Birthday Card Stamp-a-Stack

It's a chilly night in Kansas and the mercury is dropping, but when I saw this it warmed my heart! Saturday is the Birthday Card Stamp-a-Stack at Idyllwilde Studios (10:00am-2:00pm), and Monique is way ahead of me designing her share of the cards! I've got a couple of young friends that will just love this plump little guy.

If you've never attended a stamp-a-stack before, here's how it works. We (Monique will be providing some of the designs) will have the pieces all cut and ready to go, so you can make as many of each design as you like - we're keeping production time to 10 or 15 minutes per card. The six birthday designs will cover cards for kids, men, and women, plus I'll have a thank-you card design made up in case you still need to send out a note of appreciation to holiday hostesses and gift-givers. (The thank-you card will feature a couple of the retiring stamps currently on the dormant list - these stamps will not be available after January 4th). You'll pay $1 per card for what you make (envelopes not included, although I have some on hand if you want to purchase them at cost).

A stamp-a-stack is a great way to prepare for the coming year. You know you always mean to have those cards ready ahead of time, but so often it turns into a last-minute scramble! Personally, I'm just going to have my birthday card box out and start stuffing it as I work! (If you weren't in stamp club last year to make this project, ask to see mine.)

Although I don't require advance payment nor registration for this event, it would be helpful if you could let me know that you'll be dropping by. I'll put the kettle on for you!

Kathy

Mice Treats

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Whisper White and Summer Sun.

Ink: Real Red and Versa Mark.

Stamps: Best of Cluck and Winter Post.

Punch: Boho Blossom and Circle Scallop.
Ribbon: Red Gingham.

Misc.: Oreo, Chocolate Covered Cherry (with stem), Chocolate Kiss, Colored Frosting, Mousetrap and Curling Ribbon (non-Stampin' Up!).

Stinkin' Cute! That pretty much sums it up! Aren't these little guys so much fun! I wish I could claim the mouse treat idea as my own, but unfortunately it's not. Not sure where it originated but I 'cased' it from a reception we had at my church a couple weeks ago knowing I had to make it for the "Cool n' the Gang" girls.

So, not sure how I was going to package him up, I was trying to figure out how I picture mice when I think of them, and other then in heaven from a tasty meal of Decon, you guessed it, mouse traps! So after messing with it for a little bit, I noticed that the Oreo cookie fit perfectly on the end of the trap wedged in between the spring and the locking bar. Then I added a little ribbon and bow to dress him up and gave him a little cheese treat and voila!

Disclaimer: No mice were harmed or otherwise mistreated in the making of this blog... but a few were eaten! :)

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Monique.

Make Merry!

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!
Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery and Soft Suede.
Ink: Certainly Celery, Soft Suede and Real Red.
Stamps: Berry Christmas.
Punches: 1/2" Circle.
Ribbon: Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon 3/4".

Hello there,

This cute card also comes by way of the Stampin' Up Regional in Wichita. Except, it wasn't a swap but a card we as Demonstrators got to make. This set is only available for a short while longer (Jan. 4th) in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini. A quick and easy way to add color/texture to a card is to of course, add ribbon, and what a treat you get with this one as it's double sided. White stitched edging on one side and polka-dotted on the other. It's like two rolls for the price of one! Can't beat that! We also stamped a wreath on the envelope, always a nice way to let the recipient start appreciating the card even before it's open.

Thanks for visiting!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Blessings,

Monique.

A Cardinal Christmas Set Sampler - 5x5 in Blues

I love the fact that 5x5" and 3x6" cards will go for the same postage rate as the standard 4.25x5.5" card. Variety is the spice of life, as they say!

I embossed these guys in black on naturals cardstock, then colored with an Aqua Painter filled with denatured alcohol just as I did for the note pads (if you squish the ink pad against the lid before opening you'll have plenty of ink on the inside of the lid for watercoloring). Reminds me of being a kid and just coloring inside the lines... only better, because the ink flows so nicely and you can intensify colors with more layers and just play! Although the DSP is from last year, I included the card to give you an example of this set in a non-Christmas card.

You'll note some direct-to-paper action with the white craft pad, and a row of piercing that simulates yet another layer! I like the Curly Label punch parts just peeping out from behind. (I apologize for the photograph, I tried several times to get the color to show accurately but it just wouldn't!)

Remember to put some food out for our feathered friends today. You can watch them out your window so that when you watercolor them, you'll get it just right!

Kathy


All supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas
Ink: Versamark, white craft (Real Red and Sage Shadow used for watercoloring)
Paper: Going Gray, Night of Navy, DSP; Whisper White scrap
Accessories: 1/4" Not Quite Navy grosgrain ribbon, 3 brads, Aquapainter, Paper-Piercing Tool and mat

A Cardinal Christmas Set Sampler - Post Card

Here's a quickie I designed for our "Christmas in July Stamp-a-Stack" just right for those of you who want to use the laser printer for your holiday message! Stampin' Up Whisper White and Very Vanilla will go through just about any printer, and if you have a way to feed straight through (without the rollers having to pull the paper around a roller) you can use the heavier weight naturals or colors for your project.

As you're setting up your message side, remember to leave room for an address! Once you've printed what you want, cut the card stock into quarters and stamp. This design uses the "ghost stamping" technique for a little added depth and interest (stamp fully inked, then stamp again without re-inking). I've also used the 1/4" punch for the red "berries" or faux brads... just attach with a dot of glue then add a dot of Crystal Effects on top and allow to dry.

No extra postage required!

Kathy


All Supplies Stampin' Up!

Paper: Naturals White CS (real red scraps)
Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas
Inks: Real Red, Always Artichoke classic
Accessories: 1/4" hand held punch, Crystal Effects

A Cardinal Christmas Set Sampler - Note Pad/Planner

In our next set sampler adventure, I want to introduce you to a group of images that's perfect not just for Christmas, but for bird and nature lovers in all seasons. It's called "A Cardinal Christmas", and for the next four days I'll be showing you a variety of projects made primarily with this set. I'll begin with one of my favorite things, a holiday organizer.

You can probably tell that I haunt the $ bins in various locations. The trick is to add that special handmade touch that takes your project out of the common way. When you add a cover and a pocket to this pad, you have a place for coupons if it's a grocery list; a place for stamps if it's a list of folks to whom you want to send Christmas cards; or a place for receipts in case of return if it's your gift list. I'm sure the possibilities are much more varied than my short list, but you get the idea.

The cover takes a single sheet of 8.5x11 card stock. Turn it on the horizontal, and trim it to the same height as your note pad. Beginning on the right, measure the width of the pad, and score a top-to-bottom line into your card stock measuring from the right edge. Now measure the thickness of the pad (the fingernail marker system is just fine!), and score a second line that distance from the first line. Finally, score a third line that represents the width of the pad (this is the top cover) once again. The left-over folds under, creating your pocket and a nice sturdy edge for your notebook. Use Sticky Strip to secure the pocket flap at top and bottom.

I heat embossed the cardinals onto naturals white CS and colored with an Aquapainter filled with denatured alcohol for clear, vivid color.

Don't forget to sign your name on the back - you've just created a work of art!

Kathy


All Supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Real Red, Sage Shadow, Basic Black, Naturals White CS
Ink: Real Red, Sage Shadow classic; Black Craft or Versamark for embossing
Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas, Baroque Motifs (for you, Michelle!)
Accessories: (Note pad from local retailer) Sticky Strip, Tombow Multi-Purpose glue, Black embossing powder, Aqua Painter, Stampin' Dimensionals

A Cardinal Christmas Set Sampler

Here is a selection of items made with A Cardinal Christmas, a set that my sister (a fan of feathered things) purchased immediately on its release! I had at first thought that it might not work as well as some sets, having only two images and two sentiments, but I find myself borrowing it regularly! I love the fact that although "Christmas" is part of the title, there is nothing in the images themselves that limits it to the holiday.

There is one item that didn't make it into the photo of the group (lost somewhere in the media transfer, don't you just love the way that technology makes our lives easier?!), and I'll be starting my "close-up" posts with this mystery project tomorrow.

Stay tuned,
Kathy

Tree Trimming Merry Christmas

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!
Paper: Very Vanilla and Soft Suede.
Ink: Soft Suede.
Stamps: Tree Trimmings and Christmas Greetings.
Misc.: Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder.

Good morning,

This is another Wichita Regional swap created by Sandy Appelhans. I have to say it's probably my very favorite out of all that I received. It's so simple, yet so elegant. Soft Suede would be the last color I'd go to when thinking of Christmas ornaments but it's absolutely beautiful! The sliver of Soft Suede frames up the very vanilla nicely and makes the embossing pop. Great job Sandy and thanks for the swap!

