Monday, December 31, 2012

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

I had planned to put up my new blog banner tomorrow, but I decided at the last minute to go ahead and give you something extra to look at today.  I have to admit that I'm not exactly in love with my "future's so bright you gotta wear shades" theme, but it's such an optimistic outlook that I decided to go with it.  It was 100% designed using Stampin' Up!'s MDS 2 software!

And now for today's MISM project.  This is a card that is going in the mail to my grandmother.  What you can't see about this card is that I wrote my note to her on Post-It Notes that she can remove from the card and then have a clean card to send to someone.  When I visited with her last week, I arranged a fairly large stack of cards in a big basket.  All of those cards were from me, and it occurred to me that although she enjoys getting the cards, she likes to keep them and, once you get a bunch of cards, it's not easy to keep them.  I'll find out when I visit this week how she feels about my new way of sending them.
I used a few new Stampin' Up! products on this card . . . Petite Curly Label punch, "Pretty Petites" stamp set, Bitty Butterfly punch, and "Tea for Two" designer paper.  Other Stampin' Up! products used include Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Elegant Butterfly punch, pearl jewels, Curly Label punch, and Gumball Green stitched ribbon.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!!!
 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

MINI FUN-FOLD CARDS & BOX

Have you ever noticed how so many things look cuter when they are little?  Here’s a quick and easy box and three different fun fold cards scaled down to 3" x 3" size!  Included are a Free-Standing Card, Twisted Easel Card, and a Crisscross Pocket Card.  Put them all in the adorable little box that is so cute you won’t want to give it away, but instead will want to keep it for yourself.  This project is a fun class project to kick off your new year!
Sharon Burkert designed this bonus project for Craft Project Central, and the cards are so adorable!  Just like she said . . . many things look cuter when they are littleI can think of a few people who would love to get this box and cards

Friday, December 28, 2012

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

It's time for a Freestyle Fridays post, and this textural, glittery goodness is the sneak peek that Julie sent to me.  That is truly a sparkly dimensional center on that flower, and I am anxious to see more!  We'll have to hop on over to Julie's blog to see the entire project and learn more about it.  Of course, while we're there, we might as well leave a little comment love, don't you think?  Have a wonderful day, a fabulous weekend, and a blessed New Year! 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

SPRING CATALOG ACCESSORIES SAMPLER

Stampin' Up!'s Spring catalog is full of exciting and fun products, including some really awesome accessories!  I am offering a product sampler that includes the following:
  • Lace Tape (approximately 8" of each tape design)  see sample HERE
  • 5/8" Flower Trim (approximately 1/2 yard)   see sample HERE
  • Tea Lace Paper Doilies (6)  see sample in this post and HERE
  • White Creped Filter Paper (2 round, 2 square)
  • Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels (10)  see sample in this post
  • Designer Builder Brads (4 brads, 4 epoxy bubbles)
  • Silver Basics Designer Buttons (2 large, 2 small)  see sample HERE
  • Natural 7/16" Trim Ribbon (approximately 1 yard)  see sample in this post
  • White Canvas Creations (one 6" x 6" sheet)
  • Silver Soda Pop Tops (2 large, 2 small)  see sample in this post (bottle cap was flattened using the Big Shot machine)
  • "Elements" Cute Clips (6 - two each of three designs)
  • "Hung Up" Cute Clips (6 - two each of three designs)  see sample in this post and HERE
  • 24 sheets of 6" x 6" designer paper - six sheets from each of the following new designer paper collections:  Tea for Two, More Amore, Parker's Patterns, and Sunshine Sprinkles  (the sample in this blog post uses designer paper from "Tea for Two")
  • Print Poetry Designer Paper Stack - 12 sheets of 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" papers
  • BONUS:  each participant in the Accessories Sampler will receive four 6" x 6" sheets from each of the following Core'dinations card stock:  Pool Party, Primrose Petals, and Real Red.  This bonus card stock is a FREE GIFT from me!
If you would like more information about my Accessories Sampler and/or how to participate, send me an email!  The deadline to sign up is January 2nd.

Stampin' Up! products used to create today's card (other than the products mentioned in red above) include:  That's the Ticket and Collage Curios stamp sets, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1" Circle punch, Ticket punch, and pearl jewel.

