Love this Christmas Truck & a Color Challenge

  I hardly every get to do a challenge on the same day it was issued but today I got lucky....the boys are at school for the morning....the errands I have to do aren't urgent (at least in my mind!)....and the laundry is under control so it was time to head to the stamp room.  I checked out the challenge for today over on Splitcoaststampers and it's a Color Challenge using Real Red, Old Olive & River Rock.  Of course Real Red & Old Olive are great Christmas colors and River Rock adds a bit of non-traditional into the mix. 

  I know this truck has been around forever but it's still super cute and fun to watercolor.  I watercolored the truck & gifts using my Aquapainter and ink pads with the ink smooshed onto the lid.  For the tires, rims & bumpers I used the Aquapainter and my black & gray Watercolor Wonder crayons.  (Side note: Stampin' Up! just announced that the Watercolor Wonder crayons with the new Color Renovation colors are available to order!!)  I cut out the gifts and used my 2 way glue pen to highlight parts of them and covered them with Dazzling Diamonds.  I used some Crystal Effects on the hubcaps and bumpers and also added a sprinkling of Dazzling Diamonds to the hubcaps.  Gotta add some bling for Christmas right? 

  I popped the gifts as well as the main image panel up with dimensionals.  I also had one of the little tiny library binder clips so I tied a bow with linen thread around it and added more sparkle with a rhinestone.

  For the card base I stamped some Simple Snowflakes in River Rock, added a leftover strip of Old Olive Sweet Pea DSP, a little bit of Real Red scallops and a length of Very Vanilla grosgrain.

  Head on over to Splitcoaststampers and play along with this color challenge.  I'd love to see what you all come up with!  I'm off to cut some cardstock in preparation to make my Christmas cards....I've got the design all set now I just need to get busy and stamp!

  Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!
 

Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories, Simple Snowflake

Ink: Stazon, River Rock, Real Red, Old Olive

Paper: River Rock, Real Red, Old Olive, Sweet Pea DSP, watercolor paper


Accessories: Aquapainter, Watercolor Wonder crayons, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects, Scallop border punch, library clip, linen thread, rhinestone jewel, Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon

Two Tags Thanksgiving Treat

  I just wanted to share a quick project that I did for Thanksgiving.  I made these super cute (if I do say so myself) and super fast place setting treat holders to bring to Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws house.  Everyone seemed to like them---the kids cared more about the mini Hershey bars inside than the design though!

 

  I ran the Early Espresso cardstock through the Big Shot using the Two Tags die.  Then I used the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder on the tag.  Since the embossing kind of hides the score line from the die I just made my own fold to fit the Hershey bar.  I added some Very Vanilla 5/8" satin ribbon---don't mind the More Mustard ink stain on the ribbon---lesson learned to close the ink pad after stamping or to clean off my stamping table so I can have more room!!

  For the name panel I punched some ovals using the 2" x 1 3/8" Extra Large oval punch.  I sponged the edges with Early Espresso.  I used one of the small flower/leaf stamps from Day of Gratitude for the image.  I thought the More Mustard was kind of dark on the first attempt so I decided to stamp off once before stamping on my oval for a more muted look.  I added the names with my Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker.  Done deal! 

  A few reminders:  The Online Extravaganza is ending tomorrow.  Check out all the great deals (some 50% off!!) at my online store (link on my sidebar).  Don't forget orders over $150 get free shipping.  Now is the time to tell your husband what you want for Christmas!

  Also, if you've ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator now is the time to sign up!  The AWESOME starter kit is only $87.50 ---half off the normal price.  You get a ton of great stamping products as well as the support of the whole Stampin' Up family!  No obligation to hold classes or workshops either--you can sign up just for the kit!  Contact me ASAP for more details.  This great deal also ends tomorrow (Nov. 30)

Stamps: Day of Gratitude

Ink: Early Espresso, More Mustard


Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Two Tags die, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker, mini Hershey bars

Sweet Treat Snowman Ornament

  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  I know I ate more than I should have but it was all so yummy I couldn't say no!  I'm feeling a bit chubby like the little guy below! 

