Mini Stuffed Bear

I was beyond thrilled this spring when I got an email from Stampin' Up! Board of Directors member Lynne Ward asking about a project I had posted on my blog. A board member reading my blog!? Wow! I then met Lynne on the cruise to Alaska. And even though I didn't attend Convention this year, Lynne brought this little gift for me! She connected with my Mom and sent it home with her. My eyes bugged out of my head when I saw this! Isn't it the cutest thing ever!?!? Thank you so much, Lynne! My girls have tried to steal it many times, but I've made it clear that this is Mommy's bear!!

Everything is Stampin' Up! of course -- the Flirtatious Designer Fabric, Pretty in Pink Scalloped Ribbon, Regal Rose 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, and Neutral Buttons. And Lynne has provided instructions to make this bear on Shelli Gardner's blog. Click here for the details. Click here to see another version of this bear that Lynne gifted to Shelli last winter.

Reminder: Today is the last day to order from the Summer Mini Catalog. Click here to view Summer Mini Catalog products in my Online Store. Tomorrow is the big day...the release of the Holiday Mini Catalog, a Labor Day weekend special from me, and Blog Candy!!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek: Pines & Poinsettias Box Wrap

Here's one more box wrap and a sneak peek from the Holiday Mini Catalog! The catalog will be posted on Thursday, September 1st, so be sure to check back for it! I'm planning a special offer for the holiday weekend and some blog candy to celebrate my 700K blog milestone. It's going to be fun!!

One quick reminder: the deadline for my Facebook Fan Challenge is Wednesday, August 31st! This month's theme is Designer Paper. Upload ANY project using Designer Series Paper (current or retired) and be eligible to win! I'll post finalists and open up voting on Thursday. Click here for all the contest details. I hope you'll participate!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Pines & Poinsettias, Wild Wasabi ink & cardstock, Real Red cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink , Whisper White cardstock, Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper, Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Gold Brads, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek: Gently Falling Box Wrap

Here's another Box Wrap project. I designed this one for a demonstrator group meeting with about 60 attendees. I didn't have enough Designer Paper to go around, so instead, we stamped the 3" x 12" cardstock to go around the Box #2 die. After you stamp, score the cardstock at 5-1/4" and 6-5/8" to fit just right around the box.

This stamp set, Gently Falling, will be released in the Holiday Mini Catalog on September 1st. Come back then for a link to the Holiday Mini Catalog. I'm also planning big things for September 1st with gifts from the Holiday Mini for ordering and 700K Blog Candy. Be sure to come back on the 1st for all the details!!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Gently Falling, Four Frames, Early Espresso ink & cardstock, Cajun Craze ink & cardstock, Always Artichoke ink, More Mustard ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Crumb Cake ink, Box #2 Die (Big Shot), Simply Scored Tool, Early Espresso 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Crop-a-Dile, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek: Christmas Lodge Tree Card

I spent the evening stamping with my friend Margo. It was nice just to sit and stamp. Thanks, Margo! We worked on designing our cards for our group's Holiday Mini swap. I worked on my card using the new Christmas Lodge stamp set. This isn't the card I designed, but I thought I'd post it tonight since I was stamping with this set. I'm not sure I like the way it turned out, but I didn't hate it enough to toss it. (wink!)

The finished size of the card is 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Christmas Lodge stamp set, Garden Green ink & cardstock, Cherry Cobbler cardstock, Whisper White Craft ink, Frostwood Lodge DSP, Chocolate Chip Quilted Ribbon, Regals Brads, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Learn to Tie Bows Like a Pro! New Class & Project Kit Available

Put your bow woes behind you! Once you learn the tricks to create these five fabulous bows you’ll be tying bows like a pro! This stylish class is designed to fulfill your quest for perfect bows you can use on projects of all types.

"Bow Boutique" Class
Date: Wednesday, September 21st, 6:30 pm
Location: My home, Champaign, IL
Cost: $19.95

Click here to RSVP Online.

Live too far away or can't attend? Buy the project kit "to go" and I'll send you the pre-cut cardstock and a step-by-step photo tutorial to create these projects on your own at home.

Bow Boutique Card Kit
$19.95 + S/H

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Pinwheel Box Wrap

Here's another box wrap. I used the Big Top Birthday Designer Paper and the Sweets for the Sweet stamp set to make this kid-friendly package. I still have a couple spots to fill in my Designer Paper Share. Click here for details and email me if you're interested.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweets of the Sweet, Real Red ink & cardstock, Daffodil Delight ink, Tempting Turquoise ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On Ink, Big Top Birthday DSP, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scalllop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Brights Brads, Crop-a-Dile, 3/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon (retired)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Sweet Baby Box Wrap

I don't know what to call this project...it uses the Box #2 die with the Big Shot and then a 3" x 12" piece of designer series paper wrapped around it and punched to create a handle. (Need more Designer Paper? Check out this month's special and get 1 free when you buy 3!)

