Kitty Stamp

Easter Bunny Bread Recipe MDS Page

2012-02-29T19:00:00.000-05:00

One of our family's Easter traditions is making yummy bunny-shaped rolls.

I have made these since the kids were very small. The original recipe is on a little piece of paper cut from either a magazine ad or a promotional flyer for Red Star yeast. It has been so long I am not sure! It has just the recipe not even a title so I am not sure the original name of the rolls. We always make these together so every year the kids will ask "when are we going to make the Bunny dough"? Hence our name for them is simply "Bunny Dough"!

I realized that I have only one copy of this recipe (like a lot of our other family favorites). So when I saw that Stampin' Up! had a My Digital Studio template for a recipe book I decided I need to start copying some of our family favorites.

The download is called a Compilation of Recipes. The really cool thing is that it is an 8" X 8" board book. The spacing is already figured out so all I had to do is type in the recipe and then decorate it!

The embellishments are from two of the free CDs available in the Sale-a-bration Catalog. I thought the yellow background paper from the Piece of Cake Ensemble looked like rays of sunshine-- perfect for an Easter Brunch layout. The flowers at the bottom are from the Sprinkled Expression stamp set found on the One Big Sale-a-Bration CD.

Then I added the bunny from the Holiday Blitz stamp set which comes with the original My Digital Studio software. The heart is the Small Heart Punch. Other than that I just changed the colors to fit my color scheme.

The dough can be made the night before, refrigerated and baked the next morning. I often make it, let it rise in a warm place and bake it the same day.

Also I no longer knead it by hand. I let the machine to the work!

To make the bunnies, roll dough into a rope and twist into a bunny shape.

For this shape bunny, I coil the rope into an "S" to form the head and body, then add the ears and tail.

We make a powdered sugar frosting for them- YUM!

I usually make some into eggs as well.

The dough makes wonderful rolls too anytime of year!

Designer Rosette Cross and Daffodil Tutorials

2012-02-27T20:25:00.003-05:00

Today I have the tutorials for the Designer Rosette cross and daffodil from the weekend Stampin' Addict's Blog Hop. (You can still hop from blog to blog if you missed it- we have permanent links!

The cross is made much like a regular rosette except that the pieces are cut to varying heights.

Supplies needed:
Cardstock- Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Stamps- Easter Dove
Big Shot die- Designer Rosette
Punches- Blossom
Accessories- Gold Embossing Powder, Sticky Strip, Sticky Pages

To Make the Cross:
1. Die cut the cross pieces as in the picture below. Each piece is eight scallops wide.

2. Accordion fold each of the pieces. Lay the Soft Suede pieces down with the first fold as a mountain fold. Flip the Daffodil Delight pieces over so the first fold is a valley fold.

3. Using sticky strip, adhere the pieces together alternating the colors making sure the Daffodil pieces are tucked under the Soft Suede pieces.

4. Adhere the ends together to form a circle.

5. Cut two strips of Soft Suede 7/8" X 4" and 7/8" X 6". Cover with Sticky Pages adhesive cut to the same size. Peel the adhesive and adhere to form a cross.

6. Lay the accordion pieces flat on the adhesive-covered cross and shape as in the picture below.

7. This is the back view.

The daffodil also uses the Designer Rosette die:

Supplies needed:
Cardstock- Daffodil Delight (of course!), Lucky Limeade
Classic Ink - Pumpkin Pie
Big Shot dies - Designer Rosette, Island Floral, Leaves #2
Punches - 3/4" Circle
Accessories - Simply Scored Board, Paper Piercer, Sticky Strip, Floral wire (non-SU)

To Make the Daffodil:
1. Die cut two flower shapes with the Island Floral die. Curl the petals over a paper piercer.

2. Cut a piece of Daffodil Delight with the Designer Rosette die that is seven scallops long. Trim to a height of 1-3/4". Score 1/4" from the bottom with the Simply Score Tool. Clip on the score lines. Sponge the top edge with Pumpkin Pie ink.

3. Curl the upper edge back.

4. Fold on the score lines. Overlap one section and adhere with Sticky Strip. (The Pumpkin Pie sponging is on the inside.)

5. Bend in the small flaps. Adhere a 3/4" Circle to the bottom. I also adhered a second circle inside the flower to give a finished look.

6. Punch a third circle and pierce two holes near the center. Bend a piece of floral wire and insert through the holes.

7. Overlap the two flower pieces. (I used mini glue dots to keep them aligned.) Apply adhesive the bottom of the circle and thread the wire through the hole in the center of the two flower pieces. Adhere the flower trumpet to the center.

8. Wrap the wire with ribbon and insert the leaves between the ribbon wrapping. Secure with glue dots.

Tomorrow (hopefully!) I will have the details of making the My Digital Studio recipe page and the Bunny rolls for the Easter Brunch.

If you have found this helpful I would love to receive a comment! Happy Stamping!

Baskets and Bunnies

2012-02-26T12:00:00.002-05:00

My last project for this session of UStamp's Big Shot Round Up has been posted on the live site.

By making a few simple modifications to the Mini Milk Carton die I made an Easter basket with a pointed border. The SU! double-sided DSP is wonderful for this-- automatic coordinating edge! And if you thought the Stocking Accent die was only for Christmas check out the bunny on the card; her ears are the lightbulbs. Now that is one bright bunny!

The tutorial with all the tips and tricks is available at UStamp with Dawn and Friends Big Shot Round Up.

I have a few finishing touches to put on the cross and daffodil tutorial from the weekend blog hop-- I should have it done tomorrow.

Stampin' Addicts Party Blog Hop

2012-02-24T00:01:00.003-05:00

Stampin' Addicts is turning three and members are CELEBRATING with a BLOG HOP! In honor of Stampin' Addicts birthday we have a party/celebration theme throughout the hop. Each member has chosen a different occasion to feature. I am sharing ideas for an EASTER CELEBRATION.

Gathering the family for an Easter Brunch after Sunday morning worship is special in itself. Adding homemade decorations and traditional food makes it even more memorable.

I made a cross which can be used as a table decoration or hung on the wall. The pleated portions are made with the Designer Rosette Die. The stamp in the center is a single stamp called Easter Dove and can be found in the Occasions Mini.

Next is a flower for the table. This daffodil is made with the Island Floral die for the petals and the Designer Rosette for the center. Just one or whole bouquet would be lovely. You could even use these as place cards by making one for each person and writing their name on one of the leaves.

Finally I have a recipe for bunny rolls-- a family tradition at our house. I have made these yummy treats since the kids were very small. This page is done with the My Digital Studio kit called Compilation of Recipes. It is a designer kit for an 8 X 8 board book. I customized it using the One Big Sale-a-Bration and Piece of Cake CDs which are both free items available during Sale-a-Bration.

This week I will have step-by-step tutorials for making each of these projects so please stop back!

Now it is time to hop to the next blog. We are all linked in a circle so you can go backward to see Rhonda's Customer Appreciation Tea ideas or forward to Krystal's 4th of July Party! Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the hop!!

Smart Little Peacock

2012-02-22T08:06:00.001-05:00

This smart little peacock has a sweet surprise.

Her tail feathers are candy Smarties covered with Designer Series Paper!

After making my Blossom Box Peacock (which you can see HERE), I had an idea for this fun variation. I just needed to get to the grocery store to see if they had any Smarties. Sure enough there was a big bin of Easter candy that had exactly what I was looking for. And since they were wrapped in purple I had an easy choice for the color scheme. The stripes on the paper (from the Cheerful Treat paper pack) help create the pattern of her tail. (Except I now see that I have one of the pink ones backwards! I thought I had them all lined up too.)

Here are her instructions:
1. Cut ten 2"x 2-1/2" pieces of DSP. If you are using striped paper, the stripes should be parallel to the longer side.
2. Apply sticky strip to the long edges.

3. Roll the Smartie to cover it.

4. Cut a 5" X 5" square from both card stock and Sticky Pages adhesive.

5. Peel off one side of the adhesive and stick it to the cardstock. Die cut it with the Scallop Circle Big Shot die. Peel off the remaining layer to expose the sticky surface.

6. Arrange the Smarties.

7. Die cut the body from the Elegant Bird die. Trim the bottom. Add eyes and a beak.

I folded back the sticky section at the bottom and adhered it to another Scallop Circle.

Dresden Designs Packing Paper Wreath

2012-02-19T23:59:00.003-05:00

Wow! I am having trouble keeping up with posting my projects! This is another project made for UStamp's Big Shot Round Up.

Can you tell I love my Big Shot? I find it fascinating all the different things it can do. It will cut things that punches cant and it can cut multiple layers at one time.

For this wreath I used the packing paper that Stampin' Up uses to cushion the products during shipping. I easily cut 24 layers at one time making this a remarkably quick project. The Dresden Designs die that I used to cut this is made for quilt making but it can be used for lots of other things too.

The center flower is also made with the packing paper. The paper is a bit lighter weight than Designer Series Paper so it scrunches up easily.

The matching card makes this a nice house warming gift.

All the info on how to sign up for Round Up can be found HERE.

Be Yourself Blossom Box Peacock

2012-02-15T12:46:00.002-05:00

Certain projects just make me smile... and this is one of them.

This little peacock is into bling! It was fun designing her and seeing a personality emerge. She is definitely a fancy gal with her glimmer tail and sparkling jewels. She is made with the Blossom Box and Elegant Bird dies.

The birds on the card also have their own silly quirks and expressions. Fun all the way around!

This is a project I designed for the Big Shot Round Up UStamp session going on right now. You can get the complete tutorial and 50 more by clicking HERE.

Sweet Valentine

2012-02-13T22:39:00.001-05:00

Sometimes the simplest projects are my favorite. I love how this sweet frame and picture of my daughter Leah turned out.

To make the inner heart I first die cut the opening in a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock with the Curly Label Movers and Shapers die. Then I centered the second largest Heart Framelit over it and ran it through the Big Shot.

I stamped the frame image from the Elementary Elegance stamp set over the opening and the butterfly with Versamark ink. After heat embossing with White embossing powder, I sponged it with Early Espresso ink.

This heart was then adhered to a Very Vanilla scallop heart (cut with the largest Hearts Framelit) using Stampin' Dimensionals to give it depth. A 2" X 5" stand, scored at 1-1/4", was attached to the back.

And speaking of sweet and simple..... Leah made these yummy chocolate truffles.

We thought you might enjoy the recipe for them as well:
Mix together 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup fine quality cocoa and 2 cups confectioner's sugar until smooth and creamy. Mold into balls. Melt 8 oz milk chocolate chips and dip each ball. Place on waxed paper and add decorations. Mmmmm!!!

