Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Tags

Wrapping paper, check. Tape, check. Scissors, check. Gifts, check. Tags... Wait... tags... Oh, whew, check!

If you are still gathering goodies for Christmas, these quick and cute tags may be just what you need.


I do not remember where I saw these trees, but I loved them!  The tags have plenty of room to write a message on the back, and they go together very quickly. They are also a good way to use up some small pieces of DSP you have left over from your Christmas cards. These were designed to be tied at the top to the handle of a gift bag. If you are wrapping packages, you may want to just adhere a bow to the top rather than threading it through the holes.

Ingredients:
Paper: Sahara Sand CS (3"x6"); Frostwood Lodge DSP (1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 inch squares, cut in half diagonally), Silver Glimmer Paper
Inks: Crumb Cake (to sponge the card front and edges)
Etc: Retired Small Star Punch, Corner Rounder, Regals buttons, hemp or baker's twine

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Snowman Reveal

For those of you who have been holding your breath, it is time to see the rest of this cute snowman. Drum roll....


This was part of our embossing class, and while it's hard to see from the picture, the snowman's hat, buttons, and boots are all embossed with black embossing powder.  We used the Versamarker to get the ink just where we wanted it.

Ingredients:
Stamps: Snow Much Fun
Papers: Chocolate Chip and Whisper White CS, Letters from Santa DSP, Red Glimmer Paper
Inks: Basic Black, Versamarker, Garden Green, Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Blender Pen
Etc: Glimmer Brads, Baker's Twine, Scallop Trim Edge punch, Decorative Label punch, paper piercing tool, black embossing powder, heat tool

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

"Puttin' On the Ritz" Challenge

Are your days flying by as quickly as mine?  I am not quite sure where December has gone already, and how we've gotten within two weeks of Christmas without my knowing! lol

I happened to see a challenge the other day, and I thought it would be fun to play along.  So, I WILL come back to that other card I still need to reveal, not to worry.  But for today, I am going to share with you a different card.  This card begged for sparkle and shimmer worthy of both the snowy scene and Christmas.


It is very hard to capture the shine on camera, though. There is snow on the birds' branch as well as the lodge, and the sentiment is "frosted" in shimmer paint.  Here's a closer look:


This is so much prettier in person...

The ingredients:
Paper: Cherry Cobbler CS, Whisper White CS, Frostwood Lodge DSP
Stamps: Christmas Lodge
Inks: Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler (marker)
Bling: Dazzling Details, Frost White Shimmer Paint

We will be having a "Fun Folds" class in February, so if you're wanting to change things up a bit, stay tuned for more details!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Reveal #1

I think the hardest thing today is deciding which sneak peek to unveil first!  I suppose I will just show you the cards in the order you peeked... lol

This is one of the cards we made during a recent embossing class.  The sentiment is embossed in white, and the Old Olive background piece is double-embossed.  Not sure what that means?  You should have joined us!  The card is straightforward and easy to put together, but the embossing definitely increases the visual impact.



Stamps: Christmas Lodge
Papers: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Letters to Santa DSP
Ink: Versamark
Embossing: Square Lattice EF, White EP, Clear EP
Other: Whisper White Satin Ribbon

Monday, November 21, 2011

Black Friday Savings Come Early!


The Stampin' Up! On-Line Extravaganza Sale is here!   Save 20% to 60%  on select items. And today only save 20 % on our fabulous Simply Scored Tool and the Sweet Press Cookie Stamps.  Want to see everything which is on sale?  CLICK HERE.  Also, My Digital Studio (for digital design and scrapbooking) is 50% off – woohoo!  If you are interested in the software, please let me know so that I can explain this promotion in more detail and direct you to the information online. 

