Is it a box, Is it a Card, Just What is It? Petal Cone Die?

Are you staying dry today?  It's raining like crazy here in Northeast PA, but I guess that's so much better than snow.  I'm ready for Spring, bring it on!

Today is Fabulous Friday.  I just don't know where the time goes.  Seems like just yesterday I did last Friday's posting. Not sure what happened to Saturday through Thursday.  Actually, I know what happened to Wednesday and Thursday, it's called subbing.  I have been a substitute teacher the past three days.  It's been a lot of fun being with the kids and helping to mold their futures but it sure makes time pass away quickly not being home during the day to do things I often do during the day.

Anyway, this week at Sisters in Stamping we were challenged to use the Petal Cone die for the big shot.  Be sure to check out what the other sisters did.  I was loving this challenge.  The petal cone die is so versatile and at first you would not think that.  I thought it was such a cute box but once I got it, I quickly realized (on my own, too, surprising right?) how awesome this new die was going to be.  So much so that I am offering a class in March that will focus on the petal cone die.  Watch for details in my class schedule coming out in a few days.

So what do you think?  Isn't it the cutest thing ever?  I used the die to make an awesome ice cream cone card.  Ice cream is a weakness of mine so when I looked at the die cut cardstock and saw that I was estatic.  Especially since I don't need to cut out all the pieces by hand to create it.

I used the square lattice embossing folder to give the bottom more of a sugar cone look.  I also used the direct to paper technique on the "cone" to give it a more realistic look.  I cut the scallop "ice cream" in three different colors because I thought it would be so much fun to have a triple dip cone. I've never ordered one for myself because that's just too much ice cream at one time but it was fun to make one with my cardstock.  (Get this, it's absolutely guilt free with zero calories)

I finished it off with some chunky glitter to resemble some sprinkles.  (Ignore the white line on the top ice cream, the glue wasn't dry all the when before I had to leave for school, check back later for a dry version) Check out the drop of ice cream sprinkles that landed on the cone. Fun, huh?

Don't forget to go check out the Sisters in Stamping blog to see even more great ideas using the Petal cone die.

Isn't this just Bliss?

Today I'm sharing with you the second make n take from my Sale-a-bration open house.  It's completely different in look than the card you saw yesterday.  That one was very bright and colorful and this one is more monochromatic and sublte.  Each one has it's place in our card giving, doesn't it?

I used the Bliss stamp set that you can get FREE with an $50 order now through March 31, 2011.  The colors are crumb cake, chocolate chip and very vanilla.  It really is quite a simple card to make multiples of.  I love the tulip frame embossing folder and couldn't resist using it to complete this card.  It "color" the raised portions of the embossing, I used the very vanilla craft pad directly on the paper. I also sponged the edges of the very vanilla cardstock with chocolate chip ink.

Then to finish off the card and make it complete, I used the crumb cake seam binding (found in the Occasions Mini catalog). It is attached with sticky strip (aka scary tape, according to some of my favorite stampers) and ruffled on the edge.  I used two different size pearls on the left side of the seam binding.

Isn't it blissful?  This isn't my usual style but I really love how this turned out.  Hope you enjoy it too.  And remember, Sale-a-bration is still in full force, you can still host your own workshop or place your order to earn FREE stamps and accessories.

Have a great day! See you tomorrow.

Punch Bunch is So Fun

Remember I promised to show you the card everyone made at my Open House last weekend when I posted the Birthday card (which uses the same supplies that I already had cut and left over) on Fabulous Friday?  Well, I didn't forget.  Here it is:

Being that the Open House was a Sale-a-bration Open House this card uses several items from the Sale-a-bration brochure, ice cream parlour designer series paper, the ribbon and buttons that coordinate with the paper and of course, the stamp set: Punch Bunch.

I love this stamp set because every stamp has a punch that coordinates with it.  And many of you know that I love to cut things out and attach them with dimensionals so of course I love this set because I can "cut" them using the punch which makes my life so much easier. 

The daffodil delight circle is cut using the circles big shot die. Remember to stamp the image first and then punch it out so you don't have to try to line up your stamp with the already punched cardstock. Which, by the way, usually doesn't work so well.  Trust me, been there, done that!

Come back tomorrow to see the other card that everyone at the Open House made.  I'm gearing up for substitute teaching for the next three days in a kindergarten classroom.  I'm already planning on being so tired after school that I will need a nap.  Sad, isn't it?  I don't care, I love it.  hahaha

Have a great day.

Happy Anniversary to me. Yes, today is my 10 year anniversary with Stampin' Up!

I'm so excited about it that I am going to run a special of all of you, my loyal customers, for the next 10 days.

I absolutely love my job and am thrilled to have had the opportunity to begin this adventure. I've met so many wonderful people, customers as well as other demonstrators who have become my friends. I am able to work around my children's schedules so I don't need to miss special events and earn extra income for my family. I get a discount on every product that I buy. I get to travel the country learning new ideas and techniques. I get paid to create. Can you see why I love what I do? Of course, if you would like this same opportunity let me know and we can discuss it. Remember, it's open to everyone.

Okay, now onto the special:

Sunday, February 20, 2011 through Tuesday, March 1, 2011

* All orders of $50 will receive any $9.95 or less product for FREE plus 1 Sale-a-bration set (Total of $25 additional product)

* All orders of $100 will receive any $19.95 or less product for FREE plus 2 Sale-a-bration set (total of $50 additional product)

* All orders of $150 will receive an additional $30 in product for FREE plus 3 Sale-a-bration sets, plus a level one hostess set and an additional $15 in free credit (total of $105 additonal product)

* All orders of $200 will receive an additional $40 in product for FREE plus 4 Sale-a-bration sets, plus a level one hostess set and an additional $20 in free credit (total of $135 additional product)

* All orders of $250 will receive an additonal $50 in product for FREE plus 5 Sale-a-bration sets, plus a level one hostess set and an additional $25 in free credit. (total of $165 additional product)


* All orders of $300 will recieve an additional $60 in product for FREE plus 7 Sale-a-bration sets, plus a level one or level 2 hostess sets and an additonal $35 in free credit (total of $215 additional product)

BOOKING SPECIAL:  If you book a workshop for March or April (call me to set it up between the sale dates) as part of this special you, the hostess will receive DOUBLE hostess credits.

And finally, JOINING SPECIAL: if you join the Yurinkin' Stamp Addicts team between today (2/20/11 and 3/1/11), in addition to all the great things that come in the kit at a discounted Sale-a-bration promotion price of $148.50 and the great $50 bundle Stampin' Up! is offering to each new member of the team, I will be offering each of you a stamp set of your choice valued at $19.95 or less. Call me and we can get together to get you started on your own adventure.

I'm so excited to be sharing my anniversary with all of you and hope you are able to take advantage of this great opportunity to get a ton of extra FREE stuff.

Sale-a-bration is Awesome!!!!!

Sale-a-bration is one of the greatest times of the Stampin' Up! year. Many demonstrators, hostesses and customers look forward to it every year.  And why wouldn't you when there's FREE stamps waiting for you with every $50 order.  In the past there's been a brochure with specific sets that were exclusive to the Sale-a-bration time period. Well last year that changed and it continued for this year's Sale-a-bration as well.

Instead of only having the exclusive Sale-a-bration items, Stampin' Up! is letting you choose from many sets that are found in the big 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog.  Did you know that?  So I'm sure there are several sets that have your name on them that you will definitely want to get for FREE during Sale-a-bration.

Look at all the awesome catlaog sets you can choose from:

Now how's that for simply AWESOME? There's still time to host your own party to get some of these great sets for FREE along with other hostess only items.  Sale-a-bration doesn't end until March 31st. 

If you book a March party for you, your friends, and family, I will give you double hostess credits.  So with a $400 show you will get 2 exclusive hostess stamp sets, 1 sale-a-bration stamp set, $45 in credit from Stampin' Up! and an additional $45 in credit as a gift from me.  So that's well over $125 in FREE product for hostessing a girl's night.  Contact me today to get your name on the calendar.

Cupcakes for everyone

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on the great cupcake punch found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I personally love how the punch coordinates with the stamp set, Create a Cupcake.  It's so much fun creating when you don't have to cut everything out the "old-fashioned" way (aka scissors).

I had some pre-cut materials left over from my Open House last weekend so I challenged myself to use a lot of what I already had ready to go.  (I just realized I didn't show you those cards, guess that will be in the next few days, so be sure to come back).  Anyway, I started with daffodil delight cardstock and folded the cardstock to make a z-fold card (see picture below).  I then used some of the great Designer Series paper from the Ice Cream parlour sweet from the Sale-a-bration brochure.  Which, by the way, you can get FREE with a $50 order until the end of March.

See a cool trick below for how I stamped both pieces of the cupcake and punched them out at the same time.  For the focal point of the card I used the 2 3/8" scallop circle punch and the 1 3/4" circle punch.  I attached the pom poms on the back of the old olive circle.  And of course, the cupcake is attached to that with dimensionals.

Here is the view from the top of the card so you can see how it's folded.  It's a very easy way to change up a "regular" card.  Just take the right edge of the card (where it opens) and fold it back to the left edge of the card (on the fold).  It's such a fun, festive birthday card.  Defintiely going to make a few more of these to have them on hand.

Here is the trick I promised you.  I took a piece of Stampin' Up!'s window sheets and punched it with the cupcake punch.  This allowed me to line up the stamps so that I could stamp and then punch only once. Cool, huh?

Remember to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see what the other sisters have made using the cupcake punch. Have a great Friday.

Spring around the Corner, think flowers.....

With temperatures ready to hit close to 50 today, I'm certainly thinking Spring. How can I not?  I'm ready for all the snow to melt and get my driveway back.  I hate how it becomes the incredible shrinking driveway with each snow fall.  It's the small things in life, really.

Anyway onto the cheery, floral card for today.  These pansies have been around for awhile but I never made them myself until one of my regular hostessed asked to see them. So off I was to create my own pansies using the butterfly punch.  You need to punch 2 butterflies from watercolor or shimmer paper to make each pansy.

You spritz both butterflies with water and then you use ink refills to watercolor the butterflies.  Because you spritz the cardstock first the ink will "bleed" into other areas.  You attach the butterflies together with a brad.

I used the tulip frame impressions folder on the daffodil delight cardstock.  I love that folder. I want more of them.  I used the level 3 hostess set for the words, there are inside and outside word sets.  The white cardstock needed something more so I used a basic black marker to trim the edges.  There's that ribbon ruffle again.  Told you I'm loving how it looks on cards.  Plus it's easier than making a bow.

Here's a close up of the flowers. I used concord crush and daffodil delight refills.  If you would like to learn how to make these, I'd love to come out and show you and your friends how to.  Contact me today to schedule your gathering.

Enjoy the warmth and sunshine today.

Birthday Fun

Here's a fun birthday card that we created at my January big shot class.  I love creating with my big shot and often wonder how did I ever create without it?  If you want to learn more about using the big shot you should come to this class.

This card is great for anyone's birthday. It can be for a young boy or girl, a teenager or even a fun card for an adult's birhtday.  I think this card totally screams "Rachel".  Look at all those awesome dots all over the card. Multiple circle punches in a variety of colors attached to the white cardstock and then ran through the big shot with the dotted embossing folder.  Then look at the dots on the yellow designer series paper and then of course the polka dot "sprinkles" from the cupcake sizzlet pack. And how about the little dot on the banner, a brad. Can you tell I love dots?

I know we can always use more birthday cards.  Afterall, we all have birthdays and know that everyone we know also has birhtdays.  And what's great about this cupcake is that it's calorie free and won't add any more to my hips.  Gotta love that.

