Saturday, October 30, 2010

Happy Anniversary - 32 years with my sweetie!

Jerry and I just celebrated our 32nd anniversary last Thursday! Happy anniversary, honey! Smiley from millan.net

Of course, I had to make him a hand-stamped card. It uses the Cogs Extra-Large Double Punch (pg. 202 IB&C) and Basic Gray, Brushed Silver, and Whisper White cardstock. The circles are "left over" from the insides of the cogs when you punch them. The sentiment is from a retired Stampin' Up! set. The center of the card with the sentiment is only attached to the rest of the card with the cogs.I also added some cogs to the inside of the card so they would line up with the ones in the front. I put my sentiment inside by running my cardstock through my printer -- and I made sure that you couldn't see it from the outside. (That was added after I took the picture. Our power had gone out that afternoon so I had to finish the card the next morning!) I think the basic card idea came from Jackie Topa. Jerry really seemed to like it. Smiley from millan.net

He sent me this beautiful bouquet of flowers.I took a couple close-up pictures of the lilies that were in the bouquet. Now that I know how to make them out of cardstock, I'll have to pay closer attention to the colors in them!
Here is a stargazer lily. Gorgeous, isn't it?

Friday, October 29, 2010

Fun with Friends - Paper Stargazer Lilies and Acorn from Punches

Last Friday a couple of my girlfriends came over and we spent the afternoon stamping. We try to get together once a month to make some of those adorable projects that we've seen but never seem to take the time to make on our own - and we take turns bringing a dessert or something sweet. After all, what's a girl's get-together if it doesn't include chocolate or some kind of dessert? Smiley from millan.net

This time together we made a Scrapbook in a Box with paper lilies on top and an adorable acorn card that Pam had found. I've got pictures of our each of our completed projects below.

First picture is what I made. I had been wanting to make these lilies for the longest time - and they are gorgeous! I got the idea from this post HERE. The pink-colored lilies (which I found out from Pam are called "Stargazer lilies") are from Lynn Pratt's blog. I'm sorry I don't have the link to her instructions right off-hand, but if you want it, please let me know and I'll find it. I think it might be on my other computer. Smiley from millan.net
Here is a close-up of the top of the box with the completed lilies on it. Aren't they beautiful?
Edited to add: The link to Lynn's instructions for the stargazer lilies is:
Here are Judy's completed creations.
And here are Pam's finished products. She found the adorable acorn card that we CASE-d from HERE.Pam brought a little treat for Judy and I. Isn't this little bucket adorable? That was so sweet of her! Smiley from millan.net
So go ahead - spend a day stamping with friends. You'll get some things accomplished - and you'll have a lot of fun like we did!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Quick Boy's Birthday Card

Has this ever happened to you? You desperately need a boy's birthday card, but have nothing in your stash that isn't either girly or baby-ish. So what to do? Smiley from millan.net

Well, this happened to me earlier this week. I needed a birthday card for my nephew who is turning 9, but I didn't have anything that was even close to being appropriate for age, and I didn't have time to pull out all my stamps and make something before the mailman came.

A few weeks ago I showed you some ideas using the Stampin' Up! Builder Wheels. I had kept a few of the leftover pieces from those projects and had the one below done in Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo.

Obviously I didn't want pink flowers on his card (puh-leeze Aunt Jayne!), so I simply cut the flowers off, leaving me with the candles and stars. That's pretty good for a boyish design. I layered it onto Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive cardstock.
I then took the same two Builder Wheels and wheeled them with Pumpkin Pie ink across Pumpkin Pie cardstock. And you want to know my tip for wheeling things straight? Always do them at an angle - that way it's harder for someone to see if your wheels aren't lining up straight. (And you thought you were going to get some super-secret tip, didn't you?) Smiley from millan.net
I took my star punches and punched out a few stars, layered the birthday greeting at the bottom, and voila! - a boy's birthday card appropriate for a 9-year-old that took me less than 5 minutes!

So sometime when you're in a pinch, look at some of the previous stamped or wheeled images you may have left around - it may just be exactly what you need to create the perfect card for the occasion!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Z-Fold Album with Deck the Halls DSP

I have a very cool project to share with you today! Smiley from millan.net

One of my downline had sent me a video showing how to make a Z-fold album. We got together a week or so ago and a few of us made them. It wasn't too difficult once you got the basic fold/envelope configuration down. Then it was just a matter of adding the DSP. I don't have pictures of every page, but I think you can get the general idea. Isn't it pretty? That DSP is gorgeous!







The video for this is from Following the Paper Trail on YouTube and can be seen here. It's called a Z-Fold Envelope Mini Album. I did find that if you look, you can find envelopes to use that don't have the metal clasp on them - and that makes it much easier.

So let me know, what do you think? Would you like to receive something like this for your Christmas present?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Decor Elements Fall Frame

This is an idea that was presented a couple of years ago at Convention. It uses the Season of Thanks Decor Elements (size medium) applied to the front of a display frame. (The proper name for this type of frame is escaping me right now... it must be time to get off the computer.) I love getting this out each year and hanging it on the wall. It's just the right size for another picture that I keep up most of the year. That goes into the closet and this one gets hung up as soon as I start to feel "fall-ish". Smiley from millan.net
I finally remembered last night - it's called a "shadow box" frame!I purchased the leaves, mini pinecones, and acorns from a "big box store" and placed them in the frame. Because they're not "real", I don't have to worry about them rotting or going bad. Plus I really like the colors - and do you know how long it would take me to find enough leaves in the colors I wanted?
Smiley from millan.net

You can find this Decor Element in the Definitely Decorative catalog on page 11. It's available in black or chocolate and in small or medium. It's a great way to re-use your seasonal Decor Elements from year to year!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Simply Adorned Charms Samples

I promised I would be back to post some pictures. These are samples that show our Simply Adorned Charms and chains (pg. 189 IB&C). The first two pictures are the front and back of a 1" x 1-1/4" charm. The front side is beveled glass and the back is smooth. I like to have both sides decorated because you KNOW that your necklace is going to turn around to the back side at least a few times while you wear it!

You will be amazed at the quality of this jewelry. The chains are made from stainless steel and are nice and strong. This first picture also shows some of the "baubles" that you can get. Those are in the Holiday Mini Catalog on pg. 31. At only $3.95 each, they are a very inexpensive way to add a little extra to your chain! (Just so you know, the purple flower charm was a gift from my upline, Jan Wakeland for those of us who attended Convention. It isn't a Stampin' Up! bauble.)

This charm is the 1-1/2" x 2" size. It's a little hard to see, but the cupcakes have Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the top. When I took this picture, I hadn't "dazzled up" the chain yet, but since then I've tied on some ribbon and I plan to add the Pink Crystal Bauble to it - I think it will add the extra bling it needs, don't you?
The back side is a piece of colored metal that I purchased, ran through my Big Shot with an embossing folder, and then sanded the embossed image so it would show better. I added some bling with our Basic Rhinestones. (After all, a girl can't have too much bling, right?)
You just have to check these out - especially since there is a bundle now with the Charming Set, Simply Adorned 1"x1-1/4" Charm and 24" Simply Adorned Chain on sale for 20% off!! These would make a terrific gift for anyone. You could make up some different inserts so that the recipient could change them to match her outfit or the season. Once you get going on making the inserts, they're addicting! (Almost as addicting as chocolate!)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I'm trying to post - really I am!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm still here. Unfortunately, "Blogger" is having some image upload issues and is "disabled for two hours due to maintenance". Smiley from millan.net Grrrrr..... So I'll have to get back later to post some fabulous samples I have of the Simply Adorned Charms.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Handmade Holiday Promotion

ABCs of the Perfect Handmade Holiday from Stampin' Up!
Starting today, Stampin' Up! has some amazing bundle deals at a 20% discount. You can see details of these offers below, but if you want more information, please don't hesitate to contact me. The dates for this special offer are October 19 - December 16, 2010. I will be posting ideas and samples using some of the items from these bundles in the days and weeks to come, so be sure to check back and get ideas for how you can use these wonderful products!

Details

You will have the opportunity to purchase select products--perfect for Amazing cards, Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts--at a 20 percent discount!

THE BUNDLE SALE
bells and boughs stamp setdeck the halls designer paper
Vintage Christmas Bundle #124067 wood $23.92
Vintage Christmas Bundle #124068 clear $19.92

contempo christmas stamp setjolly holiday designer paper
Contempo Christmas Card Bundle #124071 wood $20.72
Contempo Christmas Card Bundle #124072 clear $17.52

tags til christmasdecorative label punch
Tags Til Christmas Bundle #124077 wood $38.32
Tags Til Christmas Bundle #124078 clear $31.92

gifted stamp setmini lunch sacks
Gift Packaging Bundle #124083 wood $26.32
Gift Packaging Bundle #124084 clear $19.92
charmed stamp setsimply adorned charmsimply adorned chain
Simply Adorned Gift Bundle #124076 $39.88
chunky framedotted flourish
Frame Gift Bundle #124075 $19.92

SHOP ONLINE 24/7

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Decor Accents Design-a-House

Design a house from stampin up - Use your imagination

HAUNTED HOUSE

Stamp Sets
  • Dark & Dreary
Paper
  • Cardstock: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
  • Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper
  • White Vellum Paper
  • Waffle Paper Assortment 2
Ink
  • Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
  • Distressing Essentials
  • Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
  • VersaMarker
  • Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz
Accessories
  • Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
  • Black Stampin' Emboss Powder
  • Circle Scissor Plus
  • Color Spritzer Tool
  • Bitty Bat Punch

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Stamp Sets
  • Bells & Boughs
  • Welcome Christmas
Paper
  • Card stock: Confetti White, Always Artichoke Textured, Cherry Cobbler Textured, Early Espresso Textured
  • Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper
  • Newsprint Designer Series Paper
Ink
  • Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
  • Distressing Essentials
  • Frost White Shimmer Paint
Accessories
  • Champagne Glass Glitter
  • Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim
  • Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding
  • Antique Brads
  • Neutrals Designer Buttons
  • Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons
  • Décor Accents Design-a-House
  • Deck the Halls Designer Fabric
  • Pewter Jumbo Eyelets
  • Pearls Basic Jewels
  • Mini Vintage Tags
  • Vintage Trinkets
  • Stampin' Dimensionals
  • Curly Label Punch
  • Decorative Label Punch
  • Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
  • Big Shot
  • Merry Details Sizzlits Die
  • Cream crochet thread


Stamp Sets
  • Curly Cute
Paper
  • Card stock: Whisper White, Whisper White Textured
  • Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper
Ink
  • Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories
  • Champagne Glass Stampin' Glitter
  • Clear 1" Tinsel Trim
  • Candy Cane Rub-Ons
  • Stampin' Dimensionals
  • 1" Circle Punch
  • 1-3/8" Circle Punch
  • Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack



















Design A House Décor Accents120911

One look at our Design-a-House Décor Accents and we bet you’ll instantly have multiple ideas of how to decorate this charming little cottage for all kinds of holidays and occasions. Whether it’s haunted, looks like it’s made of gingerbread and candies, or dressed up as a centerpiece for a housewarming party, there are all kinds of ways to use this piece for adding a special touch of beauty to your home or a friend’s home. Let your imagination guide you in choosing from our many Designer Series papers and other accessories to adorn your little house.