Back to the real world.....

I think it can be a little difficult to return to the real world after a vacation at Walt Disney World.  We had a great time, but I was glad to be home.  You'll probably get bombarded with scrapbook pages of our trip in the coming months, but for now, I'm just going to indulge by showing one of my favorite pictures of the kids.

As you can see, my little punkin was smiling away most of the time, while my big kid just tried not to look bored.  I wasn't able to get too many pictures of the two of them together, so this one is special.

Now it's back to the real world of stamping and can you believe it?  My hands haven't held a stamp in almost 3 weeks!  I'm hoping to get in a little creative time this weekend.  Lucky for you, though.....I still have my October stamp club projects to share.

Last month, I focused on using the Stampin' Up fabric on cards.  I was a little intimidated at first to use the fabric adhesive, but it was so easy that I can't wait to order more!

I'm going to try to put together a video this weekend and show you how simple it really is. 

The snowflake was die-cut with the Snowflake #2 Originals die and the Big Shot.  The scallop border was created with the new Tasteful Trim die---so much fun to use!

I'll share the other 2 fabric cards we made last month with you real soon.....one of them definitely requires a video!  But I'm pretty sure you'll love it!

Happy Stampin'

 

Stamp Club Projects

At stamp club last month, members made these three projects.

The first project was the anti-bacterial soap holder inspired by Erica Cerwin.  She has great instructions on her blog on how to make the box.  I used the Owl and Bitty Bat punches to create the vampire bat.  The fangs were cut free-hand and I used a red marker on the tips.

The 12" x 12" scrapbook page also features the Owl punch....I used it to create the spooky ghosts.  The pumpkins were created with the Ovals die and the big shot with Pumpkin Pie card stock.  I sponged the edges to make them stand out a little better.

The final project was this adorable test tube holder.  The test tubes have been collecting dust in my closet for a couple of years.  I know I'll probably get questions regarding where to purchase them....I got them in a bulk buy from another demonstrator, but if I find a new source, I'll let you know.

Lisa Somerville has several patterns for test tube holders on her blog.  I used the Wicked Cool stamp set, the Spider Web embossing folder, Raven lace trim, and Nite Owl Designer Series paper to really make this project pop!

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack on my Stampin' Up! website.  There are many items for sale at drastically reduced prices.  It's a  great time to get your hands on some fun stamping supplies.

Happy Stampin'

Lucky You!

My monthly scrapbook club was held today and I wanted to surprise my club members with something a little different.  We usually do a 2-page 12" x 12" seasonal layout, so I thought St. Patrick's day would be a perfect theme.  However, I don't own any stamps with shamrocks, clovers, or leprechauns.  Time to get creative......

The base of the pages are Kraft & Old Olive card stock.  I added Garden Green and various patterns of paper from the Sweet Pea Designer Series paper pack.  But here is the show-stopper....

Isn't he adorable?  And aren't you LUCKY?

I have the directions for you to download!!!!!

Punch Art Leprechaun Instructions

There are still 2 days remaining for my Bunny Blog Candy giveaway and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment somewhere on my blog.  Let me know what you think of the little Leprechaun and you'll be entered!!

 

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.

 

Birthday Box Stamp Camp

 

An All-New Scrapbook Club

 

Sending Love Stamp-a-Stack

   

September Scrapbook Club Layout

Here is a great scrapbook layout for the Fall season.  We made this at out monthly scrapbook club meeting.  This layout was designed by my very talented downline, Tiffany Cline.

 

 

Supplies

• Stamp Set:  Falling Leaves


• Ink:  More Mustard, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede


• Paper:  Whisper White, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede, Autumn Traditions DSP


• Accessories:  Basic Small Grommets, Silver Brads, Circle Designer Brads, Orchard Ribbon Originals, Twill Tape, Big Shot, Billboard Die, Leaves #2 Die

Here are a few close-ups of the fun details:

 

Happy Stampin'

Cupcake Craziness

I promised to share this month's scrapbook club project with you after the class today.  This project is a little more involved than the layouts we typically do, but I think my ladies enjoyed doing something different.

Below is a picture of the album cover:

 

The base of the album was made from 3 brown paper lunch sacks.  If you have kids, you probably have some....somewhere.  I purchased the "giant size" bags from Target.  You get about 50 for less than $2.

The bags were folded in half, then layered with the open end going in different directions.  Using the crop-a-dile, we punched 3 holes along the spine of our album and tied light pink grosgrain through the holes.

The large cupcake was paper-pieced using Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo paper.  The image was stamped onto each cardstock and then the individual layers--cherry, icing, and liner--were put together.  The liner was crimped with the paper crimper to make it look a littler more realistic.  Crystal effects was used on the cherry and to adhere the pink beads or "sprinkles" onto the top of the cupcake.

Here is a peak at the inside pages:

 

 

 

 

And a peak at the pull-out pages:

 

I hope you've enjoyed this project.  The complete list of supplies is below if you would like to make one yourself.  And if you need to order any of the supplies, be sure to visit my Stampin' UP! website.  You can place an order anytime and have it shipped direct to you.

SUPPLIES

Stamp Sets:  Simple Birthday Thanks, Crazy for Cupcakes, Cupcakes Wheel, A Little Birthday Cheer, The More the Merrier (hostess set)

Ink Pads:  Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo

Markers:  Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip

Paper:  Melon Mambo Patterns Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Crystal Effects, Pink Bead Duo, 5/16" Neutral Brads, Crop-a-Dile, Scallop Edge Punch, 1" circle punch, 1-1/4" circle punch, Light Pink Grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Another Old Friend

Today I'm going to introduce you to Heartfelt Thanks.  Demonstrators received this stamp set at convention several years ago and new demonstrators have received this stamp set in their starter kits for at least the last two years.  It is a great set, very versatile and so simple to use.  You are sure to find tons of samples online made with this stamp set.

 

Here is the list of supplies:

*items available while supplies last or until June 30th

Stamp Set:  Heartfelt Thanks*

Ink:  Pacific Point*, Kiwi Kiss*

Paper:  Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss*, Pacific Point*

Accessories:  Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain*, dimensionals

 

 

I have also updated my blog with information on Stamp Club, Scrapbook Club, and subscribing to receive upcoming catalogs.  Just click on the links at the top of the page to learn more.

Fun with Stencils

I've seen so many beautiful projects with the Kind Thoughts Floruish stencil, so I had to try it out for myself.  It is super EASY to use and I just love the result.

We made this 2 page scrapbook layout at our May scrapbook class:

I used a sponge and Not Quite Navy ink with the Kind Thoughts Flourish stencil to create the image on the first page.  A large pearl from the Pretties kit was added to center.

The "friendship" title was created with the Jumble Alphabet, available this month for 20% off the regular price.  This alphabet set will be available in the upcoming 2009-2010 catalog.

The "happpiest business in the world..." stamp is from the set, Friends 24-7.

The Designer Series Paper featured on this layout is called Bella Bleu.  The catalog does not do it justice!! It is gorgeous......and on sale this month.  Check out the Buy 3, Get 1 Free special on all Designer Series Paper.  Now is a great time to stock up on lots of pretty papers.

The second page of the layout was simply stamped with the Flourish from the Friends 24-7 stamp along the outside edge of the Kraft cardstock with Versamark ink. 

I used the Frame Oval Scallop sizzix die to create the Floral Accent piece.  The stamp is also from Friends 24-7.

The final touches include vanilla hodgepodge hardware, vanilla taffeta ribbon, and a scallop border on the photo mat.

And here is a card we'll be creating at the Stamp-a-Stack on Friday, May 22nd.  There are still a few spots available if you would like to attend.

You would not believe how quickly this card comes together!!!!  I used the sponge with Not Quite Navy ink to create the Flourish with the stencil, added a strip of Bella Bleu designer series paper, cream taffeta ribbon, and stamped the greeting from the stamp set, Sincere Salutations. 

SUPPLY LIST

• Small Kind Thoughts Flourish stencil
  


• Cardstock:  Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla
  


• Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper
  


• Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon
  


• Stamp Sets:  Jumble Alphabet, Sincere Salutations, Friends 24-7
  


• Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Versamark
  


• Frame Oval Scallop Die and Big Shot die-cutting machine
  


• Accessories:  Stampin' Sponge, Scallop edge punch, designer label punch, vanilla hodgepodge hardware, Pretties kit (pearl)

If you would like to order any of the items above, visit my Stampin' UP! website and click SHOP NOW.  Items will arrive at your door in about 7 days.

Happy Stampin'
Melissa

March Scrapbook Club Layout

Scrapbook Club will meet this Sunday.  If you live in or near Kokomo, IN, you can sign up for Meetup.com to be notified of all my upcoming events.

Each month, members make a 2-page layout.  I try to do seasonal pages, so it looks like I may be jumping the gun this month.  I'm sooooooo ready for Spring to be here!

 

Both pages feature the Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper, Sale-a-Bration ribbon bundle, and a couple of my favorite Big Shot dies---Stampin' Up! Beautiful Butterflies and Daisies #2.

 

I layered 2 butterflies together with dimensionals, and then tied a small piece of certainly celery grosgrain to create a body and antennae.

 

The second page has photo mats for 2, 4" x 6" photos.  I added a pearl from the Pretties kit to the center of each small butterfly.  The edges were slightly distressed and sponged with So Saffron ink.

 

The Daisies #2 die cuts flowers in 3 sizes.  I layered all 3 pieces together and added a 1/2" circle punched from the Delicate Dots DSP to the the center.

 

There is still time to earn FREE Sale-a-Bration items with every $50 purchase.  Visit my Stampin' Up! website to SHOP NOW.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

Love You Much Scrapbook Layout

  

We'll be making this 2-page layout using the contents of the Love You Much Bundle at the February Scrapbook Class.  Complete event details for this class and many more can be viewed on my events calendar.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

Something Old & Something New

First of all, I would like to apologize for my recent absence.  It has taken me quite a bit longer to recover from my illness than I had planned.  Even though the fever was gone, the fatigue was relentless.  Can you imagine not having the strength or energy to stamp?  That was me!

So, I finally got off my duff and held some classes last weekend.  Stamping is the best medicine---it will make you feel better, no matter what!  On Friday, we had our technique class featuring "Glitter Windows".  The Stamp Shack had been closed for a month, and with sub-zero temperatures recently, it was a chilly class setting.  We had a great time creating a technique page and a coordinating card using products from the Love You Much Bundle (still on sale through January 31).

 

The technique pages measure 8-1/2" x 8-1/2" and fit perfectly in the On Board 8-1/2" Ring Album.  You can view my album here.

By Sunday, the stamp shack was a tiny bit warmer than it was Friday night, but my class attendees thought our scrapbook page project was very fitting.  I designed these pages using non-traditional winter colors and everyone just loved the way they turned out.  You can click on the image to get a closer view.

 

The "brrr" was stamped in Whisper White ink with the Big Deal Alphabet and the letters were punched out with the 1-3/4" and 1-1/4" circle punches.  After the ink dried, we traced the outline of the letters with a white gel pen to give them a frosty look.

Check out faux icicles!  These were created by squeezing crystal effects onto waxed paper, sprinkling with dazzling diamonds, and then allowing sufficient time to dry.  Once the icicles are dry, you simply peel them off of the wax paper and adhere them to any project with mini glue dots.

The patterned paper is called Frosty Days.....sorry! It's now retired along with the cute little felt snowflake.  The snowman images are from the Mr. Twigster and Big on Christmas stamp sets.

There is plenty of room for lots of pictures.  Our kids went sledding on Monday, and I can't wait to complete my pages with their cute pics!

Tomorrow, I'll share with you the projects for my Stamp-a-Stack this month.  And I promise not to leave you hanging for another month with no creative inspiration.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

December Scrapbook Club Layout

  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:

   

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

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.

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

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.

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:

 

Happy Stampin'

Melissa