Too Cool Stamping

Easter Bunny Escape Card

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CASEd from Kathy Blick.

I caught a glimpse of the Easter bunny, "butt" it looks like he's getting away through the knot-hole in that tree!  I can't resist a cute bunny butt!  If you have all of the punches, this is a quick and easy card to make!

I used the Woodgrain Texture Impressions Folder to emboss the 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Crumb Cake card stock, then I punched a hole with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch.  I added a 3" x 3" piece of Early Espresso behind the hole to give it depth.

I punched a 2-1/2" Circle and two Scallop Ovals in Whisper White for the butt and feet.  Both were sponged with Pretty In Pink ink.  I also punched two Large Ovals from Pretty in Pink for the bottoms of the feet.  The pads are made with circles from the Owl Punch. 

What do you think of my fluffy tail?  I used one of the rosettes from the Flower Trim, lightly sponged with Pretty In Pink, then layered it on a Pretty In Pink Boho Blossoms shape.  TIP: Use Multipurpose Tombow glue to attach the rosette for best results.

I finished off the card by adding a 1" tall strip of 2011 In Color Designer Series Paper in Lucky Limeade stripes to match the card base and simulate grass.  It was punched with the Scallop Edge Border Punch, then wrapped with the Old Olive Striped Organdy Ribbon.

The Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment was stamped in Early Espresso, then double-punched with the Word Window punch to shorten the shape a bit.

Complete Supply List: 

• Stamps—Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Ink—Pretty In Pink and Early Espresso Classic Ink
• Paper—2011 In Color DSP Stack; Lucky Limeade, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Pretty In Pink, and Whisper White card stock
• Accessories—Flower Trim, Old Olive Striped Organdy Ribbon
• Tools—Woodgrain Texture Folder, Big Shot, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Owl Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Sponges, Tombow Multipurpose Glue, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects & more at my Online Store!

Angie

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• Browse Spring Catalog—Flash Player
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Events—Mark Your Calendars!

• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Cards Class—Rescheduled to April 3
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Sunday Showcase: Goodbye Affection Collection

Hi Stamping Friends!

Today's Sunday Showcase features the lovely Affection Collection stamp set from the Holiday Catalog!  I thought I show you some amazing projects I found so you can see how versatile it really is!  Get it before it's gone...the Holiday Catalog ends on January 2, 2013. 

And, if you order now through January 2, you can earn my exclusive Sale-A-Bration Bonus Bucks!

Created by Michelle Last: Affection Collection Class.

I love the colors that Michelle used on this beautifully layered card: Island Indigo, Pool Party and Soft Suede.  This is another fantastic example of how well the images work together in a collage no matter how you stamp them!  Also features: Color Spritzer Tool for spattering, French Foliage, and Neutrals Buttons.

Created by Michelle Last: Final Affection Collection Class Card.

Michelle used a lot of sponging and spattering with the Color Spritzer Tool for a pretty, distressed card in Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Perfect Plum and Old Olive.  Also features: Modern Label Punch, Perfect Plum 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Festival of Prints Paper Pack.

Created by Lisa Young at Add Ink and Stamp.

Lots of pretty textures and patterns on this one!  Lisa used the Apothecary Accents Framelits in Crumb Cake for an eye-catching focal point that contrasts the Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler beautifully.  I love her use of the Affection Collection elements stamped in Early Espresso.  Also features: Scallop Edge Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Small Heart Punch, Fancy Fan Texture Impressions Folder, and Victoria Crochet Trim.

Created by Denise Foor at Denise Foor Studio PA.

Oooh, purple!  Denise did her layered stamping in Daffodil Delight, Pool Party and Perfect Plum on the front of a Top Note die-cut.  The sentiment comes from Apothecary Art.  Also features: Scallop Edge Border Punch and Soft Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack.

Created by Sherri at Roses In My Heart.

I love the soft coordinating patterns and textures in this one!  The Island Indigo card stock is embossed with Lacy Brocade and it complements the Affection Collection flourish perfectly!  The Cherry Cobbler sentiment and card stock gives the perfect pop of contrasting color!  Also features: Modern Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, and Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon.

Created by Cindy Major at Encre, Papier, Ciseaux.

Banners are very trendy right now and Cindy has a fantastic card to showcase them!  Of course I love the Elegant Eggplant, Rich Razzlebery, Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade combination, too!  Also features: Apothecary Accents Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Adorning Accents Texture Folders, 2011-2012 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack, Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine and Designer Printed Brads.

Created by Cindy Major at Encre, Papier, Ciseaux.

Here's another one I love from Cindy Major.  She used the Affection Collection set in combination with the Daydream Medallions set.  Also features: Vellum Card Stock, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Neutrals Buttons, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Pearl Jewels, and In Color Dahlias.

Created by Patti Willey at Patti's Stamping Studio.

I love this soft, vintage color combination: Basic Grey, Primrose Petals, the retired Blushing Bride and Very Vanilla!  You can see that the Apothecary Accents Framelits are a popular choice with this set because of the way the flourish mimics the shape.  Also features: Fancy Fan Texture Impressions Folder, Primrose Petals Stitched Satin Ribbon and Pearl Jewels.

Affection Collection is a versatile set that can go soft and vintage or bold and grunge!  Order it today at my Online Store before it's gone on January 2, 2013!  While you're there, take advantage of my special Sale-A-Bration Bonus Bucks offer!

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie

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The Spring Catalog "Kick-Off" Party is only a week away!  Are you registered?  Registration ends on January 3 and space is limited!  Contact me today!

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Upcoming Too Cool Events!

• Sale-A-Bration Bonus Bucks—Now thru Jan. 2
• Spring Catalog "Kick-Off" Party—Jan. 6, 1pm.
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Sunday Showcase—Gift Packaging Idea Week Wrap-Up!

Wrap up!  Get it?!  Hahaha!

I've been sharing some unique and fun packaging ideas all week, and today's Sunday Showcase hightlights a few more fun ideas from some of my stamping friends and around the stamping blog world.  Enjoy!

 

Created by Rita Berning, Too Cool Demo Team.

Rita used the Natural Composition Paper to wrap her small package, and tied it up with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.  Then, instead of a traditional bow, she added a pretty tree embellishment—I love this idea!  Her tree is created with a large circle cut from Old Olive Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper, carefully folded, then trimmed with Dazzling Diamonds and a sparkling Silver Glimmer Paper star die-cut from the Holiday Collection Framelits.

Created by Fran Sabad at stampersblog.franticstampers.com

Here's a fun and fantastic way to use up some of your Designer Series Paper scraps!  Create a rolled paper Christmas tree embellishment to spruce up (get it?! I'm on a roll!) a plain white gift bag.  Fran used 3/4" strips of paper cut at various lengths and rolled them around a bamboo skewer.  Features: Be of Good Cheer DSP, Snow Festival DSP, and Holiday Collection Framelits.

Created by Jackie Bolhuis at KlompenStampers.blogspot.com.

Jackie has offered a variety of awesome gift bag ideas, and here is another!  She presented this pretty "no peek" style gift bag at the Lansing Regional.  This is a smaller 5"x7" size bag, so she simply created a slit in the fold of a traditional size card that's large enough to fit the handles.  It's the ease of a gift bag with the suspense of a wrapped package!  Use a larger decorated card for larger gift bags.  Features:  Comfort Café DSP, Friendship Preserves stamp, Window Frame Framelits, Lacy Brocade Texture Impressions Folder, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack.

Created by Monique at Idyllwilde Studios.

How cute are these elf and Santa box-in-a-bag packages?!  They're too cute!  It's easier than you may think to create.  Check out my Spooky Box-In-A-Bag post for instructions.  Features: Curly Label Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, and Scallop Edge Border Punch. 

Created by Rebecca Clark at Clark's Cottage.

Here's another fun way to dress up a plain gift bag—just add some simple strips of Designer Series Paper and a quick embellishment.  Rebecca used the gorgeous flocked Candlelight Christmas window sheet for the front of her bag combined with smaller, dangling strips!  She wanted to use the Snow Flurry snowflake die to make her embellishment, which would have looked amazing, but she didn't have it yet.  Also features: Vintage Faceted Buttons and Linen Thread.

Created by DeAnn Rauzi at Stampin' On The Prairie.

You'll need some gift tags with your presents, so make them cute & quick!  The Scentsational Season stamp set is perfect for the cute and quickness factors!  DeAnn used a 3x3" Crumb Cake note card, with an embossed Whisper White background, then added these colorful Holiday Collection Framelits die-cuts!  A little Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, some Pearl Jewels and mini sentiment tag adds the perfect finishing touches!  Also Features: Fancy Fan Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Folder, Chevron Folder, and Petals-A-Plenty Folder.

 

Created by Michele Reynolds at Inspiration Ink.

See what I mean about the Scentsational Season stamps being perfect for tags?!  Here are a couple more cuties that are a little more elaborate.  Michele added these Holiday Collection Framelits die-cuts to the Labels Collection Framelits and Window Frame Framelits cut-outs for larger gift tags.  I love that she added some sparkle with Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details and Clear Dazzling Details glitter glue.  Also features: Candlelight Christmas DSP, More Merry Messages, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack, Silver Glimmer Paper, Early Espresso Baker's Twine and Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.

   

Created by Carmen DeBruce, Too Cool Demo Team.

Why not make your gift tag into a treat, too!  Carmen presented this make & take project at our last Too Cool Demo Team meeting and it's a perfect gift topper or thoughtful treat all on it's own!  We used the Two Tags Die to cut card stock and decorative paper tags. Punch the Itty Bitty Punch Pack circle before adhering the tags together at the bottom with Sticky Strip.  Fold over the paper and tie with a ribbon before adding the candy cane (this will give it a very snug fit to keep it in place).  Also features: Fabulous Phrases stamps, Jewelry Tag Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, First Edition DSP, Tags Til Christmas stamp (on back). 

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce, Too Cool Demo Team.

Finally, one more super-cute Santa tag with some easy punch art.  The beard is a 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch that opens up to become the tag.  The face is the 1-3/8" Circle Punch, the hat is a long, skinny, hand-cut triangle with a 1/2" Circle Punch Silver Glimmer ball.  The hat trim was can be created by punching each side with the Scallop Edge Border Punch for some faux ric rac. 

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Well, that's it for our week-long adventure with gift packaging!  Hope you've found some Too Cool ideas that you can use as you wrap up your holiday goodies!  You can find the other posts here: 4-Step Paper Bow, Sparkly Tulle Poinsettia Bow, Designer Paper Mini Gift Bags, Large Designer Paper Gift Bags, FREE MDS2 Naughty & Nice Gift Tags and Paper Bows Printable Tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by!

Angie

PS: Don't forget...

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Learn more about the benefits of Joining My Team.

Order your Starter Kit today by clicking the "Join Now" button on the left side of the Join The Fun page. 

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Stampin' Up! added 300+ items to the Clearance Rack, and dozens have already sold out!  Don't miss the HUGE selection, with some items discounted up to 80% off, while supplies last only! 

Don't wait or you may miss out on the best items!

Shop the Clearance Rack right now!

Ornament Punch Pop-Up Gift Card Holder

Hi Stamping Friends! 

I'm so very excited because today is December 1 and demonstrators only can begin ordering from the upcoming Spring Catalog and start earning Sale-A-Bration rewards!  Woohoo!  These promotions officially begin in January for customers, so mark your calendars: Spring Catalog begins January 3 and Sale-A-Bration begins January 22. 

But, you don't have to wait to join in on the fun!

It's An Awesome Time To Be A Demonstrator!

YOU can take advantage of the fabulous Spring Catalog pre-order opportunity right now, too, by simply purchasing a Starter Kit for $99! 

• Customize your Starter Kit with $125 of your choice of merchandise!
• No shipping fee on the Starter Kit!
• Earn Sale-A-Bration incentives during the pre-order—going on right now!
• 20% discount or more on EVERY order!

PLUS...don't forget!

• 10 FREE Classic Ink Pads with the Ink-redible Promotion (thru December 16 only!)

Join My Team Today!  Learn more, or contact me with questions! 

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My Ornament Punch Pop-Up Gift Card Holders are all ready to send out on Monday for customers who earned free gift certificates last week.  Yay!  Today, I'll show you have to make your own!

CASEd from Heather Summers at Stamp With Heather.

I saw this gift card holder at Heather Summer's blog and thought they were delightful!   Turns out they're delightfully easy-to-make, too! 

The bottom of the Crumb Cake card stock is punched with the Scallop Trim Border Punch for a pretty edge, then it's punched with the Ornament Punch to create a window. 

The sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes is stamped in Cherry Cobbler.  The Victoria Crochet Trim bow is attached with a Mini Glue Dot. 

It's a tri-fold style holder, so it opens to reveal a panel decorated with Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper.  I stamped the ornament image from the Tags Til Christmas set (or you could use any of the Delightful Decorations ornaments) in Cherry Cobbler on Very Vanilla card stock, then punched out with the Ornament Punch.  TIP: Close the front of the holder and adhere the ornament through the window for perfect positioning.

The ornament is decorated with Pearl Jewels (click to enlarge the photo).

Open the card to reveal the popped-up gift card!  Too cool! 

Create Your Own Pop-Up Gift Card Holder

• Start with a 4" x 11" sheet of card stock.
• Score at 2-3/4", 4", 5-1/4", and 8-1/8" with the Simply Scored tool.

• Fold as shown above: mountain, valley, mountain, mountain.
• Add 2-3/4" x 4" designer series paper to the first panel.
• Add Sticky Strip along the edge of the 2nd panel that's closest to the designer paper.  (Do not add any adhesive to the short sides or the edge next to the valley fold on that 2nd panel).  The 2nd and 3rd panels will adhere together to create the pop-up.

• Use your gift card, or a credit card, as a template to mark how big the opening will need to be on your pop-up section.
• Use the Word Window Punch to snip out enough room to hold the card.  TIP: I started by punching out a center piece first, then slide my punch toward either side to the mark I made to punch the remainder. 
• Trim any unslightly points or uneven places with Paper Snips.

• Punch the border and window and decorate as desired!

 

I made a second version with Crumb Cake 3/8" Tafetta Ribbon trim and striped paper from Be of Good Cheer DSP. 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Tags Til Christmas (or Delightful Decorations), Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Ink—Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Be of Good Cheer DSP; Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Victoria Crochet Trim (holder #1), Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (holder #2), Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Ornament Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Simply Scored, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL

Find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store!

Angie

Related articles

Scentsational Season - Gingerbread Joy

Wintery Gold Ornament Keepsakes Class Card

Sunday Showcase: Ornaments, Ornaments, Ornaments

Ornament With Candlelight Christmas Banners

Perfectly Preserved Pears

I tried.  I really tried. 

