CALENDAR CHALLENGE

This bi-weekly challenge was to design a card/project with the theme of a "Calendar".  Which is a pretty timely way to start off a new year!  You can view the other entries at Butternut Sage Design to get some fabulous ideas for your new Calendar Projects!

The frame is from Target's Dollar Bin, and I designed it to change out the inserts monthly.  The calendar numbers just sit on the bottom frame and can be changed daily.  I "CASEd" (copied the idea from another designer!) the little guy's face and snowball.  The head and hat are made with the Ornament Punch.  I love taking a punch and re-thinking another use for it!

Below is new inserts for February!

Have a La Dee Dah Day!

February Inserts

My Digital Studio (MDS) Baby Shower Invites

Yes, I am soon going to be a Grandma! I offered to make the shower invites for one of the showers,  using My Digital Studio design program.  The theme for the baby's room is Dinosaurs, so it was fun designing a Dinosaur card.  MDS didn't have a Dinosaur Punch or Die, so I created this using Circle Punches (body, eyes, tail), Oval Punches (head) , Corner Punches (legs), Heart Punch  (brows), Square Punch (neck). I added the brads to the Designer Paper to accent each "DINO-SPOT"!   I started with a 5" x 7" postcard size.  The professional printing shop printed them out and sent them within a week with envelopes ready to address & mail! The possibilities of this program are endless!

BLOSSOM TILE CARD- KKC08

Today's inspiration for this quick punch card using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch is from Artistic Avenger's Challenge for this week. A "Clean" (wink)  and simple card! 

Stamp Set: Tiny Tags

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist

Ink: Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler

And More:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, White Linen Thread, Regal Brads, Pearl Jewel, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch

Woo Hoo!  I won the Challenge!  Thank you Carrie & Design Team!  Here are their comments:

Laura’s cards are so crisp, I love her style. On this card, I especially love the perfect bow and adorable tiny tag with the little flower and pearl accent. The triple layer punch flowers make perfect tiles and would be a great make and take card.

My vote also goes to Laura H.  Her card really caught my eye.  It’s so crisp and clean.  I really like the bow and the teeny weeny tag just finishes the design right off.  She totally rocked this challenge!

Now why didn’t I think of this? I love how Laura emulated the tiled effect with the punch and white squares. The bow is perfectly proportioned and the little tag is the perfect added touch.



PUNCHES PUNCHES & MORE PUNCHES! on SALE at the CLEARANCE RACK

SHOP NOW

Dates: December 15, 2011-January 5, 2012

Details:
Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items are being added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail--while supplies last!

SHOP ONLINE for great prices for discounted PUNCHES and more. (old style punches!!!!)

FABRIC BOXES

These boxes are covered using our Designer Fabric Candy Cane, Ribbon, Paper, Jewels & Buttons.  Shelli, Stampin' Up!s founder chose them last year as one of the winners for her Fabric Challenge.  I received a stamp set of my choice for winning!  

SURPRISE Card

This AWESOME Surprise Inside Card was inspired by Frenchie, another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  I watched here video on how to make this card/ box and designed one of my own.

Stamp Set: Easy Events, Word Play

POD Gift Box

PODS are not just the wave of the future, they are all a buzz right now!  I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do like a variety of hot tea.  The new Coffee Makers and their Pods are showing up in offices & homes. This adorable gift box holds 4 Pods and is decorated using Mocha Morning DSP.  The finished size is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2" . The Stamp is Tiny Tea Cup

Here are the measurements:

Bottom- 8 1/2"  x 8 1/2"
Score@ 2" all 4 sides

Inside Pod Holder- 4 3/8" x 7 3/8"
Score @ 1 1/2" on short ends.
Punch 4 holes to hold your size pods

Lid- 6 5/8" x 6 5/8"
Score @ 1" all 4 sides.



Doodle the Rooster With Candy Legs

My sister was the inspiration behind the Rooster with the long Cello Legs.  Isn't she smart?  I had a smaller version here, so it was just a matter of using larger punches and dies.  

BIRD GAZEBO

Is it too early to think about SPRING?  I really love the changing seasons, sweaters, scarves, jackets, baking bread,  hot cider with caramel and whipping cream,  but I am not looking forward to the COLD this winter.  I love a fresh blanket of snow, but don't like the look of the dirty snow.  This whimsical  Bird Gazebo highlights the use of the Big Shot and the Petal Cone Die.

Caramel Apple Cider

PIN WHEELS KKC06

Click on picture to watch the YouTube Video

Simple and Fun!  In the current Stampin' Success Magazine ( for Stampin' UP! Demonstrators) we had an article that featured using Scraps!  These Pin Wheels are from my scrap pile! I save my bits and pieces to use later for cards and projects. The color combo was inspired from a picture challenge at Artistic Avenger. 

Stamp Set: Sweets for the Sweet

Ink: Basic Black, Pacific Point

Card Stock: Whisper White, DSP- Brights Pattern Paper

And More:  Mini Brads, Square Punch, Small Oval Punch,  Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Note Cards

CARD BOX CLASS DECEMBER 30

Card Box Front Beau Chateau

Card Box Class- Friday,  December 30, 2011

Times:  1:00 or 7:00 p.m. 

Location:  Laura's House

Class Fee:  $20.00*

PrePay and RSVP by December 10, 2011

*Optional Punch Purchase-  If you would like to purchase the Ornament Punch (119847) for your own use, please include an additional $19.96 to your class fee. (price includes taxes, shipping & handling). 

Class Fee Includes:  Card Keeper, 1/2 pkg Designer Series Paper Beau Chateau OR Timeless Portrait. All supplies needed to complete project will be included to use during the class.

Cancellations after purchase:  We can arrange a time for you to pick up your box and paper to complete on your own or at an arranged time with me.

**You are welcome to bring your own Paper Trimmer and Scoring Tool to use during the class.

When Reserving your space, please select Timeless Portrait or Beau Chateau and if you would like to purchase the Ornament Punch.

Card Box Lid Timeless Portrait

Card Box Lid Beau Chateau

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA

Click here to SHOP NOW!

The Online Extravaganza is Coming!!

The Online Extravaganza, begins Monday, November 21, 2011, and continues through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Savings include...FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

And...there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT]) - so make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of the Online Extravaganza!

These deals are available online and with customer and workshop orders.  To see them all and take advantage of the savings... Here's a PDF link to view.

Log in on Monday, November 21, to my Online Store, look around, find out what the two special items are and then place your Holiday Online Extravaganza order!

Note: When you place your qualifying order on my Demonstrator Business Website you will be eligible for all the usual hostess benefits.

T is for TRAIN

The theme for the MCC this week was:  TRAVEL. I chose to highlight a train made with TONS of punches and using several Dies with my Big Shot.  Whoo Hooo! and Choo Choo! You can visit the other challenge projects here on Monday 11/21/11

DSP:  Brights Patterns & Beyond the Garden

Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, White Confetti, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, TAngerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight.

Punches: Heart to Heart, Small Heart, Bitty Punch Pack, Scallop Circle, Large Heart, 1/2" circle, 1" circle, 1 1/4" circle.

Big Shot Dies: Serif Essentials Alphabet, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet, Tasteful Trim

And More:  5/8" Basic Black Satin Ribbon, 1/4" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon

Every Little Bit

A sweet 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" card made using the stamp set - Every Little Bit. It has so many amazing cute images to add to make a quick and easy card.

Stamp Set: Every Little Bit

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Pool Party

Ink:  Basic Black, Pool Party

And More:  Postage Stamp Punch, 1" Square Punch, Cherry Cobbler Ribbon





Checkers & the Owl

I hadn't used my Owl Punch for a looooooong time and thought it was time to take a break from all the Snowmen that I'd been making!  My inspiration for the colors and checkers came from a catalog that I get several times a year.  It is so whimsical and I just love browsing through it for ideas and smiles!  Have you ever seen the MacKenzie-Childs home decor? Browse through their catalog and see what inspires you.  We have a specialty store here in town that carries their line of dishes and I go "visit" them from time to time to get my fix!

Stamp Set:  Tiny Tags

Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, DSP In Color Pattern Paper

Ink:  Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade

And More:  Black Polka Dot Scallop Ribbon, Gold Brads, Owl Punch, Linen Thread, 1" Square Punch

Technique Tip:  Be inspired by your favorite pictures, clothing items, check your catalogs for ideas.

Berry Blossom Calendar

This was the 3D Project we made last Friday at our Monthly Card Class.  Decorate 2 Coasters and tie it up  with a ribbon, and you have a desk top calendar.

Ingredients:  Berry Blossom DSP, Lucky Limeade CS. Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon

Krispie Snowmen

I just couldn't resist!  This Krispie Snowmen were made for a treat for some of my little friends! M & M's, Corn Candy, Gummy Savers, Fruit Rollups, Rice Krispie Treats, and White Almond Bark.  

SNOWMAN WITH A CANDY SCARF



This adorable Snowman was designed for a dear friend who wanted a Snowman for her son's classmates.  The colorful scarf is made with the Cello Bags and Skittles.  The hat & face were made using the Top Note Die and the Big Shot.  

KKC05 Snow Much Fun

This week was a color challenge at Artistic Advenger was Real Red, Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand and Baja Breeze.  I am on a Snowman kick, so using the stamp set SNOW MUCH FUN was an easy pick for these colors.

Stamp Set:  Snow Much Fun

Card Stock:  Whisper White, Real Red, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze

Ink:  Basic Black, Not Quite Navy, Real Red, Sahara Sand 

And More:  Baja Breeze Ribbon Seam Binding, Stripes- Embossing Folder, White Gel Pen, Blender Pen



FRIDAY'S CARD CLASS PREVIEW

This Friday, this will be one of the cards we will be creating.  I CASed (Copy and Share) bits and pieces from other demonstrators to make this card.  The first time I saw the snowman's belly filled with Mica Flakes was from Catherine Pooler on a site for SU! demos only.  She is a great designer and is generous in sharing her talent.  As a demonstrator, we have access to almost 200,000 samples of cards, scrapbook pages, 3D items.  PLUS we have a forum to share tips, ideas, ask questions, etc.....

It looks like I will have a reoccurring theme with my next few posts- Snowmen!  I hope you enjoy and have a La Dee Dah Day! ( I will not be sharing the ingredients and tips til after class on Friday!)

Chicken Tortilla Soup MCC

Here's a fun project using a lot of items not always noticed in the Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog.  The frame is from the $1 bins at a large chain store.  The inserts are: Magnet Sheets, Cork Sheets and Chalkboard Vinyl Sheet.  This was a fun recipe challenge and I hope you visit Butternut Sage Designs to see the other entries that will be posted Monday 11/7/11!

Technique Tip:  I put 2 magnets on the back side of the Chalkboard Vinyl and a ribbon pull to easily change out the writing on the chalkboard.



Cork Sheet with Pushpins



Magnet Sheet with a Flower Magnet

Here's the yummy soup recipe:

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

   via Campbell's Kitchen

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 can Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup

2 soup cans Milk

1 4 oz. Chopped Green Chilies

1 cup Chopped Cooked Chicken

Tortilla Chips*

Cook on low in Crock Pot for 5-6 hrs.

*Add Tortilla Chips to each Bowl and

ladle soup over chips and serve.

Butterfly Embossed Card

Did you know you can make your own Embossing Folders with your Big Shot and Die Cuts? The background is Embossed using the Butterflies Die.  This idea came from another Demonstrator at Butternut Sage Designs.  She was very generous to share her technique with us! 

Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy

Card Stock:  Island Indigo, Very Vanilla, DSP- Island Indigo Pattern Prints

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo

And More: Lucky Limeade Ruffled  Ribbon, Beautiful Butterflies Die Cut, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Scallop Circle Punch, Ovals

BEAU CHATEAU PURSE & CARD

Theses purses are so much fun to make! AND I really love the Designer Series Paper Beau Chateau.  Wouldn't this Purse with 4 Cards make a great gift set?  4 Cards and Envelopes fit beautifully inside the Purse. You can watch the video to see how to make the purse. There wasn't any stamping involved with either project.  

The Rooster was a pattern on one side of the DSP and I punched it out with the Oval Punch. I used the Pink Pirouette Marker and colored in the negative areas on the Rooster. All the pieces were then sponged with Soft Suede.

Do you like the Bow?  I used 3 ribbons and placed an Antique Brad in the center with a Jeweled Pearl.

Timeless Portrait Fan

By using the Simply Scored Tool, this fan was a snap to get scored and folded. I have used other scoring products and give this one 2 thumbs up! The Fan's supplies are:  Timeless Portrait Designer's Series Paper, Ribbons, Brads, & Buttons.



Flowers Up Close



An OSTRICH Without a NAME?

Can you help me name my Ostrich?  My 3 Sisters and I grew up with the nickname "Ostrich" (because of our Maiden Name).  We share Ostrich Beanie Babies, Books, and miniture Figurines.  Now we have a Candy Leg Character!  I will have to make one for each of us. 

Leave me a comment to name my Ostrich! 

 (Hey Sis'- you can't use your own names!) YAMS! ;-)

Simply Sent Kits

Click above to see Simply Sent Kit Promotion

 Just a few more days til the Simply Sent Kits and a Free Stamp Set will end on October 31.  Each Kit creates 8 cards simply and quickly.  When you buy two kits, you get a Stamp Set FREE! (choose between 3 pre selected sets).

You can even do more with these beautiful kits!  Below is a sample of altered card to make a sweet folder to hold 2 note cards sized- 3" x 3" and 2 envelopes.  It makes an adorable gift for hostesses.





Simply Sent Everyday Elegance 122377



Everday Wishes 123686