Adorable Christmas Gift Tags You Can Make

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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?

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

Posted using ShareThis

I'M A GRANDMA!!!!!!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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???

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

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

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.