the little blue room

Sweet Summer

2012-01-23T17:21:00.001-06:00

The challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments has a beach theme this week!

I thought pinwheels would be perfect on this page plus I've never used one on a project and they always look so cute on other people's pages. Here's a few close-up photos of my pinwheels.

Thanks for stopping by the little blue room today! Be sure to head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to check out the other designers fun projects. Then be sure to share your project with us by linking it to the HSS blog.

Spring Chandelier

2012-01-12T23:33:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited that I get to share another project I created for the UStamp with Dawn and Friends online class. A spring chandelier!

To learn how to make this spring chandelier join the UStamp with Dawn and Friends event going on now to downlaod the step by step tutorial!

Along with the tutorial for the chandelier you'll find 40 projects with tutorials all using the awesome new Simply Scored tool from Stampin Up! All for just $24.99. What a deal! Hope to see you at the event!

Beautiful Day

2012-01-09T18:05:00.000-06:00

I was in the groove this week as a scrapped these photos of my youngest daughter playing tea party with her stuffed animals.

I was inspired by the Pleats and Ruffles theme challenge over on Hand Stamped Sentiments.

I love the layers and details!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are inspired and play along with us at Hand Stamped Sentiments!

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too!

2011-12-31T14:45:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year's Eve! I hope everyone has a fun and safe night welcoming in the new year!
I'm excited to start the year off sharing a neat project I created for the UStamp with Dawn and Friends online class going on right now!

With this cupcake kit you can Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too! In the tutorial I tell you step-by-step how to create this gift box which includes a cupcake-in-a-jar, sprinkles, and icing.

To get this tutorial and many, many more join us for the UStamp with Dawn and Friends SCORE event.

During the Score Event the UStamp with Dawn and Friends designers will share 40+ projects with tutorials for every project all using the new Stampin' Up! Simply Scored tool! Also, live chat and prizes! It's always lots of fun!! Click here to go sign up! Only $24.99!

Thanks for stopping by!

6th Birthday

2011-12-26T13:47:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We had a wonderful time with family over the weekend!
I was able to squeeze in a few minutes between all the Christmas baking and crafting to create this scrapbook page celebrating my youngest daughter's 6th birthday.

When I have more time I will journal beside the cupcake. I love the little '6' candle I added to the cupcake top. It's like the candle she is blowing out in the bottom picture. I used the new Labels Collection Framelits to create the cool shape behind the cupcake. I LOVE them!! So many sizes you can cut and you can layer different sizes or make frames! Awesome new product from Stampin' Up!

I was inspired to work on this birthday page by the challenge on Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Head on over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see the wonderful projects the other designers created this week. Then share your creativity with us and link your creation on the HSS blog.

Almost a Year Later

2011-12-12T22:09:00.000-06:00

I finally scrapbooked a few of last year's Christmas photos!

I printed the black and white 8x10 to use in a frame as display at our church's Christmas Festival over the weekend. A friend came up with the idea for this amazing photo tree.

Don't you just love that awesome red frame?
When it was over I didn't want to just throw out the photo so I thought I'd try to use it on a scrapbook page.
Which worked out perfectly with the Old Fashioned Christmas challenge theme over on Hand Stamped Sentiments this week.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I hope to see your projects on Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Blog Hop Winner!

2011-12-06T09:53:00.001-06:00

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for the blog hop! It was lots of fun! It's time to announce the winner of the blog candy...
the plains stamper!!
Please email me {click here} with your address so I can send out your prize.
Thanks again everyone! Looking forward to seeing you during the next UStamp with Dawn and Friends event!

It's Been A While

2011-12-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

I took a little break from all the Christmas crafts and scrapbooked this week! It's been a while. I think about 8 months! So it was extra fun to work on this page.

My color combo was inspired by the color challenge going on this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

I used a Stampin' Write Marker to color the chipboard letters.

I made my own doilies again using the scallop die and scallop punch with the crop-a-dile.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you'll be able to play along with the challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments this week. I'd love to see your wonderful projects!

Up on the Roof Top Blog Hop

2011-12-01T14:14:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2011 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop.

If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Dawn. Wasn't that the coolest tree!

If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no worries, you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

I'm so excited to share my project, Merry Mail Garland, with you!
**Edited to add** There was a question on how I made the Christmas lights so I wanted to be sure everyone knows that the tutorial can be found at UStamp with Dawn and Friends, just *click here* and register to join. You'll find the tutorial for this project and many others ALL FREE as a gift to you!! Be sure to go download the PDF tutorial! Merry Christmas!!**

Checking the mail is so much fun during the holidays. Especially when you start receiving "merry mail" - Christmas cards and photos from family and friends! Usually I just hang them on the fridge, but this year I wanted to display our "merry mail" somewhere special.

Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink and Crystal Effects make these bulbs shine as they hold your "merry mail" on Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine. What a lovely way to deck your halls this holiday season!

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!

Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!

AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!!

You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.

In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...

Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

YES!!

You read that right!!

YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!

***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***

Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.

Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing

and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to

THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and

there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and

join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

***

AND last, but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next Designer's Roof Top! So please click below for NEXT BLOG, where you will find Katie ready to share a delightful Holiday project with you.

If you would like to hop back to Dawn's Roof Top, please click below.

Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Holidays to YOU!!

My First Blog Hop!

2011-12-01T13:58:00.001-06:00

I'm excited to participate in my very first blog hop! UStamp With Dawn & Friends is hosting a Christmas blog hop and I was invited to play!

It's a FREE event with fabulous projects from the UStamp with Dawn and Friends Design Team. Every project will include a link for a downloadable PDF tutorial. Each designer will have BLOG CANDY at their blogs and YOU could be the winner! We'll have fun creative challenges where you can share your projects. Plus live chats with prizes! This is a great way to see what UStamp with Dawn and Friends events are like for FREE!

I'm looking forward to sharing my project with you tomorrow! I hope you'll come join the fun this weekend!

Trimming the Tree

2011-11-28T21:51:00.001-06:00

The day after Thanksgiving is decorating day at our house. We crank up the Christmas music and deck the halls! I've been decorating since Friday and I'm still not done. I keep coming up with more projects I want to make to put out this year, so I've been getting distracted. I was able to squeeze in a few minutes of craft time to make this ornament.

The challenge this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments is to make anything but a card and ornaments is the theme.

I used the idea of cutting designer paper, rolling it up, and sliding it into the clear ornaments. Instead I printed photo strips of my children, rolled them tightly, and slide them into my glass ornament. I also added a strip of paper with 2011 typed over and over to remember the year.

Now that I'm looking at it, I think I'm going to add a photo strip with photos of me and my husband as well. You could do so much with this idea. Make an ornament with photos of just one child including strips that list things about that year. Like what grade, favorite book, movie, game, etc. Fun!! It's like a time capsule in an ornament! I'm so doing that now!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season. Be sure to drop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see all the great ornaments the designers shared this week. I know things are busy with all the great holiday things going on, but if you find some time to get crafty, join us this week and link your project at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Christmas Wishes

2011-11-21T19:30:00.001-06:00

Nope, it's not another Christmas card. This week I made a cute little Christmas gift box.

The challenge this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments is Winter Wonderland. Which is why I was inspired to use the snowflake die cut on my project this week. Isn't it cute with the button in the middle and the baker's twine bow?

Looking forward to seeing what this challenge inspires you to create! Head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to check out the cool projects the other designers shared this week.

Now I'm off to get everything ready for family and friends to come celebrate Thanksgiving at our house. Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love and many happy blessings!

Comfort & Joy

2011-11-14T20:38:00.001-06:00

If I keep this up I'm going to actually have Christmas cards to send out this year! Everyone would get a different kind of card, but that's fine, right?

This week at Hand Stamped Sentiments the technique challenge is using the bargello technique.

You cut strips of paper and off set them to create a new design. To create my background I cut strips from Designer Series Paper with diagonal stripes. I cut a few strips from the side, then from the bottom of the paper. Then I lined them up to create a sort of chevron pattern with the stripes. Super simple, but really cool!
Be sure to visit Hand Stamped Sentiments to see more great creations from the design team! I hope you'll accept the challenge and they the bargello technique this week, then share your work with us!

Thanks for visiting the little blue room!

Matryoshka Doll

2011-11-07T23:19:00.000-06:00

I am thrilled to share with you the project I created for the Ustamp with Dawn and Friends!! Knock Out Punches Event!

I've always loved matryoshka dolls! As a little girl they fascinated me and today I still think they are just the cutest thing. I went to work in the little blue room with my Stampin' Up! supplies and designed a matryoshka box and a cute little card to go with it! This gift set is perfect for any occasion! From "Congratulations! I knew you had it in you!" to "Thanks! You're a doll!" and just about anything in between.
Want the tutorial to create your own adorable doll? Join us for the Knock Out Punches event to get the PDF for this and over 40 more projects! Two projects posted everyday plus bonus projects! Live chats with crafters from around the world! The party started on the 4th, but it is not too late to join. The event lasts until November 23rd! Just $24.99 to join the fun!

I hope to see you there!

P.S. I actually posted twice today! Be sure to check out my Season's Greetings card.

Season's Greetings

2011-11-07T22:18:00.000-06:00

I went grocery shopping the other day and Christmas decorations were everywhere. Christmas music was playing over the speakers. It really got me excited for Christmas and in the perfect mood to make this Christmas card.

This week's challenge over on Hand Stamped Sentiments is to go overboard and create a Christmas card that is over the top! A card decked out with lots of layers, bling, and details!

And I did just that! I even created my own doily using the scallop die and the crop-a-dile to create the holes. Then I ran it through the big shot with an embossing folder to give it some texture. I love how it turned out!

Head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see all the other wonderful examples by the designers. Then go overboard on a Christmas card and join us for the challenge this week!

P.S. Believe it or not I posted twice today so be sure to check out my Matryoshka Doll.

Knock Out Punches

2011-11-04T14:21:00.002-05:00

I am delighted to share that I was invited to be a guest designer by Dawn to be a part of her amazing events at Ustamp with Dawn & Friends! I'm looking forward to sharing the project I've designed with you! This event is ALL about PUNCHES. You know how much I LOVE punches! Stampin' Up! Punches R♥CK!!

IT'S GONNA BE A FIRST ROUND KNOCK OUT FELT AROUND THE WORLD!
Come join us! Round of UStamp "Knockout Punches" - Worldwide Championships 2011!! begins TODAY, November 4th and goes until November 23rd. Just wait till you see the projects we have created for you! They are diffently all Knock Outs! The Design Team is more than ready to step up to the challenge of covering all the punches in 40+ projects!! There's a whole lotta punching going on and you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE what the Designers have waiting for you.

The Design Team - composed of highly accomplished papercrafters - are poised to...
Float like butterflies
and sting like bees
as they dazzle with
powerful punched projects
for you and me!!
(any Muhammad Ali fans out there??)

Knockout Punches will be focusing on showcasing Stampin' Up! Punches from the USA/Canada 2011 - 2012 Idea Book & Catalog as well as the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog!! And not just for the upcoming Holiday Season, so get ready to enjoy VAST VARIETY of FANTASTIC Projects that will still be useful long after Santa puts that last gift under the tree!!

Subscription price is $24.99 and you can find all the info you need to join by clicking on the link below. The FAST AND EASY payment process allows you to join as a member and grants immediate access to the Knockout Punches Website!!
Can't wait to chat and create with you there!

A Simple Noel

2011-10-31T18:14:00.001-05:00

You've heard of KISS, right? Keep It Simple Silly. Well, I've been reminded of that thousands of times because I never seem to be able to keep things simple. My husband and my sister are always giving me a hard time about this. I usually go overboard in everything I do, but not this time. I actually made something simple, and I like it! I even tried adding more stuff but took it off because I liked it simple.

If I were going to actually, really hand-make Christmas cards that actually, really made it into the mail box this would be the one. It literally took me less than a minute to put this together! A little trick on ruffling the ribbon...add adhesive directly to the card stock then scrunch and press. All done.

My color combo came from the color challenge this week on Hand Stamped Sentiments.

With Halloween in the rear-view mirror and Thanksgiving at the next exit Christmas is just around the corner. Time to get a head start on all the fun holiday projects!
Head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments for more inspiration and I hope you'll share some of your creativity with us this week, too!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Corny

2011-10-25T00:04:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Halloween it's just a few days away! Fall is flying by! Just one more month before we start decorating for Christmas. I'll be hostessing Thanksgiving dinner at my place this year. I bought adorable new serving dishes and super cute turkey plates and napkins. Then I made these...

Perfect to sit on each place setting or throughout the center of the table along with the other decor, don't you think? Not really corny. I just couldn't think of a good title at midnight. :)

I made single cornstalks last year but never thought to tie three together and have them stand. Love it! I was inspired by the photo inspiration challenge this week at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Here's a quick tutorial. The pictures aren't great since I was trying to put all this together in less than an hour, but I wanted share anyway.