  Since my boys were born I like to make an ornament for them every Christmas so then when they are on their own they will have a small collection of ornaments for their own trees.  I decided to do double duty and create a project that my stamp club could make that could also be the ornament for my boys.  I also think it would be nice accent on a bottle of wine for a hostess gift for all those Christmas parties you go to.  You'll be sure to get the "You MADE this???" question! 

 

  It's kind of hard to see in the photo but the treat cup is filled with fake snow.  Some of my Stampin' Ladies added a bit of Dazzling Diamonds to the fake snow for some extra pop.  His scarf is made from Cherry Cobbler seam binding and his hat has a strip of champagne glass glitter.  The loop for hanging is just a bit of white embroidery floss.  The rosy cheeks are made with Regal Rose Watercolor  Wonder crayon & blender pen.

  Here are the instructions for putting this snowman together.  It's easier to do a visual than to type it up.  I have on the instructions that you need 2 of all the pieces because one set is for the backside so you have a nice neat & clean finished product. 

 

  Have fun making this Frosty, or Henry, as my friend named her Sweet Treat snowman!

Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Stamps: None

Ink: None

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede

Accessories: Circles #2 Big Shot die, 1 3/4" circle punch, Sweet Treat cup, snowflake punch, small star punch, owl punch, word window punch, small tag punch, watercolor wonder crayon, blender pen, white gel pen, seam binding ribbon, sticky strip, glass glitter, embroidery floss (non-SU)

Stampin' Up! Online Spectacular!

 Wow!!!  There are some great deals happening at Stampin' Up! for the next 9 days.  I know I want a bunch of the sale items already.  You can't beat free shipping either.  To do some shopping or to direct those clueless loved one to exactly what you want for Christmas check out my online Stampin' Up! store by clicking  SHOP NOW
  Remember, hostess benefits & free shipping apply to orders over $150 before shipping & tax.  Let me know if you have any questions!  Have fun shopping....I know I will!


Happy Stamping!

November Stamp Club - Sparkly Snowflake Gift Card Holder

  Here is the second project my stamp club did on Tuesday night.  This is a SUPER EASY gift card holder....it takes just a half sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock.  A bunch of my stamping ladies said they would definitely be making a lot of these to get ready for Christmas.  I think they would be great for teacher gifts, no fuss, no muss; you don't even need an envelope....just decorate the front really pretty and you're set.

 The finished size of this holder is 3 inches across and 4 1/4 inches high.  For your base (here we used Bashful Blue) you want a piece 4 1/4 inches wide and 11 inches long (cut your regular sized Stampin' Up cardstock in half the long way---I'm not sure of the standard sizes for other companies).

   Now get out your scoring tool/blade and score at 3", 5 1/2" & 8".  Fold the cardstock in half at the center score line and then fold the ends in towards each other.  Run a length of Sticky Strip on the inside (opposite of where the gift card goes) where the 2 halves meet.  

  To make the slot for the gift card use the Word Window punch twice just along the edge of the fold, not quite all the way to the edge and only slide your cardstock about halfway into the punch.  You can always nip off a bit more if it is too tight of a fit and then use the small oval punch to make a little thumb grab.  You can see it pretty well in the picture.  

  For the embellishments on this card we used a Glimmer Brad in Pear Pizzazz as well as highlighting the snowflake with Dazzling Diamonds.  You need about 18 inches of ribbon to have enough to tie a pretty bow.  The ribbon is just adhered with SNAIL along the back.

  Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes

Ink: Bashful Blue

Paper: Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Accessories: scoring blade, Corner Rounder punch, Word Window punch, Small Oval punch, Glimmer Brad, Dazzling Diamonds, Whisper White Organza ribbon

Fork Bow Tutorial

  Here is a quick photo tutorial for making the Fork Bow used on the Autumn Top Note Medallion card

Step 1-

Get your ribbon and fork.  For this bow I used 5/8" satin ribbon cut to around 8 inches and a larger serving fork.  Smaller fork = smaller bow. 

Step 2-

Wrap your ribbon around the fork leaving a longer tail on the bottom.  The top tail stays stationary so you don't need as much length there.

Step 3-

Take your long bottom tail and come up over the short top tail.  Stick the long tail through the center of the fork.  All the while hold the short tail firmly so it doesn't slip off the fork.

