Two Types of Ink - The Good Widow

Welcome to "Two Types of Ink" - a weekly feature that pairs up my two favorite hobbies: reading and crafting.  In this feature, I will post a book review for an upcoming or recently released novel with a project I made inspired by it.  Many of these books were provided to me by either Great Thoughts Great Readers (on Facebook), Netgalley, Penguin's First to Read program, or by the authors themselves.  The opinions in these reviews are all my own.  I believe we need as much art and creativity out in the world as possible and the written word is an art form that we should not neglect.  I hope you enjoy these weekly posts and welcome any feedback you have in the comments!

Today's project was inspired by the novel, A Good Widow, by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke.  I was lucky enough to read this book early as a member of an online review group.  This book is one that will keep you up at night just to finish it.  I love the way these two best friends write because there is always a little magic and a lot of "what if" that plays out in their novels.  While there is no direct magic in the plotline of this story, there is magic in how it's told.  The suspense in this novel slowly builds to where you are racing through the last pages to figure out exactly what happened and why.  I like the twist at the end.  While I believe I'd read anything these two write, I have to say I was happily surprised at how good they did with this genre and hope they explore it again.

This book was released on June 1st, 2017.  Take a look on Amazon and see if it's for you!  And check out their other amazing books, The Status of All Things and The Year We Turned Forty.

How did this suspense novel inspire this pretty card?  Oh, let me count the ways! 

First, the setting for this book is Hawaii and that reminds me of flowers and waves.  Second, the waves are black because this is a suspense novel (and they used them on the cover too!) I water-colored it because there are a lot of tears and water in this novel.  Finally, I used this specific saying because it's something all the characters would say to each other and once you read the novel, you'll know exactly why I chose it!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Watercolor Paper
• Ink: Basic Black
• Stamps: Just Add Text (new)
• Big Shot: Big Shot, Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Seaside TIEF, Rose Garden Thinlits
• Accessories: Glitter Enamel Dots (new), Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pen, 1/2 Circle Punch, Glue Dots, Scissors, and Adhesive

ONLINE HOSTESS CODE

To purchase these products, please visit my Online Store and use hostess code XWR3T6SJ when checking out.

PAPER PUMPKIN SPECIAL

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.  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit!

You can sign up here: https://mypaperpumpkin.com/en/?demoid=80380

Sign up by June 10th as a new subscriber and get the June, July, and August kits for 25% off!  Just enter promo code STARTHERE when you sign up!

JUNE HOSTESS SPECIAL

During the month of June, you can get $35 extra in free merchandise with a $350 party or order.  Contact me today if you are interested in being a host during June!

JOIN MY TEAM

If you are interested in joining out team and participating in monthly meetings with free make-n-take projects and outstanding company, 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, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

Contact me today for more information or sign up here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stacymccain/jointhefun

  

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy

Mini Treat Bags for You

Today's projects feature the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies (137547, $39.95) from the 2015 Occasions Catalog. 

 

 

 

This set is well worth the money as it has all these pieces to make the bag and then also to decorate them using coordinating cardstock and designer papers.  Look at all these thinlits!!!

 

 

The first project is a gift card holder I designed for my husband's birthday. I haven't yet decided what to give him.  Is it selfish to give him a couple's massage?  Not as selfish as giving me one solo for his special day and leaving him with the kids!  The other option is a gift certificate to his favorite beer store which is where I'm actually leaning at this point.  Either way, it's something he'll enjoy. 

 

The gift card features the Best Year Ever DSP which is available only during Sale-a-Bration.  The bag and banners use this paper and the For You is using the embossed Simply Irresistable DSP also exclusive to the Sale-a-Bration promotion.  You can get either of these products on my Web site for free when you spend $50 (before shipping & tax).  See your full options below!

 

 

Supplies: 

• Cardstock/DSP: Best Year Ever DSP, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Simply Irresistible DSP
• Stamp Set: None
• Ink: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry
• Accessories: Mini Treat Bag Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform and Cutting Mats, Dimensionals, Adhesive

Because I had this project done, I thought future gift card holders could just be modeled off of it!  I was asked to design a gift card holder for a silent auction which I eagerly agreed to.  The gift card was for a breakfast at the fire house and needed to stand out on the table.  Since firehouse colors are black and red and I always think of water and stars with fireman, I thought I had a good idea to start with.  But, sometimes you put supplies together, stand back, and go "uh oh."  I didn't like it.