MDS 2 - CHRISTMAS GIFT TAG

I think it's always exciting to start seeing holiday projects, but I have to admit that I usually feel overloaded with "holiday-ness" long before Christmas arrives and start yearning to see a variety of projects and colors once again.  Sometimes it seems that Christmas has already come and gone before it even arrives because I've been seeing Christmas projects and using new holiday products for what seems like a long time.  The simple project that I'm sharing today is a quick one that I whipped up for my son.  Unfortunately, Windows had an update and restarted my computer, so I no longer have the two tags open in MDS2 and can't tell you which Stampin' Up! products were used, but I can tell you that they were oh, so quick to make.  The brown tag was shaped, so I used scissors to cut it out, but I used the 1" Circle punch and 1-1/4" Scallop Circle punch for the mitten tag.  Other Stampin' Up! products used include satin ribbon and Baker's twine.  If I find pictures of other holiday projects, I'll post them soon and then close out Christmas.  FYI . . . I'm not a scrooge--Christmas is really my favorite holiday, but it's such a busy one that has to get started so early.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

BIRDHOUSE BOX & CARD

Christmas is over, but there are always special occasions when you have a little gift you want to give.  Make this simple, yet elegant birdhouse-style box for any type of small gift.  Fill it with sweets or just put a gift card inside.  It will be a great little box that can be used over and over again.  The matching greeting card finishes off the set and is a great addition to the gift.  Great as a favor for parties!  Monika Davis designed this adorable project for Craft Project Central, and her tutorial was posted today.

Monday, December 24, 2012

CHRISTMAS EVE & "MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project is a plain brown gift bag that was oh, so quick to decorate!  I purchased the roll of felt stars trim at a craft store and used a fabric adhesive to adhere it to the bag.  On the same aisle in the store, I found pretty red bells that I thought would look festive hanging on my gift bags.  I had four bags to decorate and, for each one, I used Stampin' Up!'s "Scentsational Season" stamp set and coordinating dies to decorate the Crumb Cake tags, which were finished with a heart punched from red glimmer paper.

I wish you all safe travels and a 
MERRY and BLESSED Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

POP 'N CUTS: BIRTHDAY DRESS-UP CARD

I'm so excited to share my pop-up Dress Up card!!!  For the past two days, this card has been in the building stages as I tried to decide what to do next and how the front of the card would be decorated.  I think it goes without saying that this is the kind of card that I would send to someone who would--without a doubt--save the card and, possibly, leave it on display for days (weeks) beyond their birthday.  As a matter of fact, if I were to visit the person to whom I send this card, I would expect to find it on display even MONTHS after their birthday!  ;-)  And now for the details . . . several products used to create this card are from the upcoming Spring catalog and/or Sale-a-Bration brochure.  
Stamp Sets:  Perfectly Penned, Tiny Tags
Card Stock:  Chocolate Chip textured, Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso
Sizzix:  Dress Up Framelits dies, Dress Form Pop 'n Cuts Insert die, non-SU Pop 'n Cuts Card Base die, Honeycomb embossing folder
Punches:  Jewelry Tag, Bitty Butterfly, Petite Curly Label, Little Labels Punch Pack, non-SU corner rounder
Designer Paper:  First Edition, Sunshine & Sprinkles 
Accessories:  Cute Clips (hanger), Baker's twine, Antique brad, Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim, Artisan Kit (vanilla and pink lace trim), pearl jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals, glue dots, glimmer brads, Tea Lace paper doilies
As you can see, I used paper doilies to create a curtain and valance, and I also used half of a paper doily to mimic a rug in front of the standing dress form.  The "ledge" behind the dress form was begging for some type of decoration, so I created two additional pop-up accents with the butterfly and framed heart, and both of these accents fold up perfectly with the card and then lie flat when the card is open.
I believe there are many decorative ways to work with Stampin' Up!'s dress-up products but, of course, you wouldn't want to put this much detail in each project unless you were making more than one card at one sitting.  Even though this project took a LOT of time, I'm fairly certain that making a second card like this one wouldn't take as long since all of the thinking and planning have been worked out.  In just a couple of days, most of the products used to create this card will be available for purchase, and I would appreciate your purchase from my web site.


