Happy Halloween!!

It's that day where all things are spooky!  Or maybe they are just fun!  Today I thought I would share with you a fun item I made for my team at work that showcases a fun item for sale in our holiday catalog. The treat tubes are a fun way to share something sweet with those you care about, and I care about my team and how hard they work.

I filled them with sixlet's candy, corked them up and placed them in our 2" x 8" cellophane bags.  I then created a simple topper from 2" x 4" card stock folded in half and then attached to the folded over top of the cellophane bag.  It's getting cute!  Then I decorated the top with a stamped and punched image from the Labels to Love stamp set (item #144967) and the matching Everyday Label Punch (#144668).

What a fun little treat to give and I imagine it would be super fun to receive!

Flat Gift Boxes

Hello and happy day before Halloween.  Last week, at my regular job we were raising funds for the United Way and one of the activities we had was a mystery box auction.  The idea was, for people to donate a box with something inside that is a secret, and the bidders will bid in $1 and someone will be randomly chosen.  It's a fun way to raise money.  I am donating 3 boxes and needed them to be an appropriate size to fit a dvd and a couple candy bars.

Since the season is Halloween and Fall, I opted to use paper from the Spooky Night Designer Series Paper (144610) in our 2017 holiday catalog.  I will add the instructions for those that may also want to make one of these boxes.  The good news is,  it really doesn't require overly large pieces of paper, so you can easily make the base with a regular 8.5" x 11" card stock sheet, and the lid can be made with whatever designer series paper you may have.  (Christmas is coming!)


Base:
9 1/2" x 7 1/2" = score at 1" on all 4 sides

Top:
9 9/16" x 7 9/16" = score at 3/8" and at 1" on all 4 sides

Instructions:
Using a bone folder, fold on all scored lines.  Beginning with base piece, snip up on one side to score line and notch edges.  Apply adhesive to the notches and fold up to form the box bottom.

On the lid, the configuration is a little more involved because the top edge will fold over to make the lid stronger and sturdier on the 3/8" fold. On each corner snip on both score lines, cutting away the outside and half of the second snip.  Then, notch the edges.  Apply adhesive to all top edges and notches, then fold over all edges to make a nice and tidy edge.

I decorated the tops to the boxes with assorted ribbons, jute or twine, but you can use whatever you like.  On one of the boxes I made a belly band and it was a very easy way to secure the box closed.

This would be a super easy way to make gift giving fun and also use up that pretty paper before the season ends.  I especially like that I was able to fit a dvd box inside along with 2 candy bars.  If you want your box to be larger or even deeper, but make the paper that much larger and adjust the score line depth on the edges.  Additionally, keep in mind that the lid will need to be a mere 1/16th of an inch larger than the base.  Have fun!

Empty Without You

Hi everyone.  Today I am so pleased to share with you a little card I created that really touched me as I was putting it together.  The irony of it all is how you can take elements from other "happier" sets and find something quietly emotional, or even sadly evocative in them when paired in a different way.    That is how this  card came together.  I made 2 versions of the card to share and I will tell a little story about my husband's perception of them.

The stamp sets used to create these cards are from Birthday Delivery (item #143660) and Jar of Love (item #141587).  I did some watercoloring on the image of the girl, using the layering technique of the same color (Marina Mist) on her dress by allowing it to dry all the way in between layers.

Sky technique Tip:  

To create the night sky or rainy day effect, I layered ink on with a sponge in Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Island Indigo and Night of Navy.  When I had the shading effect I wanted, I spritzed some water drops onto the paper and let is dry naturally.  You can layer any colors you like and as the water spreads out on the paper, it creates the interesting effect that can look like the Milky Way or even a rainy sky.  I need to try the technique with shades of gray, I think it would like awesome.

I showed these 2 cards to my husband and asked him which one he liked the best.  He told me that in this one it feels so lonely.  There is no boundary on a window looking out but rather someone looking out onto the universe.  Perhaps into the night sky and  missing a loved one that is now gone.

He preferred this card because with the girl looking outside of a window on a rainy day and missing someone that will be home soon.  He preferred this card.   I preferred the first one.  It makes me think of my mother and how badly I miss her since she passed away.

To construct the card, I made the background on watercolor paper.  (item #122959).  The first card has a window cut from a top layer using the Layering Squares Framelits (item #141708) and with the 2nd card I used the Hearth and Home Thinlits (item #139666) to cut a window from the new Wood Textures designer series paper.

I think this is one of my favorite cards this year.  I bought the Birthday Delivery stamp set just for this particular image and it didn't disappoint.

Baby Bear

Today I wanted to share with everyone a stamp set I have owned for 2 years and never used one time until now.  I know, I know..what is the matter with me?  When I first saw this stamp set at Onstage in 2015, I HAD to have it.  Then, I never used it.   It happens that way sometimes.   I think it was a very popular set at the time and I was seeing a glut of cards made using it and that can sometimes make me resistant.  I don't want to jump on every bandwagon that goes by.  But, enough time has gone by and it's ridiculous to have such an adorable set and not use it.  So...here goes!!

Baby Bear is a 3-Step stamp set.  What that means is there are 3 separate stamps that layer on top of each other to create the detail and definition that you see here.  The bow that adorns the bear is created with a 2-step process.  The background paper is the Fresh Florals designer series paper in Powder Pink.  I used basic black as a contrast and there is a pop of Flirty Flamingo on the bow and dry embossed back panel.  I used the new Ruffled 3D Dynamic textured Impressions Embossing folder.

Just a sweet little card to share with someone on their special day...or for any type of card where you want to share adorable vintage looking bears.  Many years ago I collected Boyd's Bears, and this little sweetheart reminds me a lot of those.

Bright Wishes

A technique that can be used with our beautiful inks is to use them like water color paint.  Sometimes I like to use the Aqua Painters or even the blender pens and dip them directly onto some of the ink I have added to the back of an acrylic block, a palette or even the inside lid of my stamp pads to paint directly onto my paper.  I need to make a video tutorial soon, showing how this is done.  Today I wanted to share with you a card that I made implementing these techniques to get a watercolor effect.

The stamp set used is a great one for this because I liked the detail I could put into each brick of the wishing well.  Bright Wishes (item #1438270) is a great set to practice your coloring techniques on.  It would also be a good set for the watercolor pencils.

I used many different ink colors to get the depth.  Another way to get depth if you don't have a large variety of colors would be to layer the same color on top of itself.  The trick is to let it dry completely between each application.  I also recommend using the thick card stock or even water color paper so as to not get too much warp to your paper.

Let me know if you'd like to watch some watercoloring videos?  If there is enough interest, I'd be happy to share a tutorial on how I use our inks to paint!

Coffee Cafe

Hey everyone!  I am back to share another fun set from Stampin' Up!  This one is called Coffee Cafe.  (item #143677) There is a photopolymer stamp set and a matching framelits set Coffee Cups (item #143745). You can also purchase it as bundle and save 10%! (item #145331)

As you can see this set is so much fun!  What I am showing is just the tip of the iceberg because there is much more involved and available within these stamps and dies.  The coordinating designer series paper Coffee Break (item #144155), corrugated elements and gifting options will give you so much versatility for your coffee, tea, cocoa and beverage desires.

How about a nice cup of tea card?  This one was pretty simple right down to the little tea bag label with a happy hello greeting.

For this card, I used a little vellum to add a transparency to the lid over my coffee's whipped cream.  Yum!!  I waited awhile to purchase this set and now I don't know why I did that because it is absolutely adorable and super fun to use.

Paper Pumpkin for the Holidays

I just received my October Paper Pumpkin and it is fantastic!  It's not too late to get in on the November Paper Pumpkin but the catch is, you will need to subscribe before November 10th to receive it.

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription service from Stampin' Up!  You will receive everything you need, complete in the box to make your project.  It could be cards, gift giving ideas, or even a home decor project. We do know that the November kit will help us prepare for Christmas, so it's sure to be something very special.

Here is what was in October's kit, to give you a little preview of what you can expect.

With this subscription service you can cancel at any time.  You can also purchase 3, 6, and 12 month's of Paper Pumpkin for yourself or to give as a gift.  I have a friend that purchased the 12 month deal to send to her niece that lives across the country.  What a wonderful gift for yourself or for someone you love!

If you are interested to learn more about Paper Pumpkin, click the link at the top of my page and it will take you directly there.  Or to make things even easier...you can click HERE!

Stampin' Blends!!!!

