Make your own nameplates this season

I'm impressed by others who have their holiday decor so complete that they even decorate the table. What a lovely way to help others feel even more welcome! We usually have so many people, that we are just worried we have enough places for everyone to sit!! Although I'm pretty sure everyone will move the names around when they think I'm not looking, I just may attempt to put nameplates out this year.

Stampin' Up! Shelli Gardner shared some ideas on a morning show using the Top Note die as a base. Her projects were certainly attractive and she has such great style. While I cannot say the same about my projects here today (!), I hope that they at least provide some inspiration for your crafty time or at least bring a smile to your face.

First is a simple one using a die cut leaf and some of our lovely Spice Cake Designer Series Paper. A simple bow made from Baker's Twine and a Basic Jewel Rhinestone finish it off. ETA: The leaf is one of the 4 on the Leaves #2 die.

And next is a Christmas version. The base is embossed using our Stripes embossing folder, setting the background for this cute fox from Forest Festivities.

And then I got a little silly... why not have a little fun with punched shapes?  The base is still made using the Top Note die, but it was folded in half the "long way". The name is spelled out with die cuts from our Headline Alphabet sizzlit strip. I suppose I could just save my family the work of moving names around and just put "Whooo?" on all of them... lol

Supply Details for all 3 plates:
Stamps: Forest Fesitivies
Ink: StazOn and Stampin' Write Markers for coloring
Paper: Spice Cake DSP, Chocolate Chip, Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Whisper White
Tools: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Headline Alphabet, Modern Label punch, 1 3/4" circle, 1" circle, 3/4' circle, Large oval
Embellishments: Baker's Twine, Jewels Basic Rhinestone, googly eyes
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Blessings from Heaven DivaSC160

Happy weekend and welcome to another sketch challenge with the Utah Divas.

This was a good sketch! It was fun to try and balance the large block of space on the left with the three on the right. My first thought was to put a Christmas tree on the left with ornaments on the right... but I'm not ready to do Christmas cards yet. Let me stick to fall colors for just a little bit longer along with an always helpful Psalm.

To see more greeting cards created using today's sketch, be sure to visit the Utah Divas blog for a complete list of participating Divas.



Supply Details:
Stamps: Circle Circus, Blessings from Heaven
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Whisper White
Tools: Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, 1/2", 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4" circle punches
Embellishments: 1/2" Scallop Dot Ribbon Chocolate Chip, Jewels Basic Rhinestone Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Stampin' Up! Raining Flowers

Yesterday, I shared a few cards featuring our Raining Flowers stamp set and promised another for today. This card uses another flower and stem from the same set, but without it's accompanying outline stamp. So I guess you could say it's a two-step stamp with only a one-step investment ;)

Ready for a fun tip? See the Basic Pearl jewels on the card? Our Pearls are usually a lovely off-white... well... pearl color. I added a bit of orangish color to these using an alcohol-based Copic marker. Although I haven't tried it yet, I've also read that you can add color to the Pearls and even the Rhinestones using Sharpies! Wowzers - you could have all sorts of colors in an easy-to-use embellishment without having to purchase a bunch of different ones! Hooray! And the thrifty crafty people cheer!




Supply Details: 
Stamps: Raining Flowers, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Write Markers in Tangerine Tango and Always Artichoke
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla
Tools:  Big Shot, random embossing folder, Boho Blossom punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Pearls, Victoria Crochet Trim
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Jewels Basic Pearls (click for details)

Stampin Up! Raining Flowers and Pursuit of Happiness

If I had to recommend only two types of stamp sets to a new stamper, I would recommend for them to purchase a set of sentiments and a versatile image set. Add ink, an embellishment and card stock and you are ready to make greeting cards for a variety of occasions without breaking the bank.

The following three cards were made using a two-step stamp set called Raining Flowers. (Demonstrators received this set as a gift for attending convention last July.) This set is what we call a "two-step stampin'" set - each image has a coordinating image that works with it. One image is the body of the image, like the flowers below; the second image is usually an outline image that also adds additional details to the first. Stamping them with two different colors of ink is a fun way to show these images to their advantage.

The cards also use the Pursuit of Happiness sentiment set. If you enjoy using quotes as I do, then you will love using this set!

Version two of this card includes a layered flower (the one in the center) as well as Rhinestone jewels in each flower. I cut the main panel a little larger here and left out the two strips of DSP in the background. (Click the photo to see it larger).

Now here is another card created with a different two-step flower from the same set. Instead of jewels, a cheater bow serves as the embellishment. (Click the link for a quick how-to video on how to make a cheater bow.)

Stop by tomorrow to see another creation using the Raining flowers set as well as an easy tip for coloring your Basic Pearl jewels!