Step 4-

Keep holding tight to the short tail.  Now bring the end of your long tail back up through the center at the bottom of the fork and pull it tight.  Sorry for the flash glare- hope you can see the piece sticking out from the bottom!  My cameraman had to leave for his hockey game!

Step 5-

Now tie a knot with the 2 tails.

And here is what the other side of the fork looks like....can you see the bow?

Step 6-

Slide the bow off the fork and trim the ends!  And now you have a gorgeous Fork Bow for any project.

November Stamp Club - Autumn Top Note Medallion

  Last night was my November Stamp Club meeting and it was great seeing all my stamping ladies for some fun.  This is one of the projects we did and it was awesome to see them all learn to tie a fork bow (check back tomorrow I'll be posting a separate Fork Bow tutorial!).  They thought I had lost a few marbles (not that I have that many to start with or anything) when they saw the serving fork sitting out with the supplies for this card!  They also learned how to use the Big Shot and Top Note die to make this square medallion.

   First up, for the Top Note Medallion all you do is cut out a Top Note with the Big Shot, remove the excess trim then turn the Top Note 90 degrees on the die so it lays across the cutting area.  Line up the points evenly between the points on the die to get an even shape.  Run it through the Big Shot again.  The second cut turns it from a rectangle into this great square!  Super easy!

  For the stamping we used the Day of Gratitude set from the Holiday Mini catalog.  I love this large stamp and all the detail it has and it fits perfectly in the Top Note Medallion.  To get the "light to dark" look we did the Rock 'n' Roll technique.  The stamp was first inked up with More Mustard and then we rolled just the edges of the stamp on the Cajun Craze ink pad.  For this technique always remember to ink with the lighter color first and to clean your stamp before putting it to your light colored ink pad again.  The edges of the Top Note Medallion were sponged with Early Espresso ink.  For the sentiment panel the flower was stamped in More Mustard and the sentiment was stamped in Early Espresso.
 
  We used the 5/8" satin ribbon (love it!) to make the bow and adhered it with glue dots.  And now you have a great card to give next week at Thanksgiving to someone you're truly thankful to have in your life.

Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude


Ink: More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Paper: Very Vanilla,  Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Accessories: Top Note die, 5/8" Early Espresso ribbon

12x12 Christmas Shadow Box - Class in December

  On December 14 at 7pm I will be holding a class where each person will get to make a 12x12 shadow box decorated for Christmas.  This project is a great way to add to your homes holiday decor or to make as a gift (we all know someone who is impossible to shop for!).  Below is a sample of one that I have made (It was tough photographing this frame but I hope you can get a good idea anyway!).  Each class attendee will get to choose which Jolly Holiday DSP pattern they want to use as well as mix and match the ribbon selections to make it a one of a kind project.

  The cost of the class is $25 (cash or check) and prepayment needs to be made by Monday, November 29 to hold your spot.  Choice of DSP design will be made in the order of payment received so don't wait to sign up!

  If you have any questions don't hesitate to send me an e-mail or give me a call!

  Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Bright Birdie Challenge Card

  Ahhhh, it felt good to get back in my stamp room last night.  I finished up the last project I was designing for my stamp club on Tuesday, I worked on a special holiday decoration class sample for my December Stampin' Tuesday (look for a post on that soon!) and I also got to do a double challenge card for 2 of the challenges over on Splitcoaststampers.  I did Color Challenge 296 for this week as well as Sketch Challenge 306.  Go check and them out and play along....there isn't a time limit or anything so go get stamping.

 

  I actually haven't even used this new In Color Poppy Parade for a card yet.  All I had done was punch out a circle of cardstock to add to my cardstock sampler ring.  So following the challenge colors and layout it was a pretty quick card to put together.  Since Tempting Turquoise and Poppy Parade are pretty bright colors I knew I needed to have a lot of white space to balance it out....I didn't want to blind you all!

   The layers from the base up are Poppy Parade, Basic Black & Whisper White.  Once I had my white space determined I added a strip (read: scrap!) of Tempting Turquoise which I paper pierced.  I thought about running it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder because I'm addicted to those but I decided that any pattern would just be too busy for these colors.