I swore up and down that I'd never buy that Perfectly Preserved stamp set with the weird-shaped Cannery Set Framelits to match.  I had purchased so many Holiday Catalog stamp sets already, I had to put my foot down on this one.  I mean, just because I'm from Indiana doesn't mean I want to stamp a damn corn cob!  Right?

Right??!!!!!!!

Oh, crap!  Who am I kidding?  This set is too cute and it goes so perfectly with the Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper and it's a very unique Fall stamp set.

Plus, did I mention it's...So. Stinkin'. Cute!

The wonderful thing about the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and Cannery Set Framelits combo is that it makes designing your projects fast and easy!  Nearly every image in the set has a coordinating Framelit, so there's very little, if any, cutting involved!  

TIP: Save time by stamping all of your images first, then die-cutting multiple images with the matching Framelits at one time.  For example, there's enough room on the Multipurpose Platform to die-cut the jar, lid, pear, stem, and sentiment in just one run through the Big Shot!  Awesome!

Oh, and did I mention, you can save 15% by purchasing the combo as a Perfectly Preserved Bundle.

CASEd from Darlene McCallum at Dreaming About Rubber Stamps.

I started with an Early Espresso card base, then added a layer of Crumb Cake.  Before adding my Orchard Harvest pear-patterned paper, I punched a border with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch and adhere it to the back.

Once all my Perfectly Preserved parts and pieces were stamped and die-cut, I assembled them using Dimensionals to highlight the lid and Lucky Limeade pear.  An Early Espresso Baker's Twine bow looks like it's tied around the More Mustard lid. 

The sentiment is also from Perfectly Preserved, but you'll need the Bitty Banners Framelits to die-cut that shape.  I layered it on a strip of Cotton Ribbon for added texture.

The second card uses all of the same elements as the first.  On this horizontal card, I used the flip-side of the Orchard Harvest paper and adhered the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border on top.

Plus, I added some stamped flowers in Early Espresso ink on the Cotton Ribbon.  Isn't that a cool look! 

Complete Supply List:

• Stamps—Perfectly Preserved or Perfectly Preserved Bundle
  
• Ink—Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Lucky Limeade Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Orchard Harvest DSP; Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade and Very Vanilla card stock  
• Accessories—Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Cotton Ribbon
• Tools—Cannery Set Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies to create these projects and more at my Online Store! 

Stamp With Me!  I'll be featuring a Perfectly Preserved card in next week's "Last Thursdays" monthly card class on October 25 at 6:30pm!  Space is limited, so contact me today to sign up!

Angie 

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Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

October Promos Quick Links!

• FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack with Christmas Bundle purchase
• New Single Stamps now available for a limited time!

Upcoming Events!

• Ornament Keepsakes Class - Oct. 20
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Card Class - Oct. 25.
• NEW WOW Technique Class - November 9
• Demo Team Holiday Shoebox Swap - November 12
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack - November 18, details coming soon!

Sunday Showcase: 12 Cards By My Stamping Friends

My stamping friends shared some awesome ideas at our recent Stamp Club and Demo Team Meeting events (they always do!).  Here are just some of the projects that we saw! 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.

Carmen used the Lacy & Lovely stamp set in Wisteria Wonder for this pretty card.  The medallion is made with the new 1-1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, layered on top of the 1-3/4" Scallop Circle, and 2-3/8" Scallop Circle.  The largest one has details drawn on it with a White Gel Pen.  Also featured: Rhinestone Jewels and Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon.

Created by Peggy Tassler

Peggy tried out the fun Triple Time Stamping technique with the Elements of Style stamp set.  I love how she colored and popped up a few of the flowers and added some Beautiful Wings Embosslit butterflies!  Also featured: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch.  Learn more about Triple-Time Stamping.

Created by Michelle Hoover.

Michelle created a fun trio of Papillon Potpouri butterflies topped with In Color Dahlias embellishments.  And the top half of the card is so pretty, too!  It's stamped with the Very Vintage Wheel and wrapped with Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon. Then, it's layered onto an Early Espresso layer with a Delicate Designs embossed and Large Scallop Edgelit cut border.  Also featured: Kindness Matters sentiment, Bitty Banners Framelits.

Created by Peggy Tassler.

Peggy used the brush-tip end of her Stampin' Write Markers to create a simple and fun background for the Fabulous Florets leaves!  Looks like Cajun Craze, Soft Swede and Crumb Cake colors.  Great idea!

Created by Kathe Madsen.

I love the new Chevron Impressions Folder and it looks great as the background on this simple Daffodil Delight and Lucky Limeade card!  The sentiment comes from Apothecary Art.  Also features: Scallop Trim Border Punch, and Paper Daisies.

Created by Carmen DeBruce.

Here's a fun Halloween punch art card for all of you Angry Birds lovers!  This bird is made from various circle punches, and the hat is created with the Large Oval Punch and Pennant Builder Punch.  Also features: Spider Web Impressions Folder.

Created by Michelle Hoover.

I love the patterns and textures on this one!  Michelle used the Cherry Cobbler Core'dintations card stock with the Lacy Brocade Impressions Folder from the Holiday Catalog to make the elegant, sanded background.  The houndstooth paper is from the Festival of Prints Designer Paper Stack, also new in the Holiday Catalog.  Also features: Stampin' Sanding System, Dust Buddy, Layered Labels stamps, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Large Oval Punch, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, and Vintage Faceted Buttons.

Created by Debbie Groulik.

What a fun anniversary card created with the Happy Hour set!  How can you not love the Rhinestone Jewels champagne bubbles?!!!  Wicked cute!  Also features: Elegant Lines Impressions Folder, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Modern Label Punch.

Created by Carmen DeBruce.

Carmen used masking and sponging to make this dellightful wooded scene with the Lovely As A Tree set.  Looks like she masked off the middle, then sponged on Baja Breeze, Old Olive, and Always Artichoke, then stamped over the top in Always Artichoke. Also features: Loving Thoughts, and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.

Created by Michelle Hoover.

Another pretty Triple-Time Stamping card in some of my favorite colors: Elegant Eggplant and River Rock!  Michelle used the Blooming with Kindness and Creative Elements sets.  Also features: Brushed Bronze Buttons, and White Baker's Twine.

 

Created by Peggy Tassler.

Peggy is showing a fun trick you can do with the Mixed Bunch stamp set and the Blossom Punch...turn it into a butterfly!  Simply cut off the top and bottom petals, add a couple Pearl Jewels and you've got a quick, fluttering friend!  I had to show the inside of her card, too, because the insides of her cards are always just as pretty as the outside!

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.

Here's a fun Halloween card using the new Bootiful Occasions from the Catalog.  The Spider Web Impressions Folder and Chevron Impressions Folder make a great background, but my favorite is the witch's broom!  See what she made it from?  It's the Owl Punch turned upside-down!  Too Cool!

Order supplies used on today's projects at my Online Store!

Hope you enjoyed today's ideas from my stamping friends!  Thanks to all of my friends for allowing me to share your talents and creativity!  You rock!

Angie

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Next "Last Thursdays" Class—August 30th

It's not too late to sign up to attend my "Last Thursdays" card class this week!  We make 4 card for $10, or they are FREE with your $20 order placed that night. 

Want To Try Triple-Time Stamping?!  We'll be doing the awesome Triple-Time Stamping technique for one of our projects!  You won't want to miss it!  Contact me to day to sign up!

Look for more details on our "Last Thursdays" class projects coming this week!

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Holiday Catalog Quick Links!

• See Holiday Catalog PDF
• Browse Holiday Catalog by Flash Player
• Shop Holiday Catalog Items Online
• Holiday Stampin' Supplies List - for samples in the catalog

 

Sunday Showcase: 14 Reason To Smile Ideas

 

I'm finding all kinds of fabulous project ideas using the new Reason To Smile stamp set!  During July only, Reason To Smile is available for just $5 when you make a purchase of $50 or more! What a deal!

I thought it would be perfect to show you just how versatile this set really is for today's Sunday Showcase!  Be sure to click on the links to the original project for complete details. 

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Created by Stampin' Up!

Simple and pretty!  I love the use of the small flower for a random pattern on the left side.  The sentiment, from Loving Thoughts, is stamped several times for a fading look that's dreamy!  Also features the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch and White Baker's Twine.

Created by Stampin' Up!

The Fancy Favor Die box is window-cut with the Labels Collections Framelits.  The flower is punched with the Scallop Circle Punch, then accented with a Brights Button and White Baker's Twine.  The sentiment from Petite Pairs.  What a cute treat idea that would be easy to duplicate!

Created by Stampin' Up!

Here's a lovely scrap page design of randomly stamped falling blossoms.  The Scallop Edge Border Punch, and simple white Neutrals Buttons with White Baker's Twine, add subtle texture and interest. 

Created by Karen Rogers at KareN StampZ.

The bright, two-stepped stamping on this card really sparkles!  The entired stamped piece is covered with Dazzling Diamonds and layered on a Scallop Edge Border Punch edge! 

Created by Renae Lyon at Create Something For Fun.

I really like the trio of stemmed flowers here, but not as much as the tag!  She used the Word Window Punch, then added a fish-tail to it. Cute!

Created by Michelle Le Breton at Michelle's Craft Classes.

Only the bold images are used here with markers, along with some sponging on the edges, for a soft, almost watercolor look.  I like the Labels Collections Framelits and circle punches layering of the Petite Pairs sentiment. Also features the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch and Baja Breeze 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Created by Sarah Klass.

Most cards I've seen with Reason To Smile are crisp and clean designs, but these images are perfect for a more vintage, layered look, too!  I love the combination of the stamps on First Edition Designer Series Paper, which is cut with the Two Tags Die.  And, the Antique Brads, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch edge and Crochet Trim give it a old Valentine feel.  Nice!

Created by Leonie Schroder at Stamp a Latte.

Oooh!  I'm diggin' the popped up blossoms busting out of the box!  Very eye-catching! 

Created by Teneale Williams.

Truth be told, this is the card that inspired my Lacy & Lovely Layered Circles card.  This one is simply beautiful with the Island Indigo and Pool Party combination.  Love it!

Created by Jan McAnulty at Card Capers with Jan.

Any of the flowers in this set will make beautiful backgrounds, but I'm really liking the stemmed flower for this!  These blooms are colored directly on the rubber with Markers for an easy, two-color image.

Created by Sarah Klass.

OK—Now we're getting into my favorite technique, emboss resist, which looks fantastic with the Reason To Smile stamps.  It's a fun alternative set for the technique I used on the cool Flower Fest White Embossing card that I loved so much.  This card reminds me of autumn with it's Fall-colored sunflowers and Woodgrain background.  I like the nice design element created with the Adorning Accents Edgelits and Impressions Folders, too!

Created by Sarah Jane Kale at Janeybell Designs.

More white embossing on Crumb Cake for another awesome background.  And, more emboss resist, this time coloring with markers on the flowers to match the Twitterpated Designer Paper.  Also featuring the Scallop Edge Border Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and Antique Brads.

Created by Rita Wright at Rita's Creations.

Such a pretty design with a color I rarely use...Basic Gray!  Makes me want to get my Neutrals Designer Paper Stack out!  More delightful two-stepped blooms (or three-stepped, if you count the flower center).  The In Color Designer Printed Brad makes a great accent on the popped up flower.  The same flower image is stamped in Lucky Limeade for the banner tail.  Petite Pairs is the go-to sentiment, once again!

Created by Jen Mitchelle at iCreate.

This is SO elegant!  I love it, even though I don't think I could do it because I couldn't stop without adding something more.  It's actually a one-layer card!  The sentiment is stamped first, then two lines are drawn to create a border.  Jen used masking to create the illusion of the blooms peeking around the sentiment border.  Too Cool!

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Do you see what I mean about the versatility of Reason To Smile?! 

Reason To Smile has delightful and distinctive flower images that are terrific for backgrounds, decorative borders, and focal points, as well as a multitude of stamping techniques, including two-step stamping, watercoloring, emboss resist, markers and more! Plus, the artwork style allows you to go bold, soft, cheery, vintage, and elegant—so many styles in one set!  You'll be able to use them for all kinds of occasions! 

For only $5, when you order at least $50, this is an incredible value! 

Be sure to order the Reason To Smile stamp set with your Online Order.

• #131274 - Wood Mount
• #131275 - Clear Mount

Angie

Retiree Spotlight: Flirtatious DSP & Lace Border Punch

Another one of my favorite retiring Designer Papers is the delightful Flirtatious Specialty Paper! 

   

Not only does it include light and cheery doily patterns on the paper, but it also has two 12x12" sheets of laser-cut doilies that can be cut apart and used as intricate embellishments.  Those die-cuts are in Pumpkin Pie and Melon Mambo, but the backs are white, so you can customize the colors if you want by adding Classic Ink.  Love the versatility! 

I wanted to do one last Too Cool project with this awesome paper!  So, I created Two Cool covered composition notebooks!  What started as this...

was turned into this...

Too Cool Stamping original design.

OOOhhhh!  Pretty, pretty, pretty!  Now, I'll be able to enjoy this paper for a little longer with these handy notebooks!  Let's take a closer look!

Covering The Compostion Book

• I cut a 2-1/2" x 9-3/4" piece of the Wisteria Wonder design and adhered with Sticky Strip to the spine of the book.
• Next, I adhered a 6-1/4" x 9-3/4" piece of the multicolor doily design to the front cover, and another to the back cover, with Sticky Strip. 
• Use Paper Snips to trim around the corners and any paper that's hanging over the edge.
• Use a Sanding Block around the edges to smooth the paper into the chipboard cover.  Run the block in one direction only, from the paper toward the chipboard.  If you run it the other direction, it will pull the paper away from the chipboard. 

TIP: I used exact composition book dimensions, but if you have trouble getting it on straight, you could adhere paper that was slightly larger than the front and trim it down to size.

Decorating The Composition Book

Now it's time to dress up the cover!  Oh, I had LOTS of fun doing this! 

 

• I added a 9-5/8" strip of Whisper White punched with the retiring Lace Ribbon Border Punch.
• I tied on three coordinating ribbons with staggered knots: Melon Mambo Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, and Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon.

The doily flower was all kinds of fun to make!  Check out all of those layers, with each one popped up with Dimensionals!  Let's start from the bottom and work our way up...