Supply Details: 
Stamps: Raining Flowers, Pursuit of Happiness
Ink: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry
Tools: 1/2" circle punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone, Glimmer Brads, Taffeta Ribbon
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Raining Flowers (available in Wood, Clear and Digital Format)

Use It Tuesday - 5 ways to use Ribbon

 Need creative ways to use up your stash of ribbon? I've done some research for you and found 5 easy ways to use your supplies to create something for your home or as a gift. Enjoy!

*Decorate candles. This one looks like it uses pearl-headed pins to hold the ribbon in place. What could be easier?

*Create a fun pillow! (Family Fun includes how-to notes for this pillow)

*Line the edge of the shelves in your linen closet or pantry. (see a closet transformed!)

*Add ribbons as bookmarks. (see the tutorial)

*Tie up sets of guest towels together and make them feel even more welcome.

Don't have a stash and need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online 24/7
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Stampin' Up! Medallion and Pastels

My friend Jessica likes to laugh at me for some of my personality quirks. She's a good friend, so she's allowed :) One of the things that amuses her is my penchant for organizing and re-organizing my craft space. I tend to do this when the current layout doesn't let me easily reach the supplies I am using most often or even, sometimes, just because I am in a "mood". (Don't let my hubby read that, I told him I don't get those. lol)

One of the side benefits of this odd behavior, ahem, habit is that I uncover hidden treasures. You know - that stuff you used to use but haven't thought much about lately? Being frugal is not a new fad by any means, but in today's economy I feel even more inclined to make sure I am utilizing everything I have! When my latest shake-up led me to come across my Stampin' Pastels, I realized they are one of those "treasures"; most of us have them, but how often do we use them?

Stampin' Pastels are a wonderful tool in the craft room. With just one ink pad - VersaMark - and Pastels, you have access to every Stampin' Up! color. And it's so easy, too! Just stamp with the VersaMark and use the wands included in the kit, Sponge Daubers or even cotton balls to apply color where you want it. And like the card above, you can add various colors to your design! I love this stuff - how could I have forgotten?

I encourage you this week to challenge yourself to use your Stampin' Pastels. If you do, please drop me a line and share your work! If this is not a tool you have in your arsenal and you would like information about this product, contact me with your questions or click here to be directed to the details in my store.



Supply Details:
Stamps: Medallion, Tiny Tags
Ink: Versamark, Soft Suede
Paper: Soft Suede, Rose Red, Naturals Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Tools: Stampin' Pastels, Big Shot, Scallop Circle die, Lots of Tags sizzlits, Large Oval punch, XL Bird punch
Embellishments: Linen Thread, Jewels Basic Pearls
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online 24/7
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Diva Sketch Challenge 158 Aviary

This week's card class (using recessed frames) came in handy for adding a fun touch to today's Diva sketch challenge.

Along with the technique, I couldn't resist using our Spice Cake Designer Series paper. The color combination in this pack is not what I would consider "traditional autumn", but the colors are so pleasing to the eye. Who would think to put this vibrant Pool Party (blue) along with More Mustard? I'm glad our artists are so creative and let us have fun with the results! *grin*

Our talented artists also gave us a bonus in the design patterns; a few of the sheets have a nice striped pattern you can use in multiple ways. You can see one sample behind the Aviary cage - a bit like wallpaper, right? - and another cut in a strip to run horizontally across the card.
Aside from great paper, I used the following to finish the card:

• Jewels Basic Pearls - added to the strip, 2 on the cage and one on the Antique Brad
• The bird cage looked a little plain against the Chocolate Chip pattern. A quick punch of More Mustard with our XL Oval punch gives it the little "somethin' somethin" it needed.
• Flowers punched with our Boho Blossom punch add a little burst of color behind the brad and help draw attention to the tag and sentiment.

In case you are wondering, the recessed frame and the Antique Brad would require special handling if you wanted to mail this card. I think this will be one that will be included with a gift or hand delivered...

To see more cards created using today's sketch, be sure to visit the Utah Divas blog where you will find links to the Divas participating this weekend. Enjoy!



Supply Details: 
Stamps: Aviary, Tiny Tags
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pool Party
Paper: Pool Party, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Spice Cake DSP
Tools: Boho Blossom punch, Large Oval punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Pearls, Mini Vintage Tags, Antique Brads
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Spice Cake DSP (Also available as a digital download)

My Digital Studio - updates!

I cannot believe it; the digital cards that I created and ordered last Tuesday arrived today! Just one week and they processed my order, printed my cards and shipped them so they are already in my hot little hands! Now that is quick!

And do you know what I had forgotten? The cards and postcards came with envelopes. I don't know why I had forgotten that not-so-little detail. Now I'm even happier with the pricing!

