Christmas Day is Almost Here

I've been out of commission this month spending time with family and enjoying my first holiday as a non-working mom.  It's been awesome and the snowmen crafts and photos that have been generated  with Callie have been priceless. 

I just wanted to share a few updates as we head into Christmas.

NEW WEEKLY DEALS

Check them out here.

NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

Check them out here.

 

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ UPDATE

Check them out here.  New retired products will be added to the clearance rack on December 27th so make sure you check that out after Christmas!

 

HOLIDAY PROJECT: RECIPE CARDS

I am baking the most wonderful bread in my oven right now.  My whole house smells like a candle and, what's even better, is that I made it all with Callie by my side helping out!

The recipe was found here: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/02/cinnamon-raisin-bread-recipe/

I created a custom project in MDS for a 4 x 6 project and saved it as Recipe Card.  I needed one to be vertical and not horizontal based on the instructions.  Then I added the text and spaced it appropriately.  Next I added in the Savor the Season DSP from the Design Center and changed the opacity to 20%.  That way my text would show through.  I centered the instructions and left aligned the ingredients so that there would be room for a photo.  Then I saved it as a JPG and printed it on my photo printer to include with my gifts!

Have a craftastic Christmas Eve,
Stacy

Holiday Bookmark and Product Sneak Peek

PROMOTIONS

The clearance rack has been updated with the merchandise that is still available at some incredible discounts.  You can either order online or send your orders to me to place a customer order to be sent directly to you!  Click here to view the available items.

The newest downloads are available for review - click the image below to see more details!

 

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The newest weekly deals are also available for review - click the image below to see more details!

HOLIDAY PROJECT - SNEAK PEEK BOOKMARKS

My bookclub had their holiday party on Sunday and I made these cute little bookmarks for everyone that attended.  I wanted to use my new Occasions products and this gave me a great opportunity to do so!

I found a book related quote that I liked on Pinterest.  I typed it up in My Digital Studio and made it Pool Party.  I then printed them on Whisper White cardstock and cut out using the Banners Framelits in the upcoming Occasions catalog.  I also put everyone's name in MDS and changed the color of the text to Basic Gray to print on Pool Party cardstock and punch out with the Banners Framelits. 

The bobble is inspired by a scissor charm created by Ronda Wade for her Creative Convention Online attendees.  I punched out a 7/8 Scallop Circle of the Silver Foil piece of Winter Frost DSP and a 3/4 Circle from the Silver Glitter Paper.  I had some silver elastic cord left over from a few holiday catalogs ago and made the straps of that so that it could be wrapped around a Kindle or a book spine and sized correctly!

Supplies:
Cardstock/DSP: Winter Frost DSP, Glitter Paper, Whisper White, and Pool Party
Stamp Set: None
Ink: None
Accessories: My Digital Studio, Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Banner Framelits, 7/8 Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4 Circle Punch, 1/8 Handheld Punch, Silver Elastic Cord (retired), Frosted Finishes Embellishments, Paper Snips, and Adhesive

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

25 Days of Christmas - Day 6

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY 6

Yesterday Callie opened her Doc McStuffins book and thought it was fantastic.  It's fun that she's finally getting into the reading part and not just the opening.  I love that reading the stories is also a family affair so we get to snuggle and rotate who reads!  Callie and I also painted a snowman that I will post tomorrow - it still needs it's special SU! scarf!  Snoozle was hanging out on the snowman to remind us to craft.

Today we are a cookie making factory.  I'm in a fun cookie exchange that is finally happening tonight.  Since I forgot to buy freezer bags, I had to save my baking until today.  Good thing is that I have already done a trial batch and they were delicious!  I'm making Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies - you can find the recipe here!  Snoozle made some flour snow angels in the flour - it was messy and Callie said "What happens when Snoozle is naughty?"  I will need to find a better answer to that question then "I don't know" for the next time she asks.

