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Holiday Stocking fun!

by | Sep 4, 2017 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, New Product, Uncategorized | 16 comments

 

 

 

Good Morning and Happy Labor Day! Today I have for you the other great way to use the Tags & Trimmings Bundle from the NEW Catalog! I was thinking to myself when I was playing around with this framelit….Why does this bundle make me smile… why does it make me excited to use….and why is it on my “tops of must have’s”?

Well let me answer that. It is super unique and fun! It is MUCH BIGGER (the stocking) than you think making it quite the “fun statement piece” to your crafting fun!

I will do my best to walk you  through this but I am going to say….I might need to “cave in and do a video” as I think it would be a huge help. Videos are not my strong suit but I do think that there are tips that might help! I hope that the pictures will shed some light into this fun bundle.

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a collage of pictures that will show you the size and the way that the pillow box “works” with the stocking. In hindsight I should have used a different color of card stock to show you but we’ll get through it!

You can click on the picture to make it larger but here are some “key points” of each picture.

  • #1 – showing you the size proportions….the overall size dimensions of the pillow box is roughly 2 1’2″ X 4″ and I have laid a gift card on the stocking to give you a visual of the size of the stocking….it is much bigger than you think…roughly 2 1/2″ X 6 1/4″ (that is from the corner to the end of the toe)

 

  • #2 – To make the stocking into a pillow box stocking you use (1) stocking and just (1) on the pillow boxes…you adhere the pillow box TO THE STOCKING….this is why you only need 1

 

  • #3 – The is the flip side that I think gives you the visual of the “connection of the 2”…you would be putting a wee bit of adhesive to the rectangle piece and also to the other long side…..put it together and SMILE!

 

  • #4 – You can see how the box is finished and it is directly behind the stocking….a BRILLIANT way to have a place to put a gift, a check or even a note wishing someone a wonderful holiday and then they can proudly hang the stocking and think of you each time the see it!

 

 

 

 

 

Whew….I hope that that explanation gave you a better idea of the “how to’s” – Let’s move on to more pictures….(we all love our pictures as “visuals” are our friends)

Clearly the sky is the limit as to how you can decorate these. The framelits in this bundle we so well designed that the guess work has been eliminated for to let your creativity go wild! The gem I used the fun paper from the Merry Little Christmas DSP pack and then I used the Garden Green to give the greens an off set. The neutral of this is Very Vanilla.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here you can see the details a bit better. When I stated that this was so well thought out….just look below and you will see what I mean. The snowflake is in the bundle as well as the stitched star. There are many framelit elements that can be used with many other projects/cards you will make!

I have yet to master the “how to do” with the hanging of the ribbon (probably the right way) but here is the quick way I did it….I punched a hole and knotted the ends of the ribbon and it worked! A gold faceted gem in the center of the star was the perfect amount of bling!

 

 

 

 

 

I used the stamp from the stamp set of the bundle to add a sentiment to the front of the stocking. Don’t you think that these are jut too cute for words? I am excited to hear your feedback.

Before we get to the next example I want you to get an idea of the size again…I have had emails form people saying that they still have a stocking punch….well that is GREAT but this is totally different – these are sooooooo much bigger and being that you can make them into a 3-D project makes them fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now here is another way that you can use them! You will read in the pictures some of the tips and why’s but wouldn’t this be adorable as a table favor or to give to co-workers for their desks. Again, the sky is the limit with how you can use them and how to decorate them.

This guy is the traditional holiday colors of Real Red and Garden Green – the Quilted Christmas DSP Stack is a perfect compliment to this. Wrapping Hershey Nuggets seems to be a “peanut butter and jelly” thing for me during the holidays….they make a PERFECT compliment.

Enjoy these pictures…I think that they show you the fun you can have. I am just giddy over the pom-pom die that goes under the band of the stocking….do you agree – these framelits are just so well thought out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know that I mentioned it above….but I had a bunch of people email me about the size of the pillow box. Below you will see the one that we used to have (you see….I do keep some “keepers”) as I started to sell it with retired inventory but then I changed my mind as it is a fun size as well.

The one that I blogged about on Saturday is roughly 2 1/2″ X 4″ – the perfect size to slip in a gift card. I hope that this helps and you can see the retired one is much bigger.