DESK ORGANIZATION SET

This set is the kick-off to organizing your desk for the new year!  The acrylic calendar, pen, and Post-It Note set are a compact but mighty little set-up for your desktop. The set of twelve note cards and envelopes, with their coordinating stand-up box, will be handy when you need to send off a quick thank you!  The complete set will not only get you organized, but it is also a great gift to give someone for the start of their new year, too!
Julie Beltramo designed this project for Craft Project Central this month, and her tutorial was posted today.  It's not too late to subscribe so that you can get started making the awesome projects that have posted this month!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

FESTIVE GIFT CARD HOLDERS

Last Saturday, we celebrated Christmas at my parents' house, and my sister and I needed gift card holders for part of the gift that her family and mine were giving to our parents.  Stampin' Up! products featured are the Cute Clips (arrow-shaped clips from the upcoming Spring catalog), "Pennant Parade" and "That's the Ticket" stamp sets, Mitten builder punch, Baker's twine, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, and one of the Little Labels punches.  I loved how these gift card holders turned out, and I know that I'm going to really enjoy using the Cute Clips on many projects to hold dangling sentiments and other multi-layered embellishments.


Friday, December 21, 2012

CARDINAL LUMINARY & COORDINATING CARD

This pretty little luminary would make a great gift for anyone on your Christmas list!  The coordinating card adds just the right touch to finish off this fun project.  The set doesn’t need to be just for Christmas--make it for any special winter occasion.
This project was designed by Laurie for Craft Project Central, and her tutorial was posted today.  I really like the luminary and, once I get one made, I won't be putting it away after Christmas!

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"


It's time for another edition of Freestyle Fridays, and it's my turn to share a project this week.  With her blog post last week, Julie issued a mission for me to create a card using only ONE background stamp.  I also was to use her card design as my sketch challenge.  I thoroughly enjoyed making this card, and it didn't take any time to make (once I decided on the colors that I'd use).  The background stamp that I chose ("Ephemera") happens to be one that Stampin' Up! retired way too soon, and I vowed to hold onto it.  My Early Espresso card has a fold at the top, and I used Early Espresso ink to stamp the Ephemera image onto the River Rock layer.  I stamped Ephemera once again onto Very Vanilla card stock and used the 1-1/4" square punch on random sections of the stamped card stock.  The Very Vanilla squares were layered onto 1-3/8" Early Espresso squares.  On a scrap of Very Vanilla card stock, I used the dirty stamp to create a background on the sentiment layer, which was stamped with the birthday greeting.  A sponge dauber and Soft Suede ink were used to distress the edges of all card stock layers, including the crumpled River Rock layer.  The Color Spritzer tool and River Rock marker were used to add splashes of River Rock ink to all of the Very Vanilla layers (click on the close-up photo below for a better look at the detail).  Other Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include antique brad, crochet trim, Jewelry Tag and Itty Bitty (circle) punches, pearl jewels, and a stamp set ("Itty Bitties") from the upcoming Spring catalog.  Have a wonderful weekend, and visit me again on Monday for a "snappy" project share.
 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

SWEATER CARD


Just a quick share today--another sweater card--but this time I used the debossed side of the card stock and added lace trim.  I made this card for a sweet lady's birthday--a lady whom I've known all of my life.  Margaret Ann, I hope you had a really special birthday!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

NEW TUTORIAL ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

A new tutorial was posted today at Craft Project Central, and following is what Heidi King (the designer of this project) had to say about it:  "Can a project be both contemporary and vintage at the same time?  If not, well I couldn’t decide if this project was contemporary or vintage, so I’ll let you make the choice!  Either way, these beautiful, yet fun and easy trees make great holiday decor and also make great gifts for friends and neighbors."

I can't decide if these trees are contemporary or vintage, but they are a pretty decoration and seem to pay quiet tribute to the Christmas holiday.  Heidi did a beautiful job with this project!

Monday, December 17, 2012

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

I have pretty much decided that Melon Mambo must be the most difficult color to photograph.  I took a lot of photos of this card, but none of them made Melon Mambo look as vividly pink as it is in real life.  For today's MISM project, I played with a few more of the upcoming goodies from Stampin' Up!'s Spring catalog, such as the lovely silver button, Cloudy Day embossing folder (I used a scrap piece of embossed card stock to punch the butterfly), "Sunshine & Sprinkles" designer paper, Borders Scoring Plate (for the zigzag embossing on the Melon Mambo pennant), "That's the Ticket" stamp set, and Delicate Details Lace Tape, which you can see better in the close-up photo.  Other Stampin' Up! products include rhinestone jewels, Baker's twine, Jewelry Tag and Ticket punches, and "Pennant Parade" stamp set.  Have a wonderful week!!!




Sunday, December 16, 2012

NATIVITY CHRISTMAS CARD

Shortly after my Silhouette Cameo machine arrived, I purchased some cut files, and this nativity card was one of them.  It is a beautiful design by Samantha Walker.  It's not a quick cut, though, because the machine has a LOT of stars and other intricate cuts to make, and it was a bit tricky to find card stock that would withstand the smaller cuts without getting ragged.  I didn't cut very many of these cards to mail, but I wanted to share a photo because I love that the card itself delivers Christmas wishes and then becomes a beautiful holiday accent for the remainder of the Christmas season.
Card Front

Saturday, December 15, 2012

HOLIDAY PETAL CONE TREAT BOXES


Are you looking for an extra special way to package your small Christmas gifts and treats?  These three Christmas treat boxes are exactly what you need.  They’re perfect for jewelry, candy, little toys, and any other small gift.  They're perfect for holiday decor, too!  All three boxes are made with the Petal Cone Bigz die and various punches.  Have fun wrapping your presents this year!  
Christy Fulk (Happy Birthday, Christy!!!!) designed these adorable boxes, and her tutorial posted today at Craft Project Central.  Each of the boxes have such interesting and creative detail . . . don't you just love Santa's list, and Rudolph is singing his little heart out!  

Friday, December 14, 2012

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

That's right, folks . . . another Friday has rolled around, and that means it's time for Freestyle Fridays.  It's Julie's turn to share a project this week, and here is the sneak peek that she sent to me.
Is that Stampin' Up!'s Floral background stamp that she used?  And is that Summer Starfruit?  To learn about Julie's project and to see the whole thing, we'll have to hop on over to her blog to read all about it.  She might have a mission for me for next week and, if so, I would encourage you to try it because her missions are so much fun!  Don't forget to take a second to leave a little comment love because bloggers love feedback.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

ANGEL GIFT BOX

Are you looking for a pretty and unique way to present a gift or treat this holiday season?  This beautiful little Angel gift box, designed by Amanda is sure to impress!  She truly sparkles and shines while concealing your gift inside and adding to your holiday decor! Amanda's tutorial for this adorable project was posted today at Craft Project Central.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

"SYCAMORE STREET"

Each month, Craft Project Central has a "Creating Pretty Cards" sketch challenge, and this is the card that I made for Card Challenge #18.  Following is the sketch for December:
For my card, I opened some of the brand new Stampin' Up! products that I pre-ordered from the upcoming Spring catalog and Sale-a-Bration promotion.  I probably say this every time there are new products, but I am really excited about the new stuff!  The designer paper, ribbon, and button that I used ("Sycamore Street") are from the Sale-a-Bration brochure, as is the "Vine Street" embossing folder.  It's kind of hard to tell from the photo, but the "Vine Street" embossing folder has the same image as the pattern on the designer paper. The little butterfly images that I stamped with white Craft ink are from the "Collage Curios" stamp set, and they got their cute shape from one of the Little Labels punches.  Other Stampin' Up! products used on this card include Island Indigo and Summer Starfruit card stock, "Itty Bitty Banners" stamp set, and the Scallop Trim Border punch. Why don't you follow the sketch and create a card for the challenge?  You might win a free one-month subscription to Craft Project Central, and I can tell you for certain that making one little card is a cheap price to pay for a free pass!  You can find all of the details about the Creating Pretty Cards challenge HERE.

VINTAGE SNOWMAN ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Create this cute little vintage snowman and ornament with First Edition designer series paper!  The snowman will be a nice addition to your home decor and would also make a great gift along with the coordinating ornament!  The pair is a fun and easy project to make.
The tutorial for these projects, which were designed by Carrie Rhoades, was posted today at Craft Project Central.

