It's always a joy to watch Shelli Gardner, the co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!, demonstrate on stage! I was thrilled that she was present at the Lansing regional seminar a few weeks ago. Of course, she did not disappoint with her stamping presentation! Check out this cocoa mug that she made using the Fancy Favor box die as the base. (Click here to see Shelli's blog post about the Lansing Regional Seminar and this project.)
The base of this Cocoa Mug box is the Fancy Favor Box. For the handle, start with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch and the punch the 2-1/2" Circle Punch around it. Score, fold, and cut as shown on the second circle below. Cut slits in the side of the box and put the tabs from each end of the handle through the slits and adhere in opposite directions.
Shelli created small platform to put on the inside of her box so the cocoa bag has a little height. The cardstock was 8-1/2" x 3" and scored at 7/8", 2-7/8", 4-5/8", and 6-5/8". Use a 1" Circle to create a notch on one end as shown in the diagram below.
When I saw the Sweater Trim pom pom shown on page 12 of the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog, I knew I'd have to make one! It's super easy and I filmed a quick video to show you how. This gift is fast and easy and perfect for a teacher, neighbor, or friend. I think it cost me less than $5 between the mug, the coffee, and the trimmings!
Here's the video tutorial to show you how to make the Sweater Trim pom poms. All you need is the Sweater Trim, your hands, and a pair of scissors.
Here's another Open Top Treat Box (see the first one here). I made these up to give my downline at the Stampin' Up! Lansing Regional seminar last weekend. They are so easy and take just a half sheet of cardstock to make. Don't worry! I've created a video AND a print tutorial so you can follow along and make these at home. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this new box! What occasion will you make it for?
In the video I mentioned the yummy treat inside the box -- Cake Mix Muddy Buddies. I found the recipe on Pinterest and then one of my new stamping friends brought it to a party and I got to try it. YUM!! It's a great mix of sweet and salty! Click here for the recipe. (Note: It is very sweet at first. I think it tastes better when you let it sit for awhile and the flavors have a chance to meld together.)
Stampin' Up! Supplies: Snow Swirled, Perfect Plum ink & cardstock, Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Not Quite Navy ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Medium Cello Bags, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Mitten Builder Punch, Adorning Accents Embossing Folders & Edgelits, Argyle Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Whisper White Baker's Twine, Whisper White Sweater Trim, Paper Trimmer, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!
I need some help! I created this new box using just a half sheet of cardstock. I'll post a video tutorial tomorrow, but I'm kind of stumped. I don't know what to call it! I used the same measurements as the Simply Sent box that I created last year. (See the printable tutorial here.) For that, I used the Simply Sent Everyday Elegance pre-printed card kit. So I just named the box after the card kit. But I don't think that works for these boxes...
Leave me a comment and help me come up with a name for this box! If I choose your name when I post the video tutorial tomorrow, I'll send you a free stamp set from my stash!
Update: 11-18-12: Thank you for all the comments! I decided to call it the Open Top Treat Box! Make sure to check out this post for a video and print tutorial so you can make this box at home!
I just love those Stitched Felt Ornaments! (See more projects here.) They are the perfect go-to embellishment and are quick and easy. Find them in my Online Store here.
Stampin' Up! Supplies: Fabulous Phrases, Cherry Cobbler ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper, Delicate Doilies Sizzlit (Big Shot), Adorning Accents Embossing Folders & Edgelits, Jewelry Tag Punch, Medium Cello Bag, Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim, Paper Trimmer
It was a whirlwind trip to Lansing for Saturday's Stampin' Up! regional seminar, but I'm so glad that I went! After 10 years of attending Stampin' Up! events, I was worried that I wouldn't learn anything new. HA! That definitely was not the case! I wrote down many tips and ideas and saw projects that I just have to try. Plus I got to see my Michigan downline and visit with a new stamping friend! It was definitely worth the 5 hours drive (each way). I just wish I could have had more time to spend with everyone!
Here are some of my favorite displays!
Another highlight was watching my friend Cathy Roy make a live booking call on stage! She was awesome! And she inspired me to call and get a booking of my own!
Stampin' Up! did not disappoint with prizes and gifts! I love the way they spoil us! In addition to the door prizes, everyone in attendance (850 demonstrators and guests!) received the Merry Moments Simply Scrappin' Kit and Seasonal Sayings stamp set. Woo hoo!
Before the day was over, my friend Kim, who had attended as guest, left as a brand new demonstrator!! The free ink pad offer was just too good to pass up! Congratulations, Kim and welcome to the group!
When it comes to wrapping gifts, I like to be "green". I re-use gift bags over and over. If you love the look of a gift wrapped box, but want to be able to use it again and again, here's a tip you'll love. Instead of wrapping the entire box, wrap the lid and base separately so you can lift off the lid without tearing the wrap. For smaller boxes, like this one, use squares of paper on each side and then dress it up with ribbon and a tag.
This box was a gift for one of my hostesses last week, Barb. She was careful not to untie the bow and just slid it right off the package. I love the Sweater Trim from the Holiday Catalog. It's soft and flexible enough to easily come off and put back on your package. Check out the Sweater Trim in my Online Store here. (It also comes in Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green.) And make sure to pick up some of these great Kraft Gift Boxes while you're there!
Stampin' Up! Supplies: Snowflake Soiree, Made for You, Baja Breeze ink, Not Quite Navy ink, Whisper White cardstock, Silver Glimmer Paper, Snow Festival Designer Paper, Snow Flurry Big Shot Die, 1-3/4" Circle Punch, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Whisper White Sweater Trim, Rhinestone Jewel Accents
I'm having more fun with the Handmade Holidays Felt Ornaments. (See more projects here.) They are so cute even on their own, so I included them in a little gift box with gift tags and the yummy new Sweater Trim. Have you tried the Sweater Trim yet? It's so soft -- just like a snuggly sweater! You can get it in three different colors: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White. Really, you're going to watch all three! See?
Wouldn't this make a great gift for a hostess, teacher, or neighbor? Just a little something. And they'll appreciate the chance to add a little handmade touch to their own gift-giving this year. Make sure to check out all the Snow Festival products (the Sweater Trim, Stitched Felt Ornaments, and Snow Festival Designer Paper) in my Online Store here so you can make up your own gift boxes.
The possibilities for this little box are endless! In fact, you may have spotted a few other versions in the catalog, on pages 12 and 56. Check out this video tutorial from Stampin' Up! to learn how to make a gift box like this at home:
For my box, I used the same measurements given in the video. My gift tags were created with a 6" x 2-1/2" piece of Whisper White cardstock folded in half. The Snow Festival Designer Paper on the front of each tag is 2-1/4" x 2-3/4".
Stampin' Up! Supplies: Snow Festival Designer Paper, Whisper White cardstock, Cherry Cobbler cardstock, Gumball Green cardstock, Window Sheets, Paper Cutter, Simply Scored Tool, Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim, Whisper White Sweater Trim, Gumball Green Sweater Trim, Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt Ornaments, Sticky Strip, Scallop Edge Punch