If you would like to give our digital options a try, then you may be happy to know that Stampin' Up! has released more options today. There is a fun hockey set if that is something that interests you. And there are also some new options for Christmas, including these photo card and tag templates. Visit MyDigitalStudio.net for a complete list of options as well as great tips and info on using the images and our computer program. Enjoy!

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Stampin' Up! Greeting Card Kids

This week in class we will be playing with one of my favorite stamp sets, Greeting Card Kids. All of the images are adorable and the nostalgic style of the artwork is perfect for this time of year, especially.  For the class project sample, I used the image of the little girl pulling a sleigh and mini tree. How about some Mini Jingle Bells to go with the mini tree? Too cute!

Now when we make this in class, I will likely change the placement of the sentiment. I added the Jingle Bells after the sentiment was already adhered and now the card is a little unbalanced. It will probably look better to have the sentiment on the left... what do you think?

If you live in the Melbourne, Florida area and would like information regarding card classes, please contact me or see my calendar for upcoming events.



Supply Details: 
Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Four Frames, Fabulous Phrases
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Write Markers to color (Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Blush Blossom, Bashful Blue, Crumb Cake)
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, In Color Designer Series Paper Stack
Tools: XL Decorative Label Punch, Craft Knife, Ruler
Embellishments: Mini Jingle Bells, Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Big Shot Blog Hop Holiday Stocking Die

Hi everyone! Welcome to:

For this hop we are featuring our favorite tool - the Big Shot! We have each chosen one tool to highlight and you are going to love the versatility of what you see! If you are already following the hop, then you have just arrived from Cindy Elam's blog, Heart's Delight Cards, where she is featuring the Holiday Stocking Die. If you are just starting on the hop, we are all linked together so rest assured that you will make your way back around to see her site. Cindy has made the cutest stockings and one is not for Christmas - you don't want to miss it!

Today, I'll be sharing the Stocking Accents Bigz die with you. It is featured along with the Stocking die in the Holiday Mini catalog. Although I am sure it makes a great duo with the stocking, I hope you will see that it can be used in other ways, too.

First, here's a simple pop-up card using the tree (inside and out!)

Stamps: Many Merry Messages; Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive, Real Red (Stampin' Write Marker); Paper: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White; Emb: Glimmer Brads, Dazzling Details; Tools: Small Heart Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Petals a Plenty embossing folder.  And, by the way... I am her only daughter so I can say that... lol

Next is a scrapbook page featuring my two little munchkins a few years ago. My... how time passes... *sniff*. This page uses the two different ornaments, the tree, the holly leaves and the small circle (used as holly berries and as the tree topper).

Ink: Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker;  Paper: Chocolate Chip (textured), Brights Collection, Whisper White; Emb: Espresso Baker'sTwine, Brights Brads; Additional tools: Headline Alphabet sizzlit strip

My last share today is a little garland to count down the 12 days of Christmas. I created the snowflakes/numbers with My Digital Studio,  printed them out and used a 3/4"circle punch to punch them out. They are adhered to the die cuts with Stampin' Dimensionals and hang from strings of our Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.

 Note: I left the last one (all the way to the right) turned around so you can see how the string is glued on to the back using Tombow liquid adhesive. An unexpected benefit of using this glue is that the excess dried glue is slightly tacky; the ornaments now stick - just a little -  to the wall behind them, keeping them where I want them.

Paper: Regals Collection and Whisper White

Before you go, other ideas for this die include:

• Instead of card stock, use the die to cut felt or fabric for appliques on clothing, towels, table runners, cloth bags, etc.
• Cut these shapes using our Vinyl Sheets; decorate a window, a door, a container (for gifts of food) or your car.  
• Attach to gifts as tags or decoration.

Ready to see more?
Next, Kim will be featuring another new fantastic Bigz die,  Peek A Boo Frames. Let's go!


Note: Our links are "hard links", meaning they will take you directly to the other blog's post, not just their site. Should you decide to follow this particular hop again in the future, you will go directly to the blog hop post without having to search for it! Woo-hoo!




Want to chat about this blog hop? Visit the Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop discussion thread
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Stampin' Up! Barnyard Buddies Digital Download

How many hours are wasted standing in a store looking for a suitable card for someone? It takes some work to find a card that not only suits the occasion but also suits the recipient. Well, making your own allows you to make just the right thing, personalized for the person.

My aunt and uncle have recently returned to the United States after living in Qatar for a few years. Although the experience was an adventure (to say the least), they are happy to be back. And do you know one of the things they are enjoying most on their return? Pork products!! You can get quite a few meals with lamb in that region, but pork is a no-no. Since their return they have enjoyed eating bacon, ribs and all sorts of delicious pork-based dishes.

