Petite Pocket XL Die 2013 New Years Treat Holder

This beautiful treat holder was designed by Angie B, a concept artist at Stampin' Up (she didn't include her last name on the blog post).  I found it when I was scrolling through the NEW Stampin' Up Blog.  Click HERE to go to the blog, then scroll down to December 20th to see how Angie made this terrific project.  I know I'll be making several of these for July 4th celebrations!

Have a great and safe New Year's Eve and best wishes for a great year to come!  I know I'm going to need help in 2013, so I'm bracing myself now!

Day 12 Merry Christmas and a Stampin' Up Happy Holidays Video!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!  I hope you and yours are well and warm this holiday season.  I think that with the devastating weather and sadness this country has seen this past year, we are all looking forward to a better year to come! 

PERSONAL NOTE:  Some of you have emailed asking how I've been doing. I can tell you that this holiday season has been VERY difficult since my husband passed away a few months ago. I never thought I could bear this kind of pain and heartache, yet I am forced to. Everyday I think about him and wish he was here with me.  My eyes still hurt from crying so much! 

On a happy note, I hope your New Year is filled with joy and good health!  Luckily, I'll be starting a new job soon; this will give me some much needed distraction and money to pay the bills.  It's been difficult financially, but I I was lucky to have help from family and friends.  

VIDEO:  I hope you all have enjoyed my blog posts this past year; I think it's kept me sane too! So, here's a Stampin' Up video where the employees sing for us; it's really cute. You'll need to go to my blog to watch the video if you're an email subscriber.  

 

Day 11 of the 12 Days of Stampin' Up Christmas - Beautiful Season Stamp Set

 

I made this for a Convention Christmas Card Swap.  I used the Beautiful Season stamp set and then used the AquaPainter to color it.  Ink colors are: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and More Mustard.  I added some Be of Good Cheer Designer paper and Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon. 

 

The background Gumball Green cardstock was run through the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder then I put dots of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint in the centers of the flowers.  The Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler cardstock pieces were cut using the Labels Collection Framelits.  After I assembled the entire card, I sprayed it with Champagne Mist Shimmer paint mixed with 70% rubbing alcohol for some great shimmer and shine (too bad you can't see it in the picture)!

 

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS EVE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!  See you tomorrow for a fun SU video.

Day 10 - Folded Christmas Tree Card and Stampin' Up Paper Bow Tutorial

 

I made this card using the Snow Festival Designer Series paper and layered it onto Whisper White, Gumball Green, and Cherry Cobbler cardstock.  The phrase is from the Joyous Celebrations stamp set.  The white background was run through the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder then I tied Gumball Green stitched ribbon around that.  For BLING, I added Silver Glimmer paper "ornaments" and silver and red glimmer stars to the top of the tree.  The base of the tree (Early Espresso cardstock) and the "ornaments" were cut out using the Cupcake builder punch.

 

The tree was made using a semi-circle measuring 5" across and 3" deep.  The semi-circle is more than half of a circle.  If I had used half a circle, the size would have been 5" across and 2-1/2" deep.  For me, the extra depth helped the tree be a little more balanced.  But try it both ways and see what you like better!

 

And.... here's a Stampin' Up tutorial showing how to make a Paper Bow.  You can click over each page below to enlarge it.  So, have a great weekend; I know I'll be getting a bunch of last minute things done!

 

Day 9 - Chock-Full of Cheer Christmas Card

 

Here's another card I received from a Convention swap.  This GREAT card was made by fellow Demonstrator Karina Chin.  She used the Chock-Full of Cheer stamp set with Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, and Very Vanilla Cardstock and ink.  For the accent, she used Be of Good Cheer Designer paper and Gumball Green stitched ribbon.  Finally, Karina used the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, the 1-3/4" circle punch, the 2-3/8" scallop circle punch, and for BLING, she added Rhinestones! 

 

I hope you're enjoying this 12 Days of Christmas cards.  Maybe at the end, we should have a vote to see which ones people liked the most - what do you think?  Well, thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow!

Day 8 - Christmas Blessings Card and a SNEAK PEAK Stampin' Up Video featuring the All Dressed Up Bundle!