 

Several hours later, I realized that I needed to pull the gold glitter off and just keep with black and red and finally landed on this project which I really like.  The red glitter paper will make it stand out on the table.  And the droplet paper reminded me of water so how cool is that?  I like how that pattern on the DSP lines up with the center of the stars!  (Note: The white rectangle isn't part of the project but I didn't figure the contact wanted his info all over the internet!)

 

  

Supplies:

• Cardstock/DSP: Red Glitter Paper, Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Back to Black DSP
• Stamp Set: None
• Ink: None
• Accessories: Mini Treat Bag Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform and Cutting Mats, Starburst Framelits, Brights Candy Dots, Neutral Candy Dots, Dimensionals, Adhesive

Tip:
When doing these bags, you want to make sure  you put the dies into the Big Shot the right way.  Did you know there is a right way?  These projects taught me that if you look at your dies, they have the word "Sizzix" on them.  Make sure that you can read that, left to right, and that will cut and score your paper.  If you put your die into the Big Shot with the Sizzix vertical, it doesn't cut and score cleanly or tears your DSP!

 

 

During Sale-a-Bration, you can choose from several stamp sets and accessories.  Click the links below to see the variety of amazing products. 

 

• Original SAB offerings: http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/catalogs/2014-2015/2015_SAB/20150106_SAB_en-US.pdf
• March Only SAB offerings: http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/SAB2015/2nd%20Release/Flyer_SAB2_demo_Feb1715_US.pdf
• New Offerings from Annual Catalog for Sale-a-Bration: http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Flyer_SABadditional_demo_Mar1715_USCA.pdf

Sale-a-Bration lasts until March 31st and then these items are gone!  When you place your online order at my store, please use hostess code 3J4FHRJJ for any orders under $150.

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

A Coastal Sketched Birthday

It's workshop week!  I have my holiday scrapbook Thursday, my holiday stamp camp & hostess appreciation camps in Payette/Fruitland on Saturday, and then one more stamp camp for a hostess in Caldwell.  Happy we've seen crisp weather and not snowy weather yet - would be great if that held out for a little while longer to allow for all this driving!

Today's project is one for my stamp camp next weekend.  The hostess requested two holiday projects and three other cards working for other occasions all designed using the Tealish color schemes.  It was an interesting one to design too since this is a color scheme I stay away from.  It gives me creative block but in prepping this camp, I now have several cards just for my mother-in-law who LOVES this scheme too!

My camera is still somewhere in the world so my apologies for the poor quality of this photo.  I hope to hear back from Nikon in time for Thanksgiving!!!

This project utilizes Coastal Cabana.  I wanted to keep it simple but also show off some of my favorite products and some of the more versatile products that Stampin' Up! sells since I am not familiar with all the attendees of this workshop!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Very Vanilla (8 1/2 x 5 1/2, 3 1/4 x 4 1/2, 2 1/2 x 3 3/4, scrap), Coastal Cabana (3 1/4 x 1, scrap)
• Ink: Coastal Cabana
• Stamps: Sketched Birthday
• Accessories: Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Multi-purpose Platform, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Magnetic Platform, Bitty Banner Framelit, Dimensionals, Dauber, Bone Folder, Scissors, Adhesive

I tried to do a banner with the strip across the card but it just didn't look the way I wanted so I cut it down to match that second Very Vanilla layer.  You could use any embossing folder to give this piece dimension and the sponging adds another layer of color.  The cake piece is cut out and sponged as well and then up on a dimensional.  The sayings are both cut using the Bitty Banner framelits and are up on dimensionals.  Then I put a few strategically placed rhinestones to complete the project!

 

What are my favorite products mentioned before in this project?

