STAMPING IS SEW FUN!

I guess it doesn't matter if today's card rates really high or not.  Why?  Because it seems to me that if you like sewing, you'll probably like this anyway...

I ran over to the fabric store to take some photos, and while there, a customer (stranger) started talking to me... SEW now she is a new friend and my new Stampin' Up! customer too!

HERE ARE FOUR WAYS I WOULDA COULDA SHOULDA IMPROVED THIS CARD... 

1. Stamped the image with Chocolate Chip...
2. Antiqued some of the card stock edges...
3. Used a different color on the greeting...
4. Sewed a few stitches with the real machine!

Supplies & Accessories: Stamp Set #111676 Puns From The Past; Stamp Pad #101179 Basic Black; Textured Card Stock #108695 Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery; Card Stock #100730 Whisper White; Designer Series Paper #118060 Pawsitively Prints; Big Shot Bigz Die #113463 Top Note; Tools #105826 Mat Pack, #116631 Paper-Piercing Tool; Punch #109047 3/16" Corner Rounder; Button #107421 Colored Buttons; Ribbon #104199 Linen Thread; Adhesive #103683 Mini Glue Dots.

 

 

I have no idea what I'm posting tomorrow.

Sew we'll both be surprised!

 

 

 

 

WISHING YOU HAPPINESS...

I'll start the week by showing a card that's offered in my May workshop line-up. Stampers like this card because it is fairly simple but still requires the use of tools, punches and dies.  Fun, fun, fun and more fun.

 

 

Supplies & Accessories: Stamp Set #111644 Heard from the Heart; Stamp Pad #101406 Jet Black StazOn; Textured Card Stock, Baja Breeze (sneak peek); Card Stock #100730 Whisper White, #101341 Close to Cocoa; Designer Series Paper (your guess is as good as mine); Big Shot Sizzlits 4-Pack Dies #114508 Lots of Tags; Punches #113692 Eyelet Border, #104390 1/2" Circle; Tools #105826 Mat Pack, #116631 Paper-Piercing Tool; Embellishments #105319 Metallic Antique Brass Eyelets.

A NOTE FROM ME TO YOU (but please don't tell anyone else).  There are several reasons I shouldn't have posted this card... One is that the Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock isn't for sale until the new Idea Book & Catalog is released in July.  Also, I don't have a product number for it.  Another is that I have no idea what Designer Series Paper I used.  It sure looks like Close To Cocoa Patterns DSP, but I don't think there IS such a thing.  My grandma would say, "Mercy sakes, child!"  Regardless, I hope you enjoy something about this card and that it brings a little happiness to you today!

 

 

Don't stop now... Keep scrolling down so I can tell you about one of the things I accomplished over the weekend.  (I'm all for simple, efficient and economical organization solutions.)

 

NEW CARD STOCK COLORS...

 

 

1)  I found these black tubs at Office Depot.  They came in all colors, including clear.  The ridge around the edges accommodate legal size hanging folders in one direction or letter size hanging folders the other direction. 

 

2)  A groove in the top of each lid makes for firm, steady stacking.

 

3)  Typed labels with a matching oval color tab, easily identify the contents.

 

4)  To keep storage space at a minimum and inventory simple, I keep two colors in each folder.

 

DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS...

 

5)  In order to keep organized with my ever-changing Designer Series Papers, I found a quick, portable solution... 

 

6)  The Round Tab Punch works perfect for this project. The little tabs slip in and out of the hanging file folder slots.  No tape.  No glue. 

 

7)  Cool huh!  All you need is a snippet of paper to clearly identify it's location.  (These are in no certain color/print order, because they are replaced and exchanged often.)

 

It's not fancy, but works well for me.

 

STAMPING & SOAKING UP THE SUN...

Aahhh!  Pull up a lounge chair and relax with me...

Check out the faux coconut here, then see the step-by-step directions below...

 

To print a PDF file of these directions,

click on the Demonstrators button, lower right sidebar,

and scroll down to Download Coconut.

 

Supplies & Accessories: Stamp Sets #120081-C Tropical Party, and Whimsical Words retired from Sale-A-Bration; Stamp Pads #101406 Jet Black StazOn, #100908 Chocolate Chip; Card Stock #102128 Chocolate Chip, #100730 Whisper White; Textured Card Stock #108697 Pumpkin Pie, #108698 Yoyo Yellow; Designer Series Paper #117173 Island Oasis; Accessory #102300 Bone Folder; Color Coordination #101879 Watercolor Pencils; Embellishments #105319 Metallic Antique Brass Eyelets. 

 

Okay... I've been doing all the blog-talk, but now I'd love to hear from YOU to know if there are any special designs or techniques you would like to see!  Do you need ideas for a particular stamp set (old or new)?  What about tips and tricks with Stampin' Up! accessories or tools?  Other?  (Anything at all related to Stampin' Up!)  I'm right here and you have my undivided attention just as soon as I finish my coconut slush!