I used:

Stampin' Up!'s new cellophane bags (you can use pretzel bags but the measurements will be off)
Corn Husks found at the grocery store (used to make tamales)
Candy Corn but any small candy would work like M&M's or Jelly Bellies
Raffia (or hemp or bakers twine)
Stampin' Up! striped ribbon

Fill the bag with candy leaving one inch at the bottom and 2 inches at the top.

Lay bag over a husk, tie at the bottom, and trim the end

Trim the bag one inch from candy at the top and tie closed

(This I didn't get a picture of) Take your fingernail and slide it through the top part of the husk to fray it. Start where you tied it closed and slide to the end. It won't work the other direction.
Tie three together and you are good to go! Not only for decoration, but a cute little gift, too.

Thanks for visiting the little blue room. Head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments to see all the other wonderful projects. I hope you'll link your project, too!

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Fallish Kind Of Basket

2011-10-17T01:46:00.000-05:00

I saw a cute basket decorated for fall and thought, "I bet I can make one out of paper!" So I gave it a try and this is what I came up with.

This week's challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments is to use the shaving cream technique, crayons, or pastel chalks.

I rarely use my chalks, but I thought they would be perfect for coloring my leaves to make them look all fallish. I love how it all turned out! It is just the right size to hold an apple with a side of caramel dip. Very fallish!

So glad I was pushed by the challenge this week to dig out my pastels. I'll have to keep them out on the craft desk to use them more often.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!
I hope you head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments this week to play along with the challenge.

Hope Floats

2011-10-11T00:47:00.001-05:00

I'm delighted to announce that I've been invited to join the design team over on Hand Stamped Sentiments! If you don't already know, Hand Stamped Sentiments is a weekely challenge blog with color challenges, technique challenges, theme challenges, and inspiration challenges. As I said over on HSS, I love challenges! When I find time to sit down at my craft desk I get lost in all the ideas and supplies. I don't know where to begin. Challenges inspire me, give me somewhere to start, and a focus for my creativity. Which is one reason I'm so excited I was invited to be a part of the Hand Stamped Sentiments Design Team. I get to play along with a new, fun challenge each week!

This week the theme is Breast Cancer Awareness. Most of us have been effected by breast cancer through friends or family, or even personally. I had a personal scare a few years ago when I started having breast pain and found a lump. I was relieved when I find out I have fibrocystic breasts. Fibrocystic breast changes are normal and harmless. They are not cancer, and they do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Experts think that fibrocystic breast changes are linked to the hormone changes that happen during your menstrual cycle. I may be sharing a little too much info, but breast cancer is serious. It is so important to be aware because early detection can increase the chances of surviving breast cancer.

With my project I knew I wanted to make something uplifting and encouraging, but I wasn't quite sure what. After two days of playing in the little blue room, I ended up with a hot air balloon. Hope floats.

This balloon is huge! It measures around 15 inches tall with the little hanging basket. The basket can hold goodies or a small gift.

I didn't have any pink ribbon so I made my pink ribbons using strips of paper.

If you find some crafty time this week I hope you'll play along and link your creation at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

Thanks for visiting the little blue room!

A Thank You Card...For A Guy

2011-10-07T23:41:00.006-05:00

I wanted to make a thank you card for a guy. I had no idea how tough that was going to be. I couldn't add ribbon or flowers or butterflies. It was like making a card with my hands tied behind my back! Searching for some inspiration I went over to Hand Stamp Sentiments to check out the challenge this week. It's a color challenge using Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, and Night of Navy.

I thought these colors would work great on a card for a guy. It ended up being a super simple card using this cute little guy with his megaphone from the hostess stamp set Ain't Love Grand. I used my Blender Pens to color the image.

If you have some crafty time this weekend, you should head over to Hand Stamped Sentiments and play along with the challenge!

{Impress}ive Technique

2011-09-23T21:26:00.001-05:00

I found this impressive technique over on splitcoaststampers.com. I think it is called crayon rubbed embossing. Super easy with really cool results.All you do is lay your cardstock on the raised part of your embossing folder and frimly rub a white crayon over your cardstock. Then rub the ink over the cardstock and crayon marks resist the ink leaving a design. Get it, {impress}ive?

I created this polka dot paper using the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder and Daffodil Delight ink. I love how it turned out! I'm excited to know I can make whatever colored polka dot paper I need to match my projects!

This is one of the tags from the Two Tags die. You just fold on the crease, wrap it around a small candy bar (like the little Hershey bar I have wrapped up here but something like Laffy Taffy would work as well), and you have a cute little package.

I wanted to try a different embossing folders to see how it looked so I grabbed my Square Lattice embossing folder. I used Tangerine Tango ink this time. What a neat look! It looks very worn, but it is smooth to the touch.

This is the other tag from the Two Tags die. I cut two, then scored them at one inch on the bottom, and attached them together to create another little treat holder.

A couple of Hershey's nuggets fit inside perfectly.

After I made these I found out that Hand Stamped Sentiments was having a technique challenge using an embossing folder, embossing powder, or a letterpress plate, create any card or 3D project. Perfect. So I linked over there. You should go over and play along, too.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit at the little blue room!

Stamp Club Creation July

2011-08-02T15:37:00.007-05:00

Again I was inspired by another project from Erica over on Pink Buckaroo Designs.

She shared this idea as a teacher appreciation idea. I thought it would be fun to decorate your crafting scissors or coupon cutting scissors, too.

My stamp club ladies loved the idea because the project was so quick and easy with an awesome result. Personally decorated scissors. Too cool! I now want to do this to every pair of scissors I see!

All you have to do is

cut a piece of patterned paper to fit over the blade
glue to the blade using Crystal Effects
sand around the edges to give it a nice finished look
cover with a layer of Crystal Effects
let dry

I made my set to match the little blue room.

The pens are even easier to make.

unscrew the end of an RSVP pen
cut a piece of patterned paper long enough to fit inside the casing and wide enough to wrap around the ink tube inside
roll the patterned paper into a tube and slide it into the pen casing
screw the end back on

Here's a coupon clipping kit I put together real quick. Seriously, it took like 5 minutes to make. It takes the Crystal Effects longer to dry than it takes to put the kit together. I used the same process used to cover the scissors on the circle latch that the elastic wraps around to add a little flair to the coupon holder and to make it all matchy-matchy.

The scissors are just the right size to slide into the holder so I can always find my scissors when I'm ready to start clipping.

I mentioned in my last post that the real life little blue room is getting a makeover soon. I've been searching the web for great room layout ideas and clever storage ideas. If you've found something that works for you or you hope to implement into your craft room someday please add the link. I'd appreciate more inspiration as I plan out the new and improved little blue room. You can leave a link below. Thanks!

Wow...Time Really Does Fly!

2011-07-27T23:40:00.002-05:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I've shared on here until I received an email from a sweet lady letting me know how much she enjoys my blog and she closed the email with "let me know if you decide to continue your blog." I was like, what? I'm still blogging! Then I went to my blog and noticed I had not blogged in more than two months. Wow...time really does fly! Thank you, Keren, for your email and I'm so glad you found my blog and took the time to send me an email. You can visit Keren's blog with wonderful Stampin' Up ideas here > Stampin' Journey of an Everyday Crafter.

We've been busy with lots of summer fun these past two months. We went the pool ALOT. I helped with a craft at Cub Scout Day Camp. I was able to go to our church girls youth camp for a week. I made my youngest daughter a bandana stars and stripes top using some of my favorite striped ribbon from Stampin' Up.

Oh, and these hair things too. I used the Big Shot to cut the blue and white stars out of foam. Then, punched a hole in the center with the Crop-a-dile. To finish it off I tied the stars to the braids with the striped ribbon.

Last summer I was inspired by these memory jars. I added them to my ever growing to-do list but, never got around to making any. Don't you love those vinyl words on the jars?

These are from Martha Stewart.

When I saw this project on Erica's blog it was the kick in the pants I needed to go try making my own.

So, this was our Stamp Club creation in June.

I used a Stampin' Up digital kit to print out the embellishments we used in our project.

Just $9.95. With digital you can print as many as you need and in any size you want, over and over again! So, I decided on the size I wanted for this project and printed them out on Whisper White Cardstock. Then, we simply cut out the embellishments and added them to our memory jars.

This is a collection of photo jars Amy made to display at her photography studio. I love how they turned out and how they demonstrate using different themes, not just beach.

Stamp Club for July is tomorrow night! I hope to post our club creation soon.

Well, there you go, a little catchin' up on the blog. Things will probably be slow for another month or so as the real life little blue room is being rearranged and redecorated in August. I am SO excited! I've been sketching ideas and measuring things and hanging out on pinterest.com gathering lots of inspiration. Thanks for being patient with me. I should be back to sharing on a regular basis after school starts.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

Bloomin' Cute Candy Bouquet

2011-05-23T16:34:00.004-05:00

It has been a long time. Some of my followers and fans may not know that I live in the areas effected by the recent tornadoes on April 27th. My famlily and I were lucky, the tornado went past our house by about a mile. My husband and I watched it pass by from our upstairs window. Our area has so much damage. It is heartbreaking just to drive to the grocery store and pass the neighborhoods and buildings that are now just piles of debris. So, there has been lots going on to take me away from the little blue room for a while.
With this month coming to an end I needed to have our Stamp Club meeting. I sat down in the little blue room to come up with an idea for a project this month. I had heard of candy bouquets but, to be honest, it sounded a little cheesey to me. I know, I know, shame on me for judging. I'm glad that it was the only project coming to mind. I had just ordered the Blossom Party original die for my big shot and this project gave me an excuse to break it in.

My original thought was to use Dum-Dum suckers because they are smaller, but I could not find them anywhere. Finally I found mini suckers and they are just the right size. I was planning on just making sucker blooms, then Pixy Stix came to mind as taller stemmed flowers. So, I jumped in the car and went to the store just for Pixy Stix! I'm crazy like that.
When I started making the blooms I only used two layers of flowers and it was looking very flat...and cheesey, oh no! So, I cut more and crunched and crinkled and layered and I started loving it.

Then I needed something to put the bouquet in and remembered using this watering can template from Splitcoast Stampers a while back. Perfect. What a sweet little gift for birthday, thank you, or any time!

I'm so glad I gave this idea a try because I love how it turned out! Looking forward to sharing it with my Stamp Club ladies tomorrow night.

Hope you are having a great day, even if it is a Monday. Thanks for stopping by the little blue room!

Bunny Bag

2011-04-12T15:13:00.002-05:00

Stamp Club is this Thursday. We will be making this cute little bunny bag. Perfect for giving Easter treats.

Every bunny needs a fluffy tail.

Spring is Blossoming Promotion: April 1 - 30, 2011

The Stampin' Up! Spring is Blossoming Promotion offers customers the opportunity to purchase two sneak peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:
•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met. Ordering another $20 of Stampin' Up! products resets the limit and allows you to purchase another five Designer Series Papers and/or stamp sets.

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

•There is a limit of one Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper per workshop.

*Net sales before tax and shipping

Thanks for hopping by. Haha.

A Day Late And A Dollar Short, So To Speak

2011-04-09T17:32:00.000-05:00

I was trying my best to finish this scrapbook page before the deadlines of two different challenges.

ColourQ

Sketchy Thursday

I was late for both! At least I was inspired to create. That is the whole point, right?

Thanks for stopping in for a quick visit. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Saturday!

Burlap Love

2011-03-22T22:08:00.006-05:00

I have a thing for burlap and I must have it bad, my last post was about burlap! :)
As I was trying to plan my upcoming Stamp Club projects I came across a card that had cardstock embossed with the Stampin' Up! Square Lattice embossing folder. Then the recent banner I made for my sister Amy (Amy Boston Photography) came to mind. Bam, idea! Faux Burlap Banner! The only problem, I didn't have that embossing folder yet. I had to wait DAYS with this idea floating around in my head but, not able to actually create it. Drove me crazy! I was thrilled when I pulled into my driveway and Stampin' Up! boxes where waiting for me. Look! My embossing folder wanted to play, too. Hahaha.

I was worried that my idea wouldn't turn out as great as I had imagined but after cutting and embossing I was already head over heels. Look at that yummy texture!

I made a few 3D paper flowers, cut some things with the Big Shot, and added just a few spring touches.

My favorite part is the "frayed" edges. Such a wonderful detail!

The paper really has a look and feel similar to burlap. Love it!

Super excited to share this my Stamp Club ladies this Thursday, then I will share how-to's with you!

Thanks for stopping in for a visit at the little blue room.

Burlap Banner

2011-03-15T22:02:00.002-05:00

Isn't burlap just wonderful! I love the texture and shabby chic look, especially in these beautiful photos from Amy Boston Photography.

I made my banner a little differently, it's reversable. The "I DO" and "MR & MRS" are the same banner, just flipped. Two photo props in one. How cool is that?

I wanted to play along with the contest over on Lil Blue Boo but haven't had the time to really work on anything, but I did use fabric painting so I went ahead and linked up.

Burlap Banners coming soon to the Little Blue Room Etsy store.

Thanks for visiting The Little Blue Room.

Lucky

2011-03-11T12:30:00.002-06:00

March must be my lucky month!

I had my Hello, Sunshine layout featured at Scrapbooking.com online magazine. This is still one of my all time favorite scrapbook pages that I've created. Visit Scrapbooking.com to read the article and get the step-by-step on how to recreate this page.

My Faux Turquoise Technique was shared over on One Pretty Thing! I visit almost everyday for ideas and inspiration.

Then, Ashley, from All I Create gave The Little Blue Room the Stylish Blogger Award. Thanks, Ashley!

5 Things About Me:

I met my husband online at LDS Singles dot com.

I have written two children's books but, I am still trying to find time to illustrate them.

I'm still a little afraid of the dark. (OK, sometimes a lot afraid.) I blame it on my creative imagination.

I play the massive multiplayer online roleplaying gameWorld of Warcraft. I almost always play a mage. I've played a priest and a hunter but, I really enjoy playing a mage the best.

I recently started homeschooling our 4 children. Some days I love it, some days not so much. I'm still figuring things out but, overall, it has been a great experience.

I pass this award on to:
Sarah - A Little of This, A Little of That

Cheryl - A Pretty Cool Life

Jax - Aly&Ash

Thank you for visiting The Little Blue Room today!

Faux Turquoise Tutorial

2011-03-03T20:53:00.014-06:00

Hello, blog friends! This post has been sitting on my computer since Monday. I love the technique but, I am not thrilled with my video. I do not like hearing my voice. The lighting is horrible because I recorded at night. It seemed like a good idea since the little ones were in bed and it was quiet. Today I decided I am still going to share the video with you because watching the shrinking process is the best part and I am really excited to share this technique with you. So, here it is...flaws and all.
Wait, here's a pretty picture first to help me feel better about my ugly video. :) I attached a faux turquoise bird charm to a wood pendant to add to a necklace. My sister, Amy, took apart an old bracelet and designed the earrings. I just love them! She was nice enough to share her copper circles with all of us at Stamp Club. (Thanks, girl!)

{I feel better now. Thanks!}

(Not sure about the volume settings so you may need to turn it up or down on your computer. I'm new to this, I don't know.)

Watching it shrink is awesome, right? I freaked the first time it curled up! I discovered as you keep heating it, it will flatten back out when it is finished.

We had a wonderful time at Stamp Club making all kinds of jewelry. I like to think we kicked shrinky dink up a notch!
Here are a few photos and other ideas for other shrink film jewelry items from my sister Amy. I forgot to bring my camera that night so she took a few photos of what she created afterwards. Thanks for the pictures! (Check out her beautiful photography on her photography blog here).

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my first video tutorial. So, what did you think? You going to give shrink film a try?

*Edited to add the tutorial using You Tube so those using an Iphone (like me) can view the video.*

Who's ready for the weekend? I'm hoping I can get a few crafts checked off the "I wish I had time to do" list.
Happy Crafting!

Linking to:

Sketchy Thursdays {Week 4}

2011-02-24T13:18:00.000-06:00

This is my final week as guest designer over on Sketchy Thursdays. I had a great time working with them and plan to still play along as often as possible.

Here's the sketch. Go play along at Sketchy Thursdays for a chance to win scrapbooking goodies.

I have a video tutorial that I will be working on this weekend. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.

Thanks for visiting.

Hoo Sign

2011-02-22T14:00:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine makes adorable hairblooms and asked if I would make a sign for her booth at an upcoming kids clothing sale. Here company name is {Hoo}ligans & Co so she wanted owls to be a part of the design.
I sketched this for her.

She loved it!
I then got started thinking of what materials I wanted to use to make this sketch come to life. I finally decided to use fabric for the owls and the nest. Then vinyl for the words, tree branch, and cloud. I used buttons for the mama owl's eyes and cut felt flowers for the lashes.

I thought it turned out super cute! I hope she likes it as much as I do.

If you are local you should definitely head over to Kid's Market and grab yourself some hairblooms!

Thanks for dropping by.

Sketchy Thursdays {Week 3}

2011-02-17T09:03:00.000-06:00

My third week with Sketchy Thursdays. I've really enjoyed working with their sketches and having an extra push to get some pages done.
This is the Best Storybook Ever! I remember sittting on the floor with this huge book and studying the pages for hours as a child. Wandering through Barnes and Nobles one day the cover of this book caught my eye and my mind was flooded with childhood memories. I had to have it! Now our kids enjoy the same stories and pictures as I did when I was a child. They snuggle close with me and we study the pages together. It doesn't get much better than that!

Sketch for this week.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Have a wonderful Thursday.

What To Do at Stamp Club? {Edited to add another photo}

2011-02-16T11:29:00.002-06:00

So I am trying to decide on what project to do this month with my Stamp Club group. Here's an idea using shrink plastic to create personalized charms. For my practice test I created this for my sister-in-law. I had a tiny heart on top but my little ring was too small and it wouldn't fit. It is SO awesome to watch it shrink!! Still figuring out what works well on the shrink plastic and what doesn't. I think I will try sanding it slightly and spraying a clear coat to smooth it out and make it shine.
Here I am wearing it. Wow! Try to look past the freckles. :)

{To show the size I included a dime in the photo.}

So, what do you think? Something you would be interested in learning?
More ideas using this shrinky stuff coming soon but for now, playtime over, I need to clean house!

Hope you are having a happy Wednesday.

Attempt Number Two

2011-02-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

I attended the second baby shower this month. I had fun making a bunch of gifts. Thank you friends for having lots of babies so I have an excuse to make cute stuff!

This was my second attempt at screen printing a onesie and sewing little baby shoes. This time around I put to use what I learned with mistakes from my first attempts. Practice does make things easier. A few more baby showers and I'll be a pro at screen printing onesies and sewing baby shoes. Hahaha. :) I also made my first burp cloth and crinkly teething toy.

The mama loved the fabric I used for everything and the personalized onesie. Yay! If she's happy, I'm happy!

Tomorrow is Friday! Woo hoo! Let the weekend begin.

Sketchy Thursdays {Week 2}

2011-02-10T00:16:00.004-06:00

It's my second week as guest design team member over on Sketchy Thursdays.

I found the airplane rub-on in some old Stampin' Up! stuff and knew I had to use it on my page. I hand cut the clouds and pieced together the sun.

Here is the sketch for this week.

Visit Sketchy Thursdays to see more ideas using this sketch.

I've been crafty all week making more baby gifts for a baby shower I'm attending tonight. I hope to share some of what I made soon.

I hope everyone is having a great week. So glad it is almost the weekend!

All Packaged Up

2011-02-03T21:17:00.001-06:00

Here's my gift all packaged up and ready to give. I tied it all up with red ribbon and attached a tag with a small clothespin. I made a punch art baby onesie and added it to the tag. I think it turned out really cute.
My gift was well received, but everyone especially loved the shoes.

Who's ready for Friday. Me, me, me! I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

My First Attempt

2011-02-03T10:21:00.002-06:00

I have a baby shower to attend tonight and another one next Thursday night so I thought I'd try my hand at screen printing the gifts. I kept it super simple as I am still learning.

I also made a pair of baby booties to match using old t-shirts for the fabric. It was my first attempt at the booties as well.
I learned a few things during both projects for my next attempt but, overall, I think it all turned out pretty cute. What do you think?

Thanks for visiting the little blue room!

Sketchy Thursdays {Week 1}

2011-02-03T09:49:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited to be a part of the Sketchy Thursdays Team during the month of February! Here's my first page to share as part of the team.

A big thank you to my friend Cari for the title inspiration. I love how bright and colorful this turned out for a winter page. Don't you just love the yellow snowflakes!

The sketch for this week.

Head over to Sketchy Thursdays to take a peek at what the design team created.
Thanks for stoping by for a visit!

Cute Carrier {Tutorial}

2011-01-31T01:06:00.002-06:00

Here's a quick how-to for the Cute Carrier.
Step 1
Cut a 5x12 inch strip. Fold the strip in half making a 5x6 inch rectangle and run it through the Big Shot making 2 scallop envelope die cuts.
Fold on all creases, folding the scallop flap opposite of the side and bottom flaps.

Step 2
Cut 2 strips in the remaining cardstock measuring 3 1/4x12 inches.
Score strips at 2 inches from the bottom.
Punch a handle using the large oval punch at the opposite ends. (see photo above)

Step 3
Place adhesive on the flaps of the envelopes and adhere the side envelope flaps to the 3 1/4 strips.
Fold in bottom flaps and adhere.

Step 4
Cut a 2 1/4 inch strip in coordinating designer paper or cardstock and adhere around the bottom portion of the carrier, going under the scallop flaps. This will not reach all the way around, so cut and 2 1/4x2 inch piece to fill in the gap.
Adhere the scallop flaps to the side to keep them down. (no photo for this step, oops)

Step 5
Decorate.

Tip: Run a strip of ribbon through the handle and attach to the bottom of the carrier with double sided tape, then using a different strip of ribbon, tie a bow just below the handle. Tell the recipient to peel the ribbon from the bottom to make it easier to open and the packaging stays nice and pretty.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you have any question feel free to ask, I'm happy to help!
If you create your own Cute Carrier please share it with us using Mister Linky below my signature. I look forward to seeing your projects!
Thanks for visiting.

The Best Part of Snow Days Equal Scrapbook Pages

2011-01-29T17:23:00.002-06:00

My girls! We all gathered around the desk in the little blue room and enjoyed scrapbooking and crafting together. I truly loved every minute. And look what great pages they created, all by themselves! Proud mama moment.

Even my 5 year old daughter joined in. She was so cute telling us all about her creative process and ideas.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look. I hope you are enjoying your Saturday.

Happy Monday!

2011-01-24T09:54:00.002-06:00

Mondays are usually not very happy but this morning I got a little Monday morning surprise. My {kiss}tletoe scrapbook page is top 5 for the Guest Design Team Spot!

You, my wonderful blog followers, can really help me out! Please, go visit Sketchy Thursday and vote. Voting is today and tomorrow only. You can find the voting spot on the left hand side.

Thanks so much!!

I hope you all have a happy Monday.

Snow Days Equal Scrapbook Pages #3

2011-01-19T18:02:00.001-06:00

Another page! I love the fun chipboard letters for the title on this.

I used another Sketchy Thursday sketch.

Thanks for looking!

Snow Days Equal Scrapbook Pages #2

2011-01-18T22:22:00.005-06:00

Here's page number two created during our week of snow days.

I hand punched the mistletoe using the 2 Step Bird Punch from Stampin' Up. I think it turned out great!

Journaling reads: After eight years kissing under the mistletoe, we've still got it! Just ask our kids. They were grossed out regularly by dad & mom kissing. When Jordan called mistletoe "kiss"tletoe I knew I had to use it as my scrapbook page title.

I used this Sketchy Thursday sketch for inspiration. It's part of the February Guest Design Team Member Challenge. You had to use the sketch, red (or pink), a heart, and journal somewhere on the page. Wish me luck!

Thanks for taking a look. I've got one more page to share with you soon.
Happy Crafting!

P.S. I tried adding a faceook "like" button at the end of each post. I did the code thing myself and I'm not sure if it works properly. Let me know if it works for you. Thanks!

Snow Days Equal Scrapbook Pages

2011-01-15T11:38:00.010-06:00

I have really enjoyed all the snow days we've had here this week! Even though we are homeschooling I decided to follow the public school's schedule and take the week off as well. Which meant a week off for me, too! When I wasn't playing in the snow with my family, I was in my craft room letting the creativity flow without a hurry and get it done feeling. It has been a long time since I've been able to just relax and create. It was very rejuvenating. I completed 2 pages so far and hope to create a few more over the weekend.

I used the color challenge from ColourQ for inspiration. I enjoyed working with the bright summery colors.

I was worried about adding Tangerine Tango on my scrapbook page but luckily I found some old Stampin' Up! paper that had all the colors I needed (some of the stripes and the dots are orange.) Yea! I'm not sure it is Tangerine Tango exactly but, hey, it is orange.

I love the little dress form modeling the mini tutu. I even added a tiny white butterfly to match the tutu my daughter is wearing in the photos. Love it!

Speaking of dress forms, I LOVE these. Especially the polka dot one! Not sure where the photo is from, someone used it on their blog and didn't say where these can be found. I may have to do some more research and find out because I'm thinking the polka dot one would be super cute in the little blue room!
*Edited* I found out these are from Pottery Barn Teen. I couldn't find the pink polka dot one but they have a black and white polka dot one available but the cost is $199. I'd rather spend 200 bucks on something else but maybe I can figure out how make my own or find an old one to fix up.

Well, I'm headed back to the little blue room to see what I can create today because it is back to the grindstone next week.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

Valentine Carrier

2011-01-11T13:25:00.000-06:00

My valentine themed Cute Carrier is packaged up and ready to give!

I used a stamp set from the Stampin' Up! 2009 winter mini catalog, Cold & Cuddly, for the sentiment and the cute little mug tag. The mug stamp fits perfectly in the Jewelry Tag punch.

I cut the little sack in the Big Shot with the Scallop Envelope die using a brown lunch bag. Then I tied it up using my homemade baker's twine.