Monique

Snow Buddies

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!

Paper: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue and Bashful Blue DSP.

Ink: Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue and Pumpkin Pie.

Stamps: Snow Buddies, Very Merry Messages, and Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Punches: Word Window, Modern Label, 1 3/8" Circle and Scallop Circle.

Ribbon: Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain.

Misc.: Dazzling Diamonds.

Hello there,

This little treat comes from a swap I received at the Stampin' Up! Regionals that were held in Wichita, KS. The creator is Lori Cordell from Newton, KS. Didn't she do a great job! I love the tri-fold, it's like getting three cards in one. :) If you like the Snow Buddies set it's only available for short time longer in the SU! Holiday Mini. It will be going to SU! heaven on January 4th so you better act fast!

Hope you're staying warm!

Monique

Winter Post Set Sampler- Gift Card Holder

Last year I saw this project on several blogs, so when I got my own Big Shot you can bet it was one of the first things I made! It's so simple - just cut two Top Note pieces from card stock for the front and back covers. Lay them together and punch a hole near the top center with the large oval punch. Stamp as desired. Trim a miniature lunch bag so that it's just shorter than the Top Note pieces. Use Sticky Strip to attach to the inside faces of the covers. Punch again to remove the bag that shows through the original holes (doing it this way reduces the number of the layers you have to punch at once, which is much easier on your hands!). Tie closed with wide striped ribbon. (Confession: I bought extra of the red stripe last year, ha ha, so you may want to vary the color scheme for the project to match this year's options - although I think it would be cute stamped in red with the chocolate chip ribbon. So, thinking ahead to when the mini catalog expires on January 4... do you have plenty of silver and gold elastic cord? 'Cause you're gonna see it throughout the year in other contexts and YOU WILL WISH YOU DID.) Finally, stamp the "December 25" element onto Naturals Vanilla and punch out. Add a 1/16" hole and thread gold elastic cord through, then tie onto striped ribbon.

There you have it!

Kathy


All supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Winter Post
Ink: Real Red classic
Paper: Kraft and Naturals Vanilla CS
Accessories: Large Oval and Designer Label punches, Gold Elastic Cord, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon, Sticky Strip (miniature paper bags purchased locally)

Winter Post Set Sampler- Contemporary Stag

Sometimes I like the simplicity of the "contemporary" look, where the negative space in the composition causes you to look immediately at the focal point of the card. I stamped just three times, layered, and did a row of piercings to add a little definition. Since it didn't bother me that the snowflake overlaps the stag, no masking was required.

Just the kind of card that's ideal for mass production!

Counting down the days with you,

Kathy


All supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Winter Post, Warm Words
Ink: Real Red and Going Gray classic
Paper: Going Gray, Real Red and Whisper White CS
Accessories: Paper-Piercing Tool and mat. Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive

Winter Post Set Sampler- Skaters on Kraft

I've taken the same "skaters" stamp that Monique used on her card and featured it alone on a panel just larger than the image. Isn't it funny how the image looks bigger? This effect is enhanced by the low contrast created by using the neutrals (Very Vanilla and Kraft. If I had used white and teal, on the other hand, I would have created high contrast.) I added some polka dot DSP from one of the 6x6 pads you can choose as a hostess freebie, to reinforce the sense of snowfall created by the random flakes stamped to the left. And I decided I was tired of standard card sizes, so I left a "partial front" as a little surprise when you go to open the card. A quick knot of Dusty Durango ribbon adds dimension and pulls together the colors and patterns.

As in yesterday's sample, I've pulled from other stamp sets to provide the sentiment for the card. This is "legal" in a set sampler, as the focus is still on the images in the designated set. Adding sentiments from other sets allows you flexibility far beyond what may have come in the original grouping.

Stay tuned tomorrow, when we'll go contemporary with the stag!

Kathy


All Supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Winter Post, All Holidays (sentiment)
Ink: Dusty Durango classic
Paper: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Dusty Durango, Patterns Pack DSP
Accessories: 1/2" Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon in Dusty Durango, Tombow Multi-Purpose glue

Winter Post Set Sampler- Snowflake Card

Want a simple, wintry look? I stamped the Winter Post snowflake randomly in white craft ink onto Almost Amethyst CS. A large snowflake made with the Big Shot is attached with pop-up glue dots (now that I think of it, a clear sparkly brad from the Pretties Kit or one from the Ice Rhinestone brads would have been perfect in the snowflake center!), and the sentiment is silver-embossed in the bottom right corner. Ta da! The "Clean and Simple" look.

Tomorrow I'll show you a warm "contemporary country" look using a neutral palette.

See you then,
Kathy


All Supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Winter Post, Heard from the Heart (sentiment)
Ink: White craft, Versamark
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Whisper White CS
Accessories: Snowflake #2 Originals die, Silver embossing powder, pop-up glue dots

Winter Post Set Sampler

Good morning! Today I want to introduce you to a concept called a "set sampler". It's a wonderful way to approach your stamp sets, as it stretches both your creativity and your resources! The idea is to challenge yourself to feature each stamp in some way, while varying your style, colors, and accessories so that you achieve a wide range of looks from just one stamp set.

I've collected a few samples here using the SU! set "Winter Post". You'll recognize the one in the lower left from Monique's sample on Friday - we didn't plan this ahead of time! ;o) This particular group shows you four greeting cards and a gift card holder. Next week I'll be posting a set sampler for "A Cardinal Christmas" and showing you a couple of gift ideas, a card and a post card for those of you who still haven't gotten those Yuletide greetings in the mail... but I get ahead of myself.

Stay tuned for a close-up of another of these cards this afternoon - I think you'll enjoy the variety!

Kathy

"Charming" Thanks

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up!
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue and Night of Navy.
Ink: Bashful Blue and Night of Navy.
Stamps: Charming.
Misc.: Clear Embossing Powder and Dazzling Diamonds.


Good afternoon,

Thanks for stopping by! I've been dying to break this stamp set in, I fell in love with it the first time I saw it in the SU Holiday Mini. The name of the set is "Charming" ...and that it is. I'm envisioning lots of quality time with it! :) Special "kudos" to Jan Burnett who's sample I CASE'd off the SU website, good job! I've tweaked her idea a little by changing the colors and adding a little clear embossing and a dab of Dazzling Diamonds to give it a little sparkle! Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks,

Monique

Winter Post

Materials: All materials Stampin! Up.

Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Real Red and Baja Blue.

Ink: Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, Real Red and Chocolate Chip.

Stamps: Winter Post.

Punch: Designer Label.

Misc: Stampin Dimensionals.

Good Morning!

I made this card earlier this year for a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack that we put on and had great fun. I used a couple different color schemes as you can see, which changes up the look and gives a completely different feel to the card. Have you gotten your Christmas cards out yet? If you need help, give us a hollar we'd be happy accommodate you any way we can! Hope you're staying warm!

Thanks,

Monique

Accordion Christmas Tree - Regionals

Way back in the end of October, Monique and Lori and I traveled to Wichita for "Regionals" - one of the wonderful places demonstrators get new ideas. This little folded Christmas tree was one of my favorite things - clean and simple, yet charming. If you're thinking about joining me in the studio this evening, I'll be glad to show you how it's done. It's one of those things that's simple when you see it demonstrated, but nearly impossible to explain with only the written word!

Simple and charming. Doesn't that sound to you like the perfect combination for a great Christmastide?!

Kathy


All Supplies Stampin' Up!

Paper: Whisper White and Old Olive CS (yellow scrap)
Ink: Real Red and Always Artichoke classic
Stamps: All Holidays; Baroque Border wheel; Lovely as a Tree (tiny pine bough)
Accessories: Mini Library Clip, 3/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Ticket Corner punch, Scallop Edge punch, Star punch, Perfect Details or Backgrounds 1 diamond texturz plate (used on white background), Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow Multi-Purpose glue

Tags a Bunch!

You're heading out the door in 15 minutes and you realize you'd really like to show your appreciation to the hostess for your event. If she's anything like me/you, she hasn't sat down to relax in days! You reach into your stash, and voila! A clear mug from the $ store that goes with any color scheme, a vacuum sealed packet of holiday coffee (tea, hot chocolate), and a fistful of Piroulini or biscotti. Nestle it in a colorful cloth napkin or kitchen towel for color, and tie it all together with some ribbon and a tag. A little tissue paper keeps things from rattling around in the mug.

