Sunday, October 31, 2010

The last of the Holiday Treats

Here are the Holiday treats I promised you.  These are for the special little Trick or Treaters in my life, my own children and some nieces and nephews.

I used the Spooky Things decor elements (from the Holiday mini catalog) on some cute little dollor find containers that were large enough to fit a lot of loot in them.


These were extremely quick and easy to put together but they are great containers for the kids to use.  I gave a few of them to some nieces and nephews on Wednesday that I won't see on Halloween and they loved their treat. 


There are 10 different images on the Spooky Things sheet so you can make a good amount of these with one sheet.  Even though Halloween is today they are still available in the Holiday mini Catalog through January if you want to get a head start on next year.



Now the next two items are not treats for anyone special. They are just for me.  hehe.  But I wanted to show them to you so you can see some other items you can make with the images on the Spooky Things decor element sheet.


A floating frame.  I put the Happy Halloween on the outside of the glass and the designer paper (already has bats on it) is cut down so there is still some empty space inside the frame.


Then there are my cute little halloween pumpkins.  These are white foam pumpkins that I can use year after year.  I cut the trick or treat saying apart and used one word on each pumpkin.  I also added a spider on both of the larger pumpkins (the one on treat you really can't see in this picture).  I finished them off with some of the black floursih designer jewels.  I cut it into pieces to decorate the words.  I've had many compliments on my pumpkins and even people wanting to "steal" them from me.  Honestly, they are so easy to make and you will love the end result.

Hope you have a Safe and Happy Halloween.


Saturday, October 30, 2010

Trick or Treats for some Special 1st Graders

Yesterday was Jonah's Halloween party at school.  He was so excited all week about it. I'll share some Halloween costume photos with you later.  Of course, I went to the Halloween parade at the school and then I was asked to go and play a game with his class after the parade (during their party). Well, of course, I thought I should play a little Halloween Bingo with them using none other but Stampin' Up!'s great new Bingo stamp.  I had to dig into my retired stash of stamps for this great Halloween set to fit in the spaces.  I definitely will be letting Stampin' Up! know that we need more sets with small stamps to fit inside this great set.


I used the Bitty Boos set (retired a few years ago) and just kept stamping the 12 images in different colors, randomly on the cards.  Not all images in all colors are on each card.  Needed to make them different enough that we didn't have 10 winners all at the same time.  After I stamped the cards and images I matted the white stamped cardstock on some Pumpkin Pie cardstock.  I finished them off by laminated them so I can use them year after year without having to worry about little finger smudges ruining them.



As I was stamping the cards I would stamp the image in that color on scrap white cardstock to use for the calling pieces.  Once I was completely finished I had about a sheet and a half of stamped calling pieces.  I punched each one out with the 1" circle punch and then attached them to 1 1/4" black circles.  Then no one can see through them and know what is going to be called next.  The kids had a great time playing bingo and I even gave prizes for the winners, the glow in the dark bracelets.  Wouldn't you know though that each and every student was a winner?  (Of course, I would give each of them a bracelet at the end of the game.  That just wouldn't be fair if I didn't).


And this was the cute little bag I made for Jonah to give each of his classmates. I used the mini lunch sacks from the Holiday mini catalog to emboss the spider web (also in the mini).  It's pretty cool because you leave the bag just the way it comes and even the sides end up embossed.  I then used the crop-a-dile to punch two holes in the top center to tie it closed with some black ribbon.  I then stamped the Spider from Bitty Boos on white cardstock, punched it out and attached it to a black scallop circle. I punched a hole in the scallop and attached it to the black ribbon with linen thread.



Here's all 19 of them together.  They look great.  I was really happy with how they turned out.



And lastly, I made a cute little pumpkin for Jonah's teacher, Miss Cummings.  He loves her and she is so good to him.  I used a plastic paint pail and attached the Pumpkin faces decor elements to the front of it.  I inserted some pumpkin pie designer series paper inside to make it orange and then finished it off with pumpkin pie 1 1/4" striped grosgrain strips of ribbon tied on the handle.  I also attached one of the spiders that went on each of the kids bags to the side of the handle.  What did I fill it with?  Well, what else but a whole lot of chocolate.  Who wouldn't love that?  I know it would be a great gift for me. : )

Tomorrow I'll share some of the Halloween treats for some of my nieces and nephews.


