Pennant Christmas Tree

When my worst workshop fear came true (I forgot the stamp set!), I had to think quickly to come up with a substitute.  Instead of stamping the trees and punching them out, we ran the Garden Green cardstock through the Big Shot with the Snowburst embossing folder, then punched with the Pennant Builder Punch.  We next layered the green onto a punched Whisper White scalloped triangle.  Whew, saved by the Big Shot!

Stocking Punch Only Available While Supplies Last

Stampin' Up! has announced that the stocking punch featured in the 2011 Holiday Mini catalog, and coordinating with the Stitched Stocking stamp set, will NOT be carried over into the next Idea Book & Catalog.  Once the current inventory has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase.  If you would like to order yours now, before it is gone, click here; and for the stamp set, click here. 

Clearance Rack Blitz

Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items are being added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail--while supplies last!  Many old-body style punches are included; this is a great way to expand your collection of punches at a reduced cost.  The blitz ends January 5th, so click here to shop in my online store now.

Glimmer paper circles Christmas tree

Today's card uses the color combination of Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, and the silver and red glimmer papers.  The jewels on the "merry" and the heart add additional sparkle.  I used some dimensionals to give additional depth to some of the circles, which were all punched using SU!'s circle punches.  I freehand cut the star for the top.  The sentiments come from the stamp sets Heard from the Heart and Teeny Tiny Wishes.  Thank you to SU! demonstrator Judy May for the inspiration.

Glittering snowflakes

This card is so beautiful in real life.  The picture just doesn't do it justice.  The snowflakes punched from the glimmer paper sparkle and shimmer.  A big THANK YOU to SU! demonstrator Sandy Shippee for inspiring this card!

Stocking Punch Reindeer

As soon as I saw this idea, I knew it would be perfect for a kids' stamping class.  The reindeer and ear are punched with the Stocking Punch.  The antlers are punched using the Snowflake Punch.  Rudolph's red nose is created using the the red glimmer paper and the Owl Punch.  Add a wiggle eye and Rudolph is ready for Christmas.  I also punched two scallop circles and used the cello bag to finish off this project.

Online Extravaganza!

Stampin' Up! is offering some great online holiday savings.  To see all the specials, you can visit my online store, or download this PDF.  There are two specials available at a discount TODAY ONLY--the Simply Scored Tool and the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. 

Things to remember:

• Discounted digital downloads are only available on online orders.
• There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.
• For product bundles, you must use the bundle item numbers provided.
• Additional products from current catalogs may be purchased on the same order.
• Discounts range between 20 and 60 percent. 

 24-Hour ONLY Special

Monday, November 21

Regular $29.95  ~ MONDAY ONLY $23.96

#122334

Take the chore out of scoring! The Simply Scored Scoring Tool’s base fits paper or card stock up to 12" x 12" and features score tracks every 1/8". Features two easy-to-read rulers (with inch markings down to 1/8") along top and left side for perfect scoring. (One standard left-to-right ruler and one zero center ruler.) Includes three markers and stylus. Bottom of base has nonmarking

and nonskid feet to secure it on your work areach Base measures Approximately

15-1/8" x 13-1/4" x 1".

Regular $16.95 ~ MONDAY ONLY $13.56

#125152

Take your love of stamping into the kitchen! Create fun and tasty stamped cookies for any occasion. Fit a silicone stamp over the bottom of wooden handle and press into dough—it’s that easy! Let the kids help! Food-safe, easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe. Each set includes 3 silicone stamps, 1 handle, and 2 great cookie recipes.

Pennant Christmas Trees

This card puts to use the Petite Pennants Builder Punch and the coordinating Pennant Parade stamp set.  The trees and sentiment (from the Heard from the Heart stamp set) were stamped with Wild Wasabi ink, while the scallop circle and card base are Garden Green card stock.  I used dimensionals to make the trees pop from the page.  I would love to show you how easy it is to create this card at a workshop; contact me to schedule yours today! 

Note: I promise to do my best to remember the stamp set next time Ally, Lauren, Mom and Jennifer!  Check out tomorrow's post to see what creation came out of forgetting the Pennant Parade stamps!

On Dasher and Dancer...