The On-Line Extravaganza Sale ends Nov. 30.  Contact me by 9pm tonight to save on shipping!  For best pricing throughout the sale, please contact me directly – ordering online will result in higher pricing, and I am happy to help you save more! :)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Snow Much Fun

We are going to have "Snow Much Fun" tomorrow night! I love this set, and can't wait to share the whole card with you.  Here's another sneak peek - I will post the full cards AFTER my class tomorrow night.  (There are some perks for coming to stamp with me...lol)



Tomorrow night's class is all about embossing.  It's very hard to see in the picture, but his hat and buttons are embossed in black.  That's not all, but you'll have to wait to see the rest! 

It's not too late to join us, but please let me know today so that I can have your supplies ready for you! 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Sneak Peek...

For those of you who are curious about, or perhaps a bit intimidated by, embossing, I will be showing you how to heat emboss, double emboss, and emboss resist on Saturday, Nov. 18th.  We would love to have you join us!  The class is $15, or FREE with your $25+ Stampin' Up! order.

Not sure what on earth I'm talking about?  Here is a sneak peek at one of the cards we will be making.  This card uses the double embossing technique, which really makes the design on the green pop out.  I will post a full picture AFTER the class -- or you can join us and see it in person, for yourself, on the 18th!


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Gratitude

Every card needs a little texture and a little bling, don't you think?  We created this card as part of my recent Big Shot class - do you see how we used the Big Shot?  The Texture Plates add a softer texture to the card stock than embossing folders do.  The Soft Suede was textured before we started adding layers.  Quick, easy, and textured!


Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Papers: Soft Suede, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Spice Cake DSP
Inks: Early Espresso, Pool Party
Punch: Decorative Label
Accessories: Retired Texture Plate, Basic Pearls, sponge

Friday, October 14, 2011

Simple Christmas

I do believe I have my holidays out of order...  I will have to post some fall/Thanksgiving ideas soon.  But for now, I can't wait to share one of our favorites from last month's Stamp-A-Stack.  We made four different cards (three of each!), and there was a tie for the favorite.  Here is one contender:


Stamp Sets: Lovely as a Tree, Delightful Decorations
Papers: Letters to Santa DSP, Riding Hood Red CS, Whisper White CS
Inks: Always Artichoke
Punches: Curly Label, Eyelet Border
Accessories: sponges, Dazzling Details

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Big News!

Wow!  This is what you've been waiting for!  A FREE Big Shot!  Yes, you read that correctly -- Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE Big Shot (or $100 in FREE product you choose!) to new demonstrators this month!


If you have even remotely considered joining Stampin' Up! - either as a hobby (20%+ discount on every order, demo-only resources, etc) or as a career - now is the time.  I would love to have you join my team and get in on this amazing offer!  No pressure or major commitment.  The $175 starter kit is already such a great savings (almost $400 worth of product, and free shipping!), but with this additional special, October really is the BEST time to start!

You can see all the details here.  Have questions, or want to join me?  Please let me know -- I am happy to help in any way that I can.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

New Embossing Technique

Wow -- vacation and pneumonia in the family have taken a toll this month!  I did find a moment to play with a new technique that was very fun.  It's called Emerging Color, and I may have to teach this at an upcoming embossing class.  Way cool!  Here's the card I came up with:


While I'm not certain I like the way the card turned out, the technique with the embossed medallion was neat to watch unfold.  This card used Crumb Cake, Real Red, Marina Mist and Night of Navy inks, clear embossing powder, Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, hemp, Marina Mist button, a brayer and embossing heat tool.  The stamps were from Greenhouse Garden, Medallion, and My Friend.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  I hope you have a fantastic day!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Christmas Joy


Here is another quick Christmas card.  The Delightful Decorations stamp set coordinates beautifully with the Ornament Punch, making these ornaments a snap!  These two are stamped in Real Red and Old Olive.  The Real Red CS went through the Big Shot in the Square Lattice EF before being layered on the card front. Behind it (and impossible to see in the picture), the Soft Suede CS was stamped in Soft Suede ink with the Woodgrain background stamp, giving it texture of its own.  The sentiment is from Heard From the Heart and is stamped in Craft White to show better on the suede card stock. We added the small heart from the Heart to Heart punch, which was punched out of red Glimmer Paper for extra bling.


This Friday is "Come Stamp With Me" -- I'm looking forward to getting creative with more Christmas goodies to prepare for our Christmas Stamp-A-Stack on September 9. It will be FUN!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

You're Invited...


...to Come Stamp with Me!


Friday, August 26th, 7pm at my house.  Cost is $5.



Bring your projects/supplies and let’s make progress together! You are welcome to use my Big Shot/Dies, Punches, Stamps

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Christmas in August

I suppose the Happy Harvest card didn't quite do the trick...  It's still hot in Texas, and I'm still dreaming of cooler weather... Maybe a white Christmas...? lol


My hostess last week requested a Christmas theme for her workshop, and I will post a couple of those cards for you, too.  We had a lot of fun!!





This card looks black-and-white, but it actually is not.  (Unfortunately my camera is having issues.)  The card itself is Night of Navy, along with matching grosgrain ribbon and ink.  The Whisper White cardstock was embossed with the Flurry Embossing Folder, and then the snowflakes were highlighted (fully or partially, depending on the look you want) with Crystal Effects.  Once that is dry, you can add the sentiment from the Bells & Boughs stamp set and add the ribbon/bow, and your card is complete.  Very simple, but the shimmer of the Crystal Effects makes it feel fancy!


This card is not an exact copy, but was definitely inspired by another demonstrator.  I did not make note of her name -- my apologies!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Happy Harvest!

Yes, I know... Those of you who are enjoying this sweltering Texas heat with me are thinking I'm going crazy... lol  Actually, I'm being optimistic and anticipating the cooler weather of fall coming.  I'm ready for it!


So in that spirit, here is my swap card from the "mini-convention" this past weekend:


I'll be honest -- Tangerine Tango is not my favorite color.  I don't know why that is, but for me, it is very difficult.  Blues go together so much easier!  So I challenged myself to use Tangerine Tango for my swap card.  I added Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade and Old Olive.  The stamps are from Loads of Love Accessories and Lovely as a Tree.  (The leaves on the Tangerine Tango background are stamped in Tangerine Tango also, so they are a little harder to see in the pic.)  I love the Square Lattice and Pindot Embossing Folders, and the corner rounder and Eyelet Border punches added a little extra, too.


Happy Harvest -- hopefully soon! lol

Monday, August 1, 2011

New Catalog Kickoff...

...was so much fun!  We had a great time together sharing ideas and being crafty.  And congrats to Michelle, who won a FREE stamp set! :)


Now we are starting to think about Christmas cards, and getting ready early.  Have you started on your Christmas cards?  Do you need some ideas?  Let's brainstorm together -- I'm happy to help.


We'll also be having a work day, probably the last Friday of August, to work on these projects we've purchased the supplies for -- so whether you are making birthday or Christmas cards or scrapbooking, bring your project(s) and supplies and make some progress with us.  Stay tuned for more details, but pencil in August 26th!


If you need additional supplies before that night, so that you have everything together and ready, let me know.  I'll be sending in another order soon and would be happy to add your items.


Here is one of the cards from Friday night.  This went together quickly and easily, featuring the Square Lattice Embossing folder, Greenhouse Garden and Curly Cute stamp sets, Victoria ribbon, Pewter Brads and Designer Series Paper, all in Pacific Point and Very Vanilla.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Friend



I realize these pictures are coming out rather dark...  It's hard to see the yummy color of this Razzleberry paper, or the sparkle of the rhinestones.  I will have to look for another photography spot...  Until then, I hope you enjoy what you can see of this card!

Stamp Sets:  Build a Blossom, Punch Potpourri, Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Lower
Cardstock:  Rich Razzleberry, Brights DSP, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Old Olive, Regal Rose
Inks: Old Olive, Basic Black, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Blossom Petals Builder Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, sponges, Basic Rhinestones

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

You're Invited!

New Catalog Kickoff with Stampin’ Up!
Friday, July 29 at 7pm

FREE Make ‘n Take
FREE Stamp Set (see below)
NEW Idea Book: 50% off, 1 day only!
LOTS of Samples and Ideas

FREE Stamp Set DETAILS:
I will be giving away new/unused stamp sets (quantity based on the number of people in attendance). Entries for the drawing can be earned several ways:


1 entry — attend the Kickoff
1 entry — bring an adult friend
1 entry — place an order
2 entries - schedule a workshop
2 entries — join a club
2 entries — join my team


Can’t come? Send me your order or workshop/club/team request by 9am that Friday and you’ll still be entered to win!!


If you'd like to join us and need directions, please contact me (thestampintexan@gmail.com).  We'd love to have you join us!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Flower Trio

Want to see the brand new catalog, get some fresh ideas, complete a free card and enter to win a free stamp set? You won't want to miss the New Catalog Kickoff on Friday, July 29th. We'll start at 7 -- mark your calendar, and stay tuned for more details!






This is a CASE of a card by Paula Stewart. I love that Stampin' Up! demonstrators are so willing to share their ideas with less creative people like me!! This card uses our new Triple Punch for the flowers -- love it! Add a punched border, embossed polka dots, and matching flower buttons ... this card is super easy and super cute!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Build a Blossom


I had so much fun playing with this card! I used the Blossom Petals Builder punch and the coordinating stamp set, Build a Blossom. The card is Early Espresso cardstock, with Rose Red and So Saffron stamped on Whisper White for the flower and Old Olive on Wild Wasabi for the leaves. There is an embossed piece of Early Espresso on the front, which was embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder (and my Big Shot, of course). Add a rhinestone and some Victoria Crochet Trim, and this will make the perfect card for a thank you, birthday, friend, thinking of you... whatever occasion you need!

Friday, July 1, 2011

The New Catalog is Here!

The much anticipated release of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog has finally arrived! See the links to the right to view the catalog and current promotions online.

From new In Colors and Designer Series Paper to great new stamp sets, you're sure to find fun inside these pages! Contact me directly to save on your order or join my team!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Sweet Baby

Babies are so much fun!  I was playing with glitter on this one, and I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the result... What do you think?





This is a little 3x3 card in Daffodil Delight and Pacific Point.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Valentine's Treat Bags

These turned out cute; I just had to share!  I used the Fancy Favor die with the Big Shot to cut/score the bag, and then Love Impressions rub-ons (from the Occasions Mini), Cherry Cobbler card stock and a little grosgrain ribbon.  Nothing fancy, but they turned out pretty cute.  Now to add the best part -- chocolate! :)



Friday, January 28, 2011

Directions for the Envelope Scrapbook

Several of you have requested details for the envelope scrapbook.  Let me first say that this idea was inspired by Dawn Olchefske -- what fun ideas she shared!

Supplies:
3 envelopes: Medium Crumb Cake (107297)
3.25"x5.75" pieces Patterned DSP, Subtles (117152)
2.5"x2.25" and 4"x5.25" pieces cardstock, 1 each of each color: Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Perfect Plum
25" Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117291)
Whisper White cardstock (100730)
Simply Said stamp set (115066)
So Saffron ink pad (105213)
Perfect Plum ink pad (101437)
Pretty in Pink ink pad (101301)
Subtles brads (119736) - 2 So Saffron, 1 Pretty in Pink, 1 Perfect Plum
Big Shot (113439) and Buttons #5 Sizzlits Die (113440)
Full Heart (119883), Extra-Large Tag (119866), Curly Label (119851), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle (119854), and Eyelet Border (119853) Punches
Crop-A-Dile (108362)
Snail Adhesive (104332)
Blender pen or Stampin' Write markers
Crystal Effects (101055)

1) Open the first envelope.  Using your tag punch (or punch of your choice), punch an "indent" in the top center (not the flap, but the other side of the opening) of the envelope.  This does not need to be deep, but enough to make it easier to get hold of the photo card inside later.  Repeat this with each envelope.