In the bag is a different kind of hot chocolate gift. No powder here, it's a Hershey's chocolate bar broken into squares along with Andes peppermint chips. Just add hot milk, stir until melted, and enjoy a very tasty cup of hot chocolate!

The cup cozy I made this time is a little different than the first one. The elastic loop on this one is simply hand sewn, so no sewing machine is necessary, but you still have a loop to allow reuse on any size cup and mug. I think this cup cozy will be the one I teach my Stamp Club ladies how to make.

I am working on the tutorial to make this Cute Carrier but I want to share it with my Stamp Club ladies first. So check back at the end of the month for the easy step by step and create your own Cute Carrier.

Also, I wanted to share that I was crowned over on ColourQ for my original Cute Carrier! You should head over and check out the ColourQ challenge this week.

Thanks for stopping by the little blue room today!

January Stamp Club...Sneak Peek

2011-01-06T20:46:00.003-06:00

So, I sat down to start planning Stamp Club for this month. I already knew what product I wanted to focus on...Stampin' Pastels chalk, but not the usual techniques like poppin' pastels. I had a few ideas. I just needed a project to use them on.

I decided on our project. A calendar. It's January. A new 2011 calendar would be nice, right? I printed things, pulled out the products I needed, and started playing around. I ended up with something entirely different.

The calendar idea just wasn't coming together so I started doodling and ended up with this idea...the Cute Carrier.

Awesome. I had to get in the car right then to go buy foam cups so I could have measurements to create my template for this Cute Carrier.

I was really excited when the two Stampin' Pastel techniques I tried actually worked. Can you spot where I used Stampin' Pastel chalks?

When I went over to ColourQ (may favorite place for some color inspiration) I totally loved the color combo this week!

Seriously loving these colors. They are the colors I painted my home, after all. I even went to Target.com to check out the polka dot sheet set pictured because it would match my comforter perfectly (it's close to the soft sky color shown here), but they are not available. Bummer!

Who wouldn't feel a little better receiving a cute gift like this?
I plan on filling the cup with herbal tea, honey sticks, small tissue packet, and a few cough drops.
The cup cozy was made from felt using the Big Shot and Scallop Envelope die. I wanted to use black felt but all I had that coordinated with my project was white. Then I decorated it with ribbon, a felt flower, and a corduroy brad. The elastic loop allows you to use the cup cozy on different sized cups and on mugs by slipping the cup cozy through the handle.

It takes just one 12x12 sheet of cardstock to create a Cute Carrier and a small amount of coordinating papers and ribbon to decorate.You could decorate the Cute Carrier with any theme. I'm working out the details for a Valentine themed one to share soon.

Stamp Club ladies, I hope you are as excited about the project as I am!

Happy crafting.

A New Year, A New Mini Catalog!

2011-01-04T08:58:00.000-06:00

The New Occasions Mini Catalog is here!

I am so excited about all the wonderful new products in this mini!
Here's a few that are on the top of my got-to-have list.

Not only is there a cute cupcake stamp set, but now there's a cupcake punch!

Who doesn't love chocolate? I know I do! I also give chocolate treats more often than not, so I see this set being put to good use.

I am seriously head over heels in love with the Sew Suite collection!

Love the paper.

A few close-ups.

Love the stamp sets.

Love the fabric.

Love the fabric brads.

There's even more in the Sew Suite collection. More stamp sets, rub-ons, even a button embosslit.
Did I mention love?

You can download the mini catalog here > Occasions Mini Catalog to get a look at all the wonderful new products!

Sale-a-bration is just around the corner (January 25th-March 31st) and you are going to love the great products you can earn for free!

Take a look at the mini and let me know which products you are most excited about.

I hope 2011 has started off as a great year for you are yours. Thanks for stopping in.

(All photos used in this blog post copyright Stampin' Up!)

Christmas Treat Packages

2010-12-23T15:25:00.000-06:00

My family had a Christmas baking day and made lots of yummy treats to enjoy and to share with friends and family. When it was time to package it all up I went to the computer and designed my tags using Stampin' Up My Digital Studio brushes. I was able to change the colors and sizes. I even combined different brushes to create exactly what I wanted.

I hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday and enjoying lots of yummy treats!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Cutie

2010-12-10T21:40:00.001-06:00

Isn't this guy the cutest?

First, I made a Box in a Bag (tutorial found here) and folded in the side creating more of a lunch bag fold on the sides. Then, I made a cute reindeer face and added it as the topper.

I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season! Thanks for stopping by.

Gratitude Turkey

2010-11-22T12:18:00.000-06:00

I was playing around at my craft desk and came up with this little guy. Since Thanksgiving is just a few days away I thought I'd share him with you. I think he would be super cute at a place setting holding the napkins and silverware.

I used the Scallop Circle die for his feathers. I folded the paper before cutting the scallop so that he stands on his own. Then hand cut his body and beak. The circles for his eyes and the upside down heart for his wattle are from the Owl punch.

I also wanted to share a couple of candles the ladies made at Stamp Club. Everyone's candle was unique! I forgot I had my camera until after the meeting, so I was only able to snap a photo of two.

Created by Shari:

Created by Wendy:

Thank for coming by. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

More Christmas Crafts

2010-11-18T15:07:00.002-06:00

Here's a look at what we will be creating at Stamp Club tonight.

I finally tried "stamping" on candles. (How-to found here.) It's addicting! So fun and easy, but super cute and personal. I will be making many more of these, for sure!

Here's a non-Christmas one just to show these candles would be cute decorated in any theme. There are so many personalization and theme possiblities with this!

I purchased the glass etching cream last year and finally pulled it out. It was a little tricky but I think my decorated mug is pretty cute. I used the big shot to cut snowflakes out of contact paper. Stuck it to my glass mug and used the glass etching cream to make the snowflakes look frosty. You could do this on any smooth glass surface. Perfect for a jar filled with holiday candy, a plate of cookies, or a mug stuffed with hot chocolate mixes.

I hope my Stamp Club ladies enjoy our projects tonight.

Holiday Promotion from Stampin' Up

2010-10-20T17:55:00.001-05:00

Stampin' Up! is offering an opportunity to purchase select products in discounted bundles.

The ABC's of the Perfect Handmade Holiday...perfect for Amazing cards, Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts...at a 20 percent discount!

There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion and additional products from current catalogs may be purchased. You can purchase these bundles on any type order-customer order, workshop order, or when ordering online.
You must use the bundle item codes listed on the flyer. If codes are entered seperately the 20 percent discount will not be applied.

Promotion ends Thursday, December 16, 2010.

Contact me with any questions or if you would like to place your order.

Homemade Christmas Goodies

2010-10-14T14:57:00.003-05:00

Tonight at Stamp Club we are going to make some homemade Christmas goodies.
Using the Big Shot and the Pillow Box die I made this mug and santa overall gift boxes. You could fill them with all sorts of Christmas treats and gifts.
*Edited to add a link to the tutorial for the pillow box bucket >Click Here. I then added the suspenders using the Round Tab punch from SU! For the mug I just added a handle on the side.*

This adorable reindeer tag goes perfectly with a little bag of magic reindeer food.

My favorite is this slider card using the treat cups. I filled the treat cup with simmering potpourri made with cinnamon sticks, whole all spice, and whole cloves. It smells wonderful!

Looking forward to girls night out and sharing these projects with my Stamp Club.

Something Wicked Cool This Way Comes

2010-10-09T12:58:00.011-05:00

I always have so much fun decorating for Halloween. This year I came across this idea from Martha Stewart {click here} and just had to make one. I looked at the instructions and thought of all the random items in the garage I could use to make this project. I had pieces of left over MDF, black paint, and other items from a project I finished earlier that week that could be used to create my witch, so I was determined to make it myself and only using the items I had in my garage.

The most difficult part of the project was trying to cleverly use the items I already had. If you just head to the hardware store and buy the wood and other supplies this project can be done in an afternoon.

Step one:
Print out the template found here > witch template. Spray the board with repositional spray adhesive and lay out the template following the guide numbers. I didn't even cut around the template. I just stuck it all down. I really liked using the repositional adhesive spray to just stick down the template you are going to cut. That really is a time saver!

You can just cut out the pattern lay it out and trace it, if you don't want to buy repositional spray adhesive. The repositional spray adhesive is a little pricey at around $7 a can, but I used a 40% off coupon to cut the cost. I did learn from a mistake...don't get carried away spraying the adhesive on...too much makes it too sticky and the paper doesn't want to peel off. I finally got the paper off but it left residue squares from the paper that still show up when you look closely. So all you need is a light spray of the adhesive.

Step two:
Using a jigsaw cut the template following the outline.

I suggest starting at the bottom of the dress. Because it was my first time using a jigsaw, it gave me time to get used to how the jigsaw felt and worked before I needed to cut out detailed parts of the face and sleeves. I was so worried I was going to cut the face wrong and have to start all over. I just went super slow and it was fine. I didn't follow all of the lines perfectly, but I never messed up so badly that I couldn't just cut back to the outline and keep going. So don't freak out on little mistakes, no one will notice when you are finished.

Step three:
Peel off the template and paint her black. I had a little black spray paint so I sprayed the edges and the back then used some left over satin black paint on the front. I set her out over night and did not like how shiny she was because you could see every flaw. No woman likes to show off her flaws so I grabbed some leftover black chalkboard paint to give her a flat finish. I like her much better.

Step four:
Hammer the support pole into the ground about 12 inches. I used old tent poles that we had in our "take to the dump" pile. The one time I'm happy my husband had not taken the pile to the dump yet, lol. Then attach the witch to the pole. I used strips of hanger tape. It seems to be holding just fine so far.

Step five:
Attach the accessories. I found my lantern at a thrift store for only 55 cents. I added a screw on the back of her hand and hung the lantern from it. Then I found an old cinnamon scented broom at a thrift store. I cut off the broom end and attached it to a large stick I picked up on the side of the road. I attached the broom the same way I attached the pole.

So the total cost for me to make my witch was less than $3 because of the supplies I already had on hand!

I finished the scene with a cauldron over a fire. I used a pile of sticks I found on the side of the road to make my fire pit. I wired the sticks together to make a circle. Then I used a glass bowl wrapped in a yellow plastic table cloth and orange sparkle tulle with an orange strobe light to create my glowing flickering fire. I found the cauldron at Party City and lined it with foil. Then I placed white Christmas lights in the bottom and stuffed it with green cellophane, also from Party City. I hope to buy a smoke machine for next year so the cauldron can have a smoking glowing brew, but for this year, I think she is wicked cool!

Peek - a - BOO!

2010-09-16T12:20:00.003-05:00

Here's a quick sneak peek at one of the projects we will be making at Stamp Club tonight!

How cute is that cookie tied up with the little ghost tag?! Perfect to make and share with your child's classmates or make a bunch and give it as a YOU'VE BEEN BOO'D gift.

The other project has candy too. Maybe I shouldn't plan stamp club projects when I'm hungry, haha.
If any of my local friends would like to join our stamp club group, email me, we would love to have you join us!

Party This Way

2010-09-01T22:41:00.005-05:00

I knew I liked the pennant stamp from the Party This Way stamp set in the catalog but now that I've been able to use it, LOVE it!

I finally made some time to use both the sketch I posted a little while back and the Party This Way stamp set.

The tiny polka dot tea cup looks adorable at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for stopping in to take a look!

I'd love to show you how to create this. Host a Stampin' Up! party and I'll come to your home and demonstrate for you and your friends how to make this or another creative project. Email Rachel to set up your next Stampin' Up! party.

You can also order the items you need to create this project shopping Stampin' Up! online. Remember to select Rachel Ricks as your Demonstrator and get the preferred price. You can also email Rachel to place your order and have everything shipped to your door.
Thanks!

Paper:

Soft Suede cardstock

Bermuda Bay cardstock

Rich Razzelberry cardstock

Crushed Curry textured cardstock

Whisper White cardstock

Razzelberry Lemonade designer paper pack

Stamps:

Tiny Teacup

Party This Way

Punches and Die Cuts:

Scallop Edge punch
Scallop Trim punch

Modern Label punch

Top Note die cut in the Big Shot
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder in the Big Shot

Chipboard Letters:

Alphabet Soup

Accessories:

Designer Buttons

Take Note

2010-08-26T16:00:00.003-05:00

I was having the hardest time coming up with an idea for a project for stamp club. I had played around with a few ideas but I just wasn't feelin' it. Then I saw Joani's Post-it note holder and thought it was a great idea for our stamp club project tonight. I like to make projects with my club ladies that we can use or give as a gift, not just a card every time. Wouldn't this be great on your desk or by the phone? I think I'm going to give this one to my son's teacher. It never hurts to kiss up, right?

Instead of making a little box to attach to the back, I pulled out my Big Shot, cut out two scallop envelopes, and made a little box, just like the tea holder box. The box was the exact size I needed and I didn't have to cut and score more pieces, plus it is way cute! Aren't the 3.5" pencils perfect tucked in there?

When I started making my example project I decided to use the color inspiration on ColourQ challenge #47. I really like the color combo and how it worked so well with my school theme. Once my project was all finished I searched the house, but Post-it notes were nowhere to be found. I was excited to find a package of Post-it's that seemed to be made for my project...a slightly lighter Bermuda Bay...at the store!

Thanks for visiting the little blue room.

I'd love to show you how to create these. Host a Stampin' Up! party and I'll come to your home and demonstrate for you and your friends how to make this or another creative project. Email Rachel to set up your next Stampin' Up! party.
You can also order the items you need to create this project shopping Stampin' Up! online. Remember to select Rachel Ricks as your Demonstrator and get the preferred price. You can also email Rachel and place your order and have everything shipped to your door.
Thanks!
Shopping List ~

Paper:
More Mustard cardstock
Bermuda Bay cardstock
Basic Gray cardstock
Ruby Red cardstock
Notebook paper pieces-Write Stuff kit (no longer available in catalog but is available as a digital kit so you can print what you need when you need it. Love that.)

Stamp:
For You - Great Friend
A Note - Sweet Little Sentiments (no longer available)
Pencil for Build-a-letter alpha set (no longer available)

Punches and Die Cuts:
Scallop Envelope die
Round Tab punch
Spiral Border punch
Designer Label punch

Accessories:
Clips Assortment
Designer Buttons

Feeling a Little Like the Mad Hatter

2010-08-14T23:11:00.005-05:00

I was feeling a little like the mad hatter at the tea party today stamping with this adorable polka dot teacup and setting up my daughter's cute little polka dot tea set (which I had to use in the photos with the teacup stamp because they were simply made for each other.)

My almost 5 year old daughter loves "Hatter Matter"...the Mad Hatter from the most recent Alice in Wonderland. I have been thinking of what theme to use for her 5th birthday party and we've decided on a Wonderland theme. Including a tea party, of course. I think I'll be using the teacup stamp on invites and other items for the party. Can't wait!

Enough rambling, onto the craftiness I created in the little blue room today.

I am seriously becoming addicted to the tiny little clothes pins. They add such a charming 3D touch.

After finishing up the card I thought, since it is a "feel better" card, that it would be nice to give something that may actually help the recipient feel better. Being a tea cup, I wanted to give a few packages of herbal tea.

I used 2 Stampin' Up! Sizzix Scallop Envelopes to create the box and embellished it to match the card. It is just the right size to hold two Celestial Seasonings tea bags. A little something to soothe the body and soul.

The color combination I used today came from the color challenge over on colourQ...Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, Early Espresso, and Whisper White.

Thanks for visiting. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the weekend.

Want to learn how to make these? I'd love to show you how. Host a Stampin' Up! party and I'll come to your home and demonstrate for you and your friends how to make this or another creative project. Email me to set up your next Stampin' Up! party.

You can also order the items you need to create this project online. Remember to select Rachel Ricks as your Demonstrator and get the preferred price. Thanks!

Shopping List ~

Paper:

Early Expresso Card Stock

Temping Turquoise Card Stock

Wild Wasabi Card Stock

Whisper White Card Stock

Regal Rose Designer Series Paper

Ink:

Wild Wasabi

Regal Rose

Stamp Sets:

Tiny Teacup

Word Play - "feel better soon"

Punch:

Boho Blossoms

Big Shot:

Bigz Scallop Envelope

Clearlits Scallop Rectangle

Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Accessories:

Jewels Basic Pearls

Tiny Clothes Pin (not SU!)

Embroidery Floss (not SU!)

Certainly Cool, Certainly Celery

2010-08-13T13:29:00.002-05:00

When we were in Utah visiting family this summer I found out something that is certainly cool to me. When my husband's aunt Lauralee worked at Stampin' Up! she was the clever woman that named Certainly Celery, one of my favorite Stampin' Up! colors!
Visit the little blue room on facebook and share what your favorite Stampin' Up! color or color combination is and I'll share 10 yards of Certainly Celery ribbon with a random winner.
You can leave a comment here on my blog, as well, and get a second chance in the drawing.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Time for a Change

2010-08-03T20:47:00.002-05:00

For a while now I've been thinking of changing my blog name. It's not just the scrappy side of life anymore. My craft room walls are painted a beautiful blue so I thought the little blue room as the new site name was perfect! What do you think?

Please excuse all the mess as I rearrange. The url is changing as well - thelittleblueroom.com - so keep that in mind.

I'll be back to posting creative things from the little blue room soon.

Thanks for stopping in.

Tax Free Weekend is Coming Up

2010-07-30T14:08:00.002-05:00

Tax free weekend here in Alabama is August 6th -8th and you can purchase certain items from Stampin' Up tax free.

It would be a great time to get adhesives, scissors, and markers, especially the In Color and New Color Kit markers! Please call or email me by August 7th to place your order.

Hope everyone one has a wonderful weekend!

Happy

2010-07-29T14:57:00.001-05:00

I'm so happy with how this card turned out. I made it for a friend who is expecting her 8th little one. Yep, eighth. She found out yesterday they are blessed with another boy which will make 4 girls and 4 boys. How fun. It is so cute I don't want to give it away. :)

I used more punched art. I designed the little baby onesie all on my own! It's my very first circle card and I'm in love.

Well, I've got to get back to getting everything ready for Stamp Club at my place tonight. Thanks for taking a look.

Punch a Bunch Preview

2010-07-27T12:31:00.001-05:00

For our Stamp Club meeting we wanted to keep it simple, so we decided on a "Punch a Bunch." Everyone brings punches and paper and we just punch a bunch. Well, I couldn't leave it that simple, no, not me. I spent yesterday evening searching the world {wide web} over for ideas using punches. Thanks to the super creative people who share there ideas, I was able to find some wonderful punch projects for our Stamp Club meeting this Thursday. We won't be able to make them all, but I wanted to make a few examples of how you can use punch art. Here are a few examples I made last night.

I seriously jumped up and down at the cuteness of this little guy! He so simple to make. We will definitely be making him at Stamp Club.

This car is my next favorite. It was a little more difficult because I didn't have all of the punches needed, but I made it work with what I had. I felt so clever when I had the idea to use the extra large eyelets and yellow rhinestone brads for the headlights!

I had seen the traffic light made out of punches before but thought I'd never use it on anything. I found this card and decided to try it out. I think it turned out pretty darn cute.

I had so much fun playing with punches. I can't wait to share these projects with my Stamp Club ladies!

If you have some fun punch ideas, please, share them in the comments.

Thanks for visitng. Hope you were inspired to grab those punches and make something creative.

Pennant Sketch

2010-07-10T20:37:00.004-05:00

Pennants are everywhere these days... on scrapbook pages, cards, and other paper crafts. You can even find a pennant stamp in the newest Stampin' Up catalog.

That set is for sure on my wish list. I love the scallop pennant!

I haven't used pennants on a layout yet so I decided to sketch something up.

I hope to have time to use this sketch soon. In the mean time, I'd enjoy seeing how your pages turn out. Leave a link to your layout in Mr. Linky below.

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend!

Orange You Glad

2010-07-09T17:23:00.001-05:00

I'm glad to finally be done with this scrapbook page! It has been on my desk in random pieces since May. I decided yesterday to just tape it down and be done with it.

When I sat down to get started on this page I knew from the joke the kids were telling that I wanted to use oranges and apples. I grabbed the Tart & Tangy stamp set and started stamping. I alternated So Saffron, Only Orange, and Certainly Celery with the citrus stamp, then added a Riding Hood Red apple at the end of the pattern. I am so happy with the results!

Have you stamped your own pattern paper? I would love to see it for inspiration! Add a link in the comments if you would like to share.

Stampin' Up in the Kitchen

2010-06-26T18:48:00.003-05:00

We each made a mini dry erase board for the fridge and a recipe box at last months stamp club. Everyone brought there own paper to match the decor of their kitchen. My kitchen is Certainly Celery, So Saffron, with a little Tempting Turquoise.

We used the window sheets on top of the cardstock to create the mini dry erase boards.

It works! Just write and wipe.

I love how the recipe boxes turned out.

Accordion pockets perfect for the recipe cards.

You can find the tutorial I used to create this recipe box here > Stampin Inspirations.

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer as much as we are!

Stamp Club Creations April

2010-04-30T14:19:00.007-05:00

We made a flower pot pocket card. A fun way to give mom flowers on Mother's Day and these flowers never wilt! You can write a note on the inside plus a gift card fits perfectly.

With our scraps we made a cute card that works for any occasion.

There are a few openings in our Stamp Club group. If you are interested in joining, let me know and I'll get you all the details.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used...

Paper:

Kraft and Whisper White cardstock

designer paper from Sale-a-bration 2009

Ink:

Bashful Blue

Certainly Celery

So Saffron

Basic Black

Chocolate Chip

Stamps:

Well Scripted

Great Friend

Fundamental Phrases

Punches:

5 petal flower
Boho Blossoms
Large Oval
Scallop Square
Pinking Hearts border

Big Shot Dies:
Little Leaves
Beautiful Wings

Lots of News!

2010-04-27T13:06:00.001-05:00

Exciting news...we moved! We went to "just look" at houses and then a month later we were moving. I'm super excited to have a craft room all to myself but my entire craft room is still in boxes. I thought we would have it all unpacked by now but more important things keep coming up and setting up the craft room gets put on hold. I hope to be back posting regularly very soon. It's been such a long time since I've even seen my craft stuff. I have missed crafting and sharing with you. I have a running list of pages I want to scrapbook!

LOTS OF STAMPIN' UP! NEWS to share...

Stampin' Up! announced that they would be making changes to their color families beginning with the release on July 1 of the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. I am so looking forward to the great new colors and the return of some of my favorite In Colors!

Unfortunately, we will have to say good-bye to 30 colors.
STAMPIN' UP! COLORS HEADED FOR RETIREMENT ON JULY 1:

Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal, Ballet Blue, Barely Banana, Blush Blossom, Bordering Blue, Brilliant Blue, Brocade Blue, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Gable Green, Glorious Green, Going Gray, Green Galore, Handsome Hunter, Lavender Lace, Lovely Lilac, Mellow Moss, Only Orange, Orchid Opulence, Pale Plum, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow, Summer Sun, Taken with Teal, YoYo Yellow

Color Families will be called Core Colors-
There will be 40 Stampin' Up! Core Colors in four color collections: Brights, Neutrals, Regals, and Subtles. Plus the In Colors.

Introducing five new Core Colors: Daffodil Delight (wonderful yellow), Early Espresso (a really dark brown), Cajun Craze (deep orange), Cherry Cobbler (awesome red), Marina Mist (a great blue)

Brights Collection: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Real Red

Neutrals Collection: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (formerly Kraft), Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Regals Collection: Elegant Eggplant, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy

Subtles Collection: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, So Saffron

2010-2011 IN COLORS: 5 new In Colors will be introduced with the Idea Book & Catalog July 1. The new In Colors will be available for 2 years! Starting next year, there will be a total of 10 In Colors with five rotating out and five rotating in every year. Make sense?

A NEW NAME FOR KRAFT: Kraft card stock will be renamed Crumb Cake. Yummy! Starting July 1, Crumb Cake will be part of the Stampin' Up! Neutrals Color Collection--available in Classic Ink Pads, Ink Refills, Stampin' Write Markers, Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Stampin' Pastels.

CRAFT INK CHANGES: Only Whisper White, Very Vanilla and Basic Black Craft Ink Pads will be continued from the Stampin' Up! Craft Ink line-up. Craft Stampin' Spots and Craft Stampin' Ink Refills will still be available in all of the core colors for embossing, coloring chipboard and scrapbooking.

KEEP WATCH for details on new color kits, Stampin' Up! markers for all Core Colors (including former In Colors and the newest colors), expansion of colors for Stampin' Pastels and Watercolor Wonder Crayons and an awesome Color Coach tool that will make color selection better than ever!

I just wanted to take a minute to share all of the news. If you have any questions let me know. I'm happy to help.

Make & Take Monday {Sketch}

2010-02-01T09:01:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Here's a sketch to start of the week.

The only thing I don't like about the layout is the title. I could not think of anything creative.

Supplies -

Paper and Cardstock:
Bashful Blue Cardstock
Chocolate Chip Cardstock
The Write Stuff Specialty Paper - this pack includes 3 sheets of die cuts. One being the red shape behind my title.
Tall Tales - I cut the red hot air balloon from this paper.

Discontinued
Pacific Point Patterns and Cardstock
Sweet Slumber Specialty Paper - the cloud paper

Punches:
Scallop Edge
Curvy Label - punched side by side to create the edge on the Chocolate Chip cardstock.
Slit - if you punch the slit punch side by side it will create a large scallop edged strip.

Big Shot:
I used Polka Dots Impressions Folder in the Big Shot to emboss dots onto my popped up clouds.

Chipboard:
On Board Timeless Type - I used a sponge and Pacific Point ink to color my chipboard letters.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you enjoy the sketch. I'd love to see what you create. Please add a link to your layout created using this sketch.