HOLIDAY PROJECT - HOLIDAY COOKIE PACKAGING

Seems logical that today's project to post is my holiday cookie exchange packaging!  I designed the recipe and tags using MDS.  Here's how I did it.

1. Created an individual page that is 8 1/2 x 11 for the recipe.
2. Added the O Christmas Tree paper to the project and changed the opacity so that the writing would show up better on it.
3. I added some embellishments from this digital kit and added a text box to each one to add the title, the ingredients, and the directions.
4. I added an additional page and inserted a 1.25 circle punch.  Then I right-clicked on the punch and clicked Edit Properties to make it 1.75 circle.  That way I could punch it out with my 1 3/4 Circle Punch.
5. I filled the punch with the same O Christmas Tree DSP and changed the opacity to match the recipe.
6. I added the text box to the circle and typed the title for my cookie. 
7. Once I finished one, I highlighted all the components for the tag and grouped together. Then I duplicated them and made a row of 4.  I grouped those and made 5 rows (since I needed 16 labels).
8. I printed it using the Print option under design center on Very Vanilla Cardstock.

Once printed, I punched out my circles and attached them with a dimensional to the 3rd largest snowflake from Festive Flurries, which was stamped in Cherry Cobbler and punched out using the Big Shot and Festive Flurry Framelits.  I put my cookies in the gusseted bags and tied off with Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine and attached the title using a dimensional.

Supplies:
Cardstock/DSP: Very Vanilla, O Christmas Tree Digital DSP
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Stamp Set: Festive Flurries, O Christmas Tree Digital Kit
Accessories: My Digital Studio (MDS), Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Festive Flurries, Dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Gusseted Cello Bags (retired), Paper Snips, 1 3/4 Circle Punch.

I hope that you find time this holiday to bake with your families and share a little joy with those you love and appreciate.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

25 Days of Christmas - Day 4 & 5

DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAYS 4 & 5

Yesterday we were so busy doing that I didn't get to typing!  Snoozle was found on the kitchen table hugging a candle since it's been so cold this week in Boise.  You'd think he'd be used to it due to the North Pole and all but I try not to judge.   We had our Wednesday Crafting Playdate and that project is described below.   Look at these cute photos of our little artists!

Callie opened her book, A Wish to be a Christmas Tree, all about a grandpa tree that is too big to be cut down and taken home.  I'm not sure she got the point of the story but it was a good one. 

Today we will be painting a snowman that was purchased at a craft store and wrapping it with a fabric scarf once my AMAZING goodie bag gets here from Stampin' Up!  For booking workshops in November and December, I am receiving a gift bag with $400 in free merchandise which includes a ton of great fabric..  WHAT????? :)  I'll post once done. 

HOLIDAY PROJECT : KID FRIENDLY SNOWMAN

Today's holiday project was directly inspired by a blog post from a fellow demonstrator who's blog I follow.  She is starting these mommy and me kits that I highly encourage you to attend if you live in her area!  I wish Callie and I did!  However, since we don't, I decided to try my version of it off her picture and it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself!

I've mentioned before that we try to do a crafting playdate with our friends on Wednesdays and we made these adorable snowmen yesterday.  The kids loved it.  They did all the cotton ball and glue work.  The mommies had to do the punches and the tying the knots since our kiddos are only 3.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Top Note Bigz Die, Sweet Buttons Embosslit Die, 1/2 Circle Punch, Oval Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Paper Trimmer, Pop Dots (retired), 1/8 handheld punch, White Bakers Twine
Non-SU: White Paper Plates, Elmers Glue, Cotton Balls

Craftastic Notes:

• To make the holly leaves, I punched out ovals and then used the 1/2 circle punch to punch around the oval to make the notches.
• To make the nose, just take a piece of cardstock and cut it at an angle on one side.
• To make the snowman, put glue on a separate plate and have your kiddos dip into it to put on the snowman plates.  Have them put the cotton balls on the back side of the plates so it will hang best.
• To make the black elements on the snowman, start with an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 piece of Basic Black.  Cut off a 1" strip from the 5 1/2 side and round the corners.  Use the rest of the piece to do the top note.  Then cut the scraps that are left to make your buttons and then your mouth pieces.
• I recommend hooking the hat to the plate using pop dots since the glue didn't hold for us.

