Holiday Helper 2009

It’s beginning to look a lot like the Holidays. Let’s face it, the holidays seem to appear earlier every year. They also have the uncanny knack of showing up when we are at our busiest. We have holiday gatherings and parties. We have places to go with the kids. Presents that need to be bought. So many things that just have to be done.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have creative ideas delivered to your inbox? 12 days full of great holiday help. These ideas will cover gift giving, decorating and card making. They will be packed full of inspiring ideas. Just when you need the inspiration and the ease of great projects I’m available to you, ready to help you though the busiest time of the year.

The holidays are a time of sparkle and wonder. Handmade gifts and decorating add to that in a way that is uniquely your own. Having inspiration for great projects, that are simple and easy to do, can be a jumping off point that will spark your creativity. Adding that little bit of your own personal touches to decoration, cards and gifts really does show that you care enough to go that extra step.

Sign up for the 12-day Holiday Helper. Set to be delivered to your inbox every few days.  

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

We are moving…

We are in the process of moving.  It’s crazy…boxes in two locations and no utilities yet.  Internet and heat should arrive in the next couple of days or so they tell me. The worst is having to clean two houses, I don’t even like to clean one! I hope to be ready for Treeters by Halloween as it’s my favorite time of year.  Since I have no idea where my stamping supplies are, I’m sharing a project from last year.

MY FRIEND FRANKIE

I created this project using punches, our white gel pen and a black marker to contain a chocolate bar. I made like 25 of these projects last year and made a slightly different face on all of them and the recipients loved it. We dressed up and stopped by a few close friends and neighbors house and did our own trick or treating.

You can make this any size by just adjusting the circle punches. The hair was made with the 1-1/4″ square punch.

Supplies: Green Galore, Old Olive, Basic Black
and Lovely Lilac card stock.   Circle
punches, 1-1/4″ Square Punch
and Round Tab Punch.

Bow Making Tutorial

I’m preparing my Holiday Helper for this year, which is 12 emails of step-by-step project inspiration for the holiday season. Two years ago I presented this project to my readers. This bow was so much fun to make and you should have heard how my gift recipients went on and on about how creative, attractive and unique the bow and gift was. Give it a try this year and let me know how it goes.

Gift Bow Making with Designer Series Paper Tutorial

Download Project Details and Instructions

Tags, Tags and More Tags

I am having a ball creating these quick and simple tags.  This is a different spin on the same tags I have posted a few days ago.  But this one I’ve created a slide box so that I can give them away as a gift.  Fun idea huh?   It would make a fun teacher’s gift or make a holiday theme for a fund raiser. 

The tag slider box cost less than $2 consumable supplies to make.  You could easily sell this at a flea market or as a fund-raiser campaign for $5.  That’s a $3 profit.  They are so easy to make, even small chidlren can make them.  In fact, my latest downloadable class tutorial has three different quick and easy designs that can easily be adapted for fund raisers or holiday market sales.  Contact me and I’ll send you all the details and some sample pictures.

Images Stampin' Up! © 2009

Gift Sacks

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

 This project is using the Sweet Season stamp set (#116471) I’ve been highliting the last couple of days.  I’m sure you are seeing the versatility of this stamp set.  This project is using white craft ink.  All you have to do is stamp a sheet of Real Red card stock, let it dry and then cut it down to fit the sack.  A really easy project to do multiples at the same time.  Hey, what a thoughtful gift this would make for someone.   For those of you looking for fund-raisers, creative gift containers sell well.  Let me know if you need some help with your fund raiser.  I’ll be happy to contribute some of my commission to the cause.

We all need gift bags for the holidays and winter gift giving.   Make these up in advance to have them on hand.  The last thing you need to do is run around wrapping or purchasing the same old gift sacks from the store.  Trust me you will be so glad you did.   

Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Pad (#101731)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Coordinating Stamp Set with Punches

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

I love stamp sets that match a punch.  This stamp set actually goes with two punches, the Scallop Circle Punch (#109043) and the Wide Oval Punch (#112082). You can make so many fabulous projects going two of my favorite things…stamping and punching!

This sour cream template has always been a favorite of mine as well.  You can make the container any size you want.  It is easy to get 4 containers out of one sheet of 8.5×11 card stock.  Wonderful to use with Designer Series Paper.  Great idea for Halloween Parties.   I can also see adding some of those small cookies inside and then treating your co-worker to a coffee and this cute little container.  She will think you are an angel. 

Scallop Circle Punch (#109043)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Gingerbread House Card

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

I think this picture speaks for itself.  Isn’t it wonderful.  The artist used the Gel Pen to create the accents.  This could be a card or you could make it in to a house for decorations.  I thought I could use the same template for my birdhouse project.   The lollipops are punched circles but I think you could also use the scallop punch if you wanted. For the roof, the artist used the Scallop Edge Punch (#112091) but I was thinking the Eyelet Border Punch (#113692) would be cute as well.