2) Use your snail adhesive on the flap of the envelope (where you would normally lick it) to make the flap sticky along all four "edges" of the flap of one envelope.  With the flap open to the right, sticky side up, lay the next envelope on top of the flap so that the bottom of the envelope (or left edge, as it is turned with the flap open to the right also) lines up with the fold of the flap on the first envelope.  Press to adhere.  Repeat with the flap on the just-adhered envelope, adding the last envelope.

3) The envelopes fold together with a Z fold.  Starting at the flap, and working away from the flap: the first fold is a valley fold, which is the way the envelope is already folded. The second fold is a mountain fold (opposite the way it would fold naturally).  If you used additional envelopes with a project like this, you would have an accordion or fan effect.

4) Use the smaller piece of each color of cardstock to create buttons with the Big Shot and Sizzlits Buttons #5 die.

5) Use the Simply Said stamps with the punches on Whisper White cardstock.  The small flowers (which I punched with the scalloped circle) can be colored with Stampin' Write markers if you have them. If you don't, you can pick up the color from the stamp pads with a blender pen, and color the flowers that way.

6) Adhere the stamped/punched images and buttons to the patterned DSP pieces with Snail Adhesive, and then adhere those pieces to the envelopes.

7) Punch a small hole with the Crop-a-dile in the center of the long side (just in from the edge) of your larger solid cardstock pieces, and insert a brad in each. This makes it easier to pull the photo cards out of the envelopes.  I used contrasting colors for this.  Add photos to your cards. (You may want to wait and insert these after the scrapbook is done drying, to avoid getting Crystal Effects on your photos!)

8) Run a line of Crystal Effects down the back center of the flap and first envelope only.  I did not make a thick line, but did zig-zag it a bit. Adhere the ribbon with the Crystal Effects, roughly centered. Adhere a "button" (from step 4) to the ribbon in the center of the flap. Use the Crop-a-dile to punch a hole through the center of the button, ribbon and flap. Insert a brad through the hole.  Adhere a "button" on the inside of the flap to cover the back of the brad.

9) Allow 24 hours for the Crystal Effects to dry, and your scrapbook is complete!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Envelope Mini-Scrapbook

Whether you are a veteran scrapper, or a scrapper wannabe, you'll want to check out this CUTE scrapbook!  We'll be making these on Saturday -- you ought to join us!  If you live too far away (or missed it...), feel free to contact me for more information about making your own envelope scrapbooks.





Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Embossing Class

Have you ever admired an embossed card and wondered, "How do they do that?"  If so, you won't want to miss this weekend's Embossing Class!  The class will be held Friday evening and again Saturday morning.  We'll make four different cards, using both heat and dry embossing.  Choose the day/time that works best for you, and let me know as soon as possible so that I can prepare your supplies.

Here's a sneak peek at one of the cards we'll be making:


The cost for this class is $15 and includes all supplies.  However, if you place a $20+ Stampin' Up! order at the class, I will waive the class fee.

We'd love to have you join us!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!  I have recently launched a new endeavor, and I am so excited about it!  I will be sharing a passion with friends, which makes it even more fun!  Several years ago I was introduced to Stampin' Up! and a whole new world of creativity was opened.  I discovered that not only do I love MAKING cards, but even more, I love GIVING cards that share my time and creativity with those I love!  If you are not familiar with Stampin' Up!, I would love to share with you.  If you, too, are a paper-crafter, let's stamp together!

My goal is to use this blog to share news, ideas, classes, etc. with you.  Be sure to "follow me" so you don't miss out!  There is so much fun ahead -- won't you join me? :)