Countdown to Christmas 2017 - Day 1

Welcome to my Countdown to Christmas where I will be posting 25 holiday projects to help you with your Christmas card, tags, and gifting needs.  I'll also be posting a handful of "Thank You" cards because it's important to send cards to those that give gifts, especially those that aren't here to see you receive them and open them.

During the countdown, I will be recording the individuals that comment on my posts.  On Christmas day, I will draw a name from those posts randomly and that person will get a surprise gift straight out of the Occasions Catalog.  Pretty sweet deal, eh?  Limit to one entry per day.

Today's project is the card I sent out to my November Paper Pumpkin subscribers.  Paper Pumpkin is my favorite Stampin' Up! product line.  I love how creative everyone is with the kits and how they seem to meet the needs I have when I have them.  I always try to make my subscribers a card using supplies and stamps from the kits and find that our Note Cards and Envelopes are perfect for this.  This month, while I didn't have enough pieces left to do my 20 subscriber cards, I did have enough to use them as templates so you could make this card with your November kit with a few additions.

For this card, I laid one of the leaf dies included in the kit on a 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 piece of Whisper White.  Then I sponged it using Old Olive ink.  I then stamped Joy at the bottom.  I liked the ombre look of this piece.  Then I put one of the Cherry Cobbler tags behind it (or 1 1/2 x 2 3/4 piece put through your Banner Triple Punch) using adhesive.  Tie a bow in the cherry twine and add to the top using one of your glue dots.  Then mount on a Whisper White notecard and envelope using dimensionals.  Stamp the leaf on the card twice in Old Olive ink.  If you got the October kit, use one of those stamps for the inside.

Supplies:

• Cardstock/DSP: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
• Ink: Old Olive
• Stamp: Back in Plaid (PP November 2017), Pining for Plaid (PP October 2017)
• Accessories: Whisper White Note card and Envelopes, Glue Dots, Cherry Twine, Banner Triple Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge, Scissors

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Plus I try to send one of the alternative ideas out to everyone in the mail so you get two fun surprises in the mail each month!  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

There are two ways to sign up.  

• Receive it monthly
• Purchase pre-paid subscriptions to use during this holiday kit period.

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets!

Our year end sale has begun and will last until January 2nd, 2018!  Products in the sale are while supplies last so if you have been holding out for things from the holiday catalog, make sure you get them before they are gone!

Check out the list of sale items via my Online Store and use hostess code WMP4FRM2 at checkout.

Have you heard about the Stamparatus?  It is an amazing position tool that will help you align your photopolymer and clearmount stamps for straight stamping every time.  Plus it will help you do mass production of cards like those you receive in Paper Pumpkin kits.  Our Stamparatus also operates on a hinge system so you can remove and reposition the entire grid.  For more information, watch this great video.

While these tools will be in the new 2018-2019 catalog, you can get yours earlier than that.  The reservation window for these tools opens on December 5th at 2pm MST and lasts until December 30th.  You reserve your tool but you aren't billed until yours is ready to ship.  Some will ship during Sale-a-Bration period (those that get theirs reserved first) and others will come after March 2018.  The cost is $49 (plus shipping/tax) and you can order yours by clicking my Shop Now button above as of 12/5 and clicking on the Stamparatus Reservation link on the top of the page.  Contact me with any questions!

Another great product is out from Stampin' Up! in time for Christmas and Sale-a-Bration.  Our Stampin' Blends are our new and improved alcohol markers that make for vivid images and are relaxing to use.  Check out more information on them here.

You can order them on my online store and they make a great stocking stuffer!  Please use hostess code WMP4FRM2 at checkout.

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  If you sign up in December, you can pre-order Occasions Catalog product with your starter kit which is a great deal!  

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at https://ida.stampinup.com/en/?demoid=80380.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Paper Pumpkin Samples - November 2017 - Back in Plaid

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Just a quick share of all the projects I designed off this month's Paper Pumpkin.  My subscriber sheet with instructions for these projects went out today and I'm looking forward to finishing off my own stockings on Family Craft Day on Friday!

This it the project that came with the kit. You received enough product to make ten stockings and twenty additional tags.  The ink spot was Dapper Denim and the stamp set coordinated with the November kit but was more image themed than wording!  I loved it, especially the "Joy" saying and the tree!  These stockings fit gift cards and our 2 x 8 cello bags filled with treats.  We are using ours for teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, and for Bingo night at the VA in December with the Girl Scouts!

Here are the additional uses I came up with and the card ideas I had.  Some worked and some didn't.  I am often asked what happens to my "failures" and so I posted one of them here today because someone might actually have a good idea inspired by my attempt and I'd love to see something like this work!

What I think worked....

What I think will work for someone that isn't me....  I really wanted the brick look with the ink spots to work and mine didn't.  It just got busier and busier.  It definitely "snowed" though....

I hope you have a lovely holiday with your families and all those that you are grateful for.  Thank you all for putting art out into the world and practicing kindness during this season and all days of the year.  The impact of taking time to make something for another person has ripples and we cannot have enough positive ripples out there!  I look forward to kicking off my 25 Days of December starting December 1st. Until then, thank you for all that you are and all that you do!

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Plus I try to send one of the alternative ideas out to everyone in the mail so you get two fun surprises in the mail each month!  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

There are two ways to sign up.  

• Receive it monthly
• Purchase pre-paid subscriptions to use during this holiday kit period.

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets!

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  With the new 2017-2018 Annual Catalog and Holiday Catalog, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at https://ida.stampinup.com/en/?demoid=80380.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Introducing The STAMPARATUS!

We have a new tool and it’s a great one for every OCD stampers or stamper that wants to make the most out of their stamping time.  The Stamparatus is here and allows your photopolymer and Clearmount stamps to stamp with ease!  For those that have used or heard of the MISTI, this is our company’s new precision stamping tool!

Check out this Stampin' Up! video for details!

The company is trying something different this year using a reservation system for this product.  The first window opens today, November 16th, at 2pm MST and closes when supplies run out of on November 30th.  When you reserve your Stamparatus, you will be asked to enter a credit card number.  However, your card will not be charged until your product is in the warehouse and ready to be delivered.  Those that reserve their tool during this first window will see a Stamparatus arrive approximately February 1st, 2018. 

Here are the steps to reserving your Stamparatus today!

I’m still learning about it myself but let me know if you have any questions.  The next reservation window will be December 5th – 30th for a mid-March 2018 delivery and then January 15-30th with a mid April delivery.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Decking the Halls with Cheer

I'm so excited because tonight I am teaching out at Williamson's Orchards and Vineyards and it's not going to snow!  When you plan a class during November, December, and January, it's always hard to count on the weather.  I can handle a little rain but I'm sure happy we don't have to drive in snow or ice!

Because I'm so merry, I wanted to share the Deck the Halls card we will be making tonight.  I love this layout and how easy it is to create a fast card from pieces you might otherwise not use!  We are all guilty of throwing away "scraps" that are useable but clutter our workspace so here is another layout to help you "clean up" in a fun way!

The key part of this card is LAYER BEFORE YOU ADHERE!  That's the mistake most of my customer made on this card so I'll make sure to hightlight the order tonight!  Adhere the 2 x 4 and 1 x 4 pieces of Be Merry DSP to the 5 1/4 x 4 Cherry Cobbler layer.  Wrap the silver Year of Cheer Speciality Washi Tape around the Cherry.  Layer it on the Folded White card.

Then wrap the Cherry Cobbler 1/4 Double-Stitched Ribbon around a 3 x 3 piece of White using a little adhesive on the front and back to make it stay.  I used 10" of ribbon.  Tie a 9" piece of Black Twine around it and tie in a bow.  Trim the ends. 

Then stamp the Deck the Halls in Memento Black ink on the 3 x 3 square of Whisper White.  Run through the Big Shot with the large square Stitched Shapes Framelit.  Add to the card using a dimensional in each corner.

Supplies:

• Cardstock/DSP:  Cherry Cobbler, White, Be Merry DSP
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Stamp Set: Carols of Christmas
• Big Shot: Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Stitched Shapes Framelits
• Accessories: Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Double-Stitched Ribbon, Black Twine, Year of Cheer Specialty Washi Tape, Adhesive, Dimensionals, and Scissors

You can make this card - there are still a couple seats left for this class!

Still looking for an in-person event to create some beautiful cards?  Join us on November 15th at Williamson Orchards and Vineyards for a Sip and Stamp event.  You will make 5 cards and an acetate card holder plus enjoy a glass of wine.  Cost is $20 for wine members/$25 for non-members and includes all the supplies you need (though I won't mind if you bring your own scissors!)

Register for this event here - space is limited!

To purchase these products, please visit my Online Store and use hostess code VTE9AZUC when checking out through November 30th.

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Plus I try to send one of the alternative ideas out to everyone in the mail so you get two fun surprises in the mail each month!  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

There are two ways to sign up.  

• Receive it monthly
• Purchase pre-paid subscriptions to use during this holiday kit period.

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets!

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  With the new 2017-2018 Annual Catalog and Holiday Catalog, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at https://ida.stampinup.com/en/?demoid=80380.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Wine Down for the Holidays

Wednesday I'm teaching my first camp at Williamson's Orchards and Vineyards and I'm so excited for the experience and to gather together with crafting friends I haven't met yet!  I know we already have a few things in common.  We love the holidays, making special cards, and drinking wine.  That sounds like perfection to me!

One of the cards that I've been teaching that is completely inspired by this event uses the great stamp set in the holiday catalog - Half Full.  This stamp set would work for more than just the holidays but works great for those in your life that like wine and have a good sense of humor!

For this card, I ran a 5 x 3 3/4 piece of White through the Big Shot using the Softly Falling Textured Impression Embossing Folder (TIEF).  I added a silver foil snowflakes (LOVE THEM) and trimmed off what hung over the edge.  Then I mounted it on a card base that is 11 x 4 1/4 and scored at 5 1/2.

Next you add a 2 1/4 x 1/2 piece of Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper to the snowflake using Tear and Tape.  Stamp a 1 x 3 1/2 piece of White and punch the end using the Banner Triple Punch.  Layer on the card with adhesive.  Then stamp a wine glass on a scrap of Whisper White and cut out with your Paper Snips.  This is layered on with adhesive.  I then punched 3/4 of a 3/4 circle of Champagne Foil and added it with adhesive.

For the inside of the card, I stamped the wine glass and both sayings on a 4 x 2 1/2 piece of Whisper White.  This is mounted on a 4 1/4 x 2 3/4 piece of Cherry Cobbler using adhesive and added to the card.  Then stamp the wine glass one more time on the scrap of a Cherry Cobbler and cut it out.  Color with the Clear Wink of Stella pen and attach to the inside wine glass using adhesive.

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Champagne Foil, Dazzling Diamond Glimmer Paper
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Stamp Set: Half Full
• Big Shot: Multi-purpose platform, cutting mats, Softly Falling TIEF
• Accessories: Silver Foil Snowflakes, Banner Triple Punch, Paper Snips, Tear and Tape, 3/4 Circle Punch, Clear Wink of Stella Pen, Adhesive

You can make this card - there are still a couple seats left for this class!

Still looking for an in-person event to create some beautiful cards?  Join us on November 15th at Williamson Orchards and Vineyards for a Sip and Stamp event.  You will make 5 cards and an acetate card holder plus enjoy a glass of wine.  Cost is $20 for wine members/$25 for non-members and includes all the supplies you need (though I won't mind if you bring your own scissors!)

Register for this event here - space is limited!

To purchase these products, please visit my Online Store and use hostess code VTE9AZUC when checking out through November 30th.

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Plus I try to send one of the alternative ideas out to everyone in the mail so you get two fun surprises in the mail each month!  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

There are two ways to sign up.  

• Receive it monthly
• Purchase pre-paid subscriptions to use during this holiday kit period.

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets!

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  With the new 2017-2018 Annual Catalog and Holiday Catalog, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at https://ida.stampinup.com/en/?demoid=80380.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Paper Pumpkin Samples - October 2017 - Pining for Plaid

Both my creative energy and my mental energy have been focused elsewhere since getting this kit so I'm happy that I finally got a little time to complete my samples using the October 2017 Pining for Plaid Paper Pumpkin Kit.

The best Paper Pumpkin kits of the year come during the holidays, in my opinion!  This year, Stampin' Up! is trying something new and giving us TWO months of holiday kits in October and November and they will coordinate.  If you didn't order by October 10th, you won't be able to get the first kit at your door but you can still subscribe by November 10th to get the second one.  These kits will help you get your card and gift making started off right!  