• The bottom layer is actually two of the Flirtatious die-cut doilies, overlapping each other and scrunched a bit to form a base.
• Next, I inked another Flirtatious doily with Wisteria Wonder ink.
• I used another Flirtatious die-cut, but this time I cut it down to a smaller size before I inked it with Daffodil Delight ink.
• The next layer is a Whisper White punch from the retiring Triple Layer Doily Punch.  It coordinates perfectly!
• The top layer is created by sewing the Melon Mambo Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon into a rosette shape.  I used an extra-large needle with White Baker's Twine as my thread, and simply sewed in and out of the holes that are already along the edge of the ribbon.  My ribbon was about 3" long.  Sew along the entire edge, pull tight, and knot. 
• I added a matching In Color Designer Brad to the center before attaching to the top. 

• I added a sentiment from the retiring Inspired By Nature stamp set for my notebook title.
• Don't forget the Rhinestone Jewel bling...always a must!

• I decorated the inside, too!  I used a 1-1/2" x 9-3/4" strip of Wisteria Wonder paper, and 6-1/2" x 9-3/4" of the Daffodil Delight paper. 
• Since the ribbons were wrapping around anyway, I continue the Lace Ribbon Border punch accent inside, as well. 
• I added a large Melon Mambo die-cut, plus another one that was trimmed down. 
• The third small doily accent is a stamp from Delicate Doilies in Wisteria Wonder ink, punched with a 3/4" Circle Punch.
• More Rhinestone Jewels in the doily centers.
• More Delicate Doilies are stamped on the first few pages of the notebook.

• The inside back cover is also decorated, but I left off Rhinestone Jewels because I figured they would be bumpy to write on.

• I left the back decorated very simply.

Mini Composition Notebook

I love the idea of having a matching mini notebook...it makes a fabulous gift set! 

 

• The Daffodil Delight spine measures 2-1/4" x 4-1/2".  Adhered with Sticky Strip.
• The Wisteria Wonder pieces measure 2-1/2" x 4-1/2". Adhered with Sticky Strip.
• I simplified this one to include only one Melon Mambo Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon and a Whisper White Lace Ribbon Border punch.
• The "create" sentiment is from the retiring Charming stamp set.  It's stamped in Melon Mambo on Whisper White, then double-punched with the Decorative Label Punch to create a mini shape, and accented with Rhinestone Jewels.
• The sentiment is on a layer of two, overlapping Flirtatious DSP punches.  They are each double-punched from the Decorative Label Punch.

Only 2 More Weeks! Order retiring stamp sets and accessories today at my Online Store!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Inspired By Nature (retiring, book #1), Charming (retiring, book #2), Delicate Doilies (book #1)
• Ink—Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight Classic Ink and Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo Markers.
• Paper—Flirtatious Specialty Paper; Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Melon Mambo Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding (coming soon), Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Printed In Color Designer Brads, White Baker's Twine.
• Tools—Sanding Block, 3/4" Circle Punch (book #1), Triple Layer Doily Punch (retiring, book #1), Decorative Label Punch (book #2), Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Paper Snips, Extra-Large Needle, SNAIL, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Angie

Retiring Items Quick Links:

• Retired Accessories List PDF
• Retired Definitely Decorative Items PDF
• Retired Stamp List PDF
   
• Browse All Retired Products Online
• Browse Only Retired Ink, Paper & Accessories Online
• Browse Discounted Retired Accessories Online

Sunday Showcase: Spotlight On Retiring Accessories

I'll be using my Sunday Showcases in May to highlight some of my favorite projects and techniques using soon-to-be retired merchandise. 

This week we are focusing on items from the Retired Accessories List, mainly because these items are "while supplies last," so they are going quickly!  If you see a project you like here, make sure you grab up the retired items before they are gone!  I'll feature more of the Retiring Stamp Sets later, since those items are guaranteed to stick around through May 31.

All of these projects were featured on my blog in the past, so you can get complete instructions and supply lists for them by clicking on the link.  Since many are from years ago, you'll see some already-retired merchandise, but it was still fun to go back and remember these Too Cool creations!

 

Build-A-Bear Sleeping Bag Card

I was a little surprised to see so many Sizzix Dies retiring this time, but truthfully, the Build-A-Bear series has had a good run.  I love this cute bear in the sleeping bag that I made for my niece.  So cute!  Don't miss my Dressed Up Bears Showcase for more ideas!  Goodbye Bear Bigz Die, Beary Essentials Bigz Die, Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (all 1/4" Grosgrain is retiring).

Lots of Love Letterpress Hearts

The Letterpress Plates were a fun way to add both color and texture to projects, but they have all been retired.  I'm gonna miss those multiple sizes of hearts, too. Goodbye Lots of Love Letterpress Plate and Heart-To-Heart Punch.

Finial Press Wax Resist

This was a fun technique that you could do with any texture embossing folder.  I just happened to do it with one that will be retiring soon.  Goodbye Finial Press Impressions Folder and Old Olive Satin Ribbon (all Satin Ribbon is retiring).

Windowpane Necklace

The Windowpane embellishments were fun while they lasted!  Transforming the window into a necklace was such a fun project!  Goodbye Beveled Windowpanes and Clearly For You stamp set.

Frosted Windowpanes

I really enjoyed the frosted look of the Beveled Windowpanes, created by lightly sanding the underside.  So soft and pretty!  And, I'll miss the accordion detailing from the Crimper (already sold out!).

Round Tab Mini Purses

It sure was fun to make these cute mini purses from Round Tab punches!  Goodbye Round Tab Punch, Silver Brads (already sold out!), Rose Red 1/4" Grosgrain and Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain.

Round Tab Sponge Toppers

I know I'll be keeping my Round Tab Punch around to make my sponge toppers!  It's a terrific way to organize your sponges and keep your fingers clean!

Eyelet Border Punch Ruffles

The Round Tab Punch was used to create the closure on this easy to make Box In A Bag project.  I was really surprised that the lovely Eyelet Border Punch was retiring.  I love using it as a regular border, and when crimpled with a Crimper, it becomes pliable enough to make a pretty ruffle, as shown on these medallion embellishments.  Goodbye Eyelet Border Punch.

Butterfly Punch Pansies

No more pansies?!!!  That makes me so sad!  These pansies are made with two Butterfly Punches from Watercolor Paper, colored with Refill Inks.  Goodbye Butterfly Punch, Watercolor Paper (it's being reconfigured), Crop-A-Dile, and Clear Rhinestone Brads. 

Matchbox Dresser

The Matchbox Die has helped me with many a project, and I'll definitely miss it for creating quick party favors!  I love how you could stack the matchboxes to create this dresser!  Goodbye Matchbox Die and Circle Ice Rhinestones Brads.

  

Matchbox Nugget Holder Box

You can also adhere the Matchboxes side-by-side for a fun nugget holder!  So sorry to see this one go!  This was one of my favorite gift projects!

Elegant Trio Stencil

All of the the Definitely Decorative Line of products will be retiring, including all of the vinyl Décor Elements and Décor Stencils.  This was a classy masked stencil project from a while back with the fleur de lis.  Goodbye Elegant Trio Stencil, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, and Circle Ice Rhinestones Brads.

Paisley Petals Gate Fold

Don't forget that, with the exception of First Edition, all of the beautiful Designer Series Papers from the catalog will be retiring, too!  This gate fold card featured one of my favorites!  Goodbye Paisley Petals DSP.

 

Mocha Morning Stocking Gift Card Holders

My absolute, hands-down favorite paper this year was Mocha Morning!  I LOVE the gorgeous gold and neutrals!  It made our stocking gift card holders so elegant and classy!  Goodbye Mocha Morning DSP, Gold Waffle Paper, and Snow Burst Impressions Folder.

Simply Adorned Charms

The whole Simply Adorned line of jewelry is also going away.  Here are two of the beautiful make & takes we did a Leadership last year.  Goodbye Simply Adorned charms, chains, and trinkets; Springtime Vintage Fabric, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Clearly For You.

Oval Scallop Gate Fold

I'm really hoping that we're getting some new Framelits in this shape, because otherwise I'll be mourning the loss of the Oval Scallop Die and all the interlocking gate fold cards that could have been.  Goodbye Oval Scallop Die.

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Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me to remember some of the best of the best projects created with the soon-to-be Retired Accessories!

Don't wait!  Order your favorites today at my Online Store!

Angie

Sweet Tea Shoppe Hearts

I have a few extra spaces still remaining for my "Last Thursdays" Card Class tonight, so if you still want to join us, contact me ASAP! 

This is another one of of the card designs we'll be creating tonight!

 

CASEd from Michelle Reynolds at Inspiration Ink.

I didn't stray far from Michelle's design because I love everything about these Two Cool Cards!  The colors, the layout, the coordinating texture, the simple embellishments.  I think my class will have fun making it, too!

I started with a 4-1/2" x 11" card base to make it easier to add the Adorning Accents Impressions Folder hearts embossing across the front. 

The pretty hearts paper is from the Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper.  I layered a strip of Wisteria Wonder card stock punched with the Pinking Hearts Border Punch along the side, then wrapped the piece with some matching Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon. 

The teacup is from the Tea Shoppe set.  The stamp is a set of three teacups, so I colored only one at a time with a Wisteria Wonder Marker, then punched out the image with the Full Heart Punch.  You could also use one of the Hearts Framelits. 

That piece is layered on top of a Wisteria Wonder die-cut from the Scalloped Heart-of-Hearts Embosslit.  Love that scallop! 

The cards are finished off with an Old Olive Bright Button, tied in Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine, and adhered with a Glue Dot.  The sentiment is also from the Tea Shoppe set.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Tea Shoppe
• Ink—Wisteria Wonder Marker; Wisteria Wonder Classic Ink
• Paper—Sweet Shop DSP; Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, card stock   
• Accessories—Bright Buttons, Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon
• Tools—Adorning Accents Impressions Folder, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Scallop Heart-of-Hearts Embosslit, Big Shot, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

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Only 3 More Days To Sale-A-Brate!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Designer Cuts Makeover 6: Delicate Butterfly

It's Friday, and time for another one of my Designer Cuts Extreme Makeover Class reveals! 

There is only one more week to sign up for this awesome class on April 21.  We'll take the blank Designer Cuts cards and make them over into 8 beautifully embellished cards!  Cost is $35, or it's free when you place your $50 order to sign up by March 30.  Plus, your $50 order will qualify you to receive a FREE Sale-A-Bration item when you register!  Bonus!  Space is limited so contact me today to register.

Here is one of the card transformations you'll create at the class:

I love the delicate textures and soft, feminine colors of this dressed up Designer Cuts lace border card. 

I've added a Not Quite Navy card stock piece behind the laser-cut designs, and a Pool Party strip across the top.  Then, I layered on a Lace Ribbon Punch Border from Very Vanilla card stock across the top to mimic the lower design. 

I adhered a strip of Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon across the center for some subtle texture.  Then, I added some pops of color with a So Saffron embossed butterfly from the Beautiful Wings embosslit, and three mini flowers from the Itty Bitty Punch pack.  TIP: Use the tip of the Bone Folder in the center of the flowers to bend and scrunch them into the shape you desire.  Rhinestone Jewel accents give it some bling!

The sentiment, from Kindness Matters (a Sale-A-Bration selection), was stamped in Not Quite Navy onto Very Vanilla, punched with the Modern Label Punch, then layered on a double-punched mini Decorative Label shape in Not Quite Navy.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Kindness Matters
  Ink—Not Quite Navy Classic Ink
  Paper—Designer Cuts Cards; Not Quite Navy, Pool Party, Very Vanilla card stock   
• Accessories—Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Big Shot, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Modern Label Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Bone Folder, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Come and create this project, and seven more cards at our Designer Cuts Extreme Makeover Class on April 21. 

Stay tuned...I'll be revealing our last two Designer Cuts card projects—my two favorites—next Friday!

Angie 

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3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Carmen's Bordering On Romance Watercolored Card

I found a beautiful card that Carmen DeBruce had created for our Demo Swap last month that I hadn't posted yet.  Take a look!

 

Carmen did an excellent job of watercolor the Bordering On Romance flowers. They are stamped on Watercolor Paper with StazOn Black, then watercolored with Classic Ink Pads and an Aqua Painter. 

I'm loving the Calypso Coral background with pretty Adorning Accents hearts embossing and Pinking Hearts Border Punch textures.  So pretty!

Carmen wrapped the watercolored accent with Hemp Twine and added a Decorative Label punch in the same Calypso Coral for another textured layer. 

The sentiment is from Fabulous Phrases, and she used the Jewelry Tag Punch to create an elongated tag shape. 

Thanks for allowing me to share your beautiful card, Carmen!

Find the supplies to make this project and more at my Online Store!

Angie

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Leadership Make & Takes—Snipped Blossom Card

We had SO many Make & Takes to do at Leadership, there was no way we could get everything done in the time allowed! 

That's OK!  I like to take my time and work on them later anyway...so we mostly chatted and only got two out of the 10 projects done.  LOL!  Plus, we each received one of these at each place setting...

 

...a Fancy Favor box to match our notepad organizer!  What a cute and simple idea!  It was filled with three kinds of chocolate that was handmade by a Stampin' Up! employee.  (I love all the little details that Stampin' Up! provides!)  But, who can concentrate on creativity when there's chocolate?!!!

Fancy Favor Box Supplies: Cherry Cobbler 12x12" Card Stock, Fancy Favor Die, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon. (Wish I had the chocolate recipes to share!)

 

Our Make & Take supplies came in this brown logo bag (a little worse for wear after the plane ride).  The projects were packaged up with photos and instructions, and came with all the buttons, ribbon, and other embellishments we would need. 

Somehow, between the chatting and the chocolate, my friend Mary Ellen and I got the first project accomplished! 

 

We did the one with the Two Cool cards first...how appropriate!  This project fits my "make one to give and one to keep" philosophy!  We were supposed to make two cards and donate one to Ronald McDonald House Charities, one of the many organizations with which Stampin' Up! is partnered.  That IS too cool!

My favorite part of this card is the flower!  It uses the new Blossom Punch, and I love the idea of snipping between each petal for more texture and dimension!  

The flower center is a Bright Button tied with Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine and layered on a piece from the new Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit!  Isn't it so pretty and delicate! 

To be honest, I wasn't all that interested in the Blossom Builders Kit, mainly because I like to stamp and color my own flowers.  But, I love the idea of mixing the pre-printed pieces with stamped and punched flowers!  When I think of how I could use them that way, there are endless possibilities! 

The Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit includes two double-sided sheets of colorfully printed, die-cut blossoms on textured paper.  One side of each flower is patterned and the other side is a solid color.  Mix, match and layer to create dozens of one-of-a kind flower embellishments! You also get 30 pink rhinestones to decorate the blooms!

I know you're gonna fall in love with these pre-printed flowers, too, once I complete my Make & Takes and share them with you!  Every one of them uses parts and pieces from this fantastic kit!  I wish I had them all done, because I can't wait to show you!

