SIMPLY SIMPLE STAMPING with Connie Stewart

Hershey Kiss© Gift Box

2012-02-01T10:18:00.002-06:00

Today I want to share with you a fun little box you can create for under $1.00. It's a sweet little box made with the Scallop Square Duo die (the larger of the 2). I used Stampin' Up Anywhere Glue Sticks (they are the bomb!) to glue (2) 3 1/4" 3 1/4" pieces of Espresso cardstock together. and cut it out with the die. Repeat and make 2 of them (top and bottom). What I love most about our Glue Sticks is that when you glue cardstock together, it creates cardboard. It's REALLY strong stuff!

The box is 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" and scored at 1" on all four sides. The lid has the same measurements but I used the BOX MAKER SHIM to create the lid so that it would fit perfectly on my box. Check out the BOX MAKER SHIM VIDEO to learn how easy box making can be. :) Because my glue sticks were out, I decided to use it to glue down the flaps of my box - worked great!

10" of our ribbon....also glued on with Glue Stick. Simple!

Okay, so how did I make the Hershey Kiss on top? You're going to love this... the Blossom Petals Builder punch! It's the large petal just cut down! Gotta love that!!!

I'm very aware that my box is empty and SHOULD be filled with some Kisses but I have none. Pretty silver Kisses will look nice it though!! I am afraid to bring chocolate in the house though. I've lost 7 lbs and don't want to cave, know what I mean? I can handle paper chocolate though. :)

Tea Shoppe Tea Bag Gift Box

2012-01-27T15:15:00.002-06:00

I am supposed to be working on a card for our upcoming Downline meeting next week and I got sidetracked. I know, big surprise. What I came up with was a paper tea cup on a doily and a fun little tea bag to go with it.

This was my first attempt at the idea so I know I can do better but I was so excited about the "idea" of it that I thought I would go ahead and post. Hopefully you will see some better versions of this soon.... well, after I get this card designed... unless I get sidetracked again...hey, do you like waffles? What about puppies? I like puppies. Hey, look....SHINY!

Scallop Oval Easter Basket

2012-01-20T09:00:00.003-06:00

I saw this adorable Easter basket on LeAnn Pugliese website. I fell head over heels in love with this little basket and made my own. I did tweak the inside box just a little and used 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of cardstock and scored at 1 1/4" on all four sides. I wanted a little bigger and stronger box - no offense to LeAnn's, anything but! It's just how I roll sometimes.

The basket itself is Pretty in Pink and the flower and trim are Blushing Bride. Okay, so I thought I could live without that ruffled ribbon but I CAN'T!!! IT'S FABULOUS!! I MUST GET MORE.... NOW! I really is great!

I didn't feel like messing with Sticky Strip today so I grabbed my Tombow Multipurpose glue and put the whole thing together (including the ribbon) with glue. Worked GREAT!

This is a stamp club project for SURE! It's too simple not to make! Tutorial coming soon!

Andes Mint Wraps

2012-01-19T09:00:00.002-06:00

Here's another Leadership Swap that I put together. Who doesn't love Andes Mints? I stacked 3 together and wrapped it up in a piece of Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper called Everyday Enchantment and I also used the matching ribbon and brad pack. That 1/8" Organdy ribbon is SO precious! Love it!

That sweet little HELLO stamp is from Tiny Tags and I punched them out with the Jewelry Tag punch. If you don't have the punch yet, it really is a must have punch. It always seems to add just the right touch to things that need a little extra. :)

Wedding Flash Card

2012-01-18T09:00:00.001-06:00

As promised, here is another flash card that I create for the Stampin' Up Leadership conference. This one used the Sale-a-Bration stamp set Fresh Vintage and also, my new favorite background stamp, Wonderfully Worn. The postage stamp image was actually stamped on the White cardstock that I under the black cardstock and punched out before I layered it.

You can't see it in the pic but I ran the black through the Vintage Wallpaper Impressions Folder too. It's so much prettier in person.

Well, if you see me at Leadership, swap with me! I hope you are inspired by my card!

Vintage Flash Card

2012-01-17T09:18:00.002-06:00

This is one of the cards I made for the upcoming Stampin' Up Leadership Conference. Swapping cards with other demonstrators is the most fun ever! It's like trick-or-treating for grown-ups!

I love this elements of this card - Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla cardstock. I used 3 stamp sets - Rue Des Fleurs, Wonderfully Worn background and Netting background. For that little touch of 3-D, I added a crumb cake seam binding bow.

If you are unfamiliar with what a flash card is, it's a card that can be made using a basic design. The Soft Suede is cut 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" and the Very Vanilla is cut 4" x 2 1/2". When you cut the cardstock, you will end up with 8 pieces of each. I keep these cut pieces around and whenever I need a card in a flash, I just pull them out, stamp, and voila! Card in a flash!

I use this style a lot because the cardstock size is SO easy to work with. Check back tomorrow for another flash card!

Hello Kitty!!!

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

My daughter, Ginny, is absolutely obsessed with Hello Kitty! I must admit, she is awfully cute and so I understand why she loves her so much.

I was playing with punches the other day and I came up with an idea for a goodie bag for a Hello Kitty party theme. This is a small white lunch sack. Fill with your treats, fold down the top and staple. To cover the staple, I simply cut my Whisper White cardstock down to size and added the elements. The Regal Rose bow is the Butterfly Punch and the 3/4" circle punch (adhered with a stampin' dimensional). Her eyes are the 1/2" circle punch. Nose is the small oval punch (stampin' dimensional). I just drew on her whiskers. I'm not very good at that part, huh.

I punched out a large heart and stamped HELLO (from Elementary Elegance stamp set) and tied it onto the bag with white bakers twine.

Gift in a Can

2012-01-13T10:09:00.003-06:00

I am addicted to Bath and Body Works! I just love that store and I LOVE LOVE LOVE their big After Christmas sale! Well, check out this steal that I found there last week. It's a plastic can that holds lotion, lip gloss, shower gel, and mist. I got it for 50% off so it was only $7.50. The downside? It said "Be Merry, Be Bright" on it. Stampin' Up to the rescue! The can was the same color as Pool Party so I wrapped some Designer Series Paper around the center to cover up the Christmas saying and then decorated to my heart's content! I just adore the new Pleated Satin Ribbon, don't you? What a great touch it adds to this project! I also used the new Label Collection of Framelits. The tag on top says "Create" from the Loving Thoughts stamp set. Mini brads are SO sweet on here but Rhinestone Jewels would have been pretty too. Maybe the next one. :)

What's great about this can is that after you take out the goodies inside, you have a wonderful holder for things in your stamp room - scissors, ruler, etc. Nice!!!

So, when you're out shopping, don't walk by those great gift sets that are strictly Christmas. A little paper, a stamp or two, and some ribbon and you have a wonderful gift for any time of year!

Vintage Birthday

2012-01-10T09:00:00.003-06:00

I struggle creating vintage stuff. I LOVE the look of it but it's not really come easy for me. Until Saturday... I create this card for a color challenge at our downline meeting. I was to use Soft Suede, Pool Party, So Saffron, and Old Olive. Now, I know you have seen "better" vintage things than this but keep in mind that if it takes me too long to make, I just won't make it. This card was super fast and easy and I love how it turned out!

I loved playing with new stamps from the new Occasions Mini catalog and the upcoming Sale-a-Bration catalog!

The stamp set I chose is called Elementary Elegance (love love love it!) and Loving Thoughts. I also added the Wonderfully Worn background stamp (a must have stamp, IMHO)

Check out the new flower punched called Blossom! OHHHH so pretty!

Other accessories include the curly label punch, bird builder punch, antique brad, and stampin' sponges.

I hope you're ready for free stamps during Sale-a-Bration! The stamp sets, Designer Series Paper, buttons, brads, ribbon... it's all SO beautiful!!!!!!!! I can't wait until Janaury 24th!!!

Elegance in Blue

2012-01-09T14:29:00.004-06:00

There's just something about Pool Party, Black and White that I LOVE!!!!!! This card was for a challenge sent out during a recent downline meeting. It was a sketch challenge and I was thrilled to make this card in less than 10 minutes. So easy yet so elegant!

The focal image is from a the upcoming Sale-a-Bration event. It's called Fresh Vintage and has become one of my FAVORITE stamp sets lately! Can you understand why? It's SO quick and easy to work with!

The sentiment is from the brand spankin' new Occasions Mini catalog, Loving Thoughts.

Other products - Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch, Vintage Wallpaper Impressions folder, White Organza ribbon, Scallop Square punch, and Postage Stamp punch.

February Stamp Club

2012-01-04T17:00:00.002-06:00

So, if you're anything like most Americans, you've probably made a New Years Resolution or two. One of the big ones people have made this year is to get organized. Yep, we all struggle with it. For February, we are going to create a few project to help you get organized in 2012!

My first project is one of those tools that I have needed for years. If you're anything like me, receipts are stashed all over the house but I can NEVER find the one of need when I need it so I created a Receipt Catcher. This cool tool is made with (4) envelopes with tabs so you can sort your receipts and AS LONG AS YOU USE IT you will always have that receipt when you need to return something. :) The key being "as long as you use it". I am thrilled with how this project turned out. I hope you like it too.

Our next project is a Birthday Tracker. I need this project SO bad. Confession time...I am just horrible about sending out birthday cards. I mean REALLY bad. My brother-in-law won't even speak to me because I never remember his kid's birthdays - yep, I'm that bad. Each year I say I am going to be better about it and each year, I still make and mail less than 1 card a year. Just ask my best friend, Brenda. Luckily she loves me anyway.

This fun little book will help me keep all my January, February, March, etc birthdays all in one place and I can check the book and KNOW I need to get a card in the mail. I created the inside on My Digital Studio (the greatest creation since the rubber stamp!) and I also used a new stamp set called Apothecary Art - stunning, yes? I love it too!

I also think this little book SCREAMS Tiffany's! I love the color of Pool Party!!!

The last project is a password keeper. I don't know about you but I can NEVER remember the web address, user name, password, log-in name, etc. for all these websites! It drives me NUTS! I wanted a fun little book to keep them all in to help me stop wasting time having to click the "forgot your password?" button. Ugh. I do keep this little book hidden and I don't write down all of my password but enough that I know which one it is. I think it's the user name I struggle with the most. Anyhoo, I love this little book and I created it with index cards cut in half. So easy and simple YET it is sure to save me a lot of time.... I hope.

February Stamp Club dates are:

Monday, February 6th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Tuesday, February 7th - 10:30am
Thursday, February 9th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Saturday, February 11th - 10:30am - RSVP ONLY

NEW DETAILS: I have received so many requests about starting a Virtual Stamp Club that I am now going to offer the tutorials for my stamp clubs to anyone who places a $15 order through my online store. www.connie.stampinup.net. After you place your order, email me with the monthly tutorial of your choice. Most tutorials will include 3 projects complete with pictures and/or diagrams. ;)

If you are a Stampin' Up demonstrator, please contact me at connie.stewart@cox.net on how you can receive my tutorials.

So Vintage!

2012-01-03T17:00:00.002-06:00

My daughter Christina loves to wear all those pretty flower headbands but they can cost a pretty penny! She and I made this one over Christmas break and can I just say, this rivals anything sold at those fancy smancy boutiques! Christina did an awesome job!

Watch for a video on how to create this headband! We hope to get it made soon!

JANUARY STAMP CLUB

2012-01-02T15:40:00.004-06:00

I am SUPER excited to share with you the projects that we are going to be creating in January's Stamp Club!

I know you're curious what that funky looking picture is at the top. Well, while digging around looking for ideas on how I could teach you all how to tie bows (I know how much you struggle with it) I saw the same type of tool show up over and over again. Since my husband, Rich, enjoys doing woodworking projects, I sent him to Lowes for wood and here is his very simple version of the Bow Tying Tool. I know, it isn't anything fancy BUT it does the job perfectly! This tool is SUPER easy to use and you are going to just LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Many of you have asked me if I will be selling these. The answer is no. Sorry. The Bow Tying Tool is just one of the many perks of being a stamp club member. :) And to be honest, I have no idea if this idea is patented nor do I have the time to dig around the internet and find out. I just wanted to be able to offer this to my Stamp Club girls for free.

So, what do you think of the project we are going to create with the bow tying tool??? Cool, eh? I love this pocket desk calendar and who doesn't need a calendar in January! This calendar actually has 16 months in the pocket on the back. Very awesome!

I am really looking forward to January Stamp Club and I hope you are too! Not a member but want to be? Email me and I would be happy to share with you how YOU can join us each month for Simply Simple Stamping! connie.stewart@cox.net

JANUARY STAMP CLUB DATES:

Monday, January 9th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Tuesday, January 10th - 10:30am
Thursday, January 12th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Saturday, January 14th - 10:30am - RSVP ONLY

Supply Fee - $3.50

NEW DETAILS: I have received so many requests about starting a Virtual Stamp Club that I am now going to offer the tutorials for my stamp clubs to anyone who places a $15 order through my online store. www.connie.stampinup.net. After you place your order, email me with the monthly tutorial of your choice. This month's projects will include the pdf for the calendar and complete instructions with diagrams.

If you are a Stampin' Up demonstrator, please contact me at connie.stewart@cox.net on how you can receive this tutorial.

Cookie Sheet Menu Boards

2011-12-01T09:15:00.003-06:00

I was inspired by a project I saw on Pinterest and I am SO glad I sat down to make it! This menu board has been a wonderful addition to my kitchen and my life. My kids love coming home and seeing what is for dinner. :) It sure makes shopping easier too! There are 24 menu choices and I have since decided to add blank strips to the back of these so I can add my family's personal favorites. Heavy duty magnets are glued onto the back of the bottle caps and on the back of the cookie sheet.

You can't see it in the picture but the shopping list is replaceable. There is a slit made with the Word Window punch so you can slide a new notepad inside when this one is gone.

I found the cookie sheets at the dollar store for $1 and the entire project can be made for about $12 (lots of magnets and adhesive)

I love our Designer Paper and I really enjoyed finding colors that would go with my kitchen.

I am in a class swap at the Stampin' Up Leadership Conference and I am thinking about making these. Not sure I can haul 11 of them to San Antonio but I am sure going to try!

I hope this board inspires you!

Perpetual Calendar

2011-11-30T08:28:00.002-06:00

I love perpetual calendars, don't you? I am not big into buying a new calendar every year because once I have one that matches my decor, I don't want to replace it the next year.

I created this calendar with My Digital Studio. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this computer software! It allows me to create the base of my project and then I add my own personal touches like sponging the edges, adding ribbon and brads.

I have dozens of holidays, special events, and reminder tags to go inside (even added Daylight Savings Time reminders!).

The project does take a few hours but it will last for YEARS and years! I have one in my stamp room that I made 6 years ago! It's still going strong!

I hope you find this project inspirational!

Santa Baby!

2011-10-30T17:38:00.003-05:00

Yes, I believe in Santa Claus! I've heard if you don't, you just get underwear in your stocking so YES, I believe!

For December Stamp Club, I have decided to give the man in red the spotlight. Our first project is a fun sized Hershey bar (discreetly removed from my daughter's Halloween candy bag) all decked out in some Santa punch art! Don't you LOVE that silver Glimmer paper? It really makes his hat pop! This project was really fast and would make a fun little stocking stuffer, don't you think?

My next project is a favorite - box making! You will love creating this super simple box that holds (9) Hershey Nuggets (wow, I should get some sort of bonus from Hershey for all this free advertising!). It's Santa's belt that holds the box together - belly band! I really love the silver Brushed paper for his belt. Santa loves to sparkle!

My last project is a Santa tag that was created by fellow demonstrator, Jacque Craig. I just love a fat Santa! This fun little tag was created using the 3" circle die for the Big Shot along with the Scallop Circle # 2 die. The rest was just scraps and I know how much you girls LOVE to use up those scraps!

I am really looking forward to spending just a little time with you in December. Each year in December I keep my Stamp Clubs fast and simple because I know that time is short for you guys. It's always fun to drop in and stamp just a little and have a few quickie ideas for those last minute stocking stuffers or co-worker gifts. :)

Is it wrong that I am posting Christmas ideas and it's not even Halloween yet????? Sorry!!!

Simply Simple iPHONE SKINS by Connie Stewart

2011-10-27T17:01:00.001-05:00

iPhone skins are REALLY expensive but any good crafter will make their own, right? I hope you enjoy this video showing you how to make iPhone skins that are uniquely YOU!

NOTE: I made an error on the measurements! I should have said 4 1/2" x 2 1/4". Sorry for the mistake! :)

Simply Simple PERFECT LETTERING

2011-10-27T14:43:00.002-05:00

Have you ever struggled to get lettering to be perfectly straight? Check out my video on how to make perfectly lined letters every time! It's done with a product from your kitchen (but needs to be in your craft room!)

SCRATCH PAPER BOX made with only ONE sheet of cardstock!

2011-10-05T18:30:00.003-05:00

I am excited to share with you another box making video! This time, I am going to teach you how to create a scratch paper box that holds 200 quarter sheets of copy paper. The best thing? It's made with only ONE sheet of cardstock!! I LOVE One Sheet Wonder projects! I hope you will enjoy making this sweet project too.

NOTE: I am using the Box Maker Shim to create this box. If you have not watched the video on the Box Maker Shim, be sure to check it out before attempting to create any of the boxes on my blog. :) The shim is AWESOME!

Have fun box making!!!

CARD CANDY GIFT BOX using the Simply Scored tool

2011-09-28T15:24:00.001-05:00

Hey! I'm back with another video using the Simply Scored tool and the box maker shim! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this box!!!! It is so easy and so much fun to create! You gotta try it!

November Stamp Club

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I just finished up our November Stamp Club project! Wahoo! I love being ahead of the game!

Each year, I teach a hand stamped gift project that is easy to create for holiday gift-giving. I was inspired by a swap I received at Convention from Glenda Calkin to create this box that holds 4 cards, 4 envelopes, 8 punched sentiments, and 8 Designer Label punches. There are Stampin' Dimensionals on the back of each sentiment and punch so that the recipient can choose which sentiment and punch she would like on each card.

The Spice Cake Designer Series Paper is one of my favorites because it can be masculine or feminine as you can see. You can make (3) of the card sets from just (1) sheet of DSP too!

I hope that you will join us in November for Stamp Club! If you have never attended before, the cost for the class is on me -- all you pay is $6 the supplies. :) Email me for more details! connie.stewart@cox.net!

BASIC BOX MAKING and your Simply Scored tool!

2011-09-27T23:37:00.001-05:00

This video will show you how to create boxes and lids that go together perfect every time!

Creating a BOX MAKING SHIM to use with your Simply Scored tool!

2011-09-27T23:35:00.001-05:00

It's the shim that is the secret to making perfect boxes every time! It's simple to make and simple to use!

CUSTOM BOX MAKING created with the Simply Scored tool!

2011-09-27T23:33:00.001-05:00

Have you ever made a great gift and couldn't find the right size box to put it in? Now you can make your own custom box for ANY gift!

Creating TWO-TONE BOXES with the Simply Scored tool!

2011-09-27T23:30:00.001-05:00

I just love the look of Two-Toned boxes! This video shows you how to create them yourself with the Simply Scored tool!

Christmas Keepsake Box Get-Together

2011-09-27T09:12:00.003-05:00

Last night, I invited my July recruits to join me to create the Christmas Keepsake Boxes that Stampin' Up gave each of them... and myself! We had so much fun creating together. We ended the night covered in glitter. Is this necessarily a bad thing? I must say, everyone did a great job and there was plenty of laughter as we tried to figure out how to make the fabric rosette (Charlesetta is the only one who was successful at it!).

Aren't the boxes gorgeous?!!! They were designed by Shelli Gardner, our CEO, and they are so vintage (so SHELLI!). I just can't decide what will be special enough to go inside this box.

OCTOBER STAMP CLUB - CHRISTMAS QUICKIES

2011-09-27T09:03:00.004-05:00

Each year I look forward to offering a Christmas Quickie Card Class. I look for cards that are super fast but SPECTACULAR!! No one wants to send out boring cards but I know that time is a precious thing... especially during the holidays!

Have you ever created something on your own and beamed over it? That was how I felt when I made this card the other day! You can't really see the sparkle from the Shimmer Mist - I love sparkly cards!! The dark burgundy in this is just gorgeous! The poinsettias are made with the 5-Petal punch and then embossed. It's such a great card and I know you will love creating it! I smile every time I look at it.

This card is much prettier in person. It uses only one stamp set - Pines & Poinsettias (on page 21 of the Holiday Mini). I have to be honest, I wasn't blown away by this stamp set when I saw it in the catalog but Stampin' Up sent it to me for free (I love this company!) Once I stamped with it, it became my favorite Christmas stamp set BUT check it out!!! The flowers and swirls (stamped inside) in this set are year round stamps! I really hope to create some "non-Christmas" samples for you before Stamp Club. :) The seam binding ribbon adds the perfect touch to take this card to AMAZING! Many of you ask if I come up with the projects myself. This beautiful card was shared on our Demonstrator website. Yep, we are all about sharing!

I absolutely LOVE this card! It was one of my swaps from Founder's Circle and created by my good friend Penny Thomas. It's so elegant! Velvet ribbon, pearl jewels, and how about that beautiful sentiment! It's just so pretty but it comes together SO fast! When you send out this card, your friends will be blown away by your creativity! Christmas is a great time to show off your talent, don't you think?

OCTOBER STAMP CLUB - CHRISTMAS QUICKIES

Monday, October 3 - come and go between 4pm and 7pm
Tuesday, October 4 - 10:30am
Thursday, October 6 - come and go between 4pm and 7pm
Saturday, October 8 - 10:30am - RSVP required

Supply fee: $3.00 (3 cards) or $5.00 (6 cards)

Christmas cards are so much fun to create so why not invite a friend! Who WOULDN'T want handmade Christmas cards to share this year?! If they are first time guests, they pay only the supply fee and if they join stamp club, I will have a free stamp set for YOU. It's a win-win! Just drop me an email and let me know who you are bringing and we will all have some fun together!

Recycled Grocery Sack becomes a Twisty Treat Holder!

2011-09-07T11:04:00.003-05:00

I am working on an Upcycle class and created a twist container made from a recycled grocery sack. Wheels work GREAT on this and because grocery sacks are thick but flexible, they work great for twist containers!

Begin with a 6" x 6" square of grocery sack. Stamp as desired. Place Sticky strip down one end and adhere together to create a tube.

Place another piece of Sticky Strip inside the top end of the tube. Seal and insert into your Crimper tool. Twist 4 times and remove.

Repeat this process only this time place Sticky Strip going the opposite way from the other ends.

Add some ribbon or any embellishments you like!

What a great way to go green!

Recycled Magazine becomes Gift Bow!

2011-09-07T11:02:00.002-05:00

Don't Toss it - UPCYCLE IT!

This bow is made from a page out of a magazine. What a great way to upcycle something that would go in a landfill?!

The bow came together SO fast using Stampin' Up SNAIL and a square of Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet on the bottom.

Cut a colorful magazine page into the following:

(3) 3/4" x 9"
(3) 3/4" x 8"
(3) 3/4" x 7"
(1) 3/4" x 3"

(1) 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" Adhesive Sheet

Begin with the longest strips. Place SNAIL in the center and bring the 2 ends to the center by twisting it. SNAIL these together.

Repeat with the next set of strips and SNAIL inside the larger one.

Repeat with the next set of strips and finish off with the small strip in a circle and SNAIL inside.

Peel one side of the Adhesive sheet and adhere to the bottom!

So simple and SO GREEN!

Blue Jeans Pocket Refrigerator Magnet

2011-09-07T10:57:00.003-05:00

Don't Toss It - UPCYCLE IT!

My daughter outgrows blue jeans faster than any kid I know. She wears them out so I can't really donate them. What's a mom to do? UPCYCLE them! I created this fun pocket refrigerator magnet from one of the pockets.

Cut out the pocket (don't cut it off, but cut out the actual pocket). Leave about a 3/4" strip at the top of the pocket. Place Stampin' Up Fabric Adhesive Roll on the strip and iron inside the pocket. You can use Sticky Strip also (works great for this). Now you have a nice finished edge.

I used my Crop-a-Dile to made 2 holes in the corners and added gold Glimmer Brads, used ribbon and twine to our buttons and hot glued them in place. Our polka dot scallop ribbon adds a flash of color and finished it off with Tiny Tags and the Jewelry Tag punch.

Hot glue some heavy duty magnets on the back (I used 3 - 2 at the top and 1 at the bottom).

So much fun!!!

Christmas Bows

2011-08-20T10:49:00.003-05:00

I love the ideas that I get from other demonstrators! Got this jewel from Kimberly Van Diepen. Isn't it great? She shared a GREAT video on how to create this.... um, what do I call this thing? Is it a bow? Is it an ornament? Well, whatever it is, it's too stinkin' cool! I had a lot of fun creating it and I hope to be able to incorporate it into an upcoming stamp club! SO much fun!

Christmas Lollie

2011-08-19T11:45:00.003-05:00

Love these Lollies!!!

Want to know how to make them?

Outer circle - 2" x 11

Inner circle - 1 1/2" x 11

(2) Scallop circles and (1) Large Scallop Circle

Bamboo Skewer

Hot Glue Gun

Score the strips every 1/2-inch on the Simply Scored and cut in half (1" x 11"). Use Sticky Strip to put the ends together to form a circle. Squish it down.

Start with the largest scallop and the largest lollie. Squish the lollie in place and hold it while you put hot glue on the scallop. Press in the center and hold it for a few seconds to make sure the hot glue is holding. Repeat with a smaller scallop on the opposite side.

Repeat the process with the smaller lollie and the smaller scallop. Put hot glue on the larger lollie (small scallop) and glue the smaller on top of the bigger.

Place a strip of hot glue on the back inside of the valleys and place sharp tip of bamboo skewer inside.

Stamp a focal image for the center of your lollie.

Have fun!!

Thanksgiving Napkin ring

2011-08-17T17:41:00.002-05:00

I wanted to play with my new stamp set, Gently Falling, that will be coming out in the Holiday Mini Catalog in September. I love Two-Step Stamping!!! It's so easy and really makes a WOW statement!

Thanksgiving Lollie (Rosette)

2011-08-17T17:39:00.005-05:00

Here's my Thanksgiving version of the Lollie. Made with the Falling Leaves stamp set and the sentiment is from Pursuit of Happiness.

The picture came out a little dark. Sorry about that. I hope you like it though!!!

Halloween Lollie (Rosette)

2011-08-17T17:34:00.004-05:00

After Rochelle made that beautiful wreath, I thought I was time I gave it a shot. These Lollies are SO fun and SO easy! I know, they look complicated but they really aren't! I put my version on a bamboo skewer so that it can go inside a vase. I used the Batty for You stamp set and the sentiment is from a new set called Delightful Dozen.

Now, there are a couple new things I used on this project from the upcoming Holiday Mini catalog. First, a MUST have for this project, is the Simply Scored tool. OMG! LOVE LOVE LOVE this scoring tool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the bomb! I also used the Dazzling Details glitter glue. This stuff rocks! You can't really see how amazing it is in this picture but trust me, it's awesome!

The finished product is a 4 1/4" circle so it's just huge! We will be creating these in stamp club in September. Who's excited????!!!!!

Grateful Gift Box

2011-08-12T10:58:00.003-05:00

I have been busy making boxes! I created this one with a brand new stamp set coming out in Stampin' Up's Holiday Mini Catalog. It's called Gently Falling and it is a beautiful Two-Step stamp set. On the box, I added a background stamp called Woodgrain. I never thought I needed that background stamp but I have found that I have used it over and over again since I bought it! What great texture it gives!

I will be teaching how to create this box using another new tool that will be revealed in the new Holiday Mini called Simply Scored! I ma head over heels in LOVE with this tool! My scored lines are PERFECT now and when it comes to making boxes, it is crucial that the scored lines be perfect so you can see why I have been so busy making boxes lately.

We will be creating this project in September's Stamp Club and I have a great technique to teach you that will allow your boxes to fit together perfectly every time! You won't want to miss it!

Not a member of Stamp Club? Well, what are you waiting for! A new club has JUST started and there is a spot open for YOU!

Halloween Wreath

2011-08-12T10:54:00.003-05:00

My customer, downline and DEAR friend, Rochelle, made this FABULOUS wreath for Halloween. Isn't it incredible? I love the colors she chose! She almost left it at my house yesterday and I was tempted to keep it but chose to take a picture of it instead. :)

She gave me permission to share it here with all of you! Thanks Rochelle! NICELY done!!!

It's a Wrap Holidays!

2011-08-04T08:11:00.004-05:00

UPS delivered the most wonderful gift to me yesterday! It was my pre-order from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog and I was just giddy when it arrived! I just love getting to play with new stamps!! This set is called It's a Wrap Holidays. You may have seen it's sister set in our big catalog called It's a Wrap. This set was on my "Must Have Right Now" list. It's designed to wrap around address labels and then onto Hershey Nugget chocolates. I wanted to come up with some different things using this set and here is what I came up with.

The mini cello bags are also a new item that will be available in our upcoming Holiday Mini (you can begin ordering on Sept. 1st). One of the perks of being a demonstrator with Stampin' Up is that we get to order early. :) C'mon.... you know you want to join me?

Creative Elements

2011-08-03T09:30:00.003-05:00

I never saw myself as a "vintage girl" but I have noticed my vintage stamp collection keeps growing! This set is called Creative Elements and it is brand new in the catalog this year. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this set!

Here is a card I created for my Convention swaps. It was super fast and easy but I love the look! My colors are Blushing Bride, Soft Suede and Cherry Cobbler. So simple! Give it a try!

Pretty Polka Dot Boxes

2011-08-02T12:31:00.004-05:00

Here is a fun little project I made today. A stack of polka dotted boxes - Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie. The boxes measure 4 x 4, 3 x 3. 2 x 2, and 1 x 1.

If you like boxes, keep coming back to my blog! I am going to post more! Better yet, sign up for email updates and you'll never miss a post!

Busy with Boxes

2011-08-02T07:39:00.004-05:00

I love love love to make BOXES! It's one of my most FAVORITE things to make! Stampin' Up will be unveiling the most FABULOUS scoring tools EVER! It's called Simply Scored and you are just going to LOVE the things you can do with this new tool!

I love using it to create boxes because it's SO easy. Who doesn't love easy? This simple box was create to hold 2 Smarties candies. I wrapped them in our Designer Series Paper (on sale this month, by the way - Buy 3 Get 1 Free!). I punched a Blossom Bouquet Triple Punch and wove the Baker's Twine in to to hold the candy together. Isn't it cute?

Before I put the box and lid together, I stamped polka dots (imagine, ME stamping with polka dots?) across the center. Another FAVORITE new stamp set called Borderlines (page 148). The sentiment is from another new stamp set called Petite Pairs (page 164). I added some bling and in no time, my box was done.

My classes for next month are going to focus on box making and I would love to have YOU join me! Email for dates and times - connie.stewart@cox.net.

Thanks for looking!

August Stamp Club projects

2011-07-25T13:03:00.005-05:00

Our theme for stamp club this month is DELICATE DOILIES! Doilies are all the rage this year and I have 3 really great projects that are sure to inspire you!

Our first project is just a blast to create! The picture really doesn't do it justice. You will have to see it in person! You may not know what it is... it's a hand sanitizer bottle that comes in a purse hanger. I must admit, I have an addiction to hand sanitizer and I know many of you do too. Well, if it's going to hang off MY purse, it's going to look FUN! Why? Cuz I'm a crafter and I can't stand things to look ordinary or like everyone else. :) I am going to teach you the SIMPLEST technique to create these fabric yo-yo's (a.k.a. rosettes) using the yummy Flirtatious Fabric. Even if you can't sew a button, you will be amazed at how quick and easy these are to make. Speaking of buttons.... hmmmmmm, that button is awfully interesting! I am going to teach you how to make PAPER buttons!!! Yep, now you will always be able to add a button to any project because this technique is too simple not to make over and over!

Our next project is a beautiful card that features the Delicate Doilies stamp set, Flirtatious Fabric, and the most delicious new color - Wisteria Wonder! It's amazing how a simple piece of torn fabric can add so much to a card! I just love how this turned out! Lots of dimension and hmmmm, did you notice that new little punch in the corner? Well, I am going to show you how you can create that with a punch most of you already own! Who's excited?!

Our last project is a sweet and delicate 3x3 gift card. Again, using the Delicate Doilies stamp set and with a few punches, we have turned a simple scallop into its own doily! These cards are perfect for a gift bag and turn a plain bag into a fab bag! Our new scallop polka dot ribbon adds the dimension to turn it into a WOW card!

I hope you are all excited about these project! I love this new look and it's going to be a lot of fun to create together!

Join me for August Stamp Club:

Monday, August 8th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Tuesday, August 9th - 10:30am
Thursday, August 11th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Saturday, August 13th - 10:30am - RSVP only

Supply fee: $3.25

See you then!!!

Bargain Finds

2011-06-30T11:22:00.005-05:00

Ever find one of those great deals and you just KNOW you can create something fantastic with it? Well, this are a couple great bargains I found this past week and how I converted them to WOWs that are fast and simple!

The first project is a fun hand sanitizer bottle that hangs off your purse. I am kind of a hand sanitizer junkie. I'm just slightly OCD but hey, if I have to use it all the time, I am at least going to look good! I found these little holders at a bath and body store in the mall on clearance for 12 cents! Wahooo! I created the fabric rosettes with the Scallop Circle die, the new Flirtatious fabric, and our new bakers twine. It's SO easy! Those of you in my stamp club will be creating this project very soon! What do you think of the buttons in the center? They match the fabric perfectly -- which is why I recommend our fabric over anything else out there! I will also be teaching you how to make these great buttons - getting excited yet???

The next project is one that I created for a friend of mine. It's a bargain find journal (the leaves were already printed on it) and I found it at an office supply store for $1.49! The inside cover had this hideous logo and all sorts of advertising on it. Tacky tacky tacky! I covered it with the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up's new Idea Book & Catalog. The letter on the front is made from chocolate vinyl (also from the new catalog). I also punched out a couple Fancy Flowers and attached it to the pocket with a jumbo brad. The final touch, the wide striped ribbon and in minutes, I have a gift that went from drab to fab! And all for under $2.00!!! Gotta love those kinds of gifts!

July Stamp Club projects

2011-06-27T10:18:00.003-05:00

I am super excited to see you all in July for Stamp Club! It's SO hot outside and summer is a great time to stamp INSIDE. This month, we are bringing the outdoors indoors with our "How Does Your Garden Grow?" theme!

JULY STAMP CLUB -- No Monday Night Club due to 4th of July holiday

Tuesday, July 5th - 10:30am
Tuesday, July 5th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Wednesday, July 6th - 6pm
Thursday, July 7th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Saturday, July 9th - 10:30am - RSVP only!

Supply fee: $3.50

Our first project is one you all have been admiring for a couple months now. Our 22" tall garden stakes! I just LOVE this project because the Big Shot makes it SO easy and SO fast! I have to tell you that these stakes survived a hail storm, tornado winds, and Oklahoma sun! They still look great! I love how they move in the wind and catch the sunlight. They are really amazing! A set of garden stakes would make a great gift for a friend, not to mention, they will look great it your flowerbeds as well. :)

Our next project is a fun and quick little item that are just perfect for inside your purse. Let's face it, how many times have you needed a little piece of paper to spit your gum out in or to jot down a phone number? Yep, too many times! This little flower notepad will be just perfect and it is sure to make you smile every time you use it! Once again, Big Shot to the rescue! It cuts the copy paper inside in a snap!

Our final project is a bright and cheery tag, perfect for those gift bags that we all love. Made with a couple of the new sets in the Summer Mini Catalog -- Flower Fest and Happy Greetings! And check out all the punches! Talk about EASY PEASY! You could make this tag just before you leave for the party! This tag is perfect for any occasion because it says it all -- Happiness Always!

I hope you can join us this month! If you are not a member of stamp club and would like to give it a try, email me for details! We have a GREAT time and create some wonderful projects each and every month!

iPhone© Skins - Stampin' Up Style!

2011-06-27T10:08:00.006-05:00

Okay, let me take a moment to apologize to my followers for taking so long to post. This summer has been SUPER busy! I have been creating but just haven't had a second to post to my blog. I hope to post a bunch of stuff over the next few days which should make up for lost time. :)

Today I want to share with you the project I have put WAY too many hours into - stamped iPhone skins! A HUGE Shout out to Rolanda Patton for sharing this idea with me on the Stampin' Up cruise!!! It's brilliant!!!

They have been worth the time to create AND to keep with my Simply Simple theme on this blog, I must tell you that they really don't take that long to make. I am doing a swap at Convention so I had to make 50 stamped iPhone covers and 50 My Digital Studio covers....thus the reason I have put in some serious time into these.

Talk about easy and fun! I purchased a clear phone case for my iPhone (and yes, you can create this with any cell phone). I wanted a good quality one because a) I spent a fortune on this phone and I want to protect it, and b) if you plan on changing the covers often, you want a case that can hold up to the abuse. :)

The measurements for the iPhone 4 are 2 1/4" x 4 3/8". Enjoy!!!

Notepad Key Ring

2011-05-04T10:59:00.002-05:00

I seem to always need "a little piece of paper" when I'm on the go. This little keyring notepad is just perfect to showcase how awesome Stampin' Up products are AND how awesome the Big Shot is! Can't cut through 12 sheets of copy paper with that "other electronic" machine, now can you? Shameless plug for the Big Shot but it truly is the BIG SHOT among all die-cutting systems on the market!

I used Rose Red cardstock for the base and cut (2) out with the Fun Flowers die (yes, it is still available!) and then ran them through the Perfect Polka Dot Impressions Folders (ah, something else that can't be done with the other machine!). I followed up with the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch from the new Summer Mini 2011. The copy paper was (2) sheets of copy paper, folded in half (4 1/4") and then folded in thirds. I ran this through the Big Shot and Fun Flowers die and then repeated it as many times as I needed. So fast, so fun, and SO SIMPLE!!! What a great project for pre-teens and teenagers! Heck, who am I kidding, these are great for anybody!

Enjoy!!!

New Triple Layer Punches!!!

2011-05-04T10:36:00.005-05:00

I am madly in LOVE with the new Triple Layer Punches! I wanted to create a little 6x6 artwork stand and this punch was just the ticket for my focal images! I was inspired by a project done by a fellow demonstrator, Wendie Waldman, who posted something like it on our fabulous "demo only" website. I get some of my best ideas from other demonstrators! I LOVE that they LOVE to share!

I used Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Pear Pizzazz on this project. It's just a bright and cheery color combination! The centers of the flowers are filled with Crystal Effects and then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. A girl has to have her bling!

I created the stand with the leftover cardstock that I used as my 6x6 base of the artwork. Gotta love using up those scraps!

I hope that this little piece of art will inspire you to create something bright and cheery today as well!

Fresh from the Garden!

2011-04-28T16:15:00.004-05:00

I love being a Stampin' Up demonstrator! Why? Because I have access to a "demonstrator only" website with SO many fabulous ideas!!! This idea was posted by Laura Haffke and I just knew I had to create my own! Now, I DON'T garden at all! I kill all things green! I am attempting (for the 5th year in a row) to grow basil and cilantro. Let's hope for the best but even if my "garden doesn't grow", it sure will look good!

These garden stakes were created from aluminum roof flashing and the Big Shot! I used the Scallop Circle die and the Scallop Circle #2 die to create the base. The butterflies were created with the Beautiful Butterflies dies. Oh, and how about all that embossing! That was done with Impressions Folders - Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Bouquet!

The colored butterflies are simply our raw vinyl (found on page 205 of our big catalog). So many colors to choose from!

So, are you dying to know what I used for the stake itself? Rather than shopping online, I wandered around the hardware store for awhile when I stumbled on THIS - a sign post! You know those plastic "for sale" or "garage sale" signs? Well, they have these great posts that hold the signs... but they also do a great job at holding my butterflies! And they are under $1.00 each so it's quite the bargain!

Are you a member of Stamp Club? Lucky you!!! You will be creating this project in July!!! Not a member of Stamp Club? Well, we need to talk! You are really missing out on learning so many new techniques and ideas each month!! Join us! Email me for all the details!

connie.stewart@cox.net

Sneak Peek!!! Summer Mini

2011-04-08T09:08:00.003-05:00

I just LOVE it when a new Stampin' Up mini catalog comes out! I love to see the new stamps & accessories that Stampin' Up puts into each one. The Summer Mini will arrive in many of your mailboxes at the end of the month but I just HAD to share with you a card I created this morning with one of the new punches that you will see. It's called the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch. It punches, not one, not two but THREE punches in ONE! It's awesome!!! You will just be blown away when you play with it!

This card was created with Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, and Tempting Turquoise. I also used the Curly Cute stamp set and a rhinestone jewel for a little bling. I used the Inlaid Embossing technique and I will be teaching how to do this in Stamp Club in May. I would LOVE to have you join us!!! For all the details, email me at connie.stewart@cox.net!

Have a wonderful FRIDAY!!!

2011-04-05T19:24:00.004-05:00

Check out these GREAT cards you can make with the GETTING STARTED Collection from Stampin' Up! I used the Getting Started Stampin' Spots (21.95) and the Cardstock Assortment (6.95). I used the Flower Fancy stamp set and Sincere Salutations stamp set and that's it!

Inside this cute little portfolio are 8 cards with matching envelopes.... cards for every occasion! You can receive the instructions and matching ribbon to create this portfolio if you place an order of $50 in the month of April OR if you order the Getting Started Stampin' Spots, Cardstock assortment, and a stamp set. You can place your order online or email me at connie.stewart@cox.net.

Happy Stamping!

For the Birds - June Stamp Club

2011-03-31T18:09:00.004-05:00

Outside my stamp room window, I have been watching the birds play in the bushes. I love that I can see them but they can't see me so I can just relax and know that they aren't frightened away. Today, while listening to them sing (probably because they were enjoying the 74 degree weather), I decided to stamp some birds. I hope you enjoy these bird cards and they will inspire you too! For those in my Stamp Clubs, you will be creating these cards in June. :) This first one is a pull card...pull the ribbon and the bird "flies" over to her friend. Isn't it cute? I love this style of card! I also used a technique for making the clouds. Very simple but very fun, don't ya think? Stampin' Up artists are the BEST! I love Cheep Talk! It just makes me smile! This card is called a Locking Card. I don't know if you can see it, but the flap rests underneath the birdcage "locking" it in place. This stamp set, "Aviary" is a lot of fun to play with and I also added a touch of the "Always Elegant" stamp set also. Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, and Crumb Cake. It's so soft and pretty. I was singing, "Mister Bluebird on my shoulder" while I was making it.... but I couldn't remember the words. Zippa-dee Do Da, Zippa-dee-a...something something something.... I must tell you that this card didn't photograph well. When it's sitting up it looks like a birdhouse but in the picture, well, it looks odd. Anyhoo, I used the Two-Step Bird punch, the large scallop circle punch and the 1 3/4" circle punch. Oh, and can you see the wood grain texture on the roof? Texturz Plates and the Big Shot! LOVE it!!! This is sure to brighten up someone's day!

APRIL STAMP CLUB

2011-03-28T08:38:00.003-05:00

Hey Stamp Clubbers! It's almost that time! Stamp Club dates for April: Monday, April 4th - come and go anytime between 4pm and 7pm Tuesday, April 5th - 9:15am (or there about) Thursday, April 7th - come and go anytime between 4pm and 7pm Saturday, April 9th - 10:30am - RSVP Required - space for 10 available DEMONSTRATOR STAMP NIGHT - Wednesday, April 6th - 6:30pm - this night is available to those in my downline. RSVP REQUIRED!!! I love the projects for this month because they are SO easy but pack a huge WOW! These beautiful flower pins are so pretty, aren't they? Less than 75 cents to create! You know how popular these flowers are these days. We're wearing them on our jackets, on our purses, in our hair, etc. They can be so expensive in the stores but YOU LUCKY LADIES are members of Stamp Club and you learn how to do it yourself! Don't ya love it?! I am also going to show you a fabulous way to take that pin and add it to a card for a card and gift in ONE. It's just the perfect card to say Happy Mother's Day or Happy Birthday or even Thank You! Our other project is one I worked really hard on. I wanted to create a scented sachet that could be re-scented. I love the Scallop Envelope Die for the Big Shot! It does so much more than make envelopes! This little box contains a secret for holding the scent that you will just LOVE. I'm brilliant, I know. lol You'll have to come to see how it works! Come and join us in April! And hey, if you have a friend who you think would love to create the projects, bring her along! Her first class is on me - all she pays is the supply fee of $3.00! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!!!

Lollipops & Polka Dots!

2011-03-25T10:01:00.006-05:00

I am so excited about Stamp Club in May!!! I designed this project when it was cold and snowy outside and it really cheered me up... made me THINK SPRING! Here is a close up of the card. I know it's hard to see in the picture, but I used Circle Circus on the circles, Cute Cues (Happy Birthday) and then ran the entire thing through the Square Lattice Impressions Folder to create this inlaid embossing technique. I just LOVE this new look!

To see close-ups of the flowers, scroll down a bit to an older post and you will see all the detail. :) They are really amazing up close!

I hope you can join us at Stamp Club on:

Monday, May 9th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go anytime
Tuesday, May 10th - 9:15am
Thursday, May 12th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go anytime
Saturday, May 14th - 10:30 - RSVP required - Only 10 spots available

Wednesday, May 11th - This night is for demonstrators in my downline only. RSVP is required. Not a member of my downline? Why not join Stampin' Up and have this special night just for YOU!

If you are not a member of Stamp Club, why not see what all the excitement is about! Join some incredibly FUN women as we stamp, create, share idea, and enjoy movie theater popcorn together! You won't regret it! Your first class is on my (you just pay the supply fee) and then if you like what you see, join us! Each month I design 2-3 projects for you, you'll learn new techniques and ideas, PLUS you'll earn FREE STAMPS just for being a part! Want more info? Just email me at connie.stewart@cox.net!

Eat Chocolate!

2011-03-25T09:11:00.003-05:00

I absolutely LOVE the Eat Chocolate stamp set from Stampin' Up's Occasions Mini Catalog! This set is a lot of fun to play with and easy to use. I got my inspiration for this card on Stampin' Connections (a special gallery for Stampin' Up demonstrators) made by Linda Gutierrez. I made a couple changes to make it my own, of course, but her card was just so fun. I loved the idea of taking a bite out of the card.

Of all the things I LOVE about being a demonstrator, sharing ideas is my favorite!!! Thanks Linda!

Bold Blossom Ideas

2011-03-25T08:41:00.004-05:00

BOLD BLOSSOMS - what a fantastic stamp set! All the cards below were made using just this stamp set and the Getting Started Collection from Stampin' Up! What's the Getting Started Collection? It's a beautiful collection of Stampin' Up colors from every hue that we carry. There are so many color combinations you can make from just this collection. I love it! Are you new to stamping? Why not invest in the Getting Started Stampin' Spots ($21.95), the matching cardstock ($6.95), and this stamp set ($12.95 wood - $9.95 clear). How's that for a great way to get started with Stampin' Up!?

I love Express cards! You know, the cards you can make in minutes? I tend to wait until the last minute to make a card so I do A LOT of Express cards. ;) I also added my stepped up version of the same card. I used some matching grosgrain ribbon, the elegant lines impressions folder, and a couple more layers. The matching envelope tells the recipient that it's happy mail, not junk mail. I had better watch what I say or credit card companies will start stamping their envelopes to get us to open them! lol

Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Real Red and Night of Navy! Beautimous!!!!

This card was inspired by a card I received from my Service Account Manager at Stampin' Up. Her name is Max and she is awesome! She made me a card very similar to this when I earned a spot in the Top 100 Demonstrators of the Year. This card meant SO much to me!

Black and white - stunning! Elegant Bouquet Impressions Folder. Add a few Jewel Rhinestones and you have something that REALLY stands out!

Hey, look at me! I scrapbooked!!! I never scrapbook (sorry, it's just not my thing) but I wanted to create a scrapbook page for my upcoming workshops. I must admit, I was pretty pleased. Concord Crush, Melon Mambo, and Old Olive (Concord Crush and Melon Mambo are not part of the Getting Started collection).

Creat-a-Cupcake

2011-03-25T08:36:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't LOVE cupcakes?! Even if you don't, how can you not love these cards? Super easy and fast projects when you pair the Create-a-Cupcake stamp set and the matching Build-a-Cupcake punch! Whether it's for your favorite kid in your life or for the kid in all of us. these cards are sure to please!

You can find these stamps in Stampin' Up's current Occasions Mini Catalog but don't wait to order! They will only be available until April 30th!!! Call me to place your order!

Card Portfolio

2011-03-22T08:35:00.005-05:00

I have a workshop in a couple days for a couple of dear friends of mine, Charlesetta and her daughter Carla. When I teach my workshops, I always love to share gift ideas because this is one area that I think stamping really saves us money.

Here is a gift that I have given numerous times and it's always a hit - men and women alike. Men like it because they always have cards ready to give to people in the office, women like it but they are funny. They tell me they "can't give them away because they are too pretty". Isn't that funny?

I used Stampin' Up's GETTING STARTED collection. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to use this collection of colors because they all work so well together! I am offering this BLISS BUNDLE at the workshops - purchase Sincere Salutations, the Getting Started Stampin' Spots, and the Getting Started cardstock assortment and they get the BLISS stamp set FREE until March 31st. As a bonus, I am giving them the template and the ribbon needed to make the portfolio.

As you can see, I wanted the cards to be really simple and fast... nothing super fancy but I really like how versatile the Bliss stamp set is! And Sincere Salutations is just awesome! A greeting for every occasion!

Enjoy!

Easter Chick!

2011-03-14T13:35:00.003-05:00

My dear friend Jann McCollom was inspired by my Easter bunnies and came up with this adorable Easter chick. Isn't she the cutest thing ever?!

Top Note die, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch (top of head and wings), 1 1/4" square punch (beak), 3/4" oval (which is not in our catalog but IS available on the carryover list), and the 1/2" circle punch (black eyes), white gel pen. I sponged the edges of the Daffodil Delight cardstock with Tangerine Tango ink.

These would also be cute for a baby shower, don't you think?

And here is the whole Easter family!

Now, what are you waiting for? Go buy some cupcakes! :) Yummo!

Inlaid Embossing Birthday Card for a dear friend

2011-03-09T10:04:00.005-06:00

Monday was my upline, Leslie's, birthday! I learned a new technique the other day (thanks Alison!) called the Inlaid Embossing technique and I wanted to give it a try. I really like how the card turned out - very bright and cheery!

I used a Stampin' Up stamp set that is one of my favs, Circle Circus. I LOVE LOVE LOVE anything with polka dots and I especially love pink and black polka dots (for those of you who have seen my stamp room, you know that it's totally decked out in pink and black polka dots). I used Melon Mambo on today's card.

I also used an Impressions Folder, Square Lattice, to create the inlay look of this card. I must admit when I first saw the Square Lattice folder I wasn't overly impressed but as I have used it I have learned it is a must have in paper crafting! With this folder, it's all about texture and creating a fabric look. Most other folders add some sort of image but this one has become my "go-to" folder. :)

Hope this card inspires you today!!!

Chocolate Bunny

2011-02-25T11:04:00.006-06:00

I had such a great response to my little pink girl bunny, I decided she needed a man in her life. Okay, the truth is, those chocolate cupcakes were calling my name and I justified buying the BOX of them just to make this project. Sad, but SOMEONE will have to eat the remaining 5 cupcakes. Now who could that someone be????

GOTTA GO! BYE!

Lollipop Bouquet

2011-02-23T13:10:00.008-06:00

This is much cuter in person but I had a bunch of these little Tootsie Pop mini lollipops and so I thought I would be fun to make my own candy bouquet. Candy bouquets purchased from a specialty store are SO expensive but not when you make it yourself! Who wouldn't feel happy finding this little bouquet on their desk on their birthday or as a way to say Thank You? I created 5 different kinds of flowers and let me just tell you it was the most fun to create!!! Get those punches out, Ladies, and give this SIMPLY SIMPLE project a try!!!

Easter Wishes

2011-02-23T13:07:00.006-06:00

This is a card we will be creating in my March Stamp Club. I have had the Flower Fancy Two-Step stamp set for a long time and I never mounted it. What was I thinking? This set is AWESOME!!!!

Pear Pizazz and Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette and Regal Rose. Beautiful spring colors, don't you think?!

More Fun Flower pins

2011-02-11T13:23:00.002-06:00

Just a few more pins that I made while being snowed in!

Melted Circles = Vintage Flowers!

2011-02-11T13:18:00.003-06:00

Our pastor's wife had on this beautiful vintage blouse the other day and it had these little melted flowers on them. I mentioned to her that I had learned how to make these but hadn't tried it. She got really excited and wants to learn how so that meant I needed to figure it out first. Okay, so it's a little temperamental but I think I have the hang of it now. I bought some hot pink synthetic fabric and cut out 32 circle from the Circles #2 die (8 of each circle). Just layer them together (not necessarily straight) and use the heat gun to gently "shrivel" the fabric and it will begin to melt and look like this. I added our crochet trim, seam binding ribbon, and trinket key. It was so easy! Sadly, my pastor's wife lost her Grandmother this past week so I am going to add this flower to a sympathy card for her.

Create-a-Cupcake

2011-02-11T13:00:00.005-06:00

What is it about cupcakes that just makes us happy? This set is my new fav right now. I used the Create-a-Cupcake stamp set and the Build-a-Cupcake matching punch.

The top card is what I call my Express card - you know, the card you can make while the kids are getting in the car for the party? The bottom card is the one you can make when you have a few more minutes. :) Either way, they are made with SIMPLY SIMPLE STAMPING!

Build-a-Blossom

2011-02-11T12:56:00.005-06:00

During a recent Stampin' Up demonstrator meeting, we were given a color challenge to use Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, and Melon Mambo. We are up to our eyeballs in SNOW here in Oklahoma so it was fun to play with some bright, fun, and Spring colors!

I love the Build-a-Blossom stamp set and matching punch! It's a must have!!!

It's a Card! It's a Gift!

2011-02-11T12:52:00.008-06:00

I have fallen head over heels in love with the Fun Flower die from Stampin' Up! This die is just amazing and super easy to work with! I create this simple lapel pin for Mother's Day. I found this fun felt at my local craft store. 1 sheet of felt will make 6 of these flowers! I also added some tulle and that fun boa stuff and voila! The card is punched with the Modern Label punch to allow the Two Tags die tag to go inside. The flower is pinned onto the tag. :)

These flowers come together SO fast! I hope you are inspired to try it for yourself!

Smells So Sweet Sachet

2011-02-11T12:17:00.005-06:00

I have spent the last week TRYING to find JUST THE RIGHT type of sachet for my April Stamp Clubs. I made them out of fabric, I made them out of felt, I even tried the candy wrapper die but nothing achieved the look I wanted.

As I was looking through my swaps from Leadership, I found a cute swap made by the incredible Amy Celona and her project inspired this Scallop Envelope die sachet. Inside are 2 cotton balls with a dab of scented oil (found in the candle making section of your local craft store). These cotton balls are tucked inside a piece of felt 3" x 4" to keep the oil from seeping through the paper.

This little sachet is JUST the right size for a undies drawer and it smells SO good! I chose "Sweet Pea" for my scent and now my stamp room smells just incredible!

What a great little gift idea! I hope you try it! As always, this project falls into the SIMPLY SIMPLE STAMPING category!

My Funny Bunny

2011-02-09T15:56:00.007-06:00

I was inspired by a fellow demonstrator, Twila Davis, who made this little bunny bag with Peeps inside. It was the cutest thing ever but the problem is that Peeps aren't out in stores yet but I did find these pink coconut snowball things. I am not a fan of them but my daughter loves them. I think it came out even better than the Peeps (no offense to Twila).

I used the Big Shot and the Top Note die along with a few circle punches to create the bunny face. SO easy and these will look GREAT in your kids Easter Basket this year! You have to give them a try!

If you are a stamp club member, we will be creating these bunny treats in March! Wahoo!

My Valentine

2011-02-07T15:40:00.005-06:00

Just a simple Valentine that I created for a workshop that I had last week. So easy! Glimmer Paper totally rocks! And don't you just LOVE those little jewlery tags dangling off the ribbon! So much fun!! The main sentiment is from Word Play (my all time favorite word set!)

Went a little nuts with the fabric flowers today

2011-01-30T16:24:00.004-06:00

I just love Stampin' Up's new Fun Flowers die from the Occasions Mini catalog!!!!!!!! I have a workshop tomorrow and I wanted to share a fashion accessory and this is what I came up with. Some are hair clips, some are jacket pins, and the one in the middle is a bookmark (inspired by the bookmark I received from my SAM at Leadership). I must say, I LOVE the feather ones! I think these things took about 5 minutes to make. I gave the white one to my 9 year old. She went outside to play and when her 2 friends saw them, they politely asked me if I could make one for them. It was a great feeling to hear them ask me! I must have a hit of a project on my hands. I asked them what color they wanted (I had a ton of felt laying around) and they picked black and pink. In minutes, I showed up outside with their hair clips and they were shocked I had them done so fast. ;)

So easy.... I cut out a Medium flower, a small flower, and the 2 little circles from regular felt (5 for $1 at my local craft store and you can make 4 flowers from 1 sheet). I also cut 2 pieces of tulle. I just had the thin stuff that you use on gifts but it seemed to work pretty good. I layered everything together, punch a hole in the center with the Crop-a-Dile and inserted a rhinestone brad. I hot glued a hair clip on the back and that's it!

The bookmark is basically 2 of these hot glued together and I put ribbon on the brad before I closed it up.

I hope you will give these a try! They are definitely what I call SIMPLY SIMPLE!

Leadership Swaps

2011-01-20T12:57:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of swaps I took to Leadership. The first one is a "Book of Chocolate Rules" and yes, it is made out of 2 Hershey Chocolate bars. :) I love Stampin' Up's new stamp set Eat Chocolate from the new Occasions Mini Catalog (page 30). Anything with chocolate on it, well, I'm all about that!

The second swap is a candy box created from half a sheet of cardstock. I used the Decorative Label Punch (also on page 30 of the Occasions Mini). There is a cello bag filled with pastel mints. I think it just scream SPRING or EASTER and I am loving the idea of Spring right now (schools are closed and the kids are driving me crazy!)

The phrase on the tag is from my 2nd favorite thing after chocolate - cupcakes! The stamp set is called Create-a-Cupcake and has a matching punch that goes with it. Be sure to check it out on page 22 of the Occasions Mini!

Enjoy!!!

Desk Calendar

2011-01-20T12:50:00.004-06:00

There is something I just LOVE about calendars! I have them all over my house! A dear friend and downline, Tory Bray, brought me a lovely desk calendar and it was just in the nick of time! I was looking for a calendar project to teach at my stamp classes and this one fit the bill perfectly! Thanks Tory!!!

I used Stampin' Up's Razzle Dazzle stamp set and used our markers to color directly on the stamp. Pretty, huh?

I love our Level 1 Hostess Paper Pack (you can get it FREE if you host a $150 workshop or place a $150 order) and the In Colors are PERFECT for this project!

Are you crazy over that flower? It's the new Build a Blossom stamp set and matching punch, Blossom Petals. It's the most amazing stamp set and matching punch. Just try finding something like that at your big box craft store.... nope! Only at Stampin' Up will you find great products like this!

2010-12-27T07:57:00.004-06:00

I know that Christmas is over but I just had to share one last holiday project. I received this beautiful gift at a Stampin' Up gift exchange. Some of the local Stampin' Up demonstrators get together every year to play Stampin' Santa (aka Dirty Santa). I practically had to wrestle Margaret Raburn for this beautiful plaque. What's so funny is she went home that afternoon and made her own. That is what I LOVE about stamping! You see it, you like it, you create it!

This project was created by amazing talented Pam Jones! I just LOVE it!!!!!!

JANUARY STAMP CLUB - FLASH CARDS!!!

2010-12-27T07:53:00.003-06:00

This is one Stamp Club that you WON'T want to miss! I promise! I am going to teach you a fabulous technique that will allow you to make 8 different cards using 1 VERY simple technique! It's a Connie original idea and I call them FLASH CARDS. It's really going to save you time and money in your stamping and what's even better is you will always be ready for a card layout when you need a card in a hurry... and who doesn't need cards in a hurry these days?

Do you notice anything similar about these cards? The cards and stamps are different of course, but the types of folds are different! I used all the same pieces of cardstock to create them. In fact, I used NOTHING but 5 sheets of cardstock. Nothing more. Well, a few little embellishments like ribbon, Jewels, and Stampin' Dimensionals but no additional cardstock. They are really fun! You will be creating 6 cards in stamp club and then you will take home the supplies to make 2 more and you can be creative at home and see what you can create with your favorite stamp sets and embellishments! I am very excited to have you bring your other 2 cards with you to Club in February! I LOVE to see what kinds of things you create! The supply fee is only $3.50 this month but for 8 cards, that's a GREAT deal! See what I mean? The technique I am going to teach you is going to save you a lot of money so I hope everyone can make it!

JANUARY STAMP CLUB DATES

Monday, January 3rd - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Tuesday, January 4th - 9:15am
Thursday, January 6th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Saturday, January 8th - 10:30am - only 2 spots remaining!

I am pretty sure everyone has received their Sale-a-Bration catalogs in the mail (the yellow mini catalog). For those of you new to stamp club, I want to fill you in on how this amazing deal works. For every $50 (before tax & shipping), you can choose any of the Sale-a-Bration items for FREE (yep - totally free - no tax or shipping on the free item!!) You can order as many as you want for every $50 you spend! In the back of the catalog, there are even MORE things to choose from so this is a GREAT time to stock up on cardstock or ribbon so that you can earn some of the free things! They range in value from $13.95 to $24.95 so you can see what an amazing deal they are! The good news is that Sale-a-Bration goes until March 31st so you have 3 months to take advantage of this deal! And like I said, you can get as many free items as you want each month for every $50 you spend.

Now, I have had several people asking me if they can get these free items in January. Well, yes and no. Sale-a-Bration starts January 25th and Stamp Club orders are due in by January 8th. Would anyone have any objection to placing the orders on January 25th? I would love to give everyone the chance to get their free Sale-a-Bration items for 3 full months. This would delay your January orders by 2 weeks though. PLEASE, this is not mandatory! If you are needing your supplies back sooner, not a problem at all! I can do that! If you need your order the week of the 17th rather than the 31st, just let me know. My job is to make YOU happy and I want everyone to have the opportunity to get all the free stamps they can but also get your orders to you as quickly as I can. :) Only those orders placed on January 25th will qualify for the free Sale-a-Bration items though. ;)

One last thing.... I have a Stamp Club that has a few spots open. I know that many of you have mentioned friends you would like to bring. Please feel free to invite them to Club in January! It's a GREAT time to introduce them to stamping because this technique is so awesome AND if they join stamp club, YOU earn a free stamp set from my stash! Your friends can also take advantage of Sale-a-Bration too! Please let me know if you are bringing someone to stamp club this month. If they have never attended before, they pay only $3.50 for the supplies - the class fee is on ME. :) If they have attended before, the class is $15.00. STILL a great deal! :)

I hope you all have a Happy New Year and I can't wait to stamp with you all in 2011!!!

December Stamp Club projects

2010-11-26T15:44:00.004-06:00

I don't know what it is about Christmas that makes me think of CHOCOLATE but it does! This month, we will be creating 3 great chocolate themed projects!

Our first project is a really great little Hershey Nugget bag. I have always loved this gift and it's great for anytime of year but with this fabulous Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper. it's even more of a fav!

Next, I am going to teach you a fun technique to do with the Candy Wrapper Big Shot die! Isn't it cool? It's twice as big as the normal die and it makes the Candy Wrapper die a must have!

Our last project is a bag-a-lope. Yep, it's an envelope that I have converted into a little bag! Tucked inside is a cocoa packet and it makes a great little stocking stuffer or simple co-worker gift.

These projects are SO simple and fast who isn't looking for simple and fast this time of year?!

Join us for Stamp Club to create these wonderful projects!

Monday, December 6 - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Tuesday, December 7 - 9:15am
Tuesday, December 7 - 4pm to 7pm - come and go
Saturday, December 11 - 10:30am - RSVP ONLY (only 5 spots remain)

Please note that there will not be a Thursday evening Stamp Club available this month. I do hope that you can attend the Monday or Tuesday evening!!! Thursdays will resume in January!

How many days until Christmas????

2010-11-22T13:08:00.004-06:00

My friend Gayle Enouen is an amazing paper crafter. Every time she posts a project, I find myself in my stamp room creating my own version of it. Thanks Gayle! :)

She recently created a chalkboard countdown project that was a 6 x 6. I just loved it!!! I had some of these 12 x 12 boards laying around that desperately needed to be used in some way and here is my version of the chalkboard Countdown to Christmas calendar.

Deck the Halls Designer Paper, pearl Jewels, Bravo Burgundy and Always Artichoke cardstock, Chalkboard vinyl, and the Timeless Type alphabet dies.

Hope this project inspires you!!!

CHRISTMAS SPIRTS - hehehe

2010-11-03T15:49:00.005-05:00

Some of you know that Rich and I make our own wine and I wanted to create a fun way to give our home brew. While attending the Stampin' Up Regionals conference in Ft. Worth, a good friend of mine, Glenda Travelstead, showed a FANTASTIC project! She created a wine caddy made with our Designer Fabric and the Scallop Square die. I couldn't wait to come home and make my own.... which I never did.... until today!

The scallop squares are made from our Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric and red felt. The scallop tag hanging off the bag is made from Scallop Circles #2 die and Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper. I just LOVE that sparkle! I also added a little stamped image from the Cheers for You stamp set. You can't really see it in the picture but there is some Crystal Effects and glitter on the glasses too. :) A girl can't get enough bling so why not add some rhinestone jewels too!

It's probably too small to see but the label I made for the wine was created with My Digital Studio (the greatest software created since Word). I had a lot of fun letting Blitzen get blitzed (lol) on Blitzen's Jingle Juice. The phrase says "I've fallen and I Chianti get up". Too fun!!! Added some ribbon, some jingle bells and this gift is ready to give!

As I was posting this I noticed a TYPO! OMGosh!!!! I have the word "can't" on my label! It's a good thing My Digital Studio is so easy to use and I can fix it in a flash!

NOVEMBER STAMP CLUB

2010-11-03T15:36:00.006-05:00

Well, November came AWFULLY fast, didn't it? October just seemed to come and go really quickly! I must say, I'm kinda glad. I really enjoy the fall but when the holidays start to fill the air, I just get excited! I know some people think the holiday season shouldn't start until after Thanksgiving, but I want to enjoy the ENTIRE holiday season - Thanksgiving and Christmas! It just gives me warm fuzzies and I like those! :)

As crafty people, we also have to think about holiday projects much earlier because no one likes to scramble around at the last minute working on projects. It just takes the fun out of it so this month, we are going to create some fun things to help you get started on the season!

CHRISTMAS CHARM - November Stamp Club

Monday, November 8 - 4pm to 7pm - come and go anytime
Tuesday, November 9 - 9:15am
Thursday, November 11 - 4pm to 7pm - come and go anytime
Saturday, November 13 - 10:30am - RSVP ONLY - Only 3 spots remain

Stamp Club Member Supply fee: $3.00
Guests Class fee: $15.00 (includes a $5 gift certificate) First time attendees pay only the Supply fee.

Our first project is so pretty and just bring a softness to the season. This Snowflake cone will add a touch of Christmas charm to your home - whether you hang it from your tree or a doorknob, it's just seems to bring a smile! The dangling jingle bells really add that little extra touch to make this home decor project say "Welcome Christmas"! This was created with the Pennant die for the Big Shot and some of you may have seen my MERRY banner also made from that die. It is more versatile than you might think! I also love the Organza ribbon and did you notice the eyelets? Yep! I'm going to teach you how to set eyelets and it's so easy!

Next, let's think about gifts! This is one area that we LOVE to add our own special touch, isn't it? Maybe it's because tags are quick and easy and can take a drab gift to a fab gift! I got this idea for this chalkboard gift tag from a demonstrator friend of mine. When I first saw it, I just didn't "get it". Why a chalkboard for a tag? DUH CONNIE! So it could be used year after year! I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!! We have a tradition in our house to reuse gift tags over and over. The memories from those tags are always fun for my kids. They say things like "To Ginny from Hershey and Annie". These are our dogs but Hershey passed away many years ago. The girls still love seeing his name on a gift tag though. We use their nicknames on the tags or write funny things on them. It really is a fun tradition and if you saw the artwork I did on these tags you would LAUGH so hard. I really thought I was quite talented but the tags really lacked something. BUT not these chalkboard tags! They are so cool! My girls really loved them too so I am guessing that these will be a new favorite to add to the other ones. :) We will be using the Designer Fabric, Glimmer Brads, and that beautiful Crochet Trim ribbon!

Our last project is one that you will recognize because it is the swap that I took to Founders Circle. I have been asked by a lot of you to create this gift card holder in Club and I am excited to teach it to you! This project was also featured on many blogs after Founders Circle and let me tell you what an honor that is! This simple gift card holder is fast and easy but carries a BIG WOW when you give it away... and who doesn't love gift cards?

It's going to be a GREAT month for stamping so I hope you will join me!

25 Days Until Christmas Candy Countdown

2010-10-13T16:49:00.004-05:00

Thanks to my dear friend Gayle Enouen for inspiring this great advent calendar created from a Stampin' Up Simply Scrappin' Kit (Christmas Cheer). I had a BLAST making this today and I am looking forward to teaching it to YOU in November! The Simply Scrappin' Kit makes it SUPER easy to do. Plan on joining me in November to create this one of a kind piece of Christmas art that you will enjoy using year after year!

Clear Mount Stamp Case made into a Notepad Case!

2010-10-08T14:23:00.011-05:00

I have had SO much fun turning OUR Clear Mount Stamp Cases into these cute Notepad Holders! They are super easy to create and use stuff you probably already have in your stamp studio! Many people don't realize that Stampin' Up offers these great Clear Mount Stamp Cases - 4 for $4.95 so this project is really affordable. Now, the other cool part about creating these is that you can create (4) Notepad Cases using just one sheet of Designer Series Paper and 8 sheets of cardstock. See? You probably already have it in your stash!

They cost to create the project runs about $4.75 retail with the notepads, post-it note, etc. so like I said, a very affordable gift to make this holiday!

Click here to download the directions! Have fun stamping!!!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEAR MOUNT STAMP CASE NOTEPADS

CHRISTMAS CARDS - Stamp Club September

2010-09-01T11:13:00.003-05:00

It's that time everyone! Time to start thinking and planning your Christmas cards for this year! If you're anything like me, you have put it off and will probably put it off some more. I know... it's hard to think about Christmas when we just got the kids in school, isn't it?

For September Stamp Club, we are going to create 3 "unique" Christmas cards. I must say, the cardinal card is my favorite but that is because I am CRAZY for Cardinals! They are the most elegant bird and the most BEAUTIFUL color ever! Cherry Cobbler suits the cardinal perfectly! I used Stampin' Up's Two Step Bird punch to create the bird (punched 2 for more dimension). I used the 2nd wing to add that little "thing" on top of his head, and then punched a wing in black and snipped it to create the face. I sponged all the bird in Cherry Cobbler ink to make it pop! I just love this bird! I was inspired by a fellow demonstrator and I REALLY wish I remember who it was so I could give her credit (please email me if it's you).

Our next card is an Easel card. My Club girls have been asking to do some embossing and I thought Dasher really needed to be embossed in gold. Isn't it pretty?

The last card is a little different color combination than most holiday cards but I really like the uniqueness of the card. My upline, Leslie, created a card similar at Convention so I took her idea and created a snowflake card. We'll be adding those fabulous Jewel rhinestones to the card (sorry, took the picture before I added them).

I can't wait to spend some time stamping with you this month! Here are my dates for this month (note the addition of Wednesday at 6pm!)

Monday, September 20th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go anytime
Tuesday, September 21st - 9:15m
Wednesday, September 22nd - 6pm
Thursday, September 23rd - 4pm to 7pm - come and go anytime
Saturday, September 25th - 10:30am - RSVP only

See you all soon! Happy Stamping! Just keep it simple!

My Founders Circle Swap

2010-08-20T13:27:00.007-05:00

Okay, no STRESS or anything but how do you come up with a card that is worthy enough for SHELLI herself to receive, much less the top 100 demonstrators of the year?! I am breaking out in acne, I am so stressed! I enjoy stamping but I focus so much on simply simple stamping, that it's hard to come up with something a little more "over the top".

I received a fabulous gift card holder as a swap from Convention (there was no name on it so I can't give her credit). I loved the concept so I changed it up to use some of the new products from our upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog (stamper's cocaine, I swear! It's amazing!)

In this card, I used Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler cardstock. The new Decorative Label punch is AWESOME!!!! Don't you just love it? The sentiment is from Bright Christmas and the wheel is Baroque Border (pg 132 of our catalog). Oh, I almost forgot! That sweet little oval on the gift card is the new 3/4" x 15/16" Oval punch and the image is from Tags 'til Christmas.

I am pretty happy with the design but still nervous about swapping with these incredibly talented ladies.

What to create with our Clear Mount Stamp Cases?

2010-08-20T13:17:00.004-05:00

Why these wonderful gifts, of course! Aren't these the coolest thing? In years past, we have made these great notepad holders out of DVD tins but the tins were hard to find and expensive. Now with Stampin' Up's Clear Mount Stamp Cases, you can make these great gifts without that huge expense!

I must give credit to Fran Trischetta. She submitted this idea to a swap I participated in at the Stampin' Up Convention last month. Thanks so much Fran!!! Great idea!

Here is my version of the notepad case. Now, before you throw tomatoes at me for using retired Designer Series Paper, just know that this was my sample and I used it because it matched the only notepads I had available at the time. I am going to make these in my stamp club using the oh so beautiful Elegant Soiree DSP.

These great little gifts can be made for under $5.00 too! Who's thinking CHRISTMAS GIFTS???? Me Me Me!!!!! They are going to be GREAT!

If you would like to come to my Stamp Club to create one of these jewels yourself, email me at connie.stewart@cox.net and I will give you all the details on the class!

Demonstrator of the year #75 - WOW!

2010-07-27T10:12:00.003-05:00

I still can't believe this is happening to me, but when I arrived at Convention on check in day, I was told that I was in the top 100 Demonstrators of the Year (#75). I will never be able to share with you what that feeling was like because NEVER in a million years did I think I would be in this category. I love my job so much and I can't thank all of you for your support over this past year!

I am so excited to be attending a special retreat that Stampin' Up rewards us with called Founders Circle! I have always dreamed of what it would be like to attend this coveted event and now, a month from now, I will be in beautiful St. George, Utah spending time relaxing, sharing ideas with other demonstrators and of course, stamping. :)

I can't wait to come back to Stamp Club in September to share with you all the wonderful swaps and things that I have learned!

THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!

August Stamp Club

2010-07-15T12:24:00.010-05:00

This month in Stamp Club, I want to focus on WHEELS! I "wheely" love using Stampin' Around wheels in my projects (sorry, bad pun but they are fabulous). In fact, when I first started stamping, wheels were some of my first purchases because they were so versatile.

This card features a great technique - mitering the edges of a wheel so that your corners meet up nicely. This technique is great on scrapbook pages as well. When you use the wheels, you don't want to overlap on the corners so you will love this easy way to miter the edges nicely. The word "grateful" comes from the jumbo wheel, Bright Blessings. I have a GREAT technique to show you with this wheel!!! You'll just have to come to Club to learn it!

Our new Builder Wheels are SO much fun!!! With Builder wheels, you can custom create wheels in all sorts of color combination and of course, different wheels. This card features the Triple Cell Cartridge which I inked up in Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery and Rich Razzleberry. My Builder Wheel choices are Posy Party, Thoughtful Friend, and Bees & Blossoms (only $4.50 each - super affordable!). Just for fun, I thought I would use the new stamp set, For Everything. I love this stamp set! Anything with polka dots and I am hooked! Oh, and did you notice the little rhinestone on the flower? Yep, these are our new Jewels. Who doesn't love BLING?

(Note: my order of Jewels hasn't arrived yet but I wanted to get this picture posted. Stampin' Up Jewels are SO much nicer than this one that I swiped from my daughter.)

I don't know about you, but I can never have enough note pads. This sweet little book is a Jr. Legal pad that I cut in half. It's now PERFECT for a shopping list! On the cover, I used the jumbo wheel, Whimsy. Now, you won't find this wheel in the new catalog but it IS still available (see page 218). I love adding a colorful touch to wheels by coloring in here and there. Inside the pen, I added matching paper. How fun is this?

I hope you all can join me at Stamp Club in August!

Monday, August 16th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go

Tuesday, August 17th - 10:30am*

Thursday, August 19th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go

Saturday, August 21st - 10:30am 1- RSVP only (only 3 spots remaining)

*This is the last month we will be meeting on Tuesdays at 10:30am. Starting in September, we will meet at 9:15am.

Hope to see you then!

Stampin' Up Convention Swaps

2010-07-15T12:12:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to share with you the swaps I am taking to the Stampin' Up Convention next week! I love making swaps and getting new ideas from my sister demonstrators! It's definitely one of the highlights of Convention.

This idea came to me in the middle of the night. It's a simple little card designed to look like a shopping bag - tissue paper and all! I like to create new "gift cards" each year and this design is just perfect! I used Early Espresso, Pink Pirouette, and Rich Razzleberry (a combo I pulled off my new Color Coach). The stamp set is Things I Love, which many of you chose for your Sale-a-Bration set this past winter. I textured the cardstock using the Square Lattice Impressions Folder (a new fav of mine!)

Quick and Easy! That's what I'm all about! This card is SO fast and simple to create! I used the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch for the flower (cut in between each petal to make it a flower), ticket corner punch, and the Perfect Polka Dot Impressions Folder on the Regal Rose cardstock. The sentiment is from Messages for Mom.

Ever need a little gift bag in a hurry? This great little project is so cool to make! Lick and seal an envelope. Cut the side down 1 1/4" but save this piece. Stamp on the envelope as desired and run through the crimper with the opening to the right or left. This will "shrink" the envelope just a bit so that you can take the remaining piece of the envelope and use as a topper. Decorate as desired! How easy is that?

Christmas is right around the corner and most stampers want to have a head start on the season. Why not create some fabulous tags using the new stamp set Gifted?! It's so fun and easy to work with this set!! Cut off the top of a clear envelope to create a cello bag and top it with a Top Note die! Done!

I hope to swap with some of my followers at Convention!!!

Cupcake Bites

2010-07-07T17:46:00.004-05:00

As a THANK YOU for my Stamp Club members for helping me earn the Alaska Cruise with Stampin' Up, I created these cute little cupcake bites for them to enjoy at our July meeting. I had so many requests for the recipe, I thought I would share with everyone. :)

CUPCAKE BITES

1 Box cake mix
1 Can frosting (same color as the cake, if possible)
Melting Chocolates (I found lots of different colors at my local hobby store)
Mini paper liners
Sprinkles

Bake cake according to directions in a 9" x 13" pan. Allow to cool. Trim off the outside edges that are dry and discard (or feed to the kids). In a bowl, crumble the cake with your fingers until it is nothing but fluffy crumbs. Add the can of frosting and mix until everything is "wet". Place in the fridge for a couple hours so it can set up. Take a small amount of dough and roll into balls. I used the small melon ball thing from Pampered Chef to make it easier. Place on waxed paper or parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler until melted. Dip each ball in the chocolate and place in a paper liner. I used a couple of chopsticks to pick them up. Worked pretty good! Sprinkle immediately with candy sprinkles.

Enjoy!

*** I made chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, coated in dark chocolate. I also did strawberry cake and strawberry frosting coated in white chocolate. So yummy!!!! I would love to try Red Velvet cake too!

And to say THANK YOU, I used Stampin' Up's new stamp set Perfect Punches and the Scallop Oval punch to create the toothpicks. What a easy way to say THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

Unique Cards!

2010-07-02T09:17:00.005-05:00

Here are some fun and unique cards I made for a class I did for Kara Rhodes recently. The girls who attended were brand new to stamping so I wanted to create really COOL cards that were simple. I know they look hard but they aren't!

If you would like to create these cards with your friends, give me a call and let's set up a date! :)

2010-07-02T09:12:00.008-05:00

STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS - July Stamp Club

Monday, July 5th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go

Tuesday, July 6th - 10:30am

Thursday, July 8th - 4pm to 7pm - come and go

Saturday, July 10th - 10:30am - RSVP only - FULL

Supply Fee - $2.25

Well, summer showed up, didn't it? It's nearing 100º and the air conditioner is our new best friend. When it's too hot to be outdoors, it's time to do some stamping so I thought to myself, "Why not bring summer's beauty indoors?" This month, I want to teach you two really great techniques that you are just going to LOVE. They are easy but I must warn you... they are really addicting! These paper flowers look so real, you just HAVE to touch them!

Our first project is actually two projects in one. We will be creating a "pizza style" box, perfect for any small gift you may be giving (chocolate works especially well in this... but then, chocolate works well in any gift!) To add the perfect touch to this box, I'm going to teach you how to make these incredible paper magnolias as the second project. Aren't they fabulous? They are really easy to make but hey, let's keep that between us. Our friends don't need to know how easy they are, okay? The secret? The Ornament punch! From a Christmas ornament to a beautiful flower! Awesomeness!

Check out this new blue cardstock called Marina Mist! Beautiful, isn't it? I just love it!

Our last project is just stunning! I still can't believe I made these and I think you will feel the same when you're done! These paper pansies are so realistic! Thank you to my dear friend, Margaret Raburn for teaching me this technique so I can pass it on to you! Now, I must tell you, the picture DOESN'T do them justice! They have just a bit of shimmer to them and are popped off the card. The butterflies, made with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit, really add a nice touch too. :) Who wouldn't LOVE to get this card in the mail?

Stampin' Up's new catalogs ARE HERE and Girls, I gotta tell ya, it's amazing! There are some great new stamps, storage solutions, and fun accessories waiting for you for the next year! That's why Stamp Club is so awesome! You get your catalog for FREE and you can build your supplies slowly and within your budget. :) If you would like to pick up your catalog before stamp club, you are more than welcome to.

I look forward to teaching you these new techniques in July! I know you will have found three new favorites with these projects!!

I'LL DRINK TO THAT - June Stamp Club and Class

2010-05-28T00:01:00.003-05:00

Good morning stampers!!! I am so excited about June's Stamp Club and Classes because our theme this month is I'LL DRINK TO THAT!

Our first project is a super fun CELEBRATE card! It's such a HAPPY HAPPY card! I created the coconut using the Big Shot Circles #2 die and Texture Plates. Isn't it bright and colorful? I guess the Tropical Party stamp set inspired me plus I saw a few other demonstrators coming up with their own version of the "coconut drink" as well. This is my take on it. I think the distressed plate from Texture Plate Kit #4 is PERFECT for the coconut, don't you? Also, if you are a Stamp Club member, you can get Texture Plate Kit #4 for FREE if you purchase a Big Shot from me. :)

Our next project is a tea box using Stampin' Up's Matchbox die. A few little stamps and punches here and there turn an ordinary tea bag into something from a specialty store! Thank you... with a capital TEA! It's sure to brighten someone's day!

Our last project is one of my favorites because you all know how much I LOVE coffee. :) This little coffee collar (I call it my Coffee Snuggie) is a great and inexpensive gift for the coffee lover in your life. I gave one to a friend the other day and she just went NUTS over it! Felt, the Big Shot, Island Floral die, a Filigree brad and some hot glue. You won't want to miss this project!

Join us for June Stamp Club and Class!!!

Monday, June 7th - come and go between 4pm and 7pm
Tuesday, June 8th - 10:30am (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE)
Thursday, June 10th - come and go between 4pm and 7pm
Saturday, June 12th - 10:30am (RSVP ONLY)

Elements of Style -Two Versions

2010-05-27T00:01:00.003-05:00

Sometimes we need a card in a hurry, other times we want to spent a little more time. Here are 2 cards that fit the bill. Elements of Style from Stampin' Up's Summer Mini catalog is one of my "go to" stamp sets as of late. It's so easy to just stamp and go!

The top card is what I call my "express" card. I stamped in Perfect Plum and used 2 retiring cardstock colors - Pale Plum and Mellow Moss (I sure will miss these colors). Stamp, sponge, adhere, GIVE!

The second card is my "stepped up" version. I added some 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and punched the sentiment. I also used our StazOn ink and Watercolor Wonder Crayons which are amazing! It's really a simple card to make if you have a few minutes more available to stamp. :)

Sweet Scoops Quick and Easy

2010-05-26T00:01:00.006-05:00

I love a quick and easy card, don't you? This sweet card is a great one to make when you're heading out the door for the party because it's about as fast as can be! I could have this done before Ginny got her shoes on!

I love this stamp set called Sweet Scoops from the Summer Mini catalog!! It's just so fun and so easy to create a fast project for a scrapbook page or greeting card.

A Whisper White cardstock base, 4 1/4" x 3 1/2" Pretty in Pink, 2 1/4" x 2 1/2" Creamy Caramel (which will be retiring on June 30th), and 2 1/4" x 2" Whisper White. See? It doesn't even use that much cardstock! :)

I ran the Pretty in Pink through Stampin' Up's new Impressions Folder, Square Lattice from the Summer mini catalog. Now, I must admit, I didn't think it was all that great when I saw it in the catalog but WOW! When you see it impressed onto cardstock it's a super WOW!!!!

Stamp the ice cream cone in Creamy Caramel ink and the big swirl ice cream in Pretty in Pink ink BUT DON'T STAMP IT YET. Now for the FUN part! Ink up the wavy line stamp in Pixie Pink or Melon Mambo and "kiss" it right onto the swirl ice cream stamp... now you can stamp on your cardstock! Isn't it beautiful? I love it!

I find that any card can be a WOW card with a little glitter. For only $8 you can have a 2-way glue pen and our Dazzling Diamonds glitter and it will last you a lifetime!!! Well, maybe not a lifetime but a LONG time!

The ticket corner punch added a little extra umph to the card and there you have it!

Tropical Party Matchbox

2010-05-25T09:51:00.005-05:00

I love Stampin' Up and I love the new Summer Mini catalog! Tropical Party is my new favorite stamp set right now too! I really thought I could live without this set but I am SO glad I make the purchase! It is so easy and so fun to play with!

This little box was created with the Matchbox die for the Big Shot. Tempting Turquoise for the box and Whisper White for the sleeve. I stamped with Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, and Old Olive. Do you see the three little flowers on the tag? That was done with another set from the Summer Mini called Itty Bitty Bits and it is just the sweetest little stamp set ever!!!! I used the matching Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack on page 11 of the mini. I usually go for "bigger" stamps because they take up so much space on a card and make my stamping go faster but these little guys are really fun to add to a stamped image or tag. Inside each flower I used the white gel pen (the best pen ever!)

The white tag is from the matchbox die and underneath is a Scallop Oval and a piece of Tempting Turquoise 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.

I must tell you that the biggest WOW I get from a workshop still comes from stamped address labels wrapped around Hershey nuggets! And 4 nuggets fit perfectly inside this box! A great party favor or just a sweet treat to leave for a co-worker. ;) Give this jewel a try! It's SIMPLY SIMPLE!

I LOVE PRESENTS AND PRIZES!!!!

2010-05-05T07:50:00.003-05:00

I just had to show off just a FEW of the great gifts we received from Stampin' Up on the Southern Caribbean cruise last week! They really do spoil us.... and I loved every minute of it!

I must admit that the bags in that wonderful Tempting Turquoise color just made me giddy! And that HUGE bag, well, you won't find that on eBay anytime soon! It's SO cool and I LOVE the fabric lining in Island Oasis Designer Paper.

On the second night of the cruise, while I was getting dressed for dinner, the cabin phone rang and it was Stampin' Up calling to tell me that I had won the "Big Catch of the Day". Well, I had no clue what that was. I thought I had won a stamp set or something. Wahoo!!! Well, I about fell off my chair when she told me that I had won a new Flip Video Camera!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so excited!!!!

When I went to the Hospitality Suite to claim my prize, she said to me, "I want to see your face when you open it!" I was a little embarrassed because, well, I have seen Flip cameras. They are boring and just a solid black. Nothing exciting. So I open the box, and this is what I see! I squealed like a 3 year old!!!!!!!!! I never win anything and I was so excited to win this INCREDIBLE customized Flip! Stampin' Up had it screen printed with the Island Oasis Designer Paper. How cool is that?!

So many gifts, so many prizes, GREAT make-n-take projects, and an all expense paid Southern Caribbean cruise. Just ask me how much I LOVE my job?!

THANK YOU STAMPIN' UP!!!!!!!!!!!

MAY STAMP CLUB

2010-05-04T13:23:00.008-05:00

MAY STAMP CLUB - Unique Techniques!

Monday, May 10th - 4:00pm to 7:00pm - Come and Go anytime
Tuesday, May 11th - 9:15am to 11:15 - this is a set time
Thursday, May 13th - 4:00pm to 7:00pm - Come and Go anytime
Saturday, May 15th - 10:30am to 12:30pm - RSVP ONLY - Only 2 spots left

I am just in love with the project this month! I love cool techniques and I really enjoyed putting together 3 cards with very different techniques that are sure to WOW! I know, I rarely do just cards but these were just too cute not to create!

The first card is a stand-up card. I created mine a little differently than those you may have seen on other blogs. No offense to the person who originally created the idea, but those of you who know me, know I love to simplify things. This card is the simplified version! It's what I do best! lol I am madly in LOVE with this new stamp set from Stampin' Up's new Summer Mini Catalog! It's called Tropical Party. Okay, so maybe it's because I just got back from the Stampin' Up Incentive Cruise, but I really do love this stamp set! And how can something so tropical not make you happy?

The second card was a request from Susan Gentry, one of my long time stamp club members. Awhile back she asked me to teach water coloring. Well, I'm not the best water colorer so I was a little nervous to teach this. I pulled out my Watercolor Crayons to create this card and WOW, it was so much easier than I thought! Those Watercolor Crayons are the BEST! When you mail this card, you are sure to get a phone call from the recipient saying, "You're such an amazing artist! How did you do that?" I love this new elegant set from Shelli's Signature Collection. It's just a beautiful vintage set that will soon become your "go to" stamp set!

Our last card is just too yummy for words! This technique is called the Kissing Technique and I can't wait to show you just how easy it is to do. We will be using the new stamp set, Sweet Scoops, along with the new Impressions Folder, Square Lattice. Just wait until you see it in person! It's a BEAUTIFUL texture! The picture in the Summer Mini Catalog just doesn't do it justice.

I hope you all are excited about learning some UNIQUE TECHNIQUES this month! It's going to be a FUN stamp club week and I look forward to seeing you!

Not a member of stamp club? No problem! You can come for the night and stamp with us! Just RSVP and let me know you're coming. Cost for the class is $7.50.

Scallop Square Baby Blanket

2010-03-25T14:00:00.004-05:00

Here is a baby blanket that my girls and I made for a dear friend of ours at church. She and her husband adopted a baby and the fabric matches the baby's room. We used the Stampin' Up Scallop Square die to cut all the fabric for us. This blanket went together so fast!

I had an extra "scallop" and I sewed it onto the corner to create a "binkie holder". Cute huh?

I don't know if you can see it, but my 8 year old and my Mom created a bag for the blanket to go inside. :)

If a 13-year old can do it, "sew" can you!

2010-03-25T13:27:00.006-05:00

Yep! My 13-year old completed this great Stampin' Up Scallop Square Quilt Throw in less than 3 days Didn't she do a great job? I am so proud of her. She did 95% of the quilt. It was hard NOT to help, because that is who I am, but she really did a wonderful job.

This quilt is standard throw size and took (2) yards of 4 different fabrics (8 total yards of fabric) plus the batting that is sewn inside.

The Scallop Square die is all I used! Did you know it can cut through 8 layers of fabric at a time? That's just one more way the Big Shot and Stampin' Up will save you so much time!

The quilt matches her Broadway themed room (check out my January blog to see it). And yes, I used the Big Shot Serif alphabet dies to do her room. :)

The finished blanket is 48" x 55".

I am so proud of her!!!!!! She will treasure this blanket for years and years!

Handy Hanging Trash Collector

2010-03-24T09:13:00.005-05:00

It's not the best picture but these little jewels aren't easy to photograph. What is it, you ask? It's a trash bag to use at your stamping table! I was at my upline's house the other day and she had something similar. I knew immediately that it needed the attention of the Big Shot Scallop Square die! ;) They take about an hour to make (longer for your first one). Here is what you need:

1/8 of a yard of 4 different fabrics (or 1/2 yard of 1 fabric)
(2) Tumbled tiles
12" of wide ribbon
Girls plastic head band
Big Shot
Scallop Square die
Hot glue gun

Cut out (4) scallops of each fabric or (16) of one fabric. Sew (8) scallops in 2 rows of 8 - fringe towards the pretty side.

Make another one with the fringe towards the ugly side (this is the liner of your bag. Don't look at my picture though because I learned this after I made this one).

Sew up the sides to create (2) bags (one will have fringe on the outside and one will have fringe on the inside).

Cut the ribbon in half and sew onto 2 of the squares on the inside part of the bag, about 1" from the inside seam on both sides of the seam.

Put the bags one inside the other and sew all the way around, leaving the space between the 2 ribbons open.

Slip the plastic head band inside and then you can sew up the opening (I was able to do that on the machine too).

Sandwich the ribbon between (2) tumbled tile coasters (the top one stamped, of course) with a lot of hot glue. Add a piece of sticky backed craft foam to the bottom to keep it from slipping.

Coaster and trash collector in one!

I used the leftover fabric to create a Flower Folds flower in the center that I hot glued in place.

I plan to make 6 of these for my stamp club tables to clear up some space from my bulky trash containers that sit on the tables. They are really a lot of fun!

Never made a tumbled tile before? It's easy! Stamp your image with Craft ink onto a clean Tumbled marble tile (you can get these at any home improvement store). After you have stamped it, bake it at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool and then it is ready to use as a coaster!

BABIES, BASKETS, & BUNNIES - OH MY!

2010-02-26T07:53:00.005-06:00

STAMPIN' UP MARCH STAMP CLUB

Hey Girls! I am so excited to share with you the projects for March! I don't know about you, but I am READY for SPRING!!! I have noticed that everything I stamp lately is in the Soft Subtle color family! I am DONE with the cold, snow, and ice!

Easter is coming soon and I have bunnies on the brain! We will be creating this simple and fun Easter goodie box with the Fancy Favor Sizzix die. I love the simplicity of this die and when you pair it with the Finial Press Impressions folder you have something that is just stunning! And how about that sweet punch bunny? Isn't she the cutest thing?! We will top off our box with some wheeled tissue paper giving it the soft look that is perfect for Easter or for a baby shower.

Next we will be creating a wonderful pocket card - perfect for the new baby or for a baby shower. This style of card will become your new favorite! It's just so easy to create and there is something just FUN about pulling the card from the pocket! I am actually making 50 of these for a friend's baby shower because they look like a lot of work went into them but they are actually a very fast card to make. :) I used the Eggcoutrement stamp set and the new Extra Large Fancy Flower punch from the Occasions Mini. I have fallen in love with that punch!

Our last project is our sweet little washcloth bunny. You won't believe how easy these are to create and what a great addition to a baby gift or baby shower favor. I may be making 50 of these bunnies for this shower too! I think I may need to get some help with all of this! lol Again, using the Eggcoutrement stamp set and Stampin' Up's wonderful cello bags. What is it about cello bags that makes us happy? I just LOVE them!!

I am really looking forward to stamp club in March! If you are not currently a member of Stamp Club, I have spots available! Just email me for all the details! connie.stewart@cox.net

MARCH STAMP CLUB
(note that there will not be a Tuesday evening class time and the time change for Saturday)

MONDAY, MARCH 8th - 4:00pm to 7:00pm - Come and go anytime

TUESDAY, MARCH 9th - 9:15am to 11:30am - this is a set time

THURSDAY, MARCH 11th - 4:00pm to 7:00pm - Come and go anytime

SATURDAY, MARCH 13th - 4:00pm - Available to the first 10 RSVPs only