Accentuate 'n Ink

smiley360.com—Be Heard. Be Happy.

2011-06-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle: Flowers in Pots Cookies

2011-05-16T10:11:00.000-05:00

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle: Flowers in Pots Cookies: "I'm one of THOSE girls. YOU know the ones...I'm one of the gals that HATES to get flowers. It actually pains me {unless they are wildflo..."

How to Ease the Pain at the Gas Pump

2011-05-16T10:08:00.000-05:00

How to Ease the Pain at the Gas Pump

iPhone4 vs HTC Evo

2011-04-30T14:54:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN IDOL ® Superfan Site

2011-04-29T19:08:00.000-05:00

AMERICAN IDOL ® Superfan Site

Musicians from Around the World Playing Together

2010-04-11T16:48:00.001-05:00

My Little "Pickles", Emily 5 Month Pics

2010-03-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

FREE Idea Book & Catalog

2010-01-06T13:41:00.002-06:00

FREE IDEA BOOK WITH ONLINE PURCHASE:

From February 1-April 30, 2009, Stampin' Up is giving away a FREE Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog. To receive your free idea book simply do the following:

1. Place an online order during February 1-April 30, 2009
2. Select a demonstrator at stampinup.com or shop through my demonstrator's website

The Idea Book & Catalog, lists Stampin' Up items currently available for sale, but also is a great resource, full of creative ideas and projects that YOU, yourself, can duplicate.

There is NO MINIMUM order to receive this valuable gift, and this Idea Book Catalog normally sells for $9.95. Again, your online order must be placed between February 1st and April 30th.

Christmas Elves So You Think You Can Dance?

2009-12-18T23:04:00.003-06:00

I just had to share this with all of you. Isn't it the cutest thing?

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

He-he...I laugh each time I see this. The greatly talented cast are from the left:

Corey (son-in-law)
Amy (daughter)
Mike (youngest son)
Emily (my little granddaughter)
John (my oldest son)

You can make one for yourself and post it to your site, or email to friends and family. It's easy! You just upload pictures to each elf, and move around to fit. Then, you select which "dance" you want to share. Your dance choices are Hip-Hop, Disco, Country, Classical, or Singing elves. So, go have some fun with this.

Stampin Up Late Night Stampers' BLOG FIND OF THE DAY: Christmas Gift Glass Block Luminary Featured

2009-12-16T18:45:00.002-06:00

My blog was recognized today on the "Blog Find of the Day" at Stampin Up Late Night Stampers. I really feel very honored, because the site is filled with so much talent and creativity. It's a very inspirational site, along with another favorite website of mine, Splitcoast Stampers. Below is a picture of my "Gifts of Christmas Glass Block Luminary" that was featured today.

Rather than having you spend a lot of time searching through my blog, for more information on this, I've included a LINK to a prior post where you'll find more details on all of the glass block luminaries I've created.

Fused Glass Pendant Class...LOOK WHAT I CREATED!!

2009-12-16T01:41:00.006-06:00

Look out "Stampin' Supplies", you may have to take a short vacation, for awhile. I've found a new love, and I can only spread myself so thin! My new love, you ask? You're lookin' at it, right now! I created this pendant and matching earrings at a Fused Glass Pendant class given by Amy Zander, owner of Artworks Etc. Studio. (Right here in Two Rivers)

Fused Glass Pendant: One of the Neatest Forms of Art

The class is $20 and you're given a square of glass for your base, in your choice of colors. I chose the clear glass for my base. Also, I cut my square in half, creating a rectangular shape for my pendant, and made matching earrings out of the other half. Then you cut your shapes of glass and lay them on top of your base piece in the design and colors of your choice, with just a pin drop of adhesive. Amy keeps them for a few days, fires them in the kiln, attaches the jewelry metalworks, and your finished pendant is ready to wear. Here are some other pieces that Amy has made, and sells on her site.

Check out the Artwork Studio Etc. Studio website. Tomorrow, Amy is holding a "Painted Stoneware" class. (cups, saucers, bowls) She is a great teacher, especially for a "newbie" like me, and a real "sweetheart". And Amy holds various classes throughout the week, mainly handling glass art, or pottery. When I get a class schedule, I'll share the list with all of you. She's going to be getting January's schedule together shortly, so stay tuned. Also, if you're in need of a shower or birthday idea...Amy will hold a Traveling Plate" party. With a group of friends, you each are given a plate, and have 10 minutes to add your bit of creativity to the plate (be it painting flowers, or flourishes) and then after the 10 minutes, you pass your plate to the person seated on your right, and start working on the plate you just received from the person on your left. With about 6 crafty people, it will go on for about an hour. Then you each have a plate to take home with a combination of all of your friends' artwork. What a fun idea! But promise me, if you hold one of these parties, that you'll invite me, okay?

Well, back to my stamping...gee, that was a short vacation. What can I say.

Christmas Glass Block Luminaries...Handcrafted!

2009-12-14T11:54:00.003-06:00

I created these Glass Block Luminaries, which are rather easy to make. I've also opened up a brand new Etsy site, where I am selling these, among some of my other holiday, Christmas items. They include the light sets, and if necessary the batteries. Some of the Glass Blocks are shown with LED lights, which tend to be a bit more costly. If you see one you like with the LED lights, and would prefer the regular. clear, mini lights, let me know, and that will bring the cost down by about $7.00. The blocks are purchased at a local craft store, and have the holes in back. My boyfriend is currently in the process of drilling some Glass Blocks purchased from the hardware store. He hasn't broken a one, "knock on wood", yet. And he's not even using a drill press....only a power drill, and a drill bit designed for glass and tiles.

I posted these two in an earlier post.

For this Christmas Dove Glass Block, I stamped the image from Stampin' Up Gifts of Christmas, using Black Stazon ink onto a cut piece of acetate. Then I filled the dove in with some Crystal Effects on the reverse side, and sprinkled on some Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

When dry, I gently rolled the acetate, and placed it into the Glass Block. This one is just GORGEOUS!

Clear White Mini Lights: $25.00

Vintage Glass Block

This is a smaller block, it measures 5 1/2"x 5 1/2".

It really compliments the Verde Glass Block, as in a set.

I will gladly combine any of the Glass Blocks as a set, for a reduced cost.

I recently changed the lights in this block to some Green LED lights, and it looks fabulous!

But the LED lights are much brighter, and really threw off too much light for a photo.

But, as I said earlier, you do have your choice, if wanting to purchase any of the Glass Block Luminaries.

Green LED Lights with batteries: $40.00

Verde Glass Block

Clear White Mini LED Lights: $40.00

Gold Metallic Glass Block

I just love this one! The ribbon really makes this one!

Clear White Lights: $30.00

Close-Up of the Tag on Gold Metallic Glass Block

Noel Glass Block

The Designer Paper I used for this Glass Block, is Stampin' Up Holiday Lounge. This, too is the smaller of the blocks, measuring 5 1/2" x 5 1/2". This is the same Designer Papers used in the "Joy" Glass Block, so they will coordinate nicely together as a set.

Clear White Mini Lights: $25.00

"Joy" Glass Block"

Clear White Mini Lights (best if displayed on outside around block): $30.00

Snow Glass Block

This is a rectangular block, that I created to coordinate with the Candy Cane Glass Block.

Clear White Lights: $25.00

Candy Cane Glass Block

I've since changed the lights to the Red LED Lights, and it looks fabulous!

$40.00

Festive Glass Block

Bright and cheerful

Clear White Lights: $30.00

The Glass Block Luminaries make a great gift, or will look great on your fireplace mantle or under your Christmas tree.

FREE DiGiTaL ImAgE!!! Just Save to Your Computer!!

2009-12-14T05:13:00.002-06:00

Isn't Tilly just adorable? Go to this site, at Digital Doodling, if you'd like to download your FREE digital image, which will not have the watermark attached. (as this image does have the watermark, which is copywrited).

Some of the wonderful things about digital images are:

1. They do not take up any storage space (except for on your computer)
2. You can resize them to the proper size for your greeting card or project.
3. They don't get damaged or lost
4. Just save them to your downloads or documents, and print on your desired paper.

Come Join the FUN! We're Making WASHER PENDANT NECKLACES!

2009-12-12T06:17:00.002-06:00

Amy Zander has graciously allowed me to demonstrate and offer a "Make & Take" class at her local studio, Artworks Etc., this coming Tuesday, Dec 15th. I will be bringing all of the needed supplies, including the chains for you to create your very own Washer Pendant Necklace.

WHAT:

Washer Pendant Class Make & Take

LOCATION:

1700 24th St

Two Rivers, WI 54241

DATE:

12/15/2009

TIME:

6:30PM

COST:

$5.00 inludes all your supplies

Contact me here in the "comments section"

Email at skatzung@charter.net

Phone: 920-657-1188

PLEASE, REGISTER, AS THERE IS LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY

Ornamental Joy Glass Block...Another Beautiful Christmas Display

2009-12-10T12:56:00.003-06:00

Ornamental Joy Glass Block

I've been busy this morning creating, yet, another Glass Block Display. I have to let you in on a little secret, though. You have to promise not to tell...ya' right, I'm posting this for the whole world to see. I initially wanted to use, as the background paper, the sheet below, from the Holiday Lounge collection. I just loved the lines of the ornaments, along with the lines in the paper.

Holiday Lounge Designer Paper

But the white "Joy" sentiment, and white ornaments really got lost, with all of the white going on. I was all out of the Red "Joy" sentiment from the Decor Elements Holiday Mix, so I couldn't go that route. Then I tried a different sheet from the Holiday Lounge assorted Designer Papers, and liked the one I chose, as well. The ornaments on the paper, kind of, frame the ornaments applied to the front of the block, and the "Joy" sentiment, for that matter. (I tell you, if you have some of the red Decor Elements, Holiday Mix, you have to try this, with the above coordinating paper...it really would look sharp)

Oh, yes, one more secret...I accidentally applied the Decor Elements, with the hole from the Krafty Block, at the top. So, you really couldn't insert any lights into this decorative piece. But it does look great, without, or with a strand of lights behind it.

So, to begin with I, first, applied my Decor Elements from the Holiday Mix collection(Holiday Mini Catalog), using the "Joy" sentiment and the ornament images. I cut the Designer Paper from the Holiday Lounge collection at 6 3/8"x 6 3/8", and ran a line of Tombow Adhesive to the top of the paper, on the backside. I gently rolled it up, and carefully placed it into the glass block, aligning it in the center, and pressed along the edge with the adhesive. Then I took red, 1 1/2" wide ribbon, and brought it along the sides, and adhered with a glue gun. I added a 2nd 1 1/2" wide ribbon, along with the red and tied a bow. I took pieces of gold cord and adhered them from each ornament to the top of the block using the glue gun, as well. And finally tied a bow at the top of each ornament with the gold gord. Below is another view of this Ornamental Joy Glass Block.

CHECK BACK LATER, FOR MORE OF THESE LITTLE DARLINGS! I'M ON A ROLL!

Christmas Lights, Bows, and Presents...GORGEOUS Candy Cane Lighted Glass Block!

2009-12-09T20:33:00.010-06:00

I thought I'd try these gorgeous lighted glass blocks. I'd seen them at a craft fair, and I thought they were absolutely stunning.

I struggled with the bow, it is the best I could do. I actually had to find a tutorial on how to make these bows. It took me the better part of the day...I've always been "bow challenged". Otherwise, this was very easy to make. I cut the Cerise (retired) Designer Paper at
6 3/8"x 6 3/8". Then I carefully rolled the paper up and inserted it into the hole in the back of the glass block. You can find these Krafty Blocks at your local, large craft store. I also bought some regular glass block windows, that I will attempt next. I'm waiting for my boyfriend to drill the hole in the back. He is a UPS delivery driver, and with the heavy snow we had today, here in Two Rivers, he's working a long shift. Anyway, I took some cording and with a craft glue, adhered the white trim around the center. The ribbon is 1 1/2" wide, and I ran it around the block each way, adhering with a glue gun. Then, came time for the bow....oh, no!! I struggled, watching all types of tutorials, until I found this one. But, you may want to scroll down to the bottom of my blog, and pause or turn the volume down on my Christmas Mix Playlist, first, to hear this tutorial.

How to make a pom pom bow with wired ribbon

A little playing around with the ribbon, and I think I got it! I applied the Merry & Bright Rub-Ons (Holiday Mini Catalog) and the Word Flurries Rub-Ons (Stampin' Up Clearance Rack) to the outside and all around the block. I also added some of the snowflakes from the Decor Elements Holiday Mix around the block. And finished it off with some holiday picks, and a ornament tag, using the Ornament Punch, the Merry & Bright Rub-Ons, with silver cord.