• Dimensionals - Favorite Stampin' Up! product and they are only a few dollars per package!  I use them to give my projects dimension and they are the perfect height.  Other products that offer similar function are either too bulky or the wrong size or the wrong height.  I use these on every card, mini book, and scrapbook page I make!
• Big Shot - I think this revolutionized my crafting and artistry.  I use it for everything!
• Embossing Folders - I have most of them and I think they make an easy card look masterful!
• Magnetic Platform - I love my post-its but it's nice to have them back for notes and use this great tool to keep my framelits PERFECT every time!
• Basic Rhinestones - Sometimes a little bling is all a card needs. 
• Tip - use the tip of your paper piercing tool to get the rhinestones off the sheet so that it will pull the adhesive off the sheet too.  If it sticks to your piercer, you'll know you got all the adhesive! 

The hostess code for online orders for next month is G3SGBMJK.  Anyone that purchases anything online by 11/24 can enter this code.  We have reached a qualifying workshop already this month so I will draw a mystery hostess from those that purchased and the lucky winner will get the free merchandise (currently at $30).

 

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy

Autumn Accents ABCs

By now you know that I really like doing crafting with Callie.  If there is a way for me to use it to help her learn the fundamentals, that's even better.  If you had told me when I joined Stampin' Up! that I would be doing this with my children, I would have called you crazy.  1 - Because I never thought I'd had children and 2 - My mind doesn't work this way.  I wouldn't even look at the kid sets in the catalog because I'd never use them....

However, I think that becoming a parent was my calling.  My mom and sister are smiling right now if they are reading this.  I was one of those adamant "Kids are not for me" people. I loved my selfish lifestyle and I couldn't imagine being responsible for another person in that way.  I remember my best friend telling me she was having a baby and thinking "Oh God, here we go!"  If she hadn't gotten pregnant with Mae, I don't think I would have been brave enough to consider changing everything by bringing a child into the world.  I am grateful for their decision giving me strength to make mine with Conlyn.  I would have had a part of me that searched for my whole life for that piece of me that was missing if I hadn't had Callie.  And without Callie, I wouldn't be having Michael either.

Anyhow, personal tangent over, and back to the project. 

The inspiration for this project came from this idea I found several clicks deep in Pinterest.  I didn't have Kraft paper big enough for a tree so I decided to just use the leaves portion.

We used some scraps of retired cardstock with the Big Shot and Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  Callie loves the Big Shot.  She likes turning the handle and separating all the pieces.  Once she ran all these through, I wrote the upper case letters on one set and lower case letters on the other.  Make sure you write on both sides so that you don't spend their tiny attention spans turning over letters!   I also marked the lower case ones with rhinestones so that they would be easy to sort if they got mixed up.

We've made several games with these.

1. Sorting by color - Sort all the leaves by color and then practice counting them.
2. Sorting by type - Sort all the leaves by shape and then practice counting them.
3. Alphabetizing - Put all the upper case letters in alphabetical order. 
4. Matching - Put all the corresponding lower case letters below the upper case letters.  This was the hardest for her but the most important as we start working on sounding our letters and recognizing words in her stories.

You could also do these with numbers and practice math skills.

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Gumball Green, More Mustard (retired), Daffodil Delight, Certainly Celery (retired), Cherry Cobbler
• Marker: Basic Black
• Accessories: Big Shot & Cutting Mats, Autumn Accents Die, Basic Rhinestones

Remember that the Autumn Accents Bigz Die is part of the weekly deal that expires tonight at midnight! 

The hostess code for online orders for next month is G3SGBMJK.  Anyone that purchases anything online by 11/24 can enter this code.  We have reached a qualifying workshop already this month so I will draw a mystery hostess from those that purchased and the lucky winner will get the free merchandise (currently at $30).

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Magnetic Platforms and Downloads

Update: The magnetic platform is back!  We can place orders for them starting on September 12th so if there is anything you need, including one of these platforms, let me know by September 11th or place your order online using the hostess code of GJRX3DWP.  I will be placing this order at midnight on the 12th!

