Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Stamp Set Parade--Part 2


Welcome to Part 2 of the Stamp Set Parade!  I'm showing off some of my favorite stamp sets that will be discontinued come June 30th (tomorrow!).  To see the first part of the Stamp Set Parade, click HERE.  If you still have some sets or accessories on your list--make sure to get them right away!  To view all of the Last Chance items in the online store click HERE.

Most of the sets I'm showcasing today are ones that have been around for awhile--classic sets that I've used a lot over the years.  

The first one is Pick a Petal


Original post HERE

Another fun set is Sock Monkey--great for a variety of occasions.  


Original post HERE

I'll also miss the set Always


 Original post HERE

Although Baby Steps isn't a 'classic set' since it was new in this catalog, it is a single stamp great for baby cards! 


 Original post HERE

A Good Egg is one of those sets that I have had for years and love pulling out every year for Easter!

 
Original post HERE

One of my favorite floral sets being discontinued is Eastern Blooms


Original post HERE

And last but not least, the stamp set Love You Much has been a classic favorite of mine.  And it's not only for Valentine's Day.
Original post HERE.  

Remember that tomorrow is the last day to purchase items from the Last Chance list!  Contact me today if you'd like to purchase any of the Last Chance items. Or, you can shop in my online store. Click HERE and then on "shop now" in the top right corner.

Thanks for stopping by!   

Monday, June 27, 2011

Postage Card Packs


I made up several of these card sets as end-of -the-year teacher appreciation gifts.  I figure that teachers can always use thank you cards around the end of the year, so I made up sets of 8 to package together as gifts.  

These are really simple card sets to make.  I used my Postage Stamp Punch from the Summer Mini Catalog and the Play Date Designer Series Paper.  Note: the Play Date DSP is being discontinued, and is on sale for 40% off right now!  

I also used the new White Baker's Twine from the Summer Mini Catalog to add a few little details.  Almost all of the squares are up on dimensionals.  On the bottom card in the photo, I put the top right and bottom left squares up on dimensionals and adhered the other two down to the card base--gives a little more variety in depth and adds interest. The sentiment comes from the stamp set Trendy Trees. 

The other cards in the set:  



You'll notice I used 3 different layouts and just varied the patterns of paper used.  To see the original card set that inspired this set, click HERE.  For these sets I ran out of time to make up some card folders, so I just tied them up with some Early Espresso Striped Grosgrain ribbon and added a tag.

HERE is another project set that I made using the Play Date DSP--also a possible idea for a teacher appreciation gift. 

Thanks for stopping by!  

Stamps:  Trendy Trees  
Ink:  Early Espresso
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Play Date DSP
Accessories:  Postage Stamp punch, White Baker's Twine, Word Window punch, Modern Label Punch, dimensionals
 

Friday, June 24, 2011

Stamp Set Parade--Part 1

In my recent posts I've been focusing on the accessories that will be discontinued as of June 30--but there are a lot of great stamps that will be leaving too!  So, I thought it would be fun to show you some of my favorite sets that will be discontinued.  For the complete pdf list, click HERE

The #1 set that I will miss the most?  Hands down it is All Holidays!  It is one of my all time favorite sentiment sets, and I use it quite frequently.  I did a search on my blog to find samples with this set and came back with a lot of hits.  :-)  

Here are just two cards that use the All Holidays set:
Original post HERE

Original post HERE.  

Another stamp I used a lot (even though it is a single stamp) is So Many Thanks.  Here are a couple cards using that stamp:  


Original post HERE--shows other samples with this stamp too. 


Original post HERE

All of the "extreme" individual stamps are being discontinued. This card showcases the Extreme Skateboard stamp.  Although these stamps didn't initially seem like 'my style,' I've enjoyed using them for masculine and (particularly) teen and tween cards. 


Original post HERE.  

Another set I've used for the boys in my life is the Lots of Bots set.  This has been a good one for little boy birthdays.  


Original post HERE.  


 Original post HERE.  Note: Here's another card using the All Holidays sentiment set.  :-)  

This has been fun for me to look back through cards using these stamp sets.  Check back next Wednesday for part two of the Stamp Set Parade!  

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Merry Tags


Back with another project that is showcasing accessory items that will soon be discontinued!  These are little tags that we made at a class last year before Christmas.  I am pretty sure that I found this (or a similar) idea somewhere, although unfortunately I did not keep track of where or who I received the inspiration from.  