Friday, October 29, 2010

Time to be Thankful

So many of us have a tremendous amount of things to be thankful for and we need to remember that throughout the entire year and not just during Thanksgiving.  Take a moment to think of all the wonderful people and things in your life to be thankful for.

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on Thanksgiving cards.  So you will get four different card ideas today that you can duplicate or switch up a bit and use as your own.


I used the Paisley Print stamp set from the Holiday mini catalog as well as the Grateful Greetings set from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog.  I went for the more traditional fall colors with this card, using riding hood red, more mustard and old olive.  The base of the card is crumb cake.  I used the sanded background stamp to add some "texture" to this card.  It really is a pretty simple, straightforward card that is easy to duplicate.  I stamped the leaves with tone on tone.  The leaves also have some linen tread tied around each stem and are attached to the card with what else but dimensionals.

I hope you take a moment or two to remember all that you are thankful for in your life.  Have a great weekend.

I will have some last minute Halloween ideas for you this weekend.  Actually they are things I made for Jonah's class and my nieces and nephews.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for even more Thanksgiving card ideas.

Friday, October 22, 2010

What are you supposed to do with that cork anyway?

Isn't that a question you have been asking since the new catalog came out?  I bought some of the cork right away but I must admit that this is the first project I have made with it.  I just wasn't sure how to use it.  You can find the cork sheets on page 205 on the Idea Book and Catalog with all the other materials we sell that is great to use with the big shot.

Well this week at Sisters in Stamping we were challenged to use the cork sheets.  Great, right?  Not!  Only because I was stumped until late this morning.  But I must say I think the project turned out pretty cute afterall.  It just really stretched my imagination.

Here it is, a cute, little Christmas Banner made of Gingerbread Men holding the word Joy. Did I do okay, afterall?  Love to hear what you think, so leave a comment.

 

The three gingerbread are die cuts of the clear flower die (114534) on page 207.  They are attached to a strip of early espresso 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon using hot glue.



I'll show you each letter individually so you can see them up close and personal.  For the white trim around each one, I drew the lines and faces with a white gel pen first.  Then I used the versamarker and white embossing powder over that.  Heat set and then you have a very vibrant outline for your "cookie".



Each letter was cut with the Serif Essentials Alphabet dies from the Jolly Holiday designer series paper. Each letter uses a different design to add more interest to the finished project.


I also used the Regals buttons on each of the gingerbread men because they need to be decorated nice, right?  The buttons are attached using the mini glue dots.

Hope you enjoyed this project and are ready to make one of your own.  Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see the awesome cork projects the other sisters made.  Have a wonderful weekend.


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Handmade for the Holidays

Stampin' Up! has a new promotion just in
time for holiday creating!

The ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday!

Create Amazing cards, Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts this holiday season!



From October 19-December 16, choose from several different holiday bundles containing gorgeous Stampin' Up! products-perfect for creating cards, gift packaging, and gifts-and all at 20% off! Click HERE for details.




Friday, October 15, 2010

Fabulous Halloween Friday

Here we are at Friday again.  I really don't know what happens to the days in between Friday and Friday.  They seem to slip right by me.  It's pretty bad because even my 6 year old says that time goes too fast.  When I was that age (go ahead, roll the eyes) time seemed to stand still.  Life is so busy that even the kids are feeling it.

Anyway, on to stamping, the reason you are really here.  Friday means another Fabulous Friday posting over at Sisters in Stamping.  This week we decided to stay with the Halloween theme and use a Halloween stamp set to create whatever our little hearts desired.

I was running short on time to make something new so I decided to showcase a card that I stamped at a recent shoebox swap I attended. I didn't desgin the card but I did stamp it all by myself. So that must count for something, right?

This card was designed by Linda Martinelli.  I always love her designs.  So thank you Linda for designing such a great card that I got to stamp and now I can show.  The card uses the Dark and Dreary Stamp set from the Holiday mini catalog and the Wicked Cool set from the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. 

The base of the card is basic black and the orange striped strip on the  edge is from Wicked Fun Specialty Paper.  The main stamped image is on very vanilla cardstock.  First you stamp the spider web with versamark ink and emboss it with clear embossing powder.  Them you sponge ink all over the cardstock.  You will then need to wipe off the excess ink from the spider webs.  They resist the ink and that's how they stay vanilla in color.  Then you stamp the Happy Halloween fence image in black in the center.  Using markers color in the words and the number 31 and the bushes.