Barnyard Buddies (Digital #127611, $3.95)

So when Stampin' Up! released the digital version of our stamp set called Barnyard Buddies, I noticed right away that it has a pig. A pig!! My mind immediately jumped to funny t-shirts and bumper stickers I've seen: "Bacon is meat candy", "When pigs fly...", "Got Bacon?" - just to name a few.

The clown in me simply could not refuse... especially knowing it will make her laugh.


Both of cards shown here were made using My Digital Studio. They took only a few minutes to make and are already off to our printer. She will receive a few of each so she can have fun sending them out to friends and family who understand their adventures and their latest dining habit!

(Note: the black border and my watermark are just shown on this post. The card base is just plain white in reality.)

And my favorite of the two....

*grin*





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Escape2stamp this week

Hi everyone,

It's Monday, already! There's a lot going on this week both here and at Stampin' Up!

There are two great promotions going on this month and they are worth repeating in case you've missed them so far.

Our Simply Set card kits are on special this month. When you order two, Stampin' Up! will give you your choice of coordinating stamp sets. They are great for experienced card-makers, but they would also make a GREAT holiday gift!! Each kit includes:

• 8 printed cards (depending on the kit some are die-cut edged or embossed)
• Coordinating tags and/or accents
• Additional embellishments such as buttons or pearls
• Coordinating ribbon
• 8 envelopes

*See each kit's details for specific information.

There are three stamp sets to choose from and each contains two sentiments you will use over and over again. CLICK HERE for a peek at one of the kits; towards the bottom of the screen you will see the 3 stamp sets. Notice that "It's Your Day" is also available in French and Spanish.

Now, lets say that your Stampin' Up! wish list is long.
Maybe, like some of my friends and customers, your wish list is kept on an excel spreadsheet or in a spiral binder. (I'm not making this up... truly) Well then, this special is for you:

Sign up this month and you will receive a Big Shot (OR $100 in merchandise of your choice) in addition to the wonderful supplies already in the kit. The Starter Kit is only $175 and worth at least double that on a regular day; but this month... wow! In case you are wondering, there are no extra strings attached. As always, you have three choices:

• Keep the kit, build a business. I'll be on-hand to help you along the way. Keep it small (like me) just to pay for the goodies you purchase, or build something bigger to pay those bills! OR
• Keep the kit, order for yourself at a discount. It's only $300 a quarter to stay active. Having a friend or two order from you will make it even easier. OR
• Keep the kit... and nothing. There is no penalty for letting your Demonstrator status drop. None.

Curious about what is in the kit? Download the October Promotion Starter Kit PDF which details the contents. Note: the majority of the kit items are customizable, allowing you the flexibility to get what you like and will use.

And in case you are wondering about the different things to be done with the Big Shot, join me and a crew from the Stampin' Addicts next weekend for a Big Shot Blog Hop. Each of us has chosen a specific tool (die, plate, etc.) and will be showing you several projects using that tool. We'll start mid-morning on Friday and the posts will be up all weekend to give you time to see it all!

**Last but not least, for those of you who are in my daytime Stamp Club, don't forget we have our club meeting this Thursday at Debby's! (See you there!)



Ready to take advantage of the promotions shown here? Access the promotions here 24/7
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DivaSC157 Stampin' Up! My Friend

Happy Weekend everyone!
We have a new sketch for you to try at Utah Divas. Elizabeth is our sketch artist this month and has shared another great one. I hope you will give it a try :)

Over the last couple of weeks, I've tried to stretch myself (artistically!) with the sketches. I tend to see a sketch and make it exactly as shown and often choose my favorite stamp images right away. Well, this week I tried to make myself alter the sketch... and stretch some more. If only Pilates were this easy...

So, where is the "stretching" you might ask:

• The white embossed dewdrop images (from the My Friend stamp set) replace the panel on the right.
• Die cut images (Scribbles Swirls sizzlit die) take the place of the main rectangle towards the left. I moved it down a layer, under the horizontal strip.
• Wisteria Wonder as the card base and main layer is a stretch for me. It is such a lovely color - I apparently just have a weird mental block where purple is concerned. I've tackled this one today; next I'll have to see if I can use Garden Green ;)

To see some lovely cards by ladies who do not suffer mental blocks, be sure to visit the Utah Divas blog. You'll find the links there to guide you to the other participating Divas. (And you will also find color, scrapbooking and other challenges for additional fun!)


Thanks for stopping by!


Supply Details: 
Stamps: My Friend
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, VersaMark
Paper: Wisteria Wonder (yay ,me!), Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White
Tools: Heat Tool, White embossing powder, Big Shot, Scribbles Swirls sizzlit
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online 24/7
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Available in Wood, Clear Mount and Digital