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