 

 

 

 

 

WHEW….this was a BUNCH to try to put together for you and I hope that I was able to accomplish the “scoop” on this bundle. I hope that it helps you see the versatility of this bundle. Please do not hesitate to email me or leave a comment if you have any questions.

I knew that I was going to love this and true, it is more steps to make but I think we all can agree, it is super cute and to me…it is a work of art and love. I am excited to continue to learn ways to put this together but I think that once I get on a roll with them….I will be ROLLING!

My Dad does not put up a big Christmas Tree anymore….but you bet that he will be getting several of these to enjoy. They just are too cute and the sky is really the limit in decorating!

Enjoy the holiday and please be safe if you are traveling! Thanks for hanging in there for this long post…..

 

 

 

 

I am smiling…too cute!

by | Sep 2, 2017 | 3-D Projects, Christmas | 8 comments

 

 

 

If you are anything like me…you can remember the first time you flipped through the new catalog and you said – WOW, I just HAVE to have that! Well, that’s what I did with page 15 with the Tags and Trimmings Bundle. I knew that it would be on the Brown Truck rolling down Randall Lane.

 

I ask you, How cute is this?

 

My head immediately starting swimming with ideas on how I would use it. The very first thought was the stocking – sooooo cute and just look at all of the trimmings there are to jazz it up! Next was the pillow box (I think that’s what you call it)….I can remember inside I was sayin’ yippee – a fantastic way to “gift” a gift card!

 

 

 

 

 

Today we are going to see the Pillow Box and pop back tomorrow and we will see the stocking! Stampin’ Up! does not have a video on this bundle yet but my bet…they will as it is going to be a fun and popular bundle that I am sure that many would enjoy a video (fingers crossed that they do or I might need to) 😐 

Before we get going into the tips and tricks that I found when making these….I wanted to share with some of the amazing photos that are in the catalog! I love it that Stampin’ Up! has these available for us to share! (click on them to make them bigger, the details are just wonderful)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the Bundle and yes, I would get the bundle as you will save an instant 10% and the stamp set is a classic to use for other projects, The fonts are fun and I like the “thickness” of them as they make a statement.

One stamp in this set that you will use over and over as the proportions of it are fantastic for card making….is the sweet snowflakes and dots (I love my dots). The picture below the bundle is the 5″ X 7″ piece of all of the stamps after I “condition” them  –  I tuck this in my stamp case for reference..

 

 

 

 

 

 

By doing this I accomplish 2 things…they are ready for me to have a great clean and crisp stamp and it is a great visual.

I know that this sounds crazy and you are probably saying Silly Susan….just look at the front of the case – YEP, you’re right…the images are there but I like to stamp them myself to get that “look and feel” – to me…it’s kind of like holding a catalog in your hand or looking at one on line – they both work but there is noting like having it in your hands!

 

 

 

 

 

I am sure that many of you remember we use to have a pillow box that was much bigger than this one. It retired and I can remember the buzz with SUD’s and customers of the “oh no’s” why did it retire? I can’t help you there but one thing I have learned….KEEP IT if something retired….if you like it – why not keep it? Only you know what works for your needs.

Here are some tips that I discovered while making this….hang on to them (I would pin one of the pictures so you will always be able to come back to this post) that I think will come in handy. It looks like a bunch but it is very straight forward, I know you all enjoy the “in’s and out’s” and you know me, I love to share tips!

 

 

 

 

 

  • You need (2) of the Pillow shapes (dah, I know that seems straight forward but…) and you can get (2) from a 1/2 of paper
  • You will cut one of the “flappy rectangle ends off”
  • Use your bone folder – this makes a huge difference with the sides and structure of the pillow box

 

 

 

 

 

  • The score lines on the short sides….these are curved (dah again…pillow shape) so the best way to score them it to keep your hand on the inside of the line and gently press into shape from the outside (hard to describe but you’ll get it)
  • Use Tear & Tape for the side edge to adhere, not only is it super strong it is so easy to pull that strip off and go. All you do is meet up the 2 and press!
  • For the rectangle flap that you did not cut off…I would put a small piece of tear & tape there and once you have it all put together on the sides….slide your bone folder in the box and rub it….
  • To make a belly band – you need a 6″ piece of DSP. I was THRILLED with this as it is a perfect solution for 6 X 6 paper and also great to use up scraps that you have. I just used fast fuse to adhere.
  • I made my own tag with the stamp as well as with the Everyday Label Punch…a must have staple!