Now when you all go home, she can finally put her feet up and relax! Easy on the budget, too.

Kathy :o)


All Supplies Stampin' Up!

Paper: Real Red CS
Accessories: Icicle Rub-ons, Jumbo Snowflake punch, Ticket Corner punch, Silver Elastic Cord, 3/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon (non-SU! tissue paper, mug, munchies, dish towel/napkin)

Festival of Trees 2009

The Festival of Trees is a Lawrence tradition that raises funds for a local shelter. 50 businesses and/or individuals design trees in some form or other, in addition to a few wreaths and miscellaneous items. (If you wonder why I phrase it this way, consider that Lawrence is an "artsy" community. Trees this year were made of tennis balls, steel plates, picture frames, and bare branches, to name a few.) The gals in my stamp club have helped me prepare an entry for the past three years, but few of them have been involved in the drama of transport.

My DH drives a one-of-a-kind Toyota long bed, a faithful steed which was paid for before most of his student workers were born! It is now held together largely with 9"x12" Cisco sheet magnets (there is a LOT of rust to cover). Into the back went the tree, which I had spray painted black along with my left arm, complete with lights, crown and feather boas. Ornaments are required to be wired on for post-auction transport to a new home, but since ours were paper I decided to wait until the tree was inside!

Sometimes parking is in a far distant land, so the little red wagon comes along... this year, however, I was able (with the help of my sister and long-suffering teenage daughter) to carry the tree right into the front door. We set it up in record time, having already cut wire lengths and assembled all the necessary elements (Christmas crackers, masks, bouquets). The entry title was "A Yuletide Masque".

For the first time we sent a spy to the auction just to see what that part of the process was like. Jessica reported that trees started at $100, some going for more than $900! She stayed until 10:00pm but they still hadn't made it to ours. Our entry has always been purchased by "Anonymous" so I was extremely curious to learn who adopted our tree this year, but I guess it will remain a mystery. Ah, well.

Thanks to all those who helped make this happen once again. Check back later - I'll post the total raised by the event.

Warm wishes on a cold day,

Kathy

Very Merry Snowflakes

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up.

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive and Certainly Celery.

Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, Certainly Celery Classic Ink and White Craft Ink.

Stamps: Winter Post, Patterned Pines and Short and Sweet (Retired).

Punches: Scallop Circle.

Misc.: Brad, Stampin dimensionals.

Hello there,

This is a take off of a card that was shown in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini catalog that I thought was nice. I changed is up a little bit by adjusting the size and using a different punch to accentuate the snowflake and make it pop. I hope you give it a try.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monique

Reindeer Holly Jolly

Materials: All materials Stampin' Up!
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand.
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Garden Green and Blush Blossom.
Stamps: Holiday Line Up, Christmas Punch, and Flaky Friends (Retired).
Punches: Ticket Corner.
Ribbon: Chocolate Chip.
Misc. Aqua Painter.

I absolutely love the Holiday Lineup stamp set! They are so much fun!

I made this card layering the chocolate chip and sahara sand card stock. I then stamped the reindeer in chocolate chip and filled in with the aqua painter. Fairly quick and easy and super cute!

Monique

Rub-on Ornament

I make a little gift each year for the ladies who are part of my stamp clubs. This year it was an ornament using rub-ons, and I am delighted to say that this project meets my top three criteria for gift-giving: quick, cute, and economical! I used the Icicle Rub-ons from the SU! holiday mini catalog, and some sentiment phrases from Chit Chat in the big catalog. The irridescent glass ornaments came from a local craft store, the shred and hanger from the $1 store. Simply cut out the image you want, center on the ornament, and transfer with the popsicle stick included. Remove the cap from the ornament and stuff with shred (a pencil eraser helps control the slippery strands of shred - I used this as my "stuffing tool"), then replace cap. Tie on a perky piece of ribbon (SU! Polka Dot Grosgrain shown here) and add a hanger. Done!

