Fancy Favor Double Up Box + Blossom Punch Tip

I had resisted buying the Fancy Favor die. I didn't need it! Until of course I saw this box (and another) at Leadership Conference. This was on one of the display shelves, and my friend Robin Armbrecht must have spied it too because she designed a similar box for a joint group meeting earlier this month. Here's the version I made with my Stamp Club this month.

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I love, love, love coordinating products and the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper and Brads from the Sale-A-Bration Brochure and coordinating Fresh Vintage stamp set are just yummy together! You can get all three products for FREE when you host a qualifying party during Sale-A-Bration. There's still one month left, so contact me soon to get your party scheduled!

The box is actually TWO boxes cut from the Fancy Favor die. The first box from Very Vanilla cardstock is adhered together normally. The second box, cut from Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper, has the bottom cut off. The bottom end sides are pinched together and secured with sticky strip. The inverted designer paper box fits snugly over the cardstock box. A hole in the top with ribbon and the flower are the perfect coordinating accents.

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Check out this tip for the flower! Pure genius from Dawn Olchefske! Use three punches from the Modern Label Punch to layer on the new Blossom Punch from the Occasions Mini. It makes the perfect layer! And then the Peach Parfait flower is stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock and punches with the Triple Layer Blossom Bouquet Punch! Just line up the line of dots inside the flower with the "petal" openings on the back side of the punch.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fresh Vintage stamp set, Peach Parfait ink & cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper, Fancy Favor Box die (Big Shot), Everyday Enchantment Designer Brads, Modern Label Punch, Blossom Punch, Triple Layer Blossom Bouquet Punch, 1/16" hole Punch, Crop-a-dile, Peach Parfait Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

bold = Stampin' Up! 2012 Sale-A-Bration Products

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Fabulous Florets Cards

I've sent about 40 cards in the last week and have finally caught up on birthday and thank you cards!! My goal is to make a stash of cards to havc ready when I need them so I won't fall this behind again!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fabulous Florets, Petite Pairs, Melon Mambo ink & Cardstock, Pacific Point ink & cardstock, Tangerine Tango ink & cardstock, Daffodil Delight ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On ink pad, Beyond the Garden DSP, Rhinestone Jewel Accents

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

Top 5 of February 2011

It's time to rewind! I looked over my posts from last February 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 view all my February 2011 projects.

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Sweet Shop Origami Cup Treat Holder

My upline, Kim Peck, designed this project for the make and take at our last group meeting. It's been awhile since I had made one of these origami paper cups and I forgot how quick and easy they are! This is a great way to dress up treats for a party or shower or your child's class party. Grab a 6" x 6" piece of designer paper and click here to learn how to make this origami paper cup yourself. (Note: For my project, I did not fold the back side of the cup down.) Once you know how to make it, try changing the size of your paper to make a bigger or smaller cup!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Sweet Cake stamp set, Sweet Shop Designer Stickers, Whisper White cardstock, Pool Party ink & cardstock, Calypso Coral cardstock, Sweet Shop Designer Paper, Small Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Small Cello Bag, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon

bold = Stampin' Up! 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Products

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

Dyeing Baker's Twine

I was just looking over the Sale-A-Bration Brochure with someone a couple weeks ago and we were trying to figure out how they made the stitched card on page 11. As if they were reading my mind, Stampin' Up! posted a video the day after answering just that question!

The stem and leaf stitched on the card were done with the White Baker's Twine that was dyed with the Lucky Limeade ink refill. Check out the video from Stampin' Up! here.

It's easier than you might think! Here are the instructions from Stampin' Up!

To dye your Baker's Twine, simply create a mixture using rubbing alcohol and any color of our Classic or Craft Stampin' Ink refills. A good starting ratio is one tablespoon of alcohol to one drop of ink refill (you can adjust from there to get the right color intensity for your project). Place the Baker's Twine in the mixture allowing enough time for the dye to fully soak the twine. Lay the dyed twine on a clean paper towel to dry.

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Stampin' Up! Designer Stickers

That's not a misprint! Stampin' Up! has released designer stickers in the Occasions Mini Catalog. The Sweet Shop Stickers coordinate with the other Sweet Shop products, including designer paper and Jelly Bean Brads. And they are quite yummy if I do say so myself! I love how quick and easy it is to add full color images to my projects. The stickers have a clear base so it blends right in with the background cardstock.

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Stampin' Up! Supplies: Outlined Expressions (greeting), Sweet Shop Designer Stickers, Whisper White cardstock, Calypso Coral cardstock, Pool Party cardstock, Soft Suede cardstock, Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon

bold = Stampin' Up! 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Products

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

Herringbone Technique Tutorial

Did you like the card I posted yesterday? Click here to see it now. I love the way this Herringbone technique looks. This was one of the techniques demonstrated at Leadership Conference last month (and a special thanks to Claudia for the refresher at our last group meeting).

This technique is a great way to use up scraps of designer paper, and the key to holding it all together is the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets. (Click here to see it in my Online Store.) They come in a package of 12 12"x12" sheets and you can cut them down to any size. I used a 3" x 4" piece for this card. Check out my free printable tutorial to learn how to do this technique at home.

Herringbone Technique Tutorial (.pdf)


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Stampin' Up! Supplies: Mixed Bunch stamp set, Thank You Kindly stamp set, Basic Gray ink & cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink pad, Cherry Cobbler cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Pink Pirouette cardstock, Blossom Punch, Twitterpated Designer Series Paper, Antique Brads, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets
Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Why Not?

I was inspired at Leadership to do what I love the most -- to share with my fellow demonstrators. At two recent group meetings, I spoke in front of everyone about sharing the Stampin' Up! opportunity. I was excited to help inspire demonstrators to do something that many of them have never done before: to help their own friends enjoy the same perks they get as demonstrators. (Isn't kind of selfish NOT to share something you love with the people you love?)

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I think the biggest hang-up many stampers have about signing up to be a demonstrator is that they are not interested in starting a business. To put it simply: most demonstrators don't join for the "business". I know I didn't. I signed up almost 10 years ago because I wanted a discount on everything I was already buying! I think most of us sign up "for the discount". So if you're not interested in starting a "business", that's okay! There's so much more to being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator than building a business!

Why I Love Being a Demonstrator:

• I love making new friends who love the same thing I do!
• I love taking road trips with friends to stamping events!
• I LOVE getting free stamps!
• I love being the first to see new things! (I love sneak peeks -- like the card above! More details on this technique to come tomorrow!)
• I love having a social outlet with grown-ups (this is huge for me since I am home with the kids all day!)
• I love making extra money to pay family bills -- like the mortgage and home insurance!
• I love getting the demonstrator magazine and learning new techniques!
• I love sharing ideas with other demonstrator, participating in card swaps, and inspiring each other to try new things!
• I love having an excuse to do something I love! (And being able to write off all my "toys" as a business expense!)

If you would enjoy these same things -- or any of the other perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I hope you'll consider giving it a try! 

Click here to learn more. Or, if you're ready, JOIN NOW!

Here's my group of Ju-bilant Stampers who attended Leadership Conference in San Antonio with me in January. (I'm on the far right.) I love taking trips with my demonstrator friends and look forward to attending Convention in Salt Lake City this July. Want to join us?

Create & Keep Simply Sent Samples, Part 1

As a busy mom of four, I love "easy" and the new Create & Keep Simply Sent kit from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog is exactly that! I made up these cards in the comfort of my recliner the other night. Because there are no stamps, ink, or cutting involved, it was easy to mix and match the self-adhesive die cut pieces to create unique designs of each of the pre-printed cards. Click here to find this kit in my Online Store.

The kit even includes a box to store the cards, making it the perfect set to give as a gift! (Note: You do need adhesive to assemble the box.)

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

Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Box Tutorial

I wanted to use this card kit to make something other than a card. I was inspired by a picture of a box that was demonstrated at Convention using a different kit, but I just couldn't figure it out from the photos. So I started from scratch and made up my own box! Don't worry, you won't have to figure it out on your own! I created a tutorial with the measurements so you'll know exactly where to score and cut if you want to make this box at home.

Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Box Tutorial (.pdf)
Prefer Video? Check out this post to learn how to make this box from a half sheet of cardstock!

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I used the Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit for this box. The kit comes with both Cherry Cobbler and Baja Breeze cards. Click here to see the Baja Breeze card I posted yesterday. I love how simple and elegant these cards can be!

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Mixed Bunch Crimped Card

While I had the Paper Crimper out after yesterday's Crimped Envelope Pouch, I thought I'd also use it on a card. This card is clean and simple. I put the front of the card through the paper crimper and crimped half. Then stamped the flower from Mixed Bunch in Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party. Gotta love coordinating products! The Blossom Punch cuts the image perfectly! The center is cut with the 1" Circle Punch.

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Stampin' Up! Supplies: Mixed Bunch Stamp Set, Loving Thoughts stamp set, Wisteria Wonder ink & cardstock, Pool Party ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Jet Black Staz-On Ink, Blossom Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Paper Crimper, Stampin' Dimensionals

bold = Stampin' Up! 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Products

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

Crimped Envelope Pouch Tutorial

Ugh. Just when I thought I was feeling better, I feel like I'm starting all over. This nasty little cold has been going around the house (there are six of us!) and I'm sure it hasn't helped that I'm the one who is home with the sick ones all day getting coughed and sneezed on.

Anyway, I hope you had a great Valentine's Day! I had hoped to post this project on Tuesday, but I literally have fallen asleep writing the tutorial two nights in a row! Although it has hearts on it, this project is great for many occasions. It would be a quick and easy treat idea for any holiday, birthday parties, or baby showers. It would also make a great gift card holder. And the best part is, you probably already have everything you need to make it at home! Check out my tutorial for step-by-step directions and measurements. I'm sure this will be a project you return to again and again!

Crimped Envelope Pouch Tutorial (.pdf)




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Stampin' Up! Supplies: I {heart} Hearts stamp set, Delightful Dozen stamp set, Real Red ink & cardstock, Pretty in Pink ink & marker, Wisteria Wonder ink, Jet Black Staz-On ink, Whisper White Medium Envelope, Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Cutter, Dazzling Details Glitter Glue, Paper Crimper

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

Petal Cone Takeout Box Tutorial

The Petal Cone die for the Big Shot is really so much more versatile than it first appears. Click here to see the Heart Pouch project I posted last week. And remember the Bat box I created in October? (Click here to view it now.) Here's yet another project that uses the die in a slightly different way than it was initially designed. To create this take-out style box, I cut off the tips of the cone and folded them under. Click below for see my free printable tutorial to learn how to make this at home.

Petal Cone Takeout Box Tutorial (.pdf)


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Making paper rosettes has never been easier than with the new Designer Rosette die (for the Big Shot). To create this one, I used two pieces of Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper that were cut to 1-1/2" x 12".

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fresh Vintage stamp set (SAB), Poppy Parade ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Crumb Cake ink & cardstock, Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper (SAB), 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Rosette Big Shot Die, Everyday Enchantment Designer Brads (SAB), Poppy Parade ribbon, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

bold = Sale-a-bration Exclusive Products (click here to learn how to get them for free)

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

Free Stamp Set of the Month: Up in the Air

Thanks to everyone who placed a Stampin' Up! order with me in January! I drew one winner from all of the online and email orders and Bonnie M. from Champaign is the lucky stamper to win the Posy Punch stamp set! Congratulations, Bonnie!

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 February 1-29. I'll draw a winner on March 1st. This month's stamp set is Up in the Air. You can also earn this stamp set for free when you host a party or place an order over $150!

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

Umbrella Baby Shower Favor Box

My friend Michelle asked me to help her with favors for her sister's baby shower later this month. The timing was perfect because I had just stumbled upon this umbrella favor by Brenda Quintana. Click here to see her tutorial with instructions on how to make the box.

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The bottom of the umbrella is made from the Scallop Circle die with the Big Shot. Each side of the umbrella is half of the circle. I cut circles from all the patterns in the Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper so the favors are going to look so cute when Michelle finishes putting them all together.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Short & Sweet, Marina Mist ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Pear Pizzazz ink, Nursery Nest Designer Series Paper, Scallop Circle die (Big Shot), Extra Large Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Medium Cello Bags

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

Petal Cone Valentines

I have been battling a nasty head cold this week and I feel like I haven't gotten anything done all week long. I hate being behind! I hope to catch up this weekend. In the meantime, here are three projects in one post -- all different version of the Petal Cone Valentine.

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I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the the basic "how to", so if you can't figure it out, leave me a comment and then I'll know I need to upload one for you! Basically, you die cut two pieces of the Petal Cone die, but instead of folding it into a cone, leave a flat. Use sticky strip on both flaps and tuck them under to adhere both pieces together. Viola -- instant heart! You will still see some of the score lines from the other folds, but you can cover that up when you embellish it.

Here's a close-up of the rosette. I used the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper and coordinating Fresh Vintage stamp set -- both available for free during the Sale-a-bration promotion.

Here's another version I made with my Stamp Club this month. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the layer behind on the greeting is red glitter paper. And I used the Dazzling Details to make the heart sparkly too.

Here's my inspiration -- a Leadership display project from the home office. It's the same paper I used for my rosette. Gorgeous details! The scallop around the round part of the heart are die cut from the same Petal Cone die.

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Mixed Bunch Ric Rac Thank You Card

Here's my version of one of the Leadership make and takes. I used the polka dot embossing folder on the Lucky Limeade cardstock and used the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch instead of the Blossom Builder die cuts. Gotta love that ric rac with the Scallop Edge Punch. Click here to learn how to make your own cardstock ric rac.

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Stampin' Up! Supplies: Mixed Bunch, Petite Pairs, Jet Black Staz-On ink, Daffodil Delight ink & cardstock, Real Red cardstock, Lucky Limeade cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Blossom Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Polka Dot Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Brights Buttons, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

bold = Occasions Mini Catalog Products

Get the Brights Buttons for free when you purchase $50 or more. Click here for details.

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

Sweet Shop Valentine Notecard

I love the Notecards and Envelopes for quick and easy cards. I started by embossing a scallop edge on the bottom of this notecard using the new Adorning Accents Embossing Folders from the Occasions Mini Catalog. A little strip of the Sweet Shop Designer Paper and a couple of punched hearts and voila! Cute and simple valentine!

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Stampin' Up! Supplies: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Notecards & Envelopes, Sweet Shop Designer Paper, Pool Party cardstock, Wisteria Wonder ink & cardstock, Heart Punch, Adorning Accents Embossing Folders

bold = Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog Products

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

Blossoms Builders Leadership Make & Take

This was another one of the make and takes from Leadership Conference. There were NINE projects altogether! I didn't get a chance to make them all while I was there...and well, I haven't finished them since I've been home either. In my spare time, right? (wink!) I like this card, especially using the new Blossom Builders die cuts.

The Daffodil Delight buttons are from the Brights Designer Buttons and you can choose them as your free gift when you order $50 or more during Sale-a-bration. Click here to learn more.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Mixed Bunch, Loving Thoughts, Very Vanilla cardstock, Old Olive ink & cardstock, Rich Razzleberry marker, Tea Stain Stampin' Spot (from the Distressing Essentials set), Scallop Edge Punch, Merry Medley On Board, Blossom Builders Die Cuts, Brights Buttons, Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine

bold = Occasions Mini Catalog Products

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

My Digital Studio Hybrid Home Decor & Free Trial Offer

This My Digital Studio Hybrid project was one of our make and takes at Leadership Conference last month. The text was designed and printed from My Digital Studio and then we added the flowers and additional embellishments to dress it up. This was soooo easy (especially with the Blossom Builders die cut flowers from the Occasions Mini Catalog) and would make a great gift!

Have you been thinking about purchasing My Digital Studio? Stampin' Up! has just released a FREE 30-day trial version of My Digital Studio Express so you can try it out before you buy it! You'll have some of the content and all of the power of My Digital Studio to create your own cards, books, and calendars. You'll be able to save, print, and share what you create. Click here to download your free trial. The 30 day trial period will start when you open the program for the first time.

Make sure to check out all the great resources at www.mydigitalstudio.net to learn more about the software. There are great training videos that show you how to get started and how to do more advanced techniques.

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