 

 

 

 

 

That is really about it! The sky is the limit with this sweet box and you can easily see that it can be used all year long with a variety of themes…and the decorating of the box  – endless possibilities.

Here is another thing that I love about this pillow box. I am one that likes to make up MANY at one time just to have them ready to go. You could easily go ahead and cut the box shape with Mr. Bigs help…go ahead and put the tear & tape on the sides and just do not put them together.

This way you have a stack of pillow pouches ready to go and then all you have to do is decorate when you need them. WORKS FOR ME!

There you go…a perfect way to jazz up and make a gift card  FUN and UNIQUE! To me it is a win-win on both accounts….YOU are getting your “I made this fix” and THE RECIPIENT is getting not only an adorable presentation/gift….but a useful gift….a gift card!

 

 

 

 

My dear Dad like to give checks….(nothing wrong with that either) and I know each year I make him up something fun for his gift giving. A check will fit in here perfectly –  rolled with a simple bow around it (too cute, right?) or you could just fold it….options are always the best!

I can’t wait for you to see what’s up for you tomorrow….it will be stocking fun! I wish that you were all here to see me play with this bundle…I would do a little squeal of joy as they are so cute!!! It’s funny how the little things make you happy!

Enjoy your day, be safe and have fun with this new catalog. When you hit the Paw Print below all you have to do is hit that Holiday Catalog Tab and presto….all of the drop downs will be there for you!

I just love to be able to click and see all of the bundle in one section….here is a screen shot of what I mean! Remember – DOUBLE PAW PRINTS from me this Holiday Weekend thru Monday evening…..(woot-woot!!!)

 

 

It is a rainy day here in Maryland but that’s ok – my job for the day was to get a load of hay….oops, that’s not happening….I think that I am giving myself permission for Milo and I to craft together!!! Actually, I am kinda glad that it is rainy as I need to keep working on the Product Share Swatch Books…..remember – tomorrow is the LAST DAY for you to get in the Product Share!

Don’t forget…one lucky Product Share person is going to win the exclusive Merry Patterns Stamp Set….I say yippee for you and a big thanks from me for the Product Share order! Please see yesterday’s post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Catalog and goodies for YOU…1,2,3!

by | Sep 1, 2017 | Uncategorized | 4 comments

 

 

Happy Friday to you…Happy new month…Happy Holiday Weekend…Happy new catalog day…happy DOUBLE PAW PRINTS…happy NEW STAMP SET for one lucky person! (keep reading because YOU might already have a ticket) 

 

 

It’s just a great day to be happy!

 

 

I know, I know…this is a BUNCH to take in.You all know the drill…..you can NOW SEE the catalog on your screen and better yet…you can click on the image below and POOF….happiness and fun (I would treat yourself to another cup of coffee)

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all love when a new catalog is launched and I feel the love and excitement!

Have fun taking is all in.  😀 

 

 

If you have placed an order with me in the past 6 months, you should have already received your catalog (along with some goodies) so if your mailbox is lonely….please email me and I will be happy to make sure you smile!

Stampin’ Up! does a fantastic job when they create a video for all of us to enjoy. Treat yourself to this fun and inspiring 1 minute video that will make you smile! It might be September 1st….but there is a whole bunch of Holiday going on today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the exciting scoop I have for you in celebration of this NEW CATALOG TIME!!! I know that everyone likes to get extras and even win a FREE Stamp Set! Here’s the1,2,3 scoop!

 

#1 – Earn DOUBLE PAW PRINTS from me all Holiday Weekend (that means NOW until Monday evening, September 4th) CLICK HERE to review my Paw Prints rewards program and I think that you will agree, it’s a hot diggity dog rewards program because I get it, we all like a free stamp set.

 

 

#2 – Earn the Winter Wonder Textured Embossing Folder FREE from me along with this card with a $75+ order using the hostess code of  WEGVCJQC. (the current hostess code is always on my blogs sidebar) I featured this folder on my blog on Wednesday….CLICK HERE to see that post.

 

 

 

 

#3 – Take advantage of my Product Share…You are REALLY, REALLY going to like this one! Starting today Stampin’ Up! is offering this below stamp set, an exclusive Photopolymer Stamp set (shown below) and one lucky person is going to WIN IT for taking part of my Product Share.

If you have already secured a spot on my Product Share, you are already in the “hat” CLICK HERE to see the Product Share offering and you have until Sunday night to get into the 1st wave of the share.

For every share you ordered with me, you get 1 ticket….and if you purchased the I WANT IT ALL OPTION…you have 10 tickets in the hat!

I told you that you would like this…(if you want to change/add to your Product Share, email me and I will be happy to add more tickets with your name on them) When you email me, please put PRODUCT SHARE in the header so I can spot it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grab that next cup of coffee and watch the video of this promotion and I think you will see in the samples that Stampin’ Up! made….it is a wonderful set and I am sure someone will be a happy stamper to win this beauty!

I personally do not have it yet but it is on it’s way to Randall Lane and I will ink it up as soon as I see it roll down the lane!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you go….enjoy the day, enjoy the new catalog and if you are traveling this Holiday Weekend, please be safe! I know that it might be September 1st but we all know that this is a very ZOOM time ahead so take full advantage of the offerings!

See you in the morning and I think that your jaw might be a bit low – one of my top 3 from the new catalog! Here’s that PAW PRINT….go ahead and HIT IT and have fun! (don’t forget to peek in the clearance)

 

 

 

 

 

It’s simple…just add dots!

by | Aug 31, 2017 | Christmas | 5 comments

 

 

 

 

Hello and Happy Thursday! I am all mixed up and the truth be told, THAT CORN GOT ME YESTERDAY! I think that my mind was larger than my energy and taking the task of putting up 200 ears of corn…CALGON, take me away!

We need to have a chat….do you have friends that tell you….“I can’t do what you do” or “I don’t have the time to do what you do” or how about this one…“I don’t want to get involved in another hobby to have to buy the whole store” – well….we all know that these statements are simply NOT TRUE.

I love kits…..and many of you know that “kits are my thing” but before you CLICK ME OFF…please look at this kit that Stampin’ Up! has put together in the new catalog that comes out tomorrow….IT IS OVER THE TOP and I can honestly say that the ONLY thing I did different than what was included in the kits and as the directions go was…to JUST ADD DOTS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a quick Video that Stampin’ Up! did showcasing this fantastic offering!

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEP, that’s it….It is funny…I do not seem to have problems selling the kits that I put together but you all are shy in purchasing the ones that Stampin’ Up! puts together (well, I am speaking for my customer base) but please hear me out….THIS ONE IS STELLAR and I would be proud to send it just as it is directed!

You know me by now that I love to “tweak things” and I love to add my own mark to it but for this “go-around” I stuck to the directions and I loved it. I will do a future post that I make some changes (if I can think of any as this is just great) and share it in a future post. Here is a picture of the contents in the kit – 20 cards!

 

 

 

 

 

I ask you…..how can you walk away with 20 cards and 20 gold lined envelopes for just $20.00! Please let me answer that for you, YOU CAN’T.

 

 

 

 

 

True the stamp set, Watercolor Christmas is sold separately but HELLO….this is a great one….just look at those sentiments! I can easily see Holiday Tags and thank you notes with those (3) tree images. Love this stamp set!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do not do many “in person” classes but this project kit…I am super excited to reach out and teach. It is a kit for everyone and a kit that you will feel very proud of.

Tomorrow is the big day to begin the ordering frenzy…I know that we are MONTHS away from that magical day of December 25th but I must admit, I am feeling great to have one kit completed (that is already 20 cards DONE) and I am having fun working on the one I am going to tweak!

 

 

 

 

 

That’s it for you today…I am very passionate about this kit and I do hope that it is on the TOP of your list. Speaking of list…I would take some “me time” and write down your must haves as if you are anything like me…you just get so darn excited when the green light os on to order that you forget something – (this happens to me all the time) if I do not make a list!

Enjoy the remained of the day….I will be UP WTH THE CHICKENS in the morning to order all of the Product Share goodies and if I were you….I would POP on as I think that there is something that you just “might want to see”…….tee-hee-hee!

Please remember, the last day to order a Product Share for the 1st wave is this Sunday, September 3rd…..I will be offering another one later in the month but if I were you….I would HOP ON NOW!

 

 

 

 

A card for the “masses”!!!

by | Aug 30, 2017 | Christmas, SNEAK PEEK!!! | 36 comments

 

 

 

 

Happy Hump Day! Now this is what I am talkin’ about…a card that is as easy as 1,2,3 but carries a PUNCH! I have a question for you and one that I think we can all relate to…

 

 

Why is it that we feel the need to complicate things?

 

 

I ask this because as I was making this card I admit, I felt a bit guilty. I was thinking …“this is too easy”…”I need to jazz it up with something”….then I thought...”wow – I like this”…”this was a no-brainer, it’s done”…

There is nothing wrong what so ever having a card that uses minimal products and one that can be pulled together and completed in a matter of minutes.

The star of the show is the Winter Wonder Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (now say that 3 times). Just look – it is…one BIG…one SIMPLE SNOWFLAKE…that makes a STATEMENT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am using Very Vanilla today as I have been “neglecting it lately” and I am just still kickin’ my heels that is it available now in the  Thick – Heavy weight. I love the softness that it gives and for me, it is still my “white” as there is nothing like having the “white space” on a card and today….that is one of the elements that makes this card.

You really do not need me today but while I am here….let me keep yackin’ away!

  • The base is a vertical A-2 – 4 1/4″ X 5 1/2″
  • The Very Vanilla piece that I embossed is 4″ X 5 1/4″ and I ran it through Mr Big with the Winter Wonder Folder
  • The Mat of Real Red is just a smidge larger, 4 1/8″ X 5 3/8″ and YES – I did cut some shapes out of the center of the red not to waste it! 
  • The sentiment for both the outside and the inside is from the Flurry Of Wishes, a Photopolymer one carried over from last year.
  • The envelope love is from the Quilted Christmas 6″ X 6″ DSP….(one of my favorites in the new catalog).

Look at that nice and deep impression that you get…with just a little crank from Mr. Big! (he does such a great job) I am trying to be better about using Embossing Folders…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know that I rarely show you all the inside of a card but I just had to snap a picture for the other simplicity of this showing you that 1,2,3 – DONE this whole project would be! Can you image how many cards you could crank out in a “me time block” and the other great factor…this is a very inexpensive card to make.

I am guilty of making several different cards…I usually go off of 3 or 4 designs that I come up with and I know that we are really early in the Christmas Card game…but this might be in the running for the need of the “quick and easy category” 

 

 

 

 

 

We need to STOP and CHAT about this new DSP Stack. It is wonderful – it is as simple as that! I think when you hear the word “quilt” you think is something old fashion and perhaps dated….well look below and smile!

This picture does a great job but to me there is something even more BOLD and CRISP about these colors together. It is just one great stack and remember, with my Product Share…you will get (1) full sheet of each of them.

If you were to make this card “in the masses” you would have plenty of the “red options” for your liners….heck – if you were to use the one that I am using today you would be able to make (12) envelopes alone from this one design.

 

 

WHAT…HOW??? Easy – I cut the DSP into a 2″ X 6″ strip and you get (4) sheets of this paper = 12 cuts!

 

 

 

 

 

Here is your picture to pin! Clean and Simple is the name of this Hump Day Card! For those of you that have small children or grandchildren, this would be a great card for you to make with them.

They would LOVE to crank Mr. Big and then you could do the stampin’….and a win-win….you will not only have fun doing a project together, but you will love the end result…a great card!

 

 

 

 

 

You know what tomorrow is….the weekly game day….let’s play Tic-Tac-Toe! Games are so much fun…even as an adult! I am hoping to have a productive day…I am getting 200 ears of corn to put up! To me there is nothing like having the freshness of the summer all winter long and I always try to take advantage of produce when it is super yummy!

I will try to snap a picture of my helpers! I put a plastic sheet down in our family room…watch You Tube Videos on our TV and shuck away with my furry friends before the blanching of the corn. At first they think something fun is going to happen because of the table and change of the family room but once they see that it is rather boring they do what they do best….SLEEP!

Remember, if you want in the 1st wave of my Product Share you need to email me by this Sunday, September 3rd so I can save a spot for you. I will do another share but that will not be until the 3rd week of September.

I will be up with the chickens (heck – they will probably be asleep still) to order the products for the share. I do expedite the shipping so I can turn them around to you in a jif! IT’s kind of a bummer that Monday is a Holiday so no USP…..but I know you will be smiling BIG TIME when you see how fast I will turn your shares around!