I will be doing some more of these lighted glass blocks, so please check back! These are one of the many items I will be selling this Saturday, Dec. 12th at the Manitowoc County Expo Rummage-a-Rama. This is held at the Manitowoc County Expo grounds at 4921 Expo Dr, Manitowoc, WI located in the Merchant Building (1/2 mile from interstate 43) The time of the event runs from 8:30am-2:30pm. There will be concessions, and over 40 vendors selling, arts and crafts, rummage and Amish bakery. Stop by and say "hi".

Wisconsin, A WINTER Wonderland!!!

2009-12-09T08:55:00.001-06:00

This morning we woke up to a blanket of white, yes the fluffy white stuff, we Wisconsinites know so well...SNOW! And on top of that, awoke to a 3 hour power outage. Mark, my boyfriend, was out there clearing a path, just so he could back out of the drive, and get to work. (just so that he could get out there and deliver our new Stampin' Up orders, and for us demonstrators our new pre-orders from the Sale-a-Bration and Occasions mini catalogs.) Yes, he delivers mine, here, as well. Nothing better than having your better-half being your UPS driver, and delivering your Stampin' Up. And thank heavens for SUVs, and 4 Wheel Drive.

The kids in Wisconsin sure are happy, though. They just love Wisconsin's infamous "snow days". All of the schools are closed here, in Two Rivers, AND north, west, and south of us. (You can't include east, because we're right on the shores of Lake Michigan, otherwise east would probably be included, too.) Many local businesses are closing their doors, as well. As you can see, from my photos, the heavy snow has brought down many branches. I've heard the unpleasant sound of numerous branches snapping right off. We have about 4 large branches, in our yard, and one fell right onto our shed. Our neighbors across the street have a big number of tree branches in front of their house. So, you can pretty much imagine, I am snowed in here, abolished to stay in, and stamp, stamp, stamp! Awe, ShUcKS! I am working on something special for all of you, so stay tuned. Back to the grind...and LOVIN' it!

Washer Pendant Make & Take Class at Artworks Etc Studio

2009-12-05T08:37:00.009-06:00

Amy Zander has graciously allowed me to demonstrate and offer a "Make & Take" class at her local studio, Artworks Etc., this coming Tuesday. I will be bringing all of the needed supplies, including the chains for you to create your very own Washer Pendant Necklace.

WHAT:

Washer Pendant Class Make & Take

LOCATION:

1700 24th St

Two Rivers, WI 54241

TIME:

6:30PM

COST:

$5.00 inludes all your supplies

Contact me here in the "comments section"

Email at skatzung@charter.net

Phone: 920-657-1188

PLEASE, REGISTER, AS THERE IS LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY

Fused Glass Pendants Class at Artworks Etc. in Two Rivers

2009-12-05T08:07:00.008-06:00

Last Thursday, I was invited to join in on a class for Fused Glass, by two good friends, Debbie and Linda. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! The class was instructed and demonstrated by our own, Two Rivers, Amy Zander at her studio, Artworks Etc. Amy is the greatest! She is so friendly and creates some amazing pieces of art. She is a self taught, multimedia artist, who works in clay, glass, metal, and paint. She has been in the arts for over twenty-five years, crafting and painting since she was able to hold a paint brush. Artworks Etc. is a studio-based business in which Amy works from home to better be available for her two sons (which is very important to her). She also works with her husband, Dave, her partner in life and art, who's welding capabilities and artful eye help bring Amy's visualizations to life. Her home studio is located near the shores of Lake Michigan in the small, but inspirational city of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. But her work has been seen all over the world. Not only can it be seen in shops and galleries around Wisconsin, but she was also featured on the cover of Ceramic Arts Magazine in 2002. While being a member of the American Fired Arts Alliance, Amy specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces using her playful sense of humor and love for animals and nature as insight into these truly original pieces which will look remarkable no matter whose home, office or yard they grace. If you check out her website, you can see some of her pieces, of which can be purchased on her site. For our class, which, again, I have to reiterate, was A BLAST!!, we created the Fused Glass Pendants. They were pretty easy to create, and we were able to incorporate our own creativity into our own one-of-a-kind pendants. I split mine in half, allowing me the supplies to create a matching set of earrings. She has them firing in the kiln, as I write this, and I am ever, so, excited to see the final result on Sunday. She will be adding the bail and necklace to each pendant, so that when we pick them up Sunday, they will be finished and ready to wear, or give as a stunningly, beautiful Christmas gift. The cost for the class was $20, which included all of our supplies, and informative instruction. She has other upcoming classes, with a great variety of clay, glass, metal and painting projects you can create. She will be sending me a list of those, which I will definitely forward onto all of you. You just have to check it out, if you are in the area. She does require registration for her classes, only because she needs to know how much supply to get ready for each class member. And the cost varies according to each type of class. Here are a few examples of some of the Fused Glass Pendants she lists on her website, so that you may get an idea of what we were playing with.

High-Noon $20

Leapin Lizard $20

Lemon-Lime Ice $20

Mosaic Intrigue $20

Traffic Jam $20

Amy sells all of these creations on her site, and they are set on and include a black silk cord.

I can't wait to show you all the Fused Glass Pendant I created. I can't even wait, myself to see how it turned out! Amy is going to be updating her website, to also include other additions to her beautiful collection. I will update you, here, as well. So, check back, soon!

Amy has been gracious enough to allow me to demonstrate the Washer Pendants I've included on my earlier posts, right in her studio. So, again, for you local "Crafty Ones", if you want to do a "make & take" with the Washer Pendants, the cost will be $5, including all of your supplies. We will be making them at Amy's studio, Artworks Etc, on 1700 24th St, in Two Rivers at 6:30 PM. Contact me here in the "comments" section, or email at skatzung@charter.net, or by phone at 920-657-1188 to register. Hope to see you there!

THESE WASHER PENDANTS ARE A BIG HIT!! NOT TO MENTION A GREAT GIFT ITEM!!!

2009-12-02T11:20:00.005-06:00

I've got two more Washer Pendants to show you. They've been a big hit with fellow crafters.

This Washer Pendant I made, tracing onto Ginger Blossom Designer Paper, cutting with Exacto Knife, and adhering with E6000 Adhesive. I initially outlined the leaf images with an embossing pen, and some Iridescent Ice heated. But, I didn't like the way it looked after applying some spray adhesive. So, I outlined the leaf images with some Stickles, laid down a gemstone, and applied the Crystal Effects around the gemstone.

Here, I Metal Stamped the sentiment "Friendship" onto the front, and dabbed on some alcohol inks. I laid down some gemstones, and applied Crystal Effects around gemstone.

More Washer Pendant Necklaces for the Technique Lovers Challenge

2009-12-01T16:32:00.005-06:00

Here are some more of the Washer Pendant Necklaces that I whipped up. I've had a lot of fellow crafters asking me where I get the silver clasp that connects some of the washers to the necklace. I searched everywhere for a jump ring big enough, and could not find one anywhere. If anyone knows of where I can get them, PLEASE, PLEASE let me know. But, I was able to locate at JoAnn's, in the jewelry craft section, made by Darice Jewelry Designer a clasp called a "Clip Loop". It operates on a hinge, so you can easily get it around your washer, and necklace. However, they are sold in a package on only one, and are about $1.50 a piece. They come in two sizes. The smaller fits the 1 3/8" washer nicely, and the large clip fits the larger 1 3/4" washers perfectly. I've found some aren't very strong, so I take my needle nose pliers and with very little pressure squeeze the clip to lock it. Be careful, though, I found that too much pressure breaks the closing mechanism. Another OOPSIE!! So, be forewarned. I think it was at Michael's, also, that I did find a number 9 Jump Ring, which fits the 1 3/8" washers. They aren't easy to find, anywhere else. But, I threw the packaging away, and I am guessing it was at Michael's.
So, here my new additions to the Washer Pendants:

Isn't this one so cute and dainty? This one was made with simple Rub-Ons, and 2 coats of Crystal Effects. Let dry for a day. I used the Jump Ring to attach the pendant.

I used my "Metal Stamps, purchased at Fleet Farm, and a hammer, to pound the sentiments into the front of the washer. Filled in the impression with a Sharpie Marker, let set for a minute or two, and wiped with alcohol, leaving the sentiment within the impression. Dabbed with Terra Cotta Alcohol Inks, and Silver medium. Coated with Crystal Effects. Let dry for a day. Added a bead to the necklace and attached the pendant.

How do you like this one? It was my first attempt at adding some gemstones to the pendant. I used the Walk in the Park Designer Paper by Stampin' Up. I traced the washer onto the DP and cut with my Exacto Knife. I'm getting pretty good at using the Exacto...haven't cut anything I'm not supposed to yet, anyway. I adhered the paper to the pendant using E6000 adhesive. I let it set for a bit, and then using my finger smoothed the inside edges, while it was still slightly moist. Then using sandpaper, or nail file, smoothed the outside edges. I laid the half pearl from the Stampin' Up Pretties Kit where I wanted it, and applied the Crystal Effects. Make sure you let your Crystal Effects dry for at least a day before doing anything with them. Here I connected the washer to the necklace using the Large Clip Loop, I mentioned earlier.

This is one of my FAVORITES!! It is just a Rub-On, I had, and I incorporated the part of the rub-on that had the word "DREAM" into the image. I cut off the backs of my Rhinestone brad using my wire cutters. I don't know if they're designed for that, but what the heck, it worked. I laid the jewel where I wanted and applied the Crystal Effects. Again, let dry for a day. I used the number 9 jump ring to connect to the necklace. Sometimes with the

rub-ons, you need to sand down the edges, with your file, because the image may go beyond the washer when rubbing. (especially for the center of the washer)

Again, a simple Rub-On. This one had a lot of nice glitter in the Rub-On, so I didn't have to do anything but rub it on, and add the Crystal Effects, let dry and add the number 9 jump ring and necklace. How easy is that!

I Metal Stamped the name Emily. It is hard to see in this picture. And, I see that I didn't let this one dry enough. Some of the Crystal Effects is still yellow. Lesson learned...another OOPS! I dabbed this with Terra Cotta and Green Alcohol Inks. Laid down some jewels and added the Crystal Effects. And remember to let it dry before doing anything else with them. Lesson learned...again! Number 9 Jump Ring attached to necklace.

This one is a bit different. I traced and cut the Designer Paper. I do not remember the name of this paper, it is now since retired. Sorry... I adhered the paper to the washer using the E600 adhesive. Again, let set for a minute or two, then with my finger smoothed the inside edges down. Filed the edges. I used a sponge and brushed the edges of my flower from the Pretties kit with some Groovy Guava Classic Ink. I attached a brad, of which I added a little glitter to, and placed the flower onto my paper washer where I wanted it. Applied Crystal Effects, let dry and attached to necklace using the Clip Loop.

Another one of my favs! It is just a sparkly Rub-On. But I added some jewels into the center of each petal. Softened the edges of the rub-on, pushing down the center edges with my finger, and filing the outside edges. I added the Crystal Effects right around the jewels, and let dry. It is attached to the necklace with a number 9 Jump Ring.

I used the holiday paper from Stampin' Up, called Holiday Lounge. Traced washer onto DP, cut with Exacto Knife. Still haven't cut myself or anything else that I'm not supposed to...knock on wood. Adhered with E6000 adhesive, and let set for a minute or two. Smoothed edges inside with finger, filed outside edges. Added Crystal Effects and let dry. Attached to necklace with number 9 Jump Ring

So, these are my new additions. I have some more I'll be posting later, so check back. They're drying, and I learned my lesson well...not to get to excited and to be patient.

See ya' all later!

Recipe to Mix Up Your Own Snow, or Frosting-Great Idea for Your Holiday Projects!

2009-12-01T13:01:00.005-06:00

Hey, Stampers, I found this neat YouTube Tutorial, created by Donna Centamore, at Butternut Sage Designs. In the past, I've used Liquid Applique to puff up some snow or frosting as a cute embellishment. But Donna gives viewers an economical, and easy-to-make recipe to create your very own. And you have all of the ingredients right in your kitchen cabinet! (flour, salt and water...who would've thought) You need to check out her blog! She has some gorgeous items, and tutorials she's shared for you.

Now, go have some fun adding some fluffy snow to your
projects for the holidays!

WOO HOO!! I'm the Featured Artist on Splitcoast Stampers Technique Lovers Challenge

2009-11-30T08:39:00.008-06:00

On the right side of my blog, under "Labels", if you scroll down to Washer Pendant Necklaces, you can see all of my other Washer Pendant posts.

I want to thank all of you, who have showed interest in my Washer Pendant Necklaces. The response to those, that I posted on my blog earlier, has been amazing! I know many of you are familiar with Splitcoast Stampers...it is THE BOMB of all stamping sites. There are so many things to find there, such as forums, (on any kind of paper crafts you can think of), galleries (categorized by stamp set, technique, product, sketches, color schemes, you name it). You can upload your creativity into your very own gallery, if you'd like. You can comment on other's artwork...there is so much inspiration to be found there. Well, every Monday, Lynn (AKA, Lynn in St. Louis) is the moderator for the weekly Technique Lovers Challenge, where she inspires us crafty ones to try something new, giving instructions to a new technique. She also attaches a unique gallery to each technique, where you can upload your renditions of the new technique. Well, WOO HOO, I'm the featured artist this week, with the Washer Pendant Necklaces. I am so honored, I just tried these Washer Pendant Necklaces out for fun, but now, myself, am addicted to making them. For this challenge, I am going to try something new, with these. I'm going to attempt to "metal stamp" phrases, or names on the front of the washer, apply my alcohol inks, and glaze them with the Crystal Effects. I'm going to also try adhering my Designer Papers to the washer, then "metal stamp" them with sentiments and/or names, and then glaze them. So, I should get going to try this out, because they do take a day to set with the Crystal Effects, before I can upload my examples to the weekly gallery. Thanks, again, to all who showed interest in these. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE EVERYBODY'S WASHER PENDANTS!!

Step-by Step Tutorial on Ornament Money Holders...too cute!

2009-11-29T21:17:00.004-06:00

Earlier I posted a link with a video tutorial by our fabulous Carolina at Carolina's Creative Pad.And inspired by her cute Ornament Money Holders, I just had to create some for myself. You can see more of these money holders I've created, if you go to "my labels" on the far right of this blog, and click on "money holders". In today's post, however, I've included a Step-by-Step tutorial. I love watching video tutorials, but sometimes I like to see it written, so I don't have to keep pausing the video until I get to the next step. So, here ya' go...

Ornament Money Holders

Supplies:

Stamps:

Perfect Ending

Ink:

VersaMark

Cardstock:

Whisper White

Real Red

Holiday Lounge Designer Paper (2 designs, one for front, and one for ornament)

Accessories:

Nestablilities 3 1/2" Scalloped Circle Die (from Small Scalloped Circle set of 6, the 5th largest)

Nestabilities Scalloped Oval Die (from Small Scalloped Oval set of 5, the 2nd smallest)

Circle Cutting System

Round Tab Punch

Ribbon

Glue Dots

Bow Easy (if desired)

Detail White Embossing Powder

Gold Cord

Jewels (if desired)

Tombow Adhesive

1.) Cut your Designer Paper that you will be using for the front to 8"x4"

2.) Score at 4", so you have a 4"x4" square

3.) Fold the paper backside out, with the side of the paper you do not want to use, as shown above.

4.) Mark the center open edge at the center mark with a pencil.

5.) Using your Round Tab Punch, lining it up in the center mark, (again, on the open edge, not the folded edge, like I initially did...OOPSIE!!) punch both layers just up to the first curve, or as you prefer. You can also use a circle punch for this step.

6.) Add a glue dot to one end of your ribbon.

7.) Adhere the ribbon on the inverted paper, in the center of your punch.

8.) Turn your pocket card right side out, with the side you want showing, and bring your ribbon around the folded edge and to the top, and snip with your scissors, leaving enough to tuck back inside.

9.) Apply your Sticky tape to each of the sides on the inside (the side you don't want showing), peel it off, and close it shut, adhering the two sides together.

10.) Apply a glue dot to other end of ribbon, and tuck inside, in the center of your punch. It should now look like the above photo.

11.) Take your spool of ribbon, and add a glue dot at the end of the ribbon, bring around the width of your card pocket, and snip to the correct size. Add another glue dot and adhere. It should now look like the picture above.

12.) And yet, one more glue dot, tucked on the bottom of the ribbon to adhere it all to the front of your card pocket.

13.) Tie your pretty bow, with your ribbon. I use the Bow Easy, and get ONE MORE glue dot, adhering your bow to the center of your card pocket. Maybe, I should consider buying some stock in glue dots, after this one.

14.) Take your Big Shot, your Scalloped Circle Die, and Whisper White cardstock, to cut out your scalloped circle.

15.) Using your Scalloped Oval Die, and Real Red cardstock, cut out your scalloped oval.

16.) Using your Circle Cutting System, cut two 3 1/4" circles from your other Designer Paper, and one 3 1/4" circle from your Whisper White cardstock.

17.) With your cutter cut one Designer Paper circle at the 1 1/2" mark, and the Whisper White circle, also at the 1 1/2" mark. You will be using the larger of the two halves from each type of papers.

18.) Adhere half circles together, using Tombo adhesive.

19.) Now, using your Tombo adhesive, only along the rounded edge, adhere your combined half circle to your full circle of Designer Paper, to form a pocket. I like to make sure that I line up the patterns, nicely. That's just me, what can I say?

20.) Adhere your finished Designer Paper layers to your Whisper White Scalloped circle.

21.) Punch out Round Tab in Real Red cardstock, apply Tombo adhesive to one side, and adhere to front of ornament.

22.) Wrap Gold Cord around fold of Round Tab, tie a knot, bring the knot underneath the fold, apply Tombo adhesive and close up backside.

23.) Stamp your sentiment, with VersaMark, (onto your Real Red Scalloped Oval) sprinkle with Detailed White Embossing Powder, and heat

24.) Some more adhesive to the Scalloped oval, adhere to your ornament, add embellishments....

And Wallah!!

Merry Christmas Crafty Ones! Cute Poem just for You!

2009-11-29T00:13:00.001-06:00

Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.
Could it be cardstock or inkpads or lace?
Or some stamps, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him......
"Hi Santa, " I said
He replied, "You know....good girls should be in their beds".
"I know I should Santa,and now I've been caught.
But I was just so excited to see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look in this room where you work".
He shook his head quickly, and left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap,
I'll see you next year!"

I found this funny little poem on another blog, actually it was Sherri's Flip-Floppin' Blog. She found it on Splitcoast Stampers.

I just HAD to share it with all of you...I thought it was darling.

I also saw someone post a quote at the end of her e-mail:

"I just hope that when I die, my husband doesn't sell

all of my stampin' stuff for the price I told him I paid for it."

TOO FUNNY!!

Have a Great Rest of the Weekend, Stampers!

Easy to Create~ Ornament and Money Holder All in One Pretty Little Package

2009-11-28T01:28:00.003-06:00

Earlier I posted some cute, little Money Holders that Carolina posted on her blog, along with a great Video Tutorial. She's giving them away, as Blog Candy. You have 3 ways of entering the drawing.

1.) Post a link on your blog to her Blog Post here at Carolina's Creative Pad
2.) Post a comment on her Blog
3.) Create one of your very own Ornament Money Holder

Here are some examples of the Ornament Money Holders I created, using her easy to follow tutorial: I added some Designer Papers to the ornament, and a couple of self-sticking jewels.

And all 3 together:

These are a breeze to create, and you couldn't ask for a better tutorial than

Carolina gave.

Try some of these for your own.

They really give a personal touch to your holiday gift giving,

even for a simple gift of money.

Everything to be Thankful For

2009-11-27T11:09:00.001-06:00

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

On this blessed Holiday, we are reminded of all of the things

we are ever, so thankful for.

With my dad visiting in town from Lake Havasu, Arizona,

and celebrating this day with my close family,

I had soooo much to be thankful for.

It was a day I'll cherish forever.

The only part of the day I regret,
is that earlier in the day,
Mark & I chose to eat a buffet at
River's Bend Supper Club in Green Bay.
I have never served (as a waitress) or been served a rolled turkey before
on Thanksgiving Day.
And they served NO PUMPKIN PIE...only a pumpkin bar!
I guess we learned our lesson.
We had heard that they had a great Seafood Buffet, so decided to try out their
Thanksgiving Day Buffet.
So, it's a fact, we won't be trying out their Seafood Buffet, either.

But, later in the day with my close family,
we ate at The Open Hearth in Wauwatosa, WI.
The food was fabulous, and even better, was,
time spent with those I love!

Here are a few pics I took,

of course, little Emily is in all of them.

I can't get enough of my little granddaughter.

She's the apple of my eye.

Now, I'm going through "Pickle Withdrawal"

(We call her "Pickle")

Me and my little "Pickle"

Dad and Emily

(notice the Wisconsin sweatshirt, he's missing 80 degree weather)

Brother Rod and Emily

He's got that special touch...future babysitter?

My brother Glenn and Emily

My boyfriend, Mark and Emily

(Okay, by this time, Emily was like, "Enough of all of this passing me around!")

Have a great weekend, everyone!

And Lucky Shopping

for all those out there on Black Friday!

Win this Blog Candy: Unique Ornament Money Holders

2009-11-25T17:45:00.015-06:00

Stamps: Stampin' Up!: Short & Sweet

Paper: Red and White card stock; Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink: Vivid Brick Red Ink

Accessories: Silk Ribbon; Cuttlebug; Nestabilities Circle and Scallop Circle Dies; Small, Large and Scallop Oval Punches; Round Tab Punch; Cording

Aren't these Money Holders adorable, and really unique?

When giving money, you really want to give it that special touch, and

these money holders do just that!

Carolina, who created these cute gift ideas, is giving one of these away.

Enter to win one by either commenting on her blog, Carolina's Creative Pad,

posting a link to her blog, from yours,

or creating one of these Money Holders, yourself, and sharing it.

Here's another darling Money Holder:

Stamps: Non SU

Paper: Old Olive and White card stock; Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink: Vivid Brick Red Ink; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Accessories: Silk Ribbon; Cuttlebug; Nestabilities Circle and Scallop Circle Dies; Small, Large and Scallop Oval Punches; Round Tab Punch; Hemp; Rhinestones

So that you can follow and create your own,

A YouTube Video Tutorial

OOPS!! Before viewing video,

scroll down to bottom of my page,

and turn the volume down or pause

my Music Playlist.

Emily's 1st Christmas Parade and a Proud Papa

2009-11-24T09:16:00.005-06:00

Little Emily experienced her very, first parade, this past weekend. Waukesha, WI held their Christmas Parade, and of course, Santa arrived at the very end. Emily's Daddy was in the parade representing the City of Waukesha Police Department. Look at the CUTE pic of Emily and Daddy. He is such a happy dad...well, why shouldn't he be? My dad is coming in from Arizona today. Emily is his first great grandchild. He's going to be staying with Amy & Corey, Emily, the 2 dogs and the cat. He-he.... That sounds like a fun time. I'm really looking forward to seeing Dad. Last time I saw him, was when we were out in Vegas. And he ended up going into a Diabetic coma, while driving out to meet me. The police officer hung onto his car keys so that he wouldn't take off, once he got his sugar levels to where they needed to be. Bless the officer, he made my dad wait, until I arrived. I was 1 1/2 hours away. (This was his 2nd Diabetic coma within 2 weeks.) My dad, now, has everything under control, but it was as I thought it might be, just adjusting the times that he test his blood levels. Anyway, here are some more pics of this darling little princess, that I just had to share. Have a great day, everybody out there. Hugs to all, and "HAPPY STAMPIN'"

Daddy (Corey) in Christmas parade Color Guard (He's the big gorilla)

Proud Papa and his little Princess (little Monkey)

Proud Mama & Proud Daddy (love the reflection of the police car in the background)

And "Me" Proud Grandma of all of 'em

My little Lambchop

All Smiles!!!

Emily just loves diaper changes

Sweet Dreams, Emily

Such a cute smile...don't you love all the hair?

Mom's going to have fun playing with it when she gets older!

Big Uncle Mike (that's my 15 yr old baby)

Coming home from the hospital. Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks?

Online Blowout Sale 50% Off Regular Prices

2009-11-23T22:25:00.010-06:00

Get amazing discounts--up to 50% off--on over 40 products and product bundles!
The Online Extravaganza runs Monday, November 23, 2009, 1:01 AM (Central Standard) - Monday November 30, 2009, 12:50 PM (Central Standard).

ONE WEEK ONLY!!

Sale items are listed below. Get your Christmas shopping done quick and easily by ordering HERE.

For online orders, discounts will be shown in the shopping bag at checkout.

50% off products

40% off products

30% off products

Hurry, place your order right HERE now.

FaVorITe TuNeS to StAmP It UP BY

2009-11-23T13:00:00.003-06:00

I've added some of my favorite tunes to my blog in My Playlist. I hope you enjoy. It's kind of nice to play some tunes, while following a tutorial, or reading some older posts. The Playlist is at the widget at the bottom of my blog. If you don't care to listen, you can turn it off. But, I hope you will listen for your enjoyment. Or if you'd like to play your selected songs from My Playlist, you can do that, as well. I tried to include a little bit of everything. Have some fun with it!

Holiday Decorations GREAT Tutorial

2009-11-21T02:46:00.012-06:00

Thanks, Stampers, for being patient. The batteries on my camera were completely drained, so I had to wait to get this tutorial up and running for you all. My gosh, I kept checking the little yellow light on the charger...kind of like watching water boil, I guess. Well, here it is the latest addition to my Holiday "Joy" Blocks. And I've included a Step-by-Step tutorial just for you, so you don't make some of the stupid mistakes I did in making these. You know how that goes. You start doing something, and OOOPS!! along with a few other words mentioned in there. I've really changed the colors in this one, and actually I really like this set of Holiday Blocks better than the 1st one I did.

SUPPLIES:

Cardstock:

Taken with Teal (Just a very thin 4" strip); One at 2"x 1 1/2" (for little ornament)

Old Olive Three at 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"; One at 2 3/4"x2 3/4"

Whisper White One at 1 1/2"x 1 1/2" (for star)

Designer Paper: Make sure you have 4 pages of the same Designer Paper, unless you want a variety (I used Autumn Vine available in the Holiday Mini Catalog) Four pieces at 9 3/4"x 12"

Accessories:

Stampin' Up! Ribbon Originals (for little ribbon tab)

1 1/2" Ribbon (To tie blocks together; Mine was from a local HL craft store)

Silver Cord (to tie bow around little ornament)

Decor Elements Decor Blocks (available in Holiday Mini Catalog)

White Holiday Mix Decor Elements (available in Holiday Mini Catalog)

Black Holiday Mix Decor Elements (available in Holiday Mini Catalog)

Silver Jewel (on star)

Green gem stone (on ornament)

Designer Button (Blue)

Thin Luminescent Ribbon (craft store)

Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive

Stampin' Dimensionals (to adhere ornament, star, and Four Old Olive panels onto blocks)

Mat Pack (paper piercing to top and bottom of Letter "O" Old Olive panel)

Paper Piercing tool

3/16" Corner Rounder Punch

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.) Have Designer Paper laying 9 3/4" across, and the long 12" side vertical(up and down). Score paper at 3", 6" and 9". Turn paper 1/2 turn (so 12" wide by 9 3/4" long) and score at 3/4", 3 3/4", 6 3/4".

This is how your paper should look:

2.) Cut out left and right sides on score lines up to top row of squares, creating a big letter "T"

3.) Apply adhesive to one side of block, at a time, close to the edges. Lay one scored square onto one face of your block. Make sure you start with the top, far right square in the letter "T". (I made the mistake of starting at the bottom of the "T", and when it came to applying the little 3/4" tab that is supposed to go under, I could not put it under a side I had already applied...note taken, a boo-boo)

4.) Do same for all four blocks

5.) Round corners of Old Olive square panels using corner rounder punch

6.) Paper pierce one of the Old Olive panels on top and bottom

7.) Add ribbon tab to one 2nd Old Olive panel (if you noticed the pic I took here is of a different ribbon than the actual one I chose...I realized that I liked another ribbon better for this project, what can I say)

8.) Cut out the images and letters you want to use on your blocks from the Holiday Mix Decor Elements

9.) To apply the Decor Elements, each image has 3 layers. (the backing sheet which is marked with a grid pattern, the image itself, and the transfer sheet. First, lay the sheet on a flat surface, with the grid side up. Lightly rub the entire surface with a Decor Elements applicator tool. This will transfer the image from the backing sheet to the transfer sheet.

Carefully, and slowly peel the backing sheet off, working from one side to the other. Peel the backing sheet at an angle. As you peel the backing sheet off, make sure the whole image is transferring to the transfer sheet. If any part of the image does not transfer, carefully replace the backing sheet over the image and rub until the image has completely adhered to the transfer sheet.

Gently place the image on the transfer sheet onto your Old Olive panel. Be careful not to touch the sticky side of the image itself, or don't let the image fold over and stick to itself.

Working with the applicator tool, rub the image onto your Old Olive panel. Starting at the center, rub from top to bottom, working outward.

Carefully, and slowly, peel the transfer sheet off the image, pulling straight back at an angle. Make sure that your image has transferred to the panel before continuing; the image can rip if it is not totally transferred. If any part of the image did not transfer, carefully replace the transfer sheet over the image and rub until the image has completely adhered to the panel. If bubbles appear work them out starting at the center and moving them outward.

Before transferring your letter "Y", you will have to shorten both of the top ends (the letter "y" doesn't fit on this size panel...just a tip, that I found out...another OOPS!!) Apply your snowflake first, then your letters to the respective Old Olive panels, and lastly the tree scene under the letter "Y" You will also have to shorten the tree scene, because it, too won't fit on this size panel. Again, do this even before you begin to rub the transfer on. It is okay for the one tree to overlap the bottom of the letter "Y"

10.) Apply your thin Taken with Teal strip and adhere to 3rd Old Olive Panel

11.) Transfer the small star onto your small piece of Whisper White cardstock. (I placed a piece of Taken with Teal cardstock under the star being transferred in the picture below, so you could see it more clearly, since my table is white. And transfer the small ornament to your small piece of Taken with Teal cardstock.

12.) Add your embellishments as you like. I added a silver gemstone to the star, a green gemstone to the ornament with a bow of silver cord. I added the blue button to the snowflake tied with some iridescent ribbon. I popped the star and ornament with Dimensionals onto the panel.

13.) Place your panels onto the blocks, and tie with your 1 1/2" wide ribbon. What a gorgeous holiday display!

I know it sounds complicated to do the Decor Elements. But really they are easier than it sounds. I've never used them before and they are very user friendly. Now, if I can do it easily the 1st time...hey.
Here is your finished holiday decor-ations!

Gift Card Holders with a Belly Band

2009-11-20T15:37:00.006-06:00

The plan was to present you with a tutorial showing how to make the Holiday "Joy" Blocks. To do this, I need my camera, and the batteries are still charging. So, I started to make these Gift Card Holders with a Belly Band. I've posted a tutorial on these back in September, but I tweeked it a bit. (Just the embellishment) The dimensions and measurements are the same. Aren't they cute?? If you'd like to see more of these Belly Band Gift Card Holders, along with a tutorial on how to create them yourself, go to the right side of my blog, under "Labels", and click on Gift Card Holders.

For the ornament embellishment, I used the Ornament Punch. I punched 3 separate ornaments for each card. One with the solid cardstock, and two with the Designer Paper. I glued the two ornaments with the Designer Paper to each other, so that the same design was showing on both the front and back. I then folded the ornament in half vertically. And used just a tad bit of adhesive on the crease or fold. Then I adhered the creased part, only to the solid ornament. I tied a bow at the top of each. (Gold cord for the red ornament card, and silver for the green ornament card) I added a stick-on jewel in the center of each ornament. Once I had all of that done, I skimmed the edges of the ornaments with my Krylow markers, running it along each edge of the ornament. (Gold for the red card, and silver for the green card) I also filled in the top cap of the ornament with the Krylow. The Belly Band was embossed with the Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder.

Hand Stamped Boxed Christmas Card Set

2009-11-20T11:57:00.007-06:00

One stop shopping...this is an assortment of the hand stamped Christmas Cards I created for this holiday season. They're already boxed up, all pretty like, with a scrumptious bow for that special touch. What a nice way to brighten somebody's day, or keep them for your own. Your cards will stay nice and protected in the nifty acrylic container. The acrylic boxes come in a pack of 10, and all you have to do is fold them along the creases and you're DONE!! They even come with a self fastening seal. Add a fancy bow, and you've created a great gift. I purchased a "Bow Easy" to create these PERFECT bows, and it really makes your bow making a breeze!

Now, Stampers....I'm off to create another set of the Holiday "Joy" Blocks from the Decor Elements Line. And I will be preparing the Step-by-Step tutorial I promised. Hopefully, I'll get this done in a short amount of time. I'm a little skeptical, though, because I'm in the process of charging the batteries for my camera. Ooops! I forgot to charge them last night, as I had planned. So, I'm hoping they cooperate.

Great Gift Card Idea: A Popular Item with a Decorative Touch...Would you Believe These are Altoid Tins?

2009-11-20T03:57:00.007-06:00

Aren't these gift card holders so cute? Christmas gifts?? Gift cards?? I haven't even begun my shopping, yet! I can't believe there are only 35 more days until Christmas. And only one more week until the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. I've seen some sneak previews of a few of the big deals that the shopping centers will be offering. Here's hoping that you all find what it is you're shopping for, and at the best bargain. if you're more into giving gift cards, here are some adorable gift card holders. They're actually made from Altoid tins, covered in pretty papers. I used some of my Designer Papers from last Christmas. The insides are decorated, as well. All you really need to do, with these, is trace the outlines of your tin, cut just a hair within the lines, adhere with Tombo Tape, add a belly band, and a top embellishment. I used the Snowflake Punch, and a small circle punch. I added a jewel brad, and some Fruit Punch Stickles. I popped the brad and circle using Dimensionals, and adhered the snowflake using Glue Dots. To close up the belly band on the back I did have to use Sticky Tape, for a better hold. These fit a gift card perfectly, and really give it that special touch.

Stampin' Up! Holiday Wood Blocks, Featuring the Decor Elements Line

2009-11-19T15:51:00.007-06:00

OKAY, SO HERE IT IS....THE SURPRISE I TOLD YOU ABOUT EARLIER TODAY!!! Wouldn't they just look lovely on a fireplace mantel?
These wood blocks are available from the Holiday Mini Catalog, along with all of the embellishments you see here. (Except for the ribbon....I forgot to order some of the 1" ribbon on my last order, so I purchased the ribbon from a local craft store) These wood blocks and the embellishments are part of Stampin' Up's Decor Elements Line. The wood blocks come in a set of four, each 3" cubes, and all come nicely sanded and smooth, ready to decorate. The embellishments are from the Holiday Mix, and come on a large sheet, ready to just rub right onto your papers. I made a template onto my patterned paper, using the Walk in the Park Designer Papers. Cut the template out, and adhered the Designer paper directly to the wood blocks. I simply rubbed the embellishments onto my white cardstock, added a little additional buttons, jewels and ribbon, and tied a pretty bow around all four cubes. I will be selling these at the craft fair in Mishicot this Saturday, along with boxed sets of Christmas cards, single greeting cards, Christmas Gift Tags and Gift Card Holders, and the Washer Pendant Jewelry. Once the craft fair is over, and I can breathe a little, I will post a step-by-step tutorial for all of you, so that you too, can create these beautiful holiday blocks. If you're interested in getting your order in now, for these, here is a picture of the main 2 items that you will need. They are listed on page 30 of the Holiday Mini Catalog. Either let me know here, call me, or you can order here, 24/7.

From the Mouth of Babes...

2009-11-19T09:06:00.003-06:00

I was checking out some of my favorite blogs, this morning. And I came across this video. I didn't get to watch the Country Music Awards, but apparently this little guy, and his video were viewed on the CMA. He is singing Randy Hauser's song. There are actually two songs that he sings in this video, so make sure you watch all the way through. He actually had me rockin' to the beat during his 1st song presentation, and had my heart at the 2nd. His expressions and emotion are just precious! Click here to watch the video...

Off to the local store to get some craft items, now. I have something special to show you, when I get back...so stay tuned!

Now, that Ronnie, Ain't She Sweet? Grandma's Baby Doll Paper Bag Scrapbook Album

2009-11-16T21:58:00.007-06:00

Isn't this simply ADORABLE??? My very good friend, Ronnie, created this stunning album for me to hold my memories of my 1st granddaughter, Emily Susan. Ronnie put a lot of hard work into this....isn't she SOOO
talented? I just had to share this with all of you. Every time I open it up, it brings a tear to my eye. Let's hear it for Ronnie!!! I, also, included a link to Splitcoast Stampers Gallery of these Paper Bag Albums, showing other crafter's examples and uploads.