Have a great day!

Valentine or not?

Wanted to share one more Valentine type card with you. Although it doesn't really have to be a Valentine because I didn't put a Valentine greeting on it.  This is a card that I made for one of the swaps I participated in at Leadership conference back in January. It was a simple card to put together but I love it so much.

I used the newsprint designer series paper from the Occasions mini catalog and the I (heart) hearts stamp set. The heart is attached with dimensionals. There are even dimensionals between the red heart and the dotted black heart.  (I need to get me some more dimensionals, I'm really running low and that scares me.)  I love the ribbon for the finishing touch. See below for a close-up.  I think it's my new favorite way to add ribbon to a card.

Isn't that cool?  I use sticky strip and just "ruffle" the ribbon up and down to achieve the look.

Remember this doesn't have to be a Valentine.  It can be a card that just says I love you and was thinking of you long after Valentine's Day is over.  It would mean even more when you give it for no reason at all.

Jonah's Class Valentine's

I just love making my kid's Valentine's and sure will miss it when Jonah gets to the middle school. It turns into a very special time together for us. Although usually by the end, they have had it and I end up finishing them off my myself.  I must admit this year Jonah was very helpful and there was very little complaining. : )

We can not send in any food items (including candy) so I found this great modeling clay to give to each kid.  We followed the colors of the clay for the hearts on the tag, so it made for some very colorful Valentine's and not the traditional red, pink, and white you usually find.

Jonah was determined to use a bird on his Valentine. He finally settled on the owl from punch bunch from the Sale-a-bration brochure.  Of course we also needed to add some wiggly eyes to make them even more fun.

We also needed to add some bling to the tag by using the awesome red glitter paper from the Occasions mini catalog and the small heart punch.  The owl and heart are attached with dimensionals.  Jonah insisted, wonder where he gets that from.  He wrote the names of each recipient on the back and stamped his name.  He loves his name stamp because we can never find anything personalized with his name on it. (If you know someone with a name that isn't common, one of Stampin' Up!'s personalized stamp is a great thing).

Hope you enjoy seeing Jonah's valentines.  He even made one for his current teacher, his kindergarten teacher and for one of the second grade teachers (I think he must be prepping for next year in hopes that he has her for a teacher).  He's such a thoughtful little man.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Classic Valentine with some Bling

Here is another Valentine idea that we made at January's Stamp a Stash class.  It was inspired by a card I received as a swap at Leadership Conference.  It is a simple card to put together even at the last minute. (Which is the way I tend to work!)

There's no stamping involved with this card.  Three punches, ribbon and some designer paper make this an easy card.  The red, black and white makes it a classic looking card.  Don't you just love the red glitter heart?  No mess with this glitter heart either.  It's punched from the great glitter paper found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  You just have to get some for yourself.

Hope this has inspired you to get out your supplies and get making some great cards.

Pretty in Pink Valentine

 Here's a little Valentine that I just love.  I used the petal cone die to make this pocket heart card. I came up with this idea all by myself, although I have since seen several other versions, so just goes to show great minds think alike.

I cut two pieces from the petal cone die and embossed the pieces using the vintage wallpaper embossing folder.  I then spritzed them with some shimmer spritz that I made using the shimmer paint and alcohol.  So it's very shimmery in person.  I ruffled the ribbon between the two pieces and it is attached with sticky strip.  Then notice the white cardstock sticking out.  I traced the heart shape of the one die cut onto white cardstock and then cut slightly inside the line so it fits nicely in the pouch.  This is where you would write your Valentine a special message.

Here's a close up of the banner and hearts (I Heart Hearts set) on the front.  I love how the banner is cut from the same die as the rest of the petal cone.  I stamped and cut a couple hearts in pretty in pink, pink pirourette, and melon mambo.  Attached to the front with dimensionals.  I added some brads to the sides of the banner but they are not used to attach it to the heart itself.  I used dimensionals on the back of the banner to attach it.