  The birdcage is stamped with black and the bird is Tempting Turquoise and then punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch and layered on a 2 3/8" scallop circle in Poppy Parade (I keep wanting to type poopy parade....do you think it's because I still have one in diapers or just because I'm a bit strange??  Hmmmm, will have to think on that one huh?).  I used my handheld punch to make a small circle at the top of the birdcage to run my 1/4" black taffeta ribbon through and then tucked it behind the Whisper White panel and adhered the end.  Now, let me tell you, it's a lot easier if you do the ribbon part BEFORE you add your brads in the corner.   Just trying to help out.  I tied the bow and added that with a glue dot.  To get my brads evenly placed I used my piercing tool and mat pack to line up each corner just right.  

  I dug through all my sentiments to find one that was just the right size and said something that would go with the card (you're not going to put "With Sympathy" in scroll-y font on this kind of bright bird card!) and ended up using this one from Vintage Labels, a Sale-A-Bration set from last year.

   And there you have it.  A lot of talk about a card that didn't take much time at all to make.  Again, go check out the challenges on Splitcoaststampers, it's a great place to get a bit of inspiration and a little nudge out of your stamping comfort zone.

  Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Stamps: Aviary, Vintage Labels

Ink: Black, Tempting Turquoise

Paper: Whisper White, Black, Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: 1 3/4" Circle punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch, handheld punch, 1/4" taffeta ribbon, glue dot, paper piercer, black brads

Square Happy Birthday Owl

  I love this little owl punch!!  He/She is soooo cute and perfect for so many occasions.  I've continued to try to use up Designer Series Paper scraps.  Just because it's retired doesn't mean it's not great paper!  I plan to use up a whole bunch of it for my Christmas cards.  Anyway...back to the owl; I haven't done a project for my stamp club yet with it and I think I have to get it on the schedule ASAP!  I have seen a lot of cute punch art using this little guy so he's very versatile too!  You get all the pieces to make the owl in one punch, body, eyes & heart.

 

  This is a 4.25x4.25 square card.  I use this 4 square layout a lot, it's a simple design that always delivers.   It's so simple that I don't have much chatter about it!  I just finished the set of birthday invitations I was working on so I hope to be back to posting projects more regularly.

  Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!

Stamps: A Little Birthday Cheer (retired)

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Pea DSP

Accessories: Owl Punch, 1 3/8" square punch, Bird punch (branch), button, linen thread

Halloween - What you can do with some Stampin' Up boxes!

  Sorry I haven't been posting a lot since last week.  It seems that this week is totally crazy with commitments, errands, cleaning for company this weekend (blech- I know you'd rather stamp too!) and just general stuff so I haven't been in my stamp room much to make any new projects.   But I thought you all might enjoy seeing what my husband and I made for our boys Halloween costumes.  This is what you get when you have a 4 year old say he wants to be a train for Halloween....and then the mommy says, "Like a train engineer?" and the 4 year old says, "No Mommy, a train." And then the Mommy tries to clarify by asking, "Like Thomas the Tank train honey?" (kind of hoping he says yes so I can buy one of those cheap plastic Thomas costumes) And the 4 year old replies very emphatically, "No, a REAL train."  And of course the 2 year old just gets swept up in big brothers costume plans because we all know if he doesn't get a REAL train costume there will be sad little tears.

  So without further ado, here is what the boys were for Halloween....

  Ryan was the "Engine" and Alex was the "Coal Car".  Alex originally was going to be a caboose but we just couldn't get a caboose we liked.  The Coal Car worked out perfectly though and they both looked super cute if I do say so myself.  The only thing I bought to make these was some black craft foam to make the wheels and the little windows on the engine.  Everything else was stuff we had laying around.  Leftover spray paint, cottons balls for the coal, solo cup for the headlight, bread crumb canister for the smoke stack and some landscaping ties for the straps to hold them on the boys shoulders.  Both boxes were from my Stampin' Up orders.  Other Stampin' Up supplies that were used were my circle punches to make the hubcaps, More Mustard cardstock for the hubcaps, paper snips to cut out the patterns for the numbers & letters printed on Whisper White cardstock.  So it's kind of a Stampin' Up project!  =)

  After we got home from trick-or-treating I made up a quick My Digital Studio project to send out to the family so they could see the boys all dressed up.

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  Hope you all had a nice Halloween!  I hope to get some new projects made in the next few days. 

Thanks for looking!  Happy Stamping!