Here's another cool tip!  Did you know you can make card stock ric rac with the Scallop Edge Border Punch?  Punch on one side of your card stock, then flip it over and offset the scalloped punches on the other side.  Neat-O!

Want to make this card with your friends, and earn fabulous Sale-A-Bration Hostess Rewards, too?  Contact me today!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Thank You Kindly, Mixed Bunch
• Ink—Old Olive, Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
• Paper—Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Poppy Parade, Whisper White card stock   
• Accessories—Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine, Bright Buttons
• Tools—Blossom Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie 

*  *  *  *  *

3 Easy Ways To Earn FREE Products!

1. Spend $50—For every $50 order, you can select one FREE Sale-A-Bration product of your choice!  Order Online now!
2. Host A Workshop—Host a workshop of at least $150 and earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Tote.  Host a workshop of $400, earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration Bundle.  All this, plus the generous hostess benefits!  Contact me today!
3. Join Stampin' Up!—Become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, and receive $50 off your Starter Kit!  Plus, receive FREE Designer Series Paper or digital download EVERY month for the rest of 2012!  Sign up today!

See complete details about Sale-A-Bration!

Apothecary Art With Everyday Elegance

Today's project is the final one from my Occasions Mini Kick-Off Party, this time featuring the new, beautiful Apothecary Art stamp set, matching Labels Framelits Dies, and a sneak peek at the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper being offered as one of the Sale-A-Bration items!  Which reminds me...

Mark Your Calendaras! Sale-A-Bration starts Janaury 24th!  Select free stamps or accessories for every $50 you spend between January 24 and March 31!  Plus, there is even more exciting bonuses for hostesses and new recruits during this event!  More details coming soon, or check out your Sale-A-Bration flyer which should be in your mailboxes anytime now!  Contact me if you need a copy of the flyer, or if you would like a workshop or private class featuring exclusive Sale-A-Bration items.

 

I love the color combination of these Two Cool cards—the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper is SO pretty!  And, it works so beautifully with the Apothecary Art label images! 

 

Card Details: I stamped the medium size image on Very Vanilla, colored it with Markers, then die-cut it with the coordinating Labels Framelits Dies.  To create the layer behind the focal point, I die-cut a second piece from Soft Suede, then cut it in half, either horizontally or vertically, and attached each half so they are peeking out from under the sides. 

A little Dazzling Diamonds adhered with 2-Way Glue Pen, really sparkles the flowers up nicely!

I stamped the Apothecary image a second time and added the sentiment in Poppy Parade before trimming around it just inside the lines.  Did you notice that the new Loving Thoughts set has all kinds of greetings that fit perfectly in the Apothecary Art (and Take It To Heart) stamp images?!  Cool, eh?  

After layering the back with a border punched from the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, I popped it up with Dimensionals.

Before adhering the focal piece, I adhered some new Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon in soft loops—so pretty!

Oh, I just love how this card turned out!  But, then again, I'm finding that I love just about every card I see created with this lovely set!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Apothecary Art
• Ink—Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait Markers; Soft Suede, Poppy Parade Classic Ink 
• Paper—Everyday Enchantment DSP (coming soon!); Soft Suede, Pool Party, Very Vanilla card stock   
• Accessories—Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds
• Tools—Labels Framelits Dies, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Shop online for these and more new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog!

Angie

Stamp Club Tag Design 5—Vintage Christmas

I knew I wanted one of my tag designs for tonight's Stamp Club tags class to have a vintage look.  I love how these turned out...

They are very soft and elegant looking. And very similar to the basic design of the Winter Wishes Stitched Felt Tags Kit ones.  These also use the Two Tags Die for the base, but this time I've layered some Mocha Morning Designer Series Paper with Cherry Cobbler card stock edged with the Scallop Trim Border Punch. 

 

The details are what make this tag so special!  I embossed Very Vanilla card stock with the oval Designer Frames Impressions Folder, then trimmed around it and sponged it with Crumb Cake ink. 

Next, I stamped either the deer image from Winter Post or the family image from Welcome Christmas onto more Very Vanilla and punched with the Extra-Large Oval Punch to layer inside the Designer Frame.  I popped the frame with Dimensionals then added a bit of Chantilly Crochet Trim to finish it off. 

My Shoulda-Coulda Moment is that Pearl Jewels would look fantastic on these tags!  Or, maybe a mist of my Shimmer Mist spray...oh yeah!  (apparently everything I make these days needs a little of this spray!)

I chose Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding for the hanging tie and I think that the color really "ties" the whole project together.  Most of my other hangers have been cord or twine, and none were an intregal part of the tag's design.  This ribbon is.  The beautiful red, flowing ribbon makes the project much more stunning, in my opinion! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Winter Post (tags 1, 3), Welcome Christmas (tags 2, 4)
• Ink—Crumb Cake, Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Mocha Morning DSP, plus Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock 
  
• Accessories—Chantilly Crochet Trim, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding
• Tools—Scallop Trim Border Punch, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Two Tags Die, Designer Frames Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Sponges, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies at my Online Store!

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I hope you've enjoyed this week's posts about my Stamp Club tags class!  Are you joining us?  I still have a few openings left.  See you there!

Angie

 

 

Stamp Club Tags Design 1—Bells & Boughs Medallions

I'm currently working on some super-cute tags for my monthly Stamp Club event coming up on Friday night.  We'll be making 20 gift tags—4 each of 5 designs! 

You're Invited!  You should join us as a guest!  We have immediate openings in my Club right now—come and check it out!  The supply fee this month is $6 (it's normally $5), plus a minimum $15 order. But, remember, if you place a $20 order right now, you'll also receive a FREE Winter Wishes Gift Tag Kit.  Bonus!

Want to learn more about my Stamp Club?  Read about it in my current email newsletter or contact me!

CASEd from Vicki Burdick at The Hive.

Our first set of tags is created with the beautiful and traditional Bells & Boughs stamp set and the scallop circle medallion from the Perfect Pennants Die.

 

When I found out that the larger scallop circle medallion in the Perfect Pennants Die layered so nicely with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch, that die became a must-have for me! 

 

Look!  It even makes the back of the tag look pretty!  I love it!  This design is super-simple and fun to make, especially if you enjoy watercoloring while you watch TV like I do!

Tag Step-By-Step Instructions:

• Stamp the bells image on Whisper White with StazOn Black ink
• Punch out using the 2-1/2" Circle Punch
• Watercolor using Classic Ink Pads and a Blender Pen, or color with markers
• Punch 1/8" hole and tie on Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
• Stamp To/From image on the back in Basic Black
• Color 3 Rhinestone Jewels with a Red Sharpie, then add to the tag on top of the holly berries

This tag can also be a fantastic embellishment for cards and scrapbooks.  In just a few minutes, I created these Two Cool cards with this Bells & Boughs tag:

 

Is it me, or does this card remind you something that Mrs. Claus would wear?  That Eyelet Border looks like some pretty, white lace trim on her red holiday dress! 

I know, I'm weird...

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Bells & Boughs, Winter Post (to/from)
• Ink—StazOn Black, Blender Pen, plus Basic Black, Garden Green, Riding Hood Red, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Sahara Sand, Pear Pizzazz (cards) Classic Ink, red Sharpie
  
• Paper—Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz (cards) Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
• Tools—Perfect Pennants Die, Big Shot, 1/8" Hole Punch (retired), Eyelet Border Punch (cards), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch (cards), Scallop Oval Punch (cards), Petals-A-Plenty Impressions Folder (card #1), Snow Burst Impressions Folder (card #2), 2-1/2" Circle Punch, SNAIL

Find all the supplies at my Online Store!

Stay tuned for more tags from my Stamp Club this week!

Angie

FREE Winter Wishes Felt Tag Kit With Every $20 Order

When I attended the Louisville Regional in October, I saw the cutest set of Christmas gift tags created with the Winter Wishes Stitched Felt from the Holiday Mini. 

These soft, multi-layered embellishments can quickly add a warm touch to holiday cards, gift bags & tags, and scrapbook pages!  Check out my version of the gift tags presented at the Regional:

Each tag features one of the 4 Winter Wishes Stitched Felt accents, along with Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon and either the Dotted Scallop Ribbbon Punch or Scallop Edge Border Punch. 

What a cute set of tags!  And, for a limited time, I'll be offering a Winter Wishes Gift Tag Kit, so you can create your very own set! 

Kit Contents: The kit has all the supplies to make each of the four Winter Wishes tags.  Includes all card stock, designer paper, glimmer paper, ribbon, twine, rhinestone brad, and rhinestones shown.  All paper will be pre-cut and pre-punched, ready-to-assemble with your own adhesive. The "to" and "from" stamping is not included (I'm not allowed to pre-stamp kit supplies per Stampin' Up! policy). Step-by-step instructions with photos will be emailed to you.

Hurry!  Kits Only Available While Supplies Last Thru December 15!

Choose the option that works for you:

• $4.95 Kit Local—Local Fort Wayne-area residents can order by contacting me and working out local payment and delivery details.
• $4.95 Kit + $2.00 Shipping—Anyone within the Continential US can order the kit via PayPal and I'll mail the kit via US Mail in a padded envelope.

• FREE Kit—Earn a FREE kit (with no shipping fee!) for every $20 order you place by email, or through my Online Store.
• FREE Kit—Earn a FREE kit when you agree to a Host a Party or Private Class with me between January 4 and February 29, 2012 (the awesome Sale-A-Bration promotion starts Jan. 24).  Check my Calendar of Events to pick a date, then contact me to schedule.

Fine Print: This Winter Wishes Gift Tags Kit is offered exclusively by me at Too Cool Stamping.  Once you place an online order, or purchase the Kit, I will send out the Kit by the next business day.  This offer is good December 3 through December 15, or while supplies last.  Not valid on previous purchases, or in combination with other special offers or incentives from Too Cool Stamping.  Offer IS valid for Stamp Club and workshop orders (woohoo!).  Hostesses who earn this FREE kit incentive must have their event between January 4 and February 29, 2012.

Winter Wishes Gift Tags Up Close

Each Winter Wishes Gift Tag is created on Whisper White card stock that's die-cut with the Two Tags Die.  Tags measure 3" x 4-3/8", so they are perfect for even large-size gifts.  You could even use them as an accent on a card or as an embellishment on a scrapbook.  Or, wrap them up in a cello bag and give the whole set of 4 as a gift!

TIP: I used either Multipurpose Tombow Glue, or Crystal Effects to attach the felt.  Sticky Strip, Glue Dots and SNAIL really don't secure them as well. 

Let's take a closer look at these Too Cool tags!

 

Cute mittens tied in a bow, hanging above Rhinestone Jewels accents.

 

Wintery snowflake highlighted with a Clear Rhinestone Brad.

 

I love the layered felt wreath, tied with a beautiful Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon bow.

 

A cute felt holly sprig with berries looks fabulous on the punched Silver Glimmer Paper wreath.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Fabulous Phrases
• Ink—Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Frostwood Lodge DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Marina Mist, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Winter Wishes Stitched Felt, Rhinestone Jewels, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
• Tools—Two Tags Die, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbbon Punch, Crystal Effects, Multipurpose Tombow Glue, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Find all the supplies at my Online Store!

Angie

 

Snow Much Fun Multi-Panel Card

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  I had to share a photo of what we came home to after our dinner at my sister-in-laws house...

Lucky had apparently had a little Thanksgiving dinner of his own via the garbage can!  He's very proud of it, too, "See what I did, Mom?"  He had a tummy ache and moaned and groaned all night, but he's OK now.

I'd also like to give a shout out to my international stamping friends!  When I check out the Feedjit Live Traffic Feed on the lower left column, I'm always surprised to discover all the people checking in from Canada, Austrailia, the UK, India, the Phillipines...so many places all over the world!  Thank you all for spending a little time visiting my Too Cool Stamping blog!  *waves*

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Today's Two Cool Cards project is a Christmas multi-panel card, like the Field Flowers Multi-Panel Card one from a few months ago.

   

Card CASEd from Lauri Randolph: Snow Much Fun.

The tall snowman from the Snow Much Fun stamp set works perfectly for this style of card!  Even the sentiments are the perfect size for the front panel! 

Measurements: You can find all the measurements for this card at the Field Flowers Multi-Panel Card post.  I altered this card to have a little wider center panel.  Instead of 1" wide side panels, I made 3/4" ones, so you would make that adjustment for the cut marks.  But, everything else was scored the same.

Northern Flurry Embossed Panel: After stamping my snowman with StazOn Black, and watercoloring with a Blender Pen and Classic Ink Pads, I textured embossed the background with the Northern Flurry Impressions Folder.

TIP: Make sure that your StazOn Ink is completely dry, otherwise the pressure of running it through the Big Shot will transfer the ink onto your embossing folder.

I had to do some finagling to make the texture wrap around the snowman.  You can't just emboss one side, then the other, or your original side gets smooshed down again.  So, here's what worked the best for me:

 

First, I lined up one side of the snowman with the edges of the snowflakes, then ran it through the Big Shot.

Next, you'll line up the outer edge of the Northern Flurry Folder along the edge of the snowman. 

Finally, as you add your top Cutting Plate, make sure it is just inside the edge of the Folder.  We don't want to put pressure on that Folder edge, because it could make an embossed line on the snowman. 

Then, I carefully run only the edge through the Big Shot, cranking the handle just enough to catch the edge, then reversing the rotation and backing it out. 

I highlighted the embossed texture with some pearlescent Frost White Shimmer Paint.

  

I shake up the paint before opening, then dab the dauber on the inside lid of the jar.  The Sponge Daubers are just the right size, and the lid has just the right amount of paint!  Very lightly, I dab the paint onto the snowflakes. I also dabbed a little on the snowball, too.

 

Other Card Details

• I added the Lace Ribbon Border Punch to the front bottom panel to simulate snow.
• I didn't have any red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, so I used my Real Red Marker to color on some Very 1/8" Very Vanilla Tafetta (or you could actually use 1/8" Real Red Taffeta).

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Snow Much Fun
• Ink—Blender Pen; StazOn Black: Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Sahara Sand, River Rock, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Daffodil Delight (card #1), Pacific Point (card #1), Classic Ink
  
• Paper—2011-2013 In Color Patterns Paper Stack, Brights Patterns Paper Stack, Lucky Limeade, Real Red, Whisper White, card stock 
  
• Accessories—Frost White Shimmer Paint, 1/8" Very Vanilla Tafetta (colored with Real Red Marker or 1/8" Real Red Taffeta ),  Pearl Jewels 
•  Tools—Northern Flurry Impressions Folder, Big Shot, Sponge Daubers, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can purchase all the supplies to create this card at my Stampin' Up! Online Store!

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FREE Holiday Stamp-A-Stack Class—Only Through Monday!

Don't miss my premiere Holiday Stamp-A-Stack event on November 30.  

I'm giving away a FREE Stamp-A-Stack class to the first 12 people who place a $35 order with me starting today and before end-of-day November 28. 

Regular Class Price: $30, or only $15 with your $25 order! 

First 12 Stampers Starting Today: FREE class, with your $35 order!  

See complete class details here.  Contact me to sign up before end-of-day November 28 to reserve your space and place your order. 

Online Extravaganza is going on now through November 30!  Don't miss it!  Visit my Online Store now!

Clearance Rack—Many of my online customers are taking advantage of the awesome Clearance Rack deals going on right now, too!  Check out the Clearance Rack!

Angie

 

 

In Color Shimmering Butterflies

I love to find inspiration from the Idea Book & Catalog—it's a fabulous resource!  When I need to create some cards to have on hand, it's easy to simply find a card I like in the Idea Book, and copy!

Take a look at the card on page 141 in the current Idea Book, and you'll see my inspiration for today's cards!

 

Four of the current In Colors are featured on these Two Cool cards.  The Designer Series Patterns Paper is Lucky Limeade, and the butterflies are in Pool Party, Calypso Coral, and Wisteria Wonder.  I love the way they complement each other.  So pretty together!  Plus, my card base is Pear Pizzazz, another In Color from 2010.

The butterflies were so fun to make!  The card I CASEd used Floral Fillers, but I don't have that set.  Instead, I stamped the rectangular floral image from Clearly For You in the ink that matched the card stock colors....

...then punched stamped area with the Butterfly Punch.

I also spritzed them my special Champagne Shimmer Mist rubbing alcohol mixture for lots of sparkle! 

The centers of the butterflies are adorned with a Soft Suede Itty Bitty Punch Pack flower punch topped with a Pearl Jewel. 

I did a whole set of them in about two hours while I watched a movie.  I LOVE mass-producing! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Clearly For You, Thank You Kindly, En Francais (card #1), Distressed Dots (card #2)
• Ink—Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder Classic Ink
  
• Paper—In Color Designer Patterns Paper Stack, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist (rubbing alcohol mixture), Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Butterfly Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, spray bottle, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can purchase all the supplies to create this card at my Stampin' Up! Online Store!

The Online Extravaganza continues today through November 30!  Shop online now to take advantage of awesome deals!  Select products are 20% - 60% off! 

Bonus!  Receive a FREE package of Baker's Twine when you purchase $30 from me (by email or Online Store) from now through November 30.

Angie

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Quick Links: Register Today For The Holiday Stamp-A-Stack

• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack—November 30.  Register by November 28.
• $35 Extra Hostess Benefits—When you host a $350 or more workshop through Dec. 15.

 

Bright Hopes Glimmers In Gold

I finally opened up my Bright Hopes set that has been waiting patiently for me to try it for over a month!  It was time, and I had the perfect card in mind for it!

I absolutely love the bold and classy images in this set, and they were calling out to be heat embossed!

 

My Two Cool cards are nearly identical this time, mostly because I was really enjoying this layout!  It's all golden and glimmery and looks so elegant on the deep, rich Bravo Burgundy and Always Artichoke holiday colors.

The tree and sentiment were stamped in VersaMark Ink, then heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder and the Heat Tool. 

I embellished the front with Rhinestone Jewels, colored to match with a burgundy colored permanent Sharpie.  (You could also use a mixture of coordinating refill inks and Crystal Effects painted onto the jewel.) 

My favorite part of these cards, however, is the beautiful gold embossed background!

I used the pretty flourish from Creative Elements.  I'm loving this stamp with embossing SO much, as is evident in my post on Simply Stunning Backgrounds created with that particular stamp.  This is just one of the reasons that Creative Elements is my favorite catalog set this year!

Next, I used the shimmering Brushed Gold card stock with the delicate designs of the Lace Ribon Border Punch to add a pretty border layer on each side.  It frames the focal point and really gives the card a clean and finished look! 

You can create the same card by purchasing all the supplies at my Online Store!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Bright Hopes, Creative Elements
• Ink—VersaMark Ink, Burgundy Sharpie marker
  
• Paper—Brushed Gold card stock, Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke card stock 
  
• Accessories—Gold Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Lace Ribon Border Punch, Heat Tool, SNAIL

The Online Extravaganza event starts tomorrow!  Don't miss the early-bird, 24-hour specials, and a bonus incentive gift from me!  Check back early tomorrow for all the details!

Angie

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Quick Links: Register Today For The Holiday Stamp-A-Stack

• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack—November 30.  Register by November 28.
• $35 Extra Hostess Benefits—When you host a $350 or more workshop through Dec. 15.

Mocha Morning Stocking Gift Card Holders

If you're looking for a super cute way to dress up some gift cards, the new Stocking Die is a must-have!  It's the perfect size for gift cards!  Check it out!

 

CASEd from Becky Jenson at StampThat.com.

The shimmery golden tones from the Mocha Morning Specialty Designer Series Paper worked beautifully for these Two Cool Stocking Gift Card Holders.  The non-traditional colors give a classy & elegant, even vintage feel. 

I think they are gorgeous, and I can't wait to share that with my Stamp Club members tonight!  They'll be able to choose which design to create. 

Stocking Gift Card Holder How-Tos

Start with a 5-1/2"x 6" piece of Mocha Morning Specialty DSP.  Be aware of which side you want your stocking to hang and how you place the paper on the Stocking Die to run it through the Big Shot.  For example, if you want the stripes hanging to the right, you have to put the stripes face-down on the die.  If you want the stripes hanging to the left, you place the stripes face-up. 

TIP: If you cut two of the same pieces of DSP at one time, back-to-back, you will get all the parts and pieces you need to mix & match, like this...

(I would have had a matching cuff if I had started with a longer piece of DSP)

Next, run a 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of Basic Black card stock through for the accent pieces and back, as well as a 2x4" piece of the black flocked DSP for the decorative cuff.

 

Emboss the heal & toe pieces with the design you want, being careful to emboss the correct side.  TIP: Place the pieces upside-down onto the side of the folder with "Sizzix" written in the corner.  You should be able to tell by the perforations along the edge which side is which.

 

Next, add the ruffle.

For the Gold Waffle Paper ruffle, run Sticky Strip along the back of the cuff, then scrunch up a 1" wide strip of the paper along that adhesive. 

For the Chantilly Crochet Trim ruffle, I added the Sticky Strip to the front of the DSP, then scrunched along that adhesive strip.

Once the cuff is adhered to the top of the stocking front, place the card where you want it.  Use any credit card, gift card, or make your own gift card from chipboard like I did.  Position it on the stocking so it peeks over the top of the cuff about 3/8" to 1/2".  Draw around the card with a pencil or marker.

  

Add Sticky Strip just outside the pencil lines.  Where the paper is too skinny for the width of the Sticky Strip, add a bit of SNAIL adhesive. 

Add pieces of Sticky Strip around the remaining edges, and fill in the remaining edges with SNAIL adhesive before adding the black back stocking and cuff.

Lolly Medallion Embellishment How-Tos

Lolly medallions are fun and easy to make, especially with the new Simply Scored tool!

First, cut a 1" x 12" strip of Mocha Morning DSP, then use the Eyelet Border punch along the edge.

Lay the strip on the Simply Scored tool, and score at every 1/2" mark.

Flip the strip over, then score at every 1/4" mark.  Accordion fold on the score lines.

 

Adhere the ends of the strip together, then form into a circular, medallion shape.  Punch out a 1" Circle Punch from scrap card stock, cover with Sticky Strip, and adhere to the medallion to hold it in place.  You could also use Multipurpose Glue.

Use a Paper Piercer to poke a hole for the Antique Brad.

Sponging Crochet Trim

Did you notice that I "antiqued" the Victoria Crochet Trim on the black stocking?  Simply sponge some Soft Suede onto the front and back of the Trim. 

You could also sponge on some Champagne Shimmer Paint for even more glimmer!  Dang, I should have done that!!!!

I adhered this ribbon, and the medallion over the top, with Multipurpose Glue.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—None.
• Ink—Soft Suede (project #2) Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Mocha Morning Specialty DSP, Gold Waffle Paper (project #2), Soft Suede (project #1), Basic Black (project #2) card stock 
  
• Accessories—Antique Brads, Chantilly Crochet Trim (project #1), Victoria Crochet Trim
• Tools—Stocking Die, Big Shot, 1" Circle Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder (project #1), Snow Burst Impressions Folder (project #2), Simply Scored, Eyelet Border Punch, Sponge, Paper Piercer, Sticky Strip, Multipurpose Glue, SNAIL

You can purchase all the supplies to create this card at my Stampin' Up! Online Store!

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LAST DAY!  •  LAST DAY!  •  LAST DAY!

FREE Big Shot or FREE $100 in Product—When you Join My Team by November 11.

Don't Miss These Awesome Opportunities!

• Christmas Lane 6x6" Holiday Album Class—Register by November 16.
• Holiday Stamp-A-Stack—November 30.  Register by November 28.
• $35 Extra Hostess Benefits—When you host a $350 or more workshop through Dec. 15.

Angie

 

 

 

Frostwood Autumn Leaves Notecard Set

I love to give out sets of cards as gifts and today's project is perfect for a quick and thoughful present.  We created it at the Creative Convention I attended a few weeks ago.

This is the whole ensemble: four matching cards with different sentiments, and a pretty holder.

 

The front cover of the holder is decorated with a panel of bark-like Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.  You could use one sheet of paper and cut it into pieces to use for each of the matching cards. 

The colorful leaves were die cut from the Leaves #2 Die.  We used one piece of each color of card stock (Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive) then divided up different combos of the leaves for each card.

We also stamped leaves from Autumn Splendor, added some Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon and a cute Mini Clothespin.

When you open the holder, you find two sides holding two cards and Crumb Cake Envelopes.  The folder is super easy to make!  Start with a 10-1/2" x 6-1/2" sheet of Crumb Cake, then use your Simply Scored Tool to score along the 10-1/2" edge at the 5" and 5-1/2" marks. 

We used trimmed down Medium Cello Bags as the pockets!  What a cool and simple idea!  They are adhered by SNAIL adhesive with the openings toward the center of the holder.  I love that they show-off the card fronts! 

 

 

Each card is stamped with a different sentiment from the Perfectly Penned set, making it a versatile, all-occasion set.  

Looking back, I think it would have been fun to either stamp or texture emboss the leaves, but we didn't have the time at our make & takes that day.  Still a really fun project to make and give! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Autumn Splendor, Perfectly Penned
• Ink—Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Frostwood Lodge DSP, Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Crumb Cake Envelopes, Linen Thread, Mini Clothespins, Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon, Medium Cello Bags
• Tools—Simply Scored Tool, Leaves #2 Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies you need to make this project at my Online Store!

Angie

Too Cool Demo Team Autumn Showcase

More beautiful autumn-themed projects from my Team...

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  The base of the card is made from the Scallop Square Die.  Not Quite Navy layer is embossed with the Finial Press Impressions Folder.  The Leaves of A Tree stamp is inked in VersaMark and colored with Stampin' Pastels.  The Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment is layered on two altered punches: Word Window and Decorative Label.  I love the cute, shortened versions of these two shapes! 

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  This is a hand-sanitizer holder CASEd from a post at Inspiration Ink.  The flower is created by combining layers from the Daisies #2 Die, the Blossom Party Die, and the Boho Blossom Punch.  So pretty!

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  She used the same flower to create a fantastic 1x8" Cellophane Bag Topper! 

Created by Jodi Geers.  This sweet Triangle Box is made with Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and some More Mustard Scallop Dots Ribbon.  The image from Easy Events stamp set looks like it's colored with ink and a Blender Pen. 

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  What a beautiful thank you card using the Days of Gratitude set.  She used a variation of the Rock & Roll technique for the colored image.  Background is embossed with the Finial Press Impressions Folder.  The Antique Brad looks great in the center, and the strip of Spice Cake Designer Fabric pulls the whole thing together!

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Here is another gorgeous card using the Days of Gratitude set.  This time Carmen Gold Embossed the leaves image on colored card stock, then cut out the branches.  Background is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder. 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  Here's a great masculine style birthday card using the Etched Engravings (retired) set, the Scallop Trim Corner Punch, the Houndstooth Impressions Folder, and Well Worn Designer Series Paper.  What looks like brads is actually two circles of Not Quite Navy card stock topped with Crystal Effects to make them dimensional and shiny. 

Thanks so much to Jodi, Darla and Carmen for allowing me to share their projects! 

You can find all the supplies to make any of these fun fall creations at my Online Store!

Angie

FREE Big Shot Promotion—Learn how you can receive a FREE Big Shot or $100 in FREE product when you sign up to become a demonstrator by October 31.

Beautiful Wings Designer Frame Catalog CASE

Have you used your catalog for inspiration lately? 

I get so wrapped up checking out other people's blogs and finding samples on stamping websites that I almost forget the awesome resource that I'm holding in my hands several times a day...the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog! 

I mean that's why they call it an Idea Book in the first place!  There are over 300 examples of cards, scrapbook pages and 3D projects inside that book just waiting to get our creativity flowing! 

One Idea Book sample I'd been wanting to CASE for a while now is shown on page 218 and features the Designer Frames Impressions Folder.  I used that idea to create my Two Cool cards below...

 

What a fun card to make!  Not only does the rectangle embossed Designer Frame make it look very professional, but you can't go wrong with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit!  It's too much fun to pick out all the cute little butterflies, all embossed with fun patterns!  It's no wonder that this embosslit is one of Stampin' Up's top sellers!

I didn't do much different on these two cards, only very subtle things.  The Parlor Prints Baja Breeze inked background is little lighter on the first card, simply because I didn't burnish it as much.  I also sponged a little Baja Breeze ink on the crumpled up First Edition Designer Series Paper before adding it to the first card.  And, the butterflies are different colors.

Other Details: I used the Scallop Edge Border Punch on the side and added 1/16" Hole Punches inside each scallop.  I wrapped the card with White Baker's Twine and added Pearl Jewels to each butterfly.  Curly Cute is the set with the "thank you" sentiment. 

I love this card because it's cheerful and can be used for many different occasions!  The perfect style to have on hand at all times for sending a quick card to a friend! 

It's also another fabulous example of fun ways to use the Big Shot!  Remember, you only have until October 31st to get a Big Shot for FREE when you sign up to become a demonstrator.  (And, if you already have the Big Shot, select $100 in FREE product!)  See the promotion page for details.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Curly Cute, Parlor Prints
• Ink—Baja Breeze, Soft Suede Classic Ink
  
• Paper—First Edition DSP, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Pear Pizzazz, and Pumpkin Pie card stock 
  
• Accessories—Pearl Jewels, White Baker's Twine
• Tools—Designer Frames Impressions Folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can find all the supplies you need to make this project at my Online Store!

Angie

Too Cool Demo Team Halloween Showcase

My awesome Too Cool Demo Team shared some spooky projects at our meeting last week.  With Halloween less than two weeks away, I thought you might have fun trying some of these haunting creations! 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  These spooky witch's shoes were created with the Top Note Die.  The Basic Black Top Note is folded in half and then it's punched with the 3/4" Circle and 1-3/4" Circle Punches to create the pointy shape of the shoes.  Hand-cut some funky socks, add a Brushed Silver card stock buckle, top it off with a Wicked Cool stamped sentiment, and this one ready to fly!  Carmen CASEd this idea from Marie Shaughnessy at Stamping Inspirations.

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  Here's another witches' feet card, similar to the one I did on my Witches' Feet card.  I'm loving the skirts on these witches SO MUCH.  Darla used the Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, and Pinking Hearts Border Punch to create the dresses, then ran them through the Crimper to give them a ruffled, dimensional look.  The background has spider webs from Wicked Cool and the greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Created by Jodi Geers.  She highlighted the Wicked Cool witch's feet (are you starting to feel a theme, here? haha) on this Embedded Embossing card.  The Wisteria Wonder is stamped with the spider web, and the Concord Crush is stamped with the bats.  She added a Tangerine Tango Dotted Scallop Ribbon to the background before running the whole thing through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  Also features: 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch.

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  Darla also did the Square Lattice Impressions Folder Embedded Embossing technique, this time with some cute little ghosts made by turning the Owl Punch upside-down.  And, I love how she threaded the 1/8" Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon through the black Lace Ribbon Border Punch.  Also features: Wicked Cool, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Rhinestones, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch.

Halloween would be Halloween without some treats!  I love these fun ideas!

Created by Linda Cox.  Here's another way to use that Owl Punch—make him into a bat!  This little guy is sponged with White Craft Ink and hangs on a Bird Punch branch.  The moon is a 2-1/2" Circle Punch and the whole thing is on a Top Note die-cut, that can be used as a cellophane bag topper.

Created by Linda Cox. Frank gets "top" priority on this cute Halloween cello topper.  His image comes from the Spooky Bingo Bits (perfectly sized for the 1" Circle Punch), and the Frankenstein quote is from Smarty Pants.  The scrunchy Vanilla Seam Binding has been dyed with Pumpkin Pie Marker to match.  She used the new It's A Wrap Holidays to dress up the Nuggets in the bag, too.  Also features: Frightful Sight DSP, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Medium Cello Bag.

 

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  The Match Box Die becomes a cute pumpkin treat box with a the help of the Boho Blossoms Punch and a variety of circle punches.  Carmen CASEd this project from Kay Sha at Creations on Paper.  Too cute!

 

Created by Jodi Geers.  A couple quick folds turns the Frightful Sight DSP into a handy "fry box" that's perfect for holding Halloween treats!  Sentiments are from Wicked Cool. Box #1 also features 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Black Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon.  Box #2 features: Cherry Cobbler Scallop Polka Dot Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch.

 

Created by Darla Eigenschink.  She used two Milk Carton die cuts adhered together and hole-punched with the Crop-A-Dile to make a cute drawstring pouch.  We saw this fun project at Convention and it's perfect for Halloween!  She used the Simply Scored Tool to make a mini accordion pleated medallion on the front.  The Wicked Cool sentiment was punched out with the Decorative Label Punch twice to make it smaller.  I'll show you this technique on a future card. 

Thank you, Demo Team, for sharing all of your fantastic projects!

Angie

Wicked Cool Witches' Feet Card

I CASEd this wickedly awesome Halloween card design from Marie Glath, an Australian demonstrator.  Here are my Two Cool versions...

    

Ohh, I just think these witches' feet from the Wicked Cool stamp set are SO adorable!  You can really give their legs lots of personality simply by the colors you make the socks, and the style of skirt you create!  Fun!

Skirts: To make the dresses, I used different border punches (and the Square Scallop Duo Die) on scraps of card stock, then trimmed them by hand into a skirt shape.  I should have stamped them in VersaMark for a little pattern, or ran them through an Impressions Folder, so they'd match the cool boots!  You could even crimp them to make them "pleated" skirts!  Tee hee!

Boots: If you look closely at the feet, you can see I even added some patterned texture to the boots. (click photo to enlarge)

First I inked in Basic Black, then I kissed the stamp onto an uninked Fine Flourish stamp to lift some of the color off. 

Colored Rhinestones: No witch's shoes would be complete without a little bling!  I created color-coordinated Rhinestone Jewels, trying out two different coloring methods I had heard about.

  

In the first card, I colored over the Rhinestones with Stampin' Write Markers, then added a bead of Crystal Effects over the top to try to seal it.  The glue muted the color and it took a long time to dry, so this isn't the method I'd recommend, unless you need to match your colors exactly.

For the second card, I colored the bling with Shapie markers.  Since they are permanent, and available in a wide variety of colors, and dry quickly, this way works like a charm! 

Complete Supply List

• Stamps—Wicked Cool, Fine Flourish, Hand-Penned Holidays
• Ink—Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Cajun Craze Markers and Basic Black Classic Ink Pads, Sharpie Markers
  
• Paper—Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, Whisper White card stock
  
• Accessories—Rhinestone Jewels, 5/8" Black Satin Ribbon
• Tools—Scallop Edge Border Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Scallop Square Duo Die, Big Shot, Crystal Effects, SNAIL

Order all of the supplies to create this project at my Online Store!

If you're thinking about that awesome Big Shot Promotion, come on over to my Too Cool Demo Meeting tonight at 6:30pm at my house, and see what joining Stampin' Up! is all about.  Contact me for more details and directions.

Angie

Kris Kringle's Wish List Notebook

Last weekend, I attended a fantastic two-day stamping event for demonstrators, hosted by #11 demonstrator, Ronda Wade.  It was called Creative Convention, and was, in many ways, even better than the real Stampin' Up! Convention because it was more intimate.  I went with some of my team, Darla Eigenschink, Jodi Geers and Nicole Dodane, and we had so much fun! 

About 80 demonstrators attended, and we got to hear top demonstrators like #2 Canadian demonstrator Maggie Patterson and #13 demonstrator Laurie Krause present (and they were amazing!).  Plus, there were technique & project demonstrations, displays of sample projects, and LOTS of super make & takes!  Ronda put on a fabulous event!  We left there impressed, motivated, and overflowing with tips and ideas to make our businesses even better!  Woohoo!

One of the projects that we created was what I'm calling Kris Kringle's Wish List Notebook!

  

It's a cute little notebook that you could use to keep your Christmas Wish List notes while shopping.  Or, it could easily be a cute mini scrapbook album instead!  

The cover was a 6x12" piece of chipboard (backing from any Designer Series Paper pack), that was covered on both sides with Frostwood Lodge DSP. 

The inside cover used the birch bark style paper. 

TIPS: Use a Glue Stick to adhere the paper to the chipboard and fold all pieces in half before attaching for a better fit.  You may need to trim the ends if they don't fit exactly.  If you wait to fold after adhering, you may get bubbling and wrinkling of your paper.

The book is made with two 5x11" pieces of Whisper White card stock folded in half, then tied to the cover. 

We punched two holes through the card stock and cover with the Crop-A-Dile, then used Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon to tie everything together.

You could decorate the inside with Christmas Lodge stamps or more Frostwood paper to make it more of a photo album.

The back is just as cute as the front!

I think it's completely darling, don't you?!   Are you interested in making a Kris Kringle Wish List Notebook?  I'll help you!  Which option would work best for you?

• A class night at my house in Fort Wayne, IN.
• A personal class night at your house with your friends.
• A kit with instructions and all supplies included.
• On your own.

Leave a message in the Comments Section below to tell me which way works for you best!  Or, contact me by email!

Order all the supplies you need to make this on your own from my Online Store!

Complete Supply List

• Stamps—None
• Ink—None
  
• Paper—Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Garden Green & Whisper White card stock
  
• Accessories—Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon, Garden Green 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Chipboard backing from your DSP
• Tools—Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Crop-A-Dile, SNAIL, Dimensionals

Angie

Michelle's Flower Class Projects - Part 1

Michelle Hoover, one of my Too Cool Demo Team members, taught an awesome class recently featuring how to make 10 different types of flower embellishments with Stampin' Up! supplies! 

Let's take a look at her fabulous flower projects!

  

Eyelet Border Punch Flower

To create this frilly, layered flower, use the Eyelet Border Punch on a long strip of card stock, run it through the Crimper, then adhere it in a pleating fashion onto a circle punch base.  A Melon Mambo Designer Button makes a perfect flower center.  Here is a quick tutorial to show you how: Eyelet Border Punch Flower Tutorial.

Also features: Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Flirtatious Designer Series Paper, Elements of Style stamp, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, and Scallop Circle Punch.

5-Petal Faux Suede Flower

Create these beauties by punching out a flower shape with the 5-Petal Flower Punch.  Next, run the punched flower through your Crimper several times until the card stock begins to separate.  Pull the two sides apart—the inside surface of the card stock feels like suede.  Layer the shapes, then attach them with a Filigree Brad.  See this technique on my Faux Suede Fun Flowers Magnets post.

Also features: Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper, Happy Greetings (retired), Decorative Label Punch.

  

Scallop Circle Heart-Petal Flower

This darling flower is made with two Scallop Circle Punch shapes.  Cut a slit between every other scallop, so your petals become heart shaped.  Add a slight fold in each petal for added dimension. Adhere back-to-back with a brad.

Also features: Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper, Fabulous Florets stamps, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch.

Sweet Pea Paper Flowers

Check out these sculpted paper flowers!  I believe that they are created from the Butterfly Punch...spritz the punch shape with water and wrap into a "sweet pea" flower.  The leaves are created from either the Bird Punch (wing) or part of the 5-Petal Flower Punch.  Simply lovely!  Here's a tutorial to show you how: Maria Vanderform's Sweet Pea Flower Tutorial.

Also features: 2010 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper, Designer Label Punch (retired), Dotted Scallop Punch.

 

Butterfly Punch Pansies

I love how real these pansies look!  Punch out two Butterfly Punch shapes from Watercolor Paper, saturate with water, then add some Refill Ink with a watercolor brush.  Once they are dry, attach the two shapes together with a Rhinestone Brad.  Awesome!  You can see more details at my Butterfly Punch Panies post.

Also features: Elegant Bouquet Impressions Folder, Bird Punch, Top Note Die.

*  *  *  *  *

See more of Michelle's paper flower projects next time!

Thanks for visiting!

Angie

 

Autumn Leaves Bleaching & Pastels

One of my Too Cool Demo Team members, Connie Forrester, recently showed me a beautiful card she made using a Bleaching & Pastel Technique.  She had CASEd the card from France Martin at FrenchieStamps.com. 

Here is Connie's card:

I loved the look of this technique so much, I had Connie demonstrate the technique at our Too Cool Demo Meeting last night.  It's so easy!

Bleaching & Pastels Technique

• Create a bleach palette on a small dish with a few layers of folded paper towel.  The towel should be heavily saturated with bleach, but the bleach should not be pooling on the towel. 
• Gently tap your rubber stamp on the bleach pad and stamp on card stock. 
• Once the card stock is completely dry (I used a Heat Tool to speed up the drying process), apply your choice of Stampin' Pastels colors with a cotton ball. 
• When finished coloring, use a towel to wipe the remaining pastel residue off your card stock.

FrenchieStamps.com has a wonderful video tutorial: Bleaching & Coloring With Pastels.

Bleaching TIPS:

• Make sure your rubber is well "inked" with bleach for best results.
• Connie randomly stamped a whole sheet of card stock, then cut it down to use on several cards (a One-Sheet Wonder).
• If using Clear Mount Stamps, be extra careful that your bleach-inked stamp doesn't fall off your clear block and into your lap!  Eeeep!
• Test your card stock to see how it reacts to the bleach.  You will get varied results depending on the temperature, humidity, and color of card stock.
• Make sure your bleach is fresh.  If your bleach has been setting out for a while, it may not work as well.  Bleach from one of my old bottles had no effect on the card stock at all. 
• Wash your rubber stamps with water and light dishwashing detergent immediately when done to prevent damage to your stamp.
• If you are stamping off the edge of your card stock, be sure to wipe up your workspace before working on other parts of your card or you may accidently get bleach in unwanted places.

 I also created Two Cool cards of my own in the same design:

  

The first card features the Gently Falling stamp set from the Holiday Mini. The second uses the French Foliage leaf set, which I liked a little better.  

I couldn't resist adding a little Shimmer Mist homemade spray to it for a little more shine!  Click to enlarge the closeup image to the right.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Gently Falling (card #1), French Foliage (card #2), Curly Cute 
•  Ink—Pear Pizzazz (background), Early Espresso Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Old Olive, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze card stock 
  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist (homemade spritz), Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon (card #1), Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding (card #2, Connie's card), Stampin' Pastels
• Tools—Modern Label Punch (Connie's card), Distress Tool (Connie's card), Eyelet Border Punch (card #1), Scallop Trim Border Punch (card #2), Heat Tool, SNAIL

Purchase supplies for this card right now at my Online Store!

Angie

 

Turn Stockings Into Booties!

The Stitched Stockings stamps and Stocking Builder Punch are a lot more versatile than you may realize! 

Did you know that you can create the cutest little booties with them?!  Check out my Two Cool Baby Cards!

  

Cut the stockings down, and you can get cute little booties!  Stamp the stockings in pastel blue or pink and trim them down to size for a cute "Congratulations" newborn card!  Aren't they adorable?! 

I tied the booties together with White Baker's Twine.  The "boy" booties have a simple twine bow; the girls booties have a tied tassel of twine.

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Stitched Stockings, Elements of Style (sentiment), Distressed Dots (card #1), A To Z (card #2)
• Ink—Baja Breeze (card #1), Pretty in Pink (card #2), Crumb Cake (card #2), Early Espresso (card #2) Classic Ink
  
• Paper—Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist and Whisper White (card #1), Pretty In Pink, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White (card #2) card stock, 
  
• Accessories—White Baker's Twine, Mini Silver Brads, Pearl Jewels
• Tools—Stocking Builder Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch (card #1), Scallop Trim Border Punch (card #2), Medium Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch (card #2), Stocking Builder Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

You can purchase all the supplies used to make this project at my Too Cool Stamping Online Store!

Angie

 

Last Chance, On The Grow & New Two Cool Contest!