A "SEW" SPECIAL THANK YOU

A really special "thank you" card was needed for my parents, and I had "sew" much fun making this one!  Yes, I know that my sewing has a very amateur, juvenile look to it (something only parents can love and appreciate), but this was just my second attempt at sewing on my new machine.  I come from a family of women who REALLY know how to sew and--let me just shoot straight here--they examine the quality of stitches.  These women are whizzes with needle and thread . . . they can make the most beautiful clothes, quilts, curtains, bags/purses, aprons, Barbie doll clothes, etc.  For all I know, they can tell whether quality thread has been used!  Speaking of thread, do you have any idea how many choices there are?  When I ordered my sewing machine, I knew that I should get a spool, and it took a long time to select that one spool of white thread.  I was so excited for the arrival of my sewing machine, but it was disappointing to find out that my one spool of thread was shipped separately so I had to wait two days before I could start playing.  I was proud of myself for being able to wind a bobbin and thread the machine (after watching a video about five times and also referring to the manual).  All of my life, I have thought that it took a genius to thread a machine--to me, it always looked like a series of pinched thread and quick wrist movements to the left, right, up, down (not necessarily in that order), spin in the chair, and ready to go.  My first attempt at sewing all the way around a piece of card stock wasn't too bad.  The corners showed signs of inexperience, and there was a glob of thread where reverse stitching should have happened if only I had moved the card stock.  For some reason, I thought the machine would grab the card stock and do what needed to be done.  Duh!  With the sewing for this card, I was just happy that all of the stitches did, indeed, stay on the card stock.  There's hope for me!  Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz (I think), Crumb Cake, and Whisper White card stock, "Twitterpated" designer paper, clear heart-shaped button, Vintage Trinkets, linen thread, rhinestone jewel, MDS 2, and the digital "From My Heart" stamp brush set.  One of the exciting features of MDS 2 is the ability to color select portions of images, and I used that feature to make the heart and the words "Thank You" stand out with Soft Suede coloring while the remainder of the image was the color of Baja Breeze. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project ended up looking quite Spring-ish . . . totally by accident since this card just sort of evolved as I began working.  Except for the die-cut grass and felt clouds, all products used to create this card are from Stampin' Up! and include some items from the upcoming Spring catalog.  My preorder arrived on Thursday, and I finally got around to opening a few things, such as the "Sunshine & Sprinkles" designer paper, Cloudy Day embossing folder, and the Bitty Butterfly punch.  Other Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, and Gumball Green card stock, Lucky Limeade Baker's twine, Pennant Builder and Jewelry Tag punches, rhinestone jewels, Elegant Butterfly punch, and "Pennant Parade" stamp set.  You'll notice that I used the debossed side of the card stock.  The embossed side is really nice with the dotted outlines around the clouds, but I thought I needed less obvious detailing so that my fluffy clouds (cut from sticky-back felt) would stand out.  The Elegant Butterfly punch was used to cut a shaped window, which I covered with designer paper on the inside of the card.  I started to get my new sewing machine out and sew the pennant to the card (with real stitches), but I haven't mastered straight stitches just yet.  Apparently, I haven't mastered that with an ink pen, either.  All in all, this card was quite easy and quick to make, and it's definitely a cheery one.  I wish you a happy, happy Monday and a fabulous week!

Friday, December 7, 2012

"SCENTSATIONAL SEASON" CARDS & TAGS

If you're like me, you have found yourself in a hustle-bustle whirlwind trying to get gifts purchased and wrapped.  The tutorial for this boxed set of coordinating cards and tags was posted today at Craft Project Central, and it could actually do double duty by providing the tags needed for your wrapped gifts or it would make an awesome gift!  Kris McIntosh designed and created this project, and it's simply perfect for this time of year--as a gift or for your gifts!  With your subscription to Craft Project Central, you can access this awesome project tutorial and be well on your way to wrapping up the holiday!  You might also want to visit Kris' blog to see more of her creative projects!

NO LAYERS FOR "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

When Julie issued this week's mission to design a card with no layers, I immediately thought of my "go to" no-layers technique . . . faux torn paper.  It's not easy to design without layers, but this technique definitely gets the job done--and with visual interest!  I tore two strips of paper and used temporary adhesive when placing them at the top and bottom of my card front, making sure that the torn edge was toward the center of the card.  I used sponge daubers to apply Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Perfect Plum ink to the exposed area of the card and ended up blending the colors rather than leaving them "blotchy".  With the torn edge masks still in place, I inked the floral image from Stampin' Up!'s "Blooming with Kindness" stamp set with black ink and randomly stamped the image three times.  The sentiment (from "Seasonal Sayings") is one of the single stamps that Stampin' Up! is offering through January 2nd, and the gingham ribbon is, sadly, a retired product.  I really wish Stampin' Up! would bring back gingham ribbon because it's simply timeless and such a perfect coordinate for most projects.  Thank you, Julie, for yet another great mission!  I don't know how she comes up with these missions every other week, but you should try them!  Sometimes they are challenging but, for the most part, they're a great jumping off point when you need one!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

AND IT SHALL BE CALLED . . . THIS YEAR'S TREE TOPPER

Last weekend, I began working on my Christmas tree.  It's always so much fun to unwrap the ornaments and see them again, sometimes looking for a few favorites or anxiously hoping that the next one you unwrap will be a certain ornament.  It's so much like . . . well . . . Christmas.  For the past two years, I have thought about trying to make a decorative topper--something full of ribbon, glittery spikes, feathers, and berries--but I ended up using the same angel that I've used for years and love.  This year, she was very rebellious, refusing to stand up straight or to even stay on the tree!  I finally tossed her to time-out and finished the tree without a topper.  Last night, I happened to be going by a craft store, so I decided to run in there and pick up a few things and try to make my own decorative topper.  I didn't have a lot of time to think, think, think, so I just had to grab, grab, grab and check out as the lights were being turned off.  All the way home, I wondered how I was going to assemble everything and make it work.  As you can see from the photo, my topper isn't full, and I don't know why the feathers form a "V" but, as I tied the burlap bow, I decided to call it done.  I still have a bag full of glittery spikes, berries, and feathers and lots of burlap, but I just can't bring myself to give the topper more of my time.  The tree is 7.5 feet tall, which presents quite a challenge for someone who is height-fearing as myself but, overall, I'm pleased enough to leave it alone.  My son says it's just wrong to top a plant with a plant, and I can only imagine what my husband will say when he returns from his business trip.  He will probably think I've lost my mind, but it won't be the first time he's thought that.  He'll just sigh heavily, shake his head, and say something like, "Okay . . . if you like it."

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

BAKER'S DOZEN ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

'Tis the season for baking and crafting!  It’s the time of year to give gifts, and homemade gifts are the best!  This project will give you lots of ideas for embellishing those yummy treats you plan on handing out this holiday season!  And if you aren’t a baker yourself, give the entire ensemble as a gift to someone who is.  Ensemble includes a Treat Box, Treat Pocket, Wine Bottle Tags, Tie-On Tags, Cello Bag Cookie Treat and Cupcake Toppers!  
The timing is perfect for this ensemble, which is the brain-child creation of Niki.  Her tutorial for all of these useful items was posted at Craft Project Central today.

Monday, December 3, 2012

A SPECIAL "MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today is mamaw's 93rd birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMAW!!!!) so, for MISM, I decided that I would share the two cards that I made for her.  Believe it or not, both of them were actually a snap to make!
For this first card, I used the Silhouette Cameo to cut the card and the 3D flower w/leaves.  Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include Whisper White, Baja Breeze, and Crumb Cake card stock, antique brad, and Lacy Brocade embossing folder.  I used the Simply Scored scoring tool to create a custom envelope for this card, but I didn't think to take a picture of it. 
The second card that I made for mamaw is my favorite!  The sweater die (a recent online purchase) arrived on Saturday, and I just love it!  Even though I had already made and mailed a card to mamaw, I decided to make this card (totally inspired by a card made by Dawn McVey) to hand-deliver yesterday.  Stampin' Up! products used include the ruffled ribbon, glimmer brad, Argyle embossing folder, and "Memorable Moments" stamp set.

Have a happy Monday and a fabulous week!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

MY "SNOW FESTIVAL" ENSEMBLE IS FEATURED ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL TODAY!!!

I'm so excited to share a photo of the "Snow Festival" ensemble that I designed for Craft Project Central this month.  The tutorial was posted to the site today, and your paid subscription will grant access to the tutorial for this project and all of the others posted this month!  My coordinating holiday ensemble features a greeting card, a fun and quick ornament, and a matching box to put the ornament in for impressive gift giving!  The shaped box, with it’s generous size and sturdy construction, is the perfect way to present the ornament and can be used again and again by the recipient.  The tutorial also includes instructions on how to make an optional lid for the box!  So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to Craft Project Central and subscribe!  

Friday, November 30, 2012

JULIE'S "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" PROJECT

It's Julie's turn to share a Freestyle Fridays project and, just in case you have a crazy mind like mine, let me assure you that you're looking at the top of a heart.  Fortunately, Julie's sneak peak photo included a clue by showing the stamped sentiment; otherwise, I would have had to ask her to go back to the stamping room!  ;-)  Of course, to see the entire project, we'll have to visit Julie's blog.  I'm sure she'll a mission posted for me, so be sure to check it out because you might want to challenge yourself to complete it!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

EASY ANGEL ORNAMENTS

Late Tuesday night, it occurred to me to make these two angels to take to my parents and grandmother on Wednesday.  I made my first angel a couple of weeks ago and didn't think I wanted to make more, but they really aren't difficult.  I especially enjoyed making the white one since I didn't have to work with the die-cut doily or do the "dot, tap, dot, tap" to glue it to the angel's skirt.  The designer paper that I used for the white angel (retired from Stampin' Up!) was heavy and kind of stiff but, since she didn't have a doily overlay, I decided to emboss her wings for some extra pretty.  My grandmother has angels and snowflakes on her tree, so it was important that I make an all-white angel for her.  The second angel was made for my parents using Stampin' Up!'s "Be of Good Cheer" designer paper and the large Sizzix Doily die.  I know the picture makes it look like she has a lopsided wing, but she doesn't--she's not standing as straight as she should.  ;-)  For both angels, I used Baker's twine for the bows and a Vintage Faceted button for their halos.  I tried other buttons, but these clear faceted buttons were just too perfect and looked the best.  I didn't get good pictures of the boxes, but I used coordinating card stock and designer paper to make gift boxes for both angels.  You know, it feels so good to do something nice for others, and I was so glad that I had made these little angels for three of the angels in my life.

BONUS PROJECT ON CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Christmas is just around the corner!  Get the little ones excited with a tree filled with candy and treats!  Watch their excitement as they countdown the 12 Days of Christmas on their way to December 25th!  Why not mix things up and add holiday activities with the treats?  Spending the holidays through the eyes of the kids will bring wonderful memories for everyone to cherish!  Melissa Davies designed and created this awesome project, and her tutorial was posted today at Craft Project Central.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

NOVEMBER "STAMPER'S CHOICE" SWAPS

During my monthly Inkerbelles' class, we decide on a swap theme (for the next month's class), and whoever wishes to participate is welcome to do so.  The November theme was "Stamper's Choice", and following are the awesome swaps that were shared:      


We got to sample this cake last month, and it's delicious!
I love the color blocks and texture on this card, and Debbie didn't forget to add bling!
     


Dorri's package of tags is so pretty!
The tags are beautiful!  Designed with MDS2 with plenty of bling (rhinestones, pearls, and glitter) added to them!

Pam's card is striking and so elegant!  The glittery die-cut layer is perfect!
How cute is this set of coasters?!?!  Great gift idea!
  
And this is the "pizza box" that I made for the swap, topped with a 3D "ribbon candy" bow.

Monday, November 26, 2012

TWO NEW PROJECTS POSTED TO CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Oops!  I am late posting about two new tutorials that were recently added this month on Craft Project Central.  The first project--"Scentsational Season" Gift Bags--was designed by Carrie Rhoades.  These little gift bags are perfect for those people you want to give a little something to this holiday season. This tutorial is complete with directions on how to make the cute window gift bags as well as directions/recipes for the fun treats to fill these bags. What fun things fill these bags? Each gift was designed to coordinate with the bag it goes in; homemade Hot Cocoa mix, Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies, Black and White Peppermint Bark, and Felt Ornaments. As a bonus, the cut out pieces from the window gift bags are used to make gift tags!  
The second project is this "We Believe" Wall Art, which was designed and created by TaraWith this wall art and decorations, you’ll be able to spruce up your mantle at Christmas, and let the world know you believe!  Believe in the magic of Christmas, the love and friendship, and the joy and hope!
With your paid subscription to Craft Project Central, you'll be able to create both of these projects and not only add a festive decoration to your home but to your gifts as well.