Wishing all the projects on my list were at that stage,

Kathy

The Christmas Countdown

We have a number of activities that kick off the Christmas countdown at our house, and they have become cherished traditions over the years. After all, as I've said before, the anticipation is a large percentage of the fun! I can't resist sharing this one with you.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lawrence has an annual gingerbread house auction as a fund raiser, and Ginny has made an entry for a number of years. The girls decided to take it on as a team in 2009, so our house was a beehive of activity tonight. If you'd like to see it in all its three-dimensional glory (along with some pretty fabulous adult entries by architects and other creative types), head on down to the Eldridge Extended at 8th & Vermont. It's one of those "feel-good" activities that will put a smile on your face for the rest of the day!

(Suggested donation $3/person or $10/family)

Friday, December 4, 10am-6pm
Saturday, December 5, 10am-6pm
Sunday, December 6, noon-7pm
Monday, December 7, 10am-6pm

Maybe I'll see you there! Kathy

December '09 Stamp Club

For Stamp Club this month, I taught the group how to make gorgeous cards using paper napkins and plastic wrap! The technique just appealed to my sense of humor. We also made a shimmer spray using a half teaspoon of shimmer paint to one or two tablespoons of denatured alcohol. You can spray that on just about anything for a beautiful, subtle shimmer!

Stamp club is forming for 2010, contact me for details. I have openings on Tuesdays... Make sure to reserve your spot today!

Kathy

Featured Stamper: Karen Herrmann

One of the really great things about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is meeting all the other demos, who so generously share their ideas and teach you what they know! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Karen Herrman, a demo from Tecumseh, this past year. She has agreed not only to allow me to post this project that she taught at our monthly area demo meeting, she even wrote up the directions! (Note the beautifully decorated envelope that makes such a card a pleasure to receive even before you open it!)

Drunken Leaves

This technique used our classic re-inkers, our Encore gold pigment ink, and either rubbing or denatured alcohol on our glossy cardstock. It is actually known as Polished Stone. Since we are making 2 cards, go ahead and do both of the glossy pieces at the same time. They will take just a few minutes to dry or you can dry them with the heat gun.

1. Using the felt and wood block or cotton ball as an applicator, soak felt in alcohol. Add a couple of drops of re-inker in each color to the felt. Tap and slightly twist the felt pad onto the glossy white cardstock. Try not to over-blend, but also be sure that you are spreading the ink around. Add a drop or two more alcohol to the felt and a drop or two of the gold ink to the felt pad and repeat. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.
2. Using all of the ink colors (clean between colors, please) and your choice of the leaf stamps, add a few stamped-off images to the Naturals Ivory piece that goes inside of the card. Attach to the inside of the card.
3. Ink one of the larger leaf images in Dusty Durango and stamp twice, on the square of Naturals Ivory cardstock.
4. Use the stamp-a-ma-jig if desired, stamp “thanks” on the square, over the leaves. Layer it onto Dusty Durango. Stamp sentiment on inside, over leaves.
5. On the Soft Suede layer, ink one of the stamps in Soft Suede and stamp it a few times around the edge, for texture.
6. Be sure the glossy cardstock is dry, then stamp a few leaves on the polished stone piece – use a couple of colors and/or images, if desired.
7. Attach polished stone piece to the front of the Soft Suede card. Use plenty of adhesive around the edge, since the paper may have a slight curve to it as it has dried.
8. With the hand held punch, punch a hole on the left side (through both layers) or where you want the ribbon’s knot to be. Using the dotted grosgrain ribbon, thread the ribbon up through the hole, from the backside…holding the “tail” that is on the front-side down, wrap the long piece of ribbon all the way around the card until you are on the backside again. Thread the ribbon up through the same hole, so both ends are now on the front side – one tail on each side of the ribbon as it goes across. Tie a half knot, adjusting the ribbon so the dots are showing, if desired.
9. Add stamped leaf, layered square to the front of the card.

Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Many Thanks

Inks: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede classic re-inkers and ink pads; Gold Encore pigment ink

Paper: Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede, Naturals Ivory, Glossy White CS

Misc: Dusty Durango or Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain ribbon, Rubbing or de-natured alcohol, cotton ball or felt for an alcohol ink applicator, stamp-a-ma-jig

*******************

Thanks, Karen! This card was my first chance to use the Autumn Splendor stamp set and I'm still in love with it! Best of all, no raking necessary... Kathy

Santa and Elf Box in a Bag

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Whisper White, Kraft, Old Olive, Real Red, Basic Black and Shiny Silver*.

Punches: Scallop Edge, Tab, Curly Label and 1/2" Circle.

Ribbon: Mistletoe Originals and Basic Black Velvet.

* Non-Stampin' Up item.

Good Morning all,

I saw these cute little guys posted on a website by Lenee Pearson and couldn't pass 'em up! Sooo cute! I have Rudolph rolling around in my head trying to figure out how I could create him. Wouldn't they make a fun trio? :) It's your basic Bag in a Box pattern then decorated up like Santa and the Elf. Stay tuned, I'm going to give Rudolph a try!

Have a great weekend!

Monique

Christmas 1950s Style - Part 2

Here we go again with my red-and-black-and-apricot scheme! I love the fact that I've used Halloween paper to make a Christmas card, it feels somehow like "setting things right". This is a standard 4.25" x 5.5" card that hinges at the top. I've glued the Night & Day DSP and the strip of red to the apricot base, then sponged around the edges with Creamy Caramel. I've also pulled a little of the Real Red into the black and white DSP. "Joy" and the holly leaves are from SU! chipboard I had stashed, which I've simply sponged with craft ink directly. It's backed with a piece from the Christmas Cocoa DSP (mini catalog). I glued the letters to the rectangle so that I could work with them as one unit, then centered it and made a light pencil mark to position the white snowflake rub-on (another mini catalog find) before attaching the joy rectangle.

One more sneaky trick. For my "brads", I've simply used the 1/4" punch topped with a dot of Crystal Effects. You can use a drop of Tombow, a dimensional, or pop dots to adhere them, depending on how high a profile you want them to have.

Enjoy playing with this one,
Kathy


All supplies Stampin' Up!

Paper: Almost Apricot, Real Red CS; Night & Day and Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP
Ink: Creamy Caramel and Real Red classic; Real Red and Sage Shadow craft
Accessories: 3/16" black gingham ribbon, Icicle Rub-ons, Chipboard elements; Crystal Effects

Working on New Studio Look!

I hope everyone likes the New Look!
Header Photo Credit goes to our Very Own Kathy.
Header Design Credit: I'll take credit for that one.
Background Credit: (I will have to double check on that one; I just forgot the name)
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Christmas 1950s Style

I was playing around with the Sweet Centers stamp set again, and realized I hadn't made anything with the ornament top... and I hadn't made anything without a treat cup! Of course one thing led to another, and this is what emerged. The color scheme of apricot, red and sage for some reason made me think of the 1950s, so I worked with that idea in mind and completed a couple of cards using the same set of materials (watch for upcoming posts).

I began with a 5x5" base, hinged at the top. After adhering my DSP (pieces from both Christmas Cocoa and Day & Night), I started sponging. I always try to "pull" a bit of the color from one section into its opposite, so here the DSP on top (and the ornament) got hit with caramel to age it (the neutral caramel is similar to the peach in tone and effect) and I "rosied up" the section of apricot base that shows at the bottom. This approach makes for a more unified look on the piece.

As I was trying out placements, I decided that the ornament by itself was a bit "flat" so I hand cut some simple holly leaves from sage scraps, sponged the edges with caramel, and added the large white snowflake rub-on as background and the smaller one as "sparkle" on the 1 3/4" circle that is the ornament (the white highlight is just a scrap of white made by using the same punch). The sentiment is embossed in white. When you attach the ornament, you could pop the center up on some dimensionals and glue the edges flat to add curvature to the surface... or not!

Kathy

All supplies Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Sweet Centers and Yuletide Christmas (Holiday Mini Catalog)
Ink: Creamy Caramel and Real Red classic
Paper: Almost Apricot, Sage Shadow and Real Red CS; Night & Day and Christmas Cocoa specialty DSP
Accessories: 1 3/4" circle punch; Icicle rub-ons, Stampin' Dimensionals

Snap Cracker

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Old Olive, Holiday Wrap*.

Ink: Real Red.

Stamps: Christmas Punch, Cute and Curly (Retired).

Punch: Scallop Edge, Curly Label.
Ribbon: Real Red and Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain.
* Non-Stampin' Up products.

Hi there,

I saw these in a magazine and thought they would make a nice change to the traditional stocking stuffers. There were also some smaller ones wrapped up with striped paper and some clear cellophane to look like candy, then tucked in between the branches on the tree, super cute! I hope with the cold weather and the change of season's your getting inspired for the holiday's, they're just around the corner.

Thanks,

M.

