Monday, December 28, 2009

LOTION JAR GIFTS...
Today I thought I would share two of the designs I used to decorate the handmade lotion jars that I gave as small gifts to some of my family and friends for the holidays.  Another more "Christmasy" design I had done, had already been given away before I remembered that I hadn't taken pictures yet.  Oops!

For the first jar, I used the Snow Buddies stamp set - yes, again!  This little set has become a favorite of mine and I am trying to get as much use out of it as I can before it retires on January 4.  For the second jar, I used The More the Merrier hostess set.  For both sets, I used the sentiment from The More the Merrier Hostess set and the snowflakes from Branch Out - another retiring favorite of mine!




SNOW BUDDIES & MORE THE MERRIER LOTION JAR SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Snow Buddies (Hostess Level 2), The More the Merrier (Hostess Level 3), Branch Out (#113200, $22.95), Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2)
  • Card stock – Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Shimmery White
  • Ink – Night of Navy, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Basic Black Classic, Assorted Markers
  • Punches – Boho Blossoms (#110711, $15.95), Tag (#105934, $15.95), Small Tag (#108264, $15.95), Horizontal Slot (#105089, $5.95)
  • Ribbon – Light Blue 1/4" Gingham (retired - use Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain)
  • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen
  • Tools – Circle Scissors Plus, Big Shot, Scalloped Circles #2 Die, Sticky Strip
LOTION RECIPE (makes about ten 8 oz. jars):
  • 15 oz. Petroleum Jelly (Family Dollar has 13 oz.)
  • 16 oz. Vitamin E Cream (Family Dollar)
  • 32 oz. Baby Lotion (Target Nighttime Moisturizing Baby)
  • 8 oz. Elite Ball Jars (Target)
Marie

Saturday, December 26, 2009

CHRISTMAS PICTURE SHARING...

We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas yesterday.  Thought I would share a few stamping related pictures from our Christmas Day with you!  These are my three girls with their cards I made for them.  I think they really liked them!


 
 

And then here are a couple of Jenni with some of her Stampin' Up! gifts including the markers which were her big surprise gift!



And just so I don't leave out my darling husband, here he is with his big gift:



Hope you and your families enjoyed a wonderful holiday as well!

Marie

Thursday, December 24, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Dear Stampers,

I wanted to take a break from the rush of the holiday season to wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday!  This is the time of year when we should pause and reflect on our blessings. For me, my thoughts turn to friendships near and dear, moments with loved ones and the cherished memories of those no longer with me who hold a treasured place in my heart.

I’m also blessed that Stampin' Up! is such a special company. I am grateful to be associated with them and all of you who allow me to share my life with you!  After all, creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items is about more than just stamps and ink—it’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people you love and you allow me to do that everyday.  I count all of you among my blessings!   

Please remember to enjoy all those special moments the holiday season has to offer.  I wish you all great happiness... a happiness that comes from spending time with those you love and celebrating what you value most.  From my family to yours...

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

Marie

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

STARBUCK'S BARISTA PUNCH ART CHRISTMAS CARD...

Here is the Barista Santa card I made for my daughter, Jenni,  who is a Starbucks manager.  This one is made much as Colleen's UPS Santa Card as well as my Elf Punch & Elf Redeux Cards .  You can also get the directions for the Gift Certificate / Money Holder on the Colleen's UPS Santa Card post.  The phrase and coffee cups inside are from the Cold & Cuddly set and the snowmen, etc., are from the Snow Buddies set.  These sets will retire on January 4th, so be sure to get yours before then!  Off to finish my wrapping...

 

BARISTA SANTA GIRL SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Snow Buddies (Hostess Level 2), Cold and Cuddly (#116523, $27.95), Warm Words (#115108, $21.95)
  • Card stock – Real Red Textured, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip Textured, Glorious Green, Blush Blossom, Kraft, Very Vanilla, Brushed Silver, Shimmery White, Merry Moments DSP
  • Ink – Blush Blossom Classic, Real Red Classic, Basic Black Classic, Bashful Blue Classic, Assorted Markers,  White Signo Gel Pen
  • Punches – Wide Oval (#112082, $15.95), Scallop Oval (#114889, $15.95), Large Oval (#107305, $15.95), Small Oval (#107304, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Modern Label (#116630, $15.95), 1 3/8" Square (#103375, $15.95), Ornament (#116794, $15.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Butterfly (#116629, $15.95), Large Star (#110710, $15.95), Trio Flower (#109183, $15.95), Heart to Heart (#113694, $15.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
  • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen
PUNCH DIRECTIONS:
As in previous punch art cards, many of my punches are done "on the edge" of cardstock with second punches done above and/or around the first cuts.  See previous punch art cards for pictures of these methods.
  • Santa Hat – Punch Wide Oval from Real Red and then nipped a piece out with the Large Oval Punch. Then I placed the brim where I wanted it and trimmed off the Real Red portion that showed below the brim. For the Brim, cut a small portion with the Large Oval Punch as shown. Then punch around that cut with the Scallop Oval so that the Brim looks as shown. Use one Trio Flower punch for the pom pom.
  • Face – Punch one Ornament (head) and one 3/8" Circle from Blush Blossom. For mouth, nip a small piece from the edge of Pretty in Pink with 1/2" Circle punch.  Punch again just barely above this to cut a small smile sliver.  For eyes, punch two Whisper White and two Chocolate Chip 3/8" holes with Crop-a-Dile. Adhere black onto white offset so white is showing below Chocolate Chip. For ears, cut two ends of Word Window punch "on the edge" of Blush Blossom card stock and adhere under head.  The neck is one half of a Word Window punch.
  • Hair – Three Scallop Oval punches from Chocolate Chip.  For bangs, punch one Scallop Oval again with Ornament Punch for approximate amount of bangs you would like to show. 
  • Earrings – With the Crop-a-Dile,  punch 1/8" hole "on the edge" of Brushed Silver and then punch around this hole with the 3/8" side. 
  • Shirt – Wide Oval Punch from Basic Black for the body of the shirt.  Snip a V-neck into it with the Large Star punch.  Punch one Small Oval from Basic Black and cut in half for the sleeves of the shirt.
  • Shirt Collar – Punch two of the smallest heart from the Heart to Heart and then trim to look as shown.
  • Arms – Punch two of the Medium Heart from the Heart to Heart punch.
  • Pants – Two Modern Labels punched form Basic Black.  Then I nipped off the curved portions with the 1 1/4" Square punch.
  • Shoes – One Butterfly punch from Basic Black, cut in half.  I then cut off some more on each one and drew laces on with the White Signo Gel Pen.
  • Apron  – One 1 3/8" Square from Glorious Green for the bottom of the apron with the top two corners punched with the Ticket Corner Punch topped by a 3/4" square.  I printed out some Starbucks logo from the computer in various sizes and cut to fit the apron and adhered.
  • Coffee Cups – Punch two "cups" from Real Red with the Word Window Punch.  I did two different height ones.  For the cup sleeve cozies,  I punched a small portion of the 1/2" Circle on the edge of Kraft cardstock and then punched again above and around the first punch.  I adhered a Starbucks logo and adhered to the coffee cup.  Then I trimmed the cozies to be slightly wider than the cups.  For the lids of the cups, I punched a 1/2" circle from Kraft.  Then I put the circle on a post-it and punched again to make the circle narrower like a football shape.  Then I trimmed off the points of the football shapes to round it slightly.
Marie

Monday, December 21, 2009

STARBUCKS GIFT CARD HOLDERS...
I got these adorable key ring gift cards from Starbucks for my kids and hubby.  They came with a cute scalloped envelope which was fine, but I really wanted to do something I made myself.  So I took a cue from Starbuck's and made my own cute little scalloped envelope using the Snow Buddies and Cold & Cuddly stamp sets.  The picture shows both the front and back of the envelope.


SNOW BUDDIES STARBUCKS GIFT CARD HOLDER SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Snow Buddies (Hostess Level 2), Cold and Cuddly (#116523, $27.95)
  • Card stock – Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Shimmery White, Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP
  • Ink – Night of Navy, Real Red, Bashful Blue Classic, Assorted Markers
  • Ribbon – Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain
  • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen, Scalloped Envelope Big Shot Die
And here is another little one I made using the Stampin' Up! Two Tags Big Shot Die.  This was sooooo quick and easy - literally only 10 - 15 minutes to make.  I actually used Starbucks red and green keyring gift card for this one, but I already wrapped that one, so I had to use the winter scene one for the picture.  I don't know why I didn't line the whole inside with the Merry Moments DSP.  What was I thinking?  Next time...  Use some Dotto to hold the gift card in place.

 


JOY STARBUCKS GIFT CARD HOLDER SUPPLIES:
  • Card stock – Real Red Textured, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Textured, Merry Moments DSP
  • Ink – Old Olive, Real Red Classic
  • Punches –  5-Petal (#109041, $15.95)
  • Accessories – Clear Rhinestone Brad, Stampin' Dimensional
  • Tools – Join the Cheer Decorative Strip Die
Marie

Saturday, December 19, 2009

JOHN DEERE TRACTOR CHRISTMAS PUNCH ART CARD...

This is the gift certificate holder card that I made for my Daughter-in-Law for her stocking gift cards.  She loves John Deere stuff, so this seemed like a natural for her.  I cased this tractor from Jackie Topa.  I love her punch art!  I do think I went a little overboard with the Christmas lights, but it has plenty of Christmas spirit, right?  The directions are pretty much the same as yesterday's, just a little shorter.  Off to finish preparing for my Christmas Game Night with a few friends.  People will be arriving soon...


JOHN DEERE CHRISTMAS PUNCH CARD SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Loads of Love (#115022, $23.95)
  • Card stock – Basic Black, Real Red, YoYo Yellow, Old Olive, Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Merry Moments DSP
  • Ink – Real Red Classic, Garden Green Classic, Chocolate Chip Marker, White Signo Gel Pen
  • Punches – Tag (#105934, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Scallop Circle (#109043, $15.95), 1 1/4" Circle (#104403, $15.95), 1” Circle (#104401, $15.95), 3/4" Circle (#107217, $10.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Trio Flower (#109183, $15.95), Heart to Heart (#113694, $15.95)
  • Accessories – Designer Circle Brad, Silver Brad
  • Tools – Big Shot Dies:  Tree Decorations, Loopy Flowers
PUNCH DIRECTIONS:
  • Body – Key Tag Punch
  • Seat  –Medium Heart from Heart to Heart Punch
  • Steering Wheel  –Word Window from Basic Black punch on the edge half punch.  Then cut 3/4" Circle, put on post-it and cut again making the almost diamond shape.
  • Smoke Stack – Word Window with the top nipped with Word Window and adhered above. Trio Flower with 2 petals trimmed off.
  • Big Wheel – Scallop Circle Basic Black.  Put on post-it and punch again in middle of petals for the "saw-tooth" look.  Center - 1 1/4" Circle in YoYo Yellos
  • Small Wheel – 1" Circle from Basic Black and 1/2" Circle in YoYo Yellow
BULKY GIFT CERTIFICATE / MULTIPLE GIFT CARDS HOLDER DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cut card stock at 7 3/4" x 11".
  2. Score in landscape position at 3", 3.5", 4" and 7.5".
  3. Turn to portrait position and score at .5" and 7.25".
  4. Round corners.
  5. Fold the sides in and cut at the 7.5" fold line from the outside to the scorelines.  Adhere the top flap sides down with snail or your DSP.
  6. Fold up using a mountain, valley, mountain fold to make a gusset in the bottom .
  7. Place Stricky Strip on two sides of pocket and seal.
  8. Decorate as desired.
Marie

Friday, December 18, 2009

COLLEEN'S UPS SANTA PUNCH ART CARD...

Here is the UPS Santa Girl I made for my daughter who works at UPS that I promised you yesterday I would share with you.  I am also working on a postal worker version as well.  To be posted soon...  Most of the punch directions are the same as the UPS Santa Guy I posted yesterday, so I only noted the different/additional punch directions.  I am giving all the girls multiple gift cards inside of their card for part of their stocking gifts, so I put a gusset in the bottom of this one to accommodate for the bulk.  A FREE tutorial for the gift card or money holder is at the end of the post. 

UPS SANTA GIRL SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $36.95), Delightful Decorations (#116517, $21.95), Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2)
  • Card stock – Real Red Textured, Chocolate Chip Textured, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Kraft, Very Vanilla, Merry Moments DSP
  • Ink – Blush Blossom Classic, Real Red Classic, Elegant Eggplant Classic, Garden Green Classic, White Signo Gel Pen
  • Punches – Wide Oval (#112082, $15.95), Scallop Oval (#114889, $15.95), Large Oval (#107305, $15.95), Small Oval (#107304, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Modern Label (#116630, $15.95), 1 3/8" Square (#103375, $15.95), Ornament (#116794, $15.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Butterfly (#116629, $15.95), Large Star (#110710, $15.95), Trio Flower (#109183, $15.95), Heart to Heart (#113694, $15.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
  • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen, Silver Elastic Cord
PUNCH DIRECTIONS (differences for UPS Santa Guy):
  • Face – For nose, punch 3/8" Circle from Blush Blossom. For mouth, nip a small piece from the edge of Pretty in Pink with 1/2" Circle punch.  Punch again just barely above this to cut a small smile sliver.
  • Hair – Three Scallop Oval punches from Close to Cocoa
  • Earrings – With the Crop-a-Dile,  punch 1/8" hole "on the edge" of Basic Gray and then punch around this hole with the 3/8" side.
BULKY GIFT CERTIFICATE / MULTIPLE GIFT CARDS HOLDER DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cut card stock at 8 1/4" x 11".
  2. Score in landscape position at 3", 3.5", 4" and 7.5".
  3. Turn to portrait position and score at .5" and 7.75".
  4. Round corners.
  5. Fold the sides in and cut at the 7.5" fold line from the outside to the scorelines.  Adhere the top flap sides down with snail or your DSP.
  6. Fold up using a mountain, valley, mountain fold to make a gusset in the bottom .
  7. Place Stricky Strip on two sides of pocket and seal.
  8. Decorate as desired.
Marie

Thursday, December 17, 2009

UPS SANTA PUNCH ART MONEY HOLDER...

I am soooo behind on getting my Christmas cards made and gifts purchased.  And I haven't even begun to wrap anything yet!  Tonight my daughter, Jenni, invited us all to her place for dinner and a game, so we got to relax for a bit and I could momentarily forget my Christmas panic.  She made Chicken Parm - my favorite - YUM!!! 

I did manage to get some work done today.  When I saw Ellen Kimper's (fabulous punch artist!) UPS Santa and I knew I HAD to case it for my daughter who works at UPS (luckily she doesn't read my blog).  I worked all afternoon on putting together my version for her Christmas card (that looks like her!) and then I decided to make one for my UPS guy that looks like him.  Today I will share the gift certificate / money holder card I made for the UPS guy and tomorrow I will share the one for my daughter when I finish the card portion.

To make this, I combined elements of my Santa's Nice-o-Meter Card and my Elf Punch & Elf Redeux Cards as well as some of Ellen's.  There is a FREE tutorial for both the money holder card and the Punch Art directions.  Hope you enjoy it!


UPS SANTA GUY SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $36.95), Christmas Greetings (#115448, $10.95), Christmas Punch (Hostess Level 2)
  • Card stock – Real Red Textured, Chocolate Chip Textured, Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Blush Blossom, Kraft, Going Gray, Merry Moments DSP
  • Ink – Blush Blossom Classic, Garden Green Classic, Real Red Classic, White Signo Gel Pen
  • Punches – Wide Oval (#112082, $15.95), Scallop Oval (#114889, $15.95), Large Oval (#107305, $15.95), Small Oval (#107304, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Modern Label (#116630, $15.95), 1 3/8" Square (#103375, $15.95), Ornament (#116794, $15.95), 1⅜” Circle (#104401, $15.95), 1/2” Circle (#104390, $5.95), Boho Blossoms (#110711, $15.95), Butterfly (#116629, $15.95), Large Star (#110710, $15.95), Trio Flower (#109183, $15.95), Heart to Heart (#113694, $15.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
  • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen
PUNCH DIRECTIONS:
  • Santa Hat – Punch Wide Oval from Chocolate Chip and then nipped a piece out with the Large Oval Punch. Then I placed the brim where I wanted it and trimmed off the Chocolate Chip portion that showed below the brim. For the Brim, cut a small portion with the Large Oval Punch as shown. Then punch around that cut with the Scallop Oval so that the Brim looks as shown. Use one Trio Flower punch for the pom pom.
  • Face – Punch one Ornament (head) and one 1/2" Circle (nose) from Blush Blossom. For eyes, punch two Whisper White and two Basic Black 3/8" holes with Crop-a-Dile. Adhere black onto white offset so white is showing below black. For ears, cut two ends of Word Window punch "on the edge" of Blush Blossom card stock and adhere under head.
  • Hair – Punched a partial Ornament punch from Going Gray and hand-cut bangs into it.
  • Shirt – Wide Oval Punch from Chocolate Chip for the body of the shirt.  Snip a V-neck into it with the Large Star punch.  Punch one Small Oval from Chocolate Chip and cut in half for the sleeves of the shirt.
  • Shirt Collar – Punch two of the smallest heart from the Heart to Heart and then trim to look as shown.
  • Arms – Punch two of the Medium Heart from the Heart to Heart punch. For hands, punch two Trio Flower punches and trim off two petals of each.
  • Shorts – 1 3/8" Square punch from Chocolate Chip with one point of the Large Star snipped out for the "crotch".
  • Legs –  One Word Window punched from Blush Blossom and cut in half.
  • Socks – Cut two ends of Word Window punch "on the edge" of Creamy Caramel.
  • Shoes – One Butterfly punch from Chocolate Chip Textured, cut in half.  I then cut off some more on each one.  Then I used the 1/2" Circle to punch approximately one half of a punch on the inner side of each top of cut tops as pictured.
  • Packages – Punch one 1 3/8" Square about 2/3 of the way "on the edge" and approximately half of a 1 1/4" Square from Kraft.  I then cut the tiny Stampin' Up! logos from our grid paper and glue to the front of the package.
GIFT CERTIFICATE / MONEY HOLDER DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cut card stock at 7 1/4" x 10".
  2. Score at 3" and 6.5".
  3. Round corners. Fold up and round all corners when folded.
  4. Punch 1 3/8" Circle punch approximately half way down in the middle of the pocket fold-up as shown.
  5. Apply Stricky Strip on the two sides of pocket, fold up and seal.
Marie

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

CHRISTMAS BRANCH OUT CLEAN & SIMPLE CARD...
Today I was determined to make several cards with my Branch Out stamp set before it retires on January 4.  :(  I am soooo sad about it leaving.  I just LOVE this set!  Don't forget that I am offering 10% off of all retiring stamp sets!  Check them out HERE

Unfortunately, my mom needed lots of help today with learning how iTunes works and uploading audiobooks, etc.  Since she lives in another state, I spent 4 hours of my day on the phone with her figuring it all out. 

So I only got to make one card.  And I wanted to make a very clean and simple card first.  This is very difficult for me to make CAS cards.  I'm not even sure this one is simple enough to qualify!   I wanted so badly to add a Real Red mat between the card base and card front and some ribbon, embellishment, etc.  But I managed to restrain myself somewhat!  Have you ever seen such a short supplies list from me???  I hope you enjoy the results!



CARDINAL IN A TREE CHRISTMAS SUPPLIES:
  • Stamps – Branch Out (#113200, $22.95), Christmas Greetings (#115448, $10.95)
  • Card stock – Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Shimmery White
  • Ink – Basic Brown, Real Red,  Whisper White Craft Ink, White Signo Gel Pen
  • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen, Iridescent Embossing Powder
Marie

Monday, December 14, 2009

SNOWMAN SOUP PUNCH ART TREAT FOR DOWNLINE MAKE & TAKE...

Yesterday, I promised to post the Make & Take we made at my downline/sideline meeting today, so here it is!  I wanted to make one last project with the Snow Buddies Hostess set from Holiday Mini.  But, of course, I couldn't resist throwing in a little Punch Art as well as a Sneak Peek product as well!  The embossed background is made with the Perfect Polka Dots Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder, being introduced on January 5 in our Occasions Mini Catalog.  I love, love, love the Textured Impressions Folders, so this was a must-have on my preorder list!  Hope you enjoy this cute gift idea.  It is great for kids or teachers (maybe with a nice Longaberger mug)!  :D

 


SNOWMAN SOUP SUPPLIES:
  • Stamps – Snow Buddies (Holiday Mini, Hostess Level II), Cold & Cuddly (#116523, $27.95), Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $36.95)
  • Card stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red Textured, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
  • Ink – Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Real Red,  Markers (Night of Navy, Old Olive), White Signo Gel Pen
  • Punches – Curly Label (112208, $15.95), 1 ¾” Circle (#112004, $15.95), 1” Circle (#104401, $15.95), 1 1/4" Circle (#104403, $15.95), Round Tab (#108340, $15.95), Jumbo Snowflake (#116628, $15.95), Trio Flower (#109183, $15.95), Star (#109045, $10.95), Corner Rounder (#109047, $6.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95),  Horizontal Slot (#105089, $5.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
  • Accessories – Perfect Polka Dots Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen, Crystal Effects, Sweet Treat Cups, Circles #2 Big Shot Die or Circle Scissors Plus for 2" Circle
SNOWMAN SOUP DIRECTIONS:
1.  Cut Night of Navy card base at 5.5" x 8.5", scored and folded at 4.25"
2.  Cut two Bashful Blue pieces at 4" x 5.25".  Emboss one with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.
3.  Apply Whisper White Craft Ink to the raised dots on the embossed piece using a sponge dauber and light pressure for "snow" effect.
4.  Cut and score one Night of Navy piece following guide at right.  Fold over score lines.  Remove liner from Sticky Strip and apply pocket to the inside right side of card base being careful that the pocket aligns with the right side and bottom of the base, so that the result shows as the picture above.
5.  Cut one Real Red piece at 3.75" x 2.75" and adhere to the center of the pocket.
6.  Print your Snowman soup poem and cut to 3.5" x 2.5".  Stamp snowmen in Bashful Blue and adhere to the center of the red mat.
7.  Arrange Snowman snowballs (2", 1 1/2" and 1 1/4" Circles) and with hat on your textured Bashful Blue piece.  When happy with the arrangement, adhere the bottom snowball to the card front.  Punch through the center of the snowball with the 1 ¾” Circle punch.
8.  Using the card front as a guide, trace the opening onto the other Bashful Blue piece and the card base front.  Center the 1 ¾” Circle punch over the tracing and punch.
9.  Stamp the sentiment and snowflakes on the untextured Bashful Blue piece.  Run snail or Sticky Strip on the bottom right along the edge of the back, then the left side (when viewing from the back) and top.  Then put a strip across the middle about 2.5" from the bottom.  Placement shown at right.  Adhere to the inside left of the card.
10.  Cut Whisper White to 3.5" x 2".  Use corner rounder on all corners.  Place folded Round Tab punch on either side of left short side and stamp "Sweet Treats" as pictured above.
11.  Slide the piece between the inside left card base and Bashful Blue piece as shown above.  Make sure it is pushed all the way in to it's proper finished position.  Stamp and color snowman in the hole onto the white piece.  This is your finished Trap Door.
12.  Remove liner for the Sweet Treat Cup and place over the hole on the front of card base.
13.  On the embossed card front, place your pieces as follows and adhere when happy with the placement: 
  • Hat – One half of a Curly Label Punch with a small strip of card stock for the brim.  One Trio Flower for the poinsettia.   Make 3 dots with Old Olive to the center of the flower.  Apply 3 small dots of Crystal Effects each of the dots you just made and apply Dazzling Diamonds.
  • Cup – Punch end of Word Window on edge of cardstock as shown.  Draw in steam after adhering punched pieces to card front if desired.
  • Eyes & Mouth – Punch two of the 3/16" side of the Crop-a-Dile from Basic Black for the eyes and four to five of the 1/8" side for the mouth.  Add white highlights to eyes with White Signo gel pen after adhered.
  • Carrot Nose– Punch a Star and cut off one point for the nose. 
  • Arms– Punch one Jumbo Snowflake from Chocolate Chip.  Use two of the branches of the snowflakes for the shorter arms shown.  For longer arms, use cut off all branches, but two opposite branches.
  • Buttons  –  Punch two Old Olive 3/16" circles with the Crop-a-Dile.  Adhere to Snowman belly and apply 2-way glue stick to the buttons and sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Tap off.
14.  Adhere the card front to the front of the card base over the Sweet Treat cup.
15.  Place folded Round Tab punch on either side of the top of the cocoa packet and stamp "Sweet Treats" as pictured above.  Place in the pocket along with a candy cane or peppermint stirring stick.
16.  You may now slide open your trap door and insert your marshmallows.

    SNOWMAN SOUP POEM:

    Was told you've been real good this year.
    Always glad to hear it!
    With freezing weather drawing near,
    You'll need to warm the spirit.

    So here's a little Snowman Soup
    Complete with stirring stick.
    Add hot water, sip it slow.
    It's sure to do the trick!

    Marie

    Sunday, December 13, 2009

    CHRISTMAS DOWNLINE MEETING...
    It's late and I have to get up early tomorrow for a doctor's appointment, but I wanted to share a quick picture with all of you.  Today I had a Christmas gathering with some of my downlines/sidelines.  We made a fun project I put together (you can catch a glimpse of it in Narda's hands) and enjoyed some good food.  Sarah gathered us together for this picture before leaving.  Thanks for joining me, ladies!  I hope you had fun!  Tomorrow I will share our Make & Take project with you...



    Marie 

    Saturday, December 12, 2009

    REFLECTIONS TECHNIQUE CARD...

    This is the card from the Technique Thursday class I will be having tomorrow (squeezing in early before Christmas).  We are doing the Reflection/Mirror Image Technique and I thought that the skating couple from Winter Post was a perfect fit for this technique.  I wanted to achieve a more muted, faded vintage feel with this card.  Hopefully I have achieved it!  See the end of the post for technique directions and directions for the corner accents - I made my own glittery dew drops.  Love them!


    VINTAGE SKATING REFLECTIONS SUPPLIES:
    • Stamps – Winter Post (#111780, $26.95), Lovely as a Tree (#115026, $25.95), Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $36.95)
    • Card stock –  Mellow Moss, Ruby Red, Shimmery White, Acetate (to transfer stamp for the Reflection Technique)
    • Ink – Basic Brown, Mellow Moss, Ruby Red, Bordering Blue, Bashful Blue, Almost Amethyst, Markers (Mellow Moss, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom), White Signo Gel Pen
    • Punches – Modern Label (#116630, $15.95), Word Window (#105090, $15.95), Ticket Corner (#107214, $6.95), Crop-a-Dile (#108362, $29.95)
    • Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crystal Effects
    GLITTER DEW DROP DIRECTIONS:
    1. Punch out 3/16" circles with the Crop-a-Dile from Shimmery White cardstock.
    2. Add a drop of Crystal Effects to the punched circle, just enough to fill the circle and "mound" a bit.
    3. Immediately sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds over them.
    4. Allow them to completely dry before using.
    REFLECTION OR MIRROR IMAGE TECHNIQUE:
    1. Ink an image and stamp onto card stock.
    2. Ink the same image and stamp onto a window sheet or acetate.
    3. Turn the acetate over and line up to create a mirror image, rubbing with your fingers over the acetate to transfer the image.  Use light/no pressure for a lighter or watery image.  More pressure for a "crisper" image.
    4. Watercolor the “reflection” a lighter color and tone than the main image for images reflected on water or ice
    5. Color the “mirror image” grey for a shadow image.
    Marie

    Friday, December 11, 2009

    CHRISTMAS CHEER FROM ME TO YOU...
    I have heard back from some of you that you love the Big Shot sale, but don't have a Big Shot yet. Well, I have decided to spread a little holiday cheer your way!  I will give up my entire commission plus pay an extra 5% of your purchase to offer you this limited time deal!



    Now is the time to buy yourself a Christmas gift or tell you hubby that THIS is what you want - I will even gift wrap it and deliver it (local orders only)!  This special will run through Dec. 22, but to receive in time for Christmas, you must order by December 15!  If you don't order in time, I can make a gift certificate for you to let the recipient know that their Big Shot is coming soon so that you will still have something to give them on Christmas.

    Email or phone orders only as this special is offered through me only and my demonstrator website cannot process the discount.

    Happy Holidays,
    Marie

    THE 12 DAYS of HOLIDAY SALES HAS BEGUN...

     


     

    12 Days of Holiday Sales



    For 12 days only, you can get discounts on select Big Shot dies and materials. See below for complete offering.

    SALE DETAILS:

    • Orders may be placed as customer, workshop, or online orders.
    • The sale ends Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 11:50 PM (MT).
    • Items must be ordered by December 15, 2009, in order to arrive in time for Christmas.
    • Discounts range between 15-25%.
    • All items on sale will be posted on the first day of the promotion and can be purchased for all 12 days.
    • There are no quantity limits and no qualifiers to receive the discount.
    • Our wonderful vinyl works with Cricuts as well!
    • Don't forget to add Holiday Mini Catalog products and Retiring Dormant Stamp Sets to your order!  Time is running out for these products!  The Holiday Extravaganza Gift Giving Guide promotion will also be ending soon.  All three promotions end on January 4, 2010!
    • As a special gift from me to you, anyone who orders a Big Shot from me during the sale will receive a 10% discount on their order!  Contact me for more info.
    Then click on the Shop Now button at the bottom right!


    SALE PRODUCTS (click on pictures to see them larger):

     
     
    *Customers going through my demonstrator website will pay the preferred price!  The regular price is the online price without a demonstrator, not the regular catalog price.

    Marie

    Wednesday, December 9, 2009

    JINGLE BELLS GLASS BLOCK...
    This is another of my Decor Elements Glass Block Creations.  I wanted to change it up from the lighted blocks that I have done previously.  So for this one, I used a "wavy" block versus the "ice" one I have used in the lighted blocks.  This allows you to see into the glass block for better (although wavy) viewing of objects inside. 

    After applying the Decor Element to the front of the glass block, I used vellum paper with Serene Snowflakes stamped in Whisper White (from the Holiday Mini - available only until January 4!) on the inside back wall of the block.  Then I filled with Jingle Bells and wrapped with ribbon.  I wish there was a Real Red 1 1/4" Striped Ribbon!  But, these will have to do.  It's difficult to photograph and get the snowflake paper to show up very well against my usual backdrops - the closeup was the best I could do.  They look wonderful with candlelight behind the block, but I couldn't get that to come out on camera either! 

    Well, I'm just back from a Longaberger Christmas Branch Party with my sister branch, so there is much to do before going to bed.  Until next time...


     

    JINGLE BELLS GLASS BLOCK SUPPLIES:
    • Stamp Set  –Serene Snowflakes (Holiday Mini #115438, $20.95)
    • Card Stock –Vellum Paper
    • Ink –Whisper White Craft Ink
    • Decor Elements – Jingle All the Way (M) Real Red, #114708, $9.95
    • Ribbon –   Chocolate Chip 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain, Sleigh Bells
    • Accessories – Large Deco Glass "Wavy" Block (Michaels),  Jingle Bells in assorted sizes
    Marie

    Monday, December 7, 2009

    MOJO MONDAY, WINTER POST EASEL CARD...
    Today I sat down to make my Mojo Monday card, when I realized that somehow I had never posted LAST week's Mojo Monday card!  Oops!  For my interpretation, I did an Easel card, using the Winter Post and Patterned Pines sets.  I had meant to use the snowflakes from the Winter Post set for the bottom (inside) of the card, but somehow I picked up the Patterned Pines snowflake instead.  Oops again!  I sure did use a lot of different stamp sets on this project - I didn't realize that until I went to list the supplies. Yikes!  I hope you enjoy this card.  I will try and post this week's Mojo Monday card tomorrow.




    SKATING COUPLE EASEL CARD SUPPLIES:
    • Stamps – Winter Post (#111780, $26.95), Four for the Holidays (#116921, $13.95), Christmas Greetings (#115448, $10.95), Patterned Pines (Hostess Level I)
    • Card stock –  Real Red Textured 5.25" x 5.25"
      • Real Red Textured 5.25" x 10.5", scored @ 2 5/8" and 5.25"
      • Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP 5" x 5"
      • Shimmer White
    • Ink – Basic Brown, Ruby Red, Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa Classic, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Markers (Summer Sun, Mellow Moss, Real Red), Signo White Gel Pen
    • Accessories –Finial Brad, Rhinestone Fire Circle Brad
    • Tools – Finial Press Embossing Folder (#115963, $7.95), Oval Scallop Frame Die, Scalloped Circle Die, Scalloped Circles #2 Die, Circles #2 Die, Blender Pen, Corner Rounder Punch (#109047, $6.95)

    Marie

    Sunday, December 6, 2009

    RETIRING STAMP SETS...
    Stampin' Up! has unexpectedly decided to retire the stamp sets that have been on the dormant list since the new catalog came out in July.  I am so sad to lose many of these sets - especially Branch Out which is one of my favorite stamp sets.  Be on the lookout for some last chance projects with this set to be posted later this month!


    The following stamp sets will be discontinued on January 4, 2010.
     Item Number
     Stamp Set
     113407
     Back Woods
     114492
     Beautiful Baby
     114486
     Birthday Wish
     113200
     Branch Out
     114496
     Celebrations
     113732
     Central Park
     113206  
     Classic Sketches
     113226
     Classy & Fabulous
     114498
     Flowers in Silhouette
     113405
     Font of You
     113216  
     For the Bride
     114494
     Forever
     109425  
     Friend by Definition
     114488  
     Fun Flowers
     113716  
     Garden Greetings
     114490  
     Glad Friends
     111580  
     Grand Soiree
     113242  
     Hit the Road
     113710  
     Lexicon of Leaves
     113236 
     Man's Best Friend
     114423  
     Ocean Commotion
     113728 
     Playful Petals
     109276  
     Polka Dot
     111544  
     Putt Putt
     113240  
     Quilt Quips
     113754 
      Really Retro
     113403  
     Sip by Sip
     113726  
     Sweet Stems
     113250  
     That's Funny
     113688  
     Wonderful Watercolors
     114028 
      Para la novia
     114032  
     Acuarelas Maravillosas
    If any of these stamp sets are on your wish list, make sure to purchase them before they are gone for good!  And as an added bonus, if you would like to order any of these stamp sets, you will get a 10% discount on each set purchased through me!


    to view my .pdf file with pictures and prices of all the retiring stamp sets.

    Marie

    Saturday, December 5, 2009

    EXCITING NEWS!...

    I am absolutely elated!  Beginning January 5, Stampin' Up! will be introducing clear-mount rubber stamps.  Wahoo!  For those of you who know me, you know that I have been using my stamps unmounted for a while now, so this is HUGE for me!  This is EXACTLY the news I have been waiting to hear from Stampin' Up! 

    Demonstrators got the news a couple of weeks ago (I was on Cloud 9), but we were not allowed to share it until December.  It was so hard not to talk about it!  And then with Christmas decorating/shopping, etc., I totally forgot it was December until today.  Here's the scoop:

    Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.  These will be available for purchase beginning January 5!

    Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. 

    Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features:
    • Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
    • Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
    • Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
    • Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
    • Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
    • Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
    • Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.
    I have already pre-ordered clear mount stamps from the Occasions Mini.  They are on the way and I should have them by the end of next week.  I can't wait to play with them and share my projects with you!  Book your workshop today for my best dates in January and February to see these beauties up close and in person! 

    I'm off now to hubby's work Christmas party...

    Marie

    Friday, December 4, 2009

    LABELING MACHINE...
    Sorry, I haven't posted for the last couple of days.  I received my huge Online Extravaganza order and while putting it all away, I had to label everything (as I always do) and decided to redo some labeling, reorganize, etc.  Not to mention additional labeling.  They don't call me the Label Queen for nothing!  I am a lean, mean labeling machine!  Okay, maybe not so lean.  :)  Think I am kidding though???  This is just a "few" of my labeling projects:

    This is my pen and colored pencils storage:

     

    This is my storage for my brads, buttons, etc.  Basically anything that fits in those Stampin' Store containers, I put in there!  Then I label the sides and the tops.  The print on those containers is just too small to see quickly - and I'm sure that before long, I won't be able to read it without glasses anyway!


    These are my Glitter labels:


    This is my card stock file drawer.  I use legal-size folders so that the card stock doesn't get dog-eared.  then I have manila folders in the back of each legal folder with scraps.  Note the Labels are COLOR-CODED as well!


    Here is my bottom file drawer storage.  Anything that can be stored flat in a file goes in here.  I love filing things as it makes them so easy to find.


    This is my Big Shot Die Storage Drawer.  I have another drawer with all the XL Dies and accessories.  Although I can read the Sizzix ones okay, the Stampin' Up! Exclusive Dies have smaller print and this just makes it much easier for me to identify them quickly.  I also label each die with the size cardstock needed to cut for the diecut and how many and what kind of shims needed for dies with scorelines.


    This is my drawer with all my embossing powders (and my Big Shot).  I keep about 4-5 jars of embossing powder in square disposable gladware-type containers (from the dollar store) with a plastic spoon.  This is so much easier than using the powder pals or sheets of paper to collect the powder every time, as I go between different powders frequently.  Less clean-up time, easy to take to classes and less waste, too!


    This is a closeup of the Iris drawers in my closet for all my thousands of single stamps amassed over the last 15 years as well as other stamping supplies.  In the wide shot, you can see the Elfa baskets below the Iris drawers - mostly for other crafts - that I am working on relabeling.  These are my original storage devices before I had my Stampin' Studio - oldies, but goodies!



    This is another of my "old-time" storage organizers for miscellaneous small items for my various crafting interests.  There is another one above it with "double-wide" drawers.


    Yes, my labeler is my friend!  My hubby says that he is afraid that if he stays in one place too long, I will put a label on him.  He might be right!  ;D

    Marie
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