My Paper Pumpkin: If you are interested in signing up for My Paper Pumpkin, a kit that you can do from home each month, you have until midnight tonight to sign up and get the starter kit in the mail next week.  If you are an existing customer, you have until midnight to defer if you are not interested in this month's kit. Check out this page for details: http://craftasticdayswithstacy.blogspot.com/2013/07/join-my-paper-princesses-club.html

New Digital Downloads: It's also digital Tuesday and Stampin' Up! is thinking of friends, Halloween, and Thanksgiving so that you can too!  Click the link below to see more details on each download.  Downloads can be applied to a hostess code as well!  Contact me today if you'd like a 1:1 My Digital Studio class or would like to join me for my MDS Mondays which are the first Monday of the month!  My next class will be on creating Christmas cards and newsletters in My Digital Studio on October 7th.  You won't want to miss it!

 

Burlap Ribbon - Digital Download  135246 
Price: $2.95
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135246

 Grateful Hearts Framables - Digital Download  135238 
Price: $14.95
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135238

 

Halloween Banner Simply Created Kit - Digital Download  135239 
Price: $6.95 
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135239
 

Halloween Hello Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download  135244 
Price: $6.95 
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135244
 

Perfect Blend Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download  135242 
Price: $2.95
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135242
 

Simply Life Photo Templates - Digital Download  135245 
Price: $7.95 
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135245
 

Tape It Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download  135241 
Price: $4.95 
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135241
 

Toil & Trouble Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download  135243 
Price: $4.95 
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=135243 

Tune in tomorrow for the great Halloween project that Callie and I created together today using mason jars!  Unless they do not turn out after they dry and then I'll share our bean bag project we did today too!

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Coloring Embossing Folders

At Convention, we saw a demonstration that included brayering ink into an embossing folder.  You put your cardstock into the folder and press - it creates a "stamp" of that pattern on the cardstock.

I was playing with the Alphabet Press embossing folder because I had my baby on my brain and wanted to design a card for upcoming baby showers that I will be attending for friends.  I applied the ink to the folder and decided to put it through my Big Shot and see what the embossing did to the ink.  It was GORGEOUS!  It gave it a graffiti look that I loved.  I shared this card with my customers at my camp this morning and they really enjoyed the technique as well.

Most of them converted the card into the Star Version I've included below instead of the baby card and used Teeny Tiny Wishes to populate the saying so it was a birthday or thank you card instead of a congrats or baby card.

Supplies:

• Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz
• Ink: So Saffron
• Stamps: Zoo Babies and Seeing Stars
• Accessories: Vintage Buttons, Big Shot & Cutting Mats & Magnetic Platform, Alphabet Press Embossing Folder, Square Collection Framelits, 7/8 Scallop Punch or Small Star Punch (retired), Scissors, Dimensionals, and Adhesive

Craftastic Notes:

• Make sure you put the ink on the raised side of the embossing folder.  That way when you run it though the Big Shot, the ink is in in the impressions of the folder instead of on the top.
• When doing the banner, use the hexagon punch to form an easy banner end!
• When using buttons, put a scrap of cardstock through the holes instead of thread.  It helps draw the button into the card's color combination and it is easier to do than with twine or thread.
• Create polaroid embellishments using the square framelits to add a trendy twist to your projects!
• The 7/8 Scallop Punch works great to punch out the lions head in the Zoo Babies set.  Dimensionals are your friend and add a nice touch to every project!

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Masculine Birthday Card

This weekend is my special occasions camp.  We are doing five cards for $10 to cover the events in life that you always find yourself looking for a homemade card but can never find one!  My class is full but you can have a camp like this at your house if you are interested!

All the cards I'll post this week can be modified to be another occasion if you needed birthdays, thank yous, etc.  Except this one.  I'm posting it first because there were about six versions of it before I was happy enough to make it a class card.  I even consulted my husband for his opinion, much to his dismay. 

Now that it's out of my brain and on paper, I can feel the creativity flowing.  You know how that gets?  When you get stuck on a stamp set or a paper or color combo and you just find all your creativity come to a halt.  It happens to the best of us and it happens a lot! 

 

• Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Soho Subway
• Ink: Early Espresso
• Stamps: You're Amazing
• Accessories: Linen Thread, Big Shot and Cutting Mats and Magnetic Platform, Regals Candy Dots, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Oval Collection Framelits, Sponge/Dauber, Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Scissors, Glue Dots, Adhesive, and Dimensionals

 

Craftastic Notes:

• The center piece is CASE'd from pg 15 of the Annual Catalog.
• The easiest way to tie a linen bow is to tie it and then attach to a card using a glue dot instead of trying to tie it directly on the card.
• Use the apothecary accent framelit to get sayings perfectly centered in a rectangle piece if you don't have a stamp-a-majig.
• You can layer multiple framelits together and run through the Big Shot in a single pass to create perfectly even rings.

