25% Off SALE (and more)!!

Oh man, oh man, oh MAN!!

So excited to share this Stampin' Up Birthday SALE with you!
25 stamp sets at 25% off!!

Some of my favorites are in there...oh how I wish I could've got them on sale!! :)  Have you been waiting on getting a certain stamp set?  Be sure to check the list - it could be on there! :)

Click on the picture below and it'll bring you to the list! :)
As always, ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE 24/7 HERE
Be sure to look closely for the right one (ie: Language, Clear-mount, Woodmount) :) 

ALSO....
Want to save time making gifts and cards this Holiday Season?
Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags (amongst the other new arrivals)
NEW Cut & Ready Card bases (cut, scored, ready to go!)

AND...
HERE is this week's Weekly Deals

AND...
Don't forget the Envelope Punch Board for making your OWN custom envelopes!! :)

WHEW!!!!  As you can see...a lot of great stuff going on!
Feel free to contact me with any questions! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Happy 80th Birthday, Grandma!

As I contemplated my Grandma's 80th birthday, I knew I wanted her card to really focus on that this is a special birthday - her 80th!!  I also really wanted to try to match her party theme too - hues of pink and white. :)

It came to me then, that I should make the same card I made HERE, but in pinks!  Perfect!  Well, not saying the card is perfect, just that I was pretty excited to make the idea of it happen. ;)




















Look familiar? ;)

On the card, I used retired colors Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink (one of my fave combos), also retired designer paper "Berry Bliss" and good ol' Whisper White cardstock as my neutral.

I used the "Memorable Moments" stamp set again, using Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink ink.

After stamping, I cut out those beautiful shapes with the Labels Collections Framelits and the NEW Magnetic Platform - I'll say it again - love it, sooo nice to work with!! The framelits stay in place so nicely - no moving around! :)  Also...(forgot to say this in yesterday's post), I paper pierced around the edge of the Regal Rose Label frame. Just gives it a little somethin' extra. :)

Using my Big Shot, I cut out the Pretty in Pink flowers with the Birds & Blooms sizzlit, and the leaves with "Little Leaves" sizzlit in Wild Wasabi cardstock. The top flower is from the itty bitty punch pack. :)  I sponged the edges of the flowers, and then applied the half-back pearls.

Well, what do you think?  Is it okay to use the same design, or should all special cards be original? :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
Crystal

Happy 5th Anniversary!

A couple weeks ago, I had a custom request on Etsy for an anniversary card.  Based on the questions I asked and the specifics they gave me, I came up with a couple of choices.

Here's the one they didn't choose. :)

The specifics?
A Soft Suede card base, layer of Baja Breeze cardstock, then the retired Elegant Soiree Designer Paper.

The main image is stamped from the set "Memorable Moments" in Soft Suede and Baja Breeze.

After stamping, I cut out those beautiful shapes with the Labels Collections Framelits and the NEW Magnetic Platform - oh, my goodness!  It is sooo nice to work with!! The framelits stay in place so nicely - no moving around! :)

The flowers are from the Birds & Blooms Sizzlit set, and I cut the leaves in Wild Wasabi cardstock with the "Little Leaves" Sizzlit (and Big Shot). Oh yes...the top flower is from the itty bitty punch pack, actually. :)  I sponged the edges of the flowers, and then applied the half-back pearls.

Well, what do you think?  I think I'll be adding this to my Etsy site for purchase very soon! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Another Thank You

I am such a sucker for thank you stamps.

Probably because I feel pretty strongly in sending a thank you card. I probably err on the side of too much.  I remember a period of time my mom would say, "what are you thanking me for now?"  Ha ha ha...Granted, that doesn't mean I can always get to it right away, but I do try to send one if I can remember. :)

The other day I was able to finally get up to my craft room (yay!) and create a couple thank you cards I'd been wanting to send out for quite some time.

I decided to try a few NEW things! :)  Stampin' Up has joined the photopolymer wagon (totally clear stamps). I wasn't really tempted by this until the "Another Thank You" set came out - cuz you can never have too many "thank you" stamps, right? ;)

I used the large script "Thank You" from this set for my cards. As you'll see, it looks like exactly the same card, twice. But if you look closer, you'll find that because of the technique I used, they will never be exactly the same card. :)



















(I was in a hurry, so the picture isn't that great - so sorry!)