 

If you can't wait a minute longer to place your order for these summer-in-the-sun products, visit my Stampin' Up! Store and click on SHOP NOW (located just under my name at the top of my website page).  Remember to look at the items on the CLEARANCE RACK - ALL 36 OF THEM, where you can save as much as 60%!  Really!

 

 

THE CARD PURSE PATTERN...

A million of you asked for the Card Purse Pattern, and I think I missed about half of you.  (It was during the Royal Blog Tour, and everything was crazy. Sorry!)  You can download the PDF file by clicking on the Demonstrators button, lower right sidebar.  Scroll down to Download Card Purse.

HERE TODAY - GONE TOMORROW!

Today's card is considered traditional, and with no stamped greeting may be used for a variety of occasions... 

• The combined colors of Bravo Burgundy, Blush Blossom and Basic Black, are a little more traditional too.

• There are over a dozen Sizzlit Dies in the Idea Book & Catalog, priced at $5.50 or less! The two used on this card are pictured below.

• The inside edge of this card has a 3/4" strip that lines up perfectly with the Scallop Border Trim.

• Using a Silver Metallic Designer Brad with Silver Eyelets repeats the silver motif, adding to the traditional composition.

 

Supplies & Accessories: Textured Card Stock #108696 Bravo Burgundy, #108695 Blush Blossom, #108693 Basic Black; Big Shot Sizzlits Dies #113442 Daisy Flower, #114511 Little Leaves; Punches #118402 Scallop Trim Border, #110711 Boho Blossom, Embellishments #112571 Circle Designer Brad, #105319 Silver Metallic Eyelets.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pack your bag.  Tomorrow we're heading to the tropics!

 

Shop 24/7 in the convenience of your own home at my Stampin' Up! Store and click on the SHOP NOW button right under my name at the top.  To receive my personal assistance right on the spot, simply dial my cell phone (or text me) at 360-936-2030.  Be sure to check the CLEARANCE SALE for over 36 items, many marked down to save as much as 60%. 

 

POT OF SPRING FLOWERS...

ROYAL BLOG TOUR PROJECT 6 of 6 (Recap)

Pot of Spring Flowers

 

HERE'S HOW

1)  Purchase a small container of artificial greens with dainty, leafy foliage for around $1.99 (or less) at your local craft store or garden center. 

2)  For this arrangement, I used a little terracotta pot off my front porch.  The sky is the limit for choosing your container.  It all depends on the occasion, the flower shapes and the colors.  You have 1,000+ choices!

3)  I die-cut the little blue flowers out of the Bashful Blue Patterns Designer Series Paper by placing the paper on the smallest flower of the Flower Daisies #2 Die and running it through the Big Shot.  Each blue flower has two layers. The center was punched from Barely Banana Card Stock with a 1/2" Circle Punch, then attached to the flower with a Stampin' Dimensional.

4)  The large flower was punched from Melon Mambo Textured Card Stock with the Scallop Circle, 1" Circle and 3/4" Circle Punches, then layered together with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I cut slits between the petals on the large scallop circle to make it look more like a flower.

5)  Sticky Tape can be used to secure the flower to the foliage, wrapping around the stem and securing to the back of the flower. However, I found that using double-sided Scotch Tape is easier to use and more simple to remove on this unique project.

Supplies & Accessories: Stamp Set (Snail), #116580 Bugs & Kisses; Stamp Pad #100908 Chocolate Chip; Textured Card Stock #115719 Melon Mambo; Card Stock #102701 Barely Banana; Patterns Designer Series Paper #112151 Bashful Blue; Big Shot Bigz Die #114520 Flower Daisies #2; Punches #109043 Scallop Circle, #109046 1" Circle, #107217 3/4" Circle, #104390 1/2" Circle; Adhesives #101055 Crystal Effects (Snail), #104294 Sticky Strip, #104430 Stampin' Dimensionals.

 

Four out of the six projects on my Royal Blog Tour, were made using the BIG SHOT DIE CUT MACHINE.  It has become the most favorite and valuable tool in my workshop!  If you've thought about purchasing the Big Shot, NOW is a great time.  In addition to saving 20% off the retail price, you will be invited to attend my BIG Big Shot Shindig - or if you are a long-distance customer, I will send you a wonderful portfolio filled with great information and die-cut images!  Contact me directly to place your order and receive your discount.

 
  
Thank you so much

for all your wonderful comments and sincere enthusiasm

during the ROYAL BLOG TOUR - and beyond!

 

 

BEARS & WORMS ARE MFEO...