 

This is a Christmas card my Hostess Club members made using the Christmas Blessings Stamp Set.  Colors of cardstock are Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, and Whisper White.  I used the Aquapainter with Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, and Daffodil Delight classic ink to color the poinsettas.  Of course, there is Dazzling Diamonds glitter in the centers of the flowers and the Cherry Cobbler embossed background!

And here's another SNEAK PEAK Stampin' Up video showcasing the new All Dressed Up bundle including a Stamp Set, Framelits and Dies in the upcoming Spring Mini Catalog starting January 3, 2013. They are so CUTE!



If you're an email subscriber, you'll need to click over to my blog to watch the video.

Day 7 - Jolly Bingo Bits Christmas Card

This is a card I got in a swap at Convention from fellow demonstrator Diane Haman.  I LOVE how she used the pieces in the Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set to spell out JOY!  Diane used Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla cardstock with Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper and Silver Glimmer Paper.  Ink used was Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green.  The Silver Glimmer Paper really gives this card some great BLING!  Enjoy!

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Stampin' Up Christmas Cards - Evergreen Stamp Set

 

Happy Monday to everyone!  Here's a card I made using the Evergreen and Joyous Celebrations stamp sets.  You can see in the second photo that I cut out the tree and added it to the card using Stampin' Dimensinals.  I also added glitter to the tree using 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds, but I don't think it shows in the photo.  I used the Large Oval Punch and Wide Oval punch for the phrase and the Labels Collection Framelits for the main images.  Color are Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White; I added a layer of Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper too. 

Thanks for visiting and see you tomorrow!

Day 5 - Delightful Decorations suspension Christmas Card and SU CLEARANCE RACK Blitz!

I made this suspension card after getting inspiration from fellow demonstrator, Diane Vander Gallen; thanks Diane!  I used the Delightful Decorations stamp set with the Ornament Punch.  Again, my favorite Snow Fesitval Designer Series Paper with Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White cardstock.  To cut out the holes for the suspended ornament, I used the 2-1/2" Circle punch and the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch. 

 

I stamped the ornament with Cherry Cobbler ink and I sponged around the hole with Gumball Green ink.  You can't see it well, but I used 2-Way Glue and Dazzling Diamonds on the ornament and on the white strip on the bottom of the card I punched out using the Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch.  As the final touch, I added some Rhinestones too; gotta have bling!  If you have any questions, just let me know.  

 

Also.........

 

Beginning today, December 14, 2012, Stampin' Up has added nearly 300 products to the Clearance Rack in the Online Store-with some discounted up to 80 percent!  Visit the Online Store to take part in the savings!  Be certain to select me as our Demonstrator when you log into, or create, your ONLINE Account to take advantage of preferred pricing and my Frequent Shopper Rewards!  Have a great weekend!

Day 4 - Stampin' Up Bird Builder Punch Christmas Card

Here's an AMAZING card I received from fellow demonstrator Margie Slyck in a swap.  I love how she used different embossing folders to add depth and character to the card.  Margie used the Framed Tulips and Petals-a-Plenty embossing folders plus the Scallop Border punch, Scallop Oval punch, and the Large Oval punch.  She also used the wonderful Bird Builder punch with Old Olive and Real Red cardstock then she applied Dazzling Diamonds to the leaves for some bling.  Finally, the background layer and phrase are from Very Vanilla cardstock; the bird and phrase are popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  "See" you tomorrow!

Day 3 - Ornament Keepsakes Christmas Card

Here's a card I made using the Ornament Keepsake stamp set and Framelits.  I used Raspberry Ripple and Lucky Limeade.  I also used the Mixed Medley stamp set for the cute "merry christmas" I punched out with a 3/4" circle punch and adhered to the inside of the ornaments.  You can't see it well, but for the bling, I added Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the ornaments and I used VersaMark and Iridescent Ice embossing powder on the Whisper White background layer I ran through the Holiday Frame Embossing Folder. 

 

When you have a minute, please leave a comment letting me know if you like this idea of the 12 Days of SU cards. Enjoy!

12 Days of Stampin' Up Christmas Cards - Day 2 ... plus a Stampin' Up Video showcasing the NEW BORDERS SCORING PLATE!

Here's a GREAT card made by Rhea Hughes, fellow demonstrator, that I received in a swap. I LOVE the layout and colors of this card! She used the Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper with Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla cardstock.  She stamped the mittens using the Make a Mitten stamp set and cut them out using the Mitten Builder punch.  The phrase is from the More Merry Messages stamp set; I should have bought that set when it was on sale!

Also, Rhea used the Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die and the the 1-1/4" square punch for main image background.

And for more FUN!!!    Here's a Stampin' Up video showing how to use the NEW upcoming Borders Scoring Plate.  It will be available starting January 3rd and it works perfectly with the Stampin' Up Simply Scored tool. Don't forget that if you're an email subscriber, you'll need to click over to my blog to view the video!



Thanks for stopping by!

12 Days of Stampin' Up Christmas Cards - Day 1

I thought it would be fun to have a 12 Days of Christmas Cards session; here's the first card!  I'll be showing off some of my cards and some others I received in swaps.  This card was made using the Floral Framelits with the Daydream Medallion and the Joyous Celebrations stamp sets.  I used the Snow Festival Designer Series paper with Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, and Whisper White cardstock. 

 To punch a hole in the smaller "wreath", I used the 1-3/4" circle punch. For the beautifying touches, I added a bow using the Cherry Tulle out of the 2012 Holiday mini catalog and Rhinestones. Just a final note, to make the wreath really stand out, I sponged the edges using Gumball Green ink.

Happy Monday and "see" you tomorrow!

Joyous Celebrations Easel Card with Tea Light

Here's my version of the Joyous Celebrations easel card with tea light. I think people first saw it at Stampin' Up's Founders Circle retreat and now it's everywhere. So I thought I'd make one too because it's so CUTE!

I used Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, and Vellum cardstock.  I embossed the reindeer using Gold embossing powder, added some Cherry Tulle, and a strip of Snow Festival Designer Series Paper.  For the finishing touch, I added a red Rhinestone to the reindeer's nose (colored it with a red Sharpie marker).  Enjoy!

2013 My Digital Studio Calendar Easel with Drawer

Here's another example of how to use my 2013 MDS calendars sent to me by Orla Carey; thanks Orla for taking the time to send me your photos!   She bought the 2013 calendars from me and made these beautiful gifts with them! I LOVE how she used the phrase "The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time" from the "From the Heart" stamp set.

You can find the details on purchasing the calendars or a link to how I made the easel with drawer HERE.   Have a great Wednesday!

Stampin' Up Ornamental Elegance Kit available while supplies last!

The ornament on the cover of Stampin' Up's holiday catalog is such a hit that Stampin' Up is making it available to you -- just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! Stampin' Up has simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. 

In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive.  Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination.  Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on some Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

Take advantage of this amazing offer--just in time to create 10 heirloom ornaments--or stunning tags to attach to a special neighbor gift.  You can see the PDF Tutorial on how to assemble the ornaments HERE.

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) is $14.95 and includes:

• Die-Cut Cardstock Elements
• Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
• Natural Linen Thread
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons
• Large Pearl Basic Jewels

Order these now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.

Stampin' Up Colored Glimmer Paper Snowflake Christmas Card

Here's a Stampin' Up tutorial explaining how to color the silver glimmer paper. The snowflakes on this card were die cut from Silver Glimmer paper using the Snow Flurry die then colored with ink refills and a sponge dauber. This is really a beautiful card! Have a great week!

Stampin' Up Perfectly Preserved Card

Here's a card I made using the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and Cannery Framelits.  I also used the Apothecary Accents and Bitty Banner Framelits.  Cardstock used was Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Early Espresso, and Howlstooth Designer Series Paper.  For the finishing touch, I added a Neutrals Brad, Linen Thread and 1/8" Espresso Taffeta Ribbon.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stoppig by!

Stampin' Up Holiday Packaging Bundle Promotion starts today and goes until Jan. 2, 2013!

Click on Flyer to download.

Around the holidays, people are always looking for cute ways to package little treats and gifts for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. At 20% savings, holiday packaging bundles are an affordable and adorable solution.  Just add your own treat and you're done!

Because holiday packaging bundles don't require any stamping, cutting, or creating, these are great for everyone - even those people who say they're NOT papercrafters.  So, I think these can make great gifts too!  And you've got to watch the CUTE Stampin' Up promotional video below (if you're an email subscriber, you'll need to click over to my blog to watch the video)!

  Promotion Details:
Available November 29-January 2.

Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes

• Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
• Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
• Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)

Petite Treats Bundle
Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes

• Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
• Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
• Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)

I've been wanting more of these Glassine Bags; I know I'll be getting the Petite Bundle for sure!  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and "see" you tomorrow!

French Foliage Birthday card

I made this birthday card for my brother-in-law and he liked it; even with the bow!  I got the layout idea from fellow demonstrator, Ann Schach, thanks Ann!  The colors I used were Cajun Craze, Alwyas Artichoke, Crumb Cake, and So Saffron.  The phrase is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set punched out with the Word Window punch and layered onto a Modern Label punch image.  A Naturals button and Linen Thread finish it off with a couple leaves cut out and curled for a 3D look.

Have a great hump day and thanks for stopping by!

FREE MDS Tag Download from Stampin' Up

Below is Stampin' Up's FREE "For You From Us" Digital Download - it is Item Number 132810.

This download was added on 11/27/2012 ; it's a chalkboard-style gift tag perfect for adding to those special presents this year!   To view and download this template and many others that are issued weekly, click HERE.  Be certain to sign into, or create, your ONLINE ACCOUNT and to choose me as your Demonstrator to get preferred pricing and to take advantage of my Frequent Shopper Rewards Program!

Stampin' Up has told us that December 6 is the last day to order your MDS print products to get them by December 24 (unless you want to pay for Second-Day or Next-Day Air).  And December 12 is the last day to order other products to get them by December 24.

Finally, don't forget that Wednesday, November 28th, is the last day for the ONLINE EXTRAVANGA sale.  There are items on sale from 20% to 50%, click HERE to download the PDF and make sure to take a look at the items that are only on sale on November 28th; I know I'm getting another Stack and Store Caddy!  Have a great day!

Stampin' Up Wonderfall Card and Turkey Placecard Holder

 

This was a fall/Thanksgiving card my Club members made using the Wonderfall Stamp Set and the Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  The phrase came from the Petite Pairs stamp set.  I used the Early Espresso Core'dinations cardstock for the background layer and ran it through the Woodgrain Embossing Folder then sanded it for the "tree" look.  The colors of ink are Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Old Olive, and Cajun Craze.  I don't know if you can tell, but the leaves were first stamped in one color, like Daffodil Delight, then the edges of the stamp were rolled in a darker color, like More Mustard; the Rock and Roll technique.  And for the final touches, I used the Champagne Glimmer Paper and a Naturals button with Linen Thread.

 

Below are pictures of the super cute Turkey placecard holder my fellow demonstrator, Donna Rolston, made using Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper.  She said she cut her strips of paper at 1-1/2" x 12", 2" x 12", and 2-1/2" x 12".  She then used the Scallop Edge punch for the design and scored at each scallop for this wonderful shape.  She got the turkey body somewhere online then traced it and cut it out from Early Espresso cardstock.  Finally, she used Pearls for the eyes, she is one crafty woman!



 

Thanks for visiting and have a great week!

Ornament Keepsakes card and Announcing the 2012 Online Extravaganza Holiday Sale!

Here's another Christmas card I made using the Onament Keepsakes Bundle in the 2012 Holiday Mini Catalog. The colors of cardstock are Real Red, Lucky Limeade, and Whisper White. Of course I used the wonderful Delicate Designs Embossing Folder and added some bling with the 2-way glue pen and Dazzling Diamonds!

 

Also announcing>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

 



Details

The Online Extravaganza promotion is Stampin' Up's biggest online sale of the year! And Stampin' Up wants to make it easier for you to do your holiday shopping.  So during these 10 days only, you can get incredible discounts - 20% up to 50% - on some of your favorite products!  Download the ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA PDF for a list of all sale items.

In addition, the PDF above includes the three products at a 20% discount for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza- Stampin' Up's very own doorbusters!

So stop by on Monday, November 19th to start doing some shopping!  Be certain to select me as your Demonstrator when you create your ONLINE ACCOUNT to get preferred pricing and to take advantage of my Frequent Shopper Rewards Program. And to really spice things up, I'm offering DOUBLE REWARDS points during the sale period (11/19-11/28) and maybe something more?!

Have a great weekend!

Stampin Up Holiday Collection Framelits Christmas Card and a Two Tags Die Christmas Treat Holder

 

These were the make-and-takes at my last workshop.  I got the card layout idea from fellow Demonstrator Kay Kalthoff- thanks Kay!  I loved how she decorated the inside of the card, so I just had to do it too! 

 

The card is made using the Holiday Collection Framelits with Real Red, Gumball Green, and Whisper White cardstock.  I added come dimension by using the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper.  The words come from the Petite Pairs Stamp Set. And of course for the bling, I used the Red Glimmer Paper!

 

The treat holder is made by using 2 tags die cut from the Two Tags Bigz Die in Gumball Green cardstock.  Again I used the Snow Festival DSP,  Real Red cardstock, and of course, Red Glimmer Paper!  The words come from the Perfect Punches Stamp Set.

 

Thanks for visiting and and make sure to look at the SU Announcement that follows!

Today's 2nd POST - SU Announcement: Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine

11/26/12 UPDATE: This item has sold out; it is no longer available at this time.

Due to Stampin' Up's partnership with Sizzix, they are pleased to be able to offer a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine in its North American markets. Stampin' Up has only 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last. If this product test goes well, Stampin' Up may offer the Texture Boutique again in the future. The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut. Because this is a product test, the Texture Boutique is not branded with the Stampin' Up! logo. It comes in Sizzix packaging and is the same color and design that is sold in stores. Stampin' Up recommends you read the included instructions before using the Texture Boutique.

Stampin' Up Creative Elements Card

Here's a card I made using the Creative Elements, the Papillon Potpourri, and the Perfect Punches stamp sets.  I used Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla cardstock with the Butterfly and Large Oval punches. And for the finishing touch, I added Pearls and I cut 3 flower layers for a great 3-D affect.

And here's another Stampin' Up Tutorial using the same beautiful Butterfly Punch (click on the image below for a full view).

Stampin Up Butterfly Punch card

This card really shows off the wonderful butterfly punch and the Natural Composition Designer Series paper in the 2012-2013 Catalog.  It also shows off the versatile 7/8" Cotton Ribbon in the Holiday Mini Catalog. This card is beautiful and simple.



2013 My Digital Studio Calendar finally ready and Retired Stamp Sets Listed for Sale!

I sold several of these calendars last year and I had emails asking if I was going to offer them for 2013, so here you go!  Some of the months are the same and some are changed, but they are all really fun to look at!  I can change up some of the months if you need; for example, last year, I had a customer who wanted December to be "non-Christmasy".

 

The cost for these calendars is the same as last year.  The calendars measure 5" x 5" and are printed in color on 24lb, 96 brightness white ink jet paper.  The calendar pages are loose - not glued together.  I used brads to hold them together on my examples below.  

I'm offering them at $7.50 for 5 calendars plus the cost for shipping and packaging. Shipping costs depend on where you live, but will be about $2.75 ( about 6 oz) for 5 calendars to US addresses with Delivery Confirmation. I can send you a PayPal invoice after you email me letting me know your name, address, and how many calendars you'd like to purchase. If you'd rather not deal with PayPal, I'm happy to accept checks or money orders. Calendars will get shipped once payments have cleared. To order, please email me at stampingmaria@yahoo.com or call me at (505) 299-9677.

 

Here are a couple of calendar easels with drawers I made in prior years; I'm working on a new one for this year that I'll share with you soon.  For my picture tutorial on how to assemble the easel card with drawer, click here.

 

 

 

Also, to generate some income and clear out some space, I'm selling a lot of retired stamps that I've been holding on to.  Please check my blog under the "Stamps for Sale" tab, or click HERE.  I'm selling them at garage sale prices ranging from only $2.50 to $7.50.  These will make great Christmas gifts!

 

Have a great weekend!