November Club Projects

For this month's club we focused on Christmas and projects for gift giving!

First, we made a set of three gift tags (although this design could also very easily translate to a Christmas ornament or and embellishment of the front of a Christmas card!):

Each of the tags were made using the Windows Frames framelit dies and the windows were cut using the Holiday Collection framelits.  Behind each window we used various SU ribbons layered in different patterns or angles. 

Everyone also had the option of using the matching Festive Paper Piercing pack to add an extra flair to their tags:

Our second project was a gift card holder using the Holiday Stocking Bigz Die:

We used several great SU products to pull it all together and give it a perfect vintage Christmas feel:  the Music Notes standard wheel in Always Artichoke ink, Cherry Cobbler Core-dinations cardstock embossed with the Lacy Brocade Embossing folder and then sanded with the new Stampin' Sanding Block, a touch of Champagne Glimmer paper, and finally a bow of our ever-so-stampable Cotton Ribbon also stamped with the Music Notes wheel:

October Club Projects

Yay! I'm catching up... and in this case, the holiday I'm posting for hasn't passed yet! LOL

In October we did some very fall-festive projects!  The first on was a table setting duo that was completely inspired by a fellow demonstrator, Maree Streeter, from Canada!  This project uses several Big Shot dies!  First, the cutlery holder is made from the Petite Pocket die, while the box is made from the Candy Wrapper die.  The labels are from the Labels Collection framelits and the corn and flower images were stamped using the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and then cut out using the matching Cannery framelits set, which can be purchased in this bundle!

We also made a fall/thanksgiving card using the "Triple Time" technique.  You can find an excellent "how to" on this technique here! For our card we used the Wonderfall stamp set from the Holiday mini and the coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz die to cut out our leaves for the front.  Each leaf was embossed in a different embossing folder (we used the Square Lattice, Woodgrain and Perfect Polka Dots folders).

September Club Projects

As usual, I am very behind in my posts!  It always seems like the holidays get that way for me... Plus we have several family birthdays that keep me on my toes making handmade gifts this time of year. :o)

Regardless (and even though Halloween in far behind us), I want to get caught up with my club project posts... and I've got to go all the way back to September to do that! So here are the Halloween projects we made in hostess club!

My favorite has to be the pinwheel corsage I came up with.  And this is another reason why I am still bothering to post this so late... it would be a great project to make for any holiday or special event!  Birthdays, Baby Showers  Bridal showers, graduations... you name it!  I plan to make several more of these in the near future and can't wait to come up with different color combos!

We used the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and matching framelit dies to make the pinwheel.  After stamping and cutting 9 of them, we just stacked them and punched a 1/16" hole at the top of the ornament then placed a brad through and fanned them out (don't forget to curl up the edges a bit!).  In order to get them to lay right, you need to cut a slit in the top one and slip it over the bottom one when they come around and meet each other.  Once they are fanned out and evenly spaced, just stick the whole pinwheel onto a jumbo sticky round!  We embellished the bottom (attached via the back) with several coordinating ribbons and on the front we used the Ghoulish Googlies stamp set cut out and layered with the Window Frames framelits.

I got the idea for our second project (Bitty Boo Boxes) from fellow demonstrator Brenda Quintana.  These are made using the Petal Card punch and she has an excellent tutorial posted on her blog for them here!    

Lastly, we made a VERY quick and easy project using the Ghoulish Googlies Bundle from the holiday mini.  We embossed the bags with the Spider Web embossing folder and also decorated both sides of the bag with a tag.  On one side, we stamped the Mummy from the Ghoulish Googlies set:

And on the other side, we used the smaller tag that comes with the kit and stamped it with the "Spooky" sentiment from the Wicked Cool Stamp set:

Holiday Stamp Camp Raffle Baskets!

Hey all!  Here is a complete listing of the 4 Raffle Baskets that are up for grabs at the 10th Annual Stamp Camp on October 6th!  Participants will receive Raffle Tickets to be put into your basket of choice usign the following criteria:

• Grand Basket Tickets:  1 ticket received for every $50 in merchandise ordered at the event.
• Regular Basket Tickets:  1 ticket received for every $15 in merchandise ordered at the event.

Each basket also comes with a beautiful handmade gift made with the items you can win!

Grand Basket: New 2012-2014 In Colors
Retail Value: $144.25

• In-Color Ink Pad  & 8.5 x 11" Cardstock Kit - $29.95
• 12x12 Cardstock Assortment - $9.95
• In Color Markers - $14.95
• In Color DSP Paper Stack - $21.95
• In Color Ink Refills - 5 @ $2.95 = $14.75
• In Color 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon - 5 @ 8.95 = $44.75

"Piercing Fun" Basket
Retail Value: $76.70

• Paper Piercing Tool - $3.95
• Piercing Mat - $4.95
• Essentials Paper Piercing Pack - $7.95
• Festive Piercing Pack - $7.95
• Apothecary Accents Framelits - $24.95
• Labels Collection Framelits - $26.95

"All About Embossing" Basket
Retail Value: $77.95

• Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder - $7.95
• Holiday Frame Embossing Folder - $7.95
• Woodgrain Embossing Folder - $7.95
• Sugar & Spice Embossing Powder - $5.95
• Peppermint Sticks Embossing Powder - $5.95
• Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder - $4.75
• Versa Mark Pad - $7.50
• New Heat Embossing Tool - $29.95

"Merry Memories" Basket
Retail Value: $76.50

• Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' Kit - $21.95
• 12 x 12 Divided Page Protectors - $5.95
• 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon in Crumb Cake - $6.95
• 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler - $7.95
• 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in Basic Gray - $4.95
• 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Old Olive - $5.95
• 7/8" Cotton Ribbon - $7.95
• Large Pearls - $4.95
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons - $5.95
• Stampin' Dimensionals - $3.95

Click Here for more information on the Stamp Camp!!!

August Club Projects

In August, we made some very cute, easy, and fun Christmas projects to kick off the release of the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog!

First, we made a "Cup o' Cocoa" card and treat holder using several of our Big Shot dies and the new Holiday Collection Framelits.  I was inspired by a fellow demo, Susie Nelson, for this project!

When you open it up, there's a happy little package of cocoa waiting for you!  It's a little tough to see in the picture, but all the pool party cardstock pieces were stamped with the snowflake trio stamp from the Snow Swirled set in the new Illuminate stamp pad.

Supplies used: Colors - Cherry Cobbler, Pool Party, Whisper White; Dies - Clear Scallop Square, Scallop Envelope, Snow Flurry, Scallop Rectangle Clearlits, Holiday Collection Framelits; Stamps - Got Treats, More Merry Messages, Scentsational Season, Snow Swirled; Illuminate Stamp Pad; Silver Glimmer Paper; Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon; Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Tulle Ribbon; Basic Rhinestones; 3/4" Circle Punch.

We also made two quick and easy Christmas cards... perfect for mass-producing for the holidays!

Supplies used: Colors - Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory; Merry Minis stamps and coordinating punches; Festival of Prints DSP Stack; Petite Pennants Builder Punch; Delicate Designs Embossing Folder; More Merry Messages Stamp Set; Early Espresso Bakers Twine. 

Supplies used: Colors - Marina Mist, Pool Party, Bashful Blue, Brushed Silver, Whisper White; Stamps - Snowflake Soiree, Greetings of the Season; Versamark & Silver Embossing Powder; Staz-On Black Ink; Acetate sheet; Flourish Designer Frame; 1/8" Mini Brads; Decorative Label Punch

10th Annual Stamp Camp: October 6th!!!

Come join us for the 10th annual Holiday Stamp Camp!

Saturday, October 6th, 10 AM - 5 PM

11401 Pellicano Drive in El Paso, TX!

LOTS of projects, BIG BIG Raffles, and EVERYONE gets a door prize!

$30 for advanced registration

$35 at the door

Click here for the registration form and for more info!!!

Edited to add: There was concern expressed by a few about being able to stay the whole day… the camp is set up where you receive all of your kits with full instructions when you come through the door.  Then there are stations set up where you can stamp, diecut and emboss, and Then there are working tables where you can punch, cut and assemble.  If you cannot stay the whole day, you can certainly get there, grab your kits, stamp/diecut/emboss/punch your necessary parts, and then assemble them at home!  

June Club Projects with Tutorials

I never got around to posting the June club projects, so here they are now!

First was a birthday card using all of the new 2012-2014 in-colors: Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, and Primrose Petals. We used the Patterned Party and Itty Bitty Banners stamp sets with the coordinating Bitty banners framelit die. We also used the Large Scallop Edgelit die:

Click here for the class tutorial in PDF format

For our second project, we used the Clear Mount Stamp Cases and created a notepad holder:

We used the Pleasant Poppies stamp set to create the design for the outside cover along with patterned paper from the Polka Dot Parade DSP and designer series paper patterns stacks. We punched our butterflies using the new Elegant Butterfly punch.

On the inside we created a handy pocket (perfect for coupons) and added a few more butterfly touches with the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die and the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder:

Click here for the class tutorial in PDF format

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Petite Purse Die

I have really enjoyed using the petite purse die! It is so easy to assemble, which is why it has been my "go to" die for a couple of recent projects where I had to make multiples!

These are the thank you gifts I made this month for my club members:

I love using window sheets for my treat boxes whenever I can! I filled these with either jelly beans or m&m's. Since these candies are so small, I used transparent tape at the two bottom side edges to make sure nothing fell out. I also used a small piece to make sure the flap stayed securely closed. With the thicker acetate, it is hard to get it to hold the rounded shape and stay closed. :-)

In place of the handle cut by the die, I chose to use some ribbon instead. The sentiment was stamped and punched using the lovely little labels stamp set and the coordinating little labels punch set.

I used the Boho Blossoms and Bird punches for the flower accents. When making multiple embellishments like these, I like to assemble and layer them like so on a strip of glue dots:

A second project I made with the petite purse die was a set of 80 treat bags for the teachers and staff at my son's school. Inside were a few star peppermints and a coupon for a free class of mine. I made them in all assorted colors coordinating with the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper:

Posted with Blogsy

July Club Projects

Hello, all! Well, I know it has been a very long time since I have posted, and I'm working on a solution to start blogging a lot more! I am currently testing out a few apps with my iPad (and this is one of them), so we will see how this goes!

So, to catch everyone up a bit... I recently started my monthly hostess club back up after taking a year off when my newest little man joined us. I have been so excited and happy to get back into the swing of things with all of my wonderful stampin' gals! This has also motivated me to get back into the world of blogging again! So, without any further ado... I will start things off with a post highlighting the projects for this month's club!

We did a great stamp-a-stack project using a single card design inspired by my upline, Alecia Connelly! So I took this layout and came up with 5 great cards using the 2011-2013 in-colors!  The layout is simple and clean, and yields beautiful results no matter how you spin it!  It utilizes the 3" x 3" scallop square from the Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die centered at the top of a standard A2 card made from a 4.25 x 11" piece of card stock scored in half at 5.5".  Each element is popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here they are with all the lovely details!  Click on any hyperlink to see full product details!

Stamps:  Mixed Bunch, Curly Cute

Colors:  Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Punches: Blossom, Blossom Petals Builder, 3/4" Circle

Die: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (3" Square)

2.75" Square DSP in Wisteria Wonder from the 2011-2013 DSP Patterns Stack

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Stamps:  Betsy's Blossoms, Friendly Phrases

Colors:  Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Punches: Blossom, 1" Circle

Die: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (3" Square)

Blossom Punched from Pool Party DSP from the 2011-2013 DSP Patterns Stack

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Stamps:  Papillon Potpourri, Itty Bitty Banners

Colors:  Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Punches: Elegant Butterfly

Die: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (3" Square)

2.75" Square DSP in  Calypso Coral from the 2011-2013 DSP Patterns Stack

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Bakers Twine in Island Indigo

Stamps:  Reason to Smile (promotional), Itty Bitty Banners

Colors:  Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Whisper White

Dies: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (3" Square), Bitty Banners Framelits

3/8" Ruffled Ribbon in Pool Party

Scallop Square cut from Pool Party DSP from the 2011-2013 DSP Patterns Stack

Stamps:  My Friend (floral image stamped using baby wipe technique)

Colors:  Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Whisper White

Punches: Itty Bitty Shapes

Die: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz (3" Square)

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Posted with Blogsy

Retiring Stamp Sets Announced!

The long-awaited retiring stamp list has been released!  The retiring accessories list will be released April 25!

Click here to view the retiring items in my online store or click here to view and print a PDF version of the retiring stamp sets.  You will notice the list is quite long to make way for tons of new sets debuting in the brand new catty being released on June 1!

You will be able to purchase these stamps until May 31 only, then they are gone forever!

When the retiring accessories list is released, those items will only be available while supplies last.  So my recommendation is to review the stamp list and use the next few days to decide which sets you must have.  Remember, the stamp sets are guaranteed to be available until May 31 (although some sets may go on a brief backorder based on popularity). Then place a single order on the 25th for the stamp sets and accessories at one time.  Remember, accessories are only available while supplies last!

Oh, and while you are in the store, make sure you check out the Clearance Rack!  It was recently updated with new goodies!

Happy Hugs and Stamping to you all! :o)

The Sale-A-Bration is almost over!

Time is running out on Sale-a-Bration!

...and don't forget one of the biggest deals yet on becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! Sign up now during SAB at an amazing low price of $125 and get 9 FREE Designer Series Paper packs or Digital Downloads! (1 for each month remaining in 2012)

Visit my website to learn about all the amazing benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and then, if you're interested in joining my team, follow these easy steps:

1. Click on the Join Now image on my website to join Stampin' Up!
2. Use my Demo Code: VJF0509
3. Read and agree to the Independent Demonstrator Agreement.
4. Purchase your Starter Kit! Choose either the Standard Starter Kit (contains over $345 worth of stamping and business supplies) or the Digital + Starter Kit (contains over $340 worth of stamping and business supplies, including the all-new My Digital Studio software) BOTH KITS are only $125 during Sale-A-Bration!  

The standard Starter Kit includes Four complete stamp sets (including a clear-mount set and clear-mount block) A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge Assortment of Designer Series Paper and card stock White envelopes (40) Four Classic Stampin' Pads Two Stampin' Write markers VersaMark Pad Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon Always Bird Décor Elements and applicator Adhesives Blender pen Color Coach Cupcake Punch Stamping sponge Stampin' Scrub and Mist Box of Idea Book & Catalogs Business forms and tools

The Digital+ Starter Kit includes My Digital Studio digital designing software His & Hers Digital Content Collection DVD One clear-mount stamp set (including a clear-mount block) Assortment of card stock Note cards and envelopes (20) Four Classic Stampin' Pads Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon Brights Designer Buttons Always Bird Décor Elements and applicator Adhesives Blender Pen Stampin' Scrub and Mist Box of Idea Book & Catalogs Business forms and tools

Plus, if you'd like to add scrapbooking, home décor, or digital designing to your business, we also offer three optional add-ons: the Stampin' Memories add-on, the Definitely Decorative add-on, and the My Digital Studio add-on. These add-ons give you a great sampling of products you can use to showcase Stampin' Up!'s Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, and digital designing lines. Talk to your demonstrator for more information.

Click Here for more SAB details or contact me today!

Tips & Tricks for the new Paper Doily Sizzlits Die

With the Paper Doily Sizzlits Die (item 125592) you can now create the intricate designs you've grown to love with our Sizzlits Dies, in a new, larger size!

A few tips and tricks:

• Because of variations in materials, you will most likely need to use a shim (such as piece of card stock) when you send it through the Big Shot. 
• The detailed intricacy comes with a little added work. The negative pieces will not come out automatically when you cut the die. 
• It may take a little time to remove all the cut pieces from the die-cut paper. Remove the pieces by poking or punching them out. Carefully, push the pieces through the cut design and remove them from the back. Make sure you work from the front side of the doily (the side that was face-down when it was cut) and push the pieces through; if you try to pull them out from the front or if you push them through from the back side, the doily might tear. To make it easier, gently roll the die-cut paper to pop out some of the larger pieces.
• Push the pieces out using the Paper-Piercing Tool or the small end of the Simply Scored Stylus. 
• The front side will look completely cut through, however, the back side may not. This is normal with this die, and if you follow the directions of removing the small pieces you will find that the die has cut through the paper. 
• Because of the intricate design of this die, small pieces might stick in the foam on the actual die. Clear all small pieces from the die before using it again. This will ensure you get a clean cut every time. Remove the remaining pieces by using your Paper-Piercing Tool, being careful not to tear the foam on the die.
• One of the techiniques I've head about (and used) is to take a lint roller and roll it over the foam to help remove all the small pieces.  While it doesn't always remove all pieces, it definitely helps in cutting down the amount of work! :o)

The most important thing to remember is that with the intricate delicacy and detail comes some added work. The larger Sizzlits dies require a bit more time to use than other dies and there is a certain amount of hands-on effort involved in creating with these detailed designs. However, you will find with the gorgeous finished piece, the little bit of extra effort is totally worth it!