Thank You Tom

Materials: All materials are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal, Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Basic Black.

Ink: Pumpkin Pie.

Stamps: Cheery Chat and Best of Cluck (Retired).

Punches: 1/4"*, 3/4" and 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle and Slit.

Ribbon: 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain.

Misc.: Wiggly Eyes*.

* Non-Stampin' Up products.

Hello again,

I made these little guys as a thank you for a workshop I'm having next week. I was wanting a way to give my business card a little "wow" factor and figured you really can't go wrong with chocolate right? And, being so close to Thanksgiving I figured Tom would do nicely.

Hope you like it!

Monique

Create a Custom Class!

Quite the motley crew, wouldn't you agree?! Three sisters, a daughter-in-law, and me. I've known the "Milligan girls" since we were in Sunday School together, so when Karen mentioned that her sisters were coming to town to celebrate Laura's birthday and they thought it might be fun to spend an afternoon playing with me in the studio, I was pretty excited! We had lots of laughs, made a bunch of cards, and generally had a great time doing something we all enjoyed. Karen's schedule is pretty hectic these days as she finishes up a degree in Conflict Mediation while working full time, so having me prep materials and teach freed her to simply enjoy the time with her loved ones.

If the idea of planning a similar activity with your extended family appeals to you, let's talk. I've got some time over Thanksgiving break that I've saved just for this purpose (who wants to stand in line on Black Friday, anyway?!).

Kathy

A Thanksgiving Table

My sister is hosting the clan for Thanksgiving dinner this year, so I thought I'd put together some ideas that she might find useful. Maybe you will, too, as you're thinking about how to freshen up your holiday look.

You've seen the "tab punch punkins" in an October post - I love projects that carry over more than one season or occasion! The place card will look familiar as well. Atop the plate is a lovely swap that I received from Lisa Cool, concealing a packet of gourmet cocoa mix for some time late Thanksgiving day when all you have room for is a liquid... Another great swap is on display just above the forks. Karen Herrmann made little woven baskets from SU! wood sheets and tucked a candle inside. What a great favor or hostess giftie! Want to see more work from this great demo? Karen will be our featured stamper on November 23rd.

Did you realize that you can stamp on paper napkins? It's so quick and easy. Just grab a package of napkins in a plain coordinating color, then get out a stamp set and a classic ink pad. Ink up as usual and stamp right on your napkin!

Finally, you'll notice a little favor box that features autumn leaves. I treated myself to a new Big Shot die (Bag w/ Scallops) to help me prepare favors for a banquet seating 30. Wow, am I glad I did! All I can say is, thank heavens for sticky strip. These will be filled with my long time favorite "Dutch Mints" tied up in a little cello bag. Want to know how to get that same shimmery look on the leaves? Here's my mass production technique:

1. Stamp Autumn Splendor leaves in Versamark on Naturals Vanilla card stock. Heat emboss in gold.
2. Wet a cotton ball with alcohol (does not dilute the color like water). Using your reinkers, make "patches" of color appropriate to the leaves (e.g. for the Maple I used Ruby Red, Almost Apricot, and Bravo Burgundy; for the Oaks it was Soft Suede, Dusty Durango, and Crushed Curry). Pat the cotton ball once in the center of each leaf (each "loaded" cotton ball will do about 15 leaves), then continue adding color until the area inside the embossing is filled. Don't worry about "coloring outside the lines".
3. Although I liked the vividness, I wanted to tone down the "busyness" of the color a bit, so I filled an Aqua Painter with Future floor wax and picked up a drop of ink (burgundy for the maples, Durango or Chocolate Chip for the Oaks) on the tip. I quickly drew down the spines of the leaves and "scribbled" a little on either side of this, leaving the brighter mottling to show at the edges.
4. Using paper snips (yes, it does make a difference to your frustration levels), trim each leaf, leaving a scant 1/8" margin around the outside edge. This makes for less cutting and looks nice, too! Remember to rotate your paper while holding the scissors stationery.
5. Lay a set of leaves and/or acorns together and punch two 1/16" holes through all layers. You will thread gold elastic cord through the flap of the bag and then through the holes in the leaf stack, tying them to the tab. Note: I am not going to detail construction of the bags themselves in this post.

Have fun pulling together your table setting - I'm convinced that proper attention to this detail makes the food taste that much better! Kathy