P.S. My comments have been moved to just under the title. Not sure how that happened. :)

Club Creation Sneak Peek

2010-01-27T15:08:00.001-06:00

Here's a peek at what we will be making with our empty toilet paper tubes at Stamp Club on Thursday.

Make & Take Monday

2010-01-25T09:47:00.008-06:00

Supplies:

Stampin' Up! rhinestone brads (I used one medium and one large rhinestone brad for each earring)
2 Fish Hook Wires
2 Round Jump Rings 6mm

First cut the ends of the brads prongs just where the prongs begin to seperate to attach to the brad.

Slide one prong of the medium brad into the loop on the fish hook earring and fold down prong.

Slide the other prong of the medium brad into the jump ring and fold flat.

Slide one prong on the large brad into the jump ring and fold flat.

Repeat for the second earring.

You can also make a matching bracelet using these brads and the jump rings. You will need to add a clasp to the end. You can buy those in the same section as the jump rings and fish hook earrings in your local craft store.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Make & Take Monday

2010-01-18T12:12:00.003-06:00

It has been a really long time since I've shared a sketch. A year or more I think. Someone found my sketch blog Scrapbook Page Possibilities about a week ago and left a comment wondering if I was going to post more sketches. I dug out my sketch notebook and found lots of sketches I'd drawn up but never shared and never used. So I thought I would start sharing a sketch once or twice a month.

I've inclued the measurements of the papers and photos to help make it that much easier to use and plan your page.

Here's a page I've created using this sketch.

I used snowflakes in place of circles but you could use flowers, butterflies, stars, all sorts of fun things. I titlted the blue paper a little and used two wallet size photos instead of one 4"x4".

Papers:
Razzleberry Lemonade
Melon Mambo
Pacific Point
Whisper White

Punches:
Scallop Edge

Big Shot Dies:
Snowflakes #2 set
Lots of Tags
Top Note
Billboard Decorative Strip

Chipboard

Loads of Letters

Tip - An easy and quick way to color chipboard is to use a sponge dipped in an ink pad. Don't want to get messy fingers? Use a binder clip to hold the chipboard while you sponge. I used a huge clip but any size should work.

Below you will find Mr. Linky. You can easily share your pages created using this sketch by filing out the form below. I look forward to seeing what you create!!

Hope you are having a wonderful Monday. Thanks for visiting.

Club Catch Up

2010-01-12T14:46:00.003-06:00

Here are a couple of things we made in our stamp club over the last few months.

These earrings are made from rhinestone brads!

I love the stamp set Tree Trimmings with these wonderful vintage ornament stamps. Especially when used to make 3D tag or you could make a bunch and use them as ornaments for a mini tree.

I'm working on some ideas for this month's club meeting. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with the girls and making a few crafts later this month.

Thanks for stopping by!

Digi Downloads and a Sneak Peek

2010-01-09T18:07:00.003-06:00

When it is cold, and it has been very cold all week, I like to curl up on the couch with my laptop and let the heat from the laptop warm me. So last night I played around with Stampin' Up's Digital Downloads stamp brushes from the Calendar Basics digital kit and created mini calendars for the year.

Here's a peek at what we will be making during Stamp Club later this month.

Two posts in one day! Be sure to scroll down to the next post to read about Sale-a-Bration and see some of what's in the mini catalog.

Happy Weekend!

A Brand New Year and Brand New Products

2010-01-09T16:33:00.006-06:00

Wow, it has been FOREVER since my last post! November - January was seriously a blur. I still have a hard time saying January 2010...crazy. Thanks for the holiday wishes. My family had a wonderful holiday. We enjoyed (a little too much) yummy food, watching a different holiday movie every evening, and spending time with extended family. I hope each of you had a safe and happy holiday.

I haven't had much time to create lately but I was able to get a few things made before Christmas. I plan to share some things really soon.

I've been looking forward to the new Stampin' Up mini catalog and Sale-a-bration for months!! Can you blame me? Stampin' Up is offering many new punches and stamps and paper I'm drooling over. Stampin' Up is now offering clear block mount stamps! The same great rubber but used on a clear block.

Here's a peek at a few on my wish list.

Such an awesome punch! Can not wait to get my hands on it.

It was used to make the decor frame in this photo. Such a cute idea!

Lovin' all of the new epoxy brads.

This Big Shot die cuts and embosses the butterflies all in one.

Huge Paper Pack

Stamps Sets I can't wait to ink up!

Then in the Sale-a-bration catalog...awesome sets.

My top favs are...Vintage Labels...Whimsical Words...

Good Neighbors stamp set and the 6x6 paper pack Welcome Neighbor have the cutest houses and trees. The 6x6 paper has houses, trees, clouds, all that good stuff!

and the new Scallop Trim Border punch. LOVE it!

That was most of them wasn't it. So how much do I need to spend to get all that? Only $250. Wonder if my hubby will mind? Good thing I have until the end of March to spread it all out! With all of the fun new products I want from the mini catalog it will take no time to reach $250.

Click on the Sale-a-bration image above to view all these goodies online.
If you would like to place an order or want to host a party during Sale-a-bration to earn even more free products email me by clicking on the link just under my photo in the right sidebar above and I'd be happy to help!

Promotion Dates: January 5-March 31, 2010

Promotion Details

Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives reason for everyone to celebrate!

Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase (before tax and shipping).

Hostesses a workshop: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to our regular hostess benefits.

*Note: This benefit only available on qualifying customer, demonstrator, and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify.

Sign up as a Demonstrator: Choose any retail stamp set (valued up to $47.95) from the current catalogs when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15 percent off your Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+)!

Starter Kit Regular Price Sale-A-Bration Price (15% off)

Standard Starter Kit $199 Now-$169

Digital+ Starter Kit $185 Now-$157

The Stampin' Memories Add-On can be added to these kits, but will not be discounted.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Stampin' Up is Fun!

2009-11-05T21:19:00.003-06:00

I was cleaning my craft desk and my youngest daughter was following me around singing, "I love Mom's Stampin' Up stuff." After I finished putting everything away I asked her if she would like to stamp. "I wanna Stampin' Up," she said. She chose 2 ink pads and Greetings, Earthling stamp set.

She told me, "Stampin' Up is fun!" I agree. Stampin' Up is fun!

Things have been busy around here so I haven't been able to get a make and take posted yet. I'm hoping to get one posted this Monday. I've been working on holiday ideas and getting really excited about the holiday season.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Make & Take Monday

2009-10-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

When I'm out and about I've always got an eye out searching for cute little gifts or fun things to alter and make crafty. I had found little flower growing kits packaged in a tiny flower pot with soil and seeds inside. Super cute. So bought a few thinking I could decorate them and give as a thank you or something. While visiting one of my favorite websites Splitcoast Stampers I came across these adorable paper watering cans. Right then I knew it would be perfect for my tiny flower pot. I was hoping the flower pot would fit down inside but the top was too large. I'm still in love with how it turned out!

Since it is so easy and so cute I thought I'd share it for Make & Take Monday. Because there is a printable template it took little time to put it all together.

Step 1
Print the template from the link below on cardstock or patterned paper and cut out the four pieces: watering can body, spout, curved handle and back handle. Stamp any designs at this time.

Watering Can Template

Step 2
Working on the "wrong" side of the paper, score and fold the dashed red lines on the watering can body. I also inked the edges and folds to add depth.

Step 3
Apply adhesive to the folds on the "right" side of the paper and bring sides together to form the can body.

Step 4
Curve the front flaps and tuck into the sides of the watering can using a dab of adhesive to keep in place.

Step 5
Take the spout and fold with "wrong" sides turned to the inside as indicated by the red dashed lines in the template.

Step 6
Apply adhesive to the end of the spout's inner sides to hold them together.

Apply adhesive to the base of the spout and attach to the front of the watering can body.

Step 7
Attach the curved top handle ensuring that the handle curves to the back. (I didn't add this to my example because the flower pot would not fit.)

Step 8
To cover the printed words and the other side of the designer paper I cut a second strip for the handle for the back and glued the wrong sides together.
Fold the handle for the back on the dashed red lines as indicated in the template.

Step 9
Attach to the back of the can to form a ‘D’ shape.

Step 10
Now your can is ready to be decorated!

Stampin' Up Supplies:

Paper:
A Walk in the Park designer series paper (retired)
Chocolate Chip cardstock
So Saffron cardstock

Stamps:
Great Friend ( Butterfly and "for you")

Punches:
Scallop Circle
Boho Blossoms

Big Shot:
Swirls Scribbles Die

While I was working on my watering can I thought how easy it would be to use the same template to create a teapot. Of course I had to try it out right away.

I changed the spout and created a lid, tada...a teapot. I used the picture of the teapot in the background as inspiration for my little paper teapot. It is just the right size to hold a few packages of herbal tea.

Stampin' Up Supplies:

Paper:
Whisper White cardstock
Basic Black cardstock
Melon Mambo cardstock

Stamps:
Baroque Motifs (swirls)
Cold & Cuddly (sentiment on tag)

Punches:
Boho Blossoms
Word Window
Modern Label

Two cute ideas from one template! Love it. I hope you enjoyed this Monday Make & Take. If you have any questions just ask. I'm happy to help. If you would like to purchase any Stampin' Up supplies, I'm here to help with that, too. Just email me at r.ricks@mchsi.com to place an order.
We'd all enjoy seeing what you create. Simply add a link to a photo of your creation in the comments.

Hope you have a wonderful week.

Make & Take Monday

2009-10-19T09:18:00.001-05:00

It's already Monday again and time for Monday Make and Take! Have I got some eye candy for you...literally! LOL.
This make and take was postponed due to my little goblin and ghouls gobbling up the goodies while mummy was away.
I've been searching the world wide web for fun Halloween ideas and found these candies. Once I found these I knew I wanted to create a jar of eyeballs to go along with my spell book and other potions set out for Halloween. I found this jar at the local craft store. I collected some eyeballs, filled my jar, and created an eyeball label. My little goblin and ghouls LOVE them and they taste really good, too.

To make the eye candy you will need:
-Lindt White chocolate truffles
-Cookie icing (because it hardens)in the eye color of your choice
-Chocolate cookie icing for the pupil

Create a circle in the eye color icing then fill it with the chocolate icing. Let the icing set for 4 hours (or what is instructed on your icing package) before placing in the container.

Tip: I scrunched up the wrapper to lay the truffle in while I decorated it and let the icing set so it didn't roll every where. Eyeballs can be slippery little guys.

There you go. Super easy but so cool.

To create the label you will need:
1 1/4" circle punch
1" circle punch
1/2" circle punch
Basic Black and Whisper White cardstock
Cardstock in the eye color of your choice
Black ink and sponge
White Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen
Adhesive
Step one:
Punch a 1 1/4" circle in Whisper White cardstock.
Punch a 1" circle in the eye color cardstock.
Punch a 1/2" circle in Basic Black cardstock.
Step two:
Ink the edges of the eye color circle with black ink and sponge.
Step three:
Adhere the eye color circle on top of the white circle.
Adhere the black circle into the center of the eye color circle.
Step four:
Add a catch light to the black circle with the white gel pen.
Step five:
Attach your eyeball to your project.

I centered one eyeball onto the stamped image from the stamp set Gallery. The eyeball was just the right size to for the center! I also attached one to the the top of the jar because it was a perfect fit.
I hope you enjoyed the make and take. I plan to have more Halloween goodies and packaging ideas soon. If I can keep little goblin and ghoul fingers out of the goodies, that is.
Have a lovely Monday.

Just A Few Reasons...

2009-10-15T16:49:00.005-05:00

why I SO want the Pop-up Three Tier Cake Die (used with the Big Shot die cutting machine) from Stampin' Up!

These examples by Mary Jo Albright

This example from Michelle Tech

These two examples from Heather Summers
(She used it upside down as a flower pot. How clever!)

When I first saw this die I couldn't see past the "cake" to all of these wonderful ideas! Thanks to all of these super creative ladies, now I HAVE to have it!

The good news...
It's on sale this week only for $25.49 instead of $39.95! I'm totally snatching it up at that price. The sale ends this weekend so email me at r.ricks@mchsi.com before Saturday evening (October 17th) and place your order to take advantage of this awesome deal!

On another note...since Monday is just around the corner, (I can not believe tomorrow is Friday. Where did the week go?) I think I'll just wait until Monday to post my Make & Take. Sorry I'm a slacker this week!

Have wonderful evening.

Looking Sweet

2009-10-13T15:44:00.004-05:00

Sorry, it looks like Monday Make & Take is going to be late again! I had a sick little one all weekend and today I'm getting things ready for our Stamp Club Meeting this evening. I am working on something cool to share for the make and take though so check back later this week!

You may have noticed I changed some things on the blog other than just the new look. You can click on the buttons below the header to take you different places on the blog. You can now search the blog in the search box on the left. You can search for certain Stampin' Up products to see how I've used them or you can search project types, like basket, and you'll see all the posts that included basket in the text. Pretty cool! I've also updated my blog button. It's a little further down on the left if you'd like to grab it and share it on your blog.

Since I'm not ready to share the make and take I thought I would at least share something for you to look at while you wait.