Petal Cone Pocket Wreath

2012-02-11T13:22:00.001-05:00

The Big Shot Round Up event has just gotten under way and we are saddlin' up for a lot of fun! This session will have at least 53 projects with full tutorials! LOTS of great ideas.... you can sign up with the Blinkie below.

For my first design project I chose to use the Petal Cone die-- one of my all time favorite dies. There are so many different ways to use it!

The wreath has pockets so you can tuck little extra decorations inside. In the first soft-colored version I added netting.

The second Valentine version has little hearts clipped with mini clothespins so you can leave messages either on the outside or tucked inside for someone to discover.

The card uses the Movers and Shapers die to make mirror image cutouts.

To join Big Shot Round Up click on the blinkie!

Hat Pin Embellishment Tip

2012-02-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Hat pins are one of the many accessories in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I love how easy it is to add ribbon and other accents using them. Poking the pin through a piece of DSP (cut with the Two Tags die) keeps the embellishments in place.

Here is a close up of the hat pin. First I threaded on some Vanilla Seam Binding and 1/8" Lucky Limeade Organza. The key stamp is from the Sale-a-Bration set Elementary Elegance. It is punched with the Jewelry Tag punch. I used a jump ring from the Hearts Trinkets so it would hang from the hat pin. Lastly I added a Heart Trinket.

The ribbon accent is very easy. Thread a length of seam binding on the hat pin looping it back and forth. Once you have it on the pin, spin the loops slightly then push the whole thing to the top.

Here you can see the green ribbon looped back and forth before I moved it up. When it is slid up it looks like you spent a long time tying the perfect bow!

Fresh Vintage Blog Hop Projects

2012-01-30T21:44:00.004-05:00

The weekend Stampin' Addicts blog hop was so inspiring! Lots of GREAT ideas for the Sale-a-bration products.

Today I have the details of my projects featuring the Fresh Vintage stamp set.

First the box:

1. For the scored grid, cut a 6" X 6" piece of black cardstock.

2. Turn it "on point" on the Simply Scored Board. Place the points at 4-1/4" at the top and side to make sure it is perfectly straight. Score at 1/2", 2", 3-1/2", 5", 6-1/2" and 8". Turn cardstock 1/4 turn and line up the points again. Score at the same markings.

3. View of finished scoring.

4. With Melon Mambo ink stamp once on each Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, and Melon Mambo. Punch with Postage Stamp Punch. Also punch two Whisper White, three Pink Pirouette, two Pretty in Pink, and two Melon Mambo pieces. Using the grid lines it is easy-peasy to line up the squares on the box top!

5. Layer on 6-3/8" X 6-3/8" piece of Whisper White.

NOTE: SU! has announced a new diagonal score plate will be available in March. I will update this post when I get one to show you how to use that-- it will be even easier to do!

For the box top I used a shim that I made to fit on the edge of my Simply Scored Board. Connie Stewart has a great video on making a shim. I changed mine a bit as I wanted it to go the whole length of the score board so I cut my Window Sheet 2" X 12" and scored it at 1/2" and 1-1/4". Then adhered a folded colored cardstock strip that is 1" X 12", scored at 1/2" over the edge.

When making the box TOP, place the shim on the left edge of the score board before scoring and the box top will automatically be just a bit bigger than the box bottom.

So now for the directions for this specific box:

1. For the box bottom, cut a 10-1/4" X 10-1/4" piece of Whisper White cardstock.

2. Score at 2" on each side. (Do not use the shim.)

3. For the box top, place the shim on the left side of the Simply Scored board. Cut a 9-1/4" x 9-1/4" piece of Melon Mambo. Bump it up against the shim at score at 1-1/2" on each side.

4. Cut tabs to the score lines and assemble box with Sticky Strip.

5. Run a line of Sticky Strip around the sides of the box top and adhere 3/8" Dotted Scalloped Ribbon.

For the Bookmark:

1. Stamp with Versamark on a seven inch length of 5/8" Black Satin ribbon. The clear mount stamps are an advantage here as you can see the exact placement.

2. Heat emboss with Melon Mambo embossing powder.

3. Stamp and emboss the round images on Whisper White cardstock. Punch remaining circles from Basic Black and Melon Mambo cardstock as shown.

4. One each end, layer largest circle, the end of the ribbon, a black circle, a stampin dimensional, the Melon Mambo circle and the stamped image.

If you would like more ideas for using colored embossing powder please see the posts HERE and HERE.

For the rocker card:

This one is super easy!

1. Cut two circles with the Circle Scissors- Basic Black 7-1/4" diameter and Melon Mambo 7" diameter. Fold each in half.

2. Adhere Basic Black Dotted Scallop ribbon to Melon Mambo circle. Layer circles together.

3. Die cut two of the largest ovals in Whisper White cardstock with the Ovals Original Bigshot die. Stamp image with Melon Mambo.

4. Apply adhesive around the edge on the backside and adhere Basic Black Dotted Scallop ribbon so it just peeks over the edge. Adhere another oval on the backside to make it pretty. (I have a mini tutorial here of how to do the ribbon border.)

5. Add two Basic Black swirls die cut with the Scribbles and Swirls Sizzlit.

6. I also added a white circle to the inside to have a place to write.

For the Vellum Party Favor:

1. Cut two Melon Mambo circles with the Clear Circle die.

2. Cut eight of the smallest shapes with the Dresden Plate die using White Vellum Paper. Stamp the floral image with Melon Mambo Craft Ink on each piece. When dry layer on top of each other and punch a hole near the top with the Cropodile.

3. Adhere the eight sections to one of Melon Mambo circles. Start at the top and work around the circle clockwise overlapping the pieces.

4. Adhere remaining Melon Mambo circle top. Thread 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon through the holes threading from top of each section.

5. Cinch the ribbon and tie a bow. The petals will automatically overlap forming the pretty shape!

I hope you have enjoyed these projects. I would love to receive a comment if you found this helpful!

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop

2012-01-27T00:02:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the first stop on the Stampin' Addicts Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop. There are eighteen stops featuring products from the Sale-a-Bration catalog so get ready to make your wishlist! Fun stamp sets, delicate ribbons, vintage paper, dry embossing folders, pretty fabric and digital image CDs! Hop along to see them all!

I chose a bold pink and black combo to show off the beautiful Fresh Vintage stamp set. My first project is a box with an argyle patterned lid using the square postage stamp style image.

In the past I have struggled to line up paper pieces for patterns like this precisely. I had one of those "ah ha!" moments while creating this that made that so much easier. I used the Simply Scored board to score a diagonal grid on the black background with each square slightly larger than the punched out pieces. (Click on the photo to enlarge it if you cannot see the score marks.) These score lines not only add to the design, they are guides for perfect placement of the squares! On Monday I will have complete instructions with pictures and measurements to create this from start to finish.

I have to say this stamp really got my creative juices flowing because I had the idea for this next project late at night and just HAD to try it before I could sleep!

The black satin ribbon for this bookmark is stamped with Versamark ink and then heat embossed with Melon Mambo embossing powder. The design is so delicate that the ribbon remains completely flexible! The circular stamped images are also embossed with the Melon Mambo powder. A very quick project for your favorite reader.

Next I tried my hand at a rocker card.

The base is two layered circles and the focal image is edged with black Scalloped Dots Ribbon that just peeks over the edge. Inside is a white circle to create a writing space.

And last is a pretty vellum party favor.

This is created with the Dresden Plate Big Shot die. The images are stamped with Melon Mambo craft ink. Much more simple than it looks! I will have all the "how to's" starting Monday so hop back then!!

This stamp set is so lovely that we could not stop at using it just once! Holly has more terrific projects with the Fresh Vintage stamp set on the next stop of the hop. Click on the NEXT button below to continue hopping on your way.

If you started hopping in the middle then you arrived here from Sara's blog where she showcased the Piece of Cake MDS cd. Talk about YUMMY!!! To hop to Sara's blog click on the PREVIOUS button. Backward or forward we are all linked in a circle so you won't miss a thing!

2 From 1--Designer Cuts Cards

2012-01-23T14:59:00.004-05:00

What is better than a lovely handmade card? Why two of course! I started with one Designer Cuts card from the Occasions Mini Catalog to make these two cards.

I used a Hearts Framlit die to cut out the heart from the front of the card and layered it offset on a Poppy Parade heart cut with the same Hearts Framelit. The Very Vanilla layer is the back of the original card cut down to 3-3/4" X 4 1/2" and embossed with the Elegant Lines folder.

The base a 4-1/4" X 10" piece of Pool Party cardstock scored at 5". This slightly shortened base gave me room to add a pleated border to the edge and have it still fit in a regular envelope. The border was cut with the Designer Rosette die and pleated as in this post. Though it does not show up in the photo this gives a nice texture and strength to the edge. The 1/8" organdy ribbon is from the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad pack in the Sale-a-Bration catalog. After looping the ribbon through each opening, I used the Heat Tool to ever-so-slightly melt the ribbons. The organdy ribbon is very delicate so be careful when doing this that it does not melt too much!

The second card is made from the remaining cardfront piece that now has a heart opening. Working from the back, I added strips of paper starting at the outer edges and working in. This technique is called Iris Folding (although in this case I did not fold the paper but used strips of DSP.)

On both cards the stamped images are from the Elementary Elegance set which is available starting tomorrow in the Sale-a-Bration Catalog.

And speaking of Sale-a-Bration.... members of Stampin' Addicts are preparing for this weekend's 2012 Sale-a-Bration Blog Hop. Each stop will feature one of the stamp sets or accessories that are available during Sale-a-Bration. There will be lots of inspiring projects so stop back then!

Additional info:

This is what the original Designer Cuts card looks like. I placed it on a dark background so the laser cuts show up. To make the two cards, first cut on the score line to separate the back from the front.

Then position the Hearts Framelit over the laser cut area.

I stick a post-it note over the cardstock and Framelit to hold it in place as it is run through the Big Shot cutting machine. Post-its work well because they hold securely but do not leave a residue on the paper.

Happy Stamping!!

Create and Keep Refrigerator Caddy Tutorial

2012-01-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

Here is another alternative project that can be made with the Create and Keep Simply Sent Kit-- a magnetic refrigerator caddy and message center.

Both this and the accordion envelope album in my last post were made with the same kit. And there are still a lot of pieces left so you will be seeing at least one more project made from this kit in the future!

The Create and Keep Simply Sent Kit comes with components to make a box and ten cards. I used the box sections to make the caddy then added a post-it note pad and pencil holder. I also cut one of the cards to cover a notepad and decorated two additional cards to put in the pocket.

It is very easy to make!

1. Add sticky strip to the front of the two small side tabs. Fold on all score lines.

2. On the back, add two rows of sticky strip to the side and bottom flaps.

3. DO NOT FOLD THE BACK SECTION ON THE SCORE LINES!
4. Adhere the back section to the bottom tab of the box front.

5. Fold in the small tabs and adhere.

6. Fold the box up and adhere the side flaps to the back of the box. I removed the velcro dot on the front of the box to make it easier to decorate.

7. Cut a 2-1/2" X 4-1/2" piece of Calypso Coral cardstock. Score vertically every 1/2". Turn and score 1/2" from the bottom. Cut away the bottom right section and trim the tabs as shown. Fold on all score lines. Apply sticky strip to right flap and fold into a tube. Fold in bottom tabs and adhere to side of box.

8. Decorate and attach post-it note pad with sticky strip.
9. Attach magnets to the back.

Let's Score Projects

2012-01-16T05:37:00.000-05:00

Time to catch up on posting a few projects!

These are my last two design projects for the UStamp Let's Score! session. Above is a mini album made with the Create and Keep Simply Sent Kit. This kit comes with components to make ten cards plus a box with dividers. I used four of the envelopes (that are green with a very pretty printed pattern) to make the pockets of this accordion spine album. The tabbed dividers become pull-out sliders for journalling or more pictures. The die cuts are self-adhesive so the delicate little stems and flowers are easy to apply too!

My other project uses three Designer Cuts cards to make a luminary. The cards have very intricate laser cutting. I used lots of new embellishments from the Occasions mini and upcoming Sale-a-Bration catalog to decorate it and the heart-shaped card. The tutorials for both of these projects are available HERE. (Click on the graphic that says Let's Score!)

Birthday Cake Box and Pop up Gift Card Holder

2012-01-07T23:49:00.000-05:00

UStamp with Dawn and Friend's LET'S SCORE event is live! If you are looking for ideas to use your score tool this is the place to find more than 40 projects all with complete tutorials.

The first of my three projects for this session is this yummy little birthday cake box which has decorative scoring on the sides and a lid that lifts to hold a birthday present for someone sweet. The card has a pop up mechanism for a gift card. You can find information about LET'S SCORE here. (Click on the LET's SCORE graphic to sign up.)

Designer Rosette Die Angel

2011-12-17T16:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the new Designer Rosette Die this sweet little angel was a surprisingly quick project.

Did you notice her wings??? They are made from the new white Waffle Paper and cut with the Elegant Bird Bigz Big Shot Die both of which will be available in the new Occasions Mini catalog. So delicate and airy!!

The base is a styrofoam cone that is 2-7/8" diameter at the bottom and 5-7/8" tall. I cut two strips of Twitterpated DSP with the Designer Rosette die. Both strips were 12 inches long. The red print was cut the full height so it has both decorative edges. The blue underskirt was cut from a strip 2 1/2" tall. A band of Cherry Cobbler seam binding cinches the bodice in at the top.

I used a 2 inch paintable styrofoam ball for the head and punched the eyes and mouth with the Owl Builder punch. White gel pen highlights her eyes. Her headband is 1/8" Marina Mist ribbon and the flowers are cut from the Twitterpated DSP. As a final touch I twisted a bit of gold wire into a halo.

Pleating Ideas for New Designer Rosette Die

2011-12-10T00:20:00.000-05:00

It felt like Christmas today opening my box of goodies from the pre-order of the Occasions Mini! I have to say I LOVE the new papers and the accessories are going to be fun, fun, fun!

The only hard thing was deciding what to try first. I have been mulling over a bunch of ideas for the Designer Rosette Die so I was anxious to see if they will actually work. I am happy to report that the first two ideas were a success! Not only that but now that I have worked with the die I have a stack of other ideas that I will have to experiment with.

The Designer Rosette Die is intended for making accordion style rosettes or "lollies" as they are sometimes called. It cuts a strip of paper with two decorative edges and also scores the paper at 1/2" intervals. (TIP: You need to use a premium crease pad when cutting with this die to get the proper score lines. So the "sandwich" for stacking the plates is: the die face up, the paper you are cutting, the premium crease pad and one cutting plate on top.)

My first idea was to use the decorative edge from one side and make a box pleated border. The cool thing is a twelve inch strip folds up to perfectly fit on a standard size card. CUTE!!!

I also used the new Labels Framelit Dies and the coordinating Apothecary Art stamp set. The new Twitterpated designer series paper is scrumptious!!

I stamped the smallest stamp in Baja Breeze and cut it with the matching Framelit die. (Tip: After positioning the die over the stamped image, use a post-it note to hold it in place so it does not shift when stacking the cutting plates over it.) Then I stamped the image again in Basic Gray, colored it with markers and punched it with the 1" circle die.

Here is close-up of the box pleats:

I sponged the edges is emphasize the pleats.

The pleats are so easy to do -- just fold on the score lines!

Starting from the left side fold on the score lines as follows:
1. Mountain fold the first score line.
2. Skip the next score line.
3. Mountain fold the next.
4. Valley fold the next.
5. Skip the next score line.
6. Valley fold the next.
7. Repeat all the way across the strip.

My second idea was to use the other decorative edge to make a fence using a more traditional pleating method.

If you have trouble seeing the pleating lines click on the picture to enlarge it.

The pretty paper is the Everyday Enchantment paper which will be available during Sale-a-Bration starting January 24.

Here is a picture to show this type of pleating:

Starting from the left:
1. Mountain fold on the first score line. (This gives a nice finished look to the edge.)
2. Mountain fold the second score line.
3. Valley fold the next.
4. Skip the next score line.
5. Then do mountain, valley, skip across the strip to the end.

Christmas Card Box

2011-12-08T22:07:00.001-05:00

I needed a gift box for the last few cards I had made so this was tonight's project.

I used a tutorial from Spiltcoast Stampers for the basic box. (The tutorial can found here.) I added a piece of plaid paper cut with the Top Note die which does double duty as a focal point and as a flap on which to add a velcro dot to keep it closed.

The four cards were a bit bulky with all the embellishments so this box worked well... all the cards plus the envelopes fit nicely inside.

Frostwood Lodge Christmas Cards

2011-12-07T23:28:00.000-05:00

Two more Christmas cards today.

There have been lots of cute fireplace cards on stamping blogs and websites this season and I thought it would be fun to try a version myself. I love the plaids and checks of the Frostwood Lodge DSP for this.

I'll give the dimensions I used. (It helps me to remember too incase I would like to make another one!)

1. The card base is Cherry Cobbler cardstock 4-1/4" X 11", scored at 5-1/2"
2. The plaid floor is 1-1/8" X 5-1/2".
3. The fireplace is Early Espresso 3" X 4", dry embossed with the Lattice folder
4. The fireplace opening is punched out using the 1-3/4" Circle punch. (with the edges trimmed a bit to create the sides.) Black cardstock backs the opening.
5. The mantle is 3/4" X 4-1/4".
6. The fire is Daffodil Delight punched with the Bird Builder punch and sponged with Cherry Cobbler ink.
7. The logs are DSP punched with the Word Window punch
8. Stockings use the Stocking Builder punch.

The next card was inspired by one Twila Davis did for the blog hop.

The velvet ribbon is bordered by two score lines to set it apart.

Velvet Ribbon Candy Cane Holder Tutorial

2011-12-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

I hope you enjoyed the Up On the Rooftop Blog Hop this weekend! The Blog Hop website will remain open so you can still access all the tutorials for the designer's projects if you have not already. Please see the bottom of today's post for the winner of the Blog Candy.

Today's project is a candy cane holder that would be a pretty accent on the table at your Christmas gathering or it could be a small gift. It has lots of texture with velvet ribbon, embossed holly leaves and glittery Glimmer Paper berries.

Step by step directions:

1. Use any small round container as the base. I used an empty tea can which is 5 inches tall and 2-1/2" in diameter. Remove any paper from the can.

2. Apply Sticky Strip in vertical rows around the can. At the seam use a double row of sticky strip touching each other so there is a place to stop and start the ribbon.

3. Measure around the can and cut lengths of 3/8" Very Vanilla Velvet Stitched Ribbon. Starting at the bottom adhere the ribbon one section at time around the can. Add rows of ribbon until it reaches the top.
4. Die cut holly leaves using the Stocking Accent Die. I used 14 on my can. Dry emboss the leaves using using the Lattice embossing folder. Run a stylus down the center of each. Bend on the score and shape the leaves over the handle of the stylus.
5. Apply Crystal Effects to the seam line where the ribbons met. Arrange the leaves in groups. I had three groups of leaves for this size can.

6. Punch leaves using the Bird Builder punch and glue those in between and around the holly leaves.

7. Punch holly berries using the circle punch from the Itty Bitty Punch pack and adhere them to the center of each holly leaf grouping.

Materials used: Garden Green cardstock, Red Glimmer paper, 3.8" Velvet Stitched ribbon, Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, Stocking Accents Big Shot Die, Lattice Embossing Folder, stylus from Simply Scored Tool, Bird Builder Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack.

And now for the BLOG CANDY WINNER. I used random.org to generate a number.

The result was 33. The 33rd comment posted was by Joan Brenizer!! Joan please email me at kittystamp7@yahoo.com with your mailing address. Congratulations!

Up On the Rooftop Blog Hop

2011-12-02T12:05:00.007-05:00

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2011 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop.

If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Nancy Horn's Photo Cards. Wasn't that a perfect way to share your family photo??

If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem, as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

My project is a Holiday Window Box display. At the local craft store, I noticed a cute wooden window box. The rustic style made me think of the warm and cozy Frostwood Lodge Designer Series paper, so I cam home and recreated it in paper!

The windows are made of vellum allowing the light to shine through and the Winter Wishes Stitched Felts coordinate perfectly with the colors of the DSP which adds to the cozy theme.

The Stocking Accent Big Shot die is used on both the window box

and the matching peekaboo window card.

It has its own mini window box!

The inside flap lifts so the writing area is hidden when the card is closed.

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!

Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current

Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!

AND there's MORE....LOTS MORE!!

You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.
In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin" Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...

Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with " Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 Free Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

YES!!

You read that right!!

YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!

***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***

Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.

Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing

and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

Click the blinkie below and will be taken to
THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and
there you will find the tutorials all ALL the blog hop projects,
PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and

Join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

***

AND last but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next Designer's Roof Top, so please click below for the NEXT BLOG, where you will find Tanya Boser ready to share a delightful Holiday project with you.

If you would like to hop back to Nancy's Roof Top, please click below.

Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Holidays to YOU!!

Merry Mittens and Announcing Up On the Rooftop Blog Hop

2011-11-29T23:05:00.000-05:00

Well, the first snowstorm of the season has arrived in a big way. The snow is coming down fast and it is time to get out the mittens!

These miniature mittens are from the Winter Wishes Stitched Felts found in the Stampin' Up! Winter Mini Catalog. Such a fun way to add a bit a fabric to a card. Now I need to look in the closet for the real thing!

And if the snow doesn't get you in the Holiday mood I know something that will.... UStamp Designers are putting on a Blog Hop starting this Friday and running throughout the weekend. The Up On the Rooftop Hop will feature Christmas projects each with a free tutorial. There will be blog candy on the designer's sites and prizes and chats on the main World Showcase site. See you then!!

Pleated Blossom Box Give Thanks

2011-11-24T17:06:00.000-05:00

Another idea for using the blossom box is to use a single section as a 3D background.

I folded it (as in THIS POST for making a full circle accordion flower) and added a cardstock stand at the back so it would not tip. The stamped images are from the 2-Step Gently Falling set and the sentiment is from Hand-Penned Holidays. Super quick!!

Quiet Evening Collection

2011-11-17T07:35:00.000-05:00

With cooler weather it sounds so nice to curl up with a cup of tea, a good book and a bit of chocolate. I had that in mind when I designed this gift set for Knock Out Punches at UStamp.

It has a bookmark portfolio with reading list, tea bag holder, chocolates and a matching card. The Mocha Morning Speciality paper adds elegance with flocked designs and a touch of gold making it a lovely gift for a teacher, co-worker or friend.

The tutorial is available HERE.

Bluebird House and Card Set

2011-11-11T22:48:00.000-05:00

The Knock Out Punches session of UStamp is a definitely a winner! My head is spinning with all the super ideas the designers have been sharing. Oh to have time to recreate more of them... I think I need the extra hour of daylight savings time every DAY!

It was fun to see my second project as one of today's posts.

Your punches will be put to good use with this project-- I used thirteen of them as I was designing it! The set of six cards and matching envelopes store inside the birdhouse box. (I was inspired by an actual birdhouse.) The roof is hinged so it lifts to put the cards inside.

The complete tutorial is available HERE.

Petite Pocket Nativity

2011-11-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

The Knock Out Punches UStamp session is amazing!! Super projects with some incredibly creative uses of Stampin' Up punches. The first of my three projects was posted today-- a punch art nativity and card set.

This was SO much fun to design. I love how the light glows through the vellum backing on Baby Jesus.

Making this was not without mishap, however, as one of our critters ate the first sheep! I never did figure out who was the culprit. There were several who could have been blamed. This photograph has sheep #2 in it. Luckily they are quick to make!

The complete tutorial is available HERE along with many, many more!!

Monochromatic Swap

2011-11-01T12:14:00.001-04:00

Just purple and white on this set that I made for a Friend to Friend swap.

The petal cone ribbon dispenser has three different types of ribbon: 1/2" Concord Crush Poly-Stitched, 3/8" Wisteria Wonder Ruffled and 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain. I have a tutorial for how to make the ribbon dispenser HERE if you are interested.

The focal piece of the card is Whisper White with an image from the Delicate Doily set stamped with VersaMark ink and heat embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder. It is sponged with Crushed Concord and Wisteria Wonder ink.

Blossom Box Accordion Flower Tutorial

2011-10-25T20:17:00.000-04:00

Another discovery of a great way to use the Blossom Box Die! And it is easy as can be! Just adhere three pleated box sections and you have a beautiful accordion flower. This is 8 inches in diameter so it is a great size for decorating. Lots of possibilities with this one!

Instructions:
1. Die cut three pieces with the Blossom Box Die from Designer Series Paper.
2. Mountain fold on the solid lines (very easy as they are pre-scored.) And valley fold on the dotted lines (again very easy because you can line up the notches.)

3. Clip the bottom flap in the center up to the score line. (Ignore the cut piece in the above picture)

4. Example of the mountain folds on the score lines.

5. Examples of the valley folds matching the notches.

6. Adhere three sections together on the outside flaps.

7. I punched a hole in a small styrofoam plate, threaded a ribbon through and applied sticky strip to the back.

Blossom Box Bowls Tutorials

2011-10-21T23:41:00.000-04:00

The Blossom Box Die can be used to make bowls! When the paper is run through Big Shot machine, this die not only cuts the shape it scores the paper so it can be folded into a box. Well, if you cut on some of those score lines and then reassemble it you can make these two bowls. Pretty nifty!!

To make the Milk Duds Bowl:
1. Die cut two pieces of Designer Series Paper with the Blossom Box Die. Cut away the two bottom flaps. Cut on the lines as shown. (Just follow the pre-scored lines on the die cut.) Fold on the lines shown. (Again these are pre-scored.)

2. Adhere the two die cut sections together.

3. Locate the score lines indicated by the dashed lines.

4. Apply adhesive to the back right hand edge of each petal. Overlap up to the score line and adhere firmly.

5. Continue around the bowl, overlapping each petal.

6. Fill with yummy treats!

To make the M&M bowl:
1. Die cut two pieces of Designer Series Paper with the Blossom Box Die. Cut away the two bottom flaps. Cut on the lines as shown. (The lines are pre-scored.)

2. Adhere the two die cut sections together. Place Scotch tape on each side where the sections meet.

3. Fold on the lines marked "Fold".

4. Apply adhesive to the back right hand edge of the flap marked "A".

5. Overlap so that point "A" meets point "B". Continue around the circle to form the bowl.

6. Outside view of the overlap.

7. Keep filling and refilling the bowl... the M&Ms seem to disappear magically!!

Blossom Box Turkey Tutorial

2011-10-17T23:31:00.001-04:00

I hope you enjoyed the Big Shot Blog Hop over the weekend. Today I have the details of how to make this adorable little turkey.

Here are a couple side views to give an idea of the shaping and construction.

I made a little box with the Double Petal Card Punch and filled it with dried beans to give it weight so it stands up.

MATERIALS:

Cardstock:

Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Pool Party, More Mustard, Early Expresso, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock

Accessories:

Blossom Box Big Shot Die, Punches: Double Petal Card, 1-3/4" Circle, 2-1/2" Circle, Owl Builder, Bird Builder, 5 Petal Flower, Boho Blossom and Itty Bitty Punch pack.

1. From the paisley printed paper, die cut the tail using the Blossom Box Die.

2. Cut the two flaps off the bottom as shown. Snip between the notches, following the score lines, up to the first set of horizontal score line to form the feathers.

3. Snip the bottom flap in the center and fold on the score lines.

4. Crease on the lower score lines that form a half circle.

5. Adhere the tail section to a 1-3/4" circle of Early Espresso.

6. Make a box using two double petal card punches, fill with dried beans and wrap with a strip of cardstock. (I have a tutorial for the little boxes HERE.)

7. Adhere the box to the circle base and to the indented section of the tail

8. Make a body with a 2-1/2" circle and the head with a 1-3/4" circle punched from Early Espresso.

9. Cut the beak from a More Mustard 5 Petal Flower as shown. Cut the waddle from the paisley print DSP.

10. The feet are cut from the largest flower of the Boho Blossom punch.

11. The hat is a 1-3/4 X 1-3/4" square of Pool Party cardstock with two sides cut at a slight angle. The brim is a thin strip 2-1/2" long.

12. The hat is decorated with a 1/2" wide strip of DSP and 3/4" X 3/4" More Mustard square. The stem is punched with the leaf of the bird punch and the flowers are punched from the Spice Cake DSP with the smallest flower of the Boho Blossom punch and the flower from the Itty Bitty punch pack. The eyes are punched with the Owl Builder punch.

Stampin' Addicts 2011 Big Shot Blog Hop

2011-10-13T23:12:00.002-04:00

Welcome to stop #9 on the Stampin" Addicts Big Shot Blog Hop. If you have been hopping in order you just saw Paula's Positively Perfect Pennant Projects. Personally, I am particularly partial to the pretty princess pennant. (I couldn't resist the alliteration!) Cute, cute, cute projects!!!

Each stop on the hop features a different Big Shot product. For my portion, I am showcasing the Blossom Box Die found on page 221 of the 2011-2012 Stampin" Up! Idea Book and Catalog. This die is designed to make a sweet little box that folds together to make a flower design on the top. There are many wonderful examples of the die used in this manner on blogs and forums. For my projects, I experimented with different ways to use it; the result was a set of Thanksgiving decorations.

First is a happy little turkey--

The tail section is made with the Blossom Box die. It is cut on the score lines to form feathers which are curled slightly to give dimension. Although you can not see it from the front, the tail section behind the body is bent to give it depth. (I will have a tutorial next week with more pictures).

The body is made with various punches and the waddle is a little paisley flourish cut from the DSP. I just love the expression!

Next I made two candy dishes--

Both of these are very simple to make. Just a few cuts on the score lines, adhere the sections together again and you are ready for Holiday entertaining. Mmm!

Lastly, a pretty wall decoration to match--

Accordion flowers are very popular right now. It is SUPER easy to make a larger one with the Blossom Die and NO scoring is required! Just simple folding!

I will have tutorials for all these projects next week after the blog hop ends so stop back then!

Now it is time to hop, skip and jump over to Carmen's Blog to see what great projects she has made with the Candy Wrapper Die!

Thanks for stopping by!

99th Birthday!!

2011-10-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

My Grandma celebrated her 99th birthday this weekend. It is amazing to think of all the changes she has experienced in that time. I made a few small things for her.

I wrote down 99 memories I have of things I recall about her and put them in a little scrapbook. Because we lived only a few miles apart, many of my childhood activities included things we did together. Things like gathering huckleberries and hickory nuts in the woods. Family dinners with special foods- frosted gingerbread cookies for Christmas, turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving, and custard eggs for Easter. Sewing and cooking together. Her singing and playing the piano. And always flowers-- she grew all kinds of flowers: gladiolas, roses, cannas, calla lilies, and even gardenias. She made corsages to wear to church, and made my wedding bouquet.

This little box has 99 M&Ms in it (chocolate is her favorite).

The card has flowers of course.

Spending time recalling all the things we have done was very special.

Petite Pocket Sleigh Tutorial

2011-10-04T07:59:00.000-04:00

The Petite Pocket is turning out to be even more versatile than I first thought. It can even make a Christmas sleigh!

As I was making another project I started to see the possibilities for a sleigh. I really wanted to use the candy canes from the Stocking Accents die as runners. It took some manipulating and some advice from my art student son to get the arched base right but I think the end result is pretty cute. The sides of the sleigh took some thought too but I came up with way to use the Top Note die to make them.