I hope you can make these with your kids.  We hung ours on the window using a small Command strip with a small hook.  As soon as we hung it up, it started to snow so now Callie thinks her snowman has a direct link to Mother Nature.....

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

25 Days of Christmas - Day 3

NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS

This week's specials have posted and you can see them here.  These specials are in effect until 11:50pm on Monday!

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

The show last night was wonderful.  I've always been a big fan of Green Day and was excited to see what they did with the American Idiot CD.  It reminded me how grateful I am that me, my husband, and so many of our friends took good paths in our early twenties - there were so many ways we could have gotten in trouble and made life harder if we hadn't!

As reported, Callie was dismayed that Snoozle commandeered her tree remote.  She told me to tell Snoozle that lighting the tree was Callie's job.  I reminded her that she can talk to Snoozle, she just can't move him.  This morning she got up and pointed to the tv and said "Something's missing...."  Then she saw Snoozle sitting on the Keurig and sighed.  "Will you move him mommy so I can make your coffee?  Snoozle gets in my way."  So far, it's created a lot of good Callisms but our elf doesn't have a big fan in Callie.

Our book tradition isn't going too well either.  It's a good thing that I enjoy the tradition.  Mom and Dad let Callie open her second book yesterday - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Callie loved opening it but had no interest in having it read to her.  HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?  She wanted hugs instead.  We will try again today.

She also helped them decorate their tree last night.  Mom's tree is gorgeous - it is covered with bows and ornaments using Stampin' Up! papers and all the ornaments we have had on the tree since we were kids.  Callie had a blast throwing paper bows into the tree.  It would have been cute to see but am grateful to have had an adult night with Conlyn instead!

HOLIDAY PROJECT - HOLIDAY CARD

Today's project is another project designed from the Creative Convention Online that I participated in during October.  I didn't have the Christmas Collection stamp set so I used the Mosaic Madness bundle instead.  I think it worked great for the ornament.

Supplies:
Cardstock/DSP: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Winter Frost DSP, Silver Glitter Paper
Ink: Island Indigo
Stamp Set: Mosaic Madness, Many Merry Messages
Accessories: 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Mosaic Punch, 1/8 Silver Taffeta Ribbon, White Organza Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, and SNAIL Adhesive

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

25 Days of Christmas - Day 2

 

24 HOUR DOORBUSTER SALE

Check out these great deals available today only at 25% off!  Click here to go to my online store and read more about them! 

Remember this is also the last day to pick up anything on the holiday sale list.  There are some great buys out there - click here to see them all!

 

WHOLE LOT OF LOVE PROMOTION

 

 

From today until January 27th (while supplies last), you can get these cute Valentine's related products that aren't currently in our catalog.  Click here for more details on each of these products!

 

 

 

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Tonight Conlyn and I get to go see American Idiot at the Morrison Center.  I'm not sure what I'm more excited for - the show or the idea of a date with him.  I think that these types of nights will be few and far between in a few months when Michael arrives.  My only regret is that it's going to be so cold tonight - I guess I should put some serious effort into finding good shoes for tonight since I think it's going to be slick!

I woke up this morning to Snoozle hijacking the Christmas Tree remote - I hope Callie finds it cute and isn't immediately angry that he took her job of lighting the tree. 

HOLIDAY PROJECT - Gift Card Bags

 

Today's holiday project is what I made at Family Crafting Day on Saturday.  I used the Festive Flurry Ornament Kit that we are currently selling and our cute Muslin Bags that were on sale a few weeks ago and are currently available in our mini catalog.  A little drop of hot glue and voila - a great gift bag! 

If I had thought ahead, I would have included the circle backing and ribbon in the bag with the gift card but I realized what I was going to do with the ornaments once I'd already assembled them so I had to cut the ribbon off.... Oops.

I personalized them by running a piece of Whisper White through the Big Shot and creating a little banner. Then I wrote each name and hooked it under the snowflake using a glue dot on the top and bottom.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip Marker
Accessories:  Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Bitty Banners Framelits, Festive Flurry Ornament Kit, Muslin Bags, Hot Glue, Glue Dots

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

25 Days of Christmas - Day 1

25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Today is the first day of December.  This year we started a few new traditions and I'm using my blog to help me remember everything so I can scrapbook it when things slow back down!

I wrapped up 24 books to count Callie down to Christmas day - an idea I got from my friend Ellie.  Callie can open one each evening and we will read it together. The first book was the Elf on the Shelf book, another new tradition. Callie named our elf Snoozle.  She actually named it Mommy and then Door and then Daddy stepped in with some suggestions.  Snoozle was hiding out in our wrapping paper bin since that's what I did today - wrap the presents I had to see what I still have to get.  The good news is that once I finish downloading all these calendars, I think I'm pretty much set!

We also created some tags today since I realized while wrapping that I was going to forget who got what.  I completely embraced the realization that I overshopped for Callie as I wrapped her gifts but she will look so cute in all her Gymboree clothes! 

Callie helped me make the tags.  I originally straightened out Callie's pieces but then realized that it was her touch that I was taking away so I let her just go to town after that! 

 

She loves to use the Big Shot and made all the tag bases using scraps and the Chalk Talk Framelits.  She also enjoys punching though she struggles with them since she's three.....  :)   I did the stamping, we did the punching, and she did the dimensionals and layered on the tags.  I used our Chalk Marker to write on the Real Red tags and attach them to my packages using dimensionals. 

 

Tada!

SAMPLE - HOLIDAY DSP SCRAP CARD

Today's card was another project made during the Creative Convention Online training I did in October.  I love the layout of this card designed by Maggie Patterson and Ronda Wade.  The design could have other scraps of DSP substituted in so that it worked for multiple occasions.

 

Supplies:

Cardstock/DSP: Smoky Slate, Pool Party, Winter Frost DSP

Stamp Set: Many Merry Messages

Ink: Smoky Slate

Accessories: White Organza Ribbon, 1/8 Silver Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, and SNAIL Adhesive

CHANGE TO MYSTERY HOSTESS PROGRAM

Stampin' Up! recently announced a change to the hostess codes that means I need to discontinue my mystery hostess drawings.  Because the code could be considered a "game of chance", it can be a legal issue in some states.

I will also not be able to assign the hostess code for parties to your orders once submitted.  You will need to make sure if placing a party order that you enter the code at check out. 

So I'm not getting rid of hostess codes, just my collection of orders for the mystery hostesses.  You can still use the hostess code to collect outside orders when you hostess a party.  You can also be your own hostess and collect orders online for $150 level and above parties - you just need to get a code from me before collecting the orders.

Thank you all for supporting that program.  I'm sorry you couldn't all win before the process was discontinued!

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Festive Flurry Ornament Kit

Today we are putting up our Christmas decorations.  I know to some this seems very early but a snowman collector has a very small window to display the collection and it sure feels like it's cold enough outside!

Besides my existing collection, I'm always looking to add new elements to my stash.  I purchased a few of the Festive Flurry Ornament Kits to do with Callie for our tree this year.  Turned out that they are not tiny kid friendly - lots of folds and require a glue gun.  That didn't stop me from making them with my own mom though!

Are you looking for a project that you can complete in under an hour, that only requires a kit and a glue gun, and that looks great on your holiday gifts?  If so, you should check out the Festive Flurry Ornament Kit.

The kit comes with everything you need to assemble 10 of these great ornaments that can be used in a variety of holiday ways!