This is one of my all time favorite photos of my youngest. I may be biased, but she sure looks sweet in pig tails.

The paper with the cupcakes I made myself! The first time I've ever used paper I stamped myself, so I'm pretty excited. I stamped the cupcake from the hostess stamp set in the last catalog called It's a Loop Thing in a triangle pattern turning the stamp each time. Then I colored them in with Stampin' Write markers and Blender pens.

I created a custom brad using the Build-a-Brads and the cupcake from the Short & Sweet stamp set.

For the title I used pink foam letters and Stampin' Up's chipboard letters from On Board Loads of Letters.

Stampin' Up items used to create this layout :

Paper
Regal Rose stripe - Rock-a-Bye Girl Scrappin' kit (retired)
Chocolate Chip polka dot - Bella Rose (retired)
Pink Pirouette (retired)
Kraft
Whisper White

Chipboard
Loads of Letters #112084

Stamps
Short & Sweet #115060
Frames with a Flourish (retired but you can now purchase the digital stamp to print and use)

Die Cuts
Top Note #113463

Punches
Slit punch #104388
1/2 Circle punch (center of Build-a Brad) #104390
Scallop Edge punch #112091

Embellishments
Build-a-Brad Pewter #109128

Remember you can email me to order these items or if you have a question about any Stampin' Up products. I'm here to help.

Non Stampin' Up Items
pink foam letters
brown polka dot ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!

Make & Take Monday...a little late

2009-10-07T13:36:00.004-05:00

Sorry so late. With our children out of school this week for fall break it has been a little crazier than normal.

I wanted to make a little thank you for a friend. She has been teaching girls ages 8 - 12 at our church how to sew. I knew I wanted it to have a sewing theme. I saw a sewing kit while out shopping and thought the tiny spools of thread and scissors were super cute. I grabbed it thinking I could use it somehow. I thought a sewing basket would be cute. I googled sewing baskets and a pretty nantucket basket came up in the search. So I took the basket I made last month with my stamp club and tweeked it a little bit more using the nantucket handles as inspiration. I really like how it turned out and thought you may enjoy learning how to make one as well.

I created the basket idea using a basket called 2, 4, 6...I think. Then just built the design from that.

You will need:
6x6 square carstock or designer paper
2 one half x 6 inch strips of cardstock or designer paper
scoring tool
scissors
1" circle punch
corner rounder
4 brads
adhesive

Step one
Score your 6x6 inch square at 2 inches and 4 inches
Turn and score again at 2 inches and 4 inches
The scored lines will create something that looks like a tic-tac-toe board

Step Two
Following the score lines cut 2 inches deep at the 2 inch line and 4 inch line
Do the same on the opposite side
It will look like this:

Step Three
Cut the center flap into a triangle and both side flaps into thirds.
Like this:

Step Four
Trim 1/4 " off of the 2nd and 3rd strips (counting from the outside edge)

Step Five
Starting with the first and longest strip bring the two side together and attach.
Then layer the next two and then the last two.

Then attach the triangle flap on top of the flaps.
(I inked the edges of everything first to give it more depth)

Step Six
Punch two 1" circles. Attach them over the points of the triangle. (I trimmed the point off before attaching the circle)

Step Seven
Cut two 1/2" x 6" strips. Use a corner rounder on the ends.

Attach about 3/4 inches from the end of the basket with brads.

Step Eight
Decorate!

You can add layers of paper onto the bakset, line the inside, create an edge, stitch on the basket, so much potiential.

I kept this one simple.

I wanted to cover up the brad backs so I added a strip of scallop edge paper on the inside.

Then I punched a tag using the Curly Label punch. I stamped "thank you" and then stitched the word "sew" below. Since I don't have a small stamp that says much I just hand wrote it under "sew." I added a button and used embroidery floss to tie the tag to the basket.

Inside I have 4 tiny spools of thread wrapped in a strip of Window Sheet paper to keep them in place, tiny scissors, and a tiny wrist pin coushin I made.

I used this tutorial (click here)to make the pin coushin. The only thing I changed was, I added the elastic by punching holes on opposite sides using the cropodile, threaded the elastic through and tied it in knots at the ends.

The COOLEST thing about this basket design is you can make the same basket in 3 different sizes!! You can use a 6x6 inch square, a 9x9 inch square, or a 12x12 inch square. Just score your square into thirds and go from there. So I HAD to try out the largest. All put together it measures 4 inches deep and just under 7 inches across!

Again I kept the decorating simple this time.

I filled this one with a bag of tortillia chips, a packet of seasonings to use to make the best chili ever, and the recipe.

I wasn't really planning on making this basket so I didn't have all the things I'd like to add on hand. I think a nice pot holder and laddle would be nice added to this gift basket. Instead of chips a cornbread kit and a small decorative muffin tin may fit. Tons of ideas! You can decorate this with so many themes and fill it with so many goodies.

Hope you think it was worth the wait, since I was late.

I'd love to see any of your decorated baskets and ideas. Just leave a link to a photo of your creations in the comments so we can all be inspired.

Have fun creating!

Winner and a Haunted Milk Carton

2009-10-02T19:00:00.008-05:00

Thanks so much for your nice comments on my Cute Cards and Cute Case, Too. Comments really make my day!

I went over to random.com and generated a random number for the winner. I'm not sure how to copy the web page and add it here but the number that was generated was 3 - Keeley.
Keeley Kirwan said...
"Those turned out super cute. Love the card box!!"
Congrats, Keeley! I'll get it all sent out to you ASAP.

I plan on setting everything up and offering the case template for you to purchase soon, so keep an eye out for that!

Now onto the haunted milk carton...

We have been enjoying cooler weather and the beginnings of the fall season so I've been in the mood to create something Halloween-y. I came across a milk carton template and thought it had perfect potential as a halloween treat holder. As I played around with the template it started looking like a house to me so I took that idea and ran with it. I pulled out every Halloween themed stamp set and played for hours. My kids, and even my husband, think it is so cool with all the details. I really enjoyed creating it and thinking of all the little things I added here and there. I love how the images curve around the corners creating the scene.

The windows have Window Sheets placed behind them. I sanded them a little with sand paper to rough it up to look like old beat up windows.

I used a gel pen to draw the spider and his web in the corner of the window.

To finish it off I tied black gingham ribbon around the top and added a tag and button.

To find a milk carton template just google milk carton template and lots will pop up. I changed the template I found to be taller. I also added a flap across the top so that you can simply lift the flap to open the box. The flaps are held closed by two super thin magnets that I cut from magnet sheets.

Stampin' Up supplies used:

Paper and Cardstock
Textured Basic Black
Perfect Plum
Pumpkin Pie
Whisper White
Kiwi Kiss

Window Sheet Medium

Punches
Scallop Edge Punch
Word Window
Corner Rounder

Stamp Sets
Batty for You
Holiday Best (Hostess Set)
Scary Skeleton

Retired Stamp Sets
A Howling Good Time
Spooktacular Greetings

Ribbon
Black Gingham

Other supplies:
orange button
black brad

Hope you enjoyed the tour of my little haunted house.

Another Scrapbook Page to Share

2009-10-01T20:58:00.003-05:00

I love, love, love my daughter's dimples! I thought this photo captured her dimples so perfectly. She's so cute!

The white scallop rectangle is one of the punch out journal cards from The Write Stuff Specialty paper pack (#115674). It comes with a total of 30 journal cards and 6 double-sided coordinating designer papers . LOVE it!

I used the Curly Label punch (#112208) and the Heart to Heart punch (#113694) to embellish.

Behind my title I layered 2 of the stamped ticket shaped frames from Frames with a Flourish. This was one of my favorite sets and I was so sad to see it be retired. Guess what? You can now purchase the digital brush stamp set of Frames with a Flourish! The preferred customer price is only $3.95! Using your photo editing sofware, such a Photoshop, or buy using Stampin' Up's brand new Digital Studio you can change the color and size and then print it out to use on cards or scrapbook pages. You can use it for your digital creations as well, such as blog headers. So exciting!

My favorite element (beside the photo of my adorable girl) is the gathered ribbon and the little blue button tied with string.

A perfect finishing touch.

Here's a peek at the page I plan to share next week...

The winner of the cute cards and case, too will be announced tomorrow evening so be sure to scroll down a couple of posts (or click here) and leave a comment for your chance to win.
I'll also be sharing a fun haunted house I made. Hopefully, sometime this weekend.
My children are out of school all next week for fall break but I'll do my best to keep on schedule with Make & Take Monday.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Make & Take Monday

2009-09-28T20:32:00.006-05:00

This cute little container is called Box in a Bag.

You will need:

5" x 11" Designer Paper

1" x 11" Coordinating Cardstock

4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Coordinating Cardstock

Round Tab Punch

Scallop Punch

Scoring tool

Adhesive

¼” hand held circle punch

Embellishments

Glue Dots
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 1
Cut your cardstock to 4 ½” x 4 ½”

Step 2
Score 1” on all four edges.

Step 3
Following the score line cut a one inch square tab and add tape to each square.

Step 4
Stick down the flaps to create a box.

Step 5
Cut your Designer Paper to 5” x 11”.

Step 6
Add tape along the bottom and up one side of the back of the Designer Paper.
In the photo I marked with pen where to add tape along the edge.

Step 7
Lay your box along the bottom edge of the background paper so they are even with each other. Wrap Designer Paper around the box.

Step 8
Continue to wrap the box with the paper, keeping the edges of the paper and the box even.

Step 9
When you come to the end piece, tape the two ends together carefully bringing your edges together on the bottom, and also up the side of the bag.

Step 10
Now cut paper into an 11" x 1" strip.

Step 11
Scallop punch the entire length of cardstock. Then adhere the strip along the bottom of the bag.

Step 12
Punch out 2 Round Tab punches, fold in half and punch a ¼” circle in them.

Step 13
Glue a tab on the front and the back of the bag, this will be the bag closure.

Step 14
Decorate!

I used the Scallop Circle punch, the new Modern Label punch, the cupcake stamp from the hostess set in the last catalog, the sweet sentiment from a sale-a-bration set years ago, ribbon, and brads.

You can use ribbon to tie your Box in a Bag closed or you can use a brad like I did here. Since I had used ribbon on the front I decided to keep my Box on a Bag closed using a Build-a-brad designed to match perfectly!

Hope you enjoyed the Make and Take today. I'm sure there are typos and mistakes so if you have questions, please ask, I'm happy to help.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Cute Cards and a Cute Case, Too!

2009-09-25T16:06:00.007-05:00

I'm not usually a card maker but when I saw something similar to this by Lauren Meader I had to try it with Stampin' Up stamps from the Cheep Talk stamp set(#113204) and I have to say I am really excited at how well it turned out!

I made a matching card case to hold a set of cards and envelopes. A perfect card set to write a quick note for any occasion. I think this card set would also make a nice gift. So, that being said, who wants to win this card set? All you have to do is leave a comment to enter in a drawing for a chance to win a set of 5 cards tucked inside the cute card case!

I used Melon Mambo textured cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, and Certainly Celery cardstock. I also used Melon Mambo and Certainly Celery ink. In the center of the flower on the card case I used a Kiwi Kiss corduroy brad.

Sometime very soon I will be offering templates, such as the card case, for a low price. Something you can purchase once and use again and again!

Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win the card set! You have until next Friday morning, then I'll post the winner of the drawing that evening.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Scrappin' Fool

2009-09-22T11:10:00.003-05:00

I was a scrappin' fool this weekend thanks to a virtual crop hosted by some online friends. I had a blast chatting, playing games, and seeing everyone's work! I haven't had the time to scrapbook lately so it was nice to get elbow deep in my supplies and actually creating pages again. I'll start by sharing the first page I've created in months!

The kids had fun celebrating National S'mores Day this year. It just happened to fall on the first day of school so it was nice to have a special treat that evening.

Paper:
The yellow scalloped rectangle is from a new paper pack from Stampin' Up called The Write Stuff (115674). This pack includes journaling die cuts! LOVE it!!
I also used Sweet Slumber paper (which is no longer available), Chocolate Chip cardstock, Baja Blue cardstock, and Riding Hood Red cardstock.

Stamps:
The "Yummy" stamp is from the set which you could only receive during the Sale-a-bration ealier this year.
The s'more is from the set Under the Stars (111556).

Die Cuts:
I used my mostest favorite die from Stampin' Up, the Top Note Die (113463).

Thanks for stopping in and taking a look. I'll be sharing more pages soon.

Hope you are enjoying your Tuesday.

Make & Take Monday

2009-09-21T09:48:00.004-05:00

With Halloween right around the corner I thought it would be fun to share how to make 2 cute frightful friends. You could use these on cards, as scrapbook embellishments, as tags on treat bags, any Halloween craft.

You will need the Designer Label Punch (107590). I also used the Heart to Heart Punch (113694), 1/4" circle punch, and 1/8th" circle punch. Cardstock, I used black, white, and green. A fine tip black pen.
We will start with the skull. He's so easy to make, it's scary! Haha.
First punch a Designer Label out of white cardstock, then trim off one end following the curve of the circle. Tip: I punched a circle and matched it up with the circle part of the Designer Label punch and traced it on the back so it was easier to cut.