OOOOooooh! Are you getting excited?!  The Holiday Mini Catalog premieres tomorrow!  Woohoo!

But, there is lots of fun stuff going on today...!

Today Is The LAST DAY To Order Summer Mini Items!

Don't miss your last chance to purchase items from the Summer Mini Catalog!  This is your final opportunity to order these must-haves:

• The Nautical Suite of products—awesomely masculine The Open Sea and Sail Away stamps, plus the Nautical Expedition DSP!  You know you never have enough images for the boys!  See a sample on my Nautical Expedition post.
• Happy Greetings stamps—A super, multipurpose sentiment set!  See some samples on my Kissed Impressions projects.
• Strength & Hope—Order this beautiful set and $2 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  See Deb's Card from yesterday, or the gorgeous Mother of Pearl card.

There are dozen's of items that are going away forever!  See the complete selection of all Summer Mini items, and order today at my Online Store before 11:50pm Mountain Time.

Today Is The LAST DAY For The Buy 3, Get 1 FREE DSP Promotion

Stock up on all your favorite Designer Series Papers—Buy 3, Get 1 FREE! 

It's a great time to get the Nautical Expedition DSP before it's gone, plus plan ahead with Frightful Sight Halloween DSP, and Letters To Santa DSP for your upcoming seasonal projects! 

Take advantage of the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE Designer Series Paper promotion—Order Online before 11:50pm Mountain Time to save!

Flirtatious Two Cool Contest Winner

Thank you for the overwhelming participation in my Flirtatious Two Cool Cards Contest!  The winner, chosen by Random.org is...

Colleen B. 

Woohoo!  Congratulations, Colleen!  I have sent you an email with details on selecting your prize! 

Flirtatious Two Cool Answers: I came up with...

1. Circles v stripes
2. Polka Dots v Stripes folders
3. Sentiment is circle v tag shaped
4. Two different sentiments
5. Button on one right v left of sentiment
6. Twine leaning left v right
7. Scallop layer v tag layer

I had so much fun with that contest!  Let's do another one...(see details below)!

On The Grow Two Cool Cards

Today's cards feature the pretty On The Grow stamp set.  This is another set that'll be gone after today!

Can you believe it?! 

The lined images are perfectly designed for watercolor techniques, so that's what I used on these two pretty cards!

  

I had so much fun creating these Two Cool cards! 

Focal Point Details:  I used three techniques on this card: watercoloring, masking, and paper piecing (popping up part of the image with Dimensionals).  I absolutely love the results! 

• Watercoloring—First, stamp the image with Basic Black onto Whisper White.  The black ink is permanent, so it will not smear as easily during watercoloring.  Next, I picked up colors from the lids of the stamp pads with my Blender Pen and applied them to the image.  I started coloring with lighter shades and worked toward darker inks for shaded areas.  Vase was Pool Party and Not Quite Navy.  Leaves were Wild Wasabi. Flowers were Daffodil Delight and More Mustard.
• Masking—I stamped the same image onto a Post-It note and cut it out for a mask.  I pllaced this over the image, then stamped the background pattern over the top.  I added some coordinating sponging to the edges, and a bit of Color Spritzing with Not Quite Navy marker, too.
• Paper Piecing—For a more 3D effect, I cut out parts of the image and raised them up with Dimensionals.

Card Background:  I stamped the card front with images in Pool Party, just to get a very subtle pattern on the base.  Next, I embossed a 1-3/4" strip with Impressions Folders to have more tone-on-tone texture.  The Scallop Trim Border in Wild Wasabi and the Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon add some contrasting accents. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—On The Grow, The Open Sea, En Francais
• Ink—Basic Black, Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy Classic Ink and Not Quite Navy Markers
  
• Paper—Island Indigo, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White card stock 
  
• Accessories—Daffodil Delight 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Rhinestone Jewels
• Tools—Houndstooth Impressions Folder, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Blender Pen, Color Spritzer, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, SNAIL

On The Grow Two Cool Cards Contest

Wow! There are lots of differences between these Two Cool cards—I found 10!  Can you spot at least 8 differences? Be sure to click to enlarge the photos to see them up close!

9/8/2011 Update: See all the differences I found: On The Grow Answers.

To enter, email your answers to me with the words "On The Grow" in the subject line, by end of day Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  If you have at least 8 differences, you will be entered into the contest.  The winner will receive a Scallop Trim Border Punch!

Fine print: Qualifying entries will be assigned a number in the order they are received, and the winning number will be selected will be selected by Random.org.  Winner will be announced on September 7, 2011.  US Residents only. Fellow demonstrators may participate.  Previous Too Cool blog contest winners must wait at least 30 days following their contest win before they can be qualified for another contest.

Looking forward to receiving your emails!  Good luck!

Angie

 

Charming Strength & Hope Cards

This is another one of those gorgeous stamp sets that I'm not ready to let go of when the Summer Mini ends tomorrow, August 31st...

...Strength & Hope. 

The images in this set are especially beautiful because Stampin' Up! has agreed to donate $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every set sold.  Find out more in this video from Shelli Gardner, and don't miss your chance to purchase the set and help a cause that effects so many women. Order it today at my Online Store.

Thinking of you, Deb!   Today's Two Cool cards were created with one of my dear friends and Stamp Club members, Deb Pott, in mind.  She was recently diagnosed for a second time with breast cancer. 

She is a 19-year breast cancer survivor, and although she is well aware of the challenges ahead of her, she has an amazingly positive attitude.  Deb's courage and optimism are a true inspiration to me! 

I'm thinking of her often and sending lots of love and prayers of strength and healing as she begins her journey to recovery next week.  If you are so inclined, feel free to send some extra prayers her way!

  

Like me, or maybe even more so than me, Deb LOVES purple!  She wears lots of purple, as you can tell from her photo above, and she even has a purple purse and drink holder that she brings to our stamping events!  So, I couldn't resist using one of my favorite purply color combinations: Rich Razzleberry, Concord Crush, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla.  It's so rich and warm, with a little bit of vintage!

Card Background Details

The base of the card was stamped with the flourish from Strength & Hope in Soft Suede.  I love how it makes a beautiful border for layering the Rich Razzleberry Dotted Ribbon Scallop Border and the rest of the card.  

I used the words image from the same set to stamp the entire Very Vanilla backgrounds in Crumb Cake ink.  For an antiqued look, I tore some of the edges and sponged them all with Soft Suede. 

Highlighted Words: You'll notice that on Card #1, I popped up a couple words (hope, kindness and courage) inked in coordinating colors. On Card #2, I used markers to color the words on the rubber before stamping onto the card stock.  Both are fun ways to highlight certain words for added effect. 

Card Focal Point Details

Designer Frame: I was excited to try out the rectangle Designer Frames Impressions Folder on this card!  LOVE it!  I embossed it on Crumb Cake, then cut it out and sponged the edges with Soft Suede to really bring out the depth of the texture. 

The floral images if from the Charming stamp set.  I colored with markers, then stamped on a piece of Very Vanilla sized to fit inside the frame.  It's not an easy-to-cut rectangle size, but it is approximately 1-7/16" x 2-1/8". 

Shimmer Mist Frame & Ribbon: Before adhering the frame and cut-out butterfly with Dimensionals, I spritzed them with some homemade Champagne Shimmer Mist spray.

And, so that I had a trio of sparkle, I sponged Champagne Shimmer Mist directly onto my Chantilly Crochet Trim before applying it to a strip of Sticky Strip adhesive. 

Here are a couple closeups to see the glitter and dimension (click to enlarge):

  

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Strength & Hope, Charming
• Ink—Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry, Concord Crush Classic Ink and Markers
  
• Paper—Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Concord Crush, Very Vanilla card stock 
  
• Accessories—Champagne Shimmer Mist (mixed with alcohol for spray), Chantilly Crochet Trim
• Tools—Rectangle Designer Frames Impressions Folder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Sponges, Sticky Strip, Dimensionals, SNAIL

I'm SO in love with this card, I may have a difficult time parting with it!  And, oh, I don't want to see this set go!!!  No, no, no, no, no!  *pouts*  Get yours before it's too late!  Order today!

Angie

Tomorrow Is The Last Day!

Don't miss your last chance to purchase items from the Summer Mini Catalog, or for the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE Designer Series Paper promotion—Order Online now!

Love & Care Parlor Prints Cards

Two more Cool cards using the soon-to-retire Love & Care Hostess set from the Summer Mini. 

  

Yesterday's cards used one of the larger flowers from this set.  Today, I'm using the small sprig of flowers for the focal point.  I've colored the image with Rich Razzleberry, Calypso Coral, and Lucky Limeade markers, then layered it on Concord Crush card stock.  OOOoooo—I'm loving this color combination!   (I know, what a surprise...purple!)

The background is stamped with the Parlor Prints background stamp in Lucky Limeade.  I had fun experimenting with a couple different borders: the Lace Ribbon Border Punch in card #1, and the Pinking Hearts Border Punch in card #2.  I'm liking both of them! 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Love & Care Hostess set, Parlor Prints
• Ink—Lucky Limeade, Concord Crush Classic Ink, Rich Razzleberry, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade Markers
  
• Paper—Rich Razzleberry, Concord Crush, Whisper White card stock, 
  
• Accessories—1/8" Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon
• Tools—Lace Ribbon Border Punch (card #1), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (card #2), Medium Oval Punch, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Only 3 Days Left!

Don't miss your last chance to purchase items from the Summer Mini Catalog, or for the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE Designer Series Paper promotion—Order Online now!

Angie

 

Flirtatious "Quilted" Two Cool Cards Contest

So, are you ready for another Two Cool Cards Contest?  I thought these two pastel cards would be perfect!  Check out the cards, then see contest details below...

  

Today's cards feature the Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper and the Embedded Embossing (or Inlaid Embossing) technique. I love that it makes the paper almost look like it's quilted together! 

I die-cut a Top Note in Whisper White, adhered either a variety of sizes of circles or stripes in different widths, then ran the whole thing through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder. 

The backgrounds are also embossed, then edged with the new Lace Ribbon Border Punch in Daffodil Delight.  The sentiments are stamps from the new Happiest Birthday Wishes Hostess set, and they are colored with markers before stamping. 

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Happiest Birthday Wishes
• Ink—Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Pretty In Pink, Daffodil Delight Markers
  
• Paper—Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Wisteria Wonder, Pretty In Pink, Daffodil Delight, and Whisper White card stock, 
  
• Accessories—Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, White Baker's Twine
• Tools—Top Note Die, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Square Lattice Impressions Folder, Dimensionals, SNAIL. Card #1: Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder, Itty Bitty Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch.  Card #2: Stripes Impressions Folder, Large Tag Punch, Extra-Large Tag Punch

Two Cool Cards Contest

OK—now for the contest!  Can you find at least 5 differences between the two Flirtatious "Quilted" cards pictured above?   If so, you can qualify to win a your choice of either the very slightly used retired Holiday Best set or new retired Cute As A Bug set.

9/1/2011: Answers are posted here.

  

To enter, email your answers to me with the words "Two Cool" in the subject line, by Tuesday, August 30, 2011.  If you have at least 5 differences, you will be entered into the contest. 

Fine print: Qualifying entries will be assigned a number in the order they are received, and the winning number will be selected will be selected by Random.org.  Winner will be announced on August 31, 2011.  US Residents only. Fellow demonstrators may participate.  Doesn't this sound official?

Looking forward to receiving your emails!  Good luck!

Angie

Too Cool Stamp Club August Showcase - Part 2

More awesome projects from my Stamp Club crew...

Created by Linda Cox.  Featuring the Flower Fest stamp set.  She stamped on the First Edition DSP for a cool layered look that I adore!  You could use the Boho Blossoms Punch or the flower punch from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack for the cute little blossom accents.

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  This card features the Delicate Doilies, My Friend, and Baroque Motifs stamp sets.  She used the retired Sweet & Sour DSP for the color combination.  The Scallop Circle layers, tied with a pretty Pumpkin Pie bow, really draw your attention!

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Peggy also stamped on the First Edition DSP, this time with the Elements of Style floral image.  I love how she popped up the flower blossoms in another color.  Pretty!

Created by Vicki Luebke.  What a simple and elegant card!  She used the Four Frames set, in combination with the Decorative Label Punch, for a classy central focal point.  I love the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch to tie it together!  The background is a retired paper, possibly called Urban Oasis.

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  These cute 3x3" cards feature the Embedded Embossing technique with the 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle and 1/4" Circle punches.  She also layered the Scallop Trim Border Punch on before running the whole background through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Impressions Folder.  It makes it look like the circles are part of the paper!  The Fabulous Phrases sentiment is stamped onto one of the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch punches, then it's outlined from another layer from the same punch.  She CASEd this idea from Dawn Griffith who had a full size card with the same look: Embedded Embossing.

Created by Linda Cox.  Featuring white embossing of the bold flowers from the Fabulous Florets stamp set.  Very simple, yet stunning!

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Peggy used the Fabulous Florets for a lovely cut bouquet.  Again, very simple and elegant with the black & white color combination! 

Created by Peggy Tassler.  And, talking about elegant black & white!  Here's a fun wedding card that dresses up the Full Heart punches and Heart of Hearts Embosslit to symbolize the bride and groom.  Fantastic!

Thanks again to Linda, Peggy, Vicki and Carmen for allowing me to share your beautiful creations! 

Stay tuned for some fun Christmas projects and other fun ideas from my Demo Team!  

Angie

 

 

Too Cool Stamp Club August Showcase - Part 1

Lots of fun projects were shared at Stamp Club last week! 

Several attendees used the beautiful Strength & Hope set that is only available through August 31, 2011.  Remember that when you purchase this set, $2 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Learn more on my Too Cool Stamping website.

Created by Linda Cox.  Features the Strength & Hope and Sincere Salutations stamp sets, Elegant Lines Impressions Folder, Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper, Rhinestones, and Bird Punch for the leaves.  I love the double layer of embossed background on this one. 

Created by Linda Cox.  Features the Strength & Hope stamp set, Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, and Rhinestones.  The vibrant butterflies coordinate beautifully with the colorful paper.

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Features the Strength & Hope stamp set and Rhinestones.  I love how she layered the words over the butterfly image.  So many collage possibilities with this set.

  

Created by Linda Cox.  Featuring the Strength & Hope set, Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper, Scallop Circle #2 Die, and Scallop Edge Border Punch.  I'm loving the color combination...so bright and cheery!

Butterflies were a popular theme this month...

Created by Peggy Tassler.  I recognize this as a CASE from a card in the Idea Book & Catalog.  Features the Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Decorative Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, and First Edition Designer Series Paper.  Did you know that the Beautiful Wings Embosslit is the #1 selling die?  It's easy to see why—the mini butterflies are SO cute!

Created by Vicki Luebki.  Another beautiful card featuring the Beautiful Wings Embosslit!  She used it with a vinyl-looking paper for a shiny butterfly!  Love it!

Created by Peggy Tassler.  Peggy modified a notebook using the emboss resist technique to qualify for two of our monthly Club Challenges.  Features the retired Bliss set, Rich Razzleberry Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Concord Crush Poly-Stitch Ribbon, and Rhinestones.

Created by Vicki Luebki.  Vicki also altered an spiral notebook for our Club Challenge.  Features Botanical Garden (retired), and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.  With just a few stamps and punches, Vicky really dressed up a plain notebook!

  

Created by Carmen DeBruce.  She created her own notebook, binding the center fold of several pages of Whisper White card stock with some Hemp Twine.  Cover features the new Snow Much Fun stamp set, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, and retired Candy Lane DSP.  What a great idea!

Thanks for sharing your amazing projects, ladies! 

Angie

 

Ellie's Patterned Party Birthday Card

Our family has lots of August (and April) birthdays.  Today is my niece Ellie's special day—8 years old!  Plus, it's the first day back to school, so it's a doubly special day for her!  (Wow—summer sure goes by fast!)

Here's the glittery card that I created for her using the new In Colors and a fun birthday set called Patterned Party...

  

I love the new 2011 In Colors!  In addition to providing our Color Collections with some fresh new color combos, I think they go so well together, too!  Very soft and summery!

I stamped the balloon image in Basic Black first. Then I colored the image with markers, stamped it on Whisper White, and cut out the individual balloons.  Before popping them up with Dimensionals, I added some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter using a 2-Way Glue Pen.  Perfect!

I used the same idea for the presents, giving them each a different color stamped bow.  So cute!

The background texture is the new Stripes Impressions Folder—LOVE this!  It's basic and so very versatile for all kinds of styles, even masculine cards!  Cool!

The sentiment is from the Petite Pairs set (click to enlarge image above).  This was a definite must-have set for me...lots of phrases that you can pair up to use on the front and inside of the card. 

For the finishing touches, I added a Calypso Coral Dotted Ribbon Scallop Border and tried out the new Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon.  Have you tried this ribbon?!  It adds such a feminine, whimsical feel to your projects.  I think I need some in every In Color!

  

The multicolored image on the inside of my card was colored with the In Color Markers directly on the stamp before stamping.  It's such a simple technique, but it really packs a punch when you take the time to use several colors.  I love how it coordinates with the front of the card.  Now that I think about it, I should have added Dazzling Diamonds to the pennants, too.

Here's Ellie holding the card her Too Cool aunt made just for her—haha!  Happy birthday, my sweet girl!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Patterned Party, Petite Pairs
• Ink—Basic Black, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade Classic Ink and Markers
• Paper—Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder card stock, 
  
• Accessories—Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Dazzling Diamonds
• Tools—Stripes Impressions Folder, Medium Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 2-Way Glue Pen, Paper Snips (essential for cutting around balloons and presents!), Dimensionals, SNAIL

Two Cool Card Contest Winner

Thanks to everyone who emailed me their list of differences in my BFF Two Cool Cards Contest!  Congratulations to Babe O'Mara!  She was randomly selected from all of the entries to win a pack of 6x12" assorted retired Designer Series Paper!  

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE Designer Series Paper Promotion!

During the month of August, you can stock up on all your favorites with the fantastic Buy 3, Get 1 FREE promotion!  That's a $10.95 value—FREE!  Order online today!

Angie

  
 

2011 Convention Highlights—Make & Take Cards & Banner!

It wouldn't be a Stampin' Up! Convention if we didn't do some stamping!  Right?!

And, Stampin' Up! gave us all kinds of cool projects to stamp this year!  So many projects, in fact, that Jodi, Darla and I had to get together again last night just to finish them!

Take a look...

  

First, we made this cute 3x3" notecard with the new two-step Raining Flowers stamp set.  The Lace Ribbon Border was punched, scrunched and doubled-up for a unique textured layer.  "Because" sentiment is from It's Your Day stamp set.

    

Next, we made a 3x6" card with the Best Friends Forever stamp set.  This card features more of the Lace Ribbon Border, plus a strip of the new Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric.  Darla helped me tie a perfect Linen Thread bow on my button.

Notice how this card is the same color combination as the first, but it has a completely different look.  All of the Make & Take projects were in the same colors, so you really get a feel for how versatile you can be with the same supplies! 

  

This card was my favorite of the three!  I love the dimension on the Raining Flowers images, and the double layer of ribbon, including the new Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon.  Isn't it terrific!  And, check out the new 1/8" Mini Silver Brads that are holding the ribbon in place.  They are teeny, tiny!  Even smaller than 3/16" size we are used to!  So cute!

Banners are certainly trendy these days, and our Make & Takes had all the makings for this fantastic display!  We used the cards we made for part of the banner, created a fun pinwheel, then added embellishments to pieces from the Perfect Pennants Die for more accents.  Let's look at each piece individually...

  

We used the Timeless Portrait Designer Paper to make the pinwheel, then added crumpled scallop circles from the Perfect Pennants Die.  The flower is punched from the Blossom Petals Punch, and everything is held together with an Antique Brad.

 

We had three sizes of pennants from the Perfect Pennants Die to use on our banner.  Here is the largest of the three, and it is decorated with the Best Friends Forever and It's Your Day stamps.

  

The medium pennant has a Timeless Portrait Designer Fabric flower rosette embellishment, and the smallest pennant has one medallion from the Lace Ribbon Border punch.  See how we just keep using the same supplies for different looks?  Cool, huh? 

We hand-cut the Lucky Limeade mini-banner to fill in one of the spots, and tied both ends with more scraps of fabric.

Can you imagine creating a similar banner for your child's locker or desk to honor their birthday or recognize them for a great achievement?  What about as a garland for your Christmas tree?  Or, to decorate for a birthday party at home or in the office? 

Lots of fun ideas are floating around in my head right now!

Tomorrow, we'll see one more Make & Take featuring a sneak peek from the Holiday Mini!

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I've had lots of interest in the fabulous $99 Starter Kit Promotion!  Will you be the next one to join my Too Cool Demo Team? Sign up with me and you'll receive a FREE stamp set (up to $25 value) as my exclusive gift to you!

Contact me and we'll chat about it with no obligation!

Angie

 

 

White Embossed Flower Fest Cards & Blog Candy Winners!

So, how are you liking the New 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog?  See complete details on how to get your very own copy to have and to hold on this post. 

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I have my July Stamp Club coming up this Friday, and I've decided that we're going to do the Altered DVD Journals.  They were so much fun at my Big Brothers Big Sisters event last week, that I think they'll be a perfect project for Club! 

I'm also considering doing a version of today's pretty card for Club...

  

I fell in love with the simplicity of this technique—white embossing of a line image on colored card stock. 

I think part of why it appeals to me so much is that the Flower Fest stamp set images lend themselves to this style.  Whatever the reason, I LOVE this look!

I also love the way you can layer the center of these flowers!  I embossed each flower twice, then cut the center out of one and popped it up with a Dimensional.  So simple!  So pretty!

Embossing TIP: Don't forget to use your Embossing Buddy on this one!  The white powder on dark colored card stock will really show the specks.  You know, the ones that can show up when the powder clings to the card stock due to static electricity or the oils from your fingers.  Wiping the card stock with the Buddy first will eliminate a significant amount of these unwanted extras! 

I CASEd the idea from Vicki B. at It's A Stamp Thing: Just For You. She did Two Cool versions (gotta love that!), which you can see on her blog. 

Congratulations, Vicki!  Did you know that you actually got me to enjoy a card with Poppy Parade on it?!  Seriously, Poppy Parade is currently my least favorite color, mostly because I have trouble finding other colors that look good with it.  But, it really works well here!

Too Cool Challenge: Do you have a color you don't like or use very much?  I challenge you to blow the dust off of it and try it out.  Experiment with some different color combinations with the help of the My Create Ink Color Lab.  Create something with your non-favorite color, then tell me about it in the comments below.  Even better, add a link to a photo of your finished project!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—Flower Fest, Afterthoughts Hostess set (retired)
• Ink—Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink, Poppy Parade Marker, VersaMark
• Paper—Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz Whisper White card stock, Beyond The Garden DSP, In Color Patterns DSP
  
• Accessories—White Embossing Powder, Pear Pizzazz Poly Stitch Ribbon
• Tools—Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Circles #2 Die, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, SNAIL

Secret Blog Candy Winners!

So, one of my loyal readers (waves to Jodi) let me know that I had never announced the May winner for the Too Cool Secret Blog Candy contest.  What?!  I completely missed it!  In my defense, it was the week that my father-in-law passed away, and I had also just had a contest predicting which sets would be retired.  I could have sworn I did it....  Ooops!  Sorry about that!

No matter...this month we are announcing TWO winners to make up for it: one selected from the May comments and one from the June comments.  And, the winners are...*drumroll*...

For May, the winner is...Billie! 

Billie's comment said, "OH NO! They better not take "lovely as a tree" off the market. I have a lot of old stamp sets and "lovely as a tree" is my favorite. It is so versatile. If I don't know what to do, I usually turn to that one." 

Well, thank goodness that Lovely As A Tree made it in the new catalog!  Whew!  Congratulations, Billie!  You can choose either a "Punch Potporri" clear-mount Hostess stamp set, or your choice of one pack of card stock valued at $6.95!

For June, the winner is...Diane Malcor! 

Diane's comment said, "Thanks so very much for your instructions and for sharing your inspiration! Melissa Davies referred me to your page when I saw her creation on Stampin' Connection. Thanks again!" 

Congratulations, Diane!  I appreciate your kind words!  You can choose either a "Something To Celebrate" clear-mount Hostess stamp set, or your choice of one pack of card stock valued at $6.95!

Billie and Diane, please email me your selection and contact information and I'll get your prize out to you ASAP. 

Thanks so much to all of my loyal readers!  I love having the opportunity to share what inspires me with you!  And, I really appreciate hearing from you, so be sure to leave a comment and you'll be entered to win this month's Too Cool Secret Blog Candy contest! 

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Happy Independence Day!  This is the first July 4th at my new house and my neighbors sure know how to celebrate!  I can sit on my deck and see (well, see as good as I can through trees) fireworks shows from every direction!  There was a lot of money going up in smoke last night—whew!  But, it was spectacular show!  Wonder if we'll get an encore tonight!  Have a safe and happy holiday!

Angie

Nautical Expedition Suite & Spiral Border Punch

I hosted my monthly Stamp Club for the first time in my Too Cool Stamping Studio last night.  Woohoo!  It went pretty well, even though it felt weird not to be packing up all my stuff to take down to our usual spot at the fire station community center.  Obviously weird in a good way!

I LOVE that all my stuff is within reach during the event!  It was a well-known fact that I would forget at least one item (hopefully not a critical one) at each stamp club event, but now I don't have to worry about that!  And will all my stuff right there within reach, I can easily find products and projects to show or try out if one of the stampers has a question.  With the new Summer Mini items now available, I traditionally would take my new items for show & tell, so not having to box them up and carry them around is a real bonus!

Speaking of new Summer Mini items...one of our cards featured the cool nautical theme products...

  

I never realized how much I liked the nautical look before.  It's kind of a vintage, old-world style in masculine form!  (Isn't it great how many masculine stamps are in the new Mini?  Stampin' Up! has been listening to our requests!)  And, the look is perfect for Father's Day or birthdays, and fantastic for scrapbooking your oceanside vacations!

Nautical Expedition Suite

Once again, all of the products in the nautical theme coordinate beautifully—I love how Stampin' Up! makes this part effortless! 

I used most of the images from The Open Sea stamp set...the compass randomly stamped on the background of the first card, the "captain's log" as a background layer, the cut-out anchor as an accent, and of course the ship as the focal point colored with Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen.  The graphics flow together so seamlessly! 

The new Nautical Expeditions Designer Series Paper set my color palette for this card, even though I only used a small strip of the paper to add some monochromatic "texture" to the background. 

     

And, what about that new Baker's Twine?!  I love it!  Not only does it look like sailing rope, especially the two-tone Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso versions, but it works for non-nautical creations, too!  The all-white is very versatile—hanging tags, threading through buttons, stringing pennants, or tying bows!  Too cool!

Complete Supplies List:

• Stamps—The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes
• Ink—Not Quite Navy, Basic Black, Early Espresso Classic Ink.
• Paper—Cherry Cobbler (textured), Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Early Espresso card stock
• Accessories—Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
• Tools—Word Window Punch, Spiral Border Punch, Sponges, Dimensionals, SNAIL

Order the supplies to make this project at my Too Cool Online Store!

Spiral Border Punch

My Spiral Border Punch likes to gather dust in the back of my punch drawer, but I thought it was a natural with the "captain's log" stamp image.  This under-appreciated punch actually has some awesome features...

  

The Spiral Border Punch is a quick and easy way to add interest, dimension, and color to your cards, tags, and scrapbook pages.  It's perfect for creating little accents that look like notebook paper (think Back-To-School). 

But, did you know that the holes you create with this punch are the same size as the spiral wire holes on the Stampin' Up! On Board Journals? 

The 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" Art Journal and the 8-3/4" x 5-3/4" Art Journal have 20 pages of Very Vanilla card stock and sturdy chipboard covers that can be customized with stamps, paper and accessories.  The Spiral Border Punch makes it easy for you to add additional pages to your journal, or even custom-fit Designer Series Paper to adhere to the covers!  Too Cool!

  

You can also use the punch to create the look of a filmstrip!  I found these two examples on Splitcoast Stampers by mum of 2+2 and kittystamp.  (The scrapbook page is actually a My Digital Studio creation using the digital Spiral Border Punch!)  How fun is that?!  And, now that film is nearly obsolete, it's practically "vintage!"  Haha!

Old-Style Spiral Border Punch

I wanted to give some tips to those of you who may have the old-style Spiral Border Punch, like me.  Stampin' Up! currently sells the Spiral Border Punch in the newer, sleeker body style (shown above) and it works just like any of the other new border punch, so I won't go into that here. The older punch needs a bit of explanation...

  

This punch only punches two holes at a time.  You'll need to turn the punch over and line up the edge of your card stock flush with the metal pin on the right for the first punch.

  

Next, you'll slide the punch down the card stock until that metal pin fits into the last punched hole.  This will ensure perfect spacing.

If you get to the end of your border and you don't have room for two more punched holes, slide the metal pin into the second-to-last punched hole instead.  This will only give you one more new hole. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  Who's ready to go sailing?!

Angie