My friend Robin shared a project she made that was inspired by a Convention demonstration. I CASEd the idea for the make and take at a recent demonstrator meeting and used the idea again with my Stamp Club this week. (Thanks for the inspiration, Robin!) I got so hooked on it that I made 8 different samples! Here is one of my favorite ones, using the Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper and Aviary stamp set. Wouldn't it be sweet to package a little baby gift?

Stampin' Up Supplies: Aviary, Fabulous Phrases, Pear Pizzazz ink & cardstock, Basic Gray ink & cardstock, Marina Mist cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Large Oval Punch, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Box #2 Die (Big Shot), Pear Pizzazz Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Hoppy Birthday Envelope Gift Card Holder

I do my best to accommodate special requests from my workshop hostesses. So when Amy asked for a gift card holder -- and Stampin' Pastels -- and the Paper Crimper -- and the Turtle & Co., I took it as a challenge and actually managed to accomplish it all in one single project!

I love turning an ordinary envelope into something special. For this project, I went back to this design and folded the envelope in half to create the gift card holder. After you fold it in half, cut the envelope flap on the fold line. Tuck in the right side and seal the left side flat. Then, decorate.

The original greeting (from the Turtle & Co.) stamp set says: "sorry I"m late...happy birthday wishes", but I didn't want the first part, so I used the marker to just ink the second part. Since I was already inking with the marker, I also omitted the "a" in "happy" and wrote in an "o" after I stamped it to make it "hoppy birthday wishes"!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Turtle & Co. Stamp set, Jet Black Staz-On ink, Basic Black marker, Peach Parfait ink/marker & cardstock, Wild Wasabi cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Versamark ink pad, Whisper White Envelopes, Just Add Cake DSP, Stampin' Pastels, Paper Crimper, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek: Christmas Lodge

I had planned to hold my Holiday Mini project samples until September 1st, but I have nothing else photographed and ready to share tonight, so here you go! This is one of the first cards I made with the new Christmas Lodge stamp set. I know it's not terribly exciting -- it's hard to think Christmas in the middle of August!

The photo does not show it well, but I used the new Dazzling Details glitter glue on the roof of the house as shimmering snow.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Christmas Lodge stamp set, Crumb Cake ink & cardstock, Cherry Cobbler ink, Garden Green cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Frostwood Lodge DSP, Dazzling Details, Top Note die (big Shot)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Lace Ribbon Border Punch Cards

The Lace Ribbon BorderPunch is so pretty on its own, but switch up the colors for a two-toned border and you really have a WOW! These cards were inspired by the birthday card I got from my friend Rachel Chamberlain. I used Pool Party and Early Espresso on my cards and added some Rhinestones to really make it dazzle!

First, punch the Lace Ribbon Border Punch in each color. Then, use the 3/4" Circle Punch to punch out the centers of each "flower". Switch pieces so the brown border has the blue flowers (and vice versa) and you have beautiful borders for two cards!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Delightful Dozen, Pool Party cardstock, Early Espresso ink & cardstock, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Jewel Accents

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Designer Paper Share: Sign Up Now!

By request, I am putting together a 6x6 Designer Paper Share. I'll purchase all of the paper and split it up among several stampers. With the August Special on Designer Series Paper, it's a great time for a product share! It would cost you over $190 to purchase all of the designer paper yourself. By participating in the paper share, you'll get one 6x6 sheet of almost every series of designer paper in the big catalog, including that cute hostess paper (Cheerful Treat), the Specialty DSP (Flirtatious, First Edition, and Mocha Morning. AND the new 2011-2013 In Color Patterns DSP -- for only $24! (Please add $5 for shipping if you are not in my local area.)

Of the Patterns Designer Paper, only the 2011-2013 In Color paper will be included. To add one sheet of ALL of the Patterns Designer Paper, please add $14 (for a total of $38).

Click here for a complete list of the paper that is included in this Designer Series Paper Share.

I need 8 people to fill a group for the DSP Share, so if you are interested, please send me an email at julie@the-davisons.com. I will accept payment and place the order when the group is filled.

Posy Punch Matchbox

I had a great time stamping with Amy and her friends tonight. Thanks again for hosting a party, Amy! One of the projects I demonstrated was this cute little matchbox. I used the hostess stamp set Posy Punch and the hostess Cheerful Treat Designer Paper. My favorite part of this project is the wrapped candies. The It's a Wrap Occasions stamp set fits perfectly around the chocolate nuggets. And four nuggets will fit just right in the Matchbox die (cut with the Big Shot).

Stampin' Up! Supplies: It's a Wrap Occasions stamp set, Posy Punch stamp set, Melon Mambo ink & cardstock, Concord Crush ink, Whisper White cardstock, Cheerful Treat DSP, Fancy Flower Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, In Color Designer Polka Dot Brads, Matchbox die (Big Shot), Stampin' Dimesnionals, Sticky Strip

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Best of Everything Telescoping Card

Here's another Telescoping Card I whipped up for Jan's party last week. This one uses the Best of Everything stamp set and Cheerful Treat (Hostess) Designer Paper.

Click here to download the Telescoping Card Tutorial (.pdf)

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Best of Everything stamp set, Melon Mambo ink & cardstock, Concord Crush marker & ink & cardstock, Lucky Limeade ink, Whisper White cardstock, Scallop Circle Die, Perfect Pennants Die, Circle Scissor Plus, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Concord Crush Ribbon, Silver Brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack

Thanks to Kelly Acheson for the inspiration to make these cards. I saw this post back in June and knew I had to CASE it!

Here's one last Telescoping Card. I promise to share something new next! This is one that Mom designed for her Stamp Club using the Fruits & Flowers stamp set and Berry Blossoms DSP. We didn't have enough of the same pattern shown in the tutorial for her Stamp Club, so we just changed the paper and used different stamps from that set. Make your supplies go the extra mile for you!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Telescoping Card Tutorial

I am addicted to making these Telescoping Cards! (Click here to see my Flirtatious Telescoping Card.) They are so easy and once you start, you just can't stop! And I've got great news! I finished the tutorial!

Click here to download the Telescoping Card Tutorial (.pdf)

Today's card uses the new Fruits & Flowers stamp set and coordinating Berry Blossoms designer paper. In fact, this is the third card in the set that I made with my mom's downline last week. Click here to see the first two projects.

I made a little video to show the movement of this card. (It's more like a string of photos than a video.) It's so fun to open and close! Who doesn't love a card that moves or does something!? (By the way, this card will fit in the Medium Square Envelopes, which do require some extra postage since they are square.)

As a side note, don't get too excited about my new YouTube channel. I started a new account for this video, but I don't have any plans for "real videos" anytime soon. I just don't have the right equipment or the time. I'm not saying never...just not right now!

The list of supplies for this card is in the tutorial with links to my Online Stampin' Up! Store so you can get what you need to make this at home. Click here to view the FREE print tutorial.

(I forgot to include the greeting stamp sets on the supply list. "Birthday Greetings" comes from the Upsy Daisy stamp set, and the inside message is from Full of Life. I used Early Espresso ink to stamp them.)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Flirtatious Telescoping Card

I've decided: there are just not enough hours in a day! Here's a quick update and then I have to get right back at it. My stamp room is coming together. I have the big stuff in, but I have more boxes to bring in from the garage. I don't know how there can possible be more -- where did this stuff come from!? (wink!) We're also moving back into the toy room. (Again, how did we fit all this stuff in here before!?) I'm trying to keep up with everything else, including stamping events, but I'm still behind. So please be patient with me! I hope to catch up a little more this weekend...but already I can tell my "to do" list is too long!

Check out this fun "Telescoping Card"! It's easier than it looks and very addicting once you start making them!

Click here to download the Telescoping Card Tutorial (.pdf)

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Delicate Doilies, Thank You Kindly, Full of Life, Wisteria Wonder ink & cardstock, So Saffron ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Chocolate Chip ink, Perfect Pennants die (Big Shot), Scallop Circle die (Big Shot), Circle Scissors Plus, Gold Brads, 1/16" Hole Punch,1-3/4" Circle Punch, Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Free Stamp Set of the Month: Turtle & Co.

Thanks to everyone who placed a Stampin' Up! order with me in July! I drew one winner from all of the online and email orders and Margie K. from Williamsville is the lucky stamper to win the Have a Seat stamp set! Congratulations, Margie!

It's a new month, and time for a new free stamp set giveaway! Each month, I will give away a free stamp set. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do it place an online order (email orders count too!) that is not part of a club or workshop. You'll get one entry for each order that you place with me between August 1-31. I'll draw a winner on September 1st. This month's stamp set is Turtle & Co., the new Ronald McDonald House Charities stamp set. Click here to learn more about how you can Make a Difference when you purchase this stamp set. (You'll also find three Turtle & Co. project ideas there, too!)Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Top 5 of August 2010

It's time to rewind! I looked over my posts from last summer and choose my top 5 favorite projects to share with you again. Click on each photo for more details about the project. Click here to see all my August 2010 blog posts.

The original stamp set used on this card is retired, however, the new Flower Fest would be the perfect substitute! It contains flower images that coordinate with our great punches.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Button Buddies Little Pig Card

My favorite image from the Button Buddies stamp set is this cute little pig! His button nose is just adorable, don't you think? I made this card just to make it, but I think it would make a cute thank you card for a baby gift. It's so perfectly pink and girly.

How can you resist this stamp set?! Click here to check it out in my Online Store. Click here to view more Button Buddies ideas posted on my blog.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Button Buddies stamp set, Curly Cute stamp set, Pretty in Pink ink, Regal Rose ink/marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Subtles Patterns Designer Paper, Circle Scissor Plus, Scallop Edge Punch, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Subtles Buttons, Mini Glue Dots

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Button Buddies Flower Vase Card

I have had fun playing with Mom's stamps this week, especially the Button Buddies stamp set. (Click here to see more Button Buddies samples.) I don't own this one...yet! These images are just too cute to resist! Here is the flower vase. Instead of adding flower shaped buttons, I used the Flower Brads instead!

I also used something new from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog. Can you spot it?

The Lucky Limeade frame was created using the Peekabo Frames die. The frames on this die are designed to have a little flap so you can stamp something underneath. I cut the flap off and just used the frame. So cute!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Button Buddies stamp set, Curly Cute stamp set, Tempting Turquoise marker & cardstock, Real Red marker & cardstock, Lucky Limeade marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Brights Patterns DSP, Peekaboo Frames die for the Big Shot, Brights Flower Brads, Rhinestone Jewel Accents, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Fruit & Flowers Apple Card

Here is another card from our Sparkler stamp night last night. I {heart} stamp sets with coordinating DSP! The images just match so perfectly! On this card, I used the Fruits & Flowers stamp set and Berry Blossoms DSP. (Dont' forget about the Designer Paper Sale: Buy 3, Get 1 Free! Click here for details.)

I've got one more project to finish out our trio, but I have to finish the tutorial first. So stay tuned for a couple days. In the meantime, I have more Button Buddies projects to share this weekend!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fruit & Flowers stamp set, Word Play stamp set, Lucky Limeade ink & cardstock, Early Espresso ink/marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Berry Blossoms DSP, Jumbo Neutral Brads, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Fruit & Flowers Cherry Card

I had a great time stamping with my Mom's downline tonight! (Hi Sparklers!!) I designed three projects exclusively for them using the Fruit & Flowers stamp set and coordinating Berry Blossoms designer paper. (Don't forget about the Buy 3, Get 1 Free sale this month! Click here for details.) Here is one of the cards that we made tonight. It's 4-1/4" x 4-1/4". We added some Crystal Effects over the cherries, which really makes them pop!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fruit & Flowers stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, Calypso Coral marker/ink & cardstock, Lucky Limeade marker & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Berry Blossoms DSP, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Crystal Effects, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

August Designer Paper Special: Buy 3, Get 1 Free

Dates: August 1-31, 2011

Promotion Details: During August, get a FREE package of Designer Series Paper when you buy three! Stock up on all your favorites, including brand-new designs from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. Click here to view qualifying Designer Series Paper in my Online Store.

Important Notes:

• There is no limit to the number of free packages of Designer Series Paper a customer can earn.
• Designer Series Paper ordered in Hostess free does not qualify for the promotion.
• Specialty Designer Series Paper and Hostess Designer Series Paper are not part of this promotion and cannot be redeemed through this offer.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Button Buddies Belated Birthday Card

I am soooo behind on birthday cards. I don't think I have sent one since I got home from Alaska. That means I am TWO months behind!! I probably need to make many more like this one. I used the Button Buddies stamp set again for the snail and combined it with the sentiment from the new Turtle & Co. stamp set (also a super cute set to add to your Wish List!)

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Button Buddies stamp set, Turtle & Co. stamp set, Old Olive ink, Rich Razzleberry ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Brights Patterns DSP, Top Note die (Big Shot), Brights Buttons, Mini Glue Dots, 1/4" Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Button Buddies Flower Card

If you love buttons, you'll love the new Button Buddies stamp set. Each one of the eight images in this stamp set is designed to coordinate with our buttons! Click here to check out Button Buddies in my Online Store. Here's a quick card that I whipped up with the flower images for my sister's birthday. We are both here at Mom & Dad's this week. So nice to spend time hanging out and the cousins are enjoying playtime with each other too! I'm hoping to stamp a lot this week, so I should have more to share with you! Stay tuned!!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Button Buddies stamp set, Upsy Daisy stamp set (greeting), Rich Razzleberry ink & cardstock, Whisper White Craft ink & cardstock, Daffodil Delight cardstock, Brights Buttons, Mini Glue Dots

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!