Giftcard/Money Holders for Christmas! .... and tags!

 
Kelly Gettlefinger came up with these cute little tri-fold gift card holder.  I added the 'tag' and sentiment to make it a card as well.  I've already used these up or taken them to Elite Salon in Midvale, UT.  In fact you can see all these gift cards at the Salon.  The stocking holder is a favorite - the 'cuff' comes off to reveal the opening of the stocking that can hold a gift card or money.  There are lots of variations of these stockings, but I liked this one from Shelly Raines.

 

This wallet style money holder was designed by Michele Reynolds - love her work!  I mail alot of gifts with family being out of state, so I added the envelope.  These cute tags are large enough to write a sentiment or note on the back with added 'blank' paper on the back for that purpose.  It's a tag and card in one!  These printed tags and stamped diecuts are available in the Holiday Catalog from Stampin' Up! 

Many of you should be receiving your Spring Catalogs in the mail, along with the Salabration booklet!  Yes!  It's that time again!  You can order these new products through this website in January!  Look for more fun projects coming soon!  Be warm, be safe and be crafty!  Merry Christmas!

Witchy Trick-or-Treater!

So, I wasn't going to get the Googly Ghouls set when it came out in the Holiday Mini. 



Yet, my peers influenced me greatly with their awesome creations, so I had to jump in.  I have had SUCH a good time with this set!  This first card is my own creation that combines a retired set that's my Halloween'go to' set, with the new Googly Ghouls:

I used nine different colors of ink, sponging, brayering, masking, and heat embossing techniques for this fun card!  I love how the colors pop! The Trick or Treat bag is from the Bingo Bits Halloween Set. The hardest part?  Cutting out the little Witch!  lol

These next cards are close to direct cases, with some paper and color changes but also use Googly Ghouls:

 
Connie Babbert is the original creator of the Mummy Trio, which uses Calypso Coral instead of the standard Pumpkin Pie or Cajun Craze as the 'orange' base.  Pumpin Pie was used for the Hiding Mummy.  I like how the Stampin' Up! colors are both used in the DSP... notice they both have the same sheet of DSP as a background!  The Hiding Mummy design was created by Tracey Caudle.  I kept the general layout, and changed the paper, accents and sentiment.  I used different embossing folders too!

All three of these cards are on display at Elite Nail Salon at 7300 South 900 East, next to the Belgian Waffle House, along with several other of my cards and gift boxes. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!





All out of Thank You Notes........

I had so much fun last weekend re-filling my stash of Thank You notes and making some extras for my sister and stepdaughter.  (They don't know I actually listened, and heard them drop a hint that they wanted some.)
Here are a few of the cards:

(upper/left) -  Button Buddies is one of my favorite Stamp Sets from Stampin' Up. Sometimes I really struggle though, with smaller images. I was really happy to find this layout which does a great job highlighting a smaller image from this set like the flower pot. Lots of layers, but they are simple. I used the Ice Cream Parlor Kit that is currently available in the clearance rack, along with these coordinating buttons and ribbon. Yummy! I used a small piece of ribbon on the vase to give it more color and dimension. This Kit is super versatile and cheery! 

(upper/center) - Dawn Olchefske made quite a splash at Convention by reviving this layered stamping style.  There are tutorials for it on her website as well as Split Coast Stampers under Resources.  I used the new Stippled Blossoms in Night of Navy and Not Quite Navy, and the Flowering Flourishes in Always Artichoke.  And, I forgot the sentiment; it needed to be stamped first - oh well!  Blank card, it is!  A little Always Artichoke seam binding and we're done.  This is a fun and fairly quick technique that looks oh so elegant! 

(upper/right) - First, if anyone can help me turn this card, I would be grateful.  I've tried everything, and Blogger just really want to keep it in it's original format!  Anyway, I love the simplicity plus Wow factor of dry embossing designer paper.  I love this quick layout! layer a 2" piece of DSP onto solid card stock. Run thru the Bigshot with an embossing folder. Tie on ribbon, stamp a sentiment, punch it, adhere it to a punch of DSP, and attach with dimensionals. Adhere it to your card base, and tada! Quick thank you note!

 

(bottom/left) - The Array of Sunshine Set was stamped in Lucky Limade, Primrose Petals, Baja Breeze and Wisteria Wonder then cut out by hand.  This is Louise Sharp's design, although her sentiment, colors and background matting are different. 