Use the Ticket Corner punch on all 4 corners of that cardstock.  Then spritz some suede ink all over it using the color spritzer and soft suede marker.  Then you sponge the edges of that paper with Cajun Craze cardstock. After that you layer that onto Cajun Craze cardstock that has the edges distressed using the cutter tool.  Place a black brad in each corner (where the opening is from the ticket corner) and attach that to the base with dimensionals.  To finish the card off place a small knot of the black lace from the mini catalog over the corner of the man stamped image.

Hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did.  It's not my usual style and that's probably why I love it so much.  Something new.  Thanks, Linda.   Also, remember to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see some more great Halloween ideas.


Monday, October 11, 2010

October Stampin' Classes

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. Book your Christmas workshop today. We can do any theme you would like, Christmas, Fall/Halloween, Party. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc.



October 2010 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.



Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 6:30 PM

• Make 2 different 6x6 pages and 2 cards of characters/things using Stampin’ Up! Punches. The pages and cards will use the same characters/things.
• This class will be offered on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Cost: $25.00 for the first month (this includes a 6x6 album to place your pages in for future reference). Every other month after the first will be $10.00. This fee includes all supplies to complete the pages and the cards. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.

International Card Day: Sunday, October 17, 2010 2:00 – 4:30 PM

THIS CLASS IS GOING TO BE HELD AT THE THROOP CIVIC CENTER

• Make 12 cards: 6 designs, 2 of each. All cards will be using sets from the current Stampin’ Up! Catalog with an international theme. Cards can be used for a variety of occasions. They will not have the country’s name on them or anything like that that would be inappropriate for sending to just anyone.
• This class will also feature a light snack from each of the countries represented.
• There will be door prizes
• Cost: $25.00 per person. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.

Scrapbook Class: Thursday, October 21, 2010 6:30 PM

• Make 2 12x12 two page spreads. We will be making pages that can be used for a variety of occasions.
• Cost is $15.00 for this class. You will need to bring your own adhesive.
• Payment and Registration Deadline: October 18, 2010

Decorate your Home with Décor Elements Party:

Friday, October 22, 2010 at 6:30 PM

• Come see some great cost effective ways to redecorate your home without repainting or time consuming stenciling. I will have many samples for other used for Stampin’ Up!’s décor elements. These can be used on walls, frames, vases, pumpkins, and so many other things
• There will be door prizes. Light refreshements. And plenty of great ideas for you to go home and copy. You will also be making a little treat to take home with you using the décor elements.
• Feel free to bring a friend along with you.
• RSVP by Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Big Shot Club, Sunday, October 24, 2010 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

As a part of this club you are in essence purchasing a big shot and some accessories for it using a layaway plan.

• This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.
• At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die ($21.95), the Stampin’ Up! Texture plates ($11.95), one embosslit ($11.95) and one sizzlit 4 pack ($19.95).
• This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.
• Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.
• If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.
• Plus as a club member you will receive $15 credit and a level 1 hostess gift. Isn’t this a sweet deal?
• If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, October 28, 2010 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion. We will be making fall, Halloween, and thinking of you/thank you cards.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: October 25, 2010


The last of the glitter, but only for now!

Here is the final installment of my glitter, sticky pages, and big shot projects that I made for my Workshop Wow presentation at the Baltimore Regional Stampin' Up! held last weekend.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and see your creations using this technique.  Please do share.

This shamrock was made using the Hearts & Brackets die.  I used the smaller heart and the smaller bracket to make the shamrock.  Just place three hearts (tips together) to form the shamrock top.  Use half of the small bracket to make the stem of the shamrock.  This card uses Stampin' Up! chunky glitter.  When using the chunky glitter you should be sure to press the glitter down (after you "dump" it on) because it doesn't like to stick the first try.


This card uses the larger heart and brackets from the same die that was used to make the shamrock.  I really like the red and gold glitter together.  I even used Stampin' Up!'s brushed gold cardstock for one of the layers.


And finally, this bird card was the card that I was going to make at the Syracuse regional which was supposed to be held back in February but was cancelled due to that horrendous snow storm we received the last week in February.  I was asked to present a workshop wow at that event and was really sad that I didn't get the chance to show everyone this fun technique.  However, I did get to do the presentation in Baltimore but this little beauty was left out because the bird flew away (AKA retired) the end of June.  I decided to show the card anyway because you can now get the die on the clearance rack at a great discounted price.  Soooo, if you really like this card, head over there, choose me as your demonstrator and get yourself one of these before they are gone.