• You could put them on a wine bottle for a holiday hostess.
• You could decorate the top of a great gift box for a holiday gift.
• You could hang them on your tree as original homemade ornaments.
• You could string them up on the ribbon and make a beautiful garland for your tree or mantle.

At $14.95, this is a way to make a homemade keepsake for under $2 each!  Plus if you make them EXACTLY like the instructions say, you have 30 big rhinestones left to use on other holiday projects!

Tip:

• I could not get the two rosette elements to stay closed using a glue gun.  I recommend folding on the score lines for the large Soft Sky snowflake and putting the glue directly on the Crumb Cake snowflake.  Hold the center tight like a rosette but if it doesn't stay tight, it's okay.  You will do the same thing with the glitter snowflake after you fold on the score lines and use the glue to put it on top of the Soft Sky snowflake. 

You can find the instructions here and order them here.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Christmas Wish Lists & Stocking Stuffers

We have been working with Callie on various words that mean the same thing.  This week we taught her about big, huge, ginormous, etc. because we were looking at my wish list from the Occasions Mini Catalog.   Gargantuan is right!  At least it makes Christmas easy for my husband - he can get me a gift card to ME for ME!

That list made me start thinking of other Stampin' Up! products that would make excellent gifts.  These items are ones that I use as a crafter daily or have made great home decor projects with!   Click the name of the product to view more details about it!

 

1. Big Shot
Why do I love it?  The Big Shot lets me create in a quick and easy way.  With a toddler, it helps me maximize my crafting time and she can help.  My favorites are the embossing folders and all the framelits you can use with it to make perfect cuts and perfect embossing every time!

  

2. Magnetic Platform
Why do I love it?  This little tool keeps Framelits in place so that they cut out complicated or simple stamped images perfectly.  The magnets in the platform keep the metal framelits in place every time!

  

3. Stampin' Dimensionals
Why do I love it?  Everything needs a little dimension and these make your homemade cards look even better.  There are no better pop-ups on the market than ours, in my opinion, and I've tried a lot!

  

4. Stampin' Scrub & Stampin' Mist
Why do I love it?  Cleaning your stamps is a breeze with these products.  Just put a spritz of cleaner on one side of the pad with a little water and clean away.  When it gets covered with ink, just pull out the mats and rinse under the sink.  It doesn't leave behind lint or scraps like when you use paper towels or baby wipes!

  

5. Paper Snips
Why do I love it?  You can't beat a pair of super sharp scissors and that is exactly what these are!

  

6. My Digital Studio - CD or Download

Why do I love it?  Crafting is a breeze when you can do it as life happens around you.  I use MDS as my photo editing software and template tool as well as using it to design mini books, cards, and calendars.  There is something for everyone in this tool, whether you are a tech expert or a newbie! 

7. Stampin' Trimmer
Why do I love it?  So many features in one place that make cutting cardstock and DSP easier!  Some of my favorites - The arm locks so that we don't break the ruler off!  It will cut and score up to 14" and the guide is under the plastic so it won't wear off with use. 

  

8. Everyday Occasions Card Kit
Why do I love it?  20 cards in one box?  A killer stamp set that covers every occasion?  Two colors of versatile ink?  Instructions?  This kit comes with all of this and is a great gift in itself for the holidays.  All you need is to add some adhesive and scissors and you can craft at home and make some beautiful and colorful cards.

  

9. Hexagon Punch
Why do I love it?  I love banners but hate making them.  This punch lets me do that with ease and I can leave my OCD at the door.  It's also super trendy right now!

  

10. Build a Banner Simply Created Kit and Refills
This product line made me fall in love with home décor products again.  I have a Joy and Blessed banner up in my house and taught several banner classes.  I think the stencils work great with mixed media and the products are super easy to use.  I think every house looks brighter with a few perfectly chosen word banners sprinkled through it!

