Top Note Bag Topper

Here's a quick project I whipped up; I wanted to post a project using the Big Shot tonight to tie in with my big announcement: I'm giving away a Big Shot next month!! You'll have to wait one more day for the details, but if you aren't already on my mailing list, you'll want to subscribe now to find out how you can get your name in the drawing! (See the link on the right side to subscribe.)

One of my favorite dies for the Big Shot is Stampin' Up's exclusive Top Note die. It makes the perfect bag topper. Fold it long ways (as shown on this project) and it fits perfectly over the Medium Cello Bag. Fold it the short way, and it fits the Small Cello Bag!

Supplies: Holiday Blitz, All Holidays, Pumpkin Pie ink & cardstock, Basic Black ink & cardstock, Old Olive marker, Whisper White cardstock, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" and 1-1/4" Circle Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Just for You Sock Monkey Card

Here's another card with the Sock Monkey stamp set. I made this a few weeks ago when I sent Stacey a gift certificate for recruiting her first two downline. Congratulations again, Stacey! You're a rock star!

Instead of paper-piecing this Sock Monkey like I did on another card, I used my Stampin' Pastels and a Q-Tip to quickly color the Sock Monkey's body. The heart was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink on Regal Rose paper, cut out, and attached with a Stampin' Dimensional.

Supplies: Sock Monkey, Always DSP, Regal Rose cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Stampin' Pastels, Stampin' Dimensionals

DSP Color Challenge

Last week, I challenged my downline to pick a new series of Designer Paper from the Fall 2008 Idea Book & Catalog and make a project using the colors from the paper -- without using any of the inspiration paper on their project. I'm a little late at posting my project, but here's my card using the colors from the Georgia Peach DSP: Regal Rose, So Saffron, Old Olive, and Whisper White.

This was the third project from my Totally Hands-On Workshop Tuesday night. We used twp of the sale-priced stamp sets. There's still one week left to take advantage of the "Never Before Seen" sale and get 15% off select new stamp sets! Ready to order? Go to my website and click "Shop Now".

[The finished card measures 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".]

Supplies: Pocket Silhouettes stamp set (15% off!), Heard from the Heart stamp set (15% off!), Regal Rose marker & cardstock, Old Olive ink pad/marker & cardstock, So Saffron cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Curly Label punch, Versamark ink pad, Winter White embossing powder, Heat Tool, Silver Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Enjoy Every Moment 6x6 Spread

Guests at my Totally Hands-On Workshop on Tuesday made three different projects. For this second project, they had the option of making the first page of this 6" x 6" spread or using the same pieces of cardstock to make a 3" x 6" card.

Supplies: Enjoy Every Moment stamp set, Spot On Jumbo Wheel, Brilliant Blue ink & cardstock, Tempting Turquoise ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Bold Bright Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch

Snow Swirled Sketch Card

I know it seems a little early for Christmas, but I wanted to play with my new Swirl Swirled stamp set after I got it for 15% off this month. (One week left for the Never Seen Before promotion!) I used this sketch from SCS as my starting point, but ended up using it as a vertical layout instead of horizontal.

The stamped the greeting in Chocolate Chip under the tree and I think it kind of looks like the tree trunk. The paper strip at the bottom is from the new Ski Slope DSP that will debut in the Holiday Mini Catalog on October 1st.

Supplies: Snow Swirled stamp set, Old Olive ink & cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Ski Slope DSP, Gold Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch

Just For You Pillow Box

I had a fantastic evening stamping tonight! Thank you to the eleven stampers who joined me for my Totally Hands-On Workshop -- my last stamping event before my maternity leave. I had fun and enjoyed the "grown-up time"! I'm already looking forward to picking things up again in November as I know I'm going to miss nights like this -- especially after being home all day with three kids instead of just two. Just under two weeks until my due date now...

So how 'bout a peek at the projects we made?! Here's the first one. We used the Big Shot to make this darling pillow box.

Sorry, I don't have a pattern to post for you -- we just used the Pillow Box die and decorated it with some Junior Varsity DSP and 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon. So easy!! (You can get this die free if you purchase the Special Edition Big Shot Starter Kit from me in September or October!) I gave everyone three Hershey nuggets to put inside, which perfectly fills the box...but I think most of them ate the chocolate and left the box empty!

Supplies: Pillow Box die for Big Shot, Best Yet hostess stamp set, Dots Are Hot stamp set, Old Olive ink, So Saffron ink, Whisper White cardstock, Bashful Blue cardstock, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Fall Friendship Card

Edited 12/2/08: This card also works for KWerner's new Color Inspiration Challenge too! What great colors!
This is my first card with the new Season of Friendship stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog! I love the colors in Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge this week: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, and Whisper White. The colors and the little bird on the necklace charm made me think of this stamp set. Here's what I came up with:

Supplies: Season of Friendship stamp set. Chocolate Chip ink, Pumpkin Pie ink & cardstock, Taken with Teal ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Wide Oval Punch, Crafters' Tool Kit, 5/8" Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon

Eastern Blooms Circle Card

I was first introduced to the circle card at a regional seminar in St. Louis a couple years ago. The presenter showed some adorable variations, including a ladybug and a Christmas ornament. There are so many possibilities with this shape! Here's my version with the Eastern Blooms stamp set and four of the new In Colors.

I used the Coluzzle to cut the circles. The Baja Breeze (lighter blue) circle is the actual card that opens. I started with a 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" card and lined it up so the fold of the card was just inside of the left side of the circle. So it didn't cut a complete circle, leaving the fold intact. There is a fun trick to try with different dies on the Big Shot too! Speaking of the Big Shot, I used the large Scallop Circle for the background on the card. I added it after I made the card and I think it makes the red really pop!

The button is faux sewed on the card. Check out this post for details on how to do that.

Supplies: Eastern Blooms (15% off until 9/30!), Best Yet hostess stamp set, Pacific Point ink & cardstock, Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink & cardstock, Kiwi Kiss ink, Whisper White cardstock, Button Bouquet, white embroidery floss, Mini Glue Dots, Coluzzle cutting system

Note: The finished card will fit in a regular Medium envelope, but you need to kind of refold the top envelope crease a little to get it to close.

Rainy Stamping Day

Ah...it was one of those afternoons -- rainy and perfect for burying myself in stamps, ink, and cardstock. Don't rainy days make the best stamping days? I finally got a chance to do Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge -- and just under the wire since the deadline is in 3 short hours!

The earrings reminded me of Eastern Blooms. I stamped the large flower in Tangerine Tango and "rock and rolled" it in the Riding Hood Red ink. I used the 1-3/4" Circle Punch (the new, big one) to punch it and mimic the shape of the earrings. The greeting is embossed in white to really "pop".

Supplies: Eastern Blooms set, All Holidays stamp set, Riding Hood Red ink & cardstock, Tangerine Tango ink, More Mustard ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Versamark ink pad, Winter White embossing powder, Heat Tool, Haiku DSP, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Pewter Build-a-Brad, 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Super Mario Birthday

Today is my son Thomas' 5th birthday. I can't believe he's 5! His latest obsession is Mario -- as in Super Mario of video game fame. The only video game system we have is the original Nintendo, so he gets to play "old school" Mario when and if he stays in his bed the night before. He would absolutely faint if we got a Wii and then he'd be glued to the TV/game the entire day...which is why we WON'T be getting one!

Anyway, so lately he wants everything to be Mario -- including, of course, a Mario birthday cake. I told him I didn't know how to make a Mario cake and I asked him what was in it. His answer: "A Mario cake has strawberries, spaghetti sauce, fluffy white stuff [cool whip], 1 rainbow jelly bean, 7 cups of flour, 2 cups of brown sugar, and 1 cup of baking soda." Sounds yummy, doesn't it!? I asked him how long we should bake it and he replied "about 15 minutes". And how hot should the oven be? "Hot/Cold."

Well, I didn't exactly follow his recipe, but I came up with my own Mario cake when we celebrated his birthday at Grandma's house last weekend.

It's just a strawberry angel food cake covered with cool whip. I crafted a "warp tube" out of Green Galore cardstock to fit in the center of the cake and found a 3" vinyl Mario figure to put in the warp tube. He LOVED it!

Of course I had to come up with something different for today, his actual birthday. Unfortunately, Mario is not that easy to find and they don't make party plates, cake decorations, and balloons with his likeness. So I took some Super Mario stickers (which I bought off ebay and had shipped from Hong Kong!) and used my circle punches to make little cupcake embellishments.

I sandwiched a toothpick between the two scallop circles to stick it on top of the cupcake. I am happy to report the cupcakes also got Thomas' seal of approval! And though it was kind of a hectic, busy day for me, Thomas seemed to have a super Super Mario birthday!

Framed Silhouette Card

I love the simplicity of this card. I made it a little smaller than a regular card so there wouldn't be too much "white space". The finished size is 3-1/2" x 5-1/2". And it features one of my favorite new stamp sets, Pocket Silhouettes.

To make the teeny tiny frame, I used the 3/4" square punch on a scrap piece of cardstock and then punched the Scallop Square punch around it.

Then, I stamped the flowers on a piece of white cardstock and punched it with the 1-1/4" Circle Punch. This circle fits perfectly behind the frame!

I used the same pieces to make this card with a different layout:

I couldn't decide which one I liked best...though I'm leaning toward the first one because I just love the Scallop Edge Punch!

Supplies: Pocket Silhouettes stamp set, Junior Varsity DSP, Rose Red ink & cardstock, Old Olive cardstock, Bashful Blue cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 3/4" Square Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, 1/8" Hole Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Baby Scrapbook Page

I had a great time stamping with Lisa and her family and friends on Sunday. (Thanks again for hosting a party, Lisa!) One of the projects I put together for Lisa's party was this 12" x 12" scrapbook page. Sorry I didn't get a chance to make a sample with pictures. The empty Regal Rose and So Saffron squares are meant to be photo mats. And there is space under the Saffron squares for journaling.

I used the Serif Essentials dies with the Big Shot to make the title. To give it extra thickness, I cut a piece of cardboard that comes with the DSP along with the paper. (Make sure to put the side of the paper you want face down when loading the die in the machine.) After I cut the letters, I used Tombow Multi adhesive to adhere the paper to the cardboard. (I've heard that adhering the cardboard or chipboard and paper before you cut will gunk up the die.)

I arranged the flower embellishments in a triangle pattern on the page -- it's more pleasing to the eye this way. I also used the principle of 3's...three groupings, and one of the groupings had 3 flowers. The flowers were made of layers from various punches (5-Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Circle Punch) and Soft Subtles brads.

Supplies: Serif Essentials dies for the Big Shot, Fundamental Phrases stamp set ("happy"), Georgia Peach DSP, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Pink Pirouette cardstock, So Saffron cardstock, Regal Rose ink & cardstock, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Soft Subtles brads, 1/16" Hole Punch

Embrace Life Blooms Card

Kristina posted her color inspiration challenge a little early this week and even though it's a little late...and I should be in bed...I couldn't help myself and just had to make a card! I was a little overwhelmed by the number of colors in this week's challenge, but I managed to get them all in: Bravo Burgundy, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Old Olive, and Whisper White. Whew!

Supplies: Eastern Blooms stamp set; Embrace Life stamp set (for the greeting); Chocolate Chip, Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Old Olive markers; Whisper White, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip cardstock; Haiku DSP; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Pumpkin Pie Bead Duos; Soft Subtles Brads; 1/16" hole punch; Trio Flower Punch, Tombow Multi Adhesive (to adhere beads on flowers)

Bundle of Joy Card

Once again, I'm behind on baby cards...and after the slew of birthdays last week...also birthday cards. Here's my attempt to catch up on the first category, using Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge as inspiration.

[The finished card measures 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".]

Supplies: Punches Three (hostess stamp set), Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Chocolate Chip marker, Whisper white cardstock, Wide Oval Punch, white grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Bella Rose DSP, Stampin' Dimensionals

Sock Monkey Birthday

Here is another card with that darn Sock Monkey! I first made it in pink and then thought I would try a blue version. I'm not sure I like him in blue though... I skipped the paper piecing this time and used the Stampin' Pastels to color his body.

I usually don't do much with the inside of the card, but I dressed this one up a little bit.

Supplies: Sock Monkey stamp set, Full of Life stamp set, Sweet Always/Maine Blueberry DS, Regal Rose/Bashful Blue cardstock, Certainly Celery/Pretty in Pink cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink/marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Stampin' Pastels, Word Window Punch, Pumpkin Pie/Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Paper Pieced Sock Monkey

Darn this Sock Monkey!! I wasn't going to buy this set, but I've seen too many cute samples...I finally broke down and got it! This is another card from my All Occasions Card Class.

To get the texture on his body, I stamped the Canvas background on a piece of Creamy Caramel cardstock. I stamped the Sock Monkey over it. Then, I cut out the body and part of the face and glued them on to the sock monkey stamped on the Very Vanilla cardstock. (This technique is called paper piecing.) I used the Real Red marker to color his mouth and his bottom.

Supplies: Sock Monkey stamp set, Chocolate Chip ink& cardstock, Creamy Caramel cardstock, Real Red marker & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, So Saffron marker & cardstock, Junior Varsity DSP, Small & Large Oval Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Order Stampin' Up! Products Online 24/7!

I'm excited to announce that Online Ordering is now available! Now you can order Stampin’ Up! products from me 24/7 from the convenience of your own home...whether it's at midnight when you can't sleep or on your lunch hour to order a gift for your favorite crafter. Best of all, you can also receive hostess benefits (aka Stampin' Rewards) with all qualifying orders.

Online orders can be placed from anywhere within the U.S. and will be shipped right to your door! It’s so easy to get started:

• Visit my demonstrator website at http://juliedavison.stampinup.net/
• Click on SHOP NOW in the top right corner.
• Click on customer login to set up your own personal shopping account. (Be sure to save your password in a safe place!)

The first 5 people to place an online order of $40 or more will receive a special package of hand-stamped cards from me!

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to email me at julie@the-davisons.com.

"Emerging Color" Card

I made time this afternoon to stamp a card for Kristina Werner's latest Color Challenge. This week's colors were Bravo Burgundy, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Soft Sky, and Whisper White. I felt comfortable with the colors, but I think I would like my card better if I had used different colors...

I tried the "Emerging Color" technique for this card. It's very similar to "Joseph's Coat" if you've ever done that one.

• Stamp smaller solid images in lighter ink colors (Rose Red, Regal Rose, & Soft Sky here) all over the cardstock. Let dry.


• Ink the larger, main image with Versamark and stamp over smaller images. Heat emboss with clear embossing powder.


• Ink your brayer with a darker Classic ink (Bravo Burgundy here) and apply over the entire piece of cardstock. Let dry. Wipe excess ink off embossed image with a tissue or cotton ball.

(The greeting on this card is a white rub-on.)

Supplies: Eastern Blooms stamp set (15% off until Sept 30!), Bravo Burgundy ink pad, Rose Red ink & cardstock, Regal Rose ink & cardstock, Soft Sky ink & cardstock, rose grosgrain ribbon, Love & Happiness rub-ons

Shadow Stamping

Tonight I'm stamping in Springfield, doing a second session of the All Occasions class I did here in Champaign last month. We're using all new stamp sets and new accessories on all of the cards. This card features two of the Never Seen Before promotion stamp sets: Heard from the Heart and Pocket Silhouettes -- which are on sale for 15% off until September 30.

To create the 3D/shadow affect in the framed leaves, I stamped them in Sahara Sand ink first. I cleaned my stamp and then stamped again over it using Always Artichoke ink. (I just kind of guessed, but you could use the Stamp-a-ma-jig for more exact placement.)

Supplies: Pocket Silhouettes stamp set, Heard from the Heart stamp set, Very Vanilla cardstock, Always Artichoke ink & cardstock, Sahara Sand ink, On Board Essentials Chipboard (scallop square frame), Artichoke grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals.

[The finished card measures 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".]

Great Dreams Note Card

Inspired by Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge, I made this mini card with her selection of fall colors: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, and Old Olive. The bracelet Stacey picked reminded me of the Haiku DSP and the Dreams Du Jour stamp set, so I incorporated a little bit of both into this card.

[The finished card measures 2-3/4" x 4" and is paired with an envelope from the Gift Notes cards & envelopes.]

Supplies: Dreams Du Jour stamp set, Haiku DSP, More Mustard marker & cardstock, Old Olive marker, Pumpkin Pie marker & cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink pad, Whisper White cardstock, blender pens, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, 2-way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

Sketch Challenge WSC56

I had a fabulous afternoon of stamping. I tried Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge and ended up tinkering with two different cards -- neither of which I'm completely satisfied with. I can't decide which one I like best, so I thought I'd post them both:

[The finished card measures 5-1/2" x 5-1/2".]

Supplies (thank you card): Flight of the Butterfly stamp set, Georgia Peach DSP, Regal Rose ink & cardstock, So Saffron ink & Cardstock, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, white grosgrain ribbon.

Supplies (so glad we're friends card): Best Yet stamp set, Georgia Peach DSP, Regal Rose ink & cardstock, So Saffron Cardstock, Old Olive cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Crafters' Tool Kit, White Gel Pen

Sweet Always Card

I just love the new Sweet Always paper -- it's one of my favorite new DSP. It inspired me to pull out the coordinating Always stamp set again. This card is almost too busy for me...I just kept adding stuff, but I think I stopped before I got too carried away.

Supplies: Always stamp set, Sweet Always DSP, Chocolate Chip ink & cardstock, Regal Rose ink/marker & cardstock, Pumpkin Pie ink/marker & cardstock, Certainly Celery marker, Scallop Edge Punch, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, white eyelets, Crop-a-Dile

KWerner Color Challenge #21

Finally got a chance to play with my Big Shot some more and came up with this card for Kristina's Color Challenge #21. Love the colors: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Regal Rose, Rose Red, and Whisper White!

Supplies: All Holidays stamp set, Big Shot Dies: Top Note & Basket & Blossoms, Pacific Point ink & cardstock, Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Rose Red cardstock, Regal Rose cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Scallop Edge Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Pretties Kit (Rhinestone Brad), Stampin' Dimensionals

Congrats 3" x 3" Card

I made this little 3" x 3" card for my mom to say Congrats on "bettering her best" and achieving her highest personal monthly sales (just over $3500!) of her 5+ year career as a demonstrator. Woo hoo! Way to go, Mom!

Supplies: Say It With Scallops stamp set, Hawaii Papaya DSP, Tangerine Tango ink & cardstock, Chocolate Chip marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Scallop Square Punch, 5/8" Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon

Hawaii Papaya Birthday Card

We had a great time with my family at the beach yesterday...my siblings and their kids, my parents, and grandparents. It was fabulous to see everyone and the weather was perfect for beach play! I hope to post scrapbook pages of our day soon.

Besides playing in the sand, we celebrated September birthdays. I posted two cards already, and here's one more that I made for my sister (sorry it was late, Aimee!). This pattern in the Hawaii Papaya DSP made me think of her, so I just had to use it for her card. I think it's the colors (Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, and Chocolate Chip) and retro feel of the pattern that I know she likes.

I loved the flowers on the paper, but we don't have any current stamps with that kind of flower, so I made my own with the Scallop Circle punch. I cut in between each "petal" to make it look like a flower and then used circle punches to add to the center, mirroring the flowers on the paper.

Supplies: Full of Life stamp set, Hawaii Papaya DSP, Kiwi Kiss cardstock, Tangerine Tango ink & cardstock, Chocolate Chip marker & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Scallop Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Spiral Punch

Super Star Birthday Card

Here's the next card in my birthday bash bunch. I stuck with the stars; they seemed to be a safe choice for a masculine card. This one is for my brother-in-law. Don't tell him that my inspiration for it came from Stacey's first Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge! I dropped the Pacific Point and only used Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, and Whisper White. I really like this color combo! Thanks for the inspiration, Stacey!

The card is pretty simple in layout. My favorite part is the medallion I made with the Scallop Circle Punch. First, I stamped the image from the Starring You stamp set in Not Quite Navy. I punched it out from Whisper White cardstock and then used Dotto (removable) adhesive to adhere it to copy paper (colored copy paper in the photo). I used the Scallop Circle to punch it again, this time lining up the scallops just a half scallop off. (See photo) I had seen this done before (not sure who originally thought it up), but this was the first time I had tried it. What a great way to get even more mileage out of that Scallop Circle punch!

Supplies: Starring You stamp set, Classic Backgrounds stamp set, Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Not Quite Navy ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Crafters' Tool Kit, Scallop Circle Punch.

[The finished card measures 3" x 5".]