Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Placecards for Thanksgiving

Yesterday I shared some decorations I've been working on for Thanksgiving. Here are more details on the placecards... 
To make eight placecards, you will need two sheets of 8-1/2 x 11" card stock. 
Score each sheet at 2-3/4" and 8-1/4". Cut in half lengthwise (at 4-1/4"), and then cut each of those sections in half (at 5-1/2"). 
Fold each quarter-sheet in half on your score line, and then decorate. I used the Wonderfall stamp set and the coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die for the perfect Fall images. The leaf is crumpled and sponged with Soft Suede ink. To get the two colors on the acorn, I used Crumb Cake and Soft Suede markers to "ink" my stamp. Then I sponged the edges of the acorn, too.

Did you know you can get a digital version of the Autumn Accents Bigz Die? The Wonderfall Kit includes the leaf "punches," several sentiments, and 12 awesome "papers." Plus, it's on sale this week - 50% off! 


It can be easy to forget the decorations if you are the one hosting the meal. Start now and save yourself the stress of finishing at the last minute. If you are enjoying your Thanksgiving feast as a guest, be sure to make something pretty for your hostess!   :}

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Monday, October 29, 2012

It's a wonderFALL day

It's time to start thinking about (and ordering supplies for) your Thanksgiving table decorations. To get you started, I made a frameable art piece (5x7), placecards, and a candle for the centerpiece.
All of these projects are super easy, especially with the Wonderfall stamp set and the coordinating Autumn Accents Bigz Die.  

Before adding the stamped leaves to your candle, wrap a strip of burlap "fabric" around the base - overlap and adhere (I used the Multipurpose Liquid Glue). 

Then wrap Cotton Ribbon around the candle - overlap and adhere. While it looks like the Bronze Button is sewn to the ribbon, I simply tied a bow of Linen Tread through the holes, and then glued the button on. 

Die cut several leaves from Very Vanilla card stock. Then "stamp upside down" by inking your leaf stamps, and with rubber facing up (block side lying on your table), press the die-cut onto the stamp. I crumbled my leaves and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake ink for a more distressed look. The leaves are adhered to the ribbon with the liquid glue. 
Now that you've fallen in love with this stamp set, how about getting it for 15% off???!!! But you have to hurry... the stamps are only on sale today
While you are shopping, don't forget to check out the FREE digital downloads, online only Clearance Rack, a new project kit and the Single Stamps
Never leave a burning candle unattended, remove decoration before using, indoor use only, call the fire department if there's a fire, do not use in the shower......... and SHOP FOR STAMPS!!   :}

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Friday, October 26, 2012

gluten-free gravy, class snack, and more...

Ok yes, a strange title for a blog post. But I've been thinking about something lately... 
Every single day someone says to me "I'm not creative." Sometimes several people in a day tell me this. IT DRIVES ME NUTS! Since there are rules against me flicking them on the forehead and shouting "YES YOU ARE!," I will resort to rambling about it here... lucky you  :} 
Stop and think for a minute - not that hard, don't hurt yourself!  ;)  We are all creative, we just don't really pay much attention to it. 
When a baby gets fussy, we find creative ways to entertain the baby.
When dinnertime gets boring, you create new recipes. 
When it rains and cancels your outdoor plans, you create indoor fun for your kids, like building a pillow fort or inventing a new game.
When your child informs you that they have a science project due the next morning, well, you get really creative.
When someone in your family has a food allergy, you get creative with your meals and find ways around certain ingredients. My son, Benjamin, is allergic to milk and eggs. We've explored lots of recipes to find creative ways to make yummy treats - some work, some don't.
When you eat a low-carb diet (no comments unless you want to congratulate me on losing 40 pounds so far), and you hardly ever eat anything made with flour, you have to be creative, or you'll go crazy. Now, I can make beef gravy from scratch that's so good, you pretty much want a little bit of meat and potato to go with your bowl of gravy. But, since that's a no-no for me, I went on a mission to find something that resembles gravy to go with my always yummy chuck roast. Success! You'll find the recipe at the end of this post.
When your child needs to bring a snack for class, you get creative to find something that's both healthy and appealing. Maybe you "google it" or search Pinterest for ideas. 

My point is, that we all have the ability to be creative. We watch and learn from others, we look at common objects in new ways, we experiment, or we use research to help us. If something doesn't work, we toss it and start over.
The same is true in paper-crafting. You don't have to be Van Gogh to make a card. Anyone can cut a sheet of card stock in half and start putting "stuff" on it. Take this simple Christmas card for example: 
Choose colors you like, or use traditional combinations (like red and green for Christmas). If you don't know where things should go, do a little research for card sketches and templates, or ask someone to show you. I happen to know a few people who can help  ;)

I guess my whole point in this really long post, is that the next time someone compliments you on your creativity, invite them to come "be creative" with you, and if they say no, flick 'em on the forehead!  ;) 


Aaron's peaches for snack-time today. Thank you Pinterest for the idea! 








Um, yeah... I didn't get a photo of the gravy. We were sooo ready to eat, that I forgot to take a pic! But I do have the recipe for you. First, I sauteed onions in butter and oil, and then seasoned and seared the roast. Next, I added some water and cooked for about 3 hours. 
 *********************

After removing your roast from the oven, pull out your meat and veggies; set aside. With your pot on the stovetop, bring that beefy water to a boil. If you want a stronger beef flavor, you can add 1/2 tsp of Beef Soup Base, but read the label - I know mine has wheat gluten in it. Add beef broth to the pot to make the desired amount of gravy you want. Return to a boil for about 5 minutes so it will reduce out more water. Then, whisk in some Xanthan Gum about 1/2 tsp at a time - this stuff works pretty quickly, and you can always add more. Whisk continuously until it starts to thicken; it will thicken a tad bit more as it cools. 
That's it! If you give it a try, leave me a comment and let me know what you think  :} 

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Stink, Stank, Stunk!

I don't usually create punch art projects... I leave those to the experts. But I was playing in my stamping space when this idea came to me, and it just had to be done
This Christmas card is for my hubby. He can be quite the Grinch at Christmas time, which I don't get. I mean, what exactly does he have to get stressed about? Buying all the gifts? Wrapping them? Preparing Holiday meals? Decorating? I do all that! And I still walk around with a big old goofy smile on my face while singing Christmas songs. I think he'll be getting this card the day after Thanksgiving with a friendly note inside ;)
Hilarious, right???!  And I'll bet you're still singing the song... I am  :) 
To make the card base (Grinch's face) I folded 8-1/2" x 4-1/4" Lucky Limeade card stock in half. I die cut it in the Big Shot using the Top Note Bigz Die, making sure that the folded edge did not get cut. 
Here's what I used to make the rest of Mr. Grinch...  

HAT
Cherry Cobbler card stock & Perfect Pennants Bigz Die

EYEBROWS
Basic Black card stock "nipped" with the teeny postage-stamp punch

EYES
So Saffron card stock & 1" Circle Punch 
Soft Suede card stock & largest circles in the Owl Builder punch 

Nose

After adhering all the pieces to the front, I used a Basic Black Marker to draw the mouth. That's it!
Just curious... do you have any Grinches in your family? What do you do to keep them happy... lots of eggnog and wine???  :) 


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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

speedy notecards

Ugh. That's my word for today :( 
I've given birth to two children. The first with an attempted epidural that turned into a sort of spinal tap, and the second was an ohmygoodness, don'tpush, Ineedadoctor, notimefordrugs, herehecomes experience. I'm quite sure I would rather go through both of those experiences again over having dental work. Yesterday at my dentist's office (thank goodness they're so nice) I had to have some things fixed. I had one teeny tiny cavity, and then I needed a repair to the filling that was coming loose on a front tooth (broke off parts of my front teeth in 2nd grade; running on cement = bad idea). So that means I had two, TWO, shots in the upper gums yesterday.  Ugh.
I spent most of the evening on the couch in my jammies feeling like my head had been hit with a hammer, so today I'm sharing cards made by those two darling children I just mentioned.  ;) 

Ben(8) designed his card with the race car, and then Aaron(5) followed Ben's lead. They were making Notecards to thank those who sponsored them in a fundraising walk at school. I had Ben write the message inside: 
I didn't have the heart to correct his spelling.  :} 

My boys love papercrafting just as much as I do! Plus, it's nice to do an activity together that doesn't involve ninjas.  ;) 
When you're ordering supplies, don't forget that your little ones might like something, too. If you're worried about spending too much on the "kid stash," check out my Online-Only Clearance Rack. Several new items were just added. 

Ok, I'm off to tackle this crazy day. Ben has a doctor's appointment out of town, so I'll be getting him from school in a little bit. And when I bring him back to school, I'm finally off to the Pumpkin Patch with Aaron's class. Yay for no rain today!! Aaron has been so upset with all the rain delays. Cross your fingers that I get some good pictures!  :} 

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

diagonal embossed stripes

I have TWO cute Halloween projects and a fun technique to share today - woohoo!  :} 
If you've been reading for a while, you know I love texture on my paper-crafting projects. Embossing Folders are an easy way to add great texture, and I especially love when they become multi-taskers in my craft room (any Alton Brown fans out there?).  On this card, I used both the Chevron and the Stripes Embossing Folders!  :}  
All I had to do to make the diagonal embossed stripes is lay the 1-3/4" x 4-1/4" strip of More Mustard card stock at an angle inside the Embossing Folder before running it through the Big Shot - easy peasy! I like how it coordinates with the diagonal stripes on the DSP (Howlstooth & Scaringbone).  

And here's what the diagonal embossed stripes look like on a bookmark: 
A great gift for the grade school librarian, don't you think??  :} 
That pretty much wraps up my Halloween projects... did I make you want the Tricky Treats stamp set yet???  ;)  
Oh, I do have one more Halloween project to share... a freebie on my Facebook Page!  Happy Halloween!!!  :}


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Monday, October 22, 2012

Happy Hallow-Wing!

Good morning! I hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was fabulous! On Saturday, we spent the day with the Cub Scouts hiking, fishing, working on achievements, etc. I took Aaron with me, and we had the most wonderful hike together while Ben was off with his den. I can't wait to share some of the pics! Sunday was such a beautiful day, and we spent our time outdoors again. My brother's family,  my parents, and my little clan spent some time at a nature center. I'm looking forward to scrapping those pics, too. 

I have the cutest Halloween card to share today. I love the cute, fun parts of Halloween - not the gory, bloody, creepy stuff - and this bat (Tricky Treats stamp set) is definitely cute!
His goofy eyes and big teeth just make me giggle. I really like the polka dot DSP (Howlstooth & Scaringbone), so I repeated the pattern using the Polka Dot Embossing Folder on the Basic Gray card stock layer. 
Some other fun details include the Rhinestone (colored with a black Sharpie), and the Striped Satin Ribbon. But my favorite little details are the "fang-bite" marks, which I made with the 1/16" Circle punch.   **TIP: use Dimensionals to adhere the "bitten" layer over a light colored card stock so that the holes are more visible. (They are much easier to see in real life, of course.) 

After such a great weekend, the rest of my week has a lot to live up to! Monday is off to a good start... I already worked with a small group of sweet 3rd-graders this morning. A teacher waiting in the hallway for some students overheard the end of our reading lesson, and asked me if I was a teacher. That made me both blush and smile. I guess I haven't completely lost my skills after being out of the classroom for so long - yay! Now, just keep your fingers crossed that this thunderstorm moves through quickly and Aaron's field trip isn't rescheduled again. Then my Monday will end happily... muddy, but still fun  :}


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Friday, October 19, 2012

eeek! a Halloween card AND a card sketch!

I guess it's my lucky day - Aaron's pumpkin patch field trip was rescheduled for Monday. So far, Monday is supposed to be warmer and dryer - keep your fingers crossed that it stays that way! 
It's your lucky day too, since now I have time to share a cute Halloween card!  :}  
stamp set: Tricky Treats 
Embossing Folder: Spider Web 
You might be thinking you've seen other cards I've made using this layout, and you're right! I love it for a quick, simple card. And just to get those creative juices going for the weekend, here's the sketch and a few digital examples: 
Hmmmm... I just got an idea for a Christmas card using this sketch. Off to the stamping space! Have a fabulous weekend, and as always, Happy Stamping!!  :}

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

creating a new border

Did you ever have one of those days that time seems to be moving in "fast forward" and you feel like you spend the whole day running to catch up? Today was kinda like that for me... just not enough hours in the day! It didn't help that I've made three trips to the Post Office in the past two days. I had some packages to mail to my downline, so I went out yesterday afternoon to the village Post Office, where at 4:02pm I learned they close at 4pm. Now, I could have driven into town to a larger Post Office, and I should have looked at ALL of the posted hours... but I didn't. Apparently, as I learned today at 11:15am, they close during part of the day for lunch. Good grief. Third trip was a charm! Between this errand, all the others, and a volunteer stop at the grade school this afternoon, I'm thinking that I have a slow leak in one of my tires - grrrr! Well, at least I have something really neat to share with you today!! 
This quick and easy Halloween card uses some of my favorites (Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP, Tricky Treats stamp set). The layout is simple and easy to duplicate - I made it fun and interesting with just a few details. Distressing the edges of the More Mustard card stock adds great texture, aaaand... 
check out that awesome border!!! It's stinkin' cute, and ridiculously easy. I just punched out two pieces of Tangerine Tango card stock using the Curly Label punch, cut them in half, and adhered them behind the More Mustard card stock. Easy Peasy! LOVE IT!!!!! Yes, it's these simple little moments that make me sparkle  ;)  

Well, it's time for me to get the kids ready for bed. And I'd better turn in early myself... I'm working in the school library in the morning, and then chaperoning Aaron's field trip to a pumpkin patch in the afternoon. Just wondering... why is it always cold and rainy every time I'm with a class field trip outside?  sigh
Time to break out the long-johns!  :P

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

shoebox swap - part 3

I'm wrapping up the shoebox swap posts today with a Christmas card designed by Lynn. You know how much I love all those yummy little details, and this card is full of them!!  :} 
I mean, how can you not love a card that has both heat embossing AND dry embossing??!! 
We used the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder on the Whisper White layer before adhering it to the Island Indigo card base. The images (Ornament Keepsakes) are stamped in VersaMark ink, with the smaller image heat embossed using White Embossing Powder and the ornament heat embossed using Silver Embossing Powder. Both images were die cut in the Holiday Ornaments Framelits
I tried something a teeny bit different... instead of trimming the straight ends of the DSP strips, I left a tiny bit to go past the edge of the Brushed Silver card stock, and then folded the ends under. I really like this "finished" look, and I'll be trying it again soon! 

Well, I'd better get my rear in gear. I'm volunteering at the grade school's Book Fair today. It makes my heart so happy how much these students love to read!   Have a wonderful day  :}

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

shoebox swap - part 2

Good morning! I have another project from the "shoebox swap" to share today. My upline had this adorable treat holder for us, and I tweaked mine a little bit, adding some Sweater Trim to tie the holder closed.
These are so quick and easy to make! They would be great for Secret Santa gifts, as well as for teachers, mail carriers, hair stylists, and of course the UPS guy that delivers all your favorite stampin' goodies!  ;)
When you open the treat holder, there's a little pocket inside that will hold a tea bag or small chocolate square. Here's how simple this is to create: 
Start with a 3-1/2 x 11" piece of card stock. Use your Simply Scored Scoring Tool to score at 3-1/2", 4", and 7-1/2". Put the Diagonal Plate in place, and score diagonally at 7-1/2". Cut along the diagonal score line to remove the top-right triangle section. 
Fold at each score line. Add a strong adhesive (I used the Multipurpose Liquid Glue) along the bottom edge of the triangular section, and fold over to create a little pocket. Then... decorate! 
You can simply fold it closed, but if you want ribbon, add that to your project before adding the focal point on the front. If you want a super fast way to decorate the front, one of the designs in the Snow Festival DSP is a sheet of 16 squares. They are perfect for making quick projects and gift tags. With two sheets in the package, you have 32 treat-holder "fronts" right at your fingertips.  :} 
I know you'll have fun making these cute treat holders. Start now so you can make a bunch!

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Monday, October 15, 2012

shoebox swap - part 1

Do you remember that cute little Halloween treat bag I posted earlier? Well, here's an even more adorable version, designed by one of my side-lines, Laura. I think you'll agree that Laura's design is super, super cute!!
Last week, at my upline's team meeting, we had a "shoebox swap." Each of us brought a project and the supplies to make it for each team member. Laura designed this treat bag using the Ghoulish Googlies Bundle
The glassine bag is dry embossed using the Spider Web Embossing Folder. I love the three little strips of Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP tucked behind the tag! And well, who can resist that cute little googly eye??!! I filled the bag with some candy corn flavored M&Ms, so now it's ready to brighten someones day  :} 
I already posted the card I designed for the swap... be sure to check back throughout the week to see the other "shoebox swap" projects! Have a super day  :}

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Saturday, October 13, 2012

more Spider Cider

In an earlier post I shared the "spider cider" gift for Ben's teacher. Today's project is a different version of "spider cider" - a gift for Aaron's teacher: 
I used the Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die to make a simple pouch which holds cider mix and a cinnamon stick. The Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP makes decorating the pouch super easy, and of course the spider stamp (Monster Munchies) is the inspiration for the project. 
I also made a cute little 2" x 2" card to coordinate with the gift, so Aaron and I can write a simple message of thanks to his teacher.

Thanks for dropping by today! If you have a minute, head on over to my Facebook Page for a Halloween FREEBIE  :}

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Friday, October 12, 2012

CASEing the cattie for Fall

It's Friday, it's Friday!! I think I'm going to sleep in tomorrow until... like, 6:30 or 7 -- ha!  I'm sure the boys will be up before that. Do your kids always wake up early on weekends, even though it's torture to get them up on school days? Aaagh! Oh well... more time to stamp, right? 
My up- up- upline does a really great job of utilizing the projects in the catalog as inspiration during her stamping time. The card on p178 really grabbed her attention, so she "CASEd" it to make a Fall card. I liked her CASE so much, that I CASEd her card to make my own version for Fall.  :}
ink: Island Indigo, Early Espresso 
card stock: Raspberry Ripple, Core'dinations Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla, More Mustard 
Embossing Folder: Woodgrain 
punch: Small Oval 
embellishments: 1/8" Mini Brads

** a few TIPS: After embossing the Core'dinations card stock with an Embossing Folder, remove it carefully from the folder so that it doesn't tear. I snipped the end of the strip after embossing it, because the skinny points will be more likely to rip if they are trimmed prior to embossing. Use the Sanding Block very gently to expose the inner core color.