 

(bottom/right)  I love the French Foliage set, but it took me awhile to warm to it.  I love it now! This collage technique is a fun way to 'make' your own designer paper!  

 

I hope you can find a technique, layout, color combination or stamp set from my post that inspires you!  Happy Stamping! 

Quick Christmas Notecards!

Hey Everyone!  Well, I'm back from vacation and busy with my push to get ahead of the holiday rush by getting some Christmas Cards made in advance.  At the Stampin' Up! Convention this year, Bonnie Thurber demonstrated the Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags and a quick option for Christamas Cards combined with SU Note cards.  I thought I would step it up, and include the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Pack, too!  These little darlings came together very quickly!  So, for $16.85 in supplies and a Christmas Sentiment and a little bling and ribbon, I have 25 quick cards!  Even with ribbon and bling, it's less than $1 each to make!  Sweet!

For an extra little dazzle, I used the jumbo wheel to snaz up the envelopes.  Loved how these turned out!  All of these products can be purchase at my online store... just click the this image on the right to shop now:
Have a great day and I'll be posting more from Convention this weekend!

Nakaba's Suntanned Piggy!

I found this adorable little suntanned piggy on Nakaba Rager's website, and had to Case it, and then share it with you. I made a few paper color changes such as .. I used Midnight Muse and she used Island Indigo, and Close to Coca for her sunglasses instead of Soft Sude.  I also used the ribbon punch instead of the framelit for the umbrella's ruffle. This is a fun punch art card that is great if you need to 'create' in the midst of interruption... there are lots of small, quick steps that you can complete as you pass by your crafting space, and then go put in a load of laundry! :) Enjoy your day as much as this little piggy seems to be enjoying hers!

Here is the info from Nakaba's Website, or you can go to her page at: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/naki/blog?directBlogUrl=%2Fblog%2F2100429%2Fentry%2Fjune_27_2012

Stamp set: Button Buddies, Spooky Bingo Bits


Paper: Whisper White, Midnight Muse, Pool Party, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Close to Cocoa, Early Espresso, Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper

Ink: Crumb Cake, Real Red

Tool: 2-1/2" and 1/2" Circle, Owl Builder, Boho Blossoms, Jewelry Tag Punches, Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and Ribbon punch

Matchbook Giftcard Holders

The Tour de France is over, and congrats to Brad Wiggins for the win!  Now, at the Sports Mall where I teach Spinning, we've been having our own Tour Ride.  We have taken roll for all riders and incorporated the profiles from the Tour as the ride for that day's spin class.   John Harley was our male winner and rode all 23 rides! Penny McNair was our female winner with 19 rides.  Taylor Optical gave away a $200 gift certificate for a pair of oakley sunglasses - woohoo!  Each rider earned a ticket in our drawing for each day they rode, up to 10 rides.  Why am I telling you all of this?  Well, I made Giftcard Holders for our three top winners:

The green holder is a direct case from Convention 2 years ago.  The Primrose Petals is combined with Not Quite Navy ribbon and stamped 'just for you' sentimment from the Just Believe stamp set.  The Daffodil Delight holder is paid with Night of Navy and Cherry Cobbler for the coloring.  The bike is from a retired set, but perfect for my spinning crew!  Here is the inside:

This was very fun and quick to do!  The matchbook is 31/2 inches by 12 inches.  Score at 5.25 and 10.5".  Crease with a bonefolder.  At the flapless end, use the Word Window punch to make the slot.  You want to punch no more than 1 inch into the matchbook.  Then, using papersnips, cut  the short flap diagonally about 1.25" IN from each side to the outside edge of the flap.  This will make the flap fit into the slot.  Staple the ribbon to the center of the outside of the flap twice and tie a simple knot.  Attach a little jewel tag punch with some linen thread or twine.  Using versamark or same color ink, stamp the image of your choice tothe outside cover and a sentiment.  I attached a 3" by 5" cellophone bag with snail adhesive to the inside so it can hold anything from a gift card to money to treats, and becomes re-usable!  I hope you will try this simple little holder and dress up your small gifts.  Thanks for looking!

Stampin' Up! Convention 2012 was amazing!

I AM.... inspired, motivated, exhausted and filled with creative ideas after attending Convention this year!
So many announcements were made, too! Chelsea and I had a blast in the break out classes, but one of my favorites was Shannon West's I Am Having Fun!  And, along that line, with all the swaps I made, this one for my Facebook Group, All Things Stampin' Up!, is probably my favorite:

For one thing... this is not a CASE!  That's rather miraculous because I'm SUCH a caser.. :)  I love this Patio Party DSP, and actually found that I like Summer Starfruit in this color combination.  I used lots of framelits here from the Bitty Banner set and the Label Framelits.  Now, I am a BIG fan of embossing folders, but this new Fanfare folder is my absolute new Go To folder!  It can be used for literally any occasion, from Baby to Masculine!  I actually used the negative side for this particular card.  I used blender pens and a multitude of colors for the cute little Ark image, Two by Two.  It's an ala carte stamp in the new catalog this year.  Leave me a comment if you have any questions on this card, and I'd love suggestions as to what stamp set, technique or color combo YOU would like to see me use on my next post!  CHALLENGE ME!  I'm up for it!  Thanks for stopping by!



Take Care Owl Friends

Happy Summer to you!  I've been busy getting my swaps ready for SU Convention.  What a busy time, especially with the new Catalog AND Occasions Mini just coming out.  So much to see - and BUY!  heehee!  I signed up for a technique swap and chose emboss resist and brayering as my techniques.  I thought it would be fun to demonstrate how to put a scene together.  I learned how to do this from Michelle Zindorf who is an AMAZING artist and stamper!  BEST art class I ever went to!  You can google her name and check out her tutorials - they're amazing.  :)

Anywhooo..... I chose to have some fun with the new Take Care set from SU. It has a branch in it that I thought could also be used as a tree.  Here is how it turned out:

Here is the actual Take Care stamp set: 

The little owls are stamped, cut out and popped up on dimensionals.  I have included a tutorial that illustrates how to put a scene together here:  Tutorial for Take Care Owl Friends  I had fun making all 16 of these, and hope you'll find your own CASE of this fun little project!  More to come soon!

Morning All!  I just had to share this video with you from Patricia Giesbrecht!  It demonstrates how to use re-inkers to refill markers!  So awesome!  Re-inkers have SO many uses from refilling pads and markers to all kinds special techniques.  This is quick and easy to do - watch:  Using Re-inkers on Markers.

And, some fun and unusal news from SU!  Several Occasions Mini items are carrying over to the Catalog available June 1st!  They can be found here:  Occasions Mini Carryover Items.

Also, Email me if you would like to pre-order a catalog, as they have reduced the price!  Catalogs are now available for direct shipping!  I'm so excited for this feature!  I can now deliver a catalog to you, directly from Stampin' Up!  The new annual Catalog will be available for Pre-order May 7th, and will be delivered between May 7th and May 21st!  I can't wait to see what fun goodies we can play with over the coming year!  I was able to do a little pre-ordering for you, so look for new project posting with new In-Colors, embellishments and stamps!

Until then, have a great day!

College Graduation is just around the corner!

It's a great day!  My youngest daughter was accepted into Nursing School at the University of Utah.  We are so thrilled and proud of her!  Goooo Katie!  And, it's grad week for the Universities here, so I made some grad cards that are available for purchase and viewing at Elite Nail Salon at 7301 South 900 East.  Those gals do a great job - I love getting my nails done there!  The U of U colors are Red, Black and White:

The penguin and gown designs are old favorites, yet retired stamps that I love....  The floral stamps are currently available and can be purchased for YOUR grad cards at the button on the right "Shop 24/7".  It's also that time of year for Stampin' Up's retired list and NEW catalog!  Below is a link to the retired items that are deeply discounted and available for sale: SU Retired List

Lots of new goodies will be announced soon, as Stampin' Up releases it's new colors and annual Idea Book and Catalog!  I can hardly wait!  Stay tuned for more fun creations and have an awesome day!

Good Morning!  I just love these wonderful gift boxes that I found on Kirsteen Gill's website here: 
http://www.creatinwithkirsteen.com/3d-projects/965-stepper-compartment-box-box-bags-or-container-swap.html  I love Kirsteen's work and follow her website because I love her sense of design.  I hope I'm that for YOU!  These little gems are a cinch with Stampin' Up's Simply Scored Tool and Diagonal Plate:


These can be purchased by clicking the Shop 24/7 button on the right of this post!
The small boxes are 2 inches square and can hold money, jewelry, treats, charms and other small wonders!  They are a great gift box or a gift themselves.  I've used the Summer Smooches paper with Island Indigo and Pumpkin Pie cardstock.  The ruffled ribbon in Island Indigo and Seam Binding in Baja Breeze are a sweet and simple embellishment. Theses boxes come together quickly and look great.  Next, I'm making a version that is half as tall so watch for that post! Thanks for looking and happy crafting!

I promised a post with Summer Smooches, and I had a moment to make a quick 'sorry I'm late' card for a dear friend.  I'm excited to make a fun 3D box with the design paper from this set!  Below is the card I made for Jane.  I used the stamp set and colored the stamp with markers and stamped onto watercolor paper.  The inside is a cute little poem I found online...

"Your birthday's passed, and I'm too late,


So sorry …. I forgot the date.

So here's a card, I've sent to say,

I hope you had an awesome day!"

The printed paper is from Everyday Enchantment, as is the brad.  The 'banner' was made by using the corner of the Pendant Punch.  All products are from Stampin' UP!  and can be ordered online right now by clicking on the 24/7 on the right of my blog.
The colors used here are Calypso Coral, Lucky Limade and Pool Party.  They are 3 of the 5 new in-colors for 2011-2012.

Can't wait to show you the 3D box I have planned for these sunny papers:
  Have a sunny kind of day!

Easter Fun!

Oh, where does the time go between these posts!  Just can't seem to get things posted fast enough!  I've been having a wonderful time with the new items from the Sale-a-bration promotion and the Occasions Mini  catalog.  Below is my latest case from those delightfully talented ladies over at stampinconnection.com:

I love this paper called Twitterpated from the Occasions Mini!  So fresh, cheery and full of Springtime!  I stamped the image from the Everybunny set on Whisper White cardstock with Stazon Black ink.  I always using my heating tool when I'm going to use an aquapainter or blender pens, so that I'm sure the stamped image won't smear or smudge.  I used Island Indigo, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Rose Red and Pear Pizazz to color the image.  Using a touch of either Baja Breeze or Sahara Sand around the bunny really makes the image pop!  It's hard to see but I used a distressing tool on the edges of the white image panel.  This came together quickly and it highlights our beautiful DSP and this darling stamp set!

Now, it's time to make some masculine birthday cards for my daughter's boyfriends.  I also can't wait to use the NEW Summer Smooches paper and stamp set.  So fun and bright!  It's only available until April 30th so order now!  What will you make with your Summer Smooches order?  I'll post my soon......

Sale-a-bration is in full swing!  If you would like a brochure, email me, or use this link to see the new and beautiful items available for Salabration this year!  Remember, for every $50 of your order you receive FREE merchandise.  Other exciting news is that the Demonstrator Starter Kit is $50 OFF during Sale-a-bration.  It's a great time to enjoy Stampin' Up!
http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/2012SAB/20120124_SAB_en-US.pdf

Enchanted Blossoms and Butterflies

Well!  I have been obsessed with getting all of my holiday cards and projects out, and neglected to take pictures to post them here.  Please forgive for neglecting my blog!  I'm happy to say that Christmas is officially stored away again, and I actually got a chance to really take a moment and play with my new items from the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs.  Occasions items are available and are delicious!  The Sale-a-Bration event begins January 24th, and my posts today use several of the Sale-a-Bration goodies.   Take a look:

I'm in love with this new Everyday Enchantment Paper!  All printed papers you see in both samples are from this new paper series.  The cute little bird and crown are from the new stamp set, Elementary Elegance.  I used the new Blossom Punch from the Occasions Mini to create one of the flower layers, along with the large and small scallop circle punches, and the triple-punch for the smallest layer.  I layered a triple blossom punch, small scallop, scallop, blossom and large scallop punches after crunching each one into a wrinkled ball and then sponging them with Soft Suede ink.  After attaching them to my base with a brad I crinkled them again to make them 'fluffy.'  Easy and fun to do - you should try it!  That brad and 1/8" organdy ribbon are also from the Sale-a-Bration catalog.  Leaves were cut from Lucky Limeade and sponged with Soft Suede, as was the flower layers. 

The Butterflies are cut from our new Blossom Builder die-cuts from the Occasions Mini.  So easy and fun to do!  The die-cuts are layered with one layer cut from the new Blossom Punch shown here:

The sentiment was stamped in Soft Suede and is from the Flight of the Butterfly Set.  Pearls were added for the butterfly bodies and the wings were gently curled by rolling them around a pencil.  The butterflied are popped up with Dimensionals.  I hope you are inspired to check out the new items in both catalogs!  Feel free to contact me if you have questions about the benefits coming up in the Sale-a-Bration catalog, or if you would like to host a party featuring the Occasions Mini Blossom Punch!