Boo!

Happy Halloween!! I'm back today with a short post about some Halloween fun. I finally got my computer back (needed a new hard drive!), luckily everything was backed up.

I made some treat bags for the little toddler munchkins that will be coming through the neighbourhood tonight. I had fun making them. The other kiddies will just get a mix of candies and chocolates. I wouldn't dare do up packages for everyone... we have well over 200 kids come through on Halloween. The candy alone puts us in the poor house! haha

Paper: Googly Ghouls Kit
Ink: Black, Summer Starfruit, Pumpkin Pie
Stamps: Googly Ghouls
Accessories: Baker's Twine, Summer Starfruit Satin Stitched Ribbon, Googly Eyes, Tags

Every year, as a family, we also carve our pumpkins. My little one really enjoys gutting it and then my hubby and I carve them. He usually does two and I concentrate on my own. I'm happy with mine this year, but it's certainly not my best. I really had to force myself to carve it last night... this prego mama has no energy!

Anyway, hope you have a wonderful and safe Halloween! I'll be back with another post tomorrow.

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Star Ornament

I made a bunch of these last year and am in the process of making them again. They are so much fun and a "wow" when people take a look at them.  There are different tutorials out there on how to make these, but I love Dawn Olchefske's tutorial here.

Ornament is kept closed with the button.

Ornament opening up.

Paper: Jolly Holiday DSP, Old Olive
Accessories: 3/8" Very Vanilla Ribbon, Brights Button

These ornaments are so simple to make and can be addictive too! I make them every year for gifts (they work great as a present decoration too!), my Christmas Tree (it's decorated with all handmade ornaments I've made over the years) and this year, I'll make them for my Craft Fair at the end of November.

I like to use a variety of patterned paper, but you can also use all of the same pattern too. Go watch the tutorial and give 'em a try!

Until next time, stay crafty!

Steph

HUGE One-Day Sale!

 

Mark your calendar for Monday, October 29th, get out your wish list and check out why below!

 

Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular

For one day only, you will get 15% off almost every stamp that Stampin' Up! sells — October 29th is the one-day Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular!

Here are the details:

• Starting at 12:00 AM (MT) and ending at 11:50 PM (MT), almost every stamp will be 15% off.

This means all stamps in current catalogues including:

• Background Stamps
• Personalized Name Stamps
• Stamp Sets
• Cookie Press Stamps
• Single-image stamps (check out the Promotions Tab at the top for images)

This DOES NOT include:

• Hostess sets
• Bundled stamp sets
• Digital stamp brush sets

I am so excited! Stampin’ Up! is doing a one-day sale on almost all of our stamp sets! All stamps are 15% off, on Monday ONLY. Look through the catalogues and let me know which sets you need for Holiday projects, or any sets that have been on your wish list. Now is the time to order them!

Place your order through me by 9:00 p.m. on Monday, or order through my online store until midnight.

 

Digital Scrapbooking Day: Free Downloads & 50% Off All Digital Kits

What do you get when you combine Digital Scrapbooking Day and My Digital Studio? A week of  FREE downloads and 50 percent off ALL digital kits!

What:
Three FREE downloads. 50% off ALL digital kits. Mega blogging on MyDigitalStudio.net all week!

When:
October 29 - November 5, 2012.

Why:
To get the word out about My Digital Studio's awesome design program, content, and print products!

Get Your FREE Downloads:

• From my online store

Details & Deadlines:

• 50% off kits sale - Order through me or online (not applicable to Workshop/Party Orders). 
• Take advantage of the free downloads and 50% off kits by these deadlines:
  • Online orders (kits and free downloads): Monday, November 5th by 11:50 PM (MT)

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph 

Movember

I don't know about the men in your life, but for the last several years, my husband has taken part in Movember. As a "Mo Sista" (a woman who supports a man partaking in Movember), I fully support the cause that Movember stands for, but not such a fan of the prickly stash my "Mo Bros" (a man who partakes in Movember) sports. :)

Anyway, in support, I created a card in MDS that was inspired by the sketch this week over at Sunday Stamps.

I love the flexibility of the program and how quick and simple it is to put a project together. Check it out:

Colours: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand
Digital Download: Many Mustaches Stamp Brush Set
Tools: My Digital Studio 2 (MDS2)
Size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

I designed the card front for print (the faint line along two edges is to indicate the edge of the card, and would not be printed). I followed the sketch pretty closely... replacing the ribbon for some manly mustaches though. :)

I created this card for my hubby to use to gain support during his month-long campaign. I "mustache" you a question... will you support me?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Ornament Keepsakes

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm sharing an ornament we made at our monthly meeting this month, designed by my upline Leena. The ornament is easy to make when you use the Ornament Keepsakes stamps with the Holiday Ornaments Framelits! Hey, if you like this, you might as well take advantage of the Promo this month. Check out the details here, but this offer will end October 31st!

Paper: Whisper White, Silver Glimmer
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes
Tools: Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits, Snow Flurry Bigz Die
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Jewels, Brights Button, Whisper White Ribbon

The Framelits make this ornament really easy to make; however, if you don't own a Big Shot you could just as easily cut them out with scissors. To make the ornament, you need 15 ornaments cut out (fold each in half and glue 3 together). Once all are glued, glue them with hot glue to a sturdy surface... we used a 2-1/2" circle punched from Glimmer Paper (then the back is pretty too).

We then used a dab more hot glue and glued the biggest snowflake. The rest was layered with Dimensionals. To finish off, we added some jewels for extra bling.

If you'd like to make these, or want to place an order for the October Promo, contact me!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Glimmer Paper

Since I'm away for the weekend and crazy tired, today is a short post... Did you know that you can colour the lighter colour Glimmer Paper?! It's true!

I used Gumball Green on the Silver Glimmer Paper and look how cool that looks! Imagine the colour possibilities! All you need is an ink pad and a sponge of your choice.

It was suggested in our Demo-Only Magazine that if you didn't like or couldn't use the red-coloured Glimmer Paper, then you can choose your preferred red ink and colour the Silver Glimmer Paper with it.

Give it a try!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Christmas Circles

Here's a non-traditional Christmas card for ya! It uses Circle Circus, along with some Silver Glimmer Paper. I really like how this turned out... and it's thanks to a CASE of Leena Girsa's card seen here.

Paper: Real Red, Naturals Ivory, Silver Glimmer
Ink: Gumball Green, Basic Gray
Stamps: Circle Circus, Greetings of the Season
Tools: 3/4" & 1", 1-1/4" Circle Punches

Unlike Leena's card, I decided to stick to just a couple of colours for a more muted look. I used some Naturals Ivory for a bit of texture and then just randomly stamped images from Circle Circus. For some added bling, I punched some circles from Glimmer Paper and then popped up some images that I stamped in Gumball Green.

What do you think?

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Stampin' Up! Jewels Tips & Tricks

Did you know that you can colour our Jewels with Sharpies?! Yup, it's possible and permanent! Check it out:

It's so simple to do and you can coordinate the jewels to go with any project... just get the sharpie colour you want and colour away. Even with black, you still get a bit of shine.

In case you're wondering... you might think to try colouring them with our Stampin' Write Markers for the exact coordination you're looking for, but the colour will rub off because it's not permanant.

So grab those Sharpies and try it out today, you'll be addicted. :)

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Snowman Kisses

I know it's been a long time since I posted a card, but I had to share yet another stocking stuffer I plan to make for my upcoming Christmas Craft Show. These Tic Tac containers are floating all over the Internet, but I've never seen one using this stamp set yet. Check it out:

  

I'm calling my Tic Tac Snowman "Snowman Kisses", but you can also find them called "Snowman Poop"... complete with a poem. I preferred kisses over poop. :)

I used the snowman from Stylin' Snowfolk. I love this new stamp set because you can build your own snowman or snowwoman. There are tons of accessories, including mustaches and eyeglasses! I chose to keep him simple for this purpose.

I had to alter the dimensions of templates I found online to fit my Tic Tac container (from Costco) and used my 3/4" Circle Punch for the Tic Tacs to peek through. To finish off, I thought this snowman needed a top hat... and gives the project a bit more dimension, I think.

Until next time, stay crafty!

Steph

Easy Peasy Bookmarks

Like many other creations lately, this one too was inspired by Pinterest. Gosh, I love that site!

I would really like to use the Summer Starfruit ribbon too, but I haven't yet found a paperclip that matches close in colour. Maybe I just shouldn't match the ribbons to the clip and that would solve my problem! What do you think? Raspberry Ripple on a blue clip...

These are great for bookmarks or page dividers. All you need is a jumbo paperclip and about 4 inches of your favourite ribbon! Easy peasy.

This is one of the many ideas I've got going on for crafty items to make for my Craft Show in November... thinking to have lots of stocking stuffers for sale!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

My Pumpkin Patch

What a busy weekend! Hardly any stamping time! :( However, I did manage to finish up a project that my mom started for me, one that we both saw on Pinterest! Of course that's where the inspiration came from! :)

This is my pumpkin patch this year... and every year to come! It will last me a long time. Of course I'll throw in some real pumpkins too because we're a family that loves to carve them.

These are 4x4 posts, cut down to size, notched out and painted. Then you add some twistable wire, tree branches for stems, a sign and some leaves and the project is complete! Hope you love 'em as much as I do...

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Googly Ghouls

Not only did I fall in love with the Googly Ghouls stamp set, but so did my 2-year old daughter. When she saw it in the Holiday Catty, she told me I had to buy it. Of course I couldn't say no. haha She was so excited when it arrived and the other day, she was even more excited to use it to make "a spooky card for Daddy"... and use the googly eyes!

Just wanted to share her little project with you today and hope it brings a smile to your face. I'll be back again tomorrow with another post!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Punch Art Giraffe

I don't often do Punch Art, but when I was commissioned to do a custom card with a giraffe, I couldn't resist doing it with some inspiration from Pinterest with Linda Fisher's card.

Paper: Really Rust (retired), Marigold Morning (retired), So Saffron,
Creamy Caramel (retired), Basic Black, Blush Blossom (retired)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Stamps: Wacky Wishes (Hostess)
Tools: Punches - 3/4", 1" & 1-3/8" Circle, Owl Punch, Five Petal Flower (retired),
Small Oval, Word Window

Punch Art involves using many different punches to create something. To create a giraffe, I used the following punches:

• 3/4" Circle: toes
• 1" Circle: head, spots
• 1-3/8" Circle: body, spots
• Small Oval: nose, mouth/tongue
• Owl: eyes, nostrils, ear tuffs, tail, spots
• Five Petal Flower: ears

The key to Punch Art is to sponge all your pieces before gluing them together. This gives lots of dimension to the project. I used Crumb Cake to sponge all my pieces. I wanted my giraffe to be the spotlight of this card, so I didn't add anything else but the sentiment. My client LOVED it and thought it was truly a work of art. :)

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Sunday Stamps Challenge - Guest Designer

Good Morning & Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all the Canadians out there! I'm a little under the weather, but well enough to do some stamping and eat some turkey! :)

I have the pleasure this week to be a Guest Designer again over at Sunday Stamps. Lisa has a great sketch this week for you to try:

I love sketch challenges! When I saw the sketch, I wanted something to "peek" out from the circles. What better than some spooky characters from the Googly Ghouls set.

Paper: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Orchard Harvest DSP
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Stamps: Googly Ghouls, Seasonal Sayings
Tools: Punches - Scallop Border, 2-1/2" Circle
Accessories: Googly Eyes

I started with a 2-1/2" circle in Whisper White and stamped the "Boooo" from Googly Ghouls in Crumb Cake repeatedly. Next, I stamped some of the cutesy characters from the same set - the mummy & spider, my favourites! Aren't they adorable?! I know, not something you'd say for Halloween, but they are! I sponged the edges in Crumb Cake too and mounted these on Cajun Craze that I tore.

For the middle section, I distressed a piece of DSP from the Orchard Harvest pack and mounted that to a piece of More Mustard card stock. I used the Scallop Border Punch on the edge and then moved it slightly and punched again. This gives a pointed and almost "spooky" look, I think. I sponged the edges of this one too.

To finish things off, I stamped the sentiment and cut and distressed some banners. I added a similar banner on the inside and of course added some Googly Eyes to those adorable scary characters. :)

Now head on over to Sunday Stamps and give the sketch a try! It's tons of fun...

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Folded Tree Tutorial

Wow, two posts in one day! :) I've been asked by several people on how I made my mini folded trees. You can see my post on them here. Because of this, I decided to make a quick tutorial to help you make them too!

Step 1:
Chose your DSP of choice and punch either 2-1/2" circles & cut them in half (at 1-1/4"), or use your punch to only punch 1/2 circles.

Step 2:
Create a template on your grid paper. I created this one after many attempted folds. :) Draw your markers exactly where I have mine on the grid.

Step 3:
Place your 1/2" circle on your template & fold diagonally using your markers. Your fold doesn't have to line up exact, but close.

Step 4:
Your fold should now look like this.

Step 5:
Now, using the top point as a guideline, fold your next tree layer. I liked having a tad overhang for my trees... I thought it made them look more "real".

Step 6:
Repeat Step 5 to make your last tree layer. Trim the top overhang if you're left with too much.

Step 7:
I glued my tree layers down with Tombow, but this is a personal choice. I didn't want the trees to be too bulky... but you can leave them unglued too if you want.

Step 8:
To finish things off, I cut strips of card stock in coordinating colours for the trunks and used the star punch from the Merry Minis Punch Pack to punch stars from Glimmer Paper. I wanted that bit of shine, but card stock or DSP could work just as well.

I hope this Tutorial has helped you... I would love some feedback since this is my first one. :) Enjoy making these mini trees. BE AWARE, they can be addictive to make!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Easy Peasy Thank Yous

Stampin' Up! Note Cards make it quick and easy to create beautiful note cards for any occasion. As part of the wedding samples I prepared for this weekend (see yesterday's post), I also created some thank you cards too. Take a look:

Paper: SU! Note Cards
Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight
Stamps: Everything Eleanor, Wacky Wishes (Hostess)

This card is purely stamping. No tools, no Big Shot (gasp!). I think it gives great impact, but with minimal effort. Change up the colours and sentiment and you can create these cards for any occasion. The label from Everything Eleanor is a perfect backdrop for larger sentiments.

Paper: SU! Note Cards
Ink: Daffodil Delight
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Tools: Big Shot, Designer Frames TIEF, Elegant Lines TIEF,
Punches - Word Window, XL Oval

This card is more elegant than the previous, simple, and eye catching. The ever-popular and always a "wow" factor of the raised impressions from Textured Impressions Embossing Folders mean that you don't need much else.

Paper: SU! Note Cards
Ink: Basic Gray
Stamps: Perfect Punches
Tools: Big Shot, TIEF's: Fancy Fan, Manhattan Flower, Lacy Brocade,
Elegant Lines, Scallop Circle Punch
Accessories: Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon

Again, using the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, you don't need much else! For this set of cards, I displayed four more elegant folders, used on the entire card base. I added a sentiment from Perfect Punches and accented with a pop of Seam Binding Ribbon.

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

DIY Wedding

I helped my upline Leena Girsa prepare some samples for her booth at the Rockton Fair this weekend. She wanted to have a wedding display for the DIY brides out there. The colour scheme Leena wanted was Basic Gray and Daffodil Delight. Here are some of the samples I prepared for her:

Paper: Neutrals DSP Paper Stack (Basic Gray), Black, Whisper White
Tools: Big Shot, Elegant Lines TIEF, Owl Punch
Accessories: Tulle, Clothes Pins

These adorable Bride & Groom owls were CASEd from Danielle Goff off our Demo website. These are "toppers" for cupcakes, presents, etc. I decorated some clothes pins and topped them with my owls.

Tools: Big Shot, Flower Folds Bigz XL Die, Elegant Lines TIEF
Accessories: Crumb Cake Tulle, Tea Light

These tealight holders are quite popular and easy to make. I used aluminum flashing and an embossing folder. To fancy it up (and haven't seen this done before), I added some Tulle in between the petals of the smaller flower. Of course, you can't use a real flame with this one!

Paper: Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Very Vanilla
Tools: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Elegant Lines TIEF
Accessories: VV 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

I got this idea from a 3D swap my upline received at our Regional Event in August. I'm sorry that I don't know who to credit with the original design. I had the idea to turn it into a place card setting though by adding a banner. How awesome would these look all lined up on a seating table?!

Paper: Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Neutrals DSP Paper Stack
Tools: Big Shot, Fun Folds Bigz Die, MDS
Accessories: Basics Glimmer Brads

Why not decorate a cheap frame with some DSP & accessories?! I displayed mine as a table number, but you could easier put a menu, poem, picture, etc inside too! After everything was adhered, I used Crystal Effects to give it a nice shine and seal it all in.

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Basic Gray, Neutrals DSP Pattern Pack
Stamps: Mixed Bunch
Ink: Daffodil Delight
Tools: Blossom Punch, Scallop Trim Border & Corner Punch

Lastly, a wedding program, with a simply decorated front. Quick & easy. I learned how to do the cross from Frenchie Stamps. I might do a quickie tutorial in the coming days for those who are interested.

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

Santa Tags

Today I have a super cute Christmas tag to share with you. They are Santa heads and the beard opens up for you to write your little message!

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Blush Blossom (retired)
Ink: Black Stampin' Write Marker
Tools: Punches: Scallop Border, 2" Circle (non SU!), 1-3/4" Circle, 3/4" Circle
Accessories: Dazzling Details, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

How cute are these?! This is pretty much a total CASE from ones I found on Pinterest. The link led me to an Etsy page and the creator was Deanna Fioresi. The small changes I made to hers are adding the Baker's Twine for it to be a hanging tag, a larger scallop for the beard and the sparkles on the hat (that are really hard to see in the pictures).

To start off, I punched the following: 1 - 2" scallop circle (using a non SU! punch) in Whisper White, 1 - 1-3/4" circle in Blush Blossom, 1 - 3/4" circle in Whisper White. I punched a long strip using the Scallop Border Punch and just cut it as needed. The hat is a 1-3/4" x 3" rectangle, cut at a diagonal.

Next, I assembled the pieces together. I opted to trim the beard around the head because I thought it looked cleaner. I added some eyes and to add some sparkle, I used Dazzling Details on the pom pom and scallop parts of the hat. I squirted a small amount and moved it around with my finger to get the desired look.

Since I wanted these to be hanging tags, I added some Baker's Twine and the tag was complete! I will be selling these in sets of 4 at an upcoming Craft Show I'm doing in November. If you're interested in purchasing some, let me know!

Until next time, stay crafty!
Steph

60th Celebs

Today I have some custom cards I created for a client. I've done quite a few of these for her over the last couple of years. They are 60th Birthday cards using celebrity names (and sometimes friends' names of my client) who are all turning 60 in the same year as the birthday recipient. Check them out:

Paper: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade
Stamps/Ink: MDS Hybrid Card
Accessories: non SU! Flowers & Brads

I created the card pieces using MDS. The program is so versatile and great for making hybrid cards! After printing and cutting all the pieces, I glued them to card stock and tore the edges. I layered the pieces on the card base and accented with some small flowers and sparkly brads.

Inside, I mounted a sentiment (also done in MDS) that reads:

Hope you have a
wonderful 60th Birthday
and remember...

"Youth is the gift of nature,
but age is the work of Art."

Until next time, stay crafty!

Steph