Materials:
Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper
Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso cardstock
Petite Pocket Die
Stocking Accents Die
Top Note Die
2-1/2" Circle Punch
Petal Card Double Punch
Winter Wishes Stitched Felt
Mini Jingle Bells

Tutorial:
1. Fold the Petite Pocket die cut on score lines. Curve the front and back sections over a pencil or marker to shape.

2. Cut a Top Note in half.

3. Slide it into the 2-1/2" Circle punch as shown and punch.

4. It will look like this.

5. Use sticky strip to adhere inside of sleigh. Cut a small strip of matching DSP to wrap from side-to-side across the back to hold the back in place.

6. Cut two 1/2" X 8"strips of Early Espresso cardstock. Score at 2" and 6". Fold on score lines.

7. Adhere the two short sections together to form an arch.

8. Cut four candy canes from Cherry Cobbler. Trim as shown. Overlap and adhere to form the runners.

9. Attach the runners to the arch and using multiple mini glue dots attach the arch to the bottom of the sleigh.

10. For each tiny Christmas present, punch two shapes with the Petal Card Double punch. Overlap two petals.

11. Adhere the other side.

12. And the ends.

13. Wrap a strip of DSP around the box.

14. It will look so cute!

15. Adhere jingle bells to wreath and decorate the sleigh with Winter Wishes Stitches Felt pieces.

Beautiful Christmas Simply Sent Gift Set

2011-10-02T22:36:00.000-04:00

If you have looked in the stores you may have noticed light blue and cherry are popular Christmas colors this year. My second project for UStamp with Dawn and Friends, which was posted today, uses those colors.

It highlights the special Stampin' Up! promotion for October which is buy 2 Simply Sent Kits and get a coordinating stamp set free. My project turns the Everyday Elegance Simply Sent kit into a lovely Christmas gift set. It includes four full size cards with interchangeable greetings and four gift enclosure cards packaged in a custom designed portfolio. The masking technique uses the paper backing from the stamps so when mounting your stamps don't throw the paper away- even the scraps are useful!

For the complete tutorial (and many, many more) please click HERE to get all the sign up details.

Petite Pocket Luminary/Diorama

2011-09-30T07:20:00.001-04:00

One project often leads to another..... As I was making the five-sided box with the Petite Pocket die I thought the base would make a nice Diorama frame.

I placed the frame (which you can see the tutorial for HERE) on a piece of vellum cardstock and traced around it.

For the tree I cut slivers of black cardstock with the Tabletop cutter and adhered them to the vellum.

You can either place a battery operated light behind it or just the daylight shine through.

I have another tutorial in the works for the Petite Pocket Die so check back in a few days!

Petite Pocket Five-Sided Box Tutorial

2011-09-28T23:25:00.000-04:00

I have been experimenting with the Petite Pocket Die again and I have several projects to share over the next few days. Today's project is a pentagon-shaped box that makes a nice candy bowl or gift container.

The Petite Pocket die makes this a breeze to put together because the cutting and scoring is done in one step. Then decorating is easy peasy with the Frostwood Lodge product suite in the Holiday Mini. I put some hot chocolate packets in the bottom and a cello bag filled with marshmallows and chocolate to make a hostess gift.

Materials:
2 sheets Garden Green Cardstock
2 strips Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper - 1-5/8" X 12"
Petite Pocket Bigz XL Die
Cardboard backing from DSP pack
3/8" Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon
Winter Wishes Stitched Felt
4" X 6" Cello Bag
Sticky Strip
Mini Glue dots

Tutorial:
1. Cut 5 Petite Pocket pieces from Garden Green cardstock.

2. Trim a thin sliver from each side of the tab as shown. Fold on score lines.

3. Apply sticky strip to the tab and adhere to second die cut.

4. Adhere all five die cuts together to form pentagon.
5. Lay pentagon on cardboard backing from the DSP and trace around it.

6. Cut out the cardboard backing. Put sticky strip around outside edges and adhere on the inside to the flaps of the petite pocket. If desired cut a second pentagon from colored cardstock to cover the cardboard backing.
7. Adhere the top flaps to inside of the box.
8. Decorate the outside with 1-5/8" X 12" strips of DSP trimming as needed.
9. Add ribbon border and stitched felt.

Teacher Appreciation Basket

2011-09-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

We are off to a flying start on the current session of UStamp Paper Parade! Every single current paper in the US catalogs (the main one and the Holiday mini) will be used and let me tell you there are some TERRIFIC projects already posted and many more are yet to come.

For my first project I used the Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper. The notebook lined paper fit this school themed basket to a "T". The basket uses both the petite pocket die and the petal cone die and could be decorated to fit any occasion. For info about Paper Parade click HERE!

Focus on Flirtatious #3

2011-09-21T20:42:00.000-04:00

Today's card couples the soft lavender of Wisteria Wonder with the rich dark purple Concord Crush.

A very simple layout with multiple layers makes this one super quick to cut and put together.

Just add a tiny tag sentiment and a scrap of Wisteria ruffled ribbon and it is ready to send.

Measurements
Card Base: 4" X 8" -Concord Crush, scored at 4"
Scallop Square die cut- Concord Crush
3-3/4" X 3-3/4" Wisteria Wonder
3-1/2" X 3-1/2" Flirtatious DSP
3-1/4" diameter circle Concord Crush
Doily cut from Flirtatious DSP

Focus on Flirtatious #2

2011-09-16T08:32:00.001-04:00

These fall flowers in my garden were the inspiration for today's card that uses the Flirtatious Speciality Paper.

You may need to click on the picture to enlarge it to see some the detail on this.

The background paper is dry embossed with the Square Lattice folder giving it an old fashioned fabric-like texture which goes nicely with the doily print strip of DSP. Circles of Early Espresso cardstock peek out from the centers of the brown-eyed susan flowers. This makes me think of the flower arrangements my grandma made for the dining room table from her garden.

Focus on Flirtatious #1

2011-09-15T19:24:00.001-04:00

The Flirtatious Specialty paper pack is amazingly versatile. Delicate pinks and purples were my first impression of this paper pack but as you can see today's card is pretty bold.

Layering black with the orange really made it pop.

Several elements on this card stray over the edge of the rectangular base: the large die cut doily, a piece cut with the scallop trim border punch and the "get well soon" sentiment from the Delightful Dozen stamp set.

The Focus on Flirtatious paper will continue as I have more cards in the works all with very different styles so stop back for more!

Strength and Hope Digital Hybrid Card

2011-09-09T11:58:00.001-04:00

The wonderful thing about making hybrid cards is you can use the digital portion over and over easily. The focal image is one that I created last March for this gift set. At that time, I resized the images and copy and pasted to fill a page. Now I whenever I need it I can print a sheet.

If you would like to reproduce this, the image sizes are as follows:

All are Basic Black:
"H" HOPE: width-1.106
Flourish: width- 1.985 (reduce opacity to 20)
Words: width- 1.999

Happy Birthday to...

2011-09-07T20:40:00.000-04:00

ME! Today is my birthday and my family brought me gorgeous red roses. I am not the only one who thinks they are delightful....

Just smelling...

Checking out the foliage. That is OK.

Sampling the greens. Not too bad.

Chomping the flowers!!!

They have decided I should get roses more often.

Peekaboo Frames Project Details

2011-09-05T17:18:00.001-04:00

Finally, I am getting a chance to post the details of my remaining Peekaboo Frames projects from last weekend's Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop. This has been a whirlwind week with both boys heading back to college and Leah and I getting back to homeschool. All in all a very productive week just not in the craft room! Earlier in the week I posted the tutorial for the Pop-Up Beach Chair which you can see in this post.

Now for the other project specs:

For this petite pumpkin luminary:
1. Die cut two scallop square frames from DSP with the Peekaboo Frames die.
2. Bend the center flap to the side and score 1/4" from the edge.
3. Stamp the pumpkin face from the Jack of All Trades stamp set on vellum cardstock with versamark ink and heat emboss with black powder. Adhere behind opening.

4. Adhere the two pieces together.

For the mini art pieces:

Cut frames from DSP and bend the center flaps down to form a stand. These use the Charming stamp set.

The image is stamped in Night of Navy on watercolor paper, punched and decorated with pearls.

For this one the background was done with wash of diluted Night of Navy and Bravo Burgundy reinkers on watercolor paper. Once dry the images where stamped with the inks in the same colors.

On the last one, the floral image is stamped tone-on-tone with Bravo Burgundy ink on the matching color cardstock. The ribbon is white taffeta dyed with re-inker which is then twisted and stuck to a large glue dot. The leaves and stem are coated with Dazzling Details glitter glue.

And for the Boo Day card:

Measurements:

Base is 4-1/4" X 11, scored at 5-1/2"

Old Olive layer is 3-3/4" X 5-1/4"

Whisper White layer is 3-5/8" X 5"

DSP is 5/8" X 3-5/8"

The font for the "happy boo day!" is called Cracked and size is 44. I printed this on Whisper White before cutting the layer to size.

The little ghost is from the Holiday Blitz digital stamp set. It is resized to a width of 1.319-- (Leave the Keep Proportions box checked so you will have the correct height.) This pixelated slightly but not enough to bother me. Punch the image and adhere to the back of a black circle peekaboo frame.

Well I hope you are inspired to try the Peekaboo Frames die!

Flower Folds Halloween Candy Collection

2011-09-01T22:11:00.001-04:00

It is time for bonus projects on UStamp "I ♥ the Holidays!" I am tickled pink that my Halloween project has just been posted as a bonus!

This super yummy collection features projects made with the Flower Folds Big Shot die. Just look at all the goodies-- clear tubes of M&M and mini peanut butter cups, a boxed set of Hershey Kisses and a hanging Rolo candy ball. Even the tarantula is made with the Flower Fold die!

Now you have three good reasons (my three tutorials!) to join I ♥ the Holidays. And if that isn't enough (LOL) there are more than 40 other great tutorials as well. All the info can be found HERE!

Triple Treat Card Set and UStamp Announcement

2011-08-30T23:53:00.000-04:00

My second project has been posted on the I ♥ the Holidays session of UStamp.

I used the single stamp Triple Treat to make this pretty Christmas card set which features weaving, braiding and floating images. It would make a great technique class. Info is available HERE.

Even as one great session is winding down designers are working on the next one!

For this one every single current paper from the main catalog and the Holiday Mini will be used including all the cardstocks, DSPs, Simply Scrappin' Kits, and all the basics like watercolor, vellum and glimmer paper.

Early Bird Registration is now open. Click on the Blinkie below to sign up!

Peekaboo Frame Pop-up Beach Chair Tutorial

2011-08-29T11:38:00.000-04:00

As I was experimenting with the new Peekaboo Frames Big Shot die I was happy to discover it could be used to make a pop-up beach chair. It is remarkably easy to make too!

I chose a feminine theme for this retirement card but it with a change of papers and a few modifications it would could be masculine as well.

I kept the front very simple by "fussy cutting" the floral image to fit the card and adding the layered sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

To make the pop up chair portion of the card:

1. Tape a 2-1/2" X 4" piece of striped DSP on the Peekaboo Frames die. Carefully line up the stripes.

2. Place it striped side down.

3. Open up the flaps.

4. Bump the two flaps together, lining up the stripes.

5. Press the loop down.

6. Lightly crease the ends.

7. It will look like this now.

8. Pick it up and fold it in half with the stripes to the inside.

9. Lightly crease the top of the side pieces.

10. It will now look like this.

11. I made little rectangular tubes of DSP to make the pop up. For the back one score a 1"X 3-1/2" piece, at 1/2, 1-1/2, 2, and 3. For the seat score a 1" X 1" 2- 1/2" piece at 1/2, 1, 1-1/2 and 2. Attach these to the underside of the chair sections and adhere to the decorated card.

Below is a close up of the purse and book. The purse is made with the cupcake punch and the book uses the DSP from the paper stack with the words.

Another view:

As this post is rather long I will post the details of the other Peekaboo Frames projects from the blog hop later in the week. If you missed the blog hop and are looking for more ideas for the Peekaboo frames you can see this post. You can still do the blog hop too as all the posts continue to be linked in a circle.

Stampin' Addicts Holiday Mini Blog Hop

2011-08-25T22:25:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Stampin' Addicts 2011 Holiday Mini Blog Hop. If you have been hopping along in order, you just had the treat of seeing Holly's Stocking Punch projects. I am so glad I have that punch so I can try Holly's great ideas!

For my projects I am featuring the Peekaboo Frames Bigz XL Big Shot die. This nifty new die has five mini frames with attached centers that can lifted to reveal what is underneath. My first project uses it in this traditional manner.

The ghost is hidden under the little lift-the-flap cover. I printed the white layer with the sentiment and the ghost using My Digital Studio and added the round frame on top. The ghost is from the Holiday Blitz digital stamp set which comes with the MDS software - no extra download needed!

For my next project I bent the centers backwards so they formed stands for the frames.

Each of these miniature frames now can stand alone and they make a perfect place to show off tiny works of art. The circle frame art has a background of diluted reinker colors on watercolor paper. Once it was dry I stamped the "Create" and the tiny little butterfly. The frame on the right has a medallion design with pearl accents. The largest frame (still very petite!) has roses made from white taffeta ribbon that I dyed with reinkers and twisted to form the flowers. See the stem and leaves? They are outlined with the new Dazzling Details iridescent glitter glue. Really pretty in person!

Next up is another Halloween project- a mini luminary.

This uses two of the scalloped frames. The centers are bent backwards and scored to form a two-sided luminary. Vellum cardstock lets the light show through. The cute pumpkin face and hat are from the Jack Of All Trades stamp set in main catalog and the teeny tiny images are from the new Festive and Fun set in Holiday Mini. I will have more pictures to explain how this is made on Monday.

And last is a retirement card. I used the double-windowed die cut to make a pop-up beach chair.

I took the piece and flipped the middle to the outside to make the back and seat. Then I lightly creased the thin strips to form the arms of the chair. This one is a bit hard to describe so if you are interested I will have a tutorial on Monday. The umbrella is made with the pennant and boho blossom punches and the purse is made with the cupcake punch.

EDITED: The details of the first 3 projects can be found in THIS POST and the pop-up beach chair tutorial can be found HERE.

Now it is time to hop on over to Paula's blog to see her projects featuring the "25 and Counting" stamp set. Have fun!!

Upcoming Blog Hop and Weekend Happenings

2011-08-22T22:52:00.001-04:00

Demonstrators at Stampin' Addicts are busy preparing for this weekend's Holiday Mini Blog Hop. The new mini catalog is bustin' with incredible new products so you will NOT want to miss this preview.

My projects are not quite done as we have had a busy and VERY fun weekend at our house. On Saturday we took our 1969 Camaro to the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. 1.5 million people come to this and over 40,000 cars participate making it the world's largest car event.

We were fortunate to have been guests of a law firm that Tom works with which hosts a party at their office located on Woodward Avenue. So we had a wonderful place to park and watch the continuous flow of cars cruise by.

You can see a couple of classics behind us. It was great to hear all the engines as they passed by.

Leah really liked this 1965 Mustang fastback.

Then on Sunday we celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. Our anniversary is later in the week but we had all the kids home for the weekend so we went to a favorite place of ours. It is an old estate turned bed and breakfast with a lovely restaurant. The boys will be back to college at the end of the week so this is our last weekend together.

We had a super time!

DSP Holiday Collection

2011-08-21T00:17:00.001-04:00

The Ustamp I ♥ The Holidays session is in full swing. This is the first of my two holiday projects. If you are looking for tons (40+ to be more exact) of ideas for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas you can click HERE for all the information on how to sign up.

Petite Pocket Star Box Tutorial

2011-08-16T08:49:00.000-04:00

Today I have another of my Petite Pocket experiments. This time a star shaped box- a few snips and extra score lines and you have it!

Here is how to make it:

1. Cut five pieces of DSP 4" x 6". You only need this portion of the die cut so lay the paper on that section of the die when cutting.

2. Cut through the center of the bottom flap up to the score line.

3. Fold on the score lines- mountain, valley, mountain- as shown.

4. Adhere pieces together side-by-side with the side flaps facing the outside.

5. Trim the bottom flaps as shown. Apply sticky strip to the flaps.

6. Cut a base for the box. I used the largest flower from the Fun Flowers Die. Using the five petals as a guide, adhere the upper portion to the base shaping it into a star.

7. Here is the top view.

As you can see, I have really enjoyed this new die. Other tutorials for the Petite Pocket can be found HERE.

Petite Pocket Hexagon Boxes with Triangle Box Inserts

2011-08-15T08:02:00.002-04:00

OK- I really had fun coming up with this one.... triangle boxes nested inside a hexagon shaped box all made with the Petite Pocket die!!

And also another hexagon box with the tabs folded to the outside.

The directions for making the triangle boxes can be found in yesterday's post HERE.

The hexagon boxes are made like the one in THIS POST with a couple a small changes. I put the fancy notched flaps at the top instead of the bottom. On the blue and red box, I folded the flaps to the inside to help hold the triangle boxes in place and on the brown box I folded them to the outside and adhered them down.

Also very important for the blue and red box: I scored the side flaps 1/4" from the outside edges and folded on that line before adhering the six sections together. That made the box enough larger so that the triangle boxes fit inside.

These could be filled with treats and it would make a very nice gift. What a fun way to use a variety of coordinating papers! I found the triangle boxes work best with the lighter DSP.

Cardstock or DSP works well for the larger box. The two sided paper is nice when the flaps are folded to the outside.

I used the Petite Pocket as an accent for the coordinating card. The 3/8" Quilted Satin Early Espresso Ribbon looks great on a masculine card.

I have yet another idea for tomorrow using this die-- so stay tuned! All my Petite Pocket tutorials can be found HERE.

Petite Pocket Triangle Tutorial and Flap Sided Box

2011-08-14T08:48:00.001-04:00

When I discovered the Petite Pocket die could be used to make triangle boxes I was so excited. These go together so quickly I made a bunch (I have a super cool project with them tomorrow!)

This is the first I have used the Flirtatious Specialty Paper. Such pretty doily designs!

To make the triangle box:
1. Using the Petite Pocket Die, cut three pieces of DSP.
2. Trim the long flaps to 1-1/2" by lining up the tip of the side flap with the 1-1/2" inch mark on the paper cutter.

3. Fold side flaps in on each piece.

4. Apply sticky strip to the side flaps and adhere all three together side-by-side. (Tip- Keep sticky strip close to the fold.)

5. Cut the top and bottom flaps on an angle as shown.

6. Adhere the sides together to form a triangle shaped tube.

7. Fold the bottom flaps in and adhere. After filling box, adhere top flaps with temporary adhesive.

Another Idea!

This is a four sided box where the "fancy" flap is folded to the outside. The bottom flaps where cut at 2". Refer to step #2 above and line the tip at 2" instead of 1-1/2".

I am on a roll and will have more Petite Pocket Projects tomorrow! You can see all my Petite Pocket tutorials HERE.

Petite Pocket Rolled Edge Basket Tutorial

2011-08-13T00:03:00.003-04:00

One of the things I love about stamping and paper crafting is stretching my creativity to see what unique ways a product can be used. Once I started experimenting with the Petite Pocket die the ideas just started flowing so I will have more to share in the next few days.

This time I combined six pieces side by side to make a basket or a box. The upper portions are coiled to make an interesting top. It is cute either with a handle or without. Two-sided DSP is perfect for this as you can see the pretty coordinating patterns on both sides.

Here is how to make it:
1. Using the Petite Pocket Die, cut six pieces of DSP.
2. Fold on the score lines as shown.

3. Apply sticky strip to the side flaps and adhere all six together side-by-side.

4. Adhere each of these flaps to one side. This helps make a prettier finished project as there are no flaps sticking out on the inside.
5. Adhere the remaining sides together.

6. Fold the bottom flaps in. Cut a circle of cardstock to fit the bottom and adhere to hold the flaps in place.

7. The project now looks like this.

8. Flip it upside down and roll each section tightly around a pencil.

9. Roll it all the way to end.

10. Cut a circle of DSP to cover the center of the inside where the DSP does not quite meet.

11. Add a handle if desired.

I creased the score line between the top of the basket and the coiled section but I think it would also be pretty to coil the top without creasing it to give a softer curve.

More Petite Pocket Projects coming! See you!

EDIT: You can see all my Petite Pocket tutorials HERE.

Petite Pocket Vase Tutorial

2011-08-12T00:12:00.002-04:00

I have been experimenting with the Petite Pocket Big Shot Die and I have a few fun things to show over the next few days. First is a three sided vase made by combining the die cuts side by side and then curving the upper portion.

Here is the vase without the flowers to get a better feel for the shape.

And a close-up view.

Here is how to make it:

1. Using the Petite Pocket Die, cut three pieces of DSP.

2. Fold side flaps in on each piece.

3. Apply sticky strip to the side flaps and adhere all three together side-by-side.

4. Adhere each of the flaps to one side. This helps make a prettier finished project as there are no flaps sticking out on the inside.

5. Cut the bottom flaps on an angle as shown.

6. Adhere the sides together to form a triangle shaped tube.

7. Fold the bottom flaps in and adhere.

8. Using a pencil lightly curve the upper sections.

9. Cut a variety of flowers using the Fun Flowers Die and the Five Petal punch and mount on skewers.

10. Add leaves cut from the DSP.

Because this is light-weight and therefor a bit top heavy, I put glass pebbles inside to help it stand upright.

I have more ideas to share stop back tomorrow!

EDIT: You can see all my Petite Pocket tutorials HERE.

Domestic Goddess Hostess Gift

2011-08-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

Our family was invited to a BBQ supper and this is the little gift I made to take to the hostess.

The Domestic Goddess DSP fit the occasion perfectly. The box is Basic Gray cardstock cut with the Fancy Favor Big Shot die. I just eyeballed the two strips of DSP that wrap around it as I wanted to cut them to best fit the designs on the paper.

For the tag I punched the bowl image with the Scallop Oval punch and layered it on Calypso Coral punched with the Decorative Label. I always like to add a bit of texture so there is a little piece of 3/8" Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon on the side. The tag is held on by one of the cute, cute. cute mini clothespins.

Brown and Gold Sympathy Card

2011-08-05T23:49:00.001-04:00

Today's card is a simple monochromatic sympathy card using the new Mocha Morning speciality DSP. The paper has a rich gold sheen. First I stamped the flourish from Style Beautiful on the background in Soft Suede. (Stamped off once to make a subtle image.) Then just two strips of paper, a portion of a top note, pleated ribbon with a couple pearls and a cut-out butterfly are all I added to this card.

The butterfly (from the Summer Solstice stamp set) is stamped with Soft Suede ink on Brushed Gold cardstock and the ribbon is Soft Suede taffeta.

Petite Pocket Glass Tutorial

2011-08-01T09:37:00.001-04:00

I hope you enjoyed the New Catalog Blog Hop over the weekend. How many new sets are on your wishlist now?

The Sunflower background stamp was my choice for the hop. You can scroll down to yesterdays post or click HERE to see all the projects. Today I have the tutorial for making this summery card.

I have admired cards with glasses on them and was excited to find a way to make one using the new Petite Pocket Big Shot die. Usually glass cards are made with a traced template but this method eliminates the need for a template.

The glass is made of Stampin' Up cardstock weight vellum. After the pieces were cut I stamped the front section with White Craft ink and heat embossed with White embossing powder.

To make the glass:

1. Use Petite Pocket die to cut vellum. I used the regular cutting pads without the crease pad as I did not want the score marks to show.

2. Cut apart as shown.

3. On glass front, measure in 1/4" on each side and draw a line to the top corners as shown. Stamp and emboss this portion.

4. Lay glass back portion on the table. Flip the glass front upside down and trace the edge to make the curve for the back of the glass.

5. Measure in 3/4" from each side and draw lines to corners as shown. Trim the upper portion away.

6. On both front and back, fold on lines. Trim some of the flap away leaving enough room to adhere with a line of sticky strip. Adhere front to back.

I hope you enjoy trying this method. If you do I would love to see what you make!

Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Mega Blog Hop

2011-07-29T07:22:00.042-04:00

July is an exciting time for Stampin' Up fans as that is when the main catalog is released with a bundle of new stamp sets and supplies. Members of the Stampin' Addicts online group have joined together to showcase some of these in this weekends BLOG HOP. You can click on the Blog Hop link to see all the participants or you can follow the links at the bottom of this post as all the hop participants are linked in a circle.

If you have been hopping in order you will have just seen the oh-so-talented Lisa Young's wonderful projects featuring the Creative Elements stamp set. I am sure you have all added that set to your wish list now haven't you?

I am delighted to showcase the Sunflower background stamp. Now I have a disclaimer... with the hot, hot weather we have been having I could not think fall colors and stamping yet. The Shasta Daisies in my perennial garden have been blooming abundantly and low and behold---all my sunflowers turned into daisies! I do love this stamp and as the leaves start to turn I am sure you will see sunflowers on some of my projects but for now.... it is time to enjoy SUMMER!

My first project is a get well gift basket and card. The basket contains tissues, a tea bag holder and of course....chocolate. The card is a larger size - 7x7 - to have enough room for a group to sign and write messages to the recipient. I thought the yellow paper from the Domestic Goddess DSP pack looked like rays of sunshine so I used that as the background for the card.

I stamped the "Sunflower" with Whisper White Craft Ink on glossy white cardstock and heat embossed it with White Embossing Powder. Then I used a sponge dauber and applied Daffodil Delight and Pool Party Classic Ink to the image. A quadruple looped bow adds a splash of color and texture.

Next up is a modern art version of the daisy. I stamped and heat embossed the image with White Embossing Powder on Basic Black cardstock and then cut it into squares. I played with the pieces until I found an arrangement I liked and then mounted each on Daffodil Delight.

My last daisy inspired project is a refreshing summer drink card. You will never guess how I made the glass.... it is made with the new Petite Pocket Big Shot die!! I will have a complete tutorial for how to make it as well as measurements and details for the other projects next week so be sure to stop back.

EDIT: The tutorial is done and can be found HERE.

Now it is time to hop on to Yapha's blog to see the Occasions Alphabet set. And a huge THANK YOU to Yapha for organizing this hop. Your the BEST, Yapha!!

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Round Ribbon Edge Tutorial

2011-07-27T18:29:00.002-04:00

I could not resist another project with using the Domestic Goddess Designer Series paper. The floral design in the bottom left corner was the starting point for this card. The color of the image is Calypso Coral but I paired it with a Tangerine Tango background and ribbon to give it a little pop.

Both colors are in the same family with Calypso Coral being more muted; the contrast between the two colors adds interest but still gives a monochromatic effect.

I used the 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon across the card and as well as an edging for the butterfly medallion. The butterfly images are from the Precious Butterfly hostess stamp set.

Both images are stamped with Calypso Coral on Whisper White and punched with the 3/4" and 1-3/4" circle punches. The center is popped up on a dimensional. Rhinestones on the design in the corner and the central butterfly add a tie-in.

Here is a quick tutorial for how to make the round ribbon edging:

1. Stamp and punch the larger circle image.

2. On the back generously apply snail adhesive or sticky strip to the edge.

3. Cut a length of ribbon in half.

4. Apply ribbon to the back so that the scallops are evenly sticking over the edge and the dots do not show.

5. Add a bit more adhesive to the end where they meet and overlap the ends slightly to finish.

2011-2012 Catalog Blog Hop

2011-07-26T00:05:00.000-04:00

Only 3 more days until the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Mega Hop! It is always so much fun when a new catalog is released and so many new stamps are available. Stampin' Addict demonstrators have been working on some super projects to show off their new goodies.

I will be featuring the beautiful detailed Sunflower background stamp. (I LOVE flower stamps!!) So be sure to come back starting Friday at noon to see what everyone has to share!

Summer Colors

2011-07-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

My new favorite colors are Pool Party and Calypso Coral- perfect for a cool summer project.

This card features the new stamp set Language of Friendship and the Designer Frames embossing folder.

The 2-Step Bird punch and the Boho Blossom punch coordinate with the stamp set so there is no cutting! I used re-inkers to color the designs before punching so all the little pieces were easy to keep track of. I really like how the embossed oval adds a bit of texture.

The new 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon also adds a delicate layer.

Supplies:

Paper: Calypso Coral card base, Domestic Goddess DSP

Stamps: Language of Friendship

Ink: Calypso Coral, Pool Party and Daffodil Delight re-inkers

Accessories: 2-Step Bird punch, Boho Blossom punch, Designer Frames embossing folder, 3/8" Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon

Hang in There Get Well Card

2011-07-16T14:13:00.001-04:00

When a box of new stampin' supplies arrive it is so hard to decide what to use first. (That is really a very fun problem... I'm not complaining!!) The bold designs of the Domestic Goddess DSP caught my eye so this is first card made with all new goodies from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog.

Once again I made larger card to fit in a business size envelope. I find that is a great size to really show off large designs and it has lots of room for a message inside.

The base is 8" X 9", folded in half so the finished size is 4" X 9". The DSP is cut 1/4" shorter on each side. A little piece of satin ribbon on the left ties in the black.

I stamped the "Get Well Soon" sentiment from the new Delightful Dozen set, cut it out and put it on the tee shirt.

Isn't the mini clothespin cute??? Such a fun little embellishment. The ribbon is Daffodil Delight 1/8" taffeta that I coated with Crystal Effects and coiled around a skewer. I ended up with pretty sticky fingers doing it but I really like the finished look.

I will have more new things to show soon..... See you!

New Kitty for KittyStamp!

2011-06-28T11:57:00.003-04:00

Introducing..... our newest addition... Lupin! We have now set the world's record for saying "He's so cute!" in one day. It is impossible to say anything about him without using the "cute" word.

Lupin is a Norwegian Forest Cat. We went back to the same breeder where we got our wonderful Hagrid. These guys are really BIG cats and the breeder said that this little tank is ahead of the pack in size.

It has been really hard NOT to take pictures when he looks so CUTE!

He already loves stamping. He and Hagrid can really make a mess of my stamp room in no time. He especially loves stamping sponges. I have to keep them out of sight!

Chester (our golden retriever), Hagrid and Lupin all have to play with the same toys. It is like having three toddlers in the house.

Lupin loves Chester and curls up next to him to sleep. Chester is incredibly patient as both cats have to check out his bones, treats and all his doggie toys.

Hagrid is beside himself with happiness. The other older cats never really wanted to play with him and now he has a full time wrestling and romping partner. NF cats are a very high energy breed and the two of them sound like a herd of buffalo as they race through the house.

Don't let the pink ears and nose fool you. Lupin is NOT a sissy cat. He is more assertive than Hagrid already. He has a very bold personality. He is named after the Harry Potter character that is a werewolf and we think that is pretty appropriate as he is always into some mischief.

There is a Norse legend about a cat that lives in the mountains and can climb a sheer rock cliff. Norwegian Forest Cats are the best climbers of all cat breeds so there is some speculation that they are the cats of this legend. After seeing how this little bruiser can run, jump and climb I think that must be the case.

You can see past posts about our critters HERE.

Distress and Burn

2011-06-27T14:51:00.001-04:00

Any Pirates of the Caribbean fans out there? Those movies have been favorites in our family. I think I have heard the sound tracks to those movies at least a 1000 times! This card reminds me of those fun times.

I started by stamping the ship's log image from the Open Sea stamp set in Early Espresso on the piece of DSP from the Woodland Walk that looks like light colored wood. (Love that paper!) Next I heat embossed the ship image with white embossing powder and distressed it by sponging Early Espresso ink over it and around the edges. I burned the edges unevenly to make it look old and did the same to the sentiment which was stamped on piece of Very Vanilla. The whole thing is mounted on the DSP that looks like dark wood. Another quick, masculine card for my stash!

Fun Flowers Large Card

2011-06-23T21:59:00.000-04:00

When working with larger elements I like to make cards bigger than standard size. That way I have lots of room for my design and as a bonus there is plenty of space for writing a note inside.

This card fits a business size envelope. The base is 8 inches by 9 inches, folded in half to make a 4" X 9" card. The vanilla layer is cut 3 1/2" X 8 1/2" and dry embossed with the Manhattan Flower folder. The flowers are Woodland Walk DSP cut with the Fun Flowers die. I curled the petals slightly before adhering them to give some dimension. Super easy!!

Old Stamps-- New Colors

2011-06-21T07:46:00.001-04:00

One last graduation card for the year...

Back to my old stand-by stamp set Happy Harmony. But this time I used some of the brand new In-colors that will be available in the 2011-2012 catalog starting July 1. I paired Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade with a touch of Daffodil Delight. I used markers to ink up the stamp starting with the yellow first then adding the Coral and Limeade. The Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder adds bit of texture to the background and pearls plus a butterfly are the final embellishments on this simple card.

Stampin' Addicts Retiring Stamps Blog Hop

2011-06-17T03:00:00.008-04:00

Welcome to the Retiring Stamp Mega Blog Hop!

It is that time of year when we say good bye to some lovely stamp sets to make way for new ones. Members of Stampin' Addicts have some of their favorites to share. If you have been following the hop you have just arrived from Sarah's Blog. Weren't her projects with the Cardinal Christmas set awesome??!! You can see the full line up of blogs HERE. Have fun hopping!

I chose the stamp set Blowing Kisses to share. The simple line art is so sweet!

My first card features watercoloring with a blender pen. I picked up a small amount of color with the pen to shade the bunny and the hearts. After cutting them out I placed them on a free-hand cut hill nestled inside the Framed Tulips embossing folder. A cloud punched with the Cupcake Builder punch and a sentiment with a fringed ribbon add to the breezy motion of the card.

The next card features a simple paper pieced balloon layered on a scalloped rectangle. The card front is embossed with the light and airy Elegant Lines folder. A few rhinestones, a piece of black ribbon and a layered sentiment add the final touches to this happy card.

Next up is a uniquely shaped card which has a topper cut with the Table Setting die (also retiring). The focal image is layered on a trimmed scalloped rectangle. The sentiment is on the side with a sliver of black ribbon peeking out. In-color DSP from the hostess pack makes a fun border at the bottom.

My last project is a table decoration using the retiring pop-up cake die. The first and third layers have images from the Blowing Kisses set that are stamped and colored with markers. The middle layer is two pieces of window sheet with white craft ink tinted with a re-inker and punched hearts and flowers sandwiched in between. A watercolored bunny sits on top surrounded by paper flowers that were dyed with a re-inker.

That is it for this sweet set... now it time to hop on to Rhonda's blog to see what she has done with the versatile Birthday Bliss set.

Thanks for visiting!

Nautical Expedition Graduation Cards, Blog Candy Winner and a Stampin Addict Blog Hop Announcement

2011-06-13T09:44:00.000-04:00

The bold patterns on the Nautical Expedition DSP inspired this set of graduation cards.

Each is designed to fit in larger size envelopes to accommodate the design.

Striped Grosgrain ribbon is tied with Baker's Twine and a compass stamped with the Open Sea set is dangling from one side.

Baker's Twine is wound around a thin strip of cardstock in the upper left corner. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. This fits in a 6 X 6 envelope.

A knot of Baker's Twine and the sentiment from Word Play finish this card. It fits in a standard business size envelope.

I hope everyone enjoyed the UStamp Blog Hop over the weekend. It is not too late to join the website to get all the tutorials for the designer's projects. Just click on the blinkie below!

Also we have winner for the Free Pass to the next I ♥ the Holidays session. I used random.org to select the winner:

szbacn1 said...

What a great idea!!! And a way to use up that leftover DSP, too!

Please email me at kittystamp7@yahoo.com with your full name and the email address you would like the invitation sent to. Congratulations!

This weekend will be the Stampin Addicts which will be featuring all retiring SU products. So many beautiful stamps are retiring to make way for new ones. I am using one of my favorites; stop back on Friday!

Ustamp World Showcase Blog Hop

2011-06-10T11:30:00.013-04:00

Welcome to the World Showcase Blog Hop! If you have been following the hop from the beginning you have just been wowed by Ilina's purse and card set. Wasn't that just the cutest thing?? If you are just joining the hop, no problem as you can start at any point. The blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the super projects we have for you.

For my project I chose a summer theme.

Gathering shells and rocks on the lakeshore is a favorite of our family and that was the inspiration for this set. It consists of a bracelet, coordinating Simply Adorned insert and a picture frame.

Cant you just imagine bracelets in lots of colors to match your summer wardrobe?

With a necklace to match.

And the frame can be made any size so you can customize it to any photo. You can show off all your vacation photos in style!

As a special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY. Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a FREE PASS to the next Ustamp session - I ♥ the Holidays!! I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Monday so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient. If you have already joined I ♥ the Holidays!! for the Special Party Pricing and you are selected as the winner, you will get a FREE Pass to the NEXT event after I ♥ the Holidays which will launch in the Fall.

AND now for the really cool part! By clicking on the blinkie below you will be taken to THE WORLD SHOWCASE BLOG HOP WEBSITE! There you will find the tutorials for all the blog hop projects PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes! You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer. It is all FREE so tell your friends and join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends. The website will be active starting at 3PM Friday.

Click on the blinkie below!!

AND last but certainly not least you can hop on over to Nancy's blog where she has a nifty little phone book to show you.

AND last but certainly not least, please hop on over to NEXT BLOG where you will find Nancy with a nifty little phone book to show you.

Thanks again for stopping by!!

Gal Graduation Cards

2011-06-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Again this year we have many friends graduating. It has been such a delight to see these kids grow up. I have had the privilege of teaching so many great kids in our homeschool co-ops over the years- now they are off on new and exciting adventures.

One of my favorite graduation sentiments is from Happy Harmony- a set I received when I first became a demo. I coupled it with a background done with colored embossing powders.

The picture for this one is not-so-great-- I had forgotten to take a picture of it and it was time to go the open house so I snapped a very quick photo. For this one I printed a Bible verse using My Digital Studio and cut the background paper to be the focal point.

World Showcase Blog Hop

2011-06-07T15:01:00.001-04:00

The very first Ustamp Blog Hop is this weekend! Ustamp designers around the world are creating projects for this fun event. There will be blog candy, prizes and free pdfs of each project! The hop starts Friday June 10 and runs through Sunday June 12. Be sure to come back and check out all the action!

Guy Graduation Card with Mini MDS Tutorial

2011-06-02T23:48:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I have been able to post. We were without power since Sunday when a windstorm caused a significant amount of damage in our area- lots of trees, utility poles and electric lines were down. We are all enjoying having the electricity back on tonight!

Last week (before the lights went out!) I made several graduation cards. One of the things I like about My Digital Studio is it can help me with the placement of words or images on a page when I am making hybrid cards. I wanted to be able to print several verses on a page to conserve paper, then be able to cut them easily with my paper cutter and have the correct placement for the stamps. I use punches as place holders to guide the placement of my elements. See below for the general directions for doing this.

Here is the finished card:

1. To get the correct spacing, begin with a 8-1/2" X 11" blank page.
2. Add a square punch and resize it by using the rulers at the side to the dimensions you want the finished piece of cardstock to be.
3. Add the text or images on top of the punch. (Here is where I use the align function to make sure I have the text exactly in the center of the punch. If I were adding other images I would do that at this point.)
3. Group the text and the punch. Copy and paste this punch and arrange on the page.

4. Delete the punches. They were only place holders.
5. Add overlay stamps if desired.

Here is another example:

Now it is easy to cut these apart and the text is exactly where I need it.
I used this same technique to get the spacing for making business cards which you can see in this post.

Hybrid Cards for Cancer Center

2011-05-24T23:12:00.000-04:00

These are cards made for the cancer center at our local hospital using images from the Strength and Hope digital stamp set.

For printing at home I like to use either Whisper White or Very Vanilla cardstock as it is a nice weight to feed easily through my printer and the inks show up nicely.

For this card, I put a white square punch behind the blue images so that I could add a mat. Even though I was printing on Very Vanilla paper I filled the punch with Whisper White so that the printer would not add any ink in that space. I was able to put 12 images on one sheet and then cut them out.

For this Crumb Cake card, I spaced the images further apart so I could punch them with the 2-1/2" circle punch.

Here are the details if you care to reproduce these:

1. Resize butterfly to width 132.
2. Resize words to width 140.
3. Resize the square punch to width 155, fill with Whisper White and add a size 6 mat. Send the punch to the back.
4. Use the align functions to make sure they are perfectly centered and then group together.
5. Copy and paste images to put 12 on the page.

These images are the same size. The punch and matting have been deleted and they are spaced further apart to allow for punching.

The card bases are Baja Breeze and Crumb Cake 5-1/2" X 8-1/2", scored at 4/1/4". Seam binding in the coordinating colors is attached with sticky strip and the digital images are adhered on top.

Class projects

2011-05-19T23:03:00.000-04:00

Wow we have been so busy I have not had a chance to post either of my design projects for the Classes, Clubs and Camps Ustamp session.

The first is an interactive ABC book.

Here are a sampling of the pages. This one is a magnetic matching page.

This one has magnetic ribbons.

There are cards for playing games.

And sliders. Other pages have lift the flaps and others have pockets with matching cards.

The second project is a Father's Day gift set with notebook, bookmark, business card holder and pop up card.

I thought the pop up die fit the world and nautical theme of this project.

Spring Tulips

2011-05-09T16:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we drove through Michigan State University's campus and the tulips, daffodils and magnolia trees were putting on a spring show. Too bad I did not have my camera. But I do have a few tulips blooming in the craft room that I do have pictures of:

I made this set using a tutorial shared with us by Jessica Luther on Ustamp. Pink flowers are my favorite so I used Melon Mambo for the tulips and the Beyond the Garden DSP.

This was my first time using the pop-up cake die. It is quite quick to make once you get the hang of it. Karen Burniston the designer of the die has a great video with some extra tips for putting it together.

The flowerpot goes inside the box. I thought the little pom pom trim was so cute around the sections.

I like how the flower sticks over the edge of the card front.