Things that I Love

No, today's post isn't about my family although this is a great stamp set to make a scrapbook page about those that you love. I posted this set of cards once before after I got back from Convention but really didn't showcase them. Just sort of added them along with a group of other pictures. So today I thought I would share it again with you. It would be a great stamp set for Valentine's Day and you can earn it free during Sale-a-Bration. This year for Sale-a-Bration not only do you have the opportunity to earn new stamp sets, Designer Series Paper and a new Punch but you can also earn stamp sets from the current catalog. How great is that! Thank you Stampin'Up! for this great opportunity and for offering us more variety. The cute little card above are 3x3" cards and would be perfect little notes for a lunch box, briefcase or just to give that special someone. I love the color combo of Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay and Chocolate Chip. They are so yummy together, I need to make another card in these colors soon. The stamp set is Things I love (115229) and as you can see from the picture it has some of the things that many of us love, shopping, new shoes, and chocolate (this one is a definite for me). The supplies used on the cards is as follows: Bermuda Bay Card Stock (115318), Whisper White Card Stock (100730), Chocolate Chip Textured Card Stock (108697) , Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115611), In Color Stampin'Write Markers (116329), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Mini Square Envelopes (107309), Linen Thread (104199), Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL and Things I Love Stamp Set (115229).
If you would like to earn this stamp set for free, contact me and I will be happy to help you. Remember Sale-a-bration starts January 5. If you are a local costumer of mine please be looking for your Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration Brochure. If you do not receive one please let me know and I will get you a new one. Thanks for stopping by and have a safe and happy New Year's. Tonya

Tags for Valentine's Day

Good afternoon! Thank you for stopping by my blog today. What a dreary day this has turned out to be. The perfect day for stamping or at least for me it is. The kids were trying out their new Wii games that Santa brought them which gave me some time to sneak into my craft room. Today's projects came together pretty quickly which makes them great for mass producing for the kids at school. I don't know if either of these will become my kids' Valentine's but if not they were fun to make. They both use the same basic supplies which are: Love You Much Stamp Set (113756) Real Red Card Stock (102482), Whisper White Card Stock (100730), Tempting Turquoise Card Stock (102067), Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker (100082), Real Red Stampin' Write Marker (103133), Blender Pen (102845), Real Red Classic Ink (103287), Basic Gray Classic Ink (109120), Wide Oval Punch (112082) Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 2 way Glue (100425), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023), Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109038), SNAIL (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper (113976), Stampin'Up! Lots of Tags Sizzlits Dies (114508), and Stampin'Up! Two Tags (115954).

The first project is a cute tag that would work for a gift or you could add a small piece of candy inside and make it your Valentine. The die cuts, scores and even adds the hole for the ribbon at the top. After cutting out the tag. I stamped the two birds on Whisper White Card Stock after I inked them with the Real Red Stampin' Write Marker and the Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker. I stamped the image a second time on a piece of Pink Flamingo DSP. I used the Wide Oval Punch to punch out the bird image and using the Paper Snips I cut out the two birds that were stamped on the Pink Flamingo DSP. The Paper Pieced Birds were added to the Whisper White image with Stampin' Dimensionals. I layered this on a Tempting Turquoise Tag from Lots of Tags. Add it to the front of the folded tag, add the ribbon and this project is finished.
We are a house of readers. My kids and I always seem to have a book close by so I thought the long tag from the Stampin'Up! Two Tags Die would make a perfect bookmark. I again used Real Red Card Stock and the Love you Much Stamp Set. I added hearts to the Real Red Card Stock with Real Red Classic Ink. Then I stamped the Hugs and Kisses image on Whisper White Card Stock in Basic Gray Classic Ink. I used a blender pen to color in the dots, heart and circle with Real Red Classic Ink. After this dried a used the Scallop Circle Punch to punch out the image. I used 2 Way Glue and added Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to the dots and Heart just for a little bling. The Tag die has a scallop top which adds a nice layer around the Scallop Circle. I just used SNAIL to add the Scallop to the tag and the bookmark is complete. Now to figure out who I should give it too. Maybe my daughter or my mom.

I hope you enjoyed today's projects and remember all supplies are from Stampin'Up! and can be purchased through me if you don't already have a Demonstrator. I can have your order shipped anywhere in the US. Enjoy the rest of your day and I hope you stop by again. Tonya