This card featuring the Dasher stamp, has a lot of hidden details.  First, the bottom Soft Suede card stock is stamped with the Dot, Dot, Dot stamp and the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get perfect alignment.  The top Whisper White card stock is embossed with the Snow Burst Embossing folder.  A pearl is added on top of the punched snowflake.  The ribbon is the new Quilted Satin featured in the Holiday Mini catalog, and the "merry Christmas" is punched with an oval punch. 

Would you like to send hand stamped Christmas cards this year, but don't have the time to make them?  Contact me ASAP for availability and prices. 

Snowflake embossing

For this card, I wanted to see how my recently purchased snowflake punch worked.  So I ran a piece of Real Red cardstock through the Big Shot with the Snowflake embossing folder, stamped the sentiment from the Sincere Salutations stamp set and punched it out with the Decorative Label punch.   I added the punched snowflake and spritzed the entire card with some Gold Glow Smooch Spritz.

Cardinal with Glimmer Paper

Are you ready for Christmas cards yet?  I have been finding so many beautiful and inspirational Christmas cards that I couldn't wait any longer to get started.  This cardinal was created using the Bird Builder Punch.  There is a secret to getting his color just right....leave a comment if you want to learn it!  The red glimmer paper adds just the right amount of sparkle.  The cardinal is WV's state bird, and I would love to use this one for my personal Christmas cards this year, but I'm not sure I'm up to punching all of those birds! 

Another Embossed Aluminum Foil

 As promised yesterday, here is another card featuring the aluminum foil embossing.  This card is similar to the Wild Wasabi and Perfect Plum birthday card, except I used different Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink, a different Four Frames stamp and the polka dot embossing folder. 

Embossed Aluminum Foil

Foil embossing with the Big Shot is one of my favorite techniques.  I love how it is so easy to create the shiny embossed surface.  For this card, I used aluminum foil and the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  The frame is created using the Four Frames stamp set and "happy birthday" is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  Watch tomorrow for yet another card using embossed aluminum foil!  

Flower Happy Birthday

I really like how this card turned out.  I colored the center of a paper flower with a sponge dauber and So Saffron ink.  I used dimensionals and a punched circle of Baja Breeze, along with a stamped and punched button image from the Button, Button stamp set.  The shine comes from the Crystal Effects I added to the top.  The 'happy birthday' is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set, and the polka dot frame is from the Four Frames stamp set. 

Another Big Shot Card

This card was almost the one I used for the Big Shot class, but I liked the color combination better on yesterday's card.  This card has a Cajun Craze base, a Top Note die piece of Elegant Eggplant which was also embossed with stripes, and the butterflies cut and embossed with the butterflies embosslit.  The sentiment is from the hostess-only stamp set Precious Butterflies.  Happy stamping!

Big Shot Class

This was one of the projects we completed at the Introduction to the Big Shot class, so I designed it to feature 3 different Big Shot techniques.  First, the base of the card is embossed using the Finial Press embossing folder.  Then, the Top Note die is used to cut out the piece of Very Vanilla card stock.  It is stamped with Crumb Cake ink and the vine from Elements of Style.  Finally, the butterflies are embossed and cut using the Beautiful Wings embosslit.  The verse in the middle is stamped from the Blessings from Heaven stamp set. 

I hope you were able to take advantage of the super offer from Stampin' Up! and get the Big Shot for free!  Have fun creating!

Aluminum Foil Ornaments, Embossing and Simply Scored

This simple card has a lot of WOW features, although they might not all be clear in the picture.  First, the ornaments are punched from aluminum foil covered and embossed card stock.  Second, the Whisper White card stock has been scored using the Simply Scored tool.  Third, it was then embossed with the polka dot embossing folder.    Thank you, Michelle Martin for inspiring this card.

Ink Pad Swipe

This card is simple and easy to make.  I took Real Red, Daffodil Delight and Old Olive ink pads and simply swiped them across the Whisper White card stock.  I used the Ticket Corner punch for the corners.  I stamped the "hello" and "my friend" with Basic Black ink and the My Friend stamp set.

(Here's a shout-out to all my Alpha Gam sisters with the Red, Buff and Green!  I can't look at these colors without thinking of you!)

P.S. I was inspired by another card I saw, but can't find the original to give credit to the creator!

Mama and Me Journal

After reading this blog about a Mama and Me journal, I knew I wanted to do this with my own daughter.  The idea is that we write each other letters back and forth in a notebook, each of us leaving the notebook on the bed or pillow of the other.  The blog provided the "mama and me" download, but I decided to take it a step further and also use our Flirtatious Designer Series Paper and Melon Mambo card stock to decorate the notebook even more.  I was very pleased with the outcome, and was excited to see my daughter's reaction.  Her grin was priceless.  :)

Celebrate Digital Scrapbooking!

Visit this link and you can get FREE digital downloads between Nov. 4-7!  The designs are compatible with most design software, so even if you don't have the MyDigitalStudio software, you can still take advantage of these downloads.  There is a quick survey to fill out, then you will be able to download these brand-new, never seen before FREE downloads, which include:

• So Typefelt Stamp Brush Set
• Neutral Delightful Digital Tape
• Home for the Holidays Ensemble
• Delight in the Day Photobook Template 

Matchbox with Hershey Nuggets

The matchbox die with the Big Shot makes these adorable little boxes and they are the perfect size for 4 Hershey nuggets.  I stamped the Avery labels with the It's a Wrap Holidays stamp set.  They made a great little Halloween gift for my wonderful friend and classroom aide (hi, Alice!), and my student teacher.

Candy Corn with Pennant Punch

Happy Halloween!  For this card, I layered Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie card stock on top of Whisper White.  Then I used the Pennants Builder Punch to create the candy corn pieces.  I applied Crystal Effects to the top and let dry, leaving the candy corn with a glossy look.  The sentiment is from the Sweets for the Sweet stamp set.  I credit Susan Carlson, fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator with the inspiration for this sweet card.

Autumn Glory Craft Show

The last two weekends we have been busy with craft shows.  I forgot to take pictures at the Forest Festival, but I did remember at Autumn Glory.  Our crafts included tile magnets, stamped coasters, covered notebooks, pebble magnets, ornaments, and wooden crafts.   This was also a great weekend with my in-laws, whom I dearly love.  It was a good show and lots of fun. 

Grid Scored with Gently Falling

Perfect for fall, this card uses the Gently Falling stamp set available in the Holiday Mini catalog.  My upline, Beth Ann, showed us how to make this card at our special stamp day.  I also demonstrated it at a recent workshop.  If you are interested in learning fun new techniques, such as how to use the Simply Scored tool to make a grid card, contact me to schedule your workshop!

Simply Scored Christmas Ornaments

The Simply Scored tool is great for creating--and here are some more examples.  These Christmas ornaments were made using the Simply Scored tool to create rosettes, and the stamped images from the stamp sets Tags Til Christmas, Word Play, and Snow Globe (one of my retired favorite sets).

Card Holder Box

This is one of my favorite new creations.  This box was designed to hold embossing folders for the Stampin' Up! Big Shot (have I mentioned you can get a FREE Big Shot this month when you sign up as a demonstrator?), but I find it perfect for keeping cards in too!  I recently carried my 25 card swaps and about 10 other projects in this box to share at our team meeting.  It worked great, and kept my swapped cards clean coming home too.  The best part, it's relatively easy to make, especially when you follow the directions provided by SU! demonstrator Tina Rappe in this video.

Triple Treat Flower

I loved this stamp the moment I saw it in the Idea Book and Catalog, because of it's ability to create layers with coordinating punches!  I stamped the entire stamp in More Mustard and punched with the Fancy Flower punch.  Next, I used Night of Navy, Cajun Craze and Old Olive markers to color the inside star flower and punched with the 5-Petal Flower punch.  Finally, I colored the center with Cajun Craze and Night of Navy and punched with the 1/2" circle punch.  I used the 1/16" circle handheld punch to make a hole for the gold brad.  I'm finding these regal colors make fabulous fall cards, perfect for the season!

Stamped Tile Coasters

Stamps aren't just for cards--I also use them to make coasters for the craft shows in which we participate.  Here are a sample of 3 coasters made using the SU! stamp sets Crosses of Hope, Cottage Garden and Elements of Style.  Despite my determination to be completely prepared long in advance, I was scrambling to get everything done at the last minute.  Consequently, these pictures were taken late at night and not in the best lighting!

Gently Falling Team Meeting with Jan Wakeland Swap

My upline's upline, Kathy Hamrick recently hosted a team meeting with Jan Wakeland, an amazing SU! demonstrator and Founder's Circle member.  I was so honored to be a part of the special day, even if it was freezing cold!  We were inspired by Jan's talk, and by the numerous samples and swaps shared by fellow demonstrators.  Here is the card I swapped.  It was created using a two-step stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog, Gently Falling.  This stamp set is great for using coordinating colors, such as Certainly Celery and Old Olive, Riding Hood Red and Cherry Cobbler, and So Saffron and More Mustard.  Want to learn how to use it?  Contact me to schedule your workshop today!

Free Stamp Set with two Simply Sent card kits

Are you a beginning stamper, looking to get creative?  Or, are you a busy stamper, with little time?  Then this is the perfect offer for you.  With the purchase of two Simply Sent card kits, you will get a FREE coordinating stamp set.  Click here to check out the kits--they come with the cards, envelopes and accessories to create 8 cards with each kit.  Then you can choose your free coordinating stamp set.  Shop online, email or call me with your order!

FREE Big Shot!

That's right--you can get a FREE Big Shot when you sign up in October as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!  If you've been wanting the Big Shot, or considering becoming a demonstrator, now is the perfect time.  You get the starter kit for $175 (a value of over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business).   Already have a Big Shot?  Get $100 worth of FREE product instead!  Contact me to get started! Plus, stay tuned over the next few days to hear more about October's fantastic promotions--or click here if you just can't wait to find out what they are!

Medallion Thank You

Wal-Mart selected my school for the teachers to be the recipients of $100 each!  We needed a special thank you card for them as we are all so grateful.  Here is what I came up with--using the medallion with the middle and sentiment embossed with gold.  I hope it sufficiently expresses our thankfulness!

Christmas Stocking Die and Scored Box

One more posting from the fabulous day with my upline, Beth Ann Wilson.  This one features the Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die featured in the Holiday Mini catalog.  The top, toe and heel of the stocking were embossed using the Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  And that box on the back?  It was made using the Simply Scored scoring tool.  Did you notice the cute little jingle bell on the Christmas tree?  You can buy your own here. 

Stitched Stockings and Silver Glimmer Paper

The silver glimmer paper is one of my favorite new products in the Holiday Mini catalog.  I love the sparkle!  This card, made with my upline, Beth Ann Wilson, also features the new stamp set Stitched Stockings and Stocking Builder punch.  The sentiment is heat embossed, while the frame around the Whisper White piece was embossed using the Simply Scored scoring tool.  My husband liked this card so much when I showed him that he thinks it should be our Christmas card this year! 

Scored Happy Birthday Card

What a great birthday card!  This card uses the Simply Scored scoring tool--do you have yours yet?  There are so many fabulous projects to make with it! 

We made this card during the stamping day with my upline Beth Ann Wilson.  Not only was the day great, but she has supplied me with blog updates to last for a couple of weeks, while I get used to the busy back to school schedule!  :)  Thanks again, Beth Ann! 

Operation Write Home Card

This is the card that we made at the Operation Write Home event I hosted.  To honor those lives lost on 9/11, I decided to send cards to our troops through Operation Write Home.  These cards are sent blank, then soldiers can use them to send home to their loved ones.  I had some wonderful stampers attend the event and it was touching to see their support.  I sincerely hope the troops enjoy these cards and that it brightens their day to have a handstamped card to send home.  Contact me for more information, or visit the Operation Write Home website. 

Emboss Resist Flowers

Emboss resisting is one of my favorite stamping techniques.  Similar to the Christmas card we made in my Christmas in July Class, at Beth Ann's fun day, we stamped these flowers with Versamark ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder.  Then, using sponge daubers, we applied the ink to the paper.  The embossed flowers resisted the ink, creating the image shown. 

Fun Flowers Pencil Topper

Can't give candy in school anymore?  Here is a great project for those school parties--a pencil topper flower!  The Big Shot made this flower a breeze to make.  Add a touch of ribbon and a jewel and you've got the perfect present to give as a party treat in school when you can't give candy.  Thanks again to my upline, Beth Ann Wilson, for showing me how to make these!