Next punch a small heart in black using the Heart to Heart Punch. Cut the heart in half and attach upside down and separated a bit to the Designer Label punch creating eye sockets for your skull. (Don't have the Heart to Heart punch yet...you can cut 2 small raindrop shapes to use as eyes) Next I simply drew on nose holes and teeth lines to finish my skull. See, super easy.

Now on to Mr. Frankenstein.
First punch a Designer Label out of green cardstock. Then cut small thin rectangles out of black cardstock. I don't have exact measurements for these, just what you think looks good. These are the bolts.

Next punch the smallest heart using the Heart to Heart punch out of black cardstock, then trim off the two humps. These will be the eyebrows.

Punch in white cardstock two 1/4" circles. Punch two 1/8" circles out of black cardstock. Place the "eyebrows" on the Designer Label, then place the white circles below the "eyebrows" and the small black circles on top of the white to create eyes. Tip: I used liquid glue, it is easier to use on such small pieces.

Now punch another Designer Label out of black cardstock and trim it right above the eyes on Franky. Then cut zigzag fringe for his hair and attach. Draw on a mouth and your done.

Hope you enjoy these 2 frightful friends. If you use these I'd love to see what you create. Add a link to a photo of your creation in the comments so we can all be inspired by each other's work.
I was able to participate in an online crop this weekend and I was able to finish quite a few scrapbook pages. I'll be sharing those with you throughout the week.
Hope you having a wonderful Monday.

Room Redo...

2009-09-18T09:03:00.004-05:00

Over the last month we've been reorganizing almost every room in our home Clean Sweep style. Lots of purging and reorganizing. I have really enjoyed "spring" cleaning even though it is already fall. Rearraging the kids rooms left furniture that I didn't want to get rid of and didn't have room to store so I was left with finding a place for it all. Well, it ended up in my crafting spot and I love it. I have more storage room and things look and feel more organized.

You can check out my old space {here}
I was excited to be able to still use the hanging jars. My sweet husband simply unscrewed them from the bottom of the white shelves and attached them under the shelf on the desk. Perfect!

In other news...the holiday mini catalog is out and full of great new products! You can download the catalog by clicking {here}

I just recieved this new set from the mini catalog

and can't wait to create something and share it with you.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

August Stamp Club Creations

2009-09-14T17:34:00.003-05:00

During our August Stamp Club we made these bottle hangers perfect for holding the on the go drink mixes or any other little treat.

I also wanted to show my club girls other fun ways to use the same idea. So I brought these examples.

Spa Gift Pack

I always have such a hard time shopping for my preteen daughter's friends birthday and I think this would be perfect!

Coloring Book and Crayon Set

You could also use word search books or a magazine and include other goodies in the pocket. What a great "get well" or "thinking of you" gift. A lady at the club meeting thought they would make great goody bags for a childs party. How fun!

We also made a basket and a few strawberry boxes.

We will be meeting for our next club meeting soon. This month is all about jewelry!

Make and Take Monday should start up again next Monday. My scrap space (and my children's bedrooms) had a makeover so I haven't been able to post but for the most part things are done and life can get back to normal.

Make & Take Monday

2009-08-10T15:24:00.006-05:00

Since today is National S'mores Day I thought this make & take would be appropriate.

It's actually two make & takes. First, stamping on the marshmallows and second, the box holding the s'mores kit.

Stamping on marshmallows...

You will need:
small rubber stamp
large marshmallows
food coloring paste (or classic stampin' pad) color of your choice
paper towel or napkin

1) Spread a small amount of food coloring paste on your napkin and let it absorb in a bit, like a stamp pad.

2) Press your stamp into the paste. If it is too thick stamp it onto a napkin to take off excess. You want just a thin layer of paste.

3) Gently press the "inked" stamp onto the marshmallow and slowly curve as you press following the shapre of the marshmallow. Tip: Let the marshmallows sit out of the package for a little while to make the marshmallow more stiff and less sticky.
It took some practice runs to get the feel for how much pressure. (You can see them in the background. Plus the ones my 3 year old made. Yes, it was a mess.)

4) Now just wait for it to dry. That was the hard part for me. I didn't wait long enough and mine smudged a little bit when I wrapped it up. The thicker the paste the longer it takes.

You can also use classic water-based nontoxic ink pads (it will say on the back.) Since you are using a small amount of ink it shouldn't hurt to eat it.

The s'mores kit box...

1) Cut Designer Series Paper 9" x 5.5"

2) Down the 9" side score at 1",2.5",6.5", and 8"

3) Down the 5.5" side score at 1" and 2.5"

4) Cut on the scored lines following the diagram

It should look like this

5) Cut to create a flap and add adhesive to the flap

6) Fold on all the scored lines to create a box and glue/tape together

7) Cut a piece of coordinating paper 6" x 4" and attach it inside the back of the box

I attached the ribbon at this time so the ends of the ribbon would be hidden behind the card stock.

8) Cut a piece of thick cardstock 6 1/4" x 4 1/4" and attach it to the back

9) If you want to make a double sided kit to hold enough to make 8 s'mores, just follow the diredtions starting at step one, then attach it to the back of the first.

10) Decorate
I stamped the s'more stamp from Under the Stars set (#111556) then colored it with Stampin' Write markers and blender pens. I used the More Mustard marker for the crackers and Chocolate Chip for the chocolate candy. Then punched it out using a circle punch and layered it on a punched circle scallop. I attached it using foam tape to add depth.

Aren't the little kids making s'mores so cute! I was so excited to get this stamp set years ago (like 2003) and never used this stamp, lol. I figured even though it is an oldie I'd go ahead and use it since it was perfect for a s'mores kit on S'mores Day! I used Stampin' Write markers and blender pens to color this one in as well. I punched a square scallop in Chocolate Chip cardstock, cut it in half diagonally, then slide them behind opposite corners to finish it off.

11) Fill
I took 4 marshmallows and stacked them, rolled them up in plastic wrap, and tied the ends with raffia. I put 4 graham crakers in a small sealable baggy. Then filled box.

How cute! These would make super cute and quick gifts. Sentiment ideas could be...
Happy Birthday and many s'more
The world could use s'more (friends, teachers, sisters, etc) like you
I love you s'more

If you think of more I'd love to hear them for inspiration.

I'm sure there are typos or mess ups. If you have a question, email me or leave a comment. I'm happy to help.

I hope you enjoyed Make & Take Monday! Have a wonderful week.

Make & Take Monday

2009-08-03T23:05:00.005-05:00

Woo hoo, a scrapbook page! It's been a while since I've had time to scrapbook.

Here's how I made it...

1) I used a 12x12" sheet of Soft Suede cardstock, a new In Color from Stampin' Up, as the background. I inked the edges with a sponge and brown ink.
2) Then I punched lots and lots of hearts from scrap Riding Hood Red designer paper using the Heart to Heart punch. {You don't have hearts... stars, butterflies, or circles would work, too}

3) I adhered a horizontal 4x6" photo about 2 inches from the right corner of the background paper.
4) I used a sponge and rubbed the edges of all the hearts with brown ink to help give each heart dimension.
5) I scattered the hearts in a line down the page just to the left side of the photo. I used a repositional adhesive on the backs of mine so I could play around with them until I liked the look. Once I decided on placment of the hearts, I added thick foam adhesive to the back of a few hearts to give them a 3D look.
6) I wrote the date on Chocolate Chip cardstock and punched it out using the Round Tab punch, then inked the edges with black ink. I tucked it up under the bottom left corner of the photo.
7) Then I added my title. I used naked chipboard letters from Stampin' Up on this page. I included my journaling under the title.

This one is pretty simple for my style. I usually have lots of layers and tons of embellishments but I thought this turned out really cute.

I hope you enjoyed Make & Take Monday. If you create a scrapbook page or even a card using this page as inspiration we would all love to see it. Simply add a link to a photo of your project in the comments.

Have a wonderful week!

Sales Tax Holiday!!

2009-07-31T22:37:00.003-05:00

The state of Alabama is having a sales tax holiday from August 7 – 9. Because school supply items are included in this sales tax holiday, the below list of items will be tax free during the holiday period. Please note that you must place your order with Stampin’ Up! during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax free.

Uni-ball Signo gel pen, 105021, $3.95
Basic Black Stampin’ Write journaler, 105394, $3.25
Stampin’ Write markers, various, $3.25
Watercolor Pencils, 101879, $19.95
Watercolor Wonder Crayons Bold Brights, 106695, $19.95
Watercolor Wonder Crayons Earth Elements, 106696, $19.95
Watercolor Wonder Crayons Rich Regals, 106698, $19.95
Watercolor Wonder Crayons Soft Subtles, 106697, $19.95
Watercolor Wonder Crayons Neutrals, 106746, $9.95
Stampin’ Pastels, 105542, $24.95
Craft & Rubber scissors, 103179, $19.95
Paper snips, 103579, $9.95
Craft & Paper scissors, 108360, $29.95
Pencil sharpener, 100745, $4.95
Blender pens, 102845, $9.95
2-Way Glue Pen, 100425, $3.50
SNAIL adhesive, 104332, $6.95
SNAIL refill, 104331, $4.50
Mini Glue Dots, 103683, $4.95
Pop-Up Glue Dots, 104183, $3.95
Stampin’ Dimensionals, 104430, $3.95
Anywhere Glue Stick, 104045, $3.95
Dotto, 103305, $12.95
Dotto refill, 100902, $6.50
Sticky Strip, 104294, $6.95
Tombow Adhesive, 110755, $3.95

If you are here in Alabama contact me ASAP if you would like to order any of the items on this list tax free and I'll place the orders on the 9th.

Make & Take Monday

2009-07-27T16:15:00.009-05:00

I usually don't make many cards but the stair step cards really caught my eye. I love the layers.

Stair Step Card
1) Cut your cardstock to the size of 10.5 X 5.0 If you plan to stamp your background, now would be the time to do it. I did not stamp on this one.
2) Score your cardstock at 1.25" - 2.5" - 4.25", 6" and at 8.25"
3) Fold accordion style making sure that the smallest (1.25" fold) is folded down, as this will be the front of your card.
4) Now here's the fun part...DECORATE... use punches, die cuts, stickers...whatever, just have fun with it!
Since this is my first one I kept the decorating simple.

I made the back panel taller than the last panel usually is and attached it to create a background scene. It isn't necessary but I liked it on this.
I used Kraft cardstock as the road.
I used the Loads of Love stamp set(item #115033) for the truck and filled the back with a load of hearts.

I also used the Heart to Heart punch(item #133694) which is on sale this week for only $10.99 instead of $15.95. What a great deal!

Here I used the smallest hearts and attached them with a drop of Crystal Effects(item #101055) to the wire.

I also used the largest heart and a tiny heart around the sentiment.

This was easy and fun to create. I look forwad to making more scenes with other stamps sets and themes. This would even make a cute photo card adding the photo to the last panel.

I hope you enjoyed the make and take today. If you have any questions let me know, I'm happy to help. I promise to be better and actually get these posted earlier in the day on Mondays. Our kids start back to school in 2 weeks so after they start back I should have more time to get things posted.

I'd love to see your stair step cards. To share them with us include a link to a photo of your card in the comments.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Oops, just realized I didn't take a photo of the card folded together. I'll have to take a photo tomorrow and share it with you. :)

Deal of the Week

2009-07-27T11:29:00.005-05:00

This is the final deal of the week through Stampin' Up!
This week you can purchase the Heart to Heart punch(item #113694) for only $10.99!

I love this punch and use it all of the time.
My favorite things about this punch is it punches 3 different size hearts with one punch and the smallest heart is just the right size to fit onto the Build-a-Brads.
Here's a few examples where I've used these perfectly punched hearts.

This deal only lasts a week! Email me if you'd like to take advantage of this deal.

Stamp Club July

2009-07-24T15:56:00.004-05:00

Since school starts in just a few weeks I thought a school theme for our projects would be fun.

We made a backpack, tiny clipboard, book box, and bookmark.

I also handed out a Student Survival Kit print out to use if they wanted.

Student Survival Kit
Pen/Pencil – choose the “write” even if it isn’t the easy choice.
Eraser - remember you can always correct your mistakes.
Hugs – for those rough days when you really could use a hug.
Glue stick – stick to your goals and you can accomplish anything.
Gum – “chews” good friends, it can make all the difference.

You could fill the backpack with any "survival kit."
A smore's kit or trail mix would be cute with a camping theme.
It would make a super cute teacher giftbag or to hold a gift card and a few goodies for a kid heading off to college.
You could decorate this fun little backpack with just about any theme.

I made the backpack template just wide enough to fit our tiny clipboard.

This cute little book box is the perfect size for a giftcard and a few treats.

You could fit a small gift inside such as the bookmark we made.

We had a wonderful time at our Stamp Club. We laughed the whole time. It's great. If you are interested in joining our stamp club send me an email and I'll get you all the details.

Hope you have a great weekend.