A Gorgeous Stampin' Up! Christmas Card using Scallop Edge Medallion Technique

2009-11-16T16:22:00.010-06:00

I've brought you a gorgeous Christmas card, here. I cased this card from Karen. Check out her blog here. I changed the card up, a bit. I added some brads in the corners of the image. I also added some white gel pen within the scallops. I love how clean and elegant this greeting card is. And the white heat embossed snowflake really stands out against the Night of Navy cardstock. For a great tutorial on how to create this "medallion" with the Scalloped Edge Punch, check out Dawn's video tutorial.

Supplies:

Stamps:
Serene Snowflakes
Season of Joy(sentiment)

Cardstock:

Night of Navy; 4 1/4"x11", 3"x3"

Whisper White; Two of 4 1/16"x 5 5/16" (one for the inside)

Brushed Silver: 3 1/8"x 3 1/8"

Ink:

Night of Navy; (sentiment)

VersaMark (snowflake)

Accessories:

Scallop Border Punch

White Detail Embossing Powder

Heat Gun

Brads

Dimensionals

White Gel Pen

Stamp-a-ma-Jig

To make your scalloped medallion, line up your square piece of cardstock in the center of your scallope edge punch, and punch. Do the same for each side. Try to keep the larger layer only 1/8" larger for both the height and width than the image layer. Otherwise, your scallops will not line up, as well. Stamp image with VersaMark, and heat emboss with Detailed White Embossing Powder. Place your brads in the center of the snowflake, and in the corners of the scalloped edges. Adhere Night of Navy image layer to Brushed Silver layer after adding your scalloped borders to each. Adhere Whisper White Cardstock to base of card. Adhere your combined image to the Whisper White using Dimensionals. Stamp your sentiment using Night of Navy Ink. Dot Scallops with White Gel Pen. Adhere other piece of Whisper White Cardstock to the inside and stamp your inside sentiment.

Here, also is a link to a step-by-step tutorial for the Scallop Edge Medallion Technique on Splitcoast Stampers. I've included a link, here, to the Splitcoast Gallery showing more examples of this technique.

Delightful Decorations Ornament Christmas Card, (Keeping Focused on Christmas Cards)

2009-11-13T23:44:00.001-06:00

Hey, Stampers,
Here is a new addition to my Christmas Card Collection:

I will be offering this Christmas greeting card for a "Make & Take" card, tomorrow, November 14th at the Rummage-a-Rama, at the Manitowoc County Expo Grounds. The booths are located in the Merchant Building. I will be there from 8:30am-2:30pm. I'll bring the supplies, you just enjoy yourself stamping. Come join the fun, and create this gorgeous card to take home with you. Stop by and say, "HI!!!"

More Washer Pendant Jewelry...Was Supposed to be making Christmas Cards, but I Just CAN"T STOP Making These!!!

2009-11-13T13:26:00.005-06:00

Washer Pendant Jewelry
HELP!! I can't stop making this jewelry...it is addicting! My intentions were to make some holiday decor, and more Christmas cards, but I came right back to these adorable pendants. Some are created using the patterned papers. And some are created using simple Rub-Ons. If you want to see all the posts that include these Washer Pendants, got the far right of my blog, under "Labels, and click on Washer Pendant Necklaces. There you'll be able to view all of them, along with some great tutorials on these neat little gems. I am going to stop in to our local high schools, and see if any of the girls' social clubs, or sport teams want to make some of these for their fund raisers.

I've even asked my youngest son, who is 15 yrs old, what some of the fad phrases they use, now a days. He came up with "It's the Beast", (cool, or groovy for us old timers), "Tight"(again, cool), "<3"(a heart, meaning I love you), "Raw"(again, cool), "What ya' Durr?", (What ya' doin?) My son is going to ask his girlfriend, also, if she's be interested in making some for her school clubs. What a neat gift idea!! Back to my Christmas decorations and cards, now! Check back in a day or two, I've started making some using the Alchohol Inks...they look very elegant. I'm waiting for the Crystal Effects to dry before touching them. I found out the hard way, before....don't touch!!!

I came back to this post to add the Washer Pendants I had drying. These are SOOOO COOL!!! You just dab your Ranger Alcohol Inks onto the washer, and dab some Ranger Alcohol Blending Solution with Blending pads or you can use makeup pads. Let it dry, and then add you Crystal Effects.

November SNOWFLAKES in Two Rivers?? No...I Just Wanted to Share a Quick, Easy Christmas Card

2009-11-13T00:08:00.002-06:00

I've been busy creating some new Christmas cards to share with all of you. Here is one I recently put together. It's pretty basic, and quite simple, which is ideal for when you're mailing out large quantities. Also, it's not very chunky or thick, so mailing them is within the Postal Service's guidelines. Believe me, I know after working in Milwaukee for 23 years as a letter carrier, you sure see it all. I've seen coconuts come through the mail, with the address printed right on the coconut, itself. I've delivered a rooster, plenty of crickets and bees, even a small package, that we believed to be human waste (that was disgusting) I refused to deliver it, and let the supervisor deal with it. I tell you, it is sooo nice, now, being retired...I get to do what I love, and that is stampin'. Speaking of which, back to this Christmas card...yes, it is snowflakes, and it's only November...but, when you think about it, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. A have to giggle, here, a bit, out loud, too, I might add...my Aunt and Uncle every year, like clockwork, send their Christmas cards out Thanksgiving day. I can count on going to my mailbox 2 days after the big turkey feast, and sure enough, there's my 1st Christmas card. Check back with me on Saturday, November 28th, and I'll guarantee you'll see here, that I received my 1st Christmas card for 2009. I think it's rather cute. Here's a picture of what I call, my "Patterned Snowflakes" greeting card. And I will have more for you, as I post to my blog, so stop back often.

STAMPIN' UP PATTERNED SNOWFLAKES:

Supplies:
Stamps: Patterned Pines (Holiday Mini Catalog)
Four the Holidays (Holiday Mini Catalog)

Cardstock:
Whisper White: 5 1/2"x 8 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" and
Three 1 1/2" Circles
Pacific Point(retired, but you could use any blue): Three 1 3/4" Circles

Ink:
Taken With Teal

Accessories:
1 1/2" Circle Punch
1 3/4" Circle Punch
Embossing Pen
Iridescent Ice(looks like it is retired, also, but Dazzling Diamonds, will do, or some Stickles)
Heat Gun
Stamp-a-ma-Jig

Stamp the snowflake image using your Taken With Teal Classic ink onto the Whisper White cardstock 3 times. Highlight some of each snowflake with your embossing pen, sprinkle with the Iridescent Ice, and heat emboss, just to the point when you see the color change...not too much. Punch your 3 snowflakes using the 1 1/2" circle punch. Punch out 3 circles from your Pacific Point cardstock with the 1 3/4" circle punch. Stamp your sentiment with Pacific Point Classic Ink, centering the sentiment using your Stamp-a-ma-Jig. Adhere the snowflake circles to the larger Pacific Point circles. Adhere your finished images with Dimensionals so they "pop". I love Dimensionals...hardly ever create a card without "popping" something. I like to use my Grid Paper, also sold through Stampin' Up, because you can easily line up your images using the measuring guides. They're also nice for clean up when using embossing powders, or for paper scraps. So, here is an elegant Christmas card, which is quick and easy, there ya' have it.

Bye, see ya'!

Rummage- a- Rama this Saturday at Manitowoc County Expo Grounds

2009-11-12T00:23:00.001-06:00

Rummage-a-Rama

Ronnie & I will be set up at the Rummage-a-Rama, this Saturday, November 14th. This is located at the Manitowoc County Expo Grounds, 4921 Expo Dr, Manitowoc, WI, in the Merchant Building. Admission is $.50 per person, and the show will run from 8:30-2:30. There will be a wide variety of vendors, including rummage, crafts, antiques, collectibles and Amish bakery. Concessions will be available. I have been working on some Christmas items, including greeting cards, and holiday decorations. In addtion, I will have something new for you. I've been busy making some of the Washer Pendant Necklaces. Ronnie will also be bringing her Cricut, for you to try out. How neat is that...Ronnie, you're awesome! Hope to see you all there....and if you mention this post when you come out, I've got a treat for you. Also, we both will be set up for "Christmas in the Country", at the Mishicot Vet's Club, the following Saturday, November 21st. The Vet's Club is located at 314 Main Street, Mishicot, WI. The times for this show are 9:00am-3:00pm. Come check it out!

My First Attempt at Making Washer Pendant Jewelry...Adorable!!

2009-11-11T10:15:00.004-06:00

WASHER PENDANT NECKLACES:

Well, I did it. I created something out of my comfort zone. (my comfort zone, being handmade greeting cards, or scrapbook journals.) But this is a paper craft item, because the designs are made using scrapbook and/or designer patterned papers. I've never attempted anything like this before. And, I am happy to say, that I really like the end result. I created these using old scraps of patterned papers. However, the one pendant on the far left was created using simple Rub-Ons! They are done in a snap! Yes, just rub right onto the washer. And it doesn't even require any gloss...pretty the way it is! It is actually one of my favs! So, my fellow card makers and scrapbookers, once again, an adorable hand crafted item, great for gifts, and they only cost about $5.65 to make the very large one, and $2.65 for the others. You can view some of the tutorials, I listed on earlier posts, by going to the right side of my blog, and under the "Labels" heading click on Washer Pendant Necklaces.

I've included a picture, here of my favorite pendant, using the simple Rub-Ons:

And here is a picture of the same washers from the backside. I used my metal stamps to create these sentiments. As you can see, from the "Cherish" sentiment, I got a bit better with some practice. But, that's what makes it handcrafted, right?

I have more pendants that to post here, so check back. I will have these and more available at the Rummage-A-Ramma, located at the Manitowoc County Expo Center this coming Saturday, November 14th. The Rummage-A-Ramma will run from 8:30am-2:30pm this Saturday. See you all there!

File Folder Accordion Book Tutorial

2009-11-07T14:58:00.003-06:00

Accordion File Folder

by AJ Otto

Turn a file folder into a beautiful tag book.

This tutorial can be seen on Splitcoast Stampers, both in a
video and in a Step-by-Step format. Thanks, AJ for a great
tutorial!

Here I created a tag ring, with lists attached for you to

enter the addresses of those on your gift list.

Here us a link to other examples on Splitcoast Stampers.

Washer Pendant Necklaces-A Virgin Workshop...Let's Do It!!

2009-11-07T12:34:00.003-06:00

Okay, it is not what it sounds like. I am hyped up about trying my hand at creating some of these "Washer Pendant Necklaces". I have never, ever done one before. In fact, I went to one of those "jewelry workshops", at my daughter's home, once, and and all of us (I'm not going to say, "older" gals) but us "well aged" (like good wine) kind of women, (my aunts included) were laughing till it hurt. We had the hardest time seeing what we were doing. All of us with our arms stretched out trying to get a little bead on a thin wire. My one aunt said, we should all go out for a drink when we leave here. Now, my hands are pretty arthritic, and my eye sight, well let's say my arms keep getting longer and longer. You should see me when I try to make my bows for my paper crafting, or better yet have to thread them. You'd be laughing your pants off. Well, back to the Washer Pendant Necklaces....for those of you local gals, who might see this, I was thinking of getting a group of us together....and having a Virgin Workshop. I'd bring all of the materials to make different versions of these Washer Pendants, and we can see what we all can come up with. I think it would be a lot of fun! All I'd ask for is to be reimbursed for the materials....and the cost is minimal. I want to say, maybe $4.00 to $5.00. Also, maybe if anyone wants to get rid of any old stamp sets, or retired stamp sets... they can bring them along. There may be someone there who is interested in purchasing them. So, what do you think? Any takers? Come on, Virgins, let's unite!! I'll send out emails to some of you, to see if any of you are interested. And if you, by chance see this post, and I do not have your email or contact information, you, too are welcome to be a member of the Virgin Club. (just contact me here, or through my email or phone)
I know I've posted pictures of these Washer Pendants before, but for those of you who missed it...here are some pictures of some that I've found:

Merry Berry Christmas Card Tutorial

2009-11-06T10:57:00.002-06:00

I created this adorable Christmas card for this week's #160 Sketch Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers. Great sketch, Roxy...love it. I love how the Cocoa Christmas Designer Paper(found in the Holiday Mini Catalog) gives this card a patchwork effect. I knew that I wanted to add ribbon to the sentiment layer, but wanted something subtle, not too overpowering. I had this Christmas ribbon, which was just the right width. But, when I attempted to tie a bow with it, or even a knot, I thought it was just too much, and took away from the pretty holly branch. What I ended up doing was, wrapping a small piece of ribbon around the layered image. I then, took a second smaller piece of ribbon, folded it in half, off setting it just a tad, and then piercing it near the fold with my piercing tool. Then I pushed my brad through the holes in the ribbon. This worked best, by, using the soft, rubber mat from my Mat Pack, laying the ribbon over the mat, and pushing the brad through the holes of the ribbon, and right through the soft rubber of the mat. Then just pull the whole piece straight up out of the mat. I added some Stickles to the berries, and just on the smaller side of each leaf. I didn't want too much bling....just enough.

Supplies:

Stamps:
Berry Merry #116509 Holiday Mini Catalog $22.95

Cardstock:
Real Red #102482
Soft Suede (Current In Color) #115318
Whisper White #100730
Cocoa Christmas Designer Paper #116770 Holiday Mini Catalog

Ink:
Real Red #103133 or Stampin' Write Marker #100052
True Thyme (retired In Color) I didn't have Soft Suede (#115657) and the True Thyme matched perfectly

Cut Soft Suede Cardstock dimensions:
5 1/2"x 8" scored at 4 1/4"
3 pieces 2 13/16" x 1 7/16"
1 piece 3 3/16" x 1 11/16"
1 small piece 1 11/16" wide (any length...I cut it at 1 11/16" to make it a square...that way I didn't have to figure out which edge needed to be punched with the scalloped punch

Cut Real Red Cardstock dimensions:
5 1/2" x 3 3/4" before punching the scalloped edge

Whisper White:
1 piece 5 1/2" x 3"
1 piece 3" x 1 1/2"

Cocoa Christmas Designer Paper dimensions:

Red: 2 pieces 2 5/8" x 1 1/4"

Holly leaves: 1 piece 2 5/8" x 1 1/4"

Layer papers as shown in the picture, and pop your main image layer with dimensionals; Add white gel pen to scalloped edges, and Lime Green Stickles to the small side of each leaf, and Fruit Punch Stickles to the berries.

And you're done!
Hope you like it....
Check out some other examples of this sketch(layout) on Splitcoast Stampers here. And if you'd like to see how you can add your own creativity for this sketch, see here.

Baby Emily's First Photo Shoot at 2 weeks Old...Such a Princess!!

2009-11-03T21:23:00.000-06:00

Hi, Everybody!! Well, my granddaughter, Emily, is now 2 weeks old. She just had her first photos taken at the studio, and yes, she managed to stay awake for a good portion of them. I wanted to share some of them, with my friends here. What can I say...she's adorable!

No Money in this Wallet...Scrapbook Wallet Tutorial

2009-11-03T15:55:00.003-06:00

Stampers and Scrapbookers, here is a wonderful tutorial for these cute Scrapbook Wallets. This would be a great gift idea, or the perfect scrapbook journal to keep your holiday memories.

Scrapbook Wallet
by Makeesha Byl

Create an adorable foldout album to show off your favorite photos.

Supplies

One 6 1/4" x 5 3/4" piece of cardstock

One 6 1/4" x 12" piece of cardstock

Four 6 1/4" x 6 1/2" pieces of cardstock

Pencil

Ruler

Strong Adhesive
Bone Folder, or other scoring tool

Patterned Paper

Photos

Embellishments

Journaling Marker

Velcro Dot

Step-by-Step

Step 1
Score the 6 1/4" x 10 1/2" piece of cardstock at 6 1/4" and 6 3/4".

This will create a 1/2" spine.

Step 2
Score the 6 1/4" x 5 3/4" piece of cardstock at long side at 3/4" and 1 1/4" to create another 1/2" spine.

Step 3
On two of the 6 1/4" x 6 1/2" pieces of cardstock, score the 6 1/4" side at 3/4" and 1 1/4" to create a 1/2" spine.

Step 4
Take the last two cardstock pieces measuring 6 1/4" x 6 1/2" and score at 3/4" and 1" to create a 1/4" spine.

Step 5
Score the 6 1/4" x 12" piece of cardstock at 6 1/4" and 6 1/2" to create a 1/4" spine.

Step 6
Adhere the 6 1/4" x 5 3/4" piece of cardstock to the 6 1/4" x 10 1/2" piece of cardstock.

Adhere to the side furthest away from the score lines at the ¾” score mark.

Step 7
Adhere the 6 1/4" x 6 1/2" pieces of cardstock with the 1/2" spine to the top and bottom of the cardstock strip.

Line up the 3/4" score lines of the 6 1/4" x 6 1/2" pieces with the edge of the cardstock strip.

Step 8
The two 6 1/4" x 6 1/2" pieces of cardstock with the 1/4" spine will be adhered right over of the two pieces you have just attached.

Again, adhere it at the 3/4" score line.

Step 9
Add adhesive to the 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" side of the 6 1/4" x 12" strip and adhere to the central base of the wallet.

Be sure to have the scored lines at the bottom side of the wallet ready to be filled upwards into the wallet

Step 10
Scrapbook all your pages with your photographs and patterned paper.

You can use the base as a place to journal.

Step 11
Be sure to keep the embellishments simple so that the wallet isn’t too bulky.

Add Velcro dots to the underside of the top lid so that your wallet can be fastened closed.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Try Making this Elegant Wedding or Anniversary Card...Quick and Easy to do...

2009-11-03T15:36:00.002-06:00

I created these Wedding or Anniversary cards today, and wanted to share them with my stamping friends. They are quite easy to make. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for the sentiment, and played with it for awhile, until I found that I liked the die cut letters best. I just love this Manhattan Embossing Folder. It really makes for an elegant card or scrapbook page.

Stamps:
Brushed with a Chalk Ink

Cardstock:
Very Vanilla
Brushed Gold

Accessories:
Ribbon
Stampin' Up Manhattan Embossing Folder
Cuttlebug Olivia Letter Die
Dauber
Perfect Pearls
Stubble Brush
Jewels

For a variety, I also created these Wedding and Anniversary cards. Which is your favorite???

Stampin' Up! Holiday Gift Giving Promotion

2009-11-02T00:39:00.001-06:00

Promotion Period: November 1, 2009 - January 4, 2010

Do you have friends or family that love to scrapbook or make cards? Do you know of anyone who would love to receive a Stampin’ Up! Christmas gift? If so, then your Christmas shopping just got a little more rewarding!

From November 1st until December 31st, when you buy a gift, you get a gift! For every $50 you spend on products listed in Stampin’ Up!’s Holiday Gift-Giving Guide, you will receive a FREE Decor Elements piece valued up to $16.95!

Here is an example of one of the many things you can create with your Decor Elements.(click here to see all of the available products in the Décor Elements line).

Is there something special you have on your Christmas Wish List? You can help someone you love in choosing that perfect gift, when they purchase a personal gift certificate.

WOW!! Stunning Home Crafted Pendant Jewelry for Great Holiday Gift Giving

2009-11-01T07:36:00.002-06:00

Hi, Crafty Friends,
With the Christmas season, just ahead, here is another great idea for your holiday gift giving. And these jewelry pendants are one of a kind creations, made by you. They're very inexpensive, yet simply gorgeous! The instructions in this tutorial, are easy to understand, and follow...check it out Crafters!

And here is another version, as seen on Crafty Chicks

Phase 1 Supplies:
Stamps
Hammer
Washer (we use fender washers)
Hard surface
Hair Spray
Magic Marker
Scissors
Scrapbook paper

You can buy the metal stamps from Harbor Freight Tools for about $5.

Once you have decided on a saying or word for your washer, hold on tight to the stamp and give it one firm and quick swing with the hammer. The wood actually wasn't hard enough and we ended up moving to the tile floor. Concrete would also work. Once you have the washer punched, color the entire surface with a black magic marker. After the marker has dried, spray with hair spray and wipe off. This will turn the letters black and help them show up.

Then trace the washer onto the paper and cut out.

Phase 2 Supplies:
Sand paper
Glue
Mod Podge

Cover the washer with glue and then set the paper on top. Most likely your cutout will be larger than the actual washer--this is okay. Glue the paper on and wait for it to dry. Once it is dry take your piece of sand paper and smooth off the edges. This will take care of any excess paper and give it a nice finished edge.

Cover with Mod Podge, dry, and repeat as many times as you would like. I like put on think coats of Mod Podge so it gives a bubble or glass look to it. Just make sure you let each layer dry before adding more.

Phase 3 Supplies:
Wire
Beads
Pliers
Closures

Cut the wire to the desired length, add the closures to the ends. Add a bead if, you so chose, to a little piece of wire twisted at the ends.

Fold wire in half, slip through the bead and then through the hole in the washer, and back between both strands to finish it off.

And because you already have everything out, you might as well make a few!

Or you can try making these washer necklaces These are made using ink rather than paper, as shown here on Life Made Creations.

Washer Pendant How To

You will need:

The washers I used were 1 3/4" and 1 3/8" zinc-plated.

Step One:
Clean the washer with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt and oils.

Step Two:
Place drops of alcohol ink randomly over the surface of the washer.

Step Three:
Use an applicator (Ranger makes on specifically for this, but I don't have it--yet, so I just used a basic cosmetic sponge I had in my stash) with a bit of Blending solution and dab at the washer to lighten and mix the inks. Add more droplets as needed to create a design that you love. There is no right or wrong here, and what I loved most was how forgiving the inks and blending solution are. If it's too dark lighten with solution; too light, add more ink.

Step Four:

Wrap a piece of wire (mine was 24 gauge) around your washer. Start the wire in the back, and be sure to cover over the end as you wrap around. With each pass through the center, thread 1-3 beads onto the wire. Keep wrapping and threading until you like. Snip off the end and thread it beneath the wires in the back. One the smaller washer, I skipped the wire wrapping and glued on some tiny rhinestones. Forgot to snap a photo of it.

Step Five:

Add a hanger and you are done. I used a premade leather cording that already had the fasteners, but you could use ribbon, string, jute, yarn, chain, and add your own closure, or simply tie it large enough to slip over your head.

Adorable Christmas Gift Tags You Can Make

2009-10-31T11:30:00.002-05:00

Look at these gorgeous Christmas Tags, I found on Becky's Blog, at Inking Idaho. I think they are just adorable....Great job, Becky!
She stamped the images in Real Red and Chocolate Chip

Cardstock:
Real Red, Whisper White, Christmas Cocoa Designer Paper

Stamp Set:
Delightful Decorations

Accessories:
Top Note Die
Big Shot
Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder
Jumbo Eyelets
Crop-a-Dile
Ornament Punch
Natural Cord(from last year)
Whisper White Satin Ribbon
Silver Cord

Some of the items used are pictured below, and available for a limited time only in the Stampin' Up Holiday Mini Catalog:

Another die that is used is the Top Note Die. Many of you are already familiar with one, which is also available from Stampin' Up item #113463. This is a die you'll find yourself using over and over, in many of your crafts.(If you haven't already)

In addition, take a look at these festive gift tags, also found on Inking Idaho Again, the Ornament Punch is used here, as well. I don't know about you, but I love the punches, when it comes to making a large quantity of a card or project. You just punch and move onto the next one...no sandwiches to play with or rollers...quick & convenient!

Great Tutorial, Stampers: You'll Never Look at Your Rubber Stamps in the Same Way Again!!

2009-10-30T12:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks, again, Dawn. I have uploaded another great tutorial I found from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. This technique gives your stamped images a whole new feel. In this video tutorial Dawn uses 3 different Stampin' Up stampsets. In the first example she uses Tree Trimmings to create a beautiful Christmas card, in the 2nd example she uses a stamp from Baroque Motif, and in the 3rd example she uses the True Friend stampset. I just love the finished result. I can't wait to try this myself, with some of my snowflake stamps. Can you imagine how pretty that will look? I like this technique much better than the Rock 'n Roll Technique, because you have more control over where your accent color will be. This technique gives the image a lot of depth, which is one reason we are so passionate about our handstamped greeting cards. Enjoy, Fellow Crafters!

Stampin' Up Holiday Decorative Blocks

2009-10-29T20:17:00.002-05:00

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about getting out those Christmas decorations, shopping for gifts, and creating some hand-crafted Christmas cards. Here are some cute ideas to help you prepare for those joyful memories. What a decorative holiday display for your mantle or tabletop this season. These decorative blocks can be created easily with the items shown below from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Ho ho ho blocks
Paper:
Card Stock Whisper White 8 1/2X11
Card Stock Real Red 8 1/2X11
Ink
SHIMMER PAINT CHAMPAGNE MIST
Accessories:
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
RIBBON GROSGRAIN POLKA DOT REAL RED 3/4"
BIGZ ALPHABET SIMPLE LETTERS

Instructions

1. Cover each side of two Décor Elements blocks with Real Red card stock (3" x 3"). Cover each side of third block with Whisper White card stock (3" x 3").
2. Cut “Ho ho” from Whisper White card stock and “Ho” from Real Red card stock using Sizzix Big Shot and Alphabet Simple Letters Bigz die.
3. Adhere Whisper White letters and winter scenes from the Holiday Mix Décor Elements to Real Red blocks.
4. Adhere Décor Elements snowflakes to Real Red blocks.
5. Adhere Real Red letters to Whisper White block.
6. Mix a few drops of Champagne Mist shimmer paint with 1 oz. of rubbing alcohol and spritz entire project.
7. When blocks are dry, tie Real Red 3/4" polka-dot grosgrain ribbon (28") around Whisper White block.

Using the Decor Elements Blocks with the complimentary Decor Elements Holiday Mix, your favorite embellishments,and a little creativity, in no time you'll have made a beautiful addition to your holiday displays.
You too, can create them just as easily. Let me show you and your friends how. Or invite some friends over for a "Make & Take". They're great as gifts, too.

Stampin' Up Two Gifts in One

2009-10-29T20:15:00.001-05:00

These cute holders serve both as a package for your holiday gift giving, embellish it with some "prettys", and the tag can be used as an ornament when finished. The tag is made in a snap, using the Delightful Decorations Stamp Set found in the Holiday Mini Catalog, and the Ornament Punch, shown below:

Or you can save time and decorate these cute ornaments with Stampin' Up Merry & Bright Rub-Ons, shown below, also available from the Holiday Mini Catalog. How easy is that!

Christmas Gift Giving Tags

2009-10-29T20:11:00.001-05:00

This is a great gift giving idea. They are so easy, and fun to make. Host a workshop, and I'd love to show you how you can do it, and earn extra gifts for yourself, at the same time.

Stampin' Up Movers & Shapers Die Tutorial

2009-10-28T14:04:00.003-05:00

Dawn is awesome. This is one of her many tutorials using Stampin' Up products. Here is a link to her blog, Dawn's Stamping Thoughts

Stampin' Up Deal of the Week 10/26-11/2

2009-10-27T23:29:00.001-05:00

Princess Party Kit 116214
Price: $9.99
You can make your princess's fantasies come true with our Princess Party kit. Your little princess and seven of her ladies-in-waiting can celebrate a splendid happily-ever-after complete with invitations, decorations, and dazzling crowns to create and wear.
■ Contains products to create invitations, crowns, purse boxes, banner, and food toppers for eight
■ Coordinates with the Princess Time stamp set and Princess personalized name stamp

Pirate Party Kit 116213
Price: $9.99
Hoist the Jolly Roger and get ready to have a swashbuckling good time! Gather your little buccaneer and his or her mateys for a pirate party of the finest sort, complete with invitations, decorations, and eye patches to create and wear. This kit contains products you need to create party invitations and decorations for eight guests.
■ Contains products to create invitations, eye patches, banner, treasure boxes, and food toppers for eight
■ Coordinates with our Pirate Time stamp set and Pirate personalized name stamp

My Little "Baby Doll"

2009-10-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

I'm back! Yes, back home now. I can't begin to explain the blessed week I had. I stayed with my daughter, Amy, and son-in-law, Corey, after receiving the phone call that she was going to the hospital. I arrived at West Allis Aurora Hospital about 4:30AM last Tuesday. My precious, Emily, was born at 11:28AM that morning, weighing 8lbs 12.5oz, and 20". The labor seemed like a breeze for Amy, after getting the epidural. I sure wish I would've done that, or even had that option with my 3 children. I think it prolonged her labor, but she barely felt a thing. Emily was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, though, because she had a mild temperature, and had rapid breathing. It was more precautionary, but had everyone quite worried. Apparently, it was just the transition from the labor that caused these symptoms. It was a good thing I stayed with them, because it took awhile for the breast milk to come in, since she was unable to breast feed while Emily was in the NIC unit. And when Amy, Corey, and Emily came home, Emily was very hungry. After losing too much weight these 1st few days, they had Amy supplement her feedings with formula. Our precious little girl had been hungry, but once she started getting the formula supplements she was completely fine. She is such a joy, my heart is overflowing. While I was there I had prepared various meals, to freeze, which should last them at least a week. I was going to come home yesterday, but I just was enjoying my granddaughter so much. I stayed another day. Now, I'm going through Emily withdrawal. She's so precious.

Rape Victim's Choice: Risk AIDS or Health Insurance?

2009-10-21T23:14:00.001-05:00

Unbelievable....Read this article.
Rape Victim's Choice: Risk AIDS or Health Insurance?

Posted using ShareThis

I'M A GRANDMA!!!!!!

2009-10-21T04:21:00.000-05:00

I'm doin' the "happy dance", here! I am, now, a grandma, to Emily Susan Koeppel. She is wonderful!!! Such a blessing. I came down, here, to Milwaukee at 4:30am. She was born Tuesday morning, and weighed 8 lbs 12.5 oz. She is adorable! Words can't express what I'm feeling, right now. So, please don't mind me if I don't post much the next few days.

Stampin' Up "Deal of the Week" 10/19-10/26...Four Great Embellishments

2009-10-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

MINI LIBRARY CLIPS
Regular Price: $9.99
Preferred Price: $8.99

CIRCLE DESIGNER BRADS
Regular Price: $4.43
Preferred Price: $3.99

BASIC JUMBO GROMMETS
Regular Price: $4.99
Preferred Price: $4.49

1/2 INCH LIBRARY CLIPS
Regular Price: $4.43
Preferred Price: $3.99

Pumpkin Tabletop decorations...SOOO quick & easy!

2009-10-19T15:43:00.002-05:00

These adorable pumpkins are sooo easy to create. And they probably only take 10 short minutes to complete.

This video tutorial was done by Dawn Griffith at Dawn's Stamping Studio. Thanks, Dawn for a great tutorial!
Supplies:
2 Sided Designer Paper
Crop-a-Dile II
Brad
Ribbon
Crimper
Green Cardstock
Scissors
Pencil

Simply Adorned Charms Stampin' Up

2009-10-19T15:04:00.001-05:00

I can't wait for Stampin' Up to offer their new Simply Adorned Charms line. I'm really excited to start playing with some jewelry. Hopefully, they'll have it out before Christmas. Until then, I think I'm going to dabble in some bottle cap jewelry, and cater to the "tweens" a bit. Then when Stampin' Up comes out with their quality made chains and charms, I'll be a pro at it. I'll keep you all updated when it is ready to order.

A Great Turnout at Pumpkin Fest in Mishicot, WI

2009-10-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

What a great day for a fall festival, such as Pumpkin Fest in Mishicot, WI. There was some scrumptious food (by the way, I had to try the pumpkin muffins sold in front of the coffee shop...they were to die for...topped with a dab of cream cheese frosting....oooh, my), some chicken boullia, chili, tons of apples, and of course the pumpkin recipe contests. The weather started out a bit chilly, but it warmed up a tad when the sun peaked out over the autumn sky, just in time for the parade. There were cute little ghosts and goblins walking around, and a lot of painted faces. The streets were lined with vendors from all over the area. (Me, being one of 'em). And I was set up to a gentleman who took such pride in his home made honey. I have to say, he did quite well Saturday. He has a local cabinetry business, just north of Denmark, WI, called Hank's Authentic Cabinetry. He told me that the bees gave him lots of honey this year. He sells such a variety of honey related products, including bee pollen, that you just sprinkle on your food, containing pure protein. I've been told that bee pollen is great for aching joints and arthritis. He had the honey combs, which brought back memories for me of when I was a child. My dad used to come home with these huge slabs filled with honey comb, and we'd spread it on our toast in the morning...yum! He told me he sells at the DePere Farmer's Market, so check him out. Anyway, everyone appeared to have a wonderful time at the Pumpkin Festival...Jim & Evie Sustman volunteered their time, (and Evie's delicious bakery and coffee) every Wednesday morning at the Mishicot Farmer's Market, and also contributed a lot of hard work and time into this festival. Thank you, Jim & Evie, and the Mishicot Area Growth & Improvement Committee (MAGIC) for a wonderful season.

LAST CALL...for combined Stampin' Up order. Save on shipping!

2009-10-18T21:41:00.000-05:00

This is the last call for anyone who wants to get in on the combined Stampin' Up order. If you only want to order a small item, it would be very beneficial for you, because you will save on shipping costs. I have to get the order in ASAP to get the "Deal of the Week". I, myself am ordering the Flower Burst Die, which is listing for half the price only through today. You can see an example of how it was used below. Either leave a "comment" here, or email me at skatzung@charter.net
Thanks to all,
Shelly

Dear Emily

2009-10-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

A letter my daughter wrote on her Facebook page...She is due any day, now. This is TOO funny:
Dear Emily, Although your presence has been enjoyable & your move in was most assuredly celebrated, the circumstances of your stay have become uncomfortable & laborious for your host. You must vacate & move on to more appropriate living quarters, which are available at your earliest convenience. Failure to comply will result in forced eviction in no less than 10 days from today. Your Mother - Amy

Pop Up Three Tier Cake Video Tutorial Stampin' Up "DEAL OF THE WEEK"

2009-10-15T08:52:00.002-05:00

Flower Burst Embosslit Die Stampin' Up "DEAL OF THE WEEK" 1/2 off Regular Price

2009-10-15T07:36:00.001-05:00

The following post was put up by Stamp with Anne. I love how delicate this card is, that she made. This die is in "The Deal of the Week" for Stampin' Up, and is listed half off at $5.99 from now through Monday only. I'm ordering one for myself, along with one other person...let's combine an order of 'em, and save on shipping costs.

Flower Burst Embosslit Die Thank You card
Hello my friends,

I hope you are having a great day so far. I have been busy in my stamp studio reorganizing all my stuff. What a chore that is!! I'm making head way but still have lots to do. If you have any suggestions on how to organize your paper scraps, please let me know. Right now they are over flowing from my basket.

I just love my Big Shot machine!! I use it all the time. I wanted to share with you another project that we made the other night at my Big Shot club. I like to show them all the different sizes of dies that we carry and what you can do with them!!

This card was made using the Flower Burst Embosslit die and the Bird with Leave die.

Recipe:Regal Rose, Old Olive and Whisper White card stock, Flower Burst Embosslit die, Regal Rose ink, Sponge Dauber, Short and Sweet stamp set, Big Shot machine and Top Note Die.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

Anne

Combined Stampin' Up Order

2009-10-14T23:08:00.000-05:00

To all my Stampin' friends:
I am placing a Stampin' Up order, and was wondering if anyone was interested in adding to it, to split on the shipping cost. Normally, shipping is 10% of the order, but there is a minimum shipping charge of $6.95. So, if there is just one or two items you were interested in, this would be an ideal situation for you, to split the cost. I hate to see this customer pay more for shipping than the actual item. I'm joining in also, because I want to get the Deal of the Week, Flower Burst Embosslit Die at half off the regular price. Let me know, either here in the comments, or email me.
Thanks,
Shelly

Mishicot Pumpkin Fest Saturday, October 17, 2009

2009-10-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hi, Friend,
Well, I got the update on Pumpkin Fest this Saturday. I will be located in the Mishicot Family Market parking lot, up towards the road and sidewalk. So, please stop by and say "hello". I have been a weekly participant in the Mishicot Farmer's Market this season on Wednesday mornings. And this is where they are going to have the "Market" vendors set up. So, it looks like they're splitting Ronnie & I up. Oh, whoa is me. But, she should be close by. YEAH!!
Now, if you stop by to say "hello", I'll have something for each of you. Just mention the code word, "Smiley"...see ya' there!

Blossom & Steve's Cheese in Denmark, WI

2009-10-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

WOOOO HOOOOO!!! I just won a lb of free fudge from Steve's Cheese in Denmark, WI. She listed on her Facebook Page a trivia question, of which I answered correctly. Check out her Facebook page, you can follow them there, as well. My tastebuds are workin' overtime just thinkin' about it!!

Two Rivers Apple Fest Report

2009-10-11T22:51:00.000-05:00

I think I've finally warmed my bones enough to sit down and chat. Yesterday, Apple Fest was a good time, but it sure was a true test of spirit. The winterlike temps reminded me of those bitter cold days of delivering mail back in Milwaukee. But it was worth it all, seeing some of you there, and meeting some new crafty friends. This week I'll be getting ready for Pumpkin Fest in Mishicot. I am not certain where we will be set up, but it looks as though we may be across from the Market out by the police station. Hopefully, it will be a bit warmer than last weekend. I really like Mishicot. Working the Farmer's Market there, I've met a lot of friendly folks...I think it such a cute, and quaint little town. And I have to hand it to the city planners, they do a fine job of promoting their special events and businesses. So, anyway, hope to see you all there this Saturday. Have a great week, and stay warm.

Trick or Treat, Give me Something Good to Eat! Halloween Sweet Centers Treat Card

2009-10-09T14:03:00.002-05:00

HOW FUN IS THIS?
These cute little treat cards were created with the new Sweet Centers Stamp Set, and the Sweet Treat Cups. These are both available in Stampin' Up's Holiday Mini Catalog. Pull the tab out, and sweet treats slide out inside the card. And once the candies are gone, the cute "EEK, You're Sweet sentiment shows through the "see thru" treat cup.

STAMPS:
Sweet Centers (Holiday Mini Catalog)
All Holidays
All in A Row

CARDSTOCK:
Pumpkin Pie
Green Galore
Basic Black
Lovely Lilac
Whisper White

INK:
VersaMark
Black Stazon
Only Orange (Marker,used this color because a little brighter than the Pumpkin Pie)
Green Galore (Marker)
Lavendar Lace (Marker, used this color because a little brighter than Lovely Lilac)

ACCESSORIES:
Sweet Treat Cups
1 3/8" Circle Punch
1 3/4" Circle Punch (Holiday Mini Catalog)
1 1/2" Circle Punch (non SU)
Circle Cutting System
Scalloped Circle Punch
Scalloped Edge Punch
Round Tab Punch
Corner Rounder Punch
Black Detail Embossing Powder
Ribbon
Pencil
Adhesive
Sticky Tape or Glue Dots in corners only to adhere Lovely Lilac layer to base layer.
Candy (I found these candies in a plastic beaker, and they taste like the little "Smarties". Also, the holiday M&M's for Halloween have these exact colors, although could not find them at Walmart. I did find them at Walgreen's.

These are so awesome! Let me show you how, by hosting a workshop, or "Make & Take". There are also stamps in this Sweet Centers set for making Christmas treats, or Valentine's, and even an "all occasion" treat holders. You can fill the cups with glitter, for the holidays, confettie, the possiblilities are endless.

Who's Yo' Mummy? Halloween Card

2009-10-09T00:56:00.002-05:00

Here's a fun card I made for Halloween.

Cardstock;
Pumpkin Pie
Basic Black
Ivory
Whisper White (for eyes)

Ink:
Chocolate Chip
Really Rust
Creamy Caramel

Stamps:
Linen Background Stamp
Best of Cluck (the spots on background)
Simply Circles (eyes)

Accessories:
Sponge
Ribbon
Dimensional Strips

Use two 1" x 9" strips of Ivory and fold on a diagonal, then snip the ends to be even with the background layer. The background layer is also Ivory cardstock, inked with Creamy Caramel using Linen Background Stamp, and speckled with stamp from Best of Cluck. I popped some of the strips for dimension.

Packers or Vikings; Rogers or Favre???

2009-10-02T21:56:00.002-05:00

Go, Pack, Go! For those who aren't familiar with the story....The Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings are rivals. Brett Favre, was the Packer's Quarterback, until he retired. Well, he is back playing, but with the Minnesota Vikings. Monday the Pack plays in Minnesota, against their previous quarterback. Have you seen the Sears commercial with Brett Favre, yet? It is hilarious. He keeps changing his mind...first he wants to buy the big screen TV, then he doesn't, then he does....
I thought you'd get a kick out of this card...notice the purple #4 jersey?

Paper Trimmers for Paper Crafts and Card Making

2009-10-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

I found this neat post on Craft Critique:

OCTOBER 1, 2009
Choosing a Paper Trimmer
Thanks for visiting Craft Critique! If you've come here from a search engine or from a direct link, you might be missing out on more content! Please visit CraftCritique.com for more.
Reported by Stephanie Wheeler

Through my almost 13 years of scrapbooking, I've streamlined enough to know what tools work the best for me. Like most scrapbookers and crafters, I started out with a $6 slide trimmer (brand name withheld to protect the guilty), and while it worked for a bit, I started getting annoyed with the consistent paper-tearing and having to replace blades twice a year.

After getting fed up with being frustrated, I thought to myself - a paper trimmer is probably THE MOST important tool in my arsenal. I will use it every time I craft...so I should probably make an investment in something that will perform - and last.

In my opinion, a crafter should have at least three trimmers: a guillotine/bypass trimmer, a travel trimmer and a mini trimmer.

Guillotine/Bypass - Named for it's resemblance to French guillotine, this is the most important - and most frequently used - trimmer I own. It is exactly 12" wide, making it perfect for trimming off paper tabs at the bottom of 12" x 12" sheets, as well as being able to cut just about any size sheet I need.

Made by X-Acto, this trimmer comes with a 10-year warranty, and because it isn't distributed by a "scrapbooking company," can be found at just about any office supply store. A basic model like this will cost around $50. I have had this model for around five years and it still works as well as the day it came out of the box.

One thing to think about when you're purchasing a guillotine trimmer is where the trimmer will be stored. A trimmer like this could be dangerous if left to tempt small children with wandering eyes - and fingers.

X-Acto 12" Guillotine Trimmer, MSRP $50

Pros:
Cuts 12" x 12" sheets
Easy to use
10-year warranty
Easy to find
"Locking" handle
Cons:
Could be dangerous - and tempting - for small children
With basic model, difficult to cut more than one sheet with consistent results
Takes up a lot of space
Not ideal for traveling

Although I don't have any personal experience with them, I have heard good things about two other guillotine/bypass trimmers - Tonic Studios 12" Trimmer and the Fiskars 12" Bypass Trimmer. Both retail at $40-50.

Travel Trimmer - When I first started scrapbooking, you couldn't pay me to pack up my stuff and get crafty out of my comfort zone. Several years and many scrappy friends later, I simply can't wait to spend a whole day with the girls, cropping until my fingers are sore. Because I do go to at least 10 crops a year, it's really important that I have a travel trimmer that will cut a full 12" sheet, while being light and portable.

My favorite portable trimmer is the Fiskars Portable Rotary Trimmer. It's the perfect size to slip into your bag for an afternoon of hassle-free trimming.
Aside from it's nice, clean cut, one of my favorite things about this trimmer is its interchangeable blades, which come in several styles, including straight, deckle, pinking, scoring, perforating, wave, and scallop. I also love this trimmer because of the built-in swinging arm that measures up to 12". It makes trimming full-sized sheets easy and convenient.

Fiskars 12" Portable Rotary Trimmer, MSRP $35

Pros:
Swinging arm measures up to 12" x 12"
Thin, lightweight
Can be used with interchangeable decorative blades
Produces clean cuts, even after years of use
Includes a locking mechanism for safety when traveling
Boasts ability to cut up to 10 sheets of paper at a time
Cons:
Harder to measure accuracy of cut
Not ideal for trimming small pieces of paper

Mini Trimmer - In my opinion, having a mini trimmer is essential. Small trimmers are perfect for precision with cropping photos, cutting tags and trimming small pieces of paper for projects like ATCs and greeting cards. I do a lot of tedious tag trimming, and without my favorite mini trimmer, I'd be lost.

My absolute favorite small trimmer is the Fiskars 9" Bypass Trimmer. This trimmer was a complete impulse buy, but it's one of the best crafting purchases I've made. The guillotine/bypass style is my favorite for getting a really clean cut on my projects, and is the perfect size for keeping around on my desk. It's portable, so it can come with me to crops and on trips, and to be honest, this trimmer cuts like a champ. I have personally cut over 10,000 tags with one of these and it shows no signs of stopping.

Fiskars 9" Bypass Trimmer, MSRP $20

Pros:
Perfect for cutting small pieces of paper and photos
Lightweight and portable
Produces clean cuts, even after lots of use
Boasts ability to cut up to 10 sheets of paper at a time
Cons:
Replacement blades are hard (if possible) to find
No swinging arm - only measures up to 5.5" horizontally
Does not lock
Tricky to use if you've never had experience with guillotine/bypass trimmers

So there you have it! A quick run-through of MY favorite kinds of trimmers. What do you think? What trimmer do you love the most? I'd love to hear your trimmer pros and cons!

Farmer's Market & Crafts

2009-10-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

This is too funny. Yesterday, after coming home from the Two River's Farmers Market, with gloves on and all, (could've used my longies), I decided that I would cut it down to setting up on Saturday's only. Then, this morning, I read our friend, Ronnie's blog post, and saw that she decided to do the same. You've all seen me, usually creating some of my projects, while at my table. And it's been pretty slow on Wednesdays, plus we always have the winds coming up off of the lake. I think my time would be better utilized if I worked on my crafts and cards for you, here at home. We both will be set up on Saturdays, though, as usual, and Apple Fest is coming up on October 10th in Two Rivers, Pumpkin Fest on October 17th in Mishicot, and we will both have our displays at the Manitowoc County Expo, November 14th, and December 12th for Rummage-O-Ramma. So, until Ronnie's shop opens, meet us on those days and locations. And as always, right here on our blogs, is a great place to meet.

ANNOUNCING THE NEW STAMPIN' UP CLEARANCE RACK!!

2009-09-29T13:19:00.000-05:00

Oh, happy days! Stampin' Up has just launched its new Clearance Rack Section in their on-line shopping store!! All of the items in this section are retired and discontinued. These products are now listed at substantially reduced prices. This is not a short term promotion, but rather a regularly featured online section. These items will be changing continuously and probably will sell out quickly, so make sure you check it out when ordering online. I'm doin' the "Happy Dance"!

Gift Card Holders Tutorial and Challenge

2009-09-29T09:00:00.004-05:00

Gals, there are only 56 shopping days left until Christmas. I have never been a big fan of gift cards ( I've always enjoyed giving a gift that's wrapped in pretty paper, bow and all) But gift cards have become ever so popular, especially when time is a factor, or simply don't know what to get for that someone. They also make great "Thank You's" by the way of your fav drive-thru, or coffee shop, even gas or grocery gift cards are a nice way of showing someone you care. You can find gift cards now, practically everywhere you shop, anything to save on time. And if all of the malls are closed, and it' late, you can probably find a popular gift card at an all night store or gas station...how convenient! So, what better to have as a challenge, than a "gift card holder". Here are a few I've made ( I just love this version because they are very quick and simple):

There are many versions of gift cards that I've seen. However, I find that I like this one because it is so versatile, and simple to make. For the challenge you can follow the tutorial below, or create one of your own versions....we like new ideas here.

Below are the measurements and supplies needed to make this Gift Card Holder:

Gift Card Holder with Belly Band

Cardstock Base:
7" x 4.25" (Scored at 4.5" and 1.5" on the long side)

Designer Paper:
1.) 4 5/16" x 2 5/16"
2.) 4 5/16" x 1 5/16"
3.) Optional 4 5/16" x 2 13/16" (This layer is for the back of the holder. I like to use this especially to hide the backs of the brads. So make sure you wait to put this layer on after you've attached the brads on the inside of the card holder)
4.) Optional 4 5/16" x 2 5/16" (This layer is for the top half of the inside. I like to stamp a sentiment and small image here)

Cardstock for the Belly Band:
9.75" x .75" (Scored at 4.25" and 8.5")

Additional Supplies:
2 Mini Brads (Its difficult to see in the photo, but the brads are placed on the inside flap, to secure the ends where the gift card will be placed eventually. I prefer the tiny mini brads, so they don't mark up the inside of the card as much as the larger ones can)
Scalloped Circle Punch
1 3/8" Circle Punch
1 1/4" Circle Punch
To Have & To Hold Stampin' Up Stampset
So Many Scallops Stampin' Up Stampset
VersaMark Ink Pad
Gold Embossing Powder
Heat Gun
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder ( I prefer to emboss the belly band. But you do have to run it through in sections, a couple of times. On this Card Holder I used the Script Embossing Folder. On the Baby Gift Card Holder I used the Tiny Bubbles, and for the Butterfly Holder I used Swiss Dots)

If you'd like to see more of these, Belly Band Gift Card Holders, go to the right side of my blog, and under the "Labels" heading, click on Gift Card Holders.

GO PACK, GO!

2009-09-29T07:56:00.002-05:00

The Packers will be playing against their rival, and Brett Favre on Monday. GO PACK, GO! We HAVE to win this one!