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Plus I try to send one of the alternative ideas out to everyone in the mail so you get two fun surprises in the mail each month!  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

There are two ways to sign up.  

• Receive it monthly
• Purchase pre-paid subscriptions to use during this holiday kit period.

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets and a sheet for these projects as well!

These are the projects included with the kit.  You got supplies and envelopes to make 10 cards total and a versatile stamp set that will work for the inside and outside of your cards!

These two alternative ideas were designed by Rachel Tessman.  She has an amazing video for them that you can watch here.  I decorated mine a little different but I followed the rest step by step!  Thanks for the great inspiration!

As for my creations, here is the first bunch!  Again, my subscribers get step by step instructions for these projects and for any additional projects I design with the kit.  Plus they get a homemade card in the mail featuring the stamp set!

Remember you have until Friday to sign up to get the November kit!

Still looking for an in-person event to create some beautiful cards?  Join us on November 15th at Williamson Orchards and Vineyards for a Sip and Stamp event.  You will make 5 cards and an acetate card holder plus enjoy a glass of wine.  Cost is $20 for wine members/$25 for non-members and includes all the supplies you need (though I won't mind if you bring your own scissors!)

Register for this event here - space is limited!

To purchase these products, please visit my Online Store and use hostess code VTE9AZUC when checking out through November 30th.

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  With the new 2017-2018 Annual Catalog and Holiday Catalog, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at https://ida.stampinup.com/en/?demoid=80380.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Last Bunch of Merry Little Christmas Cards

Today are the last few cards I've made using the Merry Little Christmas Memories and More Card Pack.

These two were directly inspired by Ronda Wade and her Holiday Creative Convention Online that I took earlier this fall.  These are as quick and easy and it gets but still festive and beautiful!

For this card, you cut the O Holy Night M&M (Memories and More) card to 3 3/4 x 5.  Wrap a 4 1/2" piece of White Classic Weave Ribbon to the bottom and adhere the ends in the back.  Slide a second piece of ribbon around the middle and tie in a knot.  Trim the ends.  Layer on a 4 x 5 1/4 piece of Cherry Cobbler and layer on an 11 x 4 1/4 Old Olive (scored at 5 1/2).

For this one, you will cut down the Kraft M&M card to 5 1/4 x 4.  Then mount it on an 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 piece of Whisper White.  Add the half doily to the left side using adhesive.  Layer the Ho Ho Ho M&M card on a 4 1/8 x 3 1/8 piece of Cherry Cobbler.  Layer on the card using dimensionals.

I hope you have enjoyed these holiday cards and albums featuring this amazing card kit.  While on backorder, you should still order it to get it before the holiday season is in full swing and you can do all these projects quickly and easily!

Come back tomorrow to see my Paper Pumpkin samples from the October kit as we continue to count down to Christmas!

The best Paper Pumpkin kits of the year come during the holidays, in my opinion!  This year, Stampin' Up! is trying something new and giving us TWO months of holiday kits in October and November and they will coordinate.  If you didn't order by October 10th, you won't be able to get the first kit at your door but you can still subscribe by November 10th to get the second one.  These kits will help you get your card and gift making started off right!  

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Plus I try to send one of the alternative ideas out to everyone in the mail so you get two fun surprises in the mail each month!  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

There are two ways to sign up.  

• Receive it monthly
• Purchase pre-paid subscriptions to use during this holiday kit period.

October's Pining for Plaid kits will go on sale today at 2pm MST so get them while supplies last! 

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets!

Still looking for an in-person event to create some beautiful cards?  Join us on November 15th at Williamson Orchards and Vineyards for a Sip and Stamp event.  You will make 5 cards and an acetate card holder plus enjoy a glass of wine.  Cost is $20 for wine members/$25 for non-members and includes all the supplies you need (though I won't mind if you bring your own scissors!)

Register for this event here - space is limited!

To purchase these products, please visit my Online Store and use hostess code VTE9AZUC when checking out through November 30th.

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  With the new 2017-2018 Annual Catalog and Holiday Catalog, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at https://ida.stampinup.com/en/?demoid=80380.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy