Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

RETIRING STAMPS - SAMPLES TO SHARE

As I posted last week, Stampin' Up! has decided to retire some of the stamps on the current DORMANT LIST - effective Jan 4th.

Here are a few of the sets that will be retired (read: gone forever) with links to card samples using each set (courtesy of SplitCoastStampers.com)

Remember, if you see a MUST-HAVE set from the retiring list, place your order with me no later than Jan 4th!

CENTRAL PARK (#113732) 

CLASSIC SKETCHES (#113206)

FONT OF YOU (#113405)

FOR THE BRIDE (#113216)

LEXICON OF LEAVES (#113710)

I'll be posting more of the retiring stamps with links to card samples at a future date. To see a complete list of the retiring sets, CLICK HERE.

cheers,

HOME MADE ORNAMENTS

Now that the last of my Christmas Bazaar appearances is over for this year, I'm focusing on holiday decorating ideas, specifically hand made ornaments.

I'm prepping for my ORNAMENTS & TAGS class coming up next week, plus my team is doing an ORNAMENT SWAP at our Christmas Dinner on the 17th. And I like to make an ornament for each of my family every year - now that they all have their own trees, it's nice to send a little bit of me home with them. I just tie it onto their present instead of a bow!

So today I'm just surfing the web for new ornament ideas to add to my binder & I found some kewl sites with lots of ideas, so I thought I'd just share with all of you. (Of course, I KNOW that you'll be using your Stampin' Up! supplies to make these, right?)

Enjoy!

• http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/Christmas_Tree_Ornaments.htm

• http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-crafts.html

• http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/christmas_ornaments.shtml

• http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-decorations/christmas-ornaments/

WHEN THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT

This afternoon I left my 'teaching' hat at home and attended Julie's Christmas Stamp-A-Stack event (you may have heard me mention my friend, & neighbour, & fellow demonstrator?)  ... well, it sure was weird to be on the "receiving end" of a card-making class! I soooo wanted to "pretend" to be a difficult customer and give Julie a bit of a hard time, but she had other "real stampers" there, so I really tried to behave myself all afternoon.

Ever since Julie showed me the cards for this class, I knew I wanted to make them - they are so beautiful, I couldn't pick just one to love ... each time we started another card, I would declare to anyone who would listen that "THIS ONE is my favourite" - until the next one came along! (Looking back, it's a wonder Julie didn't throw me out!)

Thanks for letting me join in, girlfriend; I had a great time today!

To see a close-up of these cards, just click on the photo to go to Julie's blog.

cheers,

Donna

FAKE IT FRIDAY: VOTIVE CANDLE COVER

Time for another installment of FAKE IT FRIDAY ... where I C.A.S.E. (Copy And Share Everything) from my favourite Stampin' Up! Divas - the creme de la creme of the creative craft blogworld!

Today we visit Jan Tink (actually Janine Tinklenberg) over at her blog: "Stamps, Paper, Scissors". I just love Jan's humour and individualistic approach to stamping ... plus she breaks her projects down to the simplest steps, so that even I can succeed on my very first try - now THAT'S TALENT!  <grin>

By using her Movers & Shapers die with her Big shot, Jan found a super easy way to make a votive candle cover  - get this - with NO MEASURING REQUIRED to get the four windows to align evenly! This woman deserves an award, I tell you ... what's the craft-world-equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize, I wonder?

Anyway, here's the cover I made following Jan's video tutorial, which you can view HERE.

Another great feature of this project is that you can make two of them from a single 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of card stock, with absolutely ZERO wastage. 

You'll need four squares of vellum paper or vellum card stock, each one is only 2-1/2" x 2-1/2", so dig into your scrap bin.

SUPPLIES I USED (100% STAMPIN' UP!):

Stamps: Medallion, Autumn Days, & French Script (retired).

Inks: Creamy Caramel & Close to Cocoa Classic ink pads; Always Artichoke & More Mustard Markers.

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Movers & Shapers: Curly Label Bigz die, Big Shot die cutter, Chocolate Chip ribbon (retired), Sticky Strip.

Thanks Jan, for another inspirational project! I can't wait to make some more!

cheers,

Donna

FAKE IT FRIDAY: STAIR STEP CARD

I may be down with a cold, but thanks to TypePad's "write now; publish later" feature I already have today's edition of FAKE IT FRIDAY all ready to share with you ... enjoy!

TIME is one of the reasons that I call myself a fake ... I don't seem to be able to find the time to lock myself away in my studio just to experiment and create on my own. Instead, I rely on a short list of my "Favourite-Uber-Talented-Stampin' Up! Demonstrator-Divas" to inspire me whenever I need a new project for one of my classes. Hence the title of these posts: FAKE IT FRIDAY...

The stair step card was making the rounds of all the blogs a few months back, and while they looked fun, I was never moved to try it myself ... that is until I saw Amy Celona's version - WOW!

Amy's been one of my go-to Stampin' Up! Divas for some time now. She always gives clear and concise directions to her projects, and she shares sooo much detail on her blog, UStamp4Fun.com, that I imagine her heart is truly "two sizes too big" - definitely NOT a Grinch, this gal!

Without further ado, here is the card I made earlier this week following Amy's Stair Step Card tutorial, which you can view here

I've taken a second shot so you can see how it looks from the side.

Amy has an excellent diagram of the folds and cutting required with all of the measurements, so I won't go into details here. One tip: the only cutting you need to do is on the single solid line shown on her diagram. It took me a minute to figure that out.

SUPPLIES I USED (100% Stampin' Up!): "A Wish for Peace" & "Yuletide Christmas" stamp sets; "Mellow Moss" textured card stock, "Handsome Hunter" & "Very Vanilla" card stock; "Chocolate Chip", "Handsome Hunter" & "Apricot Appeal" Classic inks/markers; Blender Pen, 2-Way glue pen; "Dazzling Diamonds" glitter, "Designer Label" punch; and Clear Rhinestone Brads.

I really like how Amy added the extra side panel - her version has more pizazz than the traditional stair step card, yet it's just as easy to make. This style of card would work well for birthdays (both adult and kids), Hallowe'en, Father's Day, a "We've Moved" announcement card, invitations ... oooh, now I've got all kinds of ideas to try out! I hope you'll give it a try too!

Tomorrow I'll show you how I altered the mat behind the greeting using the punch, and how I added colour to the church stamp using a blender pen - a couple of kewl tricks you can add to your arsenal.

cheers

2009 HOLIDAY HELPER EMAILS START TODAY!

2009 HOLIDAY HELPER EMAILS:

WHAT: 12 separate newsletters, each featuring a new Holiday Project for you to enjoy - for FREE!

WHERE: Delivered to your email inbox, one per day for the next twelve days - it's my CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU - a little early!

WHEN: I'm sending out the first email today (Nov 16th) and will continue once a day until Nov 27th!

WHO: EVERYONE on my newsletter subscription list! That's right, this year you don't have to sign up on a separate list to receive the Holiday Helpers - as long as you are already receiving my monthly newsletters, you will automatically receive the HH emails as well.

If you are NOT YET a subscriber, just enter your email address on the sign-up form in the top left corner of this blog page and you'll receive the Holiday Helpers too!

(Note: You must subscribe before Nov 27th, 2009 to receive the 2009 Holiday Helper emails. Depending on the date you subscribe, you may receive the first few HH emails all at once; then you'll receive the rest on a once-a-day basis.)

cheers,

NEED A TEACHER GIFT?

Or maybe for a co-worker, day care provider, bus driver, crossing guard, neighbour, boss, hair stylist ... the list gets longer every year.

These desk calendars are the perfect answer! I ran this class in October and I've decided to add additional dates in November 'cause they turned out really well & I need to make some more.

I found this great metallic paint in a hobby store in Michigan; the colour is "Rich Espresso" - how tempting is that! Add a bit of stamping to the calendar pages, make a tag, and tie it all up in one of Stampin' Up!'s new gift boxes with a big chocolate striped bow and presto - a homemade gift that's both useful AND attractive!

I'll bet you can think of someone on your list who'd like to receive a calendar like this one - register now for either class date: Tuesday November 17 or Wednesday November 18; all supplies included for only $25.

cheers,

Donna

FAKE IT FRIDAY: GLASS ORNAMENTS

I can't believe it's Friday already - I love doing this weekly segment 'cause I get to surf the web for ideas and try out new things, and at the same time tell my hubby that I'm working!

Today I've chosen one of my all-time go-to gals for inspiration, Diana Gibbs of Arizona. Diana and her sister Jacqui are both very talented stampers whom I'm proud to call my friends. Funny thing is that even though Jacqui lives much closer to me (only an hour away) I usually see Diana more often in person - at Stampin' Up!'s Convention and Leadership events; go figure. However, I am part of Jacqui's Yahoo Group for demonstrators, and I love all the kewl things she shares online, too!

For today's post, I decided to try Diana's demo of Embossed Glass Ornaments (link). It probably won't surprise you to hear that I already had a supply of plain glass ornaments in my overstuffed "things-to-stamp-on" cupboard (aka my dollar-store treasure chest), so I pulled out a couple of different shaped ornaments to try today.

Now I have made these before (that is to say, I've stamped on acetate, coloured the image and inserted it into the ornament) but I really liked the added effect of embossing the inside of the glass with "Iridescent Ice" embossing powder - it really adds something to the finished project!

Once again, I can't stress enough how important (and sensible) it is to read the instructions THOROUGHLY before you start. Just wish I could get that message through my own thick skull. (chuckle)

What did I do wrong? Well, let's just say that Diana wasn't kidding when she said the glass gets really hot when you're embossing!!!! So ... after I soaked my burnt little fingers in cold water I tried again, this time holding the ornament with a towel ... that was another bad idea. Towels will start to scorch before the embossing powder has fully set. Plus, my EP just wasn't setting evenly - some spots were fine while others stayed powdery.

I finally admitted defeat and went back to Diana's site for another look-see - let me tell you, things went much easier once a) I switched to holding the ornament by the neck with my tweezers (duh), and b) I pointed my heat tool all over the OUTSIDE of the ornament (I was aiming it inside, through the tiny opening ... double duh!)

I had to guess what size to make the acetate circles, depending on the size of the ornament. One ended up too small and the design was turning upside down once it was inside. I ended up pulling it back out with my tweezers (you'll need three hands to do that!) and instead of stamping all over again on a larger circle, I just glued my small one to a larger one, using a glue dot behind the red bow - it worked fine!

They ended up looking pretty kewl ... my hubby was even impressed, and that's saying something! I think I'll offer these in an ornament and tag class in December - they'd look nice tied onto a gift as a keepsake, don't you think?

PS: Be sure to visit Diana's blog HERE and Jacqui's blog HERE - and tell them I say HI!

cheers,

Donna

HALLOWE'EN SPIDER TREATS

One of my club members Amanda showed me these adorable and easy-to-make Hallowe'en treats, using Stampin' Up!'s "Sweet Treat Cups" - check them out!

Punches used: 1-3/4" circle for the body, 1" circle, 3/4" circle and 1/4" circle for the eyes (googly eyes would be fun to use too) and the photo corners punch for the legs.

I thought they'd be a perfect project to make tomorrow (Saturday) at my "Mom & Me" Hallowe'en classes ... there's still room in both the 9-11am group and the 1-3pm group. Roy will have the yard all decorated early tomorrow so the kids can see, I have a couple of fun crafts lined up (including these spiders!), and of course there will be treats, too.

This is a good way to burn off some of the kids' energy while they wait for the main event tomorrow night! Call or email me today to reserve your spot - $25 for mom & one child; second child is only $5 more.

cheers,

Donna

FAKE IT FRIDAY: BRAYERED ROSES

Here we are with my second installment of FAKE IT FRIDAY (my OCT 16 POST explains the concept & wacky title) ... today I'm featuring another of my all-time-favourite-uber-talented Stampin' Up! divas, Patty Bennett.

Whenever I need inspiration or a reminder to loosen up, just try it and have fun, I visit Patty's blog or watch one of her YouTube videos. Afterwards, I'm usually RUNNING to my Stampin' Studio to try out one of her ideas; she's just THAT talented!

So to get ready for last Saturday's STAMP-4-FUN event (a quarterly day I host for my downline and other local demonstrators), I was searching through the maze of YouTube videos, looking for ones that used Sizzix embossing folders - I wanted to show my team some kewl techniques that they could try with these folders and their Big Shot machines. I found several good ones, but this video by Patty was BY FAR the best, giving me the most WOW for my viewing ... and I think the gals were pretty impressed on Saturday too!

I won't go into the technique steps - you can see how to do it on Patty's original video HERE - but I DO want to share my results and some tips (AKA: mistakes I made along the way) ... (remember, you can click on the photos to see a larger view) ...

The "Manhattan Flower" embossing folder gives an elegant look to plain white card stock (photo 1), but this time I wanted to add some colour. As Patty points out in her video, you can try to drag an ink pad across the top of the card to "catch" just the raised embossed image, but it rarely comes out clean (photo 2).

Instead, Patty advises flipping over to the backside (the "de-bossed" side) to add your colour ... now I'm excited! I pull out the same colours Patty used and I dove in, starting with the pink... oops!

NOTE TO SELF: Remember to remove most of the ink from the brayer BEFORE you go NEAR the card front. Otherwise you get ... photo 3.

My next attempt was much better - just a hint of pink, then add the yellow. (OK, so I think this one is too light on the pink and too heavy on the yellow but then again, I'm not partial to yellow roses. Some of the other gals preferred this version - to each her own. (Photo 4)

Here's the one I REALLY like - after colouring, I cut out around the outside edges of the embossed roses, stamped some leaves on another piece of card stock and then adhered the roses on top. It's not exactly like Patty's card in the video because I wanted mine to be a standard 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" in size. (Photo 5)

All in all, I really love this technique and can't wait to try it with my other embossing folders and some different colour combos. The way I see it, the more looks you can get with one product, the better - so thank you Patty for giving new life to the embossed look!

cheers,

MY FIRST CARD ON MDS

As part of the program to become a Certified Demonstrator in My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up! requires me to create a greeting card and have it printed through their professional printing service. So today, I tackled this enjoyable task & came up with two cards ...

My first attempt was based on the card sample on page 32 of Stampin' Up!'s 2009-2010 Catalogue & Idea Book, except that I had to substitute another stamp image because Season of Joy doesn't come with the software. (I would imagine that it will be offered as a future download; it's a very popular set!)

I love that the software comes with many of my favourite Designer Series papers and Simply Scrappin' Kits. I added a tree border, a grosgrain ribbon and knot, a large oval punch & greeting, and I even managed to change the colours on many of the items to get the look I wanted.

The best feature is the ability to add a drop shadow - look closely to the right of the trees, the ribbon and the punched greeting. I had to resist the urge to put a drop shadow on EVERYTHING!

The first card was fun & easy to do, but not really my style. So for my second attempt (and the one I eventually sent to Stampin' Up! to be printed) I wanted a more eclectic look...

What do you think?

I LOVE the stitching options (they're actually stamp images), the staples, the border stamps (you won't find this swirly border in any catalogue!), and the ability to change the opacity of an image - both the border and splotch are done in Not Quite Navy, but I toned down the opacity of the splotch to about 50% so that the butterfly would stand out against it.

Adding the torn edges and the stitching to my layer of Dusty Durango card stock took some fiddling, but the next time I'm sure it will be easier to do.

While I'm waiting for my professionally printed card to arrive in the mail, I think I'll also try printing this one on my home computer and use it to cover a spiral notebook - a girl can never have too many of those around!

cheers,

CHRISTMAS CARD MARATHON DAY

OK, folks - we're getting pretty close to C.C.C.T. (Christmas Card Crunch Time) ... admit it; once Hallowe'en is over, we've really got to buckle down if we're gonna follow through on our vow to give out hand-made Christmas cards this year. 

Show of hands, please: how many of you justified buying the stamps, ink & paper by promising to use them to make your own cards; saving money in the long run and showing your friends and family that you care enough to make it yourself? (Believe me, I say that to hubby every time I buy another stamp set!)

Remember last year? We had all the good intentions to make our own, but we let other everyday stuff take up all of our time, and at the last minute we ended up BUYING some mass-produced, run-of-the-mill, ANYBODY can send THESE cards. YUCK! 

What's the solution this year?

The CHRISTMAS CARD MARATHON DAY:

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14th in Guelph

Make 20 cards in 2 hours or less (yes, twenty) - these are super easy designs and super quick to put together, using Stampin' Up!'s "Christmas Jingle" Simply Scrappin' Kit and minimal stamping.

For only $30, you'll receive half a kit, 10-1/2 sheets of 8-1/2x11 Whisper White card stock, 20 envelopes, and 20 easy samples to copy. All you need to bring is your own favourite adhesive and your card stock trimmer with scoring blade. (If you don't have a trimmer, you can use mine - just be prepared to share!)

Here's the best part: you can pick your own start time (9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm) and work at your own pace, following the samples on the board!

You should plan to be here at my studio for approx. 2 hours to complete all 20 cards; if you're a quick stamper, you'll be done sooner; if you're more careful and methodical (and that's a GOOD thing)  - just stay until you've finished all 20 - no one will be kicking you out the door precisely two hours after your start time, lol.

Need MORE than 20 quick cards? Well, when you register you have the option of also ordering a take-home kit  consisting of the other half of the Simply Scrappin' Kit, 10-1/2 more sheets of Whisper White card stock and 20 more envelopes - all for $20. (That's below retail cost, and you don't pay any shipping or taxes!).

This offer is only available if you ATTEND the Christmas Card Marathon Day; card instructions will not be included because you'll already have your first 20 cards as samples - once you're home, you can choose to copy them or branch out and design your own using the supplies in your second kit.

Come on out Sat Nov 14 for a stress-free, easy-peezy card-making Marathon - enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts ... and I'll have the Christmas music playing in the background, and some cider and shortbread to help set the festive mood!

Line up your gal-pals, pick your start time, and call or email me to reserve your spot today!

DONNA HENLEY     519-823-8891     donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

NOTE: payment is due when you register, so that I can order all the kits and card stock in advance. You can pay either by cheque or cash, or I can send you a PayPal invoice - email me for details.

FAKE IT FRIDAY: CRIMPED ENVELOPE CARD

How do you like the title of my new blog feature?

Yep, it's time to confess to all of you .. I'm a fake. I am NOT the creative guru or artistic genius that I attempt to portray here on my blog. Don't get me wrong ... once in a very long while, when the muses are with me, and Jupiter is in line with Mars, and I hold my tongue just the right way, I CAN come up with an ORIGINAL crafty idea. Then I'm exhausted and I go to bed ... KIDDING!

But most of the time (and I mean 99.5% of the time) I C.A.S.E ideas from much more creative people than my humble self. (C.A.S.E can mean "copy and steal everything", or "compliment and stamp everything", or whatever phrase helps a lurker like me live with my fake self!)

Now, there are a LOT of very talented stampers out there who LOVE to share their ideas; in fact I count myself lucky that I know a few of them personally. What about me? I don't feel I have anything new to offer in the way of creating tutorials or videos or PDFs "cause I'm a pretty average crafter. (I think we've established that fact ... moving on.) I'm content to turn on my computer or go to demonstrator trainings and surf/snap away to my heart's content. Then I go home and practice, practice, practice before I get together with my team, my Stampers Club members, my workshop hostesses, or with you right here in cyberspace so I can share what I've found ... I DO love to share!

(Beavers! Beavers! Beavers! ... Sharing! Sharing! Sharing!  ... oops, sorry about that. After 20 yrs as a Leader, old habits die hard. Bet you can't guess what my Beaver name was!)

So, rather than jump on the tutorial/video/class planner bandwagon and expose my own lack of originality to the ENTIRE world, I've decided that each Friday I will find an interesting project designed by one of those uber-crafty demonstrators, I will make the project following their well-planned instructions and I will share the results with you here ... mistakes and all!

Of course, I'll also supply you with the original source so you can see how the truly gifted meant for the project to be, but it should also (hopefully) be fun to see what I come up with, since I never quite seem to follow the instructions to the letter. (Hence my need for lots of practice.) I think you've got the concept, so enough chatter. Without further ado, here's today's "FAKE IT FRIDAY" project:

I might as well start close to home - Andrea Walford is probably on every stamper's top five list of blogs to stalk 'cause she always gives projects her own unique twist, and never ceases to amaze in the talent department. She also lives about 15 minutes from me and I get to see her at various demonstrator events. Lucky, huh?

Now that she has added video tutorials to her repertoire, I'm so glad that you all get to hear and watch how she does her magic, and ... GASP! ... see that she even makes the occasional mistake just like us mortals!!! Seriously, I really do enjoy hearing her encouragement and enthusiasm coming through on those videos - I sure feel less intimidated when I have visual and audio instructions while I try to duplicate someone's projects or techniques.

So, Andrea made this really kewl do-hickey with a removable lid made from the top note die. Her unique twist was to add a pull-out card inside the pocket, which makes the whole thing much more versatile. (You can read/hear her suggestions for using this project on the original post, so I won't repeat them here. I bet you can come up with even more!) The lid was really what caught my eye, so I pulled out my stash this morning and gave it a try...

First off, I didn't have the Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up! that Andrea used - I know, I know ... it's hard to believe that there's a package that I DON"T own yet, but there I was. I could have placed an order right away and tried this project another time, (yeah, right ... I must have a zillion bookmarked projects to make "someday"...) anyway, I'm happy to report that my frugal side won out and I decided to make it now with what I have on hand. AND I used retired ribbon, too! (Is that my hubby I hear, cheering from upstairs?)

So... the instructions on Andrea's video are EXCELLENT ... and I would recommend listening to them carefully. I wish I had.

Pay particular attention to the part about where to punch the holes for the brads ... it's very important to place them as close as possible to the edges of the die. Otherwise, the lid won't fit over the pocket and you've basically got to start over ... ask me how I know ;-)

It was fun to dust off my crimper and use it again after I-don't-know-how-long; we used to make this type of pocket gift holder out of a plain white business envelope back in the day... stamp-cut-crimp ... it got pretty old pretty fast. I'll be the first to agree that Andrea has given the idea a fresh new look by using Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper and the Top Note die ... I'll be making more of these!

Here's the link to Andrea's original post featuring this project ... I hope you watch her video and try it for yourself. And be sure to tune in here next week for a new episode of "FAKE IT FRIDAY" - featuring another of my favourite Stamping Goddesses!

cheers,

Donna

PS - In Beavers, they called me "Bubbles" - hey, cut it out; they were 5 & 6 year olds!!!

SUPPLIES I USED: (100% Stampin' Up!)

Merry Moments DSP; Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla card stock; Very Vanilla Craft ink and embossing powder; heat tool; corner rounder punch, Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (brads); Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon (retired); Yuletide Christmas stamp set (Holiday Mini) - available through my online store!

PHOTOS FROM STAMPIN' PALOOZA

Did I mention that Stampin' Palooza (held in Toronto last weekend) was AMAZING!

I had a wonderful time, took lots of photos to upload here, and then realized that I didn't have to go to the trouble 'cause our hostess with the mostest, Caroline Lebel, had a professional photographer at the event - who took over 600 shots and uploaded them all for us to see!

Here's the link; enjoy!

(PS - the next Stampin' Palooza will be in Feb 2010 - Stampin' Up! demonstrators ... be there or be square!)

HERE'S A GREAT TEACHER GIFT!

Here is my "tweaked" version of the Monogrammed Stationery Set that we'll be making in October at my "PAPER JUNKIES" class, featuring Stampin' Up!'s "Night and Day" Designer Series Paper and their "Baroque Motifs" stamp set. I like this version better than the original photo I posted on my business website under "MY FAVOURITE IDEAS"; what do you think?

This set of five full-sized cards, five 3 x 3 note cards, ten stamped envelopes, matching pen and a multi-pocketed folder is the perfect gift for co-workers, sitters or holiday hostesses, especially when you personalize the gift with their own monogrammed medallion!

The assembly of this gift is easy - once you've made your first set at the class, you'll be able to whip up lots more at home, in plenty of time before the holiday rush gets here. Secret Santa gift - done! Teacher gifts - check!

Call or email me to reserve your seat for either Tuesday October 13th or Wednesday October 14th @ 7:30 pm. If you'd like to make this project but can't attend those dates, contact me for kit prices.

CLASS COST: $25 (My Stampers' Club members may choose this as their October perk and pay only $5)

Hope to see you out for this one - it looks so classy, yet is so easy to make!

cheers

Donna

NIGHT AND DAY

Here's a peek at the cards we'll be making at this month's 'JUST CARDS" class, featuring Stampin' Up!'s "NIGHT AND DAY" Designer Series Papers from the Holiday Mini (page 11) ..

Of course, being the month for Hallowe'en, there are four cards to help you celebrate in style! I had to do a Hallowe'en theme 'cause I know some folks who really go "over the top" in their Hallowe'en preparations (you should see my hubby!) ...  but at the same time I have friends who just prefer to skip all the hoo-haw on October 31, so I've created four identical cards using non-spooky stamps just for them.

I fell in love with this particular DSP as soon as I opened the package ... there are no skulls, bats or Hallowe'en greetings in the paper patterns, so it lends itself to almost any occasion. And it even comes with two sheets of 12x12 clear acetate, covered wtih tiny black dots - very kewl! (item #116768)

COST for this Class: $25 for 8 cards (My Stampers' Club members may choose this class as their October perk and pay only $5)

Register now to attend this class on either Wednesday October 7th or Thursday October 8th @ 7:30 pm  - give me a call at 519-823-8891 or drop me a line at donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

cheers

Donna

DO IT YOURSELF BUTTONS!

OK, this might have been the best demo of the whole weekend at Stampin' Palooza ... well, maybe not THE best; there were SO MANY good ideas shared in Toronto ... but this sure is the best one as far as the FRUGAL STAMPER is concerned!

How many times have I wished that I had a button to embellish my card or layout, only to find that none of the buttons in my craft stash will go with the colours in my project? My creativity comes to a screeching halt until I have the time to hunt down a better match in the bottom of my sewing basket, or horrors - make a special trip to the store!

Well, with this super-easy trick I can make my own buttons using matching papers from my project, and I'll never have to sneak a button from my hubby's favourite shirt again! (Oops, did I type that out loud? Shhh, don't tell!)

Here's a quick photo tutorial: (click on the photos to see a close up)

STEP ONE: Punch five circles, all the same size (I used my 3/4" and 1" circle punches for this example).

STEP TWO: Glue them in a stack with your Tombo Multi Liquid Glue, bringing the glue as close to the outer edges as you can without having any gush out.

STEP THREE: Use your sanding block to smooth the edges and removed the "layered" look.

 

STEP FOUR: Punch two or four holes in the centre of each button with the 1/8" side of your Crop-O-Dile - it will punch through all five layers with NO problem!

STEP FIVE: Cover each button top with a coat of Crystal Effects to give them a shiny finish. Let dry.

And here's the finished card: (100% Stampin' Up!)

Frugal Stamper's tips:

     * Make up a bunch of buttons in one sitting, and store them in a clear container for future use.

     * This is a great way to use up your smaller scraps of card stock or Designer Series Paper

     * Try different shaped punches to make some really funky buttons!

     * Before you apply the Crystal effects, why not add some stamping or rub-ons to your buttons!

I hope you enjoyed this idea!

Donna

"MY DIGITAL STUDIO" IS NOW AVAILABLE!

You've seen it in the Holiday Mini Catalogue, and you've heard all the online chatter about it, and finally, starting today, October 1, My Digital Studio software and MDS Uploads are available to purchase - WAHOO!!!

(MDS Uploads are for those of you who already have a digital designing software program such as PhotoShop, etc & just want Stampin' Up!'s exclusive stamp images, Designer Series paper, and embellishments in a digital format)

To launch this awesome new product line, Stampin' Up! has two great ways for you to get your own copy and save big $$$ in the process:

• Sweet Rewards Hostess promotion: As you know, our Sweet Rewards Hostess promotion is well under way. Hostesses who hold a $330 workshop can choose any item from the Holiday Mini for just $14. Now, with the release of My Digital Studio, we've sweetened the deal! Hostesses can also get 50% OFF My Digital Studio when they host a $525 workshop--that's over $50 in savings!

• Digital+ Starter Kit: Introducing a new Starter Kit option that includes My Digital Studio! The "Digital+" Starter Kit includes the My Digital Studio software program with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive artwork in a digital format, as well as two rubber stamp sets and many of Stampin' Up!'s traditional embellishments. This Starter Kit is a new option to help you start your own Stampin' Up! business, and is not an add-on to the standard Starter Kit. 

Digital+ Starter Kit Price: $239 (over $385 value!)

Digital+ Starter Kit Contents:

• My Digital Studio software
• Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
• Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
• Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Button Latte Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies (product catalogues, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

MY DIGITAL STUDIO software, and MDS uploads  ...  I am so excited to introduce this awesome new product line to you; and I'm sure you are going to love it as much as I do! Plan to attend a free demonstration at my Stampin' Studio later this month ... stay tuned for details!

cheers

PILLOW BOX BASKET

It all started with Lynn Put's adorable Jack O'Lantern basket made from 3 pillow box dies cut with her Big Shot .. kudos to Lynn for thinking outside the box!

Lynn wrote a tutorial for Split Coast Stampers, and Beate added a video with her own take on the idea, and well, now there are patches of pumpkin baskets popping up everywhere in the cyber-stamping world!

Not wanting to be left behind, I gave it a try this morning and I can cheerfully report that making the basket is super easy .. but if you get a little carried away with the decorating (like me, ahem) then time can just slip away while you play, lol.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away here in Canada, so I decorated my basket for our family dinner table. Now you have to imagine that this little basket is chock full to the rim with chocolate Kisses wrapped in gold, copper and orange.

Let me tell you, I really had to fight the urge to go right out & buy them for this photo, 'cause I know darn well that I won't be able to leave them alone until Thanksgiving ... come on, it's CHOCOLATE!

Want to make this basket too? Contact me to get the supplies!

You don't own a Big Shot? You can use mine during Girls Night Out

cheers,

Donna

97 DEGREES IN ARIZONA

As I type this, fall is definitely in the air in Ontario; we may have to turn on the furnace tonight for the first time .. it was pretty nippy out there this morning!

However, in my friend's home town near Phoenix, Arizona, I see that it is a toasty 97 degrees F ... Diana, you have it good. No wonder you don't live in Canada anymore - I'd trade in our white winters for a year-round tan anytime! I can't wait to head down your way in January for Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference - bring on the heat!!!

This card is for Diana's colour challenge - she started hosting these a month ago, but this is my first entry .. what can I say? It's been a busy month! Glad I could finally sit down long enough to play... I would have liked to do more with this card (maybe stars in the night sky?) but the girls will be here soon for another class.

CHALLENGE: Stampin' with Di's Colour Challenge #5

(Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Real Red)

SUPPLIES:

INKS: NQN, Real Red, Certainly Celery and Basic Black

CARD STOCK: NQN, Whisper White & Certainly Celery

STAMPS: Loads of Love

ACCESSORIES: Black marker, Aqua Painter

GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO PART WITH

I'm losing a really close friend ... well, not for a few more months ... but the point is that Julie's moving away and I'm not going to see her pop over every day like I'm used to doing. We stamp together, we borrow each other's stuff, and her son is like a grandson to my hubby & I (ok, maybe a nephew; I'm only 49!)

Julie is a talented stamper who hosts a colour challenge on her blog using Stampin' Up! colours - I've participated since day one but I almost missed the boat this time, even though she extended her deadline by another week (Just for me? I hope not!!!)

Anyway, even though the new colour challenge was posted today, I still have until 8 pm tonight to post my entry for the last one, so here goes (my record is still intact, thanks to Julie's patience!)

CHALLENGE:
Easy Breezy Kewl Colour Challenge #5

(Bashful Blue, certainly Celery, Basic Grey & Bermuda Bay)

SUPPLIES:

All four of the above listed inks & card stock, plus black gingham ribbon and black buttons, all from Stampin' Up!

STAMP SETS: Animal Stories (pg 88) & All Holidays (pg 43 - for the Happy Birthday phrase)

cheers,

Donna

A BIT EARLY FOR THE LEAVES TO TURN

Monday already - hope you're all enjoying your Labour Day weekend! I'm still in Cape Breton as you read this - hopefully lounging in the sunshine or exploring the shoreline ... pure heaven!

Here's my entry for this week's EASY BREEZY KEWL COLOUR CHALLENGE .. I've been submitting entries since day one and I just couldn't miss a week - horrors!

There's definitely an autumn feel to this card ...

CHALLENGES MET:
EBKCC #5 - Soft Suede, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke & Elegant Eggplant

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up!)
INKS - Soft Suede, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke & Elegant Eggplant
PAPERS - Soft Suede, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke & Elegant Eggplant card stock; Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Papers
STAMPS - Trendy Trees (pg 112)
ACCESSORIES - 1-1/4" Circle punch, Curly Label punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

See you all soon!

SCHOOL'S BACK .. CAN CHRISTMAS BE FAR BEHIND?

Ok, so if you follow my blog at all, you know that I am not at home right now - hubby & I are on a road trip to the East Coast; specifically Cape Breton Island. While I visit and catch up with my aunts and cousins, Roy will be snapping new pics for his nature photography business (check him out at: www.walkinthewoodsphotos.blogspot.com )

I didn't want to leave you all high and dry while we're away, so with the magic of post-dated blog posts, I've lined up a few projects to share.

This is a sneak peek of the cards we'll be making in September's "Just Cards" class, featuring Stampin' Up!'s new "Delightful Decorations" stamp set and coordinating punch, wheel and rub-ons.

It's never to early to start making your Christmas cards - counting the cards in this photo, I have a whopping four cards already done! GRIN!

Join me on MON SEPT 14th or TUES SEPT 15th from 7:30 - 9:30 pm to make eight cards (2 of each design). COST: $25  RSVP quickly; only 2 seats are left in the Mon. AND in the Tues. class.

cheers

EASY BREEZY CHALLENGE

Feels like I've been doing laundry and packing for two straight days; but I really wanted to make a card for Julie's Easy Breezy Kewl Colour Challenge before we head off on our road trip - Hubby just called from work - now he wants to leave as soon as he gets home in the morning, so I actually had to drop everything and sneak down to my studio tonight to make my entry!

CHALLENGES MET:
EBKCC #4 - Ruby Red, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue & Crushed Curry

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up!)
INKS: Ruby Red, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue & Crushed Curry
PAPERS: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Crushed Curry & Bashful Blue card stock; The Write Stuff Designer Series Papers
STAMPS: Celebrate Everything (pg 144) & Trendy Trees (pg 112)
ACCESSORIES: Word Window punch, Slit punch, 1" Circle punch

NOTE: This card is designed to hold a gift card or certificate inside; I used the slit punch on the yellow strip on the right to make two tabs to hold the card closed.

cheers,

JUST UNDER THE WIRE ... WHEW!

I've been participating in my friend Julie's Easy Breezy Kewl Colour Challenge (EBKCC) since it's debut, and I'm determined not to miss a single week! Julie posts a new colour challenge every Friday, but since I didn't get to my stamping studio until Tuesday ... well, you know the rest. I managed to finish this card tonight, just under the wire!

CHALLENGES MET:

EBKCC -  Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, More Mustard & Old Olive
3 CLOVERS - use a photograph on your card
ABC - C is for Circles
PILE IT ON - Threes (3 blue circles, 3 green circles) + at least one other challenge

TODAY'S FRUGAL TIP: I really enjoyed the challenge of working a photo into the card design - what a great way to use up those random, leftover photos in my shoebox - I don't even know the people in this shot!

SUPPLIES USED: (100% STAMPIN' UP! unless otherwise stated)

PAPERS - Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, More Mustard & Old Olive card stock
INKS - Bashful Blue, Old Olive & Brilliant Blue
STAMPS - Itty Bitty Background (page 132), Seaside & Travel Post (both retired sets)
ACCESSORIES - GoGo Boots Alphabet Dies & Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-1/2" & 1-3/4" Circle Punches, and chipboard word stickers by MemoryMakers (for the letter "u")

cheers

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: GROWTH CHART

This just in from Stampin' Up!: "Demonstrators and customers alike love the Décor Elements Growth Chart special offer so much, it is now the top selling Décor Elements item for the month of August! Lucky for you, this offer is still available until September 30, during the Just for Kids campaign."

Stampin' Up! has received a lot of great photos and tips from demonstrators who have been selling and using this new, limited-time Décor Elements item; let me share a few of them with you...

Ideas for Marking Heights

Alana, a demonstrator from Alberta, uses the Décor Elements sheets (page 158 of the Idea Book & Catalog), the My Way punch (item #110709), and the White Gel pen (item # 105021)to create height markers for her Growth Chart.

Julienne, a demonstrator from Illinois, put her Growth Chart up in her playroom, and uses the cute birds made with the Birds & Blooms Sizzlit die (item #113485) to track her kids' growth. "Since my growth markers are movable," she says, "I plan to take photos of the children at various milestones and then record the date and measurement in a 'Watch me Grow' mini book."

And here's my personal favourite ... all you teachers out there, take note:

Dale, a demonstrator and second-grade teacher from Louisiana reports, "Everyone at my school decorates their classroom doors, so I decided to use the growth chart on mine. This was the first Décor Element I had put up . . . and I'm hooked!"

Here's how Dale plans to use the growth chart at her school:

"On the first day of school, I always take a picture of each student . . . so I will take it in front of the grow chart. At the end of the year, I'll take a second picture and send both of them home with our last writing project which will be a book about how they have grown to be better students during the year. I also plan to use the growth chart during Math and let the students compare the length and height of various objects. I'm going to invite other classes to send their tallest and shortest students to be measured on our door, and we'll compare the differences to the tallest and shortest in our room."

"Since my main focus is getting my students to be better readers, I also plan to use the chart to graph the number of books they have read at home . . . so I will be putting other numbers where the metric ones were and adding student names and small punched shapes to the door to show how many books they read."

"Last but not least, my new door decoration has already had lots of comments and questions about where I got it. It's a great conversation starter!"

Remember, the Décor Elements Growth Chart is only available through September 30, so order yours today!

cheers,

I'M REALLY CHALLENGED TODAY!

Technically, this story started yesterday, but today isn't much better ... ever have one of those days that for whatever reasons, whatever you try to create just gets messed up? That's the space I'm in right now; hopefully it passes soon, lol!

Despite smudges, drops, mixed inks (not intentionally!), adhesive smears, embossing goofs, upside down images, and tearing apart and reassembling ... this card eventually came together.

CHALLENGES MET:
* Mojo Monday - Week 101's sketch

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated)

* INKS - VersaMark & Night of Navy Craft Inks
* PAPERS - Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue & Ballet Blue card stock, Brushed Silver card stock
* STAMPS - Delightful Decorations (avail. Sep. 1st in the Holiday Mini)
* ACCESSORIES - Choc. Chip 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, Vintage brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Iridescent Ice embossing powder,  Heat Tool, Merry & Bright Rub-Ons & Ornament Punch (both avail. Sep. 1st in the Holiday Mini), Snowflake Cuttlebug Embossing Folder by Provo Craft.

TECHNIQUE: Faux Diamonds (goes by a couple of other names too): Cover the portion of the card you want to dazzle with VersaMark ink, then cover the entire area with Iridescent Ice embossing powder & heat to set the powder. In the sample above, the top half of the card (blue section) is done in this technique. Optional: if you like, stamp an image on the card stock with a darker shade of ink before applying the VersaMark. (Just  don't stamp your image IN VersaMark like I did, or it will disappear when you do the technique - duh .. I TOLD you I was having a bad stamping day!) To get my image back, I stamped in Craft Ink on top of the Faux Diamonds after it had dried. Not as good, but close enough.

PS: This started as a standard 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" card but to do the sketch justice, I trimmed it to a square 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" shape, and decorated the leftover bit (4-1/4" x 1-1/4") to match the card. The smaller bit could be used as a gift tag or a bookmark or .... ?  I saw this trend on Split Coast Stampers earlier this year ... but I can't remember what they called these odd bits; if you know, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I'll send you a card!

cheers

BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY

Today's card was a lot of fun to make ... Julie's colour challenge this week just happens to be my FAVE colour combo, I got to try my hand at colouring white ribbon to get the green I needed, and I even designed my own card template for this week's Cuttlebug Challenge ... my stampin' mojo was in full swing for a change!

CHALLENGES MET:

EBK COLOUR CHALLENGE: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, So Saffron & Garden Green

CUTTLEBUG CHALLENGE: shape card

ABC CHALLENGE: B is for Buttons

PILE IT ON CHALLENGE: boy card, + at least one other challenge

*** click on photos for a closer look ***

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up!)

INKS: VersaMark, Tempting Turquoise & Garden Green (to colour the ribbon)
PAPERS: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, So Saffron & Garden Green card stock

STAMPS: Animal Stories (pg 88) & Beautiful Baby (on dormant list)
ACCESSORIES: So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, Sherbet Designer Buttons (Aug. special), Scallop Edge, 3/4" Circle & 1" Circle punches, Paper-Piercing Tool & Mat Pack, Hobby Blade, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds #1Texturz Plates, & Big Shot Die Cut machine

TIP FROM THE FRUGAL STAMPER: There's no need to own every colour of ribbon on the market - stock up on white ribbon and colour it yourself to match your projects!

Here's How: Simply hold a piece of ribbon against the ink pad with a dauber, piece of sponge or scrap card stock. (classic inks work well). Next, slowly pull the ribbon through with your free hand, keeping a light pressure on the ribbon with the sponge. Repeat the steps to get a darker shade ... if it gets too dark, just rinse it under the tap, let dry, & try again.

cheers, Donna

NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS?

I was working on my September class samples down in my studio yesterday (there's no better place to be on the hottest day of the year!) .. and I took a little break to check out this week's challenges. Here's what I came up with:

CHALLENGES MET:

I{HEART} TO STAMP'S SFYTT: Aug 15th's sketch

PILE IT ON: masculine card + at least one other challenge

OUR CREATIVE CORNER: Christmas in August

 SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up!)

PAPER: Handsome Hunter, Ruby Red & Very Vanilla card stock; Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

STAMPS: Yuletide Christmas (Available Sept 1st in the Holiday Mini) & Newsprint Alphabet (retired)

INKS: Ruby Red & Handsome Hunter

MISC: Stampin' Dimensionals; Jumbo Oval, 1" Circle & 1-1/4" Circle punches; sponge

ARTISAN AWARD WINNER

Each year Stampin' Up! invites their demonstrators to send in a selection of their creative work in hopes of winning the ARTISAN AWARD. This year's winners were announced in July and some of their projects were on display at our annual Convention in Salt Lake City earlier this month.

Each month the winning Artisans are asked to create a project based on a theme of Stampin' Up!'s choice - and the results are posted to the Artisan's Gallery on our demonstrator website. I wish I could share everything in the gallery with you, but sorry, it's for demonstrators only!

I just love looking at all of the wonderful entries - these folks can really think outside the box & combine paper, ink and rubber in a truly inspirational way! Of course, I have my favourites and I wanted to show you one of them today...

The theme Stampin' Up! selected this month was Just for Kids! - using stamps from the Growing Up! section of the 2009-2010 Catalogue (which ties in nicely with August's Just for Kids promotion - have you got your free designer buttons yet?)

This card was created  by Mary Jo Albright - a very talented stamper and past winner of the Artisan Award. Looking at this card, I am not surprised at all that she won again this year!

*** click on card to see Mary Jo's original post ***

You can check out Mary Jo's other wonderful creations on her blog: Beauty Lies Within

cheers,

THERE BE BEARS IN THIS HOUSE!

 My favourite brown truck delivered this pile of goodies yesterday & last night I played with all my new stuff from Stampin' Up!'s soon to be released Holiday Mini Catalogue ... did I mention that I just LOVE my job?

The first things to be unwrapped & put to the test were the new Build-A-Bear Sizzix die cuts ... they are irresistable! Here are some of the projects I've started ... none are finished yet, lol, 'cause I keep going back to my Big Shot to try new ideas ...

*** click on photos for a closer look ***

Next I think I'll make some teddy bears in pjs!

Cheers, Donna

MOJO MONDAY .. ON WEDNESDAY

So I ask you ... when have I EVER been on time, eh? Today's To-Do List is still dated for last Friday, lol!
Whenever I get to feeling overwhelmed, I know it's time to head down to my Stampin' Studio and have some fun ... so ...

Here's my entry for this week's MOJO MONDAY card sketch challenge ... the stamps and colours I chose were inspired by a layout in the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalogue from Stampin' Up!

(Ooooh, just wait til you see this mini here on my blog on Sept 1st ... there are SO MANY kewl new things that I had a really hard time choosing my pre-order stuff. Good thing demos don't have to wait as long as everyone else to get their hands on new products - I think I'd burst!)

SUPPLIES USED (100% Stampin' Up!)

Papers: Not Quite Navy, Kraft, & Very Vanilla card stock; Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper pack

Inks: VersaMark, Bordering Blue & Whisper White

Stamp Set: Snow Swirled

BECAUSE WE'RE FRIENDS...

Two very good stampin' friends of mine launched their own caRD challenges last Friday and even though I had NO time to stamp this past week, I really wanted to participate & show my support to two of the most creative ladies I know!

So, to Julie and Robbyn .. here are my entries (quickies though they are) ..

Robbyn was selected as guest host on SPCC's
Finally Friday Challenge - we're to make a monochromatic card!

I know that technically speaking white isn't a colour, but I really wanted to play with Stampin' up!'s Texturz Plates on my Big Shot and well, the card kinda grew from there.

(ED: I just checked this week's Pile It On Challenge & to my delight, this card qualifies! See - NO patterned paper at all!

SUPPLIES: (100% Stampin' Up!)
Whisper White card stock, Pretties Kit, Backgrounds #1 Texturz Plates, Scalloped Eyelet Punch, Paper trimmer with Scoring Blade 9to make the two straight embossed lines along the left side of the card), Boho Blossoms punch & White Vellum card stock (to make the small flowers under the brads), and 5/8" Jumbo Brads (neutrals).

*** click on the cards for a closer look ***

Julie chose a very tropical colour scheme for her first Easy Breezy Kewl Colour Challenge, and for good reason ... she just got back from Hawaii!

Thankfully, one of my favourite Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up! had most of the required colours, so all I had to do was add a greeting stamped in Chocolate Chip (why does it feel like I cheated?) GRIN!

SUPPLIES: Pink Flamingo DSP, Summer Sun & Whisper White card stock, 5 Petal Flower punch, Pretties Kit (I seem to be reaching for this a lot lately!), scallop oval punch, large oval punch, & Oval All stamp set.

Now, I'm off to set up for tonight's class ... cheers!

THIS ONE'S FOR THE PAPER JUNKIES

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT:
"THE WRITE STUFF" Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up!
# 115674   Page 163   $15.95

I know, I know ... August's Paper Junkies class was supposed to feature Stampin' Up!'s "Thoroughly Modern" Designer Series Papers, but the paper didn't arrive in time, so luckily I was able to create the same project using leftovers of last month's featured DSP - "The Write Stuff"

*** click on photos for a closer look ***

Join me at 7:30 pm on Monday Aug 17 or Thurs Aug 20 to make this shabby chic box of hand-stamped cards & envelopes!  This box of cards would make a great little gift OR you can use the cards yourself and keep the felt-bottomed box on your desk or dresser to hold little do-dads.

Recognize the box? It's a modified version of the one pictured on the front cover of the 2009-2010 Catalogue! Along with "The Write Stuff" DSP, you'll also get to play with chipboard letters from "On Board Lots of Letters", half pearls from the "Pretties Kit", Twill Tape, several Stampin' Up! punches and the very popular "Medallion" background stamp ... all for only $25! My Stampers Club members may choose this as their August class for just $5. Not in my club yet? Join before Aug 15th & you can take this classs for $5 too!

NOTE: I limit my classes to six participants to finish on time and keep it fun for everyone, so call or email now to reserve your spot for either Aug 17 or Aug 20.

cheers,

2 CUTE CARDS FROM AMANDA'S WORKSHOP

Amanda is an avid stamper & scrapbooker and also belongs to my Stampers Club ... and this past Saturday she hosted a workshop in her own home with some of her family & friends. I had a really good time .. everyone was so enthused & eager to make the projects I brought ... and the jelly beans and chocolates that Amanda provided were just the right treat to keep us stampin' happy!

When everyone heard about the new Hostess Promotion for September, they were eager to book their own workshops - and I'm looking forward to stamping with this group of gals again!

Here are the projects we made at Amanda's workshop:

CARD ON THE LEFT: Soft Suede ink & ribbon looks like antique gold when combined with Whisper White & Brushed Gold card stock ... how kewl is that! Oh, and the brushed gold mat behind the punched greeting was cut on the Big Shot using Stampin' Up!'s Punch Windows & the Magnetic Movers & Shapers die - a perfect fit for the scallop oval punch!

CARD ON THE RIGHT: a touch of Crystal Effects on the glasses makes this simple card POP! Everyone had fun choosing their own greeting for the front of this card.

I'm on holidays the first two weeks of September, so you bet the following two weeks will be uber-busy with classes & workshops - if you want in on this great Hostess Deal (not to mention the new Holiday Mini catalogue that starts Sept 1st) you better call or email me quick to book your date!

cheers,

AHOY MATEYS - I'M CHALLENGING YOU!

TODAY'S CHALLENGE FROM THE FRUGAL STAMPER:
DUST OFF THOSE OLD STAMP SETS!

Last week I was stamping with KIm who needed some quick & easy pirate themed cards ... so I called out to my team of enablers (aka the Artful*Inkers) & Erica loaned us her Stampin' Up! set "Ahoy Matey" and the coordinating wheel (sadly, both of these adorable items are retired).

Here's the card we came up with ... it turned out pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself!

With new products being introduced all the time, we stampers & scrapbookers can get caught up in the "must have it" syndrome while our older stamps, papers and embellishments collect dust.

So here's my Frugal Challenge for this week:
Dust off an older stamp set and use it to make a card or layout - preferably one you haven't used in a long while.

Do it just for fun, or send it to a friend who could use a pick-me-up, or take a digital photo, upload it to your computer, and email it to me, 'cause I'd love to show everyone's work here on my blog on the weekend! Who knows, I may even throw everyone's name into a hat and pick one to receive a surprise gift!

And if you discover that you really don't need that older stamp set anymore, why not sell it on Kijiji or trade with a friend - you'll free up some room in your stampin' space, you may get some money to buy something new, and the stamp will find a new home (rubber stamps can dry out & eventually crack, you know - although I've never actually seen it happen to any of mine; some are seven years old and still going strong!)

BUTTERFLIES, ANYONE?

Here's a challenge that I managed to finish tonight during Girls Night Out ... certainly not my favourite colour combo, but it gave my ol' brain a good workout!

CHALLENGES MET:

Our Creative Corner (sketch)
SP Colour Challenge (Mellow Moss, Crushed Curry & Dusty Durango)

SUPPLIES USED: 
(All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated)

Inks: Dusty Durango
Card Stock: River Rock (retired), Mellow Moss, Dusty Durango, & Crushed Curry
Stamps: none!
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Big Shot die cutter, Cuttlebug background embossing folder, Cuttlebug floral embossing strip, Spell Binders' Swirls dies & Stampin' Dimensionals.

cheers,

Donna

TIME FOR ANOTHER CHALLENGE TODAY

Actually I made this card on Tuesday, but I couldn't show you until today 'cause it was for a swap at a demonstrator meeting last night. (Couldn't ruin the surprise, now could I!)

The swap rules were to focus on new stuff from Stampin' Up!, and I managed to make the card so that it would also meet a couple of online challenges too:

CHALLENGES MET:
Pile it On (watercolouring + at least one other challenge)
Sketch Saturday (Sketch #61)

SUPPLIES USED:
(All ©Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated)
STAMPS: Country Morning (Level 1 Hostess set) & Sanded
INKS: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Close to Cocoa & Ruby Red
PAPERS: Kraft, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango & Whisper White card stock
MISC: 1/2" Polka-Dot grosgrain ribbon (Dusty Durango), Ticket Corner punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, 1-3/8" Circle punch & Aqua Painter

I'm lovin' this new polka dot ribbon in all the new In-Colours! It works for birthdays, Christmas, anything that needs a pick-me-up, really. I've got a Ribbon Share going on right now, so if you want some polka dots in your life too, give me a shout by Friday - 5 yds of each of the six In-Colours for only $35 (Offer available in Canada only)

cheers,

THREE CHALLENGES ON TODAY'S CARD

Wow, it felt good to be stamping again today .. I've immersed myself in researching my family tree lately & have neglected my favourite creative outlet ... stamps, ink & paper!

Today's card covers three different challenges:

2 Sketches 4 You (Laura's Sketch #31)
Three Clovers (sparkle & bling)
Use Your Stash (leftovers from other July projects)

Supplies:
(All products are ©Stampin' Up! unless otherwise stated)

STAMPS: On a Pedestal
INKS: Elegant Eggplant & Orchid Opulence Markers
PAPERS: Elegant Eggplant, Orchid Opulence & Whisper White

MISC: Elegant Eggplant Rick Rack from "Orchard" Ribbon Originals Collection, 3/4" Circle punch, 1/8" handheld circle punch (retired), Scallop Edge punch, Sticky Pages, Orchid glitter from "Fine Cosmo" Stampin' Glitter Collection, Big Shot die cutter machine, & the "Dotted Swiss" Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Frugal Stamper's Tip of the Day: to make the two faux buttons, I punched two 1/8" circles from a sheet of Sticky Pages (see page 180 of the new catalogue), then centred them in the 3/4" circle punch & punched out my buttons! I peeled the red covering off, dipped into glitter, then peeled off the paper backing & applied to the card. Oh, and the faux thread is actually a super-skinny strip of white card stock that I threaded through the button holes before I stuck the buttons down - then when all was secure, I tied the scraps into a knot & trimmed the ends.

cheers,

ONE LAYOUT - TWO SCRAPPY CARDS

Just a quick post this am before I head out for the day ... I had some pieces left over from my cupcake card (small flowers & hearts from the Sizzlets Big Bold Cupcake die by Stampin' up!) that the frugal stamper in me couldn't throw out ... and once I saw this week's sketch challenge over at 2 Sketches 4 You, I could "see" the finished cards in my mind! The pink one on the left also meets a couple of other challenges while the turquoise one on the right is a "spare". Enjoy!

CHALLENGES MET:
2 Sketches 4 You (Kazan's sketch # 31)
Our Creative Corner (Triple Play: 3 different embellishments: rhinestone brad, stapled ribbon & pearl dots)
Color Chef (#15: yellow, pink & white)

SUPPLIES USED:
(all Stampin' Up!© unless otherwise stated)

Raspberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper;
Melon Mambo, Summer sun, Bermuda Bay, Taken with Teal, Dusty Durango, Naturals Ivory & Whisper White card stock' (some are textured cs)
Hearts Cuttlebug embossing folder; "Big Bold Birthday" Sizzix Sizzlets dies, Big Shot die cutter, Whisper White taffeta Ribbon, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Pearl Dots (maker unknown).

"THERE AIN'T NO RHYME FOR ORANGES"

OK, before I share my challenge entry for this week, here's a quick trip down memory lane to explain today's title... hit the buzzer as soon as you know the answer:

Clue #1: 1970's
Clue #2: Jack Wild
Clue #3: Saturday morning kids' show
Clue #4: Witchy-Poo

Did you get it? Yep, the show was called "Puffinstuff" ... "H.R. Puffinstuff; who's your friend when things get rough..." Picture a teenage boy (Jack Wild, who played the Artful Dodger in the movie "Oliver"), a magical talking flute (named Jimmy, I think), Witchy-Poo, and a big guy named Puffinstuff (he looked like a cross between Mayor McCheese and Barney).

This one song from the show was about trying to find a rhyme for the word oranges ... "oranges, poranges - there's another one!" The message was to think outside the box, challenge the accepted norm, and be creative - something I needed to hear in my  early adolecent years I guess, because the song has always stayed with me. Of course, the fact that Jack Wild's Teen Beat posters were plastered all over my bedroom walls back then might have something to do with it too ... along with Donny Osmond, David Cassidy, Chris Knight ... but I digress.  <grin>

OK then, on to the real reason for this post ... a card! This one's one of my favourites; I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.

CHALLENGES MET:
Pile it On (mostly orange + at least one other challenge)
Sweet Sunday #27 (sketch)
SCS: Clean And Simple #24 (colours: turquoise, yellow & orange)

SUPPLIES USED:
(all by Stampin' Up!© unless otherwise stated)
Raspberry Lemonade Designer Series Papers
Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlet dies
Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die
Big Shot die cutting machine
Bermuda Bay, Dusty Durango & Whisper White card stock
Scallop Edge punch
Curly embossing template (by Fiskars)

A NEW CHALLENGE ENTRY ... OR FIVE!

I've been neglecting my favourite card challenge sites for the last couple of weeks... it might have something to do with the arrival of Stampin' Up!'s new 2009-2010 catalogue and all the excitement and planning that goes with it ... but now it's time to stretch my creativity once again.

My fav challenge site is "Pile It On" because they encourage us to meet more than one challenge with a single card - so in their honour, today's entry covers FIVE DIFFERENT CHALLENGES (that's a new record for me!)

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up!©)
Wings of Friendship stamp set (Level 2 Hostess set)
Rose Red Patterns DSP
Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke & Very Vanilla card stock
Mellow Moss grosgrain ribbon
Heart to Heart, Large Oval, Scallop Oval & Corner Rounder punches
Rose Red, Mellow Moss & Always Artichoke markers
Always Artichoke & Rose Red Classic ink pads
Oval Scallop Frame die & Big Shot die cutter

TODAY'S TIP FROM THE FRUGAL STAMPER: I didn't have a small enough butterfly punch for this card, so I punched out some small hearts with Stampin' Up!'s Heart to Heart punch, and just glued them together in pairs!

CHALLENGES MET:
Pile It On (their sketch & at least one other challenge)
Makeesha's Inspiration Challenge (colours)
Creative Inspiration (stitching - faux or real)
Cupcake Crafts (Blossoms & Butterflies theme)

Our Creative Corner (pet theme - I'm stretching the theme a bit, but hey - I had a pet bird once!)

Have a great weekend everyone!

PAGE CORNER BOOKMARK: DIRECTIONS

I promised to show you just how easy it is to make those corner bookmarks from my Open House last Saturday, so here goes ... my first online tutorial!

Click on the photos for a close up view. You can also email me for printable PDF version.

STEP ONE: Cut a piece of card stock 5x5" square. Score @ 2-1/2" (middle), turn your card stock and score again at 2-1/2" - you've just divided the square into four smaller squares.

Cut off one corner at an angle - not too big, you don't want it to cut all the way up to the score lines.

STEP TWO:

Trim the angled edge with an edge punch of your choice (I used Stampin' Up!'s Eyelet Border punch)

STEP THREE:

Cut away the small square that's opposite the punched edge; then fold on all score lines (Using a bone folder makes a crisp clean fold.)

STEP FOUR: Fold the two remaining squares to the back and tape or glue in place. DON'T glue anything to the square with the punched edge - that's what makes the pocket to fit over the page in your book!

At this point, if your edges are uneven, you can trim them on your paper trimmer or with scissors. DON'T cut the folded edges, or you'll ruin your pocket.

STEP FIVE: Now you can decorate your bookmark any way you like, but keep the embellishments flat or you may dent the pages in your book when it's closed.

I used Stampin' Up!'s Small Oval punch and some Bermuda Bay© card stock - this piece will go behind my stamped message.

STEP SIX:

I stamped my message in Melon Mambo© ink on a scrap of Whisper White card stock and punched it out with Stampin' Up!'s Word Window ...

TIP:

When you want to punch out a stamped image, turn your punch upside down to position the image just right ... then punch it out! (Sorry for the blurry picture - sometimes two hands are not enough)

The finished project is on the left, and on the right is another version made by demonstrator Mary Mennie (this one is without the angled corner; if you want to make it this way, skip step two). Mary used the set "Lots of Bots" and Stampin' Up!'s Scallop Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, & 1-1/4" Circle punches.

3 QUICK PROJECTS AND A WINNER!

Despite the torrential rain storm, the street yard sale & the lack of parking spaces all competing with my New Catalogue Launch Party last Saturday, I think my event went rather well. <grin>

A big thank you to everyone who came out on the weekend - it was great to see some new and some familiar faces & I appreciate you spending part of your day with me. Judging by how tightly you were gripping your copies of Stampin' Up!'s new catalogue as you went home, I'd say it was a good day for you too ... and the free shipping I offered to all attendees really helped make a dent in your wish lists!

For those who couldn't make it, here are the three quick make & take projects that we did - all 3 featured one or more of the new IN-COLOURS, plus some new stamp sets and Designer Series Papers...

First up, a really simple bookmark - I received one from Mary Mennie of Fergus at our team meeting last week (she used the cute new robot set from Stampin' Up!) and I borrowed her idea for Saturday's event. This sample says happy birthday & is perched on the corner of my new Definitely Decorative brochure) This bookmark is so easy to make - I'll post the instructions here on the blog tomorrow for everyone. Thanks, Mary for sharing the idea!

SUPPLIES: Rich Raspberry & Melon Mambo textured card stock, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, and Word Window Punch, Oval Punch, & Eyelet Border Punch.

Second, a quick 3x3 note card & envelope to introduce two more new colours: Crushed Curry & Dusty Durango (sorry, my Crushed Curry sample didn't make it into the picture.) I pre-cut the mat behind the stamped image for everyone on my Big Shot with the Movers & Shapers die ... I love that those dies are just a smitch bigger than the coordinating punches, making a perfect mat every time!

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES: Choclolate Chip textured card stock, Scalloped Edge punch, Curly Label punch, and retired stamp set "Cute & Curly" - I discovered that I don't have any current stamps to fit the Curly Label punch - I'll rectify that on my next order for sure!

And our final make & take quicky was a photo frame using a 4x4 chipboard coaster as the base. We covered it with Tale Tales Designer Series paper and added a 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 square of the new Soft Suede card stock as a future photo mat.

Then people chose an animal stamp from the new "Animal Stories" stamp set, stamped it in Soft Suede and matted it in Old Olive card stock. I used the owl, but other folk tried it with the whale, elephant and giraffe - they all turned out great!

The final touch was to add a 3D easel to the back, made from Whisper White card stock. It folds flat to mail or store, and pops right up when you want to display your photo! I made up a whole bunch of these in one sitting so I'll have them handy .. I'll post the measurements here on my blog later this week.

One final thing to share ... of course everyone who attended on Saturday got to fill out a ballot for my draw; the prize being a $25 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate! I'm happy to announce that our winner (drawn by my impartial hubby while he was re-reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) ... IS

(insert drum roll here)

... Phyllis Connell - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

NO CHALLENGES ... JUST A THANK YOU

I made this card a while ago & just realized that I never posted it - I was inspired by a similar card on Diana Gibb's blog - that one used the truck stamp from Stampin' Up!'s "Loads of Love" stamp set. I thought it would be fun to use the wagon stamp from "Wagon full of Fun" ... that's a set from the Occasions Mini catalogue that WILL NOT be in the new catty on July 1st ... too bad, I really like that set.

The thank you images come from a variety of stamp sets - all by Stampin' Up! (I knew I should have written them all down at the time, lol). I actually hand-printed the greeting in the oval punch at the bottom of the card, copying the font in one of the thank you stamps.

Card stock: Bermuda Bay (avail. July 1st), Naturals White, Close to Cocoa.
Inks: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry & Bermuda Bay (avail. July 1st), plus Choc Chip & Close to Cocoa
DSP: Taste of Textiles (retiring)
Ribbon: Close to Cocoa & Tan Gingham (both retired)
Accessories: Large Oval punch, Wide Oval Punch, sponge, Flower Asst Designer Brad

ONE MORE CHALLENGE

Even though I'm on an impromptu get-away trip with my hubby, here I am in the hotel room finishing yet another challenge just before the deadline .. while hubby rolls his eyes and shakes his head <grin>

Keesha's sketch challenge gave me a lot to think about, and in the end I couldn't resist adding a little bit to it - hope you can still see her original design in my card!

For colours, I used Kraft, Pink Pirouette, and Baja Breeze - this week's colour combo on Colour Throwdown. (You'll have to take my word for it on those colours ... the lighting in our hotel room is terrible!)

The centre bottom of this card is too bare for my liking, so I'll probably stamp a greeting down there when I get home tomorrow - hey, I couldn't bring EVERYTHING from my Stampin' Studio on this trip, now could I?

Stamp Set: "Circle Circus"
(available in Stampin' Up!'s new catalogue on July 1st)

RAZZLEBERRY DAISY

Today's challenge card features Stampin' Up!'s new "Razzleberry Lemonade" Designer Series Papers (available for purchase on July 1st ... soon, my friends; soon!) - I absolutely LOVE the colours & designs; it takes me back to my teen years in the mid 70s (gasp; did I just admit that out loud???)

My stampin' cohort Julie let me try out her new Daisies #2 die today, so that's how this card started .. with a daisy. Then I dropped the flower onto different combinations of the DSP until I finally narrowed down my choices (I told you I LOVE it all!) - THEN I found a sketch challenge that would work with a big round flower in the middle of the card... kind of a backwards process, but there you have it.
 

CHALLENGES MET:

1) 2SKETCHES4YOU: Kazan's sketch #29

2) PILE IT ON: use purple + at least one other current challenge (second time this week, I know)

Now onto some exciting news for my Stampers' Club members ... your pre-ordered catalogues arrived today!!!!!!!!!!! I'm leaving shortly for a stampin' class in Kitchener, but tomorrow (Wednesday) I'll be home all day & evening if you want to drop by and pick up your copy!

Not in my club but still NEED to get your hands on the new catalogue NOW??

Well, I give away my catalogues for FREE to anyone who a) books a workshop with me, b) places an order of at least $50 before tax, or c) joins my Stampers Club ... so let's talk!

BAROQUE GONE BAD?

I do the card challenges because they make me try new things with my card designs, but today's card is WAAAY OUT THERE  - at least for me, lol.

I wanted to combine this week's colour challenge from kwernerdesigns.com (#55) with the "sketch-for-you-to-try" challenge on i{heart}2stamp.com.

Each one has its own complexities, and combining them may have been my first mistake, lol.

After many false starts, adding & subtracting, trimming & re-stamping ... this is the end result.

I wanted the look of many layers without layering, so I tried lots of cut-aways to let the bottom layers show through. Too hard to line up, so I gave in & layered the circles in the middle.

I'm still not happy with it (either it's missing something, or the ribbon is way too much; I can't decide) ... but after a full afternoon of fussing, the time has come to let it be and move on to something new.

PILE IT ON: 3 NEW CHALLENGES

It's Monday, which means there are lots of new challenges to try out this week!

Here's what I came up with for the following sites:

1) PILE IT ON: entry must use purple, and be combined with at least one other current challenge (mine covers three different challenges - wahoo!)

2) MOJO MONDAY: use this week's layout sketch (#92)

3) SPCC: colour combo #3 (Garden Green, Lovely Lilac, & Chocolate Chip)

(all supplies © Stampin' Up!)

Stamp Set: Lexicon of Leaves
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green & Lovely Lilac
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilly, Lovely Lilac & Garden Green
Techniques: bleach stamping, sponging, & stamping off (aka 2nd generation stamping)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUMAN!

I was just blog surfing this am and found a treasure that I had to share ... featuring one of the new stamp sets that Stampin' Up! offered to their demonstrators as a sneak peek purchase: "Lots of Bots".

Mary Jo Albright (one of my Stampin' Up! heros) shows how she changed the stamps in this set to suit the theme of her card, using the omitting technique ... check it out!