Eyelet Border Punch (#113692)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Foot Stompin’ Enthusiasm!

Picture by Jennifer Schaerer - Paper Crafts

I was preusing my favorite blog scene and lo and behold look what I found on Paper Crafts Blog.   Jennifer Schaerer shared her enthusiasm for the Stampin’ Up! convention and the BIG news regarding My Digital Studio and Build-A-Bear.

View more pictures and read her comments here.

Handmade Goodness

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

I saw this stamp set and I thought of all the great uses for it.  It’s going to be hard to decide on which project I want to do first.  If you plan to make any home made goodies to share with co-workers, potlucks, family member treats, good neighbor gifts, this is the stamp set for you. 

* NEW * Sweet Season Stamp Set (#116471)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

More Tree Trimmings Stamp Set Cards

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Great uses for a great stamp set.

* NEW * Tree Trimmings Stamp Set (#116722)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

More Tree Trimmings Stamp Set

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Great uses for a great stamp set.

* NEW * Tree Trimmings Stamp Set (#116722)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Poinsettia

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Did you notice the poinsettia is made from the stamping and embossing using the Tree Trimming Stamp Set?  I love it when I see ideas of how to extend the use of a product.  Granted this will take a little time and cannot be mailed but this is a WOW.  Think about using it on a wreath, table setting, gift tag, gift decoration or a box on a box.  The possibilities are endless.

I know my Stampin’ Up! customer Jenny loves poinsettia. Jenny are you seeing this?

* NEW * Tree Trimmings Stamp Set (#116722)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Elegant Tree Trimming Stamp Set

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

I confess, my Christmas Tree is different every year. I have a yearly holiday theme that goes to all my decorations, gift wrapping, tags, cards and tree. Yea, I know it’s a little excessive but I love to do it. I am always using Stampin’ Up! products because one stamps, ink and Designer Series paper and that’s all I need. Anyway…..when I saw this project I thought wouldn’t it be nice to have a 6″x6″ scrapbook of all the Christmas trees throughout the year. It could even tie in with the theme. What a wonderful memory. So, I just started a new tradition!

* NEW * Tree Trimmings Stamp Set (#116722)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Convention – Scallop Envelope Box

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City in early August. There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention. One of them is all the project ideas. Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things. These pictures are from art boards posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry. I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you. I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks. Enjoy!

My Inspiration Club Members have made a box by simply die cutting 4 of the Scallop Envelope Bigz Die (#113462) and then chaining them together to make a square box like this. The box is great for Easter baskets, bathroom products, office supplies, you name it.  Let me know if you need more details.  This box is made with only two scallop envelopes and then simply cut the sides to fit.  How cool is that?  Great for any gift box filled with candy or home made peanut brittle.   See my previous post on the exclusive Scallop Envelope Die for the Sizzix Machine.

Many Merry Messages (#116586)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Convention – Christmas Card

I attended the yearly Stampin’ Up! convention 2009 in Salt Lake City.  There are many reason I enjoy going to the convention.  One of them is all the project ideas.  Stampin’ Up! posts boards with projects to inspire us to try new things.  These pictures are posted under really bright lights so some of the pictures maybe a bit blurry – sorry.  I learn so much from reviewing the project boards that I would like to share some of those ideas with you.  I’ll be posting a project idea once a day for the next few weeks.  Enjoy!

Let’s talk a little bit about making Christmas cards.  Althought I love this card because of the stamp set (Tree Trimming #116722) it uses, the use of textured card stock (#115538), the color scheme (Dusty Durango & Crushed Cury) and the beautiful greeting (Many Merry Message #116586), that’s not the idea I want to highlight.  It’s the ribbon.  WOW!  I saw this card and I was immediately drawn to the ribbon.  Dress up all of your projects with this beautiful, high-quality ribbon.  Whether it be a bow around a gift box, to hang a handmade ornament, accent a home decor decoration or to dress up a card, it add a WOW effect.

Masterpiece Ribbon Originals (#116230)

Stampin' Up! © 2009

Family Tree Frame

 

 

 

Stamps

• Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set

Paper

• Chocolate Chip textured card stock

• Real Red textured card stock

• Whisper White textured card stock

• Old Olive Patterns Designer Series paper

Ink

• Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad®

• Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write® marker

Stampin’ Up! Accessories

• Real Red 1/4″ grosgrain ribbon

• Linen thread

• Rich Regals brads

• Small Chocolate Tree, Thoughts & Prayer Décor Elements™

• Stampin’ Dimensionals®

• 1/16″ Circle punch

• 1-3/4″ Circle punch

• Trio Flower punch

• 14″ x 18″ frame

Chalkboard technique

What about this sample.  Yummy x2. I used the Chalkboard technique.
For this technique. Use Craft Whisper White ink to wheel across the 2” x 5 ½” Night of Navy card stock. While ink is wet dab Chocolate Chip, More Mustard and Mellow Moss pastels in sections using Sponge Daubers. Use a Stamping Sponge to wipe off excess pastel powder.