These gifts can be purchased from my online store or you can buy a gift card from me so that your loved one (or yourself) can enjoy these products during Sale-A-Bration or at your own party in the new year.  All gift cards come with a great new holder never shown in a class and the instructions to replicate it. 

This is also a great time to stock up on the stamp camp essentials.  As you know, I have you bring a "craft kit" to my house when you come to stamp camps.  The products below are what I ask you to bring!

Craft Kit:

• Adhesive (required) – 104332 - $6.95
• Paper Snips (required) – 103579 – $9.95 
• Bone Folder (required) – 102300 - $6.95
• Dimensionals (required) – 104430 - $3.95
• Paper Piercing Tool (optional) – 126189 - $3.95 
• Paper Piercing Mat (optional) – 126199 - $4.95
• Glue Dots (recommended) - 103693 - $4.95
• Silicon Craft Sheet (recommended)  - 127853 - 5.95

The December mystery hostess code is ZFZTVF6C and I will draw on 12/20 for that one.  To be eligible, just place an order with this hostess code and if the party reaches $150, I will draw a name and that lucky winner will get the free merchandise!

 

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy

 

Paper Leaf Wreaths

November Mystery Hostess Announcement

 

Thank you everyone that participated in my November Online party!  Callie drew names this morning and the lucky winner is….. BARB D!  Congrats to Barb!  The party reached the $300 level so that is $50 in free merchandise! 

 

The December code is ZFZTVF6C and I will draw on 12/20 for that one.  Remember that stamping supplies make great stocking stuffers and I also do gift cards that you can apply to online codes in the new year!

 

Today we are going to set up our Christmas tree and get out all my snowmen.  I'm so excited.  Funny how the craziest time of the year is the cleanest in my house since I get to pack up all my clutter in my boxes after I pull out the snowmen!

 

But with good comes bad.  I also have to rake leaves today once they thaw.  Yuck.  I love the Fall.  I love the changing leaves, the colors, and the crispness.  Unfortunately I don't love the cold rain that ruins said leaves before I can get them picked up for my projects.  Thank goodness we sell the Autumn Accents Sizzix Die so that I could use my favorite stamping tools to recreate this project since I could not use real leaves.

 

This week for our play-date craft, we broke out the glue, paper plates, scissors, and cardstock to create these fall wreathes with the kiddos.

 

Callie wasn't the most invested in this project.  She liked the glue stick but once the real glue had to come out, she was more interested in Sofia the First and her cars than her project.

 

However, Henry was all over this one.  He wanted as much glue and as many leaves as possible to the wreath and they had to be perfect.  It was adorable.  This little man is a crafter after my own heart!

 

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Garden Green, Early Espresso, Birch Paper (from Thanksgiving Tablescape Simply Created Kit)
• Accessories: Paper Snips, Elmer's Glue (non-SU), Paper Plates (non-SU), Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Autumn Accents Bigz Die

To make these wreaths, check out this post.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Holiday Card Duo

The final cards for our Tealish camp today were inspired by make-n-takes from the Creative Convention Online training that I took in October.  These cards were designed by Ronda Wade and Maggie Patterson who also delivered our training.  They are the first of many samples I will be posting in December and the last class I'm offering in 2013!

I didn't have the Christmas Collectibles stamp set (which is currently on sale here) so I decided to use the Mosaic Madness set and punch instead to make the ornaments.

 

 I really like the design they came up with because you can use the punch out from the first card to make the 2nd card and don't have to use too many supplies to complete them.



 

 

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Island Indigo (2 @ 8 1/2 x 5 1/2), Winter Frost DSP - 4 x 1, scrap for 1 3/4 circle), Whisper White (5 1/4 x 4, 4 x 1, scrap)
• Ink: Island Indigo
• Stamps: Mosaic Madness, Many Merry Messages
• Accessories: 1 3/4 Circle Punch, 2 1/2 Circle Punch, Pretty Print Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Multi-purpose Platform, 1/8 Silver Taffeta Ribbon, Mosaic Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Scissors, Adhesive

 

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy