Decor Elements

Stampin' Up has their own exclusive line of Home Decor products which I am just in LOVE with!!! They truly are the highest quality vinyl rub-ons I have seen and the Home Decor Stencils coordinate with so many Stampin' Up designs. I have been doing some exploring with them and was wondering about some different ways to use and I came across this:

Dawn Rapsas designed this for the UStamp group that I belong to (Yes, I know - I totally copied her idea). I just thought it was so cool. It welcomes visitors to your home all through the year. The four seasons are printed on the Whisper White cardstock with my computer and then layered onto Basic Black and then onto Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Dusty Durango cardstock. These are some of the In Colors which you can only purchase through the end of June so order yours soon before they are gone for good. I stamped the images from Best Wishes and More that coordinates with each of the seasons. They are all then attached to the backboard of an 18 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch frame I purchased at Wal-Mart. I had to cover the backboard with Basic Black cardstock because it was like just plain veneer or something like that - not pretty at all! Then I applied the Medium Welcome to the outside of the glass. It was so easy to rub on with the applicator tool.

The really cool thing is that you can set this in a stand like I did or you can hang it on your wall. Mine will sit on my coffee table in the family room to welcome my guests year 'round :) Thanks Dawn for the great idea!!! 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Garden Critters

I just loved Beatrice Bumblebee so much when we made her at my March Card Class, that I decided I needed to make all of her garden friends and offer them as a "class of their own". So, I started punching and am ready to present Belinda Butterfly, Sammy Snail, Lucy Ladybug, and Chris Caterpillar to you:

Aren't they all just toooo cute???!!!!! Thanks so much to Gretchen Barron for designing these little darlings :) In my class, you will make all five cards for just $10. If you do not live close to mid-Michigan, you can purchase the class for $15 and I will mail a kit with everything you need to complete the projects via USPS Priority Mail. You can purchase either option in my Classes and Tutorials link in the right-hand section of my blog. My first class will be held on April 17th from 2 pm to 4pm. Sign up now to insure your spot as space is limited. I will set another date if needed. 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Build-a-Bear Workshop

Those of you who have known me for awhile are probably asking yourself - "what in the world is she posting about them for???" Yes, it's true. For the past few years I have been part of another home party business that is in direct competition with Build-a-Bear Workshop and they were a thorn in my side at many craft shows. But, I have come to grips with reality and decided - "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em".

Stampin' Up has an adorable line of Build-a-Bear exclusive stamp sets and dies for the Big Shot. I had a booth at a local Women's Expo yesterday and had seen an idea for coloring cards on a blog when this line first came out (sorry, I can't remember whose it was). Since Easter is fast approaching, I thought they would be a cute addition to Easter baskets. So, I set to work and this is the final product:

I made four different pictures for girls and boys and included a box of crayons from a local dollar store. Don't you just love those places when you need something that doesn't cost a fortune? I always seem to find just what I am looking for there. I packaged everything into one of our 4x6 cello bags and cut a Top Note with my Big Shot (have I mentioned lately this is my favorite toy?), punched a couple of holes with the Crop-a-Dile and ties some 1/4-inch grosgrain ribbon through them to close the bag. I added a couple of small tags and ....Voila!!!! These are the individual cards included in the packs:

All of the supplies I used are:

Stamp Sets: Beary Best Friends, Beary Best Times, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Seal of Pawthenticity

Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Glorious Green, Green Galore, Lavender Lace, Melon Mambo, Real Red, YoYo Yellow, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, Brilliant Blue, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, 1-inch Circle Punch, 1 1/4-inch Circle Punch, Big Shot with Top Note die, Pretty In Pink and Bashful Blue 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Crop-a-Dile, 4x6-inch Medium Flat Cello Bags

Since my only son is way too old for something like this and I have no grandchildren yet (trust me, that's not such a bad thing) I will have to look for someone to give the ones I have left to :) They are just too cute and I am pretty sure I will find some children who would love them. And, it is so much cheaper than the real thing!!! If you would like some, just contact me at gibby@cmsinter.net but, hurry they will go fast!! 'Til next time.......

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Clear Mount Blocks

I must admit that I absolutely LOVE the new clear mount blocks and stamps! I think our blocks are far superior to any others that I have seen. I know some people like the ones that have the grid on them, but since we have some pretty great grid paper, I just see the need for markings on my blocks. And, besides that, if they did have a grid you could not use them for this very cool gift idea......

I saw these used this way on someone else's blog (sorry, I don't remember whose - I visit a ton of them everyday) and I had to try it. I used the "E" block for this. I attached Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon around the edge with Mini Glue Dots. Then I layered Chocolate Chip 1/4-inch Grosgrain Ribbon in the center of the BB Ribbon. At the top, I used a piece of each and formed a bow-like double loop and then wrapped a short piece of each around the center to hold the loops in place. I attached it to the center of the "frame" with a couple of Mini Glue Dots. Then I cut my photo (isn't my great-nephew just the cutest!!!!!) to fit the block and attached it on the back side with a Mini Glue Dot in each corner. You can't even see the dots :) What a quick and easy gift!!! Just shows that Stampin' Up is so much more than just making cards and scrapbooking. 'Til next time....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Easel Card

For my class in March I decided to try one of the very cool Easel Cards that I have seen so often. I had never made one before, so I found a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers and started playing with different color combinations and stamp sets. Since I am soooo ready for Spring to get here, I chose the Flight of the Butterfly along with Three Little Words and one of my favorite color combinations of Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive. This is how it turned out:

Easel cards as so cool because they become their own display stand. You add a piece to the inside of the card attached with dimensionals so it blocks the front from closing. When the card is closed it looks like this:

Pretty normal, right? The trick is in scoring. You make a totally separate card front and add it to one half of the base card stock which has been scored to fold in half and then one part is scored to fold in half again. You attach the front to the smaller scored portion. Wow, I just even confused myself on that one :) A side view may help you out:

Hope that helps make a bit more sense of everything for you. Since I used a dark cardstock for my base, I added some white to the inside of the card before I added the raised sentiment. When fully opened the card looks like this:

My full list of supplies:

Stamp Set: Flight of the Butterly, Three Little Words

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Whisper White, Old Olive DSP

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Elegant Eggplant 1/4-inch Grograin Ribbon, Butterfly Punch, Bone Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

It is always nice when simple becomes elegant. This card is both simple in stamping and assembling. Check out the tutorial on Splitcoast - it really is fun and easy! 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Bundle of Joy

I had so much fun making Gretchen Barron's bumblebee that I just had to explore more possibilities. I kept looking at that cute little face and thought to myself - that would make an adorable baby. So, I started experimenting with color combinations and "packaging ideas" and this is what I came up with:






Isn't it just tooo cute!!!!? It kind of reminds of the Cupie Dolls that were around when I was a very small child (I know - I just dated myself). I made the curl on top of the head with the Swirly Decorative Strip. I used a 5 1/2-inch square piece of DSP for the diaper fold pouch that the baby is nestled in. This was so much fun to make and so easy since you just punch the pieces and then stick them all together.

The supplies I used are:

Stamp Set: Little Angel (Occasions Mini)

Cardstock: Naturals White, So Saffron, Old Olive, Old Olive DSP, Pawsitively Prints DSP, Blush Blossom, Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: 1/2-inch Circle Punch, 1-inch Circle Punch, 1 1/4-inch Circle Punch, 1 3/4-inch Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, XL 2-Step Bird Punch, Ornament Punch, Big Shot with Swirly Decorative Strip Die, Old Olive 1/2-inch Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Definitely what you would call a "punch card" :) But it really is fun to make! To make the diaper fold pouch, simple take any square of cardstock (patterned paper works best because it is a little lighter weight) and fold in half diagonally. Place it with the fold closest to you and take one of the side points and fold it over to the center of the opposite side. Then fold the remaining point to it's opposite side. Then fold the top layer of the top point down over the front. If I have left you totally confused, visit Splitcoast Stampers and go to the resources link. Type diaper fold pouch in the search box and you will get a step-by-step tutorial. That's where I learned.

Well, I have to get ready for the Women's Expo in Edmore this coming Saturday so my posting may be sporatic this week. But, I hope you come back to visit. 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Punch Card

I love to use punches to make accents for cards. This one is absolutely adorable!!! A bit time consuming to prepare but certainly well worth the effort!!

I purchased a tutorial from Gretchen Barron to make Beatrice Bumblebee. She originally was designed to put on the side of a basket but I thought she would be so perfect on a card - and I was right :) She is just toooo cute!!! She is a bit involved the first time you make her but once you have done it , it is sooo easy. The most time consuming part of this card is punching all of the pieces.

The supplies I used are:

Stamp Set: Well Scripted (Occassions Mini)

Cardstock: Naturals White, Barely Banana, Basic Black, Summer Sun, Real Red, Vellum (cardstock weight), Whisper White

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, Regal Rose

Accessories: Basic Black 5/8-inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Black Gingham Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Sponge Daubers, Punches - 1/2-inch Circle, 1-inch Circle, 1 1/4-inch Circle, 1 3/4- inch Circle, Ornament, Wide Oval, 2-Step Bird and Branch

I know, you are asking "what did she use Black Gingham ribbon for?" Well, you can add a bow to her neck, which I did after I uploaded the picture and since it takes so long to replace, I just went with the original :) But she is cute with a bow, too. The tutorial included 4 other Garden Critters so keep watch - they may just appear in the near future :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wow, I finally got these pictures uploaded. Boy, am I looking forward to having high-speed internet service some day!! It took my dial-up service forever to do this yesterday. But, I am still going to post the card.

I do not normally make cards for every holiday but I do love St. Patrick's Day. So, for last month's card class we made this:






Super simple and yet fun!! To make the shamrock, we punched four of the long hearts from the Heart to Heart Punch and then added a Rhinestone Brad to the center. We stamped the sentiment on a Metal Edge Circle Tag and attached it with a Stampin' Dimensional. We ran the strip of Basic Black cardstock through the Crimper and attached it with Mini Glue Dots. So simple and quick to put together and I just love the color combination!

Here is a close-up of the tag:

The full list of supplies is:

Stamp Set: Go Greeen (under $10 and FREE with a $50 order until March 31)

Cardstock: Glorious Green, Basic Black

Ink: Glorious Green

Accessories: Crimper, Heart to Heart Punch, Rhinestone Brads, Circle Metal Edge Tags, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

I hope you all felt the "Luck o' the Irish" yesterday! I know we did here in Mid-Michigan because the weather was absolutely beautiful :) It won't last through the weekend so I am enjoying it as much as possible now. So, til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Big Shot Purse

Well, I finished my Big Shot project - it is the cutest purse!!! Everybody is making them and they are so easy!! You just have to have a Big Shot and the Stampin' Up Exclusive Scallop Square Die to make your own designer purse.

This is what the purse looks like up close:

I added an extra square on the side to hold my cell phone. It was super easy just to sew it right on top of the side:

When I made my squares, I used the same color on the back of all of them so the inside of the purse would be all one pattern. And the coolest thing about this purse is that it is reversible!! One side has many colors and a shabby chic look with the raggedy seams on the outside while the other shows no seams except around the top:

I was also able to add a pocket and this time I finished the top edge so it would match the rest of the enclosed seams:

After the purse was completed, I covered a piece of chipboard with fabric and laid it in the bottom for some extra stability. But, quite honestly, the purse stood well enough on its own. It was such a fun project and had I worked continuously, I could have easily finished in just a few hours.

My supplies were quite simple this time:

Accessories: Big Shot ( I know you really want one now), Scallop Square Die, Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons

You can easily complete this purse using 1 yard of fabric, a small amount of quilt batting, and a sewing machine. Although I cannot sell the instructions (because it is not my original creation) I can sell a kit or the completed purse. So, if you are interested in either, please contact me at gibby@cmsinter.net for complete details.

Well, I must get on to this month's card class and stop playing around :) 'Til next time.....

Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!

Vintage Vogue

Well, I am finally back! I have been away for awhile working on some projects that I needed to finish up. I made two baby quilts and another framed scrapbook page which I sent off to sunny California last week. Now I can get down to business again :)

With my card class coming up next week, I have started working on some new designs. This is one I created using the Vintage Vogue stamp set from the Occassions Mini Catalog:

I just love this stamp set! To make the card I used:

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper, Whisper White

Ink: Mellow Moss, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch (Sale-a-Bration item), Vintage Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

Looking back over the cards we have made during the past several months, I noticed that we have not made an anniversary card so I decided this is as good a time as any. I am really looking forward to my class this month. We are going to focus on Spring - which I am more than ready for!! I have had enough winter and am looking forward to green and flowers and leaves...... things that I have not seen for months here in mid-Michigan!!!! We are also going to get a sneak peek at a new stamp set that will be in the upcoming 2010-2011 catalog that comes out in July. Feel free to join us on the 18th. RSVP to gibby@cmsinter.net to reserve your spot at the table:)

Til then - Happy Stamping,

Laurie

Remember to get your mammogram!