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

Holiday Scrapbooking - Day 8 - Titles and Journaling

This is the last post in my series about our divided page protectors and Season of Style products.  Several of these items are currently on sale for our Holiday sale.  Links to these products are below.

8 x 8 Divided Page Protectors - 132544 - on sale for $3.96

Season of Style This & That Bundle - 136531 - exclusive bundle on sale for $21.44

Seasonal Stripes 8 x 8 Designer Ring Album - 132259 - on sale for $11.96

Our online party is over $300 which means the lucky winner will get $50 in free merchandise!!!  To be considered for this drawing, place an online order by midnight on 11/23 with the hostess code of G3SGBMJK.  Callie will draw a name from all those that placed online orders on 11/24 and that lucky winner will get the free merchandise!

Once you have your photos in the book, you will want to add some journaling and titling.  You could cut this in cardstock and write them by hand.  Some people have that skill.  I do not.  I like to wordsmith.

There are several reasons I like using My Digital Studio for journaling and titles.

1. With My Digital Studio, you can set the size of your text box in Edit Object so that the text inside is the perfect size for your project.  This may because you want to mat it on a 2 x 2 square or because you want to punch it out using one of our great punches or you want it to be exactly 3 3/4 long.
2. You can also change the colors to match the Stampin' Up! colors used in the rest of your project. 
3. You can add text boxes directly to photos so that it prints with the journaling directly on the photo.

Here are my tips for how to create your titles and journaling in My Digital Studio and print on White 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock.

Creating Journaling & titles in MDS

• Click Photobooks & Individual Pages
• Select 8 1/2 x 11 Portrait
• Select Create Your Own
• Name the project - Holiday Titles
• If you need to put it in a specific folder, click Change Location, click on the folder,  and click Select Folder.  If it's already selected, skip this step.
• Click OK

Adding Text

• Click the Text header from the Design Center (on the right)
• Click Add Text
• Type your text
• Click the Select Font dropdown and select your font
• Change the Size as needed
• Click Change color to change to Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, or Crumb Cake (the colors in your Season of Style paper)
• Repeat for all titles or journaling you want to create.
• Click Ctrl-S to save.

Printing your Titles:

• Select Share from the Design Center (on the right)
• Click Print
• Save if prompted
• Click Print
• Print out using Whisper White cardstock and cut out into banners or punch out with punches. 

My Digital Studio (MDS) creates a great stocking stuffer for the crafter on your list that wants to explore digital scrapbooking or is looking for a great photo editing software and so much more.  You can order an MDS cd here.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Holiday Scrapbooking - Day 7 - Embellishing Pocket Cards

Customers taking my class were given a package of basic rhinestones to decorate their pocket cards and other elements of the book.

If you do not find all the pocket cards you would like, you can download the Season of Style Pocket Cards and make your own in MDS.

• Season of Style Pocket Cards - $7.95 - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=134934

Making Pocket Cards in MDS

Creating the Project

• Open MDS
• Click Photobooks & Individual Pages
• Select 8 1/2 x 11 Portrait
• Select Create Your Own
• Name the project - Holiday Pocket Cards
• If you need to put it in a specific folder, click Change Location, click on the folder,  and click Select Folder.  If it's already selected, skip this step.
• Click OK

Finding the Cards

• Click the Flower icon under Resource Palette (left) - this opens your embellishments
• Click Browse
• Click Designer Kits
• Select Season of Style Pocket Cards - Embellishments
• Click Open
• Resizing the Embellishment
• Drag the Embellishment from the left into the project.
• Right click on the image and select Edit Object
• Change the W & H to the right size and unclick the Keep Proportions box
• Click the red X to close the box.
• Repeat until all your elements are created.

Printing the Embellishments

• Select Share from the Design Center (on the right)
• Click Print
• Save if prompted
• Click Print
• Print out using Whisper White cardstock and cut using your Paper Trimmer.

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy

Holiday Scrapbooking - Day 6 - Mini Book - Pocket Book

Today kicks off our annual holiday sale!  For 24 hours only, you can get the three products below at a discount.  I have all three and that Trimmer is a MUST!  The markers make crafting with our great colors quick and easy.  The Diagonal plate will help make boxes and mini books for the holidays and other occasions a breeze!

• Many Marvelous Markers - on sale for $76.97 instead of $109.95 - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=131264
• Simply Scored Diagonal Plate - on sale for $8.37 instead of $11.95 - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=125586
• Stampin' Trimmer - on sale for $20.97 instead of $29.95 - http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=126889

The rest of the products will be on sale until 12/2!  Check them out here: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=1664

Since the holiday scrapbook and divided page protectors are on sale, it works perfectly with my series of posts on this great album!

Some of the page protectors lend themselves to inserting little mini books versus single photos so that you can get more happy holiday faces into your scrapbook!  This is the final mini book/insert idea that I did for this holiday scrapbook.  It came about because I had a stack of photos celebrating our family tradition of making covered pretzels for all the grandparents!

 

 I couldn't decide on my favorites and couldn't narrow it down to just 4 photos!

• Score a 4 x 11 piece of cardstock at 5 1/2.  Fold in half.  Attach the Let's Be Jolly card to the front of the piece using adhesive. 
• Open the cardstock back up.  Attach a 4 x 2 piece of Old Olive to the bottom of the piece using washi tape around the edges and the bottom.** Attach the 4 x 2 piece of Cherry Cobbler to the bottom.  If you like how the washi tape looks, you don't have to do this - but I didn't.... :) 
• Stamp the saying in Cherry Cobbler ink on the 1 x 3 1/2 piece of Crumb Cake.  Make a banner end on the right using your scissors or the hexagon punch.  Tie a knot in the small piece of Grosgrain Ribbon and attach to the left end of the banner using adhesive on the back to hold it.  Attach to the pocket using dimensionals. 
• Insert photos into your pocket.
• Cut the journaling piece off the Glad Tidings pocket card.  Cut to 3 1/2 x 3 7/8.  Attach to the upper piece of the book.  Insert a 1" x 4" piece of DSP to the bottom of that journaling tag. 
• Put adhesive on the back of the book and attach to a piece of 4 x 6 polka dot DSP.

 

Tips:

• Using washi tape to make a pocket instead of sticky strip gives you a bigger pocket.  Sticky strip cuts 1/4 inch off each side.  Washi tape wrapped around the edges gives you a true 4" wide pocket. 
• You can put a photo directly on the back of this folder.  If the other side of the page is another event or theme, you can leave the back of this pocket book blank and put a sheet of 4 x 6 DSP lose behind the book instead to hook your picture too.  That way you aren't pulling out the insert and finding a tree cutting photo when you were scrapbooking a sweet treat in the mini book.

Our online party is over $300 which means the lucky winner will get $50 in free merchandise!!!  To be considered for this drawing, place an online order by midnight on 11/23 with the hostess code of G3SGBMJK.  Callie will draw a name from all those that placed online orders on 11/24 and that lucky winner will get the free merchandise!

 

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy