HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG DIE CUT STAMPS

As I mentioned in my previous post, ALL the stamp sets in the new Holiday Mini '07 Catalog are DIE CUT! No need to trim the rubber portion! Woohoo!!!! These photos are from the new AUTUMN APPARITIONS Stamp Set. Each image is die cut ... all you need to do is pop them out and adhere them to the wood. EASY!

TRUE FRIEND and APPLE CIDER

I just couldn't wait to play with my very favorite stamp set, TRUE FRIEND, from the new HOLIDAY '07 MINI COLLECTION, and my favorite Designer Paper, APPLE CIDER. If you're one of my local customers, you'll be receiving this catalog in the mail within the next couple of weeks. It is full of stamp sets and everything you need to enhance your Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. The very BEST part ...... every stamp set in this mini catalog is already DIE CUT!!!! Yep, you heard it right ... no need to cut around the rubber of your new stamp sets -- it's already done for you! RECIPE
Stamps: True Friend (Holiday '07 Mini), Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Apple Cider DP, Really Rust, Wild Wasabi, and River Rock CS
Ink: Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip
Embellishments: Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brass Brad
Tools: Horizontal Slot Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch

HAPPY ME ALTERED LUNCHBOX TINS

Last Spring, my friend Paula found 20 of these tins at a garage sale for me. Kudos to Paula!!! (She's always lookin' out for me!). I would provide the measurements for altering, but they measure a little differently than the Lunchbox Tins sold at scrapbook/stamping stores. If I recall correctly, they sell at the stores for approx. $6 - $8. Paula got these for fifty cents each! Woohoo!

I have been GRADUALLY altering them as Card Organizers. Very time-consuming project, but well worth it! I have several more of these Card Organizers to make.... here's the first two with hopefully more to come within the week!

The two altered tins I made today use the HAPPY ME SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' BUNDLE (Level 3 Hostess). Gosh I LOVE this bundle!!!! So colorful, versatile, and FUN! (See recipe below). The two tins are very similar with slight differences.

Below are the dividers for each tin. The words, "Birthday", "Thank You", "Holidays", "Get Well / Sympathy", "Friendship", "Congrats", and "Misc" were printed from the computer on Soft Sky CS and punched out with the Round Tab Punch...embellished with White Brads.
RECIPE

Stamps: None

Paper: Happy Me Simply Scrappin' Bundle (Level 3 Hostess), Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, and Purely Pomegranate CS.

Ink: None

Embellishments: Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky & Groovy Guava Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Sky Label Holder by Making Memories, White Brads (non-SU).

Tools: 1 1/4" Circle Punch (for cut-out around latch), Word Window Punch (for cut-out around handle), Round Tab Punch (for dividers)

Supplies: Lots and lots and lots of Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals or Foam Tape.

Notes: The word "CARDS" under the Label Holder and the words on the dividers are printed from the computer. The DP for the lid is TWO pieces to fit around the handle.

ON BOARD CHIPBOARD STORAGE

I needed a better storage system for my ON BOARD CHIPBOARD (pg. 180-181 Fall-Winter '07) and had an extra shelf in my craft room. I wanted something to add a little color and decor to my room ... here's what I came up with .... I found these glass canisters/jars at Walmart for under $4.00 each. I used the PRINTS SERIES DESIGNER PAPERS (Rose Red, Soft Sky, Certainly Celery, Blue Bayou, and Groovy Guava) to cover the lids by cutting a 4 1/2 inch circle. I tied DOUBLE STITCHED GROSGRAIN RIBBON in the NEW IN COLORS (Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou, and Groovy Guava) around the neck of the jar with a bow at the top. I simply printed the name of the On Board Collection on coordinating Cardstock (from my computer/printer), punched the words out with the CIRCLE SCALLOP PUNCH, added a Silver Eyelet, and hung it from the ribbon with silver cord.

The chipboard die-cuts are punched out of the sheet and stored in these jars. Of course, I kept the chipboard negative pieces for future use. This may not be the greatest system when my collection of chipboard grows but for now, I'm enjoying them! (My Groovy Guava jar is still empty... *wink *)

These jars look so cute on my bookshelf! I would have liked to photograph them on the shelf, but the lighting for photography in my craft room just doesn't cut it!

ANOTHER RAK

Thank goodness for birthdays and for friends who stamp, or I would have NO new posts for you! I've had NO stamping time this week...lots to do to get my kids ready for school.

This beautiful pocket card was hand stamped by my friend and fellow SU Demonstrator, Lorri Heiling (Confessions of A Stamping Addict) for my daughter's 16th birthday. I love how the CS is folded over at an angle for the flap. Lorri also used chipboard (the Close To Cocoa flower), and a white gel pen to create a stitch on the button. Adorable!

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS (RAK)

I have TWO RAKs to share with you today. The first card is from Kathy Wheeler, aka Kathy W on SCS, the winner of my first ever blog candy! Kathy's card came via snail mail, completely unexpected, and so very kind! She even provided the recipe for her gorgeous card! The photo doesn't do this card justice --- the butteryfly is very sparkly and glittery, and the ribbon has a pastel rainbow sheen to it.

KATHY'S RECIPE: Stamps: Autumn Leaf Prints (Sentiment), Delight In Life (for the background on pink CS) Paper: Cool Caribbean, Whisper White, Pretty In Pink, Apricot Appeal, Patterned Paper, DCWV pastel mat stack, Butterfly cut from unknown DP Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose Embellishments: May Arts Ribbon, Sakura Glue Pen and Clear Glitter Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Ticket Corner Punch, Word Window Punch, Dazzling Diamonds Note: All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.

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This next card is a Sweet 16 birthday card for my daughter from my friend and neighbor, Tammy Mendoza. The inside says "16th Birthday", "we hope this year is the sweetest!". Tammy has only been stamping since February ... her natural talent just blows me away! I think this is the happiest card I've ever seen!

ALLIE'S SWEET 16 SURPRISE PARTY

I've been MIA for a few days because I've been planning a SURPRISE party for my daughter's Sweet 16. The party was last night, and it was a complete surprise to her with the help of her friends! A very fun day! Hoping to get some stamping in this week in between getting the kiddos ready for back to school!

TAG CARD SCS DTGDYVETTE CHALLENGE for PAULA

Last week, SCS celebrated their 3rd Anniversary by offering MANY challenges. Wish I had unlimited time to attempt them all! This Tag Card was for Yvette's Tag Card Challenge on July 31. The Tag Card measures 9" x 5 1/2", and is scored at 3" and 6". The only rule was to use only one stamp set, and any sentiments used needed to be from that stamp set or handwritten. I hope I'm not bending the rules too much with this one because I used NO stamp set! All decor is from the Little Reminders No. 2 Accents & Elements. I am just in love with all the Accents & Elements ... they make for a very easy project!

I'll defenitely be making more of these tag cards! They're super easy, and I love the looks of them!

I made this card for a very special friend, Paula (scroll down for story below), and wanted room to write my words of thanks to her. The lined paper from Notations No. 2 DP was perfect for that! The Tag Corner Punch is how I achieved the tag look.

RECIPE:
Stamps: None (gasp!)
Paper: Notations No. 2 DP, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard, River Rock and Mellow Moss CS
Ink: None (gasp again!)
Embellishments: Little Reminders No. 2 Accents & Elements, More Mustard Brads, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Crop-A-Dile, Tag Corner Punch, Spiral Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Various Circle Punches

I just HAD to share the story behind my thank you card to Paula. I met Paula through our daughters about three years ago, and we immediately hit it off (our daughters are best friends too!). One of the first things I asked her is, "what do you do?" as in "for a living?". She said she's an "ebay-er"! I, being totally computer illiterate at the time, had no clue what that was! As I've mentioned before in my blog, I sell on ebay, and get the majority of my inventory at garage sales. Where did I learn how to do this? ... Paula! I can't believe the incredible amount of time she has spent showing me how to garage sale (YES, it there is a method to the madness!), and how to sell on ebay!

For my birthday last week, not only did Paula give me some awesome shower scrub & gel, but gave me this Boyds Bears & Friends figurine in the photos below. I think this Yard Sale lady is absolutely hilarious! I display it proudly in my craft room to remind me of what a blessing Paula has been in my life.

What makes this figurine even more special ..... she purchased it at a Garage Sale !!!!! LOL!!!! I just chuckle every time I look at it!

Of course, no garage sale bargain is complete without a defect! Look at the Yard Sale Lady's crab on her hat --- it's missing an arm! Simply adding to the charm of Paula's gift!

The words on her purse say "I BRAKE FOR YARD SALES".These signs say "SO MUCH FOR SO LITTLE" and "I JUST CAN'T SAY NO". If you only knew how many times Paula and I have called each other on a Friday or Saturday morning to share our garage sale finds and stories, you would laugh at this as hard as we have!

JULY STAMP CLASS PROJECTS

These are the five card projects we did at last night's Stamp Class. Four of the five are CASEd from various talented artists on SCS, and credit is given to the original designer with links to their original design.

VASES IN VOGUE CARD
This card is a case from Cambria. See her original card HERE.



RECIPE
Stamps: Vases in Vogue (Level 3 Hostess)
Paper: Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky CS, and Soft Sky Prints DP
Ink: Groovy Guava, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi and Basic Black Classic Ink Pads, White Craft Ink Pad, Basic Black Marker
Accessories: Groovy Guava Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, White Brad (non-SU)
Tools: Scissors, Paper Piercing Tool, Template & Mat, 1/16-inch punch, Horizontal Slot Punch
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals or Foam Tape, White Gel Pen
Technique: Paper Piercing and Paper Piecing (flower)

BIG PIECES / LITTLE PIECES CARD
This card is a case from scrapperaddict on SCS. To see her original card, click HERE.

RECIPE
Stamps: Big Pieces, Little Pieces, It’s Your Birthday
Paper: Basic Black, Soft Sky, Whisper White, and Brushed Silver Metallic CS
Ink: Basic Black Classic
Accessories: Three Silver Brads, One Black Brad
Tools: Circle Punches - 1/16” handheld, ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1 3/8“, 1 ½”, Scallop Circle
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals or Foam Tape, White Gel Pen, 2-Way Glue Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Medium Square Envelopes
Note: The Medium Square Envelopes measure 5 ½” x 5 ½”, requiring an extra $.17 postage. Card size is 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”.

Below is a guide I made for this card, showing stamped images and punch sizes, making it much easier for attendees to recreate.

3 x 3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD
I actually designed this one, believe it or not!

RECIPE
Stamps: Think Happy Thoughts, “CELEBRATE” from Fundamental Phrases
Paper: Basic Gray, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Whisper White, and Uptown DP
Ink: Basic Gray Classic Ink Pad and Almost Amethyst Marker
Accessories: So Saffron Brad, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon
Tools: Scallop Punch, 1 3/8” and 1 ¼” Circle Punches, 1/16” handheld circle punch
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals or Foam Tape, Mini Square Envelopes (3 1/8” x 3 1/8”)
Note: Finished card size is 3” x 3”.

LADYBUG CARD This card is a case of scrapbookgirl44's original card HERE.

RECIPE
Stamps: Pick A Petal, “for you” sentiment from All Holidays
Paper: Whisper White (12 x 12), Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Basic Black and Purely Pomegranate Classic, and Basic Black Marker
Accessories: Two Black Brads, Black Gingham Ribbon
Tools: Slit Punch, 1/8” Handheld Circle Punch, 1/16” Handheld Circle Punch, 1 3/8” Circle Punch, ¾” Circle Punch, Corner Rounder
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals or Foam Tape, Small Open-End Envelopes (6 ¾” x 3 ½”).
Note: Finished card size is 3” x 6”.

BUD BASICS REVERSE MASKING CARD

This one is another case of scrapbookgirl44. See her original card HERE.

RECIPE
Stamps: Bud Basics, Basics Outline Jumbo Wheel for envelope, Sentiment from Hugs & Wishes
Paper: Whisper White and Cameo Coral CS
Ink: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Barely Banana, and Basic Black Classic Ink Pads
Accessories: Black Gingham Ribbon
Tools: Photo Corners Punch, Scissors
Supplies: Stampin’ Dimensionals or Foam Tape, Sponge Dauber for Barely Banana, Sponge for Cameo Coral
Technique: Reverse Masking

AUGUST STAMPIN' UP! PROMOTION ... PUNCH A BUNCH

Stampin' Up! continuely offers awesome monthly specials, and this month is no exception! During the month of August, purchase the Three for You Punch Box for $45.95, and receive an exclusive assortment of textured Love Notes for FREE (a $12.95 value)!

The Three for You Punch Box can be found on pg. 183 of the new '07 Fall-Winter Idea Book & Catalog, and contains the exclusive Trio Flower Punch, a coordinating 9-piece Three for You stamp set, and three Stampin' Spots in Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, and Basic Black.

The Love Notes are only available during this promotion. They measure 3" x 3", and are pre-folded and textured. Each package contains 10 each of Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, and So Saffron Love Notes, along with 30 Very Vanilla envelopes.

Click HERE and HERE for more details.