These tags are really simple to make--the tag is the Big Shot Merry Embosslit die.  The embosslit cuts the tag and hole and dry embosses the 'merry' all at once.  The bird, trees, and snowflake all come from the Merry Details Sizzlets die.  Both are being discontinued, and are on sale for 25% off while supplies last or until June 30th. 

I added the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon to the tops and pearls to the trees and bird and a rhinestone to the snowflake.  Along the sides of the tags are pieces punched using the Scallop Edge Border punch or the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch.  

A simple way to personalize your holiday gifts!  

Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red, Marina Mist, Old Olive
Accessories:  Real Red, Marina Mist, and Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, pearls, rhinestones, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Monday, June 20, 2011

Charming Bookmark



A few years ago at convention, someone showed this cute idea to use the Hodgepodge Hardware to  make bookmarks.  I hadn't ever tried it myself until recently, but these are actually pretty quick and easy to make--and what a fun gift!  

 Here's a closer look:  


I started by stamping on Very Vanilla card stock with the stamp set Charming.  Both the script stamp and the flowers are part of that set.   After stamping I punched out with the Designer Label punch (being discontinued) and added some pearl jewels to the flowers.  

Hint:  As you pull the ribbon through the holes, it will shred a little.  Don't worry, just trim it after you pull it through. 

To get the punched image to stay in the metal frame, I used Crystal Effects.  (Did you know that CE is a great adhesive?)  I placed the punched image in the frame and then took the Crystal Effects around the edges between the card stock and frame.  You don't need a lot to get it to hold together.  If you like, you can punch out a second piece and carefully lay it on top to 'clean up' the edges a bit and hide some of the Crystal Effects. 



Unfortunately several of the items used to make this project are being discontinued!  The Hodgepodge Hardware is being discontinued, but for now it is on sale for 40% off!  Both the Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon and the Rich Razzleberry Taffeta ribbon are being discontinued as well.  As accessory items, they are available only while supplies last, or until June 30th. To view all of the Last Chance items in the online store click HERE.   

Hope you've enjoyed this project!  
Stamps:  Charming
Ink:  Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive markers
Paper:  Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Hodgepodge Hardware, Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Rich Razzleberry Taffeta ribbon, Linen Thread, Pearl Jewels

Friday, June 17, 2011

Father's Day Treats


At church I work with the children's organization, and I usually try to have some sort of little treat/gift for the teachers on major holidays just to remind the teachers and staff that we appreciate them and all their hard work.  So, these are the Father's Day gifts I made up for this year to appreciate all the men who teach classes or work with the Cub Scouts.   
I used some Designer Paper that was in my stash--I believe it was from the Summer Mini last year--and just wrapped the mini candy bars.  I used a tiny bit of Snail adhesive between the bars to help hold the stack together while I tied on the ribbon and tag.  

The tags use the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  I stamped and then punched out using the Word Window punch and the Modern Label punch

I quite enjoyed making up these little treats since they were very quick and simple.  Just by altering the Designer Paper that you use, I think these would be great for party favors too (birthday, baby shower, etc).  

Have a great Father's Day weekend!  

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Night of Navy, Bashful Blue
Paper:  Designer Series Paper, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, linen thread, Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon, mini candy bars

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Lots of Blossoms


With all the excitement of the Last Chance Lists and the anticipation of the new catalog, it's easy to forget that there is a Summer Mini Catalog full of great products.  :-)  This is a card we made at my clubs, and the idea actually came from the Stampin' Success (for demonstrators) magazine.  Although I generally like to create my own projects for my classes, I'll admit it is nice to have wonderful ideas provided by Stampin' Up so that if I'm short on ideas or time I still have fun projects. 

This card showcases the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch found on page 6 of the Mini Catalog.  These are a new style of punch, and are awesome, because in one punch there are three coordinating punches--you just slide the front lever to the image you want, and punch.  So all of the flowers on this card came from the same punch.  It took me a few tries to get the feel of the Triple Layer punch, but now I really like it!   

The stamp set used here is the coordinating set Bold Blossom.  There is a rhinestone jewel in the middle of the stamped Cherry Cobbler flower.  The ribbon is 5/8" Early Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon--soon to be discontinued.  The top two flowers and butterfly are up on dimensionals, and the sentiment and bottom flower are not.  