Thank you for dropping by my blog today. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

simple Fall card; unexpected color combo

I love making Fall cards, especially when I get to add all the yummy details like sponging, shimmer mist, Crochet Trim, layers, etc... But let's face it, if I waited until I had time to make all those, I wouldn't get much done! I like to try to mail out a few Fall cards, so that if I don't get my Christmas cards done in time, I've given myself a "free pass" until Valentine's Day.   ;)   Is that planning to fail, or being realistic???
Anywho, I came up with a simple Fall card that's super easy to make and doesn't take much time - yay! 
My favorite thing about this card is the unexpected color combination. I had something else in mind when I started working on it, but when I went to my card stock shelf, the Perfect Plum jumped up and said "PICK ME!!" So I did.
The Woodgrain background stamp is perfect for this card - love it! At first I used the Woodgrain Embossing Folder on the More Mustard layer, but I felt like it made the card too busy. It needed something that would add subtle detail, without taking too much time, since I want to make several of these... Stripes Embossing Folder to the rescue! 
After die-cutting Very Vanilla card stock on the Autumn Accents Bigz Die, I inked a leaf from the Wonderfall stamp set with Cajun Craze ink. While the stamp was lying on it's back, I pressed the card stock onto the stamp... it's like stamping upside down :}
The "thanks" sentiment (Fabulous Phrases) is stamped in Early Espresso ink onto Cajun Craze card stock, and adhered to the back of the leaf. I used Dimensionals to adhere the leaf to my card front, and Mini Glue Dots hold the Perfect Plum button in place. Easy Peasy!
If you are looking to mix things up a bit in your craft room today, try this color combo (Perfect Plum, Cajun Craze, More Mustard) on some Fall cards. I think you'll like it!  :}

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

leaves, layers, and shimmer... yeah, baby!

Sometimes you just need an "over the top," layered, shimmery card.
This was my favorite card we made in last night's class. I think that the ladies liked that it looked complicated, but actually went together rather quickly. 
For the background, I chose the Woodgrain stamp. With this large stamp lying on its back, pat the stamp using Soft Suede ink. Gently cover the stamp with the folded Soft Suede card stock. Press very gently in random spots to get the soft, partially-stamped look on the background.
After adhering the DSP strips to the front of the card, attach the Summer Starfuit leaf (Gently Falling). Then it's time to work on the focal point.  

Stamp the "THANKS a bunch" sentiment (Friendship Preserves) in Midnight Muse ink onto the same color card stock. Then die cut this image using the Window Frames Framelit.
Attach the Cajun Craze and Soft Suede leaves at the bottom, then punch a hole in the corner. Adhere the Crochet Trim to the back, and attach an Antique Brad through the hole.

Use several Dimensionals to adhere your focal point to the front of the card.
The last step is to spritz the whole card front with a "Shimmer Mist." This looks sooooo much better in real life - a photo just doesn't do it justice :(   To make the Shimmer Mist, mix rubbing alcohol and a few drops of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint in a travel sized spray bottle or Stampin' Spritzer. Be sure to cover your spritzing area completely so you don't end up with a shimmery table  ;)

I'll bet you know someone who would love to get something pretty in the mail... a one-of-a-kind "over the top" card might be just what they need  :} 


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Monday, October 8, 2012

English Ivy "meets" Wonderfall

While getting ready for another stamp class at the Bakery, I started playing around with the English Ivy Stationery. This is pretty stuff! So, at first I felt a little guilty chopping it, but once I finished my card... guilt gone! 
I trimmed the stationery sheet so that I had two layers each measuring 3-1/2" x 5". The piece with the pre-printed background was used on the front, and the other piece was used inside the card. 
Making the pretty leaves was fun, and easy to do. First die cut Very Vanilla card stock on the Big Shot using the Autumn Accents Bigz Die. Then, ink the stamps from the Wonderfall stamp set. Instead of turning the stamp face down to stamp on the card stock, leave the inked stamp lying face up. Turn the card stock leaf over and press it onto the inked stamp. I like to use an acrylic block instead of my fingers to press down on the leaf so that I get an evenly stamped image. The next step is to crumple each leaf. Then, sponge a little ink around the edges and over the creases for added detail. 

I can't wait to share this card tomorrow night! I hope everyone likes it as much as I do!   :}


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