The newest downloads for My Digital Studio posted yesterday - you can find them here:  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=1594

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

The Most Romantic Label

Emily Montoya's stamp set that was submitted for the In With You challenge is my current favorite stamp set.  Called Spread the Joy, it has such a fresh look to it and the sayings all make me smile.   I love the stamp "You are my Bucket List" and it makes me want to kiss my husband.  If only it included one that said "I love you despite that mustache that you really should stop growing so I can kiss you without being scratched."  But that might be too specific, you think?  I guess since I'm the DD for Beer Fest today for my father and my husband, I should have looked for a stamp that says "Thank you in advance since I might not be able to speak later..."

 

Clear Mount - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=134784

Wood Mount - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=134781

 

I wanted to showcase products to my customers because they are not listed in catalogs anywhere but didn't want to take a long time to do it. So I combined this great stamp set with the Label Card Thinlit Die and showed it at my last workshop.  I think it's very pretty.

 

Supplies:

• Cardstock/Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Modern Medley DSP, Very Vanilla
• Stamp Set: Spread the Joy
• Ink: Cherry Cobbler
• Accessories: Big Shot, Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Label Card Thinlit Die, Season of Style Washi Tape, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, and Adhesive

 

Just a few closeups:

 

Craftastic Notes:

• You can put washi tape on scraps and then run them through the Big Shot with the additional thinlits that come with the card thinlits.  It's a fun way to utilize scraps and it will give them a fun smooth texture.
• When cutting the DSP to match these thinlits, insert it into the card thinlit and make sure you leave a border around it.  Then when you cut it out, it will fit on the card but hug the area of the card that swivels.  If this isn't clearer than mud, you should schedule a free workshop and I'll just show you!
• I love the look of cutting out a stamped image and raising it on dimensionals. 
• The Modern Medley paper is designed to be inked and sponged to change the color to match other colors on the card.  I left mine cream but could have easily used my dauber to change it to Cherry Cobbler or another color.

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy

Fall Card Thinlits

Have you used our new card thinlits yet?  They make a horrible noise when they go through my Big Shot but a great sound escapes me when I'm done with a card using them.  I love the instant WOW they bring to a card. 

I am also a big fan of our Designer Papers.  I love that you can simply turn them over and have a whole new theme.  Such is the case with these cards that were the make-n-take at my workshop last night.  One side of the Sweater Weather Designer Paper lends itself to Halloween and the other lends itself to Thanksgiving.  I also LOVE our candy dots.  After the card was all put together, I realized that it needed something extra.  I was able to add a "brad" without the legs showing in the back. Whoo hoo!

Supplies:

• Cardstock/Paper: Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (1 7/8 x 5 1/4, 2 3/4 x 5 1/4), Sahara Sand (2 3/4 x 2 3/4), Whisper White (8 1/2 x 5 1/2)
• Stamps: Tags 4 You
• Ink: Tangerine Tango or Chocolate Chip
• Accessories:  Big Shot, Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Circles Card Thinlit, Label Bracket Punch, Bold Brights or Neutrals Candy Dots, Bone Folder, Dimensionals, Scissors, and Adhesive

Directions:

• Do NOT fold your Whisper White cardstock in half.  Run it through the Big Shot using the Card Thinlit.  Press it flush against the left side.  My Big Shot makes a VERY loud noise when you run this through - it's okay.  Set the 2 1/2 x 5 1/2 scrap to the side.   Use the bone folder to make sure the scores are sharp so the card closes.
• Place the Card Thinlit back on the cutting mat.  Center the pieces of DSP in the framelit with about 1/8 inch space on all sides.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SIDES UP THAT YOU WANT TO USE ON THE CARD. Run through the Big Shot.   Set the circle scraps to the side.  If you don't like my embellishment cluster, you can use other framelits in the set on the DSP.  If you do this, do it before you attach it to the card.  The DSP is attached using adhesive.
• Run the Sahara Sand piece through the Big Shot using the Scallop Circle Framelit.  Attach to the center using adhesive.
• With the 2 1/2 x 5 1/2 strip that is left over from the thinlit, stamp the seasonal image of your choice.  Use Chocolate Chip for Thanksgiving and Tangerine Tango for Halloween.  Punch out using the Label Bracket punch and attach to the Sahara Sand Scallop as shown.
• Layer the half circles on the lower right side as shown using adhesive. 
• Take the scrap that you used for the Tags 4 You image and punch out a bracket.  Trim the ends using your Paper Snips.  Attach to the card using adhesive.
• Attach a candy dot in the correct color to the cluster.

To view the Card Thinlits that are available, click the image below!


If you decide to order any of these downloads or anything else outside of a party, please use the hostess code of J3R4BYRD.  I will put your name into a drawing for a mystery hostess if the monthly online workshop qualifies for free merchandise.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

New Month, New Specials

It's the beginning of a new month and a new chapter in our McLives!  I have worked for Micron in various capacities since September of 1999.  Yesterday I closed that chapter on my life and ended my employment.  It was an amazing ride where I learned a lot about people and a lot about myself.  When I think about the work that was done, I find a sense of pride and hope that things were left better than they were before I came.  I was lucky enough to have a lot of good mentors over the years and was able to find a good friend and colleague to mentor so I know that my old team is in great hands and will have a whole new set of fresh ideas.  That means that I will be dedicating myself more to my writing and my crafts, secondary to my family of course!  I look forward to seeing what develops in me when my mind isn't preoccupied with spreadsheets and system errors!

I'm not the only one with changes this month!  Stampin' Up! has a lot of great new products that are available, including the new Seasonal Catalog which runs from today until January 2nd!  Click any of the images below for more information!

Many of you received these in the mail if you have been ordering from me over the last year.  If you haven't and want one, please email me.  Otherwise you can click on the image above and be taken to my Online store to review the products!

If you place an order before August 15th that is under $150, please use this hostess code when checking out:  XT6PR2HU

As part of our 25-year anniversary celebration, we're bringing back some of our favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image! This month's set - BEST OF HALLOWEEN!  This set is available until January 2nd and is $14.95 in Clear Mount.

View all the other Best of Sets HERE!  If you purchase 6 of these sets by the end of the year, you can get a free set valued at $14.95!

 

Did you know that you can submit ideas for stamp sets?  Visit http://inwithyou.ideascale.com for more information about how you can participate in these challenges and win great prizes!

Spread the Joy is the stamp set that was created by SU employee Emily Montoya.  I LOVE this stamp set and cannot wait to use it!  You can purchase this set in Clear Mount or Wood Mount using the links below!

CM - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=134784
WM - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=134781

Have you ever wanted a stamp but couldn’t find the perfect image? Maybe you have a special family logo or a sketch you’d like to have as a stamp. Well now you can! Undefined is Stampin’ Up!’s new stamp carving product line. You define the rubber stamp any way you want.

Included in the Stamp Carving Kit:
* 2 carving tools
* 3" x 4" rubber
* 3" x 4" foam
* 4 wood blocks (various sizes)
* 1 Island Indigo Stampin’ Write Marker
* 3 postcards
* Instruction sheet
* Stamp image templates

Once you fall in love with this idea, you can buy refills for $9.95 to make even more!

 

There are two sets of thinlits available as of today!  Click on the image below for pricing and details!

 

Circle Card Thinlit

Label Card Thinlit

 

You can also check out this great video from Stampin' Up! on how to use these great new products!

 

I've given you a lot to look at!  If you have anything you want to put in your own little hands right away, remember to order on my online store and use the hostess code of XT6PR2HU.  If you see A LOT of things you want, consider having a workshop where I can show you some great product ideas and you can earn free merchandise.  Contact me today to book your party and hear about my hostess perks!

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Blushing Bridal Decorations

I have never given a bridal shower before and was very happy to be able to throw one for my dear friend Jessica who is marrying one of the best men I have in my life.  I adore his whole family and was happy to meet Jessica's family and friends, which only confirmed how fun and loving she is and how wonderful they are as well!

I could gush on them all for hours but I want to gush on myself for a minute!  :)  For the past week I've been working on getting the decorations completed.  Between My Digital Studio, my current and retired supplies, and swaps and knowledge gained at Convention 2013, I was able to put together a pretty fun spread of party materials!

Let me know which one is your favorite!

LOVE BANNER

Supplies:

• Paper: Blushing Bride, Basic Gray, Whisper White
• Ink: Basic Gray (pad & refill), Blushing Bride (pad & refill)
• Stamp Set: Love & Laughter
• Accessories: Big Shot and cutting mats, Magnetic Platform, Heart Framelits, Simply Scored, Perfect Print Embossing folder, Adorning Accents Embossing Folders, Silicon Mat, Glue Gun (non-SU), Blushing Bride Ribbon Stitched Poly (retired), Dimensionals, Sponge, Scissors, Glue Dots, and Adhesive

Craftastic Notes:

• When doing the banners, remember that the alcohol will bleed a little - my "L" is purposely covered a little bit.  Spray from about 6 inches and wear gloves if you are using a permanent ink.
• If you make rosettes using cardstock, they have a tendency to tear.  You can fix this by cutting up 1/2 inch on each seam - then it doesn't look like it's ripping and adds an interesting dimension to it.
• Use white Baker's Twine, a sponge, and an ink pad to transform the twine to any color needed for your project. 
• Thank you to Sara for showing us how easy these were at Convention 2013. 

ADVICE CARDS

Supplies:

•     _Designer Kits\2012 Fresh Flowers - embellishments\Calendar - f6
•     _Designer Kits\Storytime\Storytime - lines 2, Color = 0,0,0

Craftastic Notes:

• I created an 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook page and then inserted a 3.5 x 5 photo box on the page.  I filled it with the Blushing Bride color and then layered the journaling lines on it.  Then when I put the flower on the corner, it was the same color so it just covered up the lines in the corner.

 BRIDAL NAPKINS

 

 

Supplies:

• Paper: Shimmer White, Basic Gray, and Blushing Bride
• Accessories: Big Shot and Mats, Oval Framelits (3rd smallest), Large Oval Punch, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon (retired), Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Mini Silver Brads, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, and Scissors

 

Craftastic Notes:

• Thank you to the mystery swapper at Convention that gave me a sample in black of this project.  Your name wasn't on it but I'd love to give you credit.  We'll just have to settle for the lovely demonstrator that made my day on that Friday!
• When doing the napkins, fold the napkins to a point and then insert in the back of the dress form and fold over the "belt" and hold with a glue dot.
• These would look great with our clay flowers on them - I just wasn't patient enough to wait for enough of them to dry!

 

DOOR SIGN

 

Supplies:

• Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\2010 In Color Patterns - designer series paper\Blushing Bride Polka Dots
• _Designer Kits\2012 Fresh Flowers - embellishments\Calendar - f6
• Alphabet & Numbers\Simple Letters\Simple Letters - j, e, s, s, i, c, a, Fill Color = BLUSHING BRIDE 243,182,177

 

Craftastic Notes:

• I put this on the door with dimensionals so it would peel off without harming the paint on my door.
• The background is a designer paper that I changed the opacity to 20% - this gave me a slight design without me having to compete with the Blushing Bride elements.

 

NAME TAGS and PLACECARDS

Supplies:

• Placecards: _Designer Kits\2012 Fresh Flowers - embellishments\Calendar - f6 & photo box filled with Blushing Bride cardstock.
• Nametags: Whisper White & Blushing Bride cardstock, Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Dimentionals, and Adhesive.

Craftastic Notes:

• Once I created one of these in the right size using a cardstock layer on an 8 1/2 x 11 page, I was able to copy and paste them to put 8 on a page and have the same text.  They measured 2 x 3 which was perfect to go on the food and by the beverages. 
• The Name tags were just the Large Oval and the Decorative Label punches.  Then I put a dimensional on the back of them so they could put them on their cups and also on their shirts so everyone could know everyone!

THE OVERALL LOOK! 

 

I've had a craftastic day, I hope you have one too!

Stacy