My Newest Toy!

When I received this year's Occasions Mini Catalog, I knew I was going to go broke! Too many wonerful things in it. But, I had to rein in my wants and only order a few things to begin with. Maybe still a few too many...

Anyway, the Build a Blossom stamp set and the coordinating Blossom Petals Punch make such incredible cards! This card uses retired Grooms' Specialty Designer Paper, but you can come close to the same effect using the Big Shot and one of the Texturz Plates, such as Perfect Details or Backgrounds 1.

For the 3-D flower, I stamped the petals on Whisper White card stock with So Saffron Ink. I added detail with More Mustard ink and another stamp from the set. Each petal was curled around a paintbrush handle and popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals. The leaves are stamped with Certainly Celery and Always Artichoke inks. I love the effect of the Antique Brad as the flower center.

To make this a sympathy card, I used stamps from the Thoughts & Prayers stamp set. The scallop oval punch seemed to coordinate with the scalloped edges of the petals. Below is a side view so you better see the 3-D effect.

This card is similar to the birthday card I made for my daughter. The Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder was another "had-to-have". I used Garden Green card stock for the background, edging it with a layer of Elegant Eggplant and mounting it all on Very Vanilla card stock. The petals for this card were stamped on Very Vanilla card stock, stamping off Elegant Eggplant for the solid background and stamping the details over with fresh Elegant Eggplant. The bottom layer of petals, however, were stamped only with the solid stamp and Elegant Eggplant ink.

The flower center is punched from Elegant Eggplant with a Circle Ice Rhinestone Brad. If you copy this card, be sure to insert your brad through the top card stock layers before adhering to the Very Vanilla card.

Once again, I'm providing a side view so you can see how the petals stand out. It also helps you see the texture provided by the embossing folder.

Products Used for These Cards:

Build a Blossom stamp set, W 121923, $25.95, C 121994, $18.95

Blossom Petals Punch, $16.95

Scallop Oval Extra-Large Punch, 119856, $16.95

Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 121809, $7.95

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, 113439, $99.95

Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, 109110, $10.95, 80 brads, 4 colors, 2 sizes

Antique Brads, 117273, $5.95, 20 brads, 4 each of 5 designs

Whisper White Card Stock, 100730, $8.50, 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Very Vanilla Card Stock, 101650, $8.50, 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Garden Green Card Stock, 102584, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Elegant Eggplant Card Stock, 105126, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

So Saffron Card Stock, 105118, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad, 105213, $5.95

More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pad, 103162, $5.95

Certainly Celery Classic Stampin' Pad, 105217, $5.95

Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, 101179, $5.95

Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pad, 105210, $5.95

Stampin' Dimensionals, 104430, $3.95, 300

Just for Valentine Candy

Those who have signed up for my Valentine class will be making these cute candy holders. The two smaller items are made using the Big Shot and the Matchbox Bigz XL Die and the Two Tags Bigz Die (there is a Hershey's Miniature Chocolate inside the tag holder). When you pull the ribbon on the larger item, a Hershey milk chocolate bar comes with it.

Every item but the candy is made with Stampin' Up! products. The label on the matchbox filled with M&Ms is cut with the same die. The other items use the Decorative Label Punch, originally offered in the Holiday Mini Catalog and continued for sale in the current Occasions Mini Catalog, as well as the Oval Extra-Large punch.

The stamp set is such a fun set! Since I'm a chocolate-holic, when I found this stamp set called "Eat Chocolate" in the new Occasions Mini Catalog, I knew I just had to have it.

If you want more specific instructions, you'll have to sign up for my class Monday evening, January 31, at 6:30 PM. Deadline to reserve a spot is Monday, January 24.

