Craft Fair Creations

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been very busy lately preparing for my first craft fair. For the fair I will have about 200 cards (various themes) for sale as well as some gift tags (today's project), and gift packaging. I also plan on offering to create custom cards and invitations. My other reason for doing the craft fair is to share my love of Stampin' Up! You saw in a previous post the Decor Elements project I created for an example, and I also plan on offering catalogs and the option to host a workshop. I am hoping it will be a success!

The project I am showing today is some gift tag boxes. I used this template to create the box/lid and dividers. I used a hobby blade to cut a square out of the lid and placed Snowfall window sheets behind the opening. Then I filled each box (10 total) with 16 coordinating tags. Lastly, I tied each one with some ribbon.

The other project I am showing today is the sign I created to set up at my booth. I used paper, paint, and a thin piece of MDF to create a sign that mimics the look of my blog. Cute, huh? I love the glitter.

Wish me luck!




Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click here!

A Birthday Party for my Mom

On the day before Halloween, my mom will be turning 50. So for about 6 months now, me, my sister, and my mom's best friend have been busy putting together her party.

You may be wondering why I am posting this. Well, initially it was going to be a surprise party (which you will see on the inside). But she accidentally found out about it so I am able to share the invite without having to worry that she'll see it. It actually works out better this way because we were having a hard time coming up with a way to get her to the restaurant without her becoming suspicious. Problem solved! :)

Here is how I made the invite:

• This is a gate fold card. To create it, I took a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of textured Bermuda Bay card stock. It was scored 2 1/8" on both sides and folded into the center.
• The Medallion image was inked up in Versamark and stamped off-centered (over the seam). It was then clear heat embossed.
• Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain was added around the card and tied in the front. TIP: I used a piece of Melon Mambo card stock on the back of the card to help keep the ribbon secure.
• Images from Great Friend were inked in Rich Razzleberry and Bermuda Bay and stamped onto Whisper White. I used a 1 3/8" circle punch to crop the images and layered it onto a Rich Razzleberry scallop circle.
• I used a Crop-a-dile to punch a hole in the top of the tag.
• Silver Elastic cord was used to tie the tag to the ribbon. Before knotting it, I added a Filigree Brad.
• For the inside of the card, I used Razzleberry Lemonade DSP for the sides. The invitation information was printed off my computer.
• The final touch was a Crushed Curry eyelet border at the bottom.

There are still a lot of small details to be done for the party, but it will be a wonderful celebration. One that is very needed in our family. A few weeks ago, my mom was diagnosed with MS and so we are trying to do everything we can to lift her spirits. Any prayers for peace and comfort would be greatly appreciated!



Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click Here!

Recipe:
Stamps: Medallion (115223), Great Friend (113792)
Ink: Versamark (102283), Bermuda Bay (115655), Rich Razzleberry (115658)
Paper: Whisper White (100730), Bermuda Bay (115317), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Melon Mambo (115320), Crushed Curry (115319), Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (115675)
Accessories: Filigree Brads (112577), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Crop-a-dile (108362), Silver Elastic Cord (109866), Eyelet Border Punch (113692), Heat Tool (100005), Clear Embossing Powder (109130), Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115611)

PPA12: A Simple Sketch

This week at Pals Paper Arts, we are hosting a Simple Sketch challenge designed by the very talented Margaret Moody. Her designs are so well balanced which makes it incredibly easy to put together a quick card.

For my challenge card, I decided to use the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit. This meant that I didn't use any stamps, and all the paper was already included in the kit! Super easy.

• For the card base, I used textured Chocolate Chip (A2).
• Next, I layered two rectangles of the striped DSP included in the kit.
  
• For the focal point, I used my Circle Scissor Plus to cut out a 3" Real Red circle.
• The beautiful deer image is a self-adhesive die cut from the kit. I used dimensionals to pop it up on the Real Red. TIP: First, I put on several dimensionals on the back of the die cut. Then, with the backing still on the dimensionals, I sprinkled baby powder all over it to take away the stickiness. Then I simply removed the dimensional backing to attach it to the card.
• A cute bow was formed out of 3/4" Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain.
• The finishing touch was to add some Latte and Playground Designer buttons. TIP: I used contrasting pieces of card stock for thread.

I plan to include this card in my craft fair inventory. I have been so swamped with creating more an more items for the fair that I haven't been able to post as much. But I do have quite a bit to share, so hopefully I will have a bit more time this week to post.

A Quick Reminder: Don't forget Stampin' Up!'s Deal of the Week promotion! For more details click here.





Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click Here!

Recipe: Stamps: None Ink: None Paper: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit (115696) Accessories: Latte Designer Buttons (114333), Playground Designer Button (116313), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 3/4" Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115608), Circle Scissor Plus (112530), Glass Cutting Mat (112531) Other: Baby Powder

A Color Challenge- PPA11

This week over at Pals Paper Arts, we are hosting a color challenge! The goal is to use the following colors (or similar):

You will want to be sure to head over to Pals Paper Arts, not only to upload your own creation, but also to take advantage of some fabulous Blog Candy!!!

For my card, I incorporated a couple new techniques that I learned at the SU Regional. Both are so fun, and easy!

Here are some step by step instructions:

• First I stamped the Halloween image from Sweet Centers on a square of Whisper White using Basic Black ink. I randomly filled in some of the images using Perfect Plum, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie.
• The 1 3/4" circle punch was used to pop out the center.
  
• On another smaller square, I stamped the image again using Perfect Plum ink. I filled in the center circle with Pumpkin Pie ink.
• Now for the fun part! I adhered a piece of packing tape onto the back side of the large square, with the sticky part face up.
• A generous coating of Dazzling Diamonds was added on top for a sheer glittery effect.
• Next, I attached the two squares together.
• For the card base, I used Perfect Plum, which I distressed using the distressing tool on my cutter kit.
• I took a 2"x5.5" piece of Old Olive and distressed all the edges, too. Next I took out my Big Shot and SU Backgrounds I Texturz Plates.
• I decided to use the diamond pattern, but I felt it needed something more. So I remembered another technique from Regionals- adding color to Texturz Plates!
• I used a brayer to apply Basic Black ink to the raised portions of the plate. TIP: I wasn't as careful as I probably should have been and accidentally got ink in the impressed portion, but I ended up liking the look. Then I simply ran my card stock through. Another TIP: A little soap and water did the trick for removing the excess ink from my plate and silicon pad.
• I knew I wanted to use the 1 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain, but it was a little too wide for the card, so I folded it in half and used Snail to secure it.
  
• Then I wrapped the ribbon around the black rectangle (because I wanted to tie it, but not around the whole card).
• Instead of a simple know, I used Hemp Twine to secure the ends.

I hope you will play along (and be entered to win Blog Candy!) over at Pals Paper Arts!!!

Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click here!

Recipe: Stamps: Sweet Centers (116521) Ink: Basic Black (101179), Old Olive (102277), Perfect Plum (101437), Pumpkin Pie (105216) Paper: Whisper White (100730), Perfect Plum (101889), Old Olive (100702), Razzleberry Lemonade DSP (115675) Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plates (114512), 1 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain (115616), Hemp Twine (100982), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (101023), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Packing Tape, Cutter Kit (106958), Brayer (102395)

Half-Day Regional in CDA, ID

Last Saturday, I attended my very first Stampin' Up! regional in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho (which is only about 45 minutes from my house). I had so much fun and learned a lot. Many of my upcoming projects will feature some new techniques that I learned from fellow demonstrators as well as the SU staff that hosted the event.

At the event, we made 3 Make and Takes using the set Berry Christmas (love it!). What was so fun about these projects is that while they were 3 completely different ideas, they all incorporated the same color scheme and similar embellishments. That makes these projects so perfect for workshops.

Because there are 3 separate projects, I wont do step-by-step instructions, but I will post the recipe for each at the end of this post.


For those of you who live in the Spokane, WA area, I will be hosting a class on October 17th featuring this set. We will make 20 Christmas cards (5 designs) with envelopes. In addition to the cards, you will receive the Berry Christmas Set. If you are interested, please email me and I will send you more details- I would love to have you!













For November, I will be hosting a Decor Elements class. We will be using the new Decor Elements Blocks and the new Holiday Mix Decor Elements (color of your choice), for a fun Christmas project. If you would like more information on this class, please email me.



Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click Here!

Recipe:
Stamps: Berry Christmas
Ink: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, Certainly Celery
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Real Red, Soft Suede
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Bitty Box and Envelope Bigz XL die (115967), Silver Brads (104336), 3/4" Real Red Polka Dot Ribbon (115608), Linen Thread (104199), Playground Designer Buttons (116313), Trio Flower Punch (109183), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Dimensionals (104430)

Decor Elements Wall Hanging

In a few short weeks I will be working at my first craft fair. I couldn't be more excited and I am trying to brainstorm ways to really showcase all that Stampin' Up! has to offer.

I know that Decor Elements will be huge at the craft fair since many people who shop the fair are interested in home decor. I absolutely love the Laundry Decor Element and wanted to show it, but I also wanted to keep it for my own laundry room.

Sooo.... I decided to make a wall hanging. But what to use?? We used to have a small cabinet with a glass door in our bathroom but it was starting to fall apart so I took it apart several months ago and the pieces were waiting in the garage ready to be taken to the dump. The sides and top were laminate so I didn't want to use that for this project, but the glass door seemed perfect!

I removed all the hardware and patched the holes before spray painting it a glossy white. Then I cleaned the glass really well with some Windex before adding the Decor Element. This went on so smoothly! I cut off the overlap and placed the glass back in the frame.

Next, I needed to figure out a good way to hang this. I wanted a more country look, so I used some picture hanging wire and hardware on the back side, then I loosely covered it using 1 1/4" Chocolate Chip Striped Grosgrain. I think when I put it in its final place I will do a bow at the top.

My laundry room is still in production and I plan to paint the walls either a robin's egg blue or a light yellow. For now, I used a wall in my dining room as a backdrop for the photo.

The other project that I plan to show are the cool new blocks and Holiday Mix Decor Elements (pg 30 of the new Holiday Mini). Those are too, too cute!



Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click Here!

Recipe:
Accessories: 1 1/4" Chocolate Chip Striped Grosgrain (115617), Laundry Decor Elements (large- black) (116157)
Other: Glass Paneled door, Picture hanging hardware and wire

Gratitude and Thanks: PPA10

This week over at Pals Paper Arts, we are doing a Gratitude and Thanks Theme Challenge. Your card can be for Thanksgiving, or just a thank you card of some kind.

I decided to go with a Thanksgiving card for my project. I am loving the new Autumn Meadows DSP from the Holiday Mini. I never would have thought of adding Taken with Teal to the other falls colors, but it works!! TIP: For color inspiration, use a DSP collection as a starting off point. The coordinating colors are listed next to the order information of the DSP in the catalog.

• I started off with a 5 1/2"x 5 1/2" piece of Dusty Durango for my base. TIP: I have a bit of a surplus of Dusty Durango, so I decided to use it in place of Really Rust (a color found in the DSP). I think it is a pretty close match.
• Two patterns of Autumn Meadows DSP were added next on the right side of the card.
• A Taken with Teal tab was popped out using the Round Tab punch and attached using a black brad.
• I used a Chocolate Chip pattern from the Dots & Designs Rub-ons for the left side of the card.
• The image, from Wandering Words (new!), was inked in Chocolate Chip and stamped onto Whisper White. Next it was given a mat of Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip.
• A piece of 1 1/4" Chocolate Chip striped grosgrain (folded in half) was attached using a Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button.
• Lastly, I punched out two sets of leaves (using my Big Shot and Little Leaves Sizzlet) out of Dusty Durango and Chocolate Chip. They were tucked behind the image using glue dots.

Have you heard of My Digital Studio? It is brand-new from Stampin' Up! and you can begin ordering your very own copy starting today!!!! My Digital Studio (or MDS) uses the same great artwork, colors and accessories (true to size!) found in the current SU product line (updates available when new product comes out). The options are endless! You can create digital scrapbooks, cards, calendars, and much more. You can either keep your projects digital, or have them printed using SU's high quality print services! I can't wait to show you projects using this fantastic new product! For more information, including a video, click here.



Order Stampin' Up! online 24-7! Click here!

Recipe:
Stamps: Wandering Words (116507)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Paper: Dusty Durango (115321), Chocolate Chip (102128), Taken with Teal (101584), Autumn Meadows DSP (116769), Whisper White (100730)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Little Leaves Sizzlet (114511), 1 1/4" Chocolate Chip Striped Grosgrain (115617), Vintage Brads (109109), Round Tab Punch (108340), Dots & Designs Rub-ons (115728), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Dimensionals (104430), Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons(114339)