Thanks for stopping by!  

Stamps: Bold Blossom
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Old Olive
Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Rhinestone Jewels, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, 2" by 1 3/8" Oval punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 5/8" Early Espresso Ribbon, Cutter Kit, dimensionals

Monday, June 13, 2011

Party Treat



June is passing quickly, and soon we will have a brand new catalog!  But for now, you still have the opportunity to purchase Last Chance items from the current catalog.  If you haven't seen the pdf list of Last Chance Stamps (ie soon to be discontinued stamp sets) you can see it by clicking HERE.   To view all of the Last Chance items (stamps, accessories, decor elements) in the online store click HERE
The stamp set Party Hearty (a fun birthday set) is on the list of retiring stamps.  This fun Mini Milk Carton showcases the Party Hearty stamp set.  The milk carton was created by using the Mini Milk Carton Big Shot die.  After adhering that together, I wrapped around the Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon and then a thin strip of Melon Mambo card stock.  

The clip at the top is one of the Library Clips from the Clips Assortment pack and has a bit of 1/8" Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon tied on.  For the main image, I stamped twice, once in Melon Mambo and once in Tempting Turquoise.  I used the 3/4" Circle punch to punch out just the center circle.  I added some sparkle with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter. 

Note:  In addition to the stamp set, the 5/8" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon is being discontinued.  In fact, ALL of the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon is being discontinued.  In the new catalog this style of ribbon will no longer be available! 

Note:  By the way, this stamp set can be used for more than birthdays!  To see a graduation card I made using this stamp set click HERE

Stamps:  Party Hearty
Ink:  Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories:  Mini Milk Carton die, Big Shot, Library Clip, 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, 5/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, 3/4" punch, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals

Friday, June 10, 2011

Father's Day Wallet


As you've noticed my blog has been neglected lately.  :-)  Ironically I have a whole stack of projects to share--so it's not for lack of stamping on my part.  I've been keeping busy getting everything ready for the baby to come.  If all goes as scheduled, we'll have a new baby girl join our family next week!

Father's Day is right around the corner.  This wallet card is a fun way to present money, gift cards, pictures of the (grand)kids, or coupons.  This is an idea that has been around for many years so I can't claim credit for it.  This is also a great idea for graduation

Here's a view of the inside:


Measurements:

9" by 3 1/2"  --scored at 4 7/16" and 4 9/16" (sounds scary, but it's just on either side of 4 1/2")
8 1/2" by 3 1/4" --scored at 4 3/16" and 4 5/16" (just on either side of 4 1/4")
4 1/8" by 2"  --TWO of these pieces

The measuring is by far the hardest part!  The next step is sponging with Soft Suede--the edges and all over to give the soft leather feel.  On the largest piece, I used my Mat Pack to paper pierce the edges and a corner rounder punch to round the edges.  I used the fine tip end of the Soft Suede marker to 'connect the dots' where I had paper pierced to make it look like it was sewn.  Then stamp/embellish as desired.  Here I used Plane & Simple (no longer available).  Monogramming your wallet is a fun idea too!   

Note:  When assembling the wallet, make sure to not adhere the 'tops' of the pockets--just the bottom and sides.  You'll want to be able to slip in money, gift cards, etc.

Thanks for stopping by!  If all goes as planned, I'll be scheduling some posts for the next month or so.  

Stamps:  Plane & Simple
Ink:  Soft Suede (and marker)
Paper:  Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, sponge

Friday, June 3, 2011

Last Chance Lists!


 With the new catalog just around the corner, it's time to bid farewell to some of our favorite stamp sets and accessories in order to make room for all of the new product that is coming July 1st!

Please note that the stamp sets are available until June 3oth, but the accessories are only available while supplies last!  Accessory items include Definitely Decorative, wheels, papers, embellishments, Big Shot items, etc.  Many items will go quickly, and some accessories are up to 40% off!

Don't miss this last chance to get items still on your wish list!

Last Chance Stamps:  view the pdf

To view all of the Last Chance items in the online store click HERE Please note: to see the sale price on the discounted items, you need to click on the individual item. 

Contact me today if you'd like to purchase any of the Last Chance items. Or, you can shop in my online store. Click HERE and then on "shop now" in the top right corner.