These cards are a lot of fun to make and I promise there will be more of them in your future.  Look at that I'm a fortune teller now.  LOL


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Glittery "BOO" for you

Here is one of the last of my glittery projects that I made for my Workshop Wow presentation for Stampin' Up!'s regional seminar in Baltimore last weekend.  I do have two more ideas for tomorrow.  And I have several more ideas swirling around in my head, so you WILL be seeing more glitter projects in the future.

This first one was a modified version of a BOO banner we made at my Big Shot Club in September.  For this one I enhanced it by die cutting the letters B-O-O from the sticky pages. The base of each letter is cut with the scallop square die.  I cut a piece of the on board chipboard as well as a piece of basic black cardstock.  The ribbon is sandwiched between those two layers.

I also used the awesome new owl punch to make the cute little ghosts. And the bat punch was used for the little bat accents.  I also added some buttons with ribbon threaded through the holes in between the letters for some added umph. I was sure to make each letter  little different from the others. 


For the "B" I embossed the peach parfait cardstock with the perfect polka dot embossing folder (my ultimate favorite embossing folder, I love polka dots).  I used purple and black glitter on the "B" but cutting the orange plastic on a diagonal.  The little ghost has rhinestone eyes to just add some more bling.


The first "O" was stamped using the spider web from the Wicked Cool stamp set in whisper white.  I used only a portion of the ghost to have it peeking out of the center of the "o"  I used olive and black glitter on this letter.


The last "o" background was embossed with the spider web embossing folder.  The spider web is brushed with the whisper white pad (like I did in Friday's Halloween Treat Holder). I used orange and black glitter on the letter.  Each of the black scallop squares were dotted using the white gel pen to finish it off.

Why don't you try making one of these  They are a lot of fun and you can just change the theme to FALL, JOY (for Christmas), etc.  I'd love to see what you come up with. 

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Glitter, Glitter, Where have you Been?

And we have 3 more glitter cards for you today.  Hope you have been enjoying these cards and are a little inspired to go out and try you hand at making some glittery creations.  Stampin' Up! asked that we make 3-4 additional cards that went along with our project.  As you can tell, I did a few more than that.  I had so much fun creating that I just couldn't stop.  LOL  I even have a few more ideas in my head waiting to get down on paper.  I'll share them soon.

This card used the snowflake die. A couple of years ago I saw wrapping paper that was snowflakes in blues and purples and I fell in love with the combo.  That's where this idea started at.  I used the hobby blade to cut the orange plastic covering the sticky part into separate areas.  I peeled off all the ends of the snowflake and the center and poured on the purple glitter. Flicked off the excess, took the remaining orange plastic pieces off and then "dumped" on the blue glitter.


This card used the star die.  I call this my Stars and Stripes card.  Same technique as above. Cut the orange plastic on each star in half (after it was attached to the cardstock). Peeled off one section of each star and "dumped" on the red glitter.  Shook it off and flicked. and then peeled off the other piece of orange plastic and dumped on silver glitter.  This card was a little more labor intensive because I ""stitched" each star with the white gel pen.


This card I used the lattice die and just made a simple and elegant black and white card that can be used for any formal occasion.  Tip: Peel off one corner of the lattice die, place that on your cardstock and slowly peel away the rest of the paper backing while pressing onto your cardstock.

Remember when doing this technique, you die cut a piece of the sticky pages, peel off the white paper backing, attach that to your cardstock, and then cut (if desired) and peel off the orange plastic, and finally "dump" on your glitter.

I still have a few more projects to show you using the glitter from my presentation so come back tomorrow.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Trick or Treat, Gimme Something Good to Eat

Today at Sisters in Stamping we were challenged to make a Halloween treat container.  I have seen these treat holders around and have been meaning to try them out but of course, didn't get a chance so I thought today would be the perfect day to make them.

This treat holder uses the Two Tags die for the big sot. It is not the tag I used to make my glittery butterfly bag tags but the wider one on the die.  I first embossed the die with the spider web embossing folder.  You want to emboss first because if you cut first and then emboss the embossing "hides" your crease lines.  So emboss first and then cut.  I like using the white craft pad over the spider web to make it stand out a little more and make it a little whispy looking.  To make this holder, you need to cut 2 tags out.  You then attach the two bottom halves together using adhesive.  The treat goes in the center and then you pull up the front and back and tie them together with some ribbon.


On the front of the treats I used the spider from Batty for you.  I love this little set even though it's been around for awhile.  I really don't like the spooky Halloween stuff so this cutesy set is perfect for me.  As you can see I made it in three different colors, concord crush, pumpkin pie, and garden green.  Perfect colors for your Halloween gathering.  Certainly adds some pizzazz unlike doing just all the same color.  The spider is stamped in black on whisper white cardstock and punched with the 1 3/8" circle punch and then layered on a black scallop punch.  I then used the white gel pen to dot the scallops.  That was attached using dimensionals.  And I added some "google" eyes to make them even more fun.


Here is a side view. I used the small cello bags to put some candy corn in.  I folded the bag down (don't want your candy falling out) and stapled it to the back side of the treat holder.  These are very easy to make and come together pretty quickly.  Imagine the possibilities with these: wedding shower, wedding, baby shower, birthday favor, dinner party place cards.  The list can go on and on.  Change the colors, stamps and theme and you are ready for any occasion.  Have fun making these little beauties.

Remember to go over to the Sisters in Stamping for even more Halloween treat container ideas.  Next Friday, we will be using Halloween sets, so come back for even more Halloween ideas.

Tomorrow there will be more glittery projects for you just like I promised.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Join the Stampin' Up! Family

Do you love Stampin' Up! products? 

Do you need to earn some extra cash for the holidays? 

Want to work from home? 

Want a discount on all those great Stampin' Up! products you love?

Want to join a great company that really cares about you?

Want the chance to stamp with other stampers from across the country?

Do you want access to over 107,000 (and adding everyday) samples for inspiration?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions than you will want to join my team today.  Plus as if you need any other reasons than the above listed you will receive the tote below (FREE) with your starter kit.  That's a $40 value.  Tempting you??????
Plus anyone who joins my team by October 17 will also receive the brand new set called Eat Chocolate (FREE).  The set will appear in the Occasions mini catalog that comes out in January.  You will have it several months before anyone can purchase it.  Can't show you the actual set but you can see the samples below for some inspiration and a sneak peak.






Here's what you get in your standard starter kit:

3 wood-mounted stamp sets
1 clear-mount stamp set with clear block
1 Stampin' Around wheel, ink cartridge, & handle
1 ink refill
2 card stock packes
1 patterns Designer Series paper stack
4 Classic Ink Pads
1 VersaMark ink pad
2 Stampin' Write markers
Ribbon
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Scrub
Stamping Sponge
Snail Adhesive
Blender Pen
Decor Elements piece with applicator
8 catalogs
Business supplies, forms & tools

Over a $310 value for ONLY $175.  What a deal.  And with the tote and the stamp set your talking over  $350 value. WOW!!!!

Head over to my website and click the Join Now link.  Use the password: yurinkinstamps

Can't wait to have you on my team.


Even more Glittery Projects

I have more glittery projects for you today from my presentation this past weekend in Baltimore at Stampin' Up!'s Regional Seminar.  And I promise I will have even more on Saturday. But I will need to take a break from them on Friday because of the regularly scheduled Sisters in Stamping Fabulous Friday posting that will take place. And you will certainly want to come back tomorrow because we are focusing on Halloween treat containers.

This is a close up of the bag tag that I made for each of my downline members that attended the Regional seminar in Baltimore and a few of the Stampin' Up! staff members whom I know.  I used the Beautiful Butterfly die for the big shot and the tags die as well.  The tag is made by covering one of our on board sheet with the Sweet and Sour Specialty Paper (I attached the paper using the "green" glue (aka Tombo Multipurpose Adhesive) on both sides and then die cut it.


I also punched a scallop circle and dotted the scallops with a white gel pen.  I used rose pink and orange glitter.  And to finish the butterfly off I added some rhinestones for the body.  The ribbon used was the orange striped grosgrain, pretty in pink 5/8" grosgrain and the gorgeous newChantilly crochet trim.  Each tag was finished off by die cutting the Naturally Serif alphabet decroative strip and adding each person's name.  I really love how these turned out. Of course, I think these look so much better in person.


This is a potpourri sachet envelope (much prettier than the ones you can buy in a store, right?)  I used Stampin' Up!'s long open ended envelopes.  I stamped the pretty pattern background stamp on both sides of the envelope.  I used the larger butterfly from the Beautiful Butterfly die for this one.  The glitter is pink and celery.  This time I used the basic pearls for the body and even added some antennae.  I finished the envelope off with some striped celery grosgrain ribbon and a button tied on with linen thread.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to come back tomorrow for some Halloween treat ideas.