A 'wreath' card

I love it when a stamp set can serve multiple purposes.  Such is the case with the Delicate Doilies stamp set (p. 127 IBAC) and the Hello, Doily large stamp (same page).
Here's my take on a card I saw Dawn Olchefske make.

See how the doily becomes a wreath?  Love it!
I used Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler CS, along with Whisper White.

Use the larger scalloped square on the 2 squares die for the main focal piece.

Place your CS just partway into the embossing folder (Petals-a-Plenty/#116824).
Tip:
This is a top-fold card.  The card is opened up all the way and just the end of the top layer is inserted into the embossing folder.  You can't see it in the photo, but the back of my card is outside the embossing folder, hanging down.

It will leave a tiny line where the edge of the embossing folder was, but don't worry.  This will be covered up by your 1 1/4 X 4 1/4" strip of DSP.  I used Frostwood Lodge.

...and there you have it --- a quick and simple card to make for the holidays!  Happy stamping!

Side notes:
I had my party yesterday.  We had a good time.  We actually made this card as one of the projects.  Everyone did a good job.  Yes, I'm tired today but it's fun to entertain friends during the Christmas season.  They really liked the punch!  I decorated my punch bowl with Decor Elements.  I mostly use it at Christmas time, so I'll leave it decorated for now.
My party could have been a total disaster because, the night before the party, I had a terrible accident.  We went to the store and I was loading all the juices into the fridge in my studio, to be chilled for the party.  I dropped the large can of pineapple juice.  It landed so hard on my left foot (big toe area, of course) that it actually bounced up and came down onto my right foot --- right onto my bunion.  It hurt so much, I actually cried.  My big toe areas on both feet are pretty black now.  I will spare you any ugly photos:)  I was in a lot of pain at the party, but came through it.

Sunset Punch Recipe:
1 can frozen pink lemonade (add water as directed)
1 can frozen orange juice (add water as directed)
1 can pineapple juice
1 bottle cranberry juice
2 large bottles ginger ale
(ALL INGREDIENTS ARE CHILLED AHEAD OF TIME.)
Right before serving, add dollops of raspberry sherbet to float on top.

Speaking of embossing and party punch...
You can emboss your napkins, too!  This is quick and easy and a big hit at the party.

UPS --- Yay!!!
The doorbell just rang.  It was the fast 'jab and run' doorbell chime of the UPS man.  Yay!  This time, he was bringing my MDS projects I had printed.  They all turned out great!!!  If you haven't tried the My Digital Studio program yet, you really should.  You can go to the website (click on MDS image on the left side of my blog) and learn more about the program, as well as see some of the projects I've made using MDS.  It's so much fun and saves a ton of time.  Once you have projects printed, you can always add more embellishments to satisfy that need for extra goodies.

Happy stamping!

December 12 and counting...

A little paper weaving and scrapbooking...

I got so wrapped up in working on a couple of MDS projects that I almost forgot to do my post today.  Fortunately, I had it all ready to go, so here you are:

Paper weaving is a great way to use up strips of DSP scraps.  It's also great, if you're opening a new package, to not have to use very much --- so it's quite economical... and it looks great.

Today, I"ll show you 2 layouts --- one for fall and one for Christmas --- that both use weaving as part of the background for the pages.

The fall layout uses Spice Cake DSP and the stamp set Gently Falling.  It starts out with a crumb cake base and then uses 6 strips on each page.  You could lay them out as mirrored images or flip one around, as I've done here.

Close-up of left page:

Close-up of right page:

Close-up of stamped leaves:

Close-up of the weaving:

Tip:
It's super simple to line up your strips and have them be evenly spaced and straight --- just use our grid paper and it works every time.  I started my first strip leaving 2 grid boxes (1/2") from the edge of the CS base.  I left a space of 1 grid box (1/4") between each strip.  Secure just the end of the strip until you get them all placed, and then add more adhesive --- Liquid Tombow or Snail work well.

Here's a slight variation, still using weaving as a part of the background, to create a Christmas layout:

For this layout, I started (again) with a crumb cake CS for the base and then did my weaving with just 4 strips on each page.  I used the Frostwood Lodge DSP and then chose our Winter Wishes felt pieces for my accents.  I've kept it clean and simple so that I'll have room to add any journaling I might need or even a few more (smaller) photos.

In my next post, I'll give you a peek at the MDS projects I've been creating.  It's so much fun.  I ordered them all today, so I have cards and gifts all set for some lucky recipients.  If you're planning on ordering any MDS projects printed, you should get them ordered by Dec. 7, at the latest.

Happy Stamping!

December 5 and counting...

A Quilt Card!

To help inspire you on your creative journey today, here's a holiday card that was inspired by a Kraft gift box that I decorated and showed in my Nov. 20 post.  I used Cherry Cobbler CS with Frostwood Lodge DSP.  I made 2 versions:  for Christmas and for a birthday.

Here's another reason I'm so proud to be a part of the Stampin' Up! family!

At Stampin' Up!, we believe in making a difference in the lives of others--whether they're our demonstrators, our employees, the people who use our products, or children in need of a way to express their creativity.

Since 2005, Stampin' Up! has been honored to participate in the TODAY Show's Holiday Toy Drive. This year, Stampin' Up! will be donating over $500,000 worth of stamping and paper crafting products to the following organizations:

• Action for Boston Community Development Inc.
• Alliance for Children's Rights
• Boys & Girls Clubs Harford County
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
• Community Partners of Dallas - Rainbow Room
• Diocese of Saint Augustine
• Friendship Project
• Help USA
• Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN)
• Kids In Need Foundation
• National Council of Jewish Women, Cleveland Section - The Dignity Project
• Operation Homefront
• Puerto Rican Family Institute
• St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital
• Stephen Siller Foundation/Katrina Fund
• Welcome House
• Youthbuild USA

In conjunction with the donation, Stampin' Up!'s Shelli Gardner will make an appearance on NBC's TODAY Show on Tuesday, December 6. We are honored and excited to once again participate in this annual holiday tradition of giving back and making a difference! 

Let's all try to make a difference -- to make the world a better place.

 

December 2 and counting...

Happy stamping!

O Christmas Tree!

Here's a quick, easy and fun card for Christmas.

I used a 1 1/4" square punch, along with our triple layer punch, to create my 'gifts' and then stacked them into a Christmas tree shape.  The card base is Early Espresso and the DSP is Frostwood Lodge.  I added some rhinestones for some bling.  Notice how the wood grain in the bottom square works well for the tree trunk.

It almost looks off-center in the first photo, but it's not.  It's because the card is slightly opened.
Tip:
Trim down the top 'gift' a little because it's at the top of the tree shape.

The Stocking Builder Punch

I love when you can use a product in more than one way and that's the case with this great new punch.  I made the same card 2 ways --- a stocking and a stick horse.
Both start with a cherry cobbler card base and have a layer of crumb cake over that.  The strips of Frostwood Lodge DSP are woven in 1 corner.  I added a bit of Early Espresso and Cherry Cobbler ribbon tied together into a knotted bow and attached it over a punched snowflake.  I also used cherry cobbler baker's twine and some rhinestones.  (Color the rhinestone for the horse's eye with a black Sharpie.)  Stamp 'Happy Holidays' (from Holiday Happiness) and you're all set to give a great card.
Tip:
The stick horse card is more labor intensive than the stocking, but well worth the effort.  I used a lollipop stick (for candy making) for the horse's stick.

The toe, heel and cuff of the stocking have extra layers (easily done with the punch) that are attached with dimensionals, for added texture and interest.
Tip:
When attaching tiny pieces, cut smaller pieces from the edge of the dimensionals to fit behind the pieces, so they won't show.  OR... sometimes I layer 2 or 3 tiny glue dots.  That still gives some dimension, too.

Holiday Gifts from my Everything Christmas Class

We had so much fun at my Everything Christmas class.  I had candles going, Christmas music playing and there was a lot of laughing, chatting and creating going on all during the day!  Here are some of the projects we made.

...a decorated clothespin (note card or recipe card holder)  (Frostwood Lodge DSP / Winter Wishes felt pieces / buttons from Holly Berry Bouquet product suite)

...Kraft gift box with quilt square decorating the top  (Frostwood Lodge DSP / antique brad)

...shaker fridge magnet (difficult to get a good photo because of the shiny top)

...snowman ornament (could hold a little treat or surprise gift) --- made from an empty button or brads container --- Start saving yours!  (Winter Wishes felt pieces)

...decorated stamp case with a coordinating notepad inside  (Frostwood Lodge DSP / Winter Wishes felt pieces)

...note pad holder (Holly Berry Bouquet DSP / Winter Wishes felt pieces)

 ...tin with tags inside (Winter Wishes felt pieces)

...10 tags inside tin  (Frostwood Lodge DSP)

...snowman made from our decor blocks (Winter Wishes felt pieces / Frostwood Lodge DSP)

I hope these inspire you to create some cute little gifts of your own.  Happy Stamping!

Don't forget to check out the Online Extravaganza this week!!!

A Special Surprise to you from me!!!

Here's a Special Surprise to you from me!!!
From now until Dec. 10...
Earn TRIPLE BONUS POINTS FOR CHRISTMAS BINGO AT MY CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!!!
Triple Bonus Bingo Points will count for qualifying orders, attending classes + workshops and hostessing a workshop!

Don't forget to sign up and/or RSVP:

HOLIDAY CLASSES:
Everything Christmas + Christmas Countdown classes:  THIS SAT., NOV. 19.  
KITS:
If you cannot attend, you can contact me about purchasing  a kit.  I also have, while supplies last, kits for my Village of Christmas houses. This little trio of wooden houses is so cute that you'll want to put them out to decorate your home every year.  They would make great gifts, too.

PARTY!!!
Be sure to mark your calendars for Dec. 11, 2:00-5:00 for my annual Christmas Party/Customer Appreciation Event.  It's free!!!  I will have displays to inspire you, my boutique (for last-minute little gifts), yummy stuff to eat/drink, a free make and take (FOR THOSE WHO RSVP), Christmas Bingo --- with prizes --- and lots more.  I really want you to come, so let me hear from you soon.

DECEMBER STAMP SET OF THE MONTH CLASS:
If you order the stamp set Christmas Lodge by Dec. 8, you can take the Dec. 15 class for 1/2 price.
If you order the stamp set AND the Frostwood Lodge DSP to go with it, you can take the Dec. 15 class for FREE.
HOWEVER,
I have been thinking about this and realize that you may need your stamps and paper sooner, soooooooo, I plan to have kits ready ASAP so you can start using and enjoying your new stamps and paper.  Contact me if this interests you or if you have questions.

CHRISTMAS BINGO POINTS
NOW 3 POINTS
...for every $25. you spend with me (even online orders through my website)
NOW 9 POINTS
...sign up NOW for the next round of Hostess Scrapbook Club (starts Jan., 2012)
NOW 3 POINTS
...for every class or workshop you attend with me
NOW 15 POINTS (+ EARN $85. IN HOSTESS DOLLARS FOR QUALIFYING WORKSHOPS!!!)
...for hostessing a workshop

A SNEAK PEEK AT A CLASS PROJECT:

Who wouldn't want a gift packaged like this one?  I used one of our cute little Kraft Gift Boxes and some Frostwood Lodge DPS, along with cherry cobbler CS.  Come join us for class on Sat., Nov. 19:  1:00-3:00 and learn how to decorate this box as well as make lots more cute and fun projects.  Get a jump start on the holidays!!!  We'll be making cards and/or projects to help send you on your way toward your best Christmas ever!