I used two of the NEW InColors from this year for my cardbase: The bottom is Pistachio Pudding, the next layer is Coastal Cabana.  It was my first time using those colors together. Actually...the first time using either one, period! lol

What do you think that very top layer is? Why, it's our Watercolor Paper!
How in the world did she get it to look like that??

Here's what I did in 5 easy steps:
1) Embossed the "Thank You" on watercolor paper by stamping the image in Versamark Ink, sprinkling with clear embossing powder, and then heat-setting it with my Stampin' Up heat tool.
2) I then used my aquapainter to "paint" water on the paper.
3) Then, I painted over top of the embossed image with the Pistachio and Cabana inks and my aquapainter, blending the colors together here and there, leaving them their true colors in other places.
4) Wiped away excess color on the embossed image with a tissue.
5) Mounted onto the layers, and voila! :)

Hmmm...I shall call this technique...watercolor emboss resist! :) The emboss resist technique is not a new one to me...but usually I am sponging or rubbing ink over the embossed portions (which resist the ink). This whole watercoloring over the top is new to me. :)

PS - Here's a link to all the Photopolymer stamp sets SU now carries - including the newest one released yesterday (9/24), a Halloween set!  You can order this and any other supplies through me, 24/7! :)

Well, what do you think?
Do you feel the same way about thank you's, or do you feel like a verbal thank you is enough? Maybe you'd rather not answer that, and instead have something to say about the cards?  I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A NEW Tool!

Last week was SUPER busy, mostly with my daughter's birthday stuff (will share about birthday creations another time), but one thing I cannot wait ANY LONGER to share with you is a NEW tool from Stampin' Up!

I was skeptical, then intrigued, then...taken. :)
We've used it a few times now, and ohhh, how handy dandy!

On Sept 1st, we went to my nephew's 2nd Birthday party, and this little boy loves tractors. Sooo...as dairy farmers, it was a no-brainer - give him tractors! ;)  I picked up some RED ones (cuz those are the best - not the green & yellow kind - wink)....and of course, needed to make him a card to match his gift. :)

Warning: It's not a great card. Keeping in mind it was for a 2 year old, at a birthday party where things can be a little crazy, I didn't spend a lot of time on it. I stamped tractors, colored them in (red, charcoal at bottom, glitter pen on the grill), stamped the sentiment and framed it, and that's it. Glad I didn't spend much longer on it, because I was so right. ;)

So, yes...I made a card. BUT...I also made a matching envelope!!!  SOOO excited. Really wishing I hadn't gotten rid of a TON of older non-SU scrapbook/designer paper at a garage sale a few years ago, because it's perfect for this!!

See - it fits! :)  One of the things I love about this tool is that it creates customizable envelopes in up to 66 different sizes!! How's that for awesome??

Another thing? It's reasonably priced at $19.99!  Oh, and they've guaranteed it's going to be in next year's catalog, that's another great thing....It's super easy to use, it's small and lightweight, it has a slick scoring tool as well as a punch that lets you create rounded corners on your envelopes, and it's easy to keep it all together.

What's not to love? :)

I can't wait to show everyone at my Fall party how this works!

Did you know you can order this directly through me, but have it sent directly to YOU? More awesomeness. :) 

Be sure to check everything out while you're there - I know there's a butterfly bundle going on...save 15%!

Used: Stampin' Up's Sassy Salutations stamp set, Black Stazon ink, Basic Gray & Basic Black cardstock.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

First Day Back...

It's been awhile...let's sit down with a cup of coffee, shall we?

















I see now it's been nearly 8 MONTHS since I last posted!  In some ways, I can't believe it's been that long...in other ways, I totally can. I'll try to share bits and pieces of that time in the days to come...including some crafting! :)

Perhaps one person actually checks this anymore, wondering...did she EVER finish that craft room??  I can say with great excitement...YES - we finished it in April!  I've been able to create here and there, but not a lot, or as often as I'd like to. I'm hoping that will all change, now that school's back in session.

Back to school, I can hardly believe it. My girls started yesterday, as 1st and 4th graders!

Yesterday was such a GREAT first day.

The girls were up and going at a good time...in fact, my 1st grader was up ONE HOUR earlier than my alarm was set for, coming to my room already dressed, asking if she could make her sandwich yet. ;)

I don't know about you, but for us, a new school year comes with traditions. One is this: I HAVE to bring them to school on the first day - poor kiddos. :)  There's just something about bringing them to their classrooms that first day...love it. Yes, I realize this will not last much longer. ;)

After the classroom drop off /picture taking, mom & I walked over to the High School for another first day tradition - Convocation.

As I sit on the bleachers, taking in the buzzing excitement around me, I recall first days of school from my youth...seeing everyone again, feeling excited yet a little nervous....

Years later, as a parent, I see it so differently.

There is still that excitement buzzing all around...but now is that waiting, that craning my neck for a glimpse of my daughters, filing in with their new teachers and classmates. My heart bursts with joy as I see them, and I do that thing...you know...wave like crazy until they see me and wave back with a smile on their face. :)

That excitement and joy is just a small part. As a parent, I appreciate how this tradition starts the year off pointing to the One who makes everything possible, and dedicating each year to Him. It is quite common for tears to gather in my eyes at some point (sometimes more than once) during this hour or so. Whether it's during a speech given by a special speaker, during a time of singing, or during the final prayer (gets me every time). I always leave the grounds with a full and thankful heart.

Post-Convocation, Mom and I chatted over lattes at a local coffeeshop - a treasured time. :)

Next...I went to the grocery store. ALONE.

I found myself in a totally different frame of mind than when my kids are with me.  Now, don't get me wrong. I love them dearly. In fact, they've actually become quite helpful. It's just that this time, there was no fighting over who gets to push the cart (every. single. time), no trying to push with them hanging on or standing in front of me.  Just me, pushing the cart as I please. Stopping for a moment to chat with someone from church, getting to know them better. Walking through the bakery department with no "mom, can we get a donut?" pleading (really the only thing they ask for, cuz they know that once in a great while - IF it's on sale for a good price, I allow it).

I walked right on by those donuts and smiled a bittersweet smile - glad to not have the question asked, yet missing them a little in that moment too. :)

As much as that time alone is appreciated...I am still happy beyond measure to see them return after a day at school.

People often ask me what I'll do with my time, now that I've got both of my kids in school full-time. Believe me, I've got enough to keep me busy!  No, not just crafting and blogging, as nice as that would be, ha ha.

There's still yardwork, housework, Bible Study, more rooms and projects to finish (remember we moved a year ago), etc. One thing (among many) I'd like to accomplish, is keeping up to date with tasks better.  For example - it sure would be nice to balance the checkbook sooner than a couple months behind. :-|  I'm not the only one, am I?

I would love to hear from YOU!

How was your summer?  Do you have any back-to-school traditions?  Do you ever get behind on things like housework, balancing checkbook, etc...or am I the only one? Do you have any goals for this year?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

PS - Yup, there's coffee in that mug - Folgers. ;-)  The mug is from a field trip to Sbux headquarters, and I love the size - it's almost like having two cups of coffee at a time - much needed this week! ;)

2013 Awaits...

Happy New Year to y'all! Yes, I realize it's the 8th...but better late than never, right? ;)

I'd like to show you a picture that makes me smile.
 
Yes, it's a calendar. Look closer.
IT'S EMPTY!!!! :)

Usually, I love filling it in with all the birthdays and anniversaries (seriously - it's the same part of me that likes to fill out forms - wink).

This year, however...it stayed empty for a few days on the wall.  My hubby noticed the other day, and said something. I said, I'm enjoying looking at the NOTHING on there. :)

Since taking this picture, I've added the birthdays and anniversaries, and will update it with everything today, but it sure was nice to look at a clean slate for awhile. :)

The last couple months have been...well, busy. Full. A little stressful at times. I soooooo enjoyed the Christmas break with my kiddos. After the 19th, it was nothing major on the calendar other than the multiple family parties in the evenings. We sooo needed the downtime.  I wasn't even ready to let them go back to school last week! lol

I'm looking forward to the fresh start of 2013. How about you?

Craft Room update (since I know you're wondering): A hole cut in wall, and built-in bookshelves are in. Still have to put the backside of the shelves on. Which means more sanding, priming and painting (ugh). I've done a lot of sanding, priming, and painting...and now comes the next round of priming and painting. :) Some drawers, some trim. Then...the walls!  WOO HOO!! Things move very slowly when you have a dairy farmer husband to wait on and a painful arm to contend with. ;) REALLY hoping to be done by the end of January...because Sale-A-Bration awaits! (Priorities, priorities, I know). It's not just that...I just want to get in there and create! Not just for enjoyment, or to sell in my Etsy shop...there have been many times I've felt prompting to create a card for someone...and can't.

Would love to hear from you - are you looking forward to the new year? Do you have any resolutions you're willing to share?

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA!!

Oh. My. Goodness!!!

Stampin' Up is offering a 10 day sale with items discounted up to 50% off! NOVEMBER 19th-28th

If that weren't enough...they're adding 3 additional items each on MONDAY the 19th and WEDNESDAY the 28th - (6 total!)....some GREAT items!

One of those Monday the 19th ONLY items is...the Big Shot™ Die-Cutting Machine!!!  Know someone who's been wanting one? It could be yourself...or someone on your Christmas List! What a GREAT time for it to be ON SALE!!! I've never seen it go on sale!

How bout I whet your appetite with even MORE items from the list?

Simply Scored™ Diagonal Plate,  Big Shot Doctor’s Bag, Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I), Clear Block Storage Caddy, Stack & Store Caddy, DSP, Stamp Sets, Embossing folder, Smooch Spritz, Gift Boxes, Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps, Ribbon, Brads, Rhinestones, Buttons, Shaker Frames, Spritzer, Tabletop cutter (LOVE mine!!), Punches, Bigz Dies, MDS 2, MDS 2+....and MORE!!

See what I mean when I said "wow" ??!! :)

If you click the picture above, it'll bring you to the SALE LIST.
Once you've made your list, visit my online store (available 24-7) to get the preferred price!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Merry Christmas Skating

The last two days, I've shared a cards made with one of my fave (new) sets, For The Birds.
Today, I'm going to share another project with you, but it's not a card.

It's a gift tag! :)

I super-duper adore this little skating bird!  He was so fun to color!










If you look closely, you'll see the red part (Cherry Cobbler) is textured - I embossed it with SU's Chevron embossing folder, then cut it out with the Labels Collections Framelits and my Big Shot.

I stamped the birdie onto Whisper White cardstock with Black Stazon ink, and colored in with a blender pen and ink pad lids! The itty bitty parts were done with SU markers. :)

I attached SU's tiny rhinestones, and the ribbon you see is Gumball Green stitched satin, tied with a bow of Cherry Cobbler baker's twine.

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Miss Being With You...

Here's another card I made for display at my Annual Party in October...
I used the same stamp set as in yesterday's post.

Watercoloring is one of my most favorite cardmaking techniques. So I *reeeally* wanted the For The Birds stamp set. It just begs me to be colored! :)

This is a more Fall-ish (yup, I officially declare it a word) card than yesterday's...I wanted to use the Orchard Harvest designer paper from the Holiday catalog - LOVE that paper!

LOTS on this card!
Cardbase is Early Espresso. Next layer is Naturals Ivory - I find it a little more forgiving for watercoloring. :) At the bottom you see the Orchard Harvest dsp (as noted earlier), and between the two - a strip of More Mustard punched with the Scallop Trim Border punch. Topped with Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon and 1/8" Early Espresso ribbon, tied together with Linen Thread. The tag is cut with the Bitty Banners Framelits die.

WHEW! Oops - forgot one more thing...it's been awhile, but I'm pretty sure I colored this with our Aquapainter, and assorted SU ink pad lids. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Thanks For Your Support

You know...there's a few people this card could be for, because...yes, I am SO grateful for their support.  However, the truth is that this is another sample I made for my Annual Party in October. :)

The image is from a set called For The Birds - one of my "must-haves" upon perusing the new catalog when it came out. ;)  I *love* to watercolor, and this set is perfect for that! :)

The card base is our Whisper White cardstock embossed with the Big Shot and new Woodgrain embossing folder from the Holiday Catalog - LOVE it!!

The strips of designer paper are from the Twitterpated dsp.

I stamped the image onto our watercolor paper with Stazon ink, then colored in with my trusty aquapainter and ink pad lids. :)

Finished it off with a button from the Brights Button Assortment, and a bow of white baker's twine. :)

How'd I make the fancy-schmancy cut top and bottom of main image panel?  By inserting the ends into my Designer Label punch!

Stay tuned for more samples from the For The Birds stamp set! :)

*NOTE: Stamp set links send you to the wood-mount version. Clear-mount (what I mostly use) is also available for a lower price. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A "Corny" Thank You

Love it when I can use a pun in my title. ;)
Today's project is NOT Christmas....it's more Fall-ish. Is that a word? Fall-ish??

Anywho...here's another sample I made to have on display at my Annual Holiday Party in October...

I made this card using another stamp set / matching framelits combo from the Holiday catalog. :)

I used the Perfectly Preserved stamp set, and the Cannery Set framelit dies. Not only was I able to use a matching stamp set and framelit dies, but...I also used the coordinating Orchard Harvest Designer paper! I really really like this paper. So much, I'm thinking about getting more before the catalog is gone in December. :)

Did you know you can purchase the stamp set and coordinating framelit die set as a bundle for 15% off? YES!! You CAN!!! :)

Anyways...it's pretty self-explanatory, but...the card base is Crumb Cake, and the designer paper as mentioned before, is Orchard Harvest. I inked the corn husks with my Lucky Limeade marker, and the corn with a combination of So Saffron and More Mustard markers. Love! :)  I then cut it out using the coordinating framelits dies! :)

The "Thank You" tag is stamped in Lucky Limeade from the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set, and cut out with the Bitty Banners framelits die, then connected to the layers & bow of linen thread for that rustic country look. :)

*NOTE: All stamp set links lead to wood mount stamps, but are also available in clear mount for a lower price. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Triple Layer Snowflake Wow

Hello and Happy Monday! :)

I'm blogging today between loads of laundry, cleaning, and preparing for tonight's GEMS meeting (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior). So I hope it makes sense with all the starting and stopping! lol

I always try to show at least one technique at my parties, and this last one was no exception. :)  I was really excited to show it, and when I asked the gals what the favorite thing they learned/saw that night was, the unanimous answer was my technique card! :)

So without further adieu...
I give you my "wow" technique card:

It's called "Triple Layer Stamping" and it's really popular right now!

The cool thing about this technique is that even though there's matting around each layer, it still looks as if the stamped images are continuing on through without interruption!



I also made them a template on my computer with measurements and such, emailed after the event.  Hm. Maybe I should film a tutorial and post it here...and include the template too. Whatcha think?

So here's the details:
I stamped the snowflakes from the Snow Swirled stamp set in one of our new InColors - Midnight Muse. LOVE IT!!! I just love the classy look of the simple Whisper White and Midnight Muse. I then stamped "Merry Christmas" from the set Petite Pairs with Midnight Muse ink. Punched it out with our Large Oval punch, and layered it with a Scalloped Oval punch. Popped it up on dimensionals (of course - wink), and finished it off with a coordinating Midnight Muse Stitched Satin ribbon!

Well, what do you think?  I'd love to hear from ya! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Can't Catch Me, I'm The...

GINGERBREAD MAN!! :)  Ha ha - well, it looks like I caught him - and his little friend, too! ;)

Today I'll be sharing the last of my party samples using the Scentsational Season stamp set. :)  It's not my favorite (and I can't seem to get a good quality picture of it!), but I still like it. :) 

The card layers you see here are Early Espresso, then either Very Vanilla or Whisper White (I don't have it here next to me, lol), and then Cherry Cobbler embossed with the new Lacy Brocade embossing folder and Big Shot.

Love these cute gingerbread men from this set. I stamped them in Early Espresso onto Soft Suede cardstock, and then put them on the Brushed Silver cardstock I made to look like a cookie sheet.

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out with the Word Window Punch, and matted onto the Modern Label Punch in Early Espresso. The itty bitty silver you see on each side is our Silver Mini Brads.

ALSO - The gingerbread men were embossed with the new Sugar & Spice embossing powder from the Holiday Catalog - smells sooo yummy! :)

I got the idea of the cookies on the sheet from another stamper on a Stampin' Up demo-only website. They also used the mitten punch to look like oven mitts, but since I changed things up from the original, I tried to do the oven mitt thing and it looked ridiculous! I couldn't place things without it looking silly, like I was TRYING so hard to put oven mitts SOMEWHERE! lol  So I left them off. :)

I like gingerbread men...but it's been YEARS since I've made any, much less tasted one! lol
What about you? Do you like or dislike them, and does anyone out there have a great recipe for them?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Red & White Delight

So, I didn't end up coming back to post this yesterday, because, well...I'll be honest with ya - I wanted to be sure everyone saw the sale and was able to participate if they wanted to! :)

Here's the project I was *going* to post yesterday -- it's another one from my batch of party samples! Again, I used the Scentsational Season stamp set - love that set and it's matching framelits!! :)

The card base is Real Red cardstock, layered with Whisper White which has been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and Big Shot.

I wrapped the new Real Red stitched 1/4" ribbon around the embossed white layer.

The sentiment is stamped in Real Red onto Whisper White, and it's from the Delightful Dozen stamp set.

Using the Labels Collection Framelits, I cut out both the sentiment and a Real Red layer to frame it, then pierced holes around the red layer for added interest. :)

The candy canes on the left hand side were stamped in Real Red ink and embossed - they're shiny! :)  Then I cut them out with the Holiday Collection framelits, and mounted them next to the sentiment, which was also stamped in Real Red.

Oh...and there are a few dimensionals used in this project too. ;)

Well, what do you think? Would love to hear from y'all (you know, the two of you that still come and check it out, lol)! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!

Crystal

WOW - What A Deal!

I will be back to share a card with you soon, but wanted to post this right away as it is time-sensitive!

I have TWO things to share with you in this post (+ 2 "Also" at the end)!

TODAY ONLY!
Every single set is 15% off, on Monday the 29th ONLY

Look through our catalog - determine which sets you need for Holiday projects, or any sets that have been on your wish list. Now is the time - did you know you can order through me online and get them sent to you directly?

** There is no minimum purchase, and no limit to the number of stamps you can order.
** This means all stamps in the current catalogs including :

• Background stamps
• Personalized name stamps
• Cookie press stamps
• Single-image stamps

** This does NOT include:

• Hostess sets
• Bundled stamp sets
• Digital stamp brush sets

WOWWWW!!!!!  AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!! :)
Did you notice at the end it says digital stamp brush sets NOT included?
Well....there's a reason for that:

What do you get when you combine Digital Scrapbooking Day and My Digital Studio?

What: Three FREE downloads. 50% off ALL digital kits!
When: October 29-November 5, 2012

ALSO:
1) Recently, over 70 items have been added to the Clearance Rack!!!
2) MORE stamps added to the single stamp offerings!

Combine your order of 15% off stamps, 50% off digital downloads, and Clearance Rack items on your online order TODAY! :)

Wow - I'm excited. In all my years of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I don't remember EVER seeing a sale on ALL of our stamps at once!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Oh Christmas Tree

I have another card to share with you using the stamp set Scentsational Season!
I'll admit...it's not my absolute favorite of the ones I'ce recently made, but I still like it. :)

In yesterday's post, I showed two projects made with the same stamp set, using the coordinating framelits to cut the trees out.

Today, I'm going to remind you that you can just stamp out the images in the set, you don't have to always "cut" them out (even though it's really fun and I definitely still prefer and reccommend the framelits). Oh, and remember if you purchase them together as a bundle, you save 15%!

The card base is Cherry Cobbler.
The neutral color you see is Very Vanilla.
The cool starry looking red designer paper is from the same dsp shown yesterday - Be Of Good Cheer. Love it!! :)

I triple-tied some Cherry Cobbler bakers twine around, and stamped the tree in Gumball Green and Summer Starfruit (both new InColors).

I think before I do anything with it (sell it on Etsy or give to someone), I may just add an itty bitty tag hanging from the bow part...saying 'Merry' or something.

What do you think? Like it the way it is, or add a little tag?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

As Promised...

In yesterday's post, I promised I would try to post some pictures of the free Make N Takes the girls did at my Annual Holiday party.

I went with a "Christmas" theme on these - even though it's a bit early to be thinking Christmas (for me anyways). ;)

The first is a card, made with the Scensational Season stamp set in the Holiday Catalog:


I just LOVE the colors of the Be Of Good Cheer dsp, so that's what I took my inspiration from (polka dotted designer paper you see behind the tree). :)

The card base is Cherry Cobbler, then a layer of our new In Color - Gumball Green (LOVE that color!), then a layer of Very Vanilla.

Next, we've got a textured panel of Cherry Cobbler - LOVE that texture! I made it using the Big Shot and Chevron Embossing Folder.

A scallop circle and circle punch, and then the tree - stamped in Gumball Green and up on dimensionals (of course - wink).