Products:

Eat Chocolate stamp set, W 121931, $17.95, C 122006, $13.95

Oval Extra-Large Punch, 119859, $16.95

Decorative Label Punch, 120907, $16.95

Matchbox Bigz XL Die, 114890, $42.95

Two Tags Bigz Die, 115954, $21.95

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, 113439, $99.95

Window Sheets Thick, 114324, $6.95 for 2 sheets 12" x 12"

Pink Pirouette Card Stock, 111351, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Chocolate Chip Card Stock, 102128, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Real Red Card Stock, 102482, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Rose Red Card Stock, 102544, $6.95, 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Whisper White Card Stock, 100730, $8.50, 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Designer Series Paper Stack, Subtles, 117152, $19.95, 40 sheets, 12" x 12"

Real Red Stampin' Write Marker, 100052, $3.50

Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker, 100063, $3.50

Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker, 100071, $3.50

Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker, 119680, $3.50

Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad, 119670, $5.95

Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 119251, $5.95, 10 yards

Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, $8.95, 15 yards

Thinking of You With All My Heart

I have so many odds and ends of designer series paper that I decided it's time to try to use some of it up. My problem is that I order more than I can use because Stampin' Up! comes up with such pretty stuff! Anyway, this was specialty paper from last year's Occasions Mini Catalog. You probably can't see, but this paper has lots of sparkle on it, so I decided I needed to add a glimmer brad to the center of my stamped image.

This card is also one of my large cards made to be passed around for many to sign. I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it for use, should the occasion arise, in my core group, Community Bible Study, or if I'll take it to church for our Adult Bible Fellowship aka adult Sunday School. When I make these cards, I merely fold one sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" card stock (usually Very Vanilla, as in this card, or Whisper White, but sometimes a subtle color so comments will be easy to read) and decorate the front. I put all verses on the outside so the inside is totally blank, enabling as many as possible to feel free to write as much as they want.

Sincere Salutations, 115068, $23.95 (wood mount only)

With all My Heart, wood mount 118134, $17.95; clear mount, 118623, $13.95

Thoughts & Prayers, 113252, $25.95 (wood mount only)

Very Vanilla Card Stock, 101650, $8.50 for 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, 103133, $5.95

Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon, $8.95, 15 yards

I have been playing around with the hostess Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color. When I looked at the busier design, I just knew the Hello Again stamp set was the one to use with it. This fun card features Concord Crush for the dsp, card stock, ink, and ribbon. I colored the flower and butterfly stamps with my markers, using Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait and Concord Crush. I chose to make my card 3-1/4" x 6-1/4" size so I could use half a sheet of the dsp. It fits nicely in our Small Open-End Envelopes.

Products Used:

Hello Again stamp set, 113780, $12.95

Stampin' Write Markers, 119801, $14.95 for all 5 in colors

Whisper White card stock, 100730, $8.50 for 40 sheets 8-1/2" x 11"

Concord Crush card stock, 119792, $6.95 for 24 sheets 8-1/2" x 11"

Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon, 119266, $8.95 for 15 yards

Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color, free hostess gift, Level 1

Because I Care

My poor son didn't know how neglected he would be when he brought Kyla home with him over Thanksgiving and then Christmas! She was anxious to try stamping with me at Thanksgiving and then decided to sign up as a demonstrator when Stampin' Up! offered the kit at such a low price. When she came after Christmas, we spent most of our free time stamping. I've posted several cards we did together. Kyla chose the colors for this card (Soft Suede, Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz). We used the same resources and came up with different cards. This is mine.

We ran the fronts of our cards through the Big Shot using the Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Then we cut our designer paper and Concord Crush card stock with the Top Note die for the Big Shot. We went our own ways from there, both using the Because I Care Level 1 hostess stamp set.

We chose different sheets from the Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color, Level 1 (another hostess offering), cutting the perferrated edge off the Top Note before mounting it on the Concord Crush Piece. I chose to use my Crop-A-Dile to add Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets to run the ribbon through. After stamping "because I care" in the corner, I mounted the assembled piece on the card front using Stamping Dimensionals, which were also used behind the stamped and cut out hydrangea.

I wasn't sure I liked the Soft Suede with it at first, but once the card was finished, I was very pleased with the colors.

Products Used:

Because I Care stamp set, free to hostesses (level 1)

Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color, free to hostesses (level 1)

Soft Suede card stock, 115318, $6.95 for 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Very Vanilla card stock, 101650, $8.50 for 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Concord Crush card stock, 119792, $6.95 for 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Concord Crush Stampin' Pad, 119785, $5.95

Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Pad, 119784, $5.95

Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon, 119265, $8.95 for 15 yards

Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, 108431, $9.95

Crop-A-Dile, 108362, $29.95

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, 113439, $99.95

Top Note Bigz Die, 113463, $21.95

Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 115963, $7.95
Stampin' Dimensionals, 104430, $3.95 for 300

You Mean Everything to Me

As much as I prefer scanning my cards over photographing them, I find there are some disadvantages. My little banner that is stamped with "you mean everything to me" loses the 3D look as it gets flattened by the cover of the scanner.

Kyla and I were just playing around with ideas while she was visiting (did I mention, she's my new recruit?) and this was one of the cards I designed. Gathering the ribbon slightly, cutting out the heart image and folding and trimming the "banner" across the heart meant a little extra fussing, but I really like the result. When I was all finished with the card, I decided to add a little sparkle by spraying it with a mixture of Champagne Shimmer Paint and rubbing alcohol. If you look closely, you can see some of the sparkle that added to the card, including the ribbon. When you actually hold it in your hands, you can see the glittery shimmer much more easily.

Although I'm thinking about Valentine's Day, this card is not exclusively for that holiday. Depending on the verse used inside (or handwritten note), you could easily convert it to a birthday card for someone special, for example.

Products:

Always stamp set, 113620, wood mount only, $28.95

Real Red Card Stock, 102482, $6.95 for 24 sheets 8-1/2" x 11"

Whisper White Card Stock, 100730, $8.50 for 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad, 103133, $5.95

Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, 101179, $5.95

1/2" Circle Punch, 119869, $5.95

Paper Snips, 105379, $9.95

Whisper White 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, $6.95 for 15 yards

Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, 116806, $5.95

Rubbing Alcohol

Adorable Penguin

What a delight to find this little guy in my mailbox this afternoon! Missy Shipman (my upline's upline) sent me this card for being one of the top 10 sellers on the Glad Heart Stampers Team during the month of October (yes, she's a little behind). The ribbon around his neck extends past the edges of the card and I chopped them off when I scanned the card. It is also ribbon from last year's catalog, so it is not current. Note: there isn't one stamp used on this card! Everything is punched out and assembled to create this adorable image!

Here is a list of the products I believe Missy used to create this card:

Marina Mist card stock, 119682, $6.95 for 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Tangerine Tango card stock, 113349, $6.95 for 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Basic Black card stock 121045, $6.95 for 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Whisper White card stock, 100730, $8.50 for 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Top Note Bigz Die, 113463, $21.95

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, 113439, $99.95

3/16" Corner Small punch, 119871, $6.95

3/4" Circle Medium punch, 119873, $10.95

1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Large punch, 119863, $15.95

1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval Large punch, 119855, $15.95

Curly Label Extra-Large punch, 119851, $16.95

The Whisper White card stock acorss the bottom was torn to give the effect of fluffy snow. The candy cane was added with a Stampin' Dimensional. You could substitute almost any color ribbon around the neck, probably 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon or 5/8" Satin Ribbon or even the 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon.

I can't wait to try this one myself! Hope you have fun trying it, too.

Elizabethan Valentine

I love the Elizabeth stamp featured on this card, also designed when Kyla and I were stamping together. I used the glossy white card stock for the Scalloped Heart of Hearts and the stamped image. Although our water-based inks dry immediately, you do need to allow a little extra time when stamping on the glossy card stock. I cut out the Elizabeth stamped image and popped it up with Stampin' Dimensionals. Time to order more of those!

Products Used:

Elizabeth stamp, 117120, $9.95, wood mount only

Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, 115370, $36.95, wood mount only

Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit Die, 117332, $11.95

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, 113439, $99.95

Oval Large Punch, 119855, $$15.95

Full Heart Extra Large Punch, 119883, $16.95

Whisper White card stock, 100730, $8.50 for 40 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Glossy White card stock, 102599, $5.95 for 25 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Poppy Parade card stock, 119793, $$6.95 for 24 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11"

Poppy Parade Stampin' Pad, 119782, $5.95

Whisper White 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, 119958, $6.95, 15 yards

Designer Series Paper Pack - In Color, level 1 hostess gift (free with qualifying workshop)

White Stampin' Emboss Powder, 109132, $4.75, 1/2 oz.

Heat Tool, 100005, $29.95

Embossing Buddy, 103083, $5.95 (use before embossing or applying glitter)

Powder Pals, 102197, $19.95 (to keep mess contained)

Stampin' Dimensionals, 104430, $3.95