Perfect Project Kits Day 5

Well, it's my last day of relaxation at the lake and I have one more kit-based project to show you. 

Gift set of eight 3"x 3" note cards with coordinating envelopes featuring the Festive Flurry bundle (133285), Winter Frost DSP stack (132183) and embellishments from the Christmas Banner Accessories Simply Created Kit (132697).  The "merry" sentiment is from the Pennant Parade stamp set (122742).

 This  box is one of the Decorative Window Gift Boxes (132146) and it holds a set of eight note cards with lined envelopes.  All of the ribbon and rhinestones were what I had left over from creating the banner I showed you yesterday.  The Christmas Banner Accessories kit has SO much product in it!  It is the perfect embellishment kit for any Holiday project...not just a banner!

 

Unbelieveably, I had enough ribbon and rhinestones to do two of each of the above cards and embellish the box!  It is an incredible value at just $11.95, here in Canada!  For about the price of a single roll of ribbon you get generous amounts of three different ribbons (one of which is exclusive to this kit), five Vintage Faceted Buttons, ten large rhinestones, four pre-scored strips of DSP to make rosettes, 4 die cut DSP circles, and three die cut glittery snowflakes.  Talk about awesome!!  Did I mention that it all coordinates?  And that it also coordinates with the Winter Frost suite of products in the Holiday catalogue?  So many options to create gorgeous Holiday projects for very little money.  These kits are one of my favourite things in the Holiday catalogue!
I hope you've enjoyed this little feature on two of my favourite Simply Created Kits.  Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more using these fabulous products.  Now here's the really great news...you can get your favourite project kit for FREE!  This month, new members of my Tri-City Stampers team get to choose a project kit to add to their Starter Kit for free!  What a great bonus!  Click HERE to learn more about this promotion and click "Join My Team" above to learn about all that Stampin' Up! has to offer you.  I would love to welcome you to my team!
Have a fabulous weekend!!

Lovely as a Thankful Tree

Holiday card featuring the Truly Grateful (131733) and  Lovely as a Tree (127793) stamp set.

Yesterday I showed you a Harvest-themed card using the new Truly Grateful stamp set.  Today I want to show you just how versatile that set can be!  Here I used the chevron background image behind the iconic fir tree from Lovely as a Tree to create a Christmas card.

Sentiment is from the Pennant Parade (122742) stamp set and is punched with the Little Labels punch pack (126881).  Star is punched with the Merry Minis punch pack...still available on the Carryover List!

I love that background image.  It is going to be in my collection for quite some time!  Here are some tips for recreating this one:

• I used Naturals Ivory card stock to stamp on and for my card base...it adds a lovely rustic texture.
• The chevron background is stamped in Crumb Cake ink.
• The tree is heat embossed in pewter.
• The panel behind the focal image is Soft Sky card stock embossed with the new Pretty Print TIEF(132175)
• The focal image is matted on Crumb Cake card stock.
• The little sentiment label and glimmer paper star are adhered to the knot of the bow with glue dots.
• I used Soft Sky Seam Binding Ribbon (131210) to add softness and shine.

This is certainly one that will be joining my Holiday class line-up this fall!

Silver Star Tree

Do you ever see a stamp that you just have to have, buy it and then wonder what the heck to do with it?  That was the case with me and the Star Tree A La Carte  stamp.  I loved the image and bought it right after the new catty came out, but haven't been able to come up with a design that I like that uses it!  This past weekend I think I finally got it right!  Have a look:

Holiday card featuring the Star Tree stamp with sentimen from Pennant Parade

I do really like this stamp heat embossed in metallic colours.  This time I used silver and am really happy with the result.  I added a bit of brushed silver cardstock that I embossed and die cut with my Edgelits.  The seam binding ribbon and glimmer brad add just the right amount of sparkle.  This design is one I plan to use this weekend for my lucky Rockton Fair door prize winner's free class.  I hope she and her friends will like it!

Froggy Birthday

This weekend I spent a bit of time prepping for an upcoming class I have next weekend.  The hostess asked to do birthday cards...particularly one for a young boy.  She said she always has trouble coming up with designs for that particular demographic.  She's not alone!  Cards for young boys can be a challenge, but, thankfully, I have one (young boy, that is) and he thinks this card is kinda fun.  Check it out!

Birthday card for a young boy featuring the Perfectly Preserved and Moving Forward stamp sets with sentiments from Pennant Parade and Family Reunion.

Inside view with sentiment from the Delightful Dozen set.

Fun, eh?  I love that little froggy from the Moving Forward set...in fact, its the only stamp from that set that has actually seen ink so far!  I liked the idea of the frogs escaping from the jar...how many of us moms of little boys shudder to think about all the critters living in the various jars that find their way into our home over the summer months?   Thankfully, all of our "guests" have moved on the greener pastures and we are, for the moment, critter free.  Anyhow, my son thought it was pretty funny that the frogs were jumping out of the jar on this card.  In fact, he asked if he could give it to the one of this friends that has a birthday.  Nothing like the stamp of approval from a 5-year-old!  (Pardon the pun!!)  I stamped a border using the "happy birthday" stamp from the Family Reunion set and added a little tag from the Pennant Parade set.  The colour scheme is Lucky Limeade, Summer Starfruit and Basic Black.  The only embellishment is a bit of baker's twine to hold the tag on the jar. Simple and boy-friendly.   I hope my class attendees like it!

Twelve Days of Christmas (in July!) Day 7

In case you hadn't guessed by now, I am absolutely IN LOVE with this Holiday Catalogue!  I can't wait for it to go live so that all of you can enjoy the fabulous new products too!  Today's card is loaded with new goodies...check it out!

Twelve Days of Christmas in July Day 7 featuring the Watercolour Winter stamp set with sentiment from Pennant Parade

Inside view with sentiment from More Merry Messages

Can you pick out all the new products?  I think my favourite new embellishment is the new Brushed Bronze Designer buttons.  They are a nice size so you only need one to make a statement.  My favourite new tool is, by far, the Window Frames Collection Framelits!  For this card I rotated the shape and, lo and behold, a whole different look!  Here is the full list of products used on this card:

*Watercolor Winter (CM 129727, WM 129724) pg. 14
More Merry Messages (CM 126402, WM 126400)
Real Red card stock (102482)
Early Espresso card stock (119686)
Very Vanilla card stock (101650)
*Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP (126901) pg. 4
* Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons (127833) pg. 32
Real Red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon (119251)
*Windows Collection Framelits (129021) pg. 30
Delicate Designs TIEF (127023)
Big Shot (113439)
Ticket Duo Builder punch (126883)
Real Red ink pad (126949)
Early Espresso ink pad (126974)
Lucky Limeade ink pad (126984)
Soft Suede ink pad (126978)

* Starred items will be available to order August 1st.

If you haven't received your copy of the new Holiday Catalogue yet, drop me a quick email and I will get FREE copy on the mail to you right away.  Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

Twelve Days of Christmas (in July!) Day 6

I hope you're enjoying my Twelve Days of Christmas series...we're half way through!  Hard to believe August and the new Holiday Catalogue will be here in just a few days!  Today I have a card for you that uses a set from the Annual Catalogue...check it out!

12 Days of Christmas in July Day 6 featuring the Pennant Parade stamp set.

Inside view with sentiment from More Merry Messages

Although the stamp sets I used on this card are from the Annual Catalogue, there are still lots of new product sneak peeks for you on this card.  Here is the list of products I used, as always, starred (*) items will be available August 1st:

Pennant Parade (CM 122742, WM 122740)
More Merry Messages (CM 126402, WM 126400)
Early Espresso card stock (119686)
Subtles DSP Patterns Stack:  Wild Wasabi and So Saffron (117152)
Very Vanilla card stock (101650)
* Snow Festival DSP (126908) pg. 10
* 7/8" Cotton Ribbon (127844) pg. 20
* Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons (127833) pg. 32
Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding ribbon (120992)
* Window Frames Collection Framelits (129021) pg. 30
Labels Collection Framelits (125598)
Big Shot (113439)
Petite Pennants Builder punch (122361)
* Merry Minis Punch Pack (126882) pg. 6
Early Espresso classic ink pad (126974)
Wild Wasabi classic ink pad (126959)
Cherry Cobbler classic ink pad (126966)

Today I also have another fun project from Craft Project Central for you.  Designed by the ever-so-talented Heidi King, this sweet ensemble is perfect for the little ballerina in your life.  Have a look:

Birthday ensemble designed by Heidi King

Cute, eh?  Almost makes me wish I had a little girl to make this for!  To access the tutorial for this and any of the other great projects I've been showcasing this month, subscribe to July at Craft Project Central.  Then stop by Heidi's blog and let her know how much you like her design.
See you tomorrow for more Christmas fun!

CASE-ing myself!

I have another monthly club meeting tomorrow and as I sat down to prep for it I was fresh out of MOJO!  So, I began looking through my collection of samples from past classes.  I found this card and got busy changing it up to use for my class.  Since I had some leftovers from the Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin' kits I used for my Mini Album class this afternoon, I used some of the DSP to makover my original design.  Here is what I came up with:

Holiday card using DSP from Christmas Lane Simply Scrapping Kit and Pennant Parade stamp set

Detail of 3D tree.

Inside detail.  Sentiments are from the Many Merry Messages set (which is on for 50% off till the 30th!!)

I have to say that I like my CASE'd version better than the original one!  I kept many of the same elements but added the 3D tree and the little jingle bell to the front.  I also popped up and framed the sentiment on the inside.  The colour scheme is based on the DSP:  cherry cobbler, early espresso and lucky limeade.  I like the freshness of these colours together.  I hope my club members like it too!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

...unless you're a teacher!!  That Staples commercial makes me CRAZY!  Parents dancing in the aisles because they're getting rid of their kids by sending them back to school so we teachers can deal with them!  It always makes me shake my head that some parents can't handle having their kids around for 2 months...I deal with the attitude and sullenness every day for 10!  God bless teenagers!
Anyhow, the reason I titled this post as I did is more about the REALLY wonderful time of the year:  Christmas!!  We crafters like to start early when creating holiday projects and as the teacher of many a crafting class, I start even earlier as I have to plan and create the projects I'm going to offer.  So, this week, while I am away enjoying the wilds of the Almaguin Highlands in northern Ontario, I am going to give you a sneak peek at some of the holiday projects I've been working on.  Today's card uses the Pennant Parade stamp set...yes...for Christmas!  This set is SO versatile!  Take a look at this:

Homespun Christmas cards using the Pennant Parade stamp set and Letters to Santa DSP

Inside of card using sentiments from Many Merry Messages set.

Isn't this a cute card?  I love the way the embossed focal image looks quilted...so homey and cozy.  Like a warm blanket and hot cup of cocoa on a cold and blustery day.  Sorry...I digressed there for a second.  This card will likely make my class line-up this fall because it came together really quickly and easily.  Click the Upcoming Events tab at the top of this page for class info.
Don't forget to enter my Bloaggaversary draw for some fab blog candy.  Just leave a comment on THIS POST to enter.  I'll be selecting the winner on August 21st.

16-year-old Boy birthday for PPA105

Today's card is one I designed for this weeks colour challenge over at Pals Paper Arts.  The challenge is to create a card using daffodil delight, island indigo and lucky limeade.  I started out to design a masculine card, but then as I went started thinking it would be perfect for a 16-year-old boy's birthday.  You'll see why in a second...

Masculine birthday card for PPA105 using the Need for Speed stamp set and sentiment from Pennant parade.

Inside of card with sentiment from the new Delightful Dozen set.

Now what 16 year old boy doesn't wish for a shiny new sports car for his birthday??  I remember turning 16 (about a century ago!) and dreaming of getting a car for MY birthday!  (Didn't happen, but a girl can dream, right?)  Anyhow, this card was really fun to make because I got to use a bunch of new product as well as some retired stuff too.  Here is how I put it together:
 Starting with an island indigo card base, I stamped the textured background on both the front and inside the card using the retired Sanded background stamp and island indigo ink. ( I can't, for the life of me figure out why that one retired!  It is perfect for adding just a bit of texture...).  I also sponged the edges of the front of the card using the same coloured ink.  Setting that aside, I took a scrap of black cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot using the new houndstooth embossing folder.  LOVE that one!!  I tore the long edges and distressed the short ones and then sanded the raised areas with my sanding block.  The result, I think, looks like a tire tread (I actually asked my husband and HE agreed, so it must be good!).  Then, taking another scrap of lucky limeade cardstock, I randomly stamped the Good Grid mini background stamp (one I got FREE at convention!) all over.  I distressed and then sponged the edges in the same colour.  Then I spritzed both lucky limeade and basic black for even more textural interest.  I glued this piece to the back of the "tire tread".  Then I wrapped some retired black twine around the lucky limeade piece. securing it with glue dots.  Using my matpack and piercer, I pierced holes for five mini brads in the lower right corner of the lucky limeade piece and then adhered it to my cardfront.  Setting this aside, I stamped the car image in black Staz-On ink on a piece of whisper white cardstock.  Using my aquapainter and watercolour wonder crayons, I coloured the car.  I then adhered the stamped piece to a slightly larger piece of daffodil delight cardstock and adhered it to the cardfront using dimensionals.  The final touch on the front was to stamp the sentiment from the Pennant Parade set in island indigo ink on whisper white cardstock and punch it out with my jewelry tag punch.  I punched two more tags, layered them together with glue dots and added them to the knot in the twine.  On the inside of the card I stamped the sentiment in black Staz-on again on whisper white cardstock.  I coloured in some of the letters in lucky limeade.  I then stamped the image again in island indigo and daffodil delight, cutting out parts of the sentiment I wanted to highlight, and adhering them where appropriate.  I sponged the edges of the sentiment piece using lucky limeade and adhered it to the inside of the card. 
Now...I just need to find a 16-year-old boy to give this to...though I suppose a 40-year-old man would likely enjoy it too!

Soccer Thanks

Tomorrow is the last game for my 4-year-old's soccer season.  He has had his ups and downs as he has learned that just because the other kids are trying to take the ball away from him doesn't mean they don't want him to play!  There were many tears shed until he got the idea that it is all part of the game!  He has come a long way this season due, in large part, to the patience of his coach.  All of the coaches in my son's league are parents of kids who play and who volunteer to act as the coach.  They have many watchful eyes on them and are held to a standard that, at times, is unfair...they are, after all, volunteers!  My son's coach has been great...working with the kids on skill-building drills before the "game" and then encouraging them to do their best during the "game".  I use the term "game" rather loosely as they are only four and it is a bit of a free-for-all.  One week my son spent the entire game running hand-in-hand with a little girl from the opposing team!  So cute!  None-the-less he has learned a lot and we wanted to express our appreciation for his coach's willingness to take on such a big job.  I made this card using a REALLY old set called I Love Soccer...check it out:

Thank you card for my son's soccer coach using the long-retired I Love Soccer set as well as the still-current Calendar Alphabet set.

Inside of card...the jersey is coloured lucky limeade (his team's colour) and stamped with my son's number.  The sentiment is from the Pennant Parade set.

So this card uses a bunch of retired product, but also several new items too!  As I mentioned, the stamp set in ancient!  However I used the pennant builder punch and the Calendar Alphabet set to do the banner.  The banner is held together with the new silver mini brads...these are really teeny, but so great!  The colour scheme is wild wasabi, daffodil delight and poppy parade. I chose the DSP (from a retired Simply Scrappin' kit) because I thought the pattern looked a little bit like the mesh on a soccer net.  I spent most of the evening working on this one...I sure hope he likes it!  I know my son will enjoy giving it to him with the Tim Horton's gift card we bought...what coach doesn't love Timmy's?!?

New Catty is Live Soon!

...actually in just 15 short hours the new catalogue goes live!  I can't wait to get my hands on all the new goodies!  In the meantime I've been celebrating with an Open House all afternoon and evening today (hence the late post!) and will continue tomorrow morning.  It has been great fun showing all my customers the new catty and making some cute projects using some of the new product.  I have another card for you using the new pennant punch and coordinating stamp set.  This time its a baby card...

Baby Card inspired by the Nursery Nest Suite of products.  SO Cute!

Sentiments from the Pennant Parade stamp set, little owls from the Aviary set.

Inside of card using A to Z background stamp and sentiment from Word Play set.

Isn't this cute?!?  I love everything in the Nursery Nest Suite and since I can't get my hands on it till tomorrow, I thought I'd try to create a card inspired by it in the meantime.  To be honest I am just too darned tired to explain how I put this together tonight.  If you have any questions or there is something you just can't figure out I'd be happy to explain...just send me an email.  For now I am off to bed to rest up for a BIG day tomorrow!

Three Days and counting...

...can you tell I'm pumped about this new catalogue???  I'm not sure which I am more excited about:  the new catalogue going live or the start of my summer holidays.  Lucky for me they happen on the same day!!  Today's post is another sneak peek at one of the Make-n-Takes for my open house this Thursday and Friday.  I used the new pennant punch and the Just Add Cake DSP.  See what you think...

Open House Make-n-take #2 using Pennant Parade set.

Inside of card with sentiment from Bring on the Cake set.

Since yesterday's card was pretty and feminine I wanted to do something contrasting and figured bright, cheerful and fun was a good way to go.  I chose my colour palette from the DSP, using daffodil delight, wild wasabi, peach parfait and poppy parade.  It makes for a fun birthday card suitable for just about anyone!  I can't wait for my open house when I get to share this fabulous new catalogue with all of my customers.  It promises to be a terrific event!

Sneak Peek #3: Pennant Parade

I often blog about the perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator...there are many...I LOVE what I do!  A new one that SU just announced is the new Title Benefits for demonstrators who promote through a combination of sales and recruiting.  Starting with the new IBC pre-order, demonstrators  who are at the level of consultant or better have the opportunity to purchase pre-determined bundles of new products at a discount or even free!  The product bundle I had the option to purchase includes tons of fabulous new products all designed to coordinate.  Here is a card I put together using some of the products in  my bundle:

Card made using several products from the up-coming Idea Book and Catalogue


Isn't this fun??  I love the bright, cheerful colours in this new DSP.  It is called Just Add Cake and is the same DSP I used for yesterday's baby card!  Talk about versatile!  I also used the new pennant punch...so great to have a triangle-shaped punch to play with...imagine the punch art possibilities!  I also used the stamp set that coordinates with the punch called "Pennant Parade".  I just love how easy it is to create with Stampin' Up!'s products!
If you haven't reserved your copy of the new catalogue yet do it today!  I can release them as of June 20th, but need to know how many copies to order, so do let me know if you would like one.  My contact info is int he right sidebar.  You won't want to miss this one!!