Oh my, cutting out the tree every time would be kind of a pain. NOPE!!!  Not if you have the coordinating Holiday Collection Framelits Dies!!  Even better, when you purchase the stamp set and die set together as a bundle, you save 15%!  I'm all about saving money - how about you?

(*NOTE - some of the links are sending you to wood mount stamp sets - clear mount is also available for a lower price)

I added a bit of Gumball Green Stitched Satin ribbon below it. Stamped "Merry Christmas" in Cherry Cobbler ink at the bottom from another new set in the Holiday Catalog - Greetings of The Season.

And now, on to the next Make n Take: this one is a gift card holder!
I used many of the same colors and materials - matchy matchy! :)

The sleeve is made of Crumb Cake cardstock, and the red striped strip wrapped around is from the Be Of Good Cheer dsp. Same circle punch, and again...the tree from Scentsational Season stamped in Gumball Green, again cut with the coordinating Holiday Collection Framelits!

See that beautiful glittery star on top of the tree? It's also cut out with the same framelit set...but this is no designer paper - it's the gorgeous Champagne Glimmer paper in the Holiday catalog!

The ribbon bits you see at top is Gumball Green stitched satin, tied with Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.


Would you like to see the inside?
Ok. :)


The inside is our Cherry Cobbler cardstock cut with the Two Tags die and Big Shot. :)

(and a faux AMEX card for picture effect)







Well, what do you think?

It feels SOOOOO goood to be stampin' again!!  It was sure fun to create these projects for the ladies to make. Stay tuned for more items made with this same set, as well as MORE from the Holiday catalog (and IB&C). :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Messy, Messy, Messy!

Ha ha ha...I can totally hear my little neice saying that. She's 3 1/2 now, but I think it was when she was 18months - 2yrs, she used to always say "Messy, Messy, Messy!"  She definitely would've said that about my stamping space these days.

It started with an empty room.

Then came moving day. BOXES, some furniture. All in the center of the room.

Then "Oh boy, I'm going to have to do my Annual Stampin' Up Holiday Party for sure - I'm in pending status! But HOW will I do that with no samples made up, no stamping stuff out AT ALL."

Even though I had hoped to leave things in boxes for painting (and build work done by my dad & hubby!), I finally decided that I would have to unpack the boxes and have somewhat of an organized chaos going on to be able to make cards/samples/figure out M&Ts for my party.

I hadn't stamped in over FIVE MONTHS. LONG months, lol.

It was SO nice to get stampin' again...it's kinda like riding a bicycle - a rusty one, but it did come back. :) I did CASE some stuff, but I also made a lot of my own items, which means I can share it HERE!! WOO HOO!!!  I need to take a few pics, but in the meantime...

Here's a couple pictures of the room post-party prep:

This is looking from the door into the room. See my lovely light? ha ha

This is turning to the left. If turned to left a bit more, would see the door.


See the two little blue rectangles next to the bookcase? I *think* those are the two color possibilities I have it narrowed down to, lol.













SEE?!!  MESSY, MESSY, MESSY!!!! :)

Hoping to have a post tomorrow of the M&T's the gals did at my party! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

SINGLE stamps???

Stampin' Up lovers...watch out!

Ever LOVED one, maybe two, three stamp sets out of a whole set and wish you could just purchase those instead of the whole set? WELL...your wish has been granted (in part). :)

Stampin' Up is giving you the option via trial-run.  From now until January 2, 2013, you can purchase individual stamps from the following THREE stamp sets:

WORD PLAY
PERFECTLY PENNED
SEASONAL SAYINGS

Click on any one of those set names above to see a closer look at each set.
Here's a preview:

Some details to be aware of:

•You must use the stamp item numbers on the flyers.

•The single stamps can be ordered in the online store.

•These won't be sent to you in our typical cases or packaging; they'll be packaged in cello bags. If you'd like a case for your stamp, you can buy our Clear-Mount Stamp Cases that come in packs of four (item 119105).

•This offer is available for clear-mount stamps only.

•The stamps won't come with a Clear-Mount Block, and you'll need to buy a block separately if you don't already have one. The recommended block sizes can be found on the flyers.

•There's no limit on how many pieces you can buy.

•This offer is not available in Quebec.

•Remember that this is a pilot program, so take advantage of it while you can!

WOW, how cool is that??!!

On a personal note:  Do you realize it's probably been over 5 months since I last created a "real" card?  Well... I just FINALLY stamped a real card tonight - YAY!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal