—contains the items listed
below; while all items are recommended, you can substitute a like item
of equal or lesser value.

• Watercolor Trio stamp
  set (wood-mount)


• I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (clear-mount)


• Clear-Mount Block C


• Homemade single stamp*


• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2” x 11”)


• Brights
  Collection assorted card stock (8-1/2” x 11”)*


• Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Pad


• Daffodil Delight
  Classic Stampin’ Pad*


• Rich Razzleberry
  Classic Stampin’ Pad


• Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin’
  Pad


• Basic Black 1/8” taffeta ribbon*


• Color Coach*


• SNAIL Adhesive

*Sneak peek items!

The
Mini Starter Kit also includes the same business supplies that are in
the standard Starter Kit. Plus, new demonstrator who join Stampin’ Up!
in June, you will receive a free box of 2010-2011 Idea Book and
Catalogs during the first part of July!

Contact
me today to get started!

Cherry Cobbler....YUM!

How could anyone not fall in love with a color named after a dessert?  The new Cherry Cobbler is one of my absolute favorites!!!  I've paired it with the Artistic Etchings stamp set to create 2 very different cards for you today.

The first card, I "copied" from the new catalog....the orientation was changed and I modified the "Amour" tag, but it's pretty close to the catalog version. 

My 3-year old daughter loved this card so much, I caught her trying to
take it to daycare with her today.  She recognized the Eiffel
Tower....I'm amazed at what she has picked up from her favorite show,
Little Einsteins.  I would not have know what the Eiffel Tower was when I
was her age. 

Stamp Set:  Artistic Etchings

Ink:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler

Paper:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Newsprint DSP

Accessories:  Paper Piercer, White Gel Pen, Mat Pack, Modern Label Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Filigree Designer Brads

One of the great things about the new catalog is all the fabulous color combinations.  I'm sure I would have eventually paired Cherry Cobbler with a green, but check out how great it looks with Old Olive and Very Vanilla.  I can't wait to use this combination on many of my holiday cards.

 

Stamp Sets:  Artistic Etchings, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crumb Cake (sponged around edges)

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive

Accessories:  2-3/4" Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Filigree Designer Brad, Modern Label punch, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain, sponges

I hope you've enjoyed today's cards and I hope that I get a chance to stamp a little more this weekend.  Have a good one and happy stampin'!

New Stuff!

I am starting to feel like I have too many toys and not enough time!  I received a Cricut Expression and Gypsy for Mother's Day, the sewing machine for my birthday....and both already have a thin layer of dust on them.  So when it came time to order new items from the upcoming 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog, I decided to use a little restraint and only order a few things at first. 

I had my order ship by Next-Day air so that I could also get my hands on that new catalog.  I can't tell you any specifics, but you are going to LOVE it!  My wish list keeps growing and growing.

Lucky for you, I can show you projects that I make with the new products I received.  This is your official first sneak peek at new catalog items....and I tried to cram as many as I could onto this one card!  LOL!

I used the Mojo Monday 141 sketch for the layout. 
 

Stamp Set:  Artistic Etchings

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Basic Black

Paper:  Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Newsprint Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Scallop Rectangle Clearlits, Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponges

I absolutely love this new stamp set called Artistic Etchings.  It is a set of 6 stamps and also features a key and Eiffel Tower images.  Here are a couple of close-ups:

You can check out the Scallop Rectangle Clearlits die in the picture above.  What is great about this die, is that you can stamp your image first, then because you can see where the die will cut, you can cut out the image accurately.  The finished piece measures 1-1/2" x 2".

You can also see the great textured background that I created with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I sponged Crumb Cake ink over the raised images to make them stand out more.

By the way, Crumb Cake is the new name for Kraft.  We now have a stamp pad in Crumb Cake, too!  I love the way it looks on the sponged edges.

And finally, check out the Newsprint Designer Series Paper.  It gives a nice vintage look to any project and you only need to use a little bit.  I'm sure it will last me forever!

Hope you've enjoyed this little sneak peek.  Happy Stampin'!