Come back over the next few days for a few other Valentine ideas.

All about Fabric

It's another Fabulous Friday at Sisters in Stamping.  This week we are focusing on one of Stampin' Up!'s newest lines, fabric.  We were to use the fabric anyway we wanted, sounds easy until you get too many ideas going in your head and then you need to pick just one and get that idea to work with the fabric.

So guess what I did.........

I made a purse.  It's different than all the other rag bags that are out there.  It doesn't use the scallop square die that it usually used.  I used the XL pennant die to make this purse.  I used the large pennant from the die.  I used the stitched pattern and the button pattern fabrics from the Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  There is one other design in the pack, it's orange with little girls on it.

Here's a close up of the purse.  See the pennant pattern.  The inside of the purse is all the button fabric.  I wanted to break up the stitching pattern so I added the flap of the purse as the button fabri as well.  I sewed a button on the front of the flap.  I will finish it off (after I go to the store) with a snap closure.  It's a cute little purse for any girl, young or teenage.  I have to tell you I used a retired ribbon for the handle but you can easily substitute a current ribbon.  I just though it was fun to add that particular ribbon because it also had stitching on it to coordinate with the pattern.  Hope you like it.

Don't forget to hope over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see what the other sisters have created this week using Stampin' Up!'s exclusive fabrics.

Gotta run, getting ready for my Sale-a-bration Open House, which is tomorrow.  Stop by between 2 and 5pm if you'd like.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Simply Adorned!

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on the beautiful Simply Adorned Charms.  They are so versatile, you can make a new insert for every outfit you wear or any holiday that is coming up.  You will always be prepared and be wearing one of a kind pieces of art.

I made an monogram insert that has several colors in it so it will match with a variety of outfits. I love multi-tasking.  haha

I added some of the baja breeze seam binding to the chain for a different look.  And then of course I just couldn't help myself, I added some baubles and charms.  All of which can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Here is a close up of the charm.  It is more of a collage look which is great because there are no mistakes then.  Anything goes and the finished project always looks great.

Don't forget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog for some more inspiration.  I have some other inserts ready to show you soon, so check back for even more inspiration.

Thank you for stopping by.  Have a wonderful weekend.

February Stampin' Classes

**Stampin’ Classes**

By Rachel Yurkanin – Stampin Up! Demonstrator

570-689-5371 Email: dryurkanin@comcast.net

Website: www.rachelyurkanin.stampinup.net

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. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc.

February 2011 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 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.

Sale-a-bration Open House: Saturday, February 12, 2011 – 2:00 -5:00 PM

• Come make 2 make n takes using the awesome Sale-a-bration sets.
• Retired Stamp sale will be taking place this day as well. And the deal is that you will get half of your purchase in new merchandise from the catalog. For example, if you buy $30 worth of retired stuff you will pay the $30, get the retired stuff and you will get to pick out $15 worth of merchandise from the catalog or mini catalog. How awesome is that?
• Remember for every $50 order you place you will be able to select one Sale-a-bration item for FREE. (Awesome!!!!!)
• Specials available that day only for purchasing, booking a workshop and joining the Stampin’ Up! Family. If you can’t make the event in person contact me that day to hear the specials. I will extend them to you even though you can’t attend.
• And I will have the Chocolate Fountain flowing that afternoon. Lots of yummy things will be waiting to be dipped in chocolate.
• Cost: FREE – Nothing better than that.

Cardholder/Notecard Class: Sunday, February 20, 2011 – 2:00 PM

• Make 6 notecards and a holder for them: The holder will be one of Stampin’ Up!’s clear mount stamp cases. We will be using the Elegant Soiree designer series paper for much of this class. You will get one pack of the paper and what you don’t use you will get to take home with you to make more cards and holders on your own.
• Cost: $25.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards, envelopes, and cardholder. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: February 15, 2011.


Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, February 24, 2011 – 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.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: February 21, 2011

Big Shot Club, Sunday, February 27, 2011 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.