Valentine's Treats

Good afternoon! Now that Christmas is over it is time to start thinking about Valentine's Day. I know it is month's away it seems but if you are like me and like to help your children make all of their school Valentine's then early is always better. Another reason for today's Valentine's Treat is that this set is currently in the Holiday Mini which you can only buy from until January 4. When this set came out I just had to have it. I love the idea of adding a little treat in a person's card. Who wouldn't love a little chocolate with their card? Well the first card I made was a Halloween card and after making it a realized that you would have to tear apart the card to get to the treat. After making some one a card you really don't want them to have to destroy it. So on this Valentine Treat I modified the design a bit and you can get the candy out through a simple hole in the back. Let me give you the ingredients first: Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (115316), Soft Suede Card Stock (115318), Whisper White Card Stock (100730), Melon Mambo Textured Card Stock (115719), Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Marker, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker, Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker (all the In Color Markers are together 116329), Sweet Centers Stamp Set (116521), Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set(115370), Sweet Treat Cups (116802), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004), 1 3/8 Circle Punch (104401), Round Tab Punch (108340), Sticky Strip (104294) and SNAIL Adhesive.
Okay now back to the card. I made the base of the card a simple 3 1/2 x 3 1/2" card out of Rich Razzleberry Card Stock. Then I stamped the heart on Whisper White Card Stock. I inked up each area with the Stampin' Write Markers. Then I punched out the I heart U with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch and put that part aside for later. I then used the 1 3/4" Circle Punch and repunched out the previous circle. After I had my Circle punched I added a layer of Soft Suede Card Stock behind the stamped image. Since I wanted the hole to go all the way though the front of the card. I simply traced the circle onto the Soft Suede and base of the card and cut it out with our Paper Snips. To assemble the card. I first added the Sweet Treat Cup to the Soft Suede Card Stock being careful to line it up with the circle opening. Then I used SNAIL and added the Whisper White Card Stock stamped layer on top of the Soft Suede. Next I added Sticky Strip to the top, bottom and left side of the back of the Soft Suede Card Stock. This left the right side open. Attach to the front of the card again being careful to line up the openings. Next I made the pull out piece that holds the candy in place. It is Rich Razzleberry Card Stock with the sentiment that we set aside earlier and a Round Tab Punch to allow you to pull and release the candy. I also added a little sentiment in Soft Suede on the Round Tab Punch just for a little extra detail. I haven't added candy yet but because of the design that isn't a problem because I can always add it later.
Don't forget to take a look through the Holiday Mini and the Dormant Stamp Sets that are retiring on January 4. I wouldn't want you to miss out and not get your order placed. Thank you for stopping by and I will be back soon with more new projects. Tonya

Stampin' On Silk

Hello, I hope that you have enjoyed your Christmas and that you are starting to get out from all the snow that we have had dumped on us here in NW Missouri. Our family has enjoyed sledding but it wasn't much fun to have Christmas plans cancelled because the roads were to snow cover and slick. I recently made a pin based on the ones that Shelli showed us at convention this year. They are super quick to make and so much fun. The pin uses the Big Shot and the Stampin'Up! Flower Folds Bigz XL Die (115970) Just run the fabric through the Big Shot and the Die cuts the flowers out super fast. Well, after making one I had a customer ask if I would make one for a her as well as a Silk Scarf. I have never stamped on silk before but was eager to give it a try. This scarf was cased from one I saw here http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/580201?&si=silk%20and%20baroque%20motif I picked colors that complimented the fabric that the pin was made out of and used Night Quite Navy, Handsome Hunter, Brocade Blue and Creamy Caramel Craft Ink Pads. The stamp set that I used is Baroque Motifs (113490). I have used this set so many times but haven't used it much lately, I think I will be changing that soon. I just inked up the stamp set with the Craft Ink and then stamped. I allowed the Scarf to dry for a short time then I heat set the Craft Ink by ironing the scarf. I love how it looks and if you do to I would be happy to schedule a class so you can make your own silk scarf. I would love to make a scarf with the Medallion Stamp on it or maybe hearts for Valentine's Day. The possibilities are endless.

I can't believe 2009 is drawing to an end but that also means that we are so much closer to the start of the new Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Bration. I would love to help you earn free stamp sets by hostessing a workshop. Valentine's Day will be the theme for all my January workshops, so if you would like to have a fun girls night of stamping contact me soon to book your workshop. Thanks for stopping by, Tonya

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas! As I watch it snow I am thankful to be home safe and sound with my family, but at the same time sad that there are those that can't be with their families today because of this weather. I will be back soon with more projects but for today I will share a quick Christmas card that I made with a picture of my kids that we took this morning before they unwrapped all of their gifts. It was made with My Digital Studio and was premade card that I made a few changes too. I can't wait to scrapbook all the pictures I took today. Thanks for stopping by and until next time stay warm, Tonya

Santa Bag

Now this Santa is not new by any means and all of you that attend club have seen him, but for those of you that don't venture over to my house I thought I would share and his hat uses one of the Big Shot Dies that is currently on sale through December 22. The Stampin'Up! Pennant Die (113483) is a fun one for of course making Pennants both Big and Small but it also can make really cute treat bags both like Santa and by putting two together and making a pouch. Santa also uses the Top Note Die (113463), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Small Oval Punch (107304), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), 1" Circle Punch (109046) and 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403). He is really pretty simple and I used an envelope to make his bag. Don't forget the sale ends Tuesday. Also if you are still looking for a gift for a Stamper or Scrapper in your life I do have Gift Certificates available in any amount. Sorry for the quick post but we are going to work on some Christmas baking and since I haven't started yet we have lots to do. I about forgot but Stampin'Up! has announced that the Shimmer Paints that are available in the Holiday Mini will continue to be available after the mini ends. I am super excited about this as I love the shimmer paints and was worried I would really have to stock up. Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you are having a great Christmas. Tonya

Gift Card Holder

Good morning, I am so sorry that it has been a week since my last post. I didn't intend to go this long between posts but some of the projects I have been working on are gifts and I didn't want the recipients to see them before I delivered the gifts and I haven't finished my families Christmas cards. Yes it is true. Not all Stampin'Up! Demonstrators get their personal cards out first thing in December. You didn't stop by today to hear me talk about my family cards so lets move onto today's project. I was asked earlier this week if we had a Big Shot die that would work for a Gift Card Holder and while we do have a dies that fit like the Look Here Pop-Up Die I unfortunately don't have it. That however didn't stop me from thinking about other options and I came up with a cute solution. I used the Bag w/ Scallop Bigz XL Die (114519) and cut out just the long strip with the Scallop in Real Red Card Stock (102482). If you cut your 8 1/2 x 11 card stock into a 4 1/4 x 11 piece you can get two of these Gift Card Holders out of one sheet. Next score 4 5/8" from the flat short side of the bag. This will create a score line between the two score lines that the die makes that form the bottom. Next decorate the outside of the Gift Card Holder as you like. I used Real Red Classic Ink (103133) and the Three Snowflakes from Christmas Punch (115366) this is a level 2 Hostess Set that you can earn for Free. The snowflakes are a little hard to see in this picture. Sorry about that. Next I used the Sweet Season Stamp Set (116471) to stamp a Scallop Snowflake in Real Red Classic Ink of Whisper White Card Stock. I punched it out with the Scallop Circle Punch (109043) and added a Clear Rhinestone Brad (113144) to add a little bling. The Scallop Circle Punch matches quite nicely with the Scallop Top of this Die. To hold this Gift Card Holder closed I added a Velcro Dot under the scallop.

Now for the inside. I folded the bottom of the box so that there was a piece of card stock on the inside of the card. This is what I attached the Gift Card too. I used a couple of Mini Glue Dots so that the Gift Card is easily removed without tearing up the card. Now to keep the flap closed on the back of the card that was created by the folding in I used a piece of Sticky Strip. I love this tape as it really holds well and is easy and less messy to work with. Now by simple flipping the Gift Card the to the left you can see the sentiment that I have added inside. I used the Sweet Season Stamp Set again and the Gift Card Holder is finished and ready to give.
Don't forget that time is running out to purchase the great Big Shot items that are currently on sale for the 12 Days of Holiday Sales promotion that Stampin'Up! is having. If you would like to place an order please give me a call and I will be happy to help you. Thanks for stopping by today and I will be back tomorrow with another Christmas Project. Hope you have a great day, Tonya

12 Days of Holiday Sales

Good morning, just a quick post to let you know that today is the start of Stampin'Up!'s 12 Days of Holiday Sales. If you have a Big Shot or have asked for one for Christmas this is a sale you do not want to miss out on. I have listed all the items that are included in the 12 Days of Holiday Sales below. If you would like more information please check out my business website and click on Shop Now. I can also place your order for you if you do not want to do it online just give me a call or email me. Thanks for stopping by today! Tonya
Sale items
Pop Up 3D Ball Bigz XL Die (116759) $29.96
5 Point 3D Star Bigz Die (113473) $16.96
Stampin' Up! Baskets & Blooms Bigs XL Die (113484) $31.96
Stampin' Up! Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4 Pack Dies (114509) $18.66
Bird W/ Leaves and Flower Bigz Die (113465) $16.96
Bashful Blue Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Basic Gray Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Basic Black Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Certainly Celery Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Chalkboard Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $11.21
Chocolate Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Dark Gray Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Clear Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Build a Flower Set #2 Sizzlits 4 Pack Dies (113446) $16.96
Stampin'Up! Cherry Blossom Embosslits Die (114516) $8.96
Circle 3D Ornament Bigz Die (113472) $16.96
Decorative Accents Bigz Die (114523) $15.96
Flower Bigz Clear Die (114534) $15.96
Flower Burst Stampin'Up! Embosslits Die (114515) $8.96
Flower Layers Originals Die (113458) $13.96
Flower Layers w/ Leaf Bigz Die (113470) $16.96
Fringed Flower Bigz Die (114524) $15.96
Gable Green Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Hearts Set of Sizzlets Dies 4 Pack (113448) $16.96
Pretty in Pink Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Pumpkin Pie Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Rose Red Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Sahara Sand Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Real Red Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
White Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Tempting Turquoise Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
So Saffron Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Taken with Teal Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Kraft Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Night of Navy Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Old Olive Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Pixie Pink Decor Elements Vinyl Sheets $9.71
Sweetest Stem Stampin'Up! Embosslits Die (114513) $8.96
Hi Stampin'Up! Embosslits Die (115952) $8.96
Thanks Stampin'Up! Embosslits Die (115957) $8.96
Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits Die (115951) $59.96
Stampin'Up! Tulipe Bigz Die (113457) $16.46
Stampin'Up! Two Tags Bigz Die (115954) $18.66
Pop Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL Die (116760) $29.96
Matchbox Stampin'Up! Bigz XL Die (114890) $36.51
Pennant Stampin'Up! Bigz XL Die (113483) $29.96
Perfect Setting Stampin'Up! Bigz XL Die (115961) $32.21

Snowflake Tiles

Hello, to all! One of my wonderful club ladies emailed me a questions about stamping on tiles and while I was thinking about her question I decided to just go ahead and stamp a few tiles myself. Now before I go into all the details I want to let you know that all three tiles are done just a little differently when it comes to techniques and supplies used.
The first tile on the left is one that I used the Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set. Sorry about using it so many days in a row but I just love the snowflakes in this set. They are so delicate and pretty. I love snowmen and snowflakes so this is a favorite set of mine. For the first tile I used the Frosted White Shimmer Paint and mixed Night of Navy and Brocade Blue Reinkers into the paint. This gives you a shimmer paint that is a little lighter than the reinker. The biggest snowflake is the Night of Navy just to give you a color comparison. I then used the Platinum Shimmer Paint to stamp the three small snowflakes. Because of the shimmer of the paint it is a little had to see the snowflakes but know that in person this has a lot of shimmer and is really quite pretty.

The second tile uses Craft Ink Pads in Night of Navy and Brocade Blue. I also used Silver Encore ink for the small snowflakes.I used the same color combo for the snowflakes as the first tile. The difference on this tile is that after I stamped it I poured Clear Embossing Powder over the Craft Ink then a baked this tile in the oven for 10 minutes at 300 degrees. This embosses the Craft Ink onto the tile and sets it. It doesn't have the shimmer that the first tile has but it does show off the details of the stamp set a little better.

The final tile is definitely just for decorative purposes but it is my favorite of the three. I had leftover shimmer paint from the first tile and decided I would use a stencil and sponge the tile. The stencil was made using our Medium Window Sheets and the Snowflake #2 Big Shot Die. I then sponged the shimmer paint into the stencil adding the lightest color first then the darker around the edges. I also sponged the edges of the tile for a more finished look. The Season's Greetings was added with Platinum Shimmer Paint. I added a Half Pearl from the Pretties Kit with Crystal Effects and this tile is ready to display.

Sorry for not posting the item numbers, the kids are home from school again today and life is a little crazy. The supplies with the exception of the tiles are all from Stampin'Up! and if you are interested in placing an order contact me and I will help you with the items you need. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure and stop by tomorrow when Stampin'Up! starts it's 12 Days of Christmas Sale. As Demonstrators we don't even know what is going to be on sale until tomorrow. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us. Have a great day and stay warm! Tonya

Razzleberry Ornament

Good morning, well it looks like the snow has finally stopped but it is definitely white. I am not sure how much we actually got as I haven't ventured out yet. Yesterday since we stayed home most of the day and everything was cancelled I was able to do some fun stamping. I have been thinking about making an ornament with the Pillow Box Die for a while now but just couldn't find the time, until yesterday that is. ;) I started with the Pillow Box Bigz Die (113466) and cut out a piece of Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (115316). I used my Silver Encore Pad (101039) to stamp the three small snowflakes from Serene Snowflakes (115438) on the pillow box. I then assembled the Pillow Box which is super simple with just one piece of Sticky Strip (104294). I then misted the box with some Shimmer Mist made with a spray bottle, Rubbing Alcohol and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806). I stocked up on this as it is only available until Jan. 4. I then stamped the Merry Christmas image on Whisper White Card Stock (100730) with Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink (115658). This image is available as a hostess set for anyone that purchases or host a workshop with a total of $150 or more (before taxes and shipping). Ask me how you can earn your own set. After punching out the stamped image with the Wide Oval Punch (112082) I added it to the Pillow Box with Stampin' Dimensionals. To make the Pillow Box into an Ornament I simply made holes in the top and bottom and ran a piece of Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (109070) through the box I added a few clear beads and a white pearl from the Pretties Kit (109114) to the ribbon and the ornament is done. One of the fun things about this ornament is that it can hold goodies inside. Like candy, a pair of earrings, money or other small item. So that you can give a gift and they have the ornament to keep also.

As always all items to make this project are from Stampin'Up! If you would like to purchase the supplies please contact me. I will be more than happy to help you place an order. Thank you for stopping by today. I hope that you are staying warm and safe. 'Til next time, Tonya

Time to Slow Down!

Wow what a week it has been. First I am sorry for being absent this past week from my blog. I didn't intend to go so long between post but sometimes life has other ideas. I think the snow that we received today was God's way of telling me to slow down. Between school, kids activities and trips to the dentist I haven't had any free time to stamp. I was asked last week to do a class for a group of Girl Scouts for Christmas. I created two fun cards for the girls but also wanted something they could keep for themselves and use. I finally decided on a notepad and altered pen and as I was making it I thought it would be perfect if I had one too. You know for all the list that seem to go with Christmas. Shopping list, To Do list and things the kids might need for school. So today I made one just for me. I even added my first initial so that my kids didn't feel they could "borrow" it. I started with a 5x8 notebook (no spiral) and on the back I added a 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 piece of Real Red Card Stock. I added Sticky Strip to the top and bottom of the notebook for extra support. Then I added the Kraft Card Stock as the front cover. The Kraft Card Stock is 5 1/2 x 9 1/2 and is scored at 1", 1 1/4" and 2 1/4". I then stamped the snowflakes from Serene Snowflakes (available until Jan. 4) on the front with Craft Whisper White, Sahara Sand and Soft Suede. I brushed the sides of the card stock with more Craft Whisper White and then added it to my notebook. I added 1" Real Red Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon at the top of the notebook and a Real Red Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Chocolate Chip Circle and the Real Red "T" from the Lovely Letter Alphabet Stamp Set. The T was punched out with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch. So finish the project I used just a little scrap of Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper to decorate the inside of a ink pen.

Now I am ready to make all those list and keep everything in one location. Because of the winter weather that we are currently receiving I am cancelling Stamp Club for tonight. While I love to see everyone, it is just not worth the hazard of driving. I will be looking at dates to reschedule so that you can make the two projects. Also if you are wanting items for or by Christmas you need to place your order either online or by contacting me by Dec. 15. Thanks for stopping by, Tonya

Christmas Branch Out

Good evening! After seeing the retiring list from the Dormant Sets I just knew I had to post this card today. It was inspired by I card I saw at Convention back in August. They used a different stamp set but the basic layout is the same. I started with a base of Real Red Card Stock (102482) and cut out the Whisper White Card Stock (100730) with the Top Note Die (113463). The Top Note die is one of my favorite Big Shot Dies and a must for everyone with a Big Shot. I then stamped Welcome Christmas Into Your Heart from the Heard from the Heart Stamp Set ((111644) in Real Red Classic Ink (103133) across the bottom of the Top Note. Then the fun begins. I used the Tree from the Branch Out Stamp Set (113200) which is only available until January 4 and inked up the base and limbs with a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071). I omitted the bottom ground area so that I could add snow instead. After I stamped the tree I inked up the Red bird with Real Red Classic Ink (103133) and used the Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) to line the bird up just so on the tree branch. I then masked the tree and added snowflakes all around it in Bashful Blue Classic Ink (105209). To add a little sparkle I used 2 Way Glue and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on a few of the branches and the base of the tree. This gives the snowy, shimmer affect. The great thing about the Branch Out Stamp Set is that is comes with so many accessories for the tree. The Bird and Snowflakes are just two of the items. Since this set isn't in the catalog I have posted a picture of the set below so you can see all the stamps you have to work with.

As always thank you for stopping by today and if you have any questions please leave me a comment and I will be happy to answer them. 'Til Next Time, Tonya

Branch Out Stamp Set #113200 $22.95

Dormant List

Hello! I will be back later today with a project post but I wanted to let you know that Stampin'Up! has announced that the following Stamp Sets that are currently on the Dormant List will be retiring January 4, 2010. If you would like to purchase one of these stamp sets you can do so on my website or by contacting me. I really like to Branch Out Stamp Set and if you look at October's Post I used it on a Halloween Card. Be sure and stop by later for today's project. Have a great day, Tonya
Item Number Stamp Set
113407 Back Woods
114492 Beautiful Baby
114486 Birthday Wish
113200 Branch Out
114496 Celebrations
113732 Central Park
113206 Classic Sketches
113226 Classy & Fabulous
114498 Flowers in Silhouette
113405 Font of You
113216 For the Bride
114494 Forever
109425 Friend by Definition
114488 Fun Flowers
113716 Garden Greetings
114490 Glad Friends
111580 Grand Soiree
113242 Hit the Road
113710 Lexicon of Leaves
113236 Man's Best Friend
114423 Ocean Commotion
113728 Playful Petals
109276 Polka Dot
111544 Putt Putt
113240 Quilt Quips
113754 Really Retro
113403 Sip by Sip
113726 Sweet Stems
113250 That's Funny
113688 Wonderful Watercolors
114028 Para la novia
114032 Acuarelas Maravillosas

More Snowflakes!

Good morning, before I go on to today's project let me just remind you that today is the last day to take advantage of the fantastic Online Extravaganza Deals. Please call me if you would like to place can order. I don't want you to miss out on the great deals.
Now onto today's project. We made these baskets at this month's Stamp Club but it just didn't seem finished until I added the Small Flat Cellophane Bag (103104) some Candy Cane Kisses and Mistletoe Ribbon (116792), but I am getting ahead of myself first I should tell you how we made the basket. These baskets are easy to make with a little help from the Big Shot and the Stampin'Up! Baskets & Blooms Bigs XL Die (113484). This die cut and scores the two sides for the basket and the bottom in no time. I used Real Red Card Stock (102482). After you cut out the sides and bottom you need Sticky Strip (104294) to assemble the basket. Now if you want to add an embellishment like the snowflakes you should to that before you attach the two sides into a circle. It is easier to pierce the hole when the project is flat. (Wonder how I found that out) To make the snowflakes I used the Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628) and punched out one from Whisper White Card Stock (100730) and one from Soft Suede Card Stock (115318). I used a small Clear Rhinestone Brad in the center of the snowflakes. After we finished the basket we used the Shimmer Paint Champagne Mist (116806) that I added to Rubbing Alcohol and made a Shimmer Spray. This adds lots of sparkle to a project. I hope you can see it better on the close up picture. Remember that the Shimmer Paint is only available until January 4. Wouldn't these baskets make a great gift for a coworker or for a goodie bag for you child's classroom.
I am off to work on Stamp Club Projects for December. They meet the 3rd and 8th. If you are interested in learning more about Stamp Club and the benefits of joining email me and I will be happy to answer your questions. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by. Tonya

Time is Running Out!

Good evening, I hope that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. It was a great to spend time with my family. I just wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the last day to purchase any of the great Online Extravaganza Items. This deals are really to good to pass up and make great Christmas gifts for the crafter in your life or maybe even a gift for yourself. You may purchase online or by contacting me. I will be happy to place an order for you, just email or call me. Thanks for stopping by and since I just can't post without showing you something. I wanted to share this super fast Digital Scrapbook page made with you guessed it My Digital Studio and the newest download Christmas Cocoa II (120880). I just added the pictures to this page and a little bit of journalling and it was finished. How easy is that. If you take digital photos I really encourage you to give My Digital Studio a try. See you tomorrow, Tonya

LIghted Blocks

Good morning, before I run out to do my pre Thanksgiving errands and see my kids skate, I thought I would share a project that I made yesterday. I love making these lighted glass blocks and giving them as gifts. I have made them with snowflakes, the Holy Triptych stamp set and personalized them with family names. They just require a little stamping, embossing then etching, but before I get to far ahead of myself lets start at the beginning of the project. I purchase the glass block from a local home improvement store. These blocks are the ones that you see walls made out of in homes. Next my husband drills a hole in the side of the block with a special glass drill bit. After I have rinsed out all the glass pieces and let the block dry the fun part begins. You will pick the stamp set of your choice. I used Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set (115438) from the Holiday Mini and after cleaning the front of the glass block I stamped with Versamark on the front of the block. After stamping all the snowflakes that I wanted I poured Silver Embossing Powder over the entire front of the block and poured the excess into the Powder Pal Tray. I then used the Heat Tool to emboss the snowflakes. It really doesn't matter what color of embossing powder you use as it will be removed later. After you have embossed the snowflakes let the block cool. It will get hot while you embossed the images. Then I use painters tape and mark a square around the images. I then add Etching Cream (found at most craft stores) to the taped off area and let it set for 10 minutes. Be sure and read the directions on your etching cream and don't get it on your hands. After the ten minutes I simple rinse off the cream and most of the embossing will also come off too. If it doesn't then simple wash the front with a wet paper towel. I then add a string of Christmas lights and a bow and the block is finished and ready to decorate your home or give as a gift.

I have added a few extra pictures today because it is difficult to see the snowflakes. The top picture is a closeup and then the bottom is with the Christmas lights turned off. I hope you enjoyed today's post and if you are interested in making or buying one of these glass blocks please contact me. I do take orders for individuals who would like a personalized block. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with great food but most of all with family and friends. Tonya

Quick and Easy Christmas Card

I have been playing around with some new downloads for My Digital Studio and I thought I would share a quick Christmas Card that I made. Now when I say made that is a very loose term. I simple added my kids picture and rearranged, added a few snowflakes, made a few of them more opacity and that was it. Really I could have stopped at the picture but I wanted to see what I could play around with. The inside of the card has some snowflakes inside and you can add your own personalized sentiment. This download is the Icicle Photocard Digital Kit (120882) and cost only $3.95. If you haven't purchased My Digital Studio then you need to ask Santa to bring you it for Christmas and if Santa needs a little help be sure and have him call me and I will be more than happy to get the order place, wrapped and ready in time for Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you would like to see more My Digital Studio Projects. Tonya

Cookies Anyone?

Good morning, everyone! Yesterday was a great day, we had our school had a Chili Supper last night at our last home basketball game. There was a great turnout and it was so much fun to see our team in action. Enough about my day and on to today's project. This is a super quick project that makes a plan Charger Plate really come to life. This plate took all of five to ten minutes if even that to complete. I used the same White Decor Element Sheets (114335)from yesterday's post and cut out snowflakes using the Snowflake #2 Originals Die (113460) and the Snowflakes #2 Sizzlits Dies (113449). I applied the larger snowflake to the center of the Charger Plate and then the smaller ones around the edge of the plate. Now all it needs is cookies and it would make a great gift for Neighbor, Coworker or Friends. One thing about adding the snowflakes the plate is not dishwasher safe.
Remember the Online Extravaganza sale is still going on until Nov. 30. You can place orders online through my Website or I can place in your order for you. Just let me know I am always happy to help. Tomorrow I will be back with another Holiday gift giving idea. Until then have a great day, Tonya

Christmas Candle

I just love to give and recieve handmade gifts. I think it show that you care enough to take a little extra time and really put something of yourself into a gift. I also like to dress up something ordinary and make it a little more special which brings us to today's project. I bought this plain red jar candle last year on Clearance at my favorite home improvement store. I was looking through my items to be altered and decided it would be perfect. I started with the Big Shot, White Decor Element Sheets (114335) and the Snowflakes Set #2 Sizzlites Dies (113449). I cut one of each of the four Snowflakes from the Decor Elements Sheets and applied one to each side of the candle. I took the Red Rhinestone Circle Brads (109110) apart and used a Mini Glue Dot to adhere them to the center of each snowflake. I added Mistletoe Ribbon (116792) to the top of the jar and then decorated the top of the candle lid. For this a used the Scallop Circle #2 Big Shot Die ( 113469) and Real Red Card Stock (102482). The larger of the two Scallop Circles is a perfect fit for the lid. I then added some Faux Snow to the edges with 2 way Glue and then a White Snowflake from the Clearanced Felt Flurries Set with a Red Rhinestone Circle Brad added to the center. I attached it with Mini Glue Dots and this gift is ready to give. I could add a simple gift tag to the ribbon if I don't want to worry about wrapping it.

I will be back tomorrow with another gift idea. Be sure and check out the Online Extravaganza and let me know if you would like to place an order. I will placing one later today and if you are local you can save on shipping by adding it to my order. Thanks for stopping by. Tonya

Online Extravaganza

Would you like some great prices on your Stampin'Up! supplies? Do you have a long Christmas list of crafters? Then be sure and check out the Online Extravanza Sale that Stampin' Up! is having today thru November 30. For a complete list of items be sure and check out my Business Website by clicking on the picture above. If you have any questions or would like help placing your order please contact me. I am always happy to help.
I will be back a little later with a handmade gift idea for all those people on your Christmas list.

Holiday Decor

Good Morning, with yesterday's snow I am in the mood to start decorating for Christmas and while I haven't started yet with the main house I have started putting some Christmas items out in the Classroom area. So today I am going to share a super quick and easy project with you that will add extra holiday spirit to your home or workspace. I started with an frame I had setting around my house any 5"x7"frame of your choice will do. I added a piece of Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper (116770) to act as a matte and fit inside the frame. Before I added it in the frame I cut a Big shot Top Note (113463) from Soft Suede Card Stock (115318) and added it to the center of the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper. Then the last step is to add the Jingle All the Way (117507) to the center of the glass. I used the smallest size which measures 3" x 3 5/8" in Real Red that only cost $3.50. If you haven't tried out Definitely Decorative line then this is a great way to start. They are so much fun to use and so easy too! I may still add a bow at the top but for now I will leave it as is. This would make a great gift for a friend or loved one. If you would like more information about our Definitely Decorative items please give me a call or drop me an email. I would be happy to show you other items that I and my customers have done.

Also if you are interested in either of my Christmas Stamp A Stacks the first one will be this Friday at 6:30 at my house. You will make 12 cards for $20. I have four card designed and you make 3 of each. Hope to see you there. Have a great day, Tonya

Let it Snow?

Good morning, what a busy weekend we had at our house. Between a camp out for oldest son and a gymnastics meet for darling daughter we weren't home much. Today I had planned to share with you our Stamp Club card for this week. I find it very fitting that it would be snowing when I posted this picture. I do like snow in very small amounts. One good snow for Christmas break is great by me but snow in the middle of November is just to early, but as I watch the ground turn a little whiter it look like we will be getting our first snow. Enough about snow lets move onto the card. I really wanted to show off our Shimmer Paint for this month's club projects so both use the Shimmer Paint in different ways. I started with a Real Red Card Stock (102482) Base and stamped the three smaller snow flakes from Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set (115438) in Versamark (102283) randomly over the top of the card. I then added the Striped Designer Paper from the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper (116770). This paper is so pretty and shimmery it goes perfectly with the Shimmer Paint and I love the flocked designs that are also part of this Designer Series Paper Pack. I did use the Scallop Edge Punch (112091) on the top edge of the Designer Series paper before I added it to the card. I added the be merry which is from the Warm Words Stamp Set (115108). It was stamped in Real Red Classic Ink (103133) and then punched out with the Large Oval Punch (107305). The main image is the largest snowflake from the Serene Snowflakes Stamp Set. I inked up the image with Real Red Classic Ink (103133) and then added Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854) with a Sponge Dauber (102892) over the Real Red Classic Ink. For club to save time I will mix a little Frost White Shimmer Paint with Real Red Reinker (103287) to make Real Red Frost Shimmer Paint to add directly to the stamp with a sponge dauber. This will save having to clean the stamp every time we ink it up and make the project go a little faster. After stamping the snowflake I added a Soft Suede Card Stock (115318) background layer. Before I added it to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) I punched a slot in the lower left corner with the Horizontal Slot Punch (105089) this allowed me to thread my Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (109070) through the slot and tie a knot there. The shimmer is a little hard to see in this picture but those of you attending Stamp Club tomorrow night will get to see it in person.

Thank you for stopping by today. Stay warm and happy Stampin', Tonya

Christmas Pines

Good morning, as promised I have another Pattern Pines Card for you today. Last week you may remember I shared a Snowman card that used nontraditional colors based on a recent shopping trip. Well today those colors are back. I kind of like these colors for a little different Christmas feel. The base of the card is Real Red Card Stock (102482) and I stamped the Poinsettia corner image in the top left corner in Real Red Stampin' Write Marker. The Trees were inked up with the Pixie Pink (105112), Green Galore (100048), and Real Red (100052) Stampin' Write Markers and then stamped once on the Whisper White Card Stock (100730) and then again on a scrap piece of Whisper White Card Stock (100730)and cut out to add dimension to the project. I added a layer of Green Galore Card Stock (101768) for a background matte. The be merry is again from the Warm Words Stamp Set (115108) and is inked with the Pixie Pink Stampin' Write Marker (105112). I punched out the be merry with the Modern Label Punch (116630) and then layered it on top of a Large Oval Punch (107305) made with Pixie Pink Card Stock (105121). A little double stitched ribbon from the Mistletoe Ribbon Originals (116792) and this card is complete. Don't forget you have until Thursday to leave me a comment on yesterday's post to win your own Pattern Pines Stamp Set. I am off to take my kids to school. I hope you have a great day and if you are coming to my library class tonight I will see you there. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day, Tonya

Traditional Pines

Happy Monday morning, today looks to be a very productive day. I enjoyed a beautiful weekend with my family.I wish the weather could stay like this all winter. Well, maybe not all winter we do need some snow for Christmas and sledding over the school break but other than that a mild winter would be fine with me. I see that over the weekend my blog hits reached 13,000. Thank you to all of you that stop by and check out my blog I really appreciate it and I hope you find ideas that inspire you. I have never given away blog candy but thought now would be a great time to start. Leave me a comment on this post about your favorite holiday tradition and I will use random org. to pick one lucky winner of the Patterned Pines Stamp Set (116525) that I used for today's card. I will pick a winner on Thursday so you have a few days to comment.
Now to move onto today's card. I actually made two very different cards with the Patterned Pines Stamp Set this morning and I will show you the traditional one today and the other one tomorrow. The card is fairly simple and would be a easy card to mass produce. I started with a Old Olive Card Stock (100702) Base cut 4 1/4" by 11" and folded in half to make a finished card with dimensions of 4 1/4 by 5 1/2". I used my Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker (100079) to ink up the be merry from the Warm Words Stamp Set (115108) and stamped it on the bottom right corner. I then added a layer of Old Olive Striped DSP from the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (115672). I scalloped the bottom edge with the Scallop Edge Punch (112091) before I added it to the card. I little Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon from the Mistletoe Ribbon Originals (116792) was knotted toward the bottom of the card. The Real Red Card Stock (102482) was cut to 3" x 3 1/4" and added to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals. I cut a piece of Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650) 2 3/4" x 3" and added it on the Real Red Card Stock. I used the main image which consist of the three trees. I used the Real Red (100052), Certainly Celery (105106), Old Olive (100079)Stampin' Write Markers to ink up the trees then stamped then on Very Vanilla Card Stock and cut them out and added them to the Very Vanilla Card Stock. The Real Red Tree is added with dimensionals.
Don't forget to leave a comment if you would like to get your own Pattern Pines Stamp Set. This set is a Hostess set and not available to purchase but you can earn it and other great Stampin'Up! items free just for hosting a workshop contact me to find out more. As always thank you for stopping by today and I look forward to reading your comments. 'Til tomorrow, Tonya

Elegant Christmas

Good morning, what a beautiful day it is! I have already been up and stamping and finished my first card so if I get nothing else done at least I accomplished something. Actually I have already dropped off oldest son at a scout activity and am doing laundry so I will be working on other things today but it always makes my day a little brighter when I can finish a card and share it with you. This card is one that I sketched last night. I had the background paper setting on my table for a while now and couldn't figure out what card to use it on then last night I decided that the Snow Swirled Stamp Set (111690) would look great with the paper. Now if you are trying to find the Designer Series Paper in the catalog you might not recognize it. The paper I used on this card is Bride Specialty Paper (115669), because it has a foil design that resist Classic Ink you can make the paper any color you would like. This idea has been on several blogs but the first I remember seeing it on was Patty Bennett's blog found at http://pattystamps.typepad.com/ For mine I used the Brayer (102395) and Real Red Classic Ink (103133). After applying the ink simply take a paper towel and remove the excess ink from the foil area. The Tree is stamped in Versamark (102283) on Real Red Card Stock (102762) and embossed with White Embossing Powder (109132) and the Heat Tool (100005). I added Square Red Rhinestone Brads (109112) to add some sparkle to the tree. The base and matte layer are both Shimmery White Card Stock (101910).
There you have the finished card. Definitely not a hard card to make. I hope you enjoyed to day's simple but elegant card. I have lots of other Christmas card designs to make and remember that if you would like to make this or any of my Christmas Cards your personal Christmas card just contact me and I will help you place your supply order. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by, Tonya

I love Snowmen!

As the title of the post tells you I do love snowmen and if you have ever been in my house in the winter time you know that I collect them and like to leave them up most of the winter months. So when I saw this Level Two Hostess set I just knew that I had to have it. It is Snow Buddies (116505) and so easy to earn just by hosting a workshop that totals $300 or more. I really like that Stampin'Up! is offering new hostess sets in the Holiday Mini and I hope this trend continues in the Occasions Mini when it comes out in January. This card is inspired by a recent shopping trip I made to a retail store in town. It always seems that this particular store has an unusual color combo for their Christmas Decor and while this year they went very traditional with Red, Gold and White I did happen to see a group of dishes and accessories in their housewares department that had snowmen and a very bright playful color combo that I thought would be just perfect for a nontraditional card. I came home and got busy playing with the colors and started with the center image and worked from there. There are two snowmen in this set and I stamped the larger one on a sheet of Whisper White Card Stock (100730) with Basic Gray Classic Ink (109120). I added the twig arms and then stamped the hat on a separate piece of Whisper White Card Stock to be colored, cut out and added. I used my Blender Pens to color the Snowman with Real Red (103133), Pixie Pink (105212), Green Galore (102122) and Bashful Blue (105209) Classic Ink. I added some 2-Way Glue (100425 )and Dazzling Diamonds (102023) to the snowman body and his hat for extra sparkle. I made the Bashful Blue (105120) Scalloped Rectangle with the Big Shot and the Stampin'Up! Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die (115950). For the base of the card I used Pixie Pink Card Stock (105121) and added a few Snowflakes also from the Snow Buddies Stamp Set with Versamark (102283). I used Green Galore Textured Card Stock (108698) for the strip across the bottom and Paper Pierced it before I added it to the front of the card with the Mat Pack (105826) and Paper-Piercing Tool (116631). Before adding the Scallop Rectangle and the Snowman with Stampin' Dimensionals I added 1/2" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon from the Mistletoe Ribbon Originals (116792). This ribbon is in the Holiday Mini Catalog and in addition to the Red and White Double Stitched Grosgrain there is also a beautiful 3/8" Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon in the set.

I hope you enjoyed my Bright Snowman. I have plans to make a couple of other cards with this color combo and I have been working on several other projects that I will be sharing with you over the next week or so. Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend, Tonya

Autumn Tile

Good afternoon, If today's stamp set looks familiar it is because it is the Autumn Splendor that I used on yesterday's card. I held off on buying this set but now that I have it I am really enjoying using it. I love how the leaves look so real. I have stamped on tiles before and I love the look of it but the way I have done it before I was limited to using Stazon for the images then coloring them in Pastels then adding a sealer, but since Stampin'Up! has introduced the new Shimmer Paint the way I stamp on tile has changed and it has opened new and exciting options. The two tiles I am showing you were each made a little differently. The above tile was my first one and while I like how it turned out it was rather time consuming because the stamps had to be cleaned about every use. Before I get to far ahead of myself let me explain how the first tile was made then I will explain how I made the process easier. I started with a clean ceramic tile found at most home improvement stores. I inked up my largest leaf with Classic ink, yes I did say classic ink, then I used a sponge dauber to add Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint to the inked up image. I stamped on the tile. Cleaned the stamp and repeated the process until I got the look I desired. I used Pumpkin Pie, Dusty Durnago, Crushed Curry and Soft Suede Classic Inks. To color in the acorns I used an Old Blender Pen and mixed a little Soft Suede Reinker and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and by picking up the Soft Suede Shimmer Paint I was able to color in the acorns.

Now because I wanted this tile to be easy for a group of people to make I need to make the process just a little less work, so I made the second tile. The colors are the same, but instead of inking the stamp then adding the shimmer paint I simply added one drop of reinker to a little shimmer paint to make my own colored shimmer paint. I then added the paint to the stamp with a sponge dauber and stamped. I again colored in the acorns with an old Blender Pen but by adding the Reinker to the Shimmer Paint I didn't have to clean each stamp between restamping. Plus since the shimmer paint dries and seals the color right in. I did speed up the drying process with the Heat Tool but you could also just let it set over night. Add a few felt pads to the bottom and you have a perfect Thanksgiving Trivet to show off. If you are interested in making a tile like this then be sure and contact the Rolling Hills Library as I will be offering this and three other projects at my class Tuesday Nov. 10th. The class fee is $15 and is payable when you reserve your spot. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you at the library. Tonya