Purchase any product from me this month and you will receive this Friend Words Inspiration Club Class delivered to your inbox. See my Online Classes for more details.

Designing Scrapbook Pages

Q: I’m pretty new to scrapbooking, how do I create a great scrapbook page?

A: There are many types of albums — ranging from formal albums to archive old family photos to trendy mini albums.  While there are no set rules, most scrapbook pages incorporate titles, photographs, accents, and journaling. Generally each album, or layout within a larger album, tells the story of a special memory, occasion, or event.  Read on for more information about incorporating titles, photographs, accents, and journaling into your scrapbooks.

Titles

Adding titles to your scrapbook or layout sets the stage for the story you are going to tell.  Titles can be stamped, handwritten, or created with die cuts.  Many scrapbookers prefer stamped titles because they stand out from the other writing on the page and are versatile enough to customize the colors and style to that of the layout. Alphabet stamp sets are available in many styles and sizes and Stampin’ Up! also offers great alphabet dies (Serif Essentials Bigz Alphabet Die Set (#113464) & Billboard Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (#114510) to use with the Big Shot! 

Photographs

Most scrapbooks are created using copies of photos, not the only existing original. That way there is less stress when cutting or cropping photos and you can change the color of the photos to black and white. The size and number of photos on a page can vary.  A single 8″ x 10″ photo on a page or many 2″ x 2″ cropped photos, it all depends on the style and theme of the layout and as well as the photos available. 

Journaling

One of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of a scrapbook is the journaling that helps tell the story.  Journaling can be handwritten or typed and printed.  Many scrapbookers encourage handwritten journaling as it adds a more personal touch.  Wouldn’t you enjoy having a note or message written by a grandmother or great-grandmother in her own writing?  “What to journal?” is often the big question.  The basics of Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How are a good place to start. You can journal about a feeling, a memory, a thought, a story, or even a single phrase.  Quotations and poems that fit the story can also be included.  A scrapbook about a trip to Washington D.C. could include the beginning of the Constitution or the Pledge of Allegiance, while a baby scrapbook could include first words, a description of a typical day, or some funny things the child did or said. There are many possibilities.  At the very least, be sure you are including names and dates. You and the people you share your scrapbooks with, now and in the future, will appreciate it!

Accents

Like titles accents can be stamped, die cut, or even drawn.  Many scrapbookers like stamped accents that coordinate with the colors of the page or photographs. Ribbons and punched card stock are always a great choice. Don’t leave out our Accents & Elements line: Flower Fusion (#110720) and Canvas Cuts (#113979) with coordinating rub-ons.

Send Me Your Questions

To The Nines Designer Series Specialty Paper

This heavier weight Designer Series paper features the exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors and artwork. Each package includes 12 sheets of 12” x 12”, double-sided, cover-weight paper in two sheets of each of six designs. To the Nines, Sweet Slumber and Parisian Breeze papers are printed on textured, cover-weight paper. Rockabilly Specialty paper has a gloss printing on some designs.

To The Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper 114038 Stampin' Up! © 2009

The Designer Series Specialty Papers that Stampin’ Up! offers are amazing. Seeing the designs in the catalog is great but when you feel the texture and the heavy weight you will be thrilled with these new papers! The heavier weight and texture makes these papers perfect for 3-D projects like boxes. There is nothing wimpy about the style or weight of these papers!

To The Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper 114038 Stampin’ Up! © 2009

 

To The Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper

My Favorite Paper (today)

My intent was to create a blog post  today about my favorite paper collection to celebrate National Scrapbooking Day and the Paper Sale.  But can I really decide on one pack?  NO!  So, for today….., this is my favorite paper pak. 

 

Stampin’ Up! © 2009 Jackpot Designer Series Paper -#113995

Jackpot Designer Series Paper 113995   Preferred Price: $9.95 Our Designer Series papers are absolutely beautiful and use our palette of colors and original images. Designer Series paper makes it easy to create a card or scrapbook page with coordinating background paper, card stock, and stamped images. It also covers On Board chipboard beautifully.■ 12″ x 12″, 100-lb text ■ 12 sheets per package (2 each of 6 designs) ■ Exclusive designs and colors, with patterns based on Stampin’ Up! art ■ Coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors: Basic Black, Real Red, So Saffron, and Very Vanilla