I am so freakin' excited to share a brand new product that will be available November 1st!  Stampin' Up! has launched a brand new line of alcohol markers that cover many of the colors in their already wonderful line of papers, ribbons and inks.  Stampin' Blends are so special.  I was able to get in on an advance purchase of them and I give them a big ol' thumbs up!  Like other alcohol markers, they blend so beautifully and each of the colors represented will come in a light and dark version.  I played around a little bit the other day and made 2 different cards to show.

 I started by stamping my image using the Memento Tuxedo Black stamp pad.  This is important, because the ink in this pad will not bleed when the alcohol based marker is used.  I then applied the color over the entire image with the lighter pen and then added the darker shade where I wanted shadows.  To finish it off, I once again blended in with the lighter shade and it all came together nice and smooth.  I did these quickly before work one morning and then came home that evening and made a card!

 I then decided I wanted to step outside a little bit and try the light and dark of the Pool Party Stampin' Blend and add some even deeper shadows with the light Bermuda Bay.  Here were the results:

I plan on doing some video tutorials on these fun pens so you will want to get your very own!  Be on the look out for November 1st, when these beauties become available!

The Racoon's Pajamas!

Hi All!  Don't let the title of my post fool you, there are no pajama's involved in the creation of this cutie, but I really wanted to take a minute and share it with you today.  I decided to create something for home decor.  I have had the Foxy Friends (item #141549) photopolymer stamp set for a long time and have wanted to use it, but never pulled it out of the box.  It coordinates with the Fox Builder Punch (item #141470) and makes many, many cute little animals.  On Pinterest I have seen all types of forest friends, cats and dogs but today I wanted to make a cute little raccoon.

I used background paper from Naturally Eclectic designer series paper (item# 144185) and added clouds with the Embossing Paste (item #141979) and the Pattern Party Decorative Masks (item #144103).

Quick tip:

When using the punch, I learned the easiest way to get all the pieces punched easily, was to make a template by punching on a piece of scrap paper, and then laying the stamps into the punched out areas. Once that was done, simply laying my clear block over the top, I am able to pick up the stamps in the position they need to be, ink them up and will I have perfect placement for when I stamp my image.  Now my punch will line up correctly when I got to punch!!

I added a little copper heat embossing to the frame.  I hadn't tried this on anything other than paper before, and it works out pretty good.

Along the bottom of the frame I added a Boxwood Wreath Embellishment that I simply stretched out from its wreath form to more of a garland.  Super cute!

I think this would be perfect for a baby nursery or anyone that likes the woodsy animals.  Either way, it was so fun to make!

Halloween Tree

Hello!!  Have you missed me?  If you have, I have super good news.  I am BACK.  For real!  No, I'm serious this time.  I have been very busy creating many projects to share with you and you can expect to get many regular posts from me in the coming weeks.  So, where have I been?  Well, I was asked a few weeks ago if I would assist with a display board at my Stampin' Up! upline's Stamping Extravaganza that occurs the day before On Stage in Salt Lake City.  Of course, I was very honored and excited to be asked and have been putting every spare minute I have outside of my regular day job to get a stockpile of cards and projects to share.  So, the good news is, I have many to share in the coming weeks which also gives me time to get ahead of the game and have more to share in upcoming months as well.  So, today I actually am going backwards to last fall and something I created but never was able to share because I was offline preparing for surgery and completely out of the crafting loop.  The reason I am bringing it to share today is because the adorable stamp set and thinlits are still available!  So, along with this post today, I want to let you know there will be another post later this fall using these thinlits again....I am so excited to share it with you!  But for now...here is the one for today.

Using the Home Sweet Home Thinlets (item #140279) I created this fun and spooky Halloween Tree.  Isn't it fun?  I found the tree at my local craft store and created all the little haunted houses to adorn it.  Some of the images were stamped using the Sweet Home photopolymer stamp set. (item #140936)  I can't say enough times, what a very fun set this is and I think you will get many, many fun projects that can completed using this.  It covers Halloween, Christmas and every day events.  How about a fun house warming treat box?  A birdhouse, a dog house...the ideas are endless.

I wish, however, I had shared this with you all last Autumn because there are a few stamped images that were made from a now retired stamp set.  However, you can easily see how combinations of paper, ribbon and creativity can give you very different effects.  

Stay tuned in a future post...this set will come back with a new twist!