ROYAL BLOG TOUR PROJECT 5 of 6 (Recap)

Bears & Worms are MFEO (Made for Each Other)

HERE'S HOW

1)  Using the Big Shot Machine, Bear Bigz Die and Beary Essentials Die made this card a snap to design!  All I added to make Mr. Bear's card a little more dimensional were a couple of buttons on his shirt and a dab of Chocolate Chip Double-Stitched Ribbon.  The matching "thread" in the button holes is only a sliver of paper. This closeup shirt-view shows you the beautifully finished edges cut with the die. (Isn't it to die for!)

 

2)  Crystal Effects will change a flat, plain, stamped worm-image into a bona fide, slimy, disgusting worm.

 

3)  I purchased the little can at a local craft store, but just noticed the most adorable small silver cans that look almost identical to my can, displayed in the June edition of the Stampin' Up! magazine, Stampin' Success.  Hummmm... I wonder if it is a sneak peek to tease us at what might be included in the new Idea Book & Catalog!  Regardless, these sour gummi worms are yummy with-or-without and in-or-out of a can!

 

Supplies & Accessories: Stamp Set #116580 Bugs & Kisses; Stamp Pad #100908 Chocolate Chip; Textured Card Stock #108697 Really Rust; Card Stock #101650 Very Vanilla, #102128 Chocolate Chip; Patterns Designer Series Paper #116234 Really Rust (Pack III - Hostess Level l), #112154 Certainly Celery; Big Shot #117977 Bear Bigz Die, #117978 Beary Essentials Bigz Die; Punches #109047 3/16" Corner Rounder, #112082 Wide Oval; Ribbon #111849 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Chocolate Chip; Buttons #107421 Fresh Favorites I Certainly Celery; Adhesives #101055 Crystal Effects, #103683 Mini Glue Dots.

Tomorrow I'll show you my last project from the Royal Blog Tour - the Pot of Spring Flowers.  Previously, I told you that your comments were equally divided in choosing one favorite project from the six.  But since the end of the tour on May 3rd, more emails and comments have poured in, and it's now official... The flower pot has the most votes!  I can't wait to show it to you again!

 

PRETTY FABRIC FLOWERS...

ROYAL BLOG TOUR PROJECT 4 of 6 (Recap)

Pretty Fabric Flowers

 

HERE'S HOW

 

 

1) Pick out a pretty cotton fabric that matches a coordinating paper collection.

 

2) Cut the fabric in approximate 3" x 3" squares.

 

3) Place eight thicknesses of the cotton squares on top of the smallest flower of the Flower Folds Bigz XL Die and run through your Big Shot.  Eight work best - or use extra card stock on top of the Cutting Pad as a shim.

 

4) No matter how often I use the Big Shot, I always enjoy seeing the finished piece.  And when eight layers of fabric roll out, it is even better.

 

5) Fold and assemble the card, and use the Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder for added flair.  Adhere the fabric flower to the card with a little piece of Sticky Strip.  Attach the Boho Blossom centers with Stampin' Dimensionals.  I used the tip of a Hobby Blade to fray the edges of each flower for a shabby look.

 

Supplies & Accessories: Stamp Set #111634 Fresh Cuts; Stamp Pad #101179 Basic Black; Textured Card Stock #108695 Lavender Lace, #108698 Green Galore, #108693 Whisper White; Punches #110711 Boho Blossoms, #107304 Small Oval, #107305 Large Oval; Big Shot #115970 Flower Folds Bigz XL Die, #117335 Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder; Tool #102449 Hobby Blade; Adhesives #104294 Sticky Strip, #104430 Stampin' Dimensionals.  I also used a 1/4" handheld punch to make the center of the flower.

 

 

If you walked into my house and looked around, you'd see evidence of organization everywhere. However, checking out my closets, cubbords and drawers reveal another story - and are off limits, because I am a saver. (Some would call it a hoarder, but I wouldn't go that far!)  Things that I might use later are very valuable to me!  Saving treasures has paid off many times!  Here's an example... When I quilted, back in the 80's, I accumulated, lets just say, lots of fabric.  So, when I was exposed to the beautiful textile creations made with the Big Shot, I was sooooo happy, because, being the organized person I am, knew exactly where my quilting fabric was stashed!  You probably have visions of my house being like one of those hoarder TV reality shows.  So if your curiosity gets the best of you, click on my This & That sidebar button and see if you can find any clutter in my house.  Or, if you live nearby, drop over to take a looksee, and I'll even give you a few squares of beautiful (20 year old) textile to make some PRETTY FABRIC FLOWERS for a card of your very own!

 

 

 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

NEXT WEEK'S LINEUP...

Coming on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the final three Bugs & Kisses project details from the Royal Blog Tour...

 

Here's a sneak peek of a snazzy card for Thursday...

...and see how to make a faux coconut on Friday! 

There's just not enough days in the week!  I have more to show you right now!  But patience is a virtue - or so I've been told.