Stamp 4 Life

Polymer Clay Jewelry

2011-10-21T22:51:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't posted much this year but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy making new things! I've just been too busy I guess. Add in baby #4 and well, the blog takes a backseat.

This summer I decided I wanted to try stamping with polymer clay. I've never worked with polymer clay before so I spent a month just reading & figuring out what supplies to buy. Somehow I stumbled upon an ArtBliss jewelry/crafter meetup group and learned there's an ArtBliss jewelry workshop near Dulles twice a year. It was my good luck that the one in September offered a class in stamped polymer clay jewelry! AND I took a class on how to photograph my jewelry (better). You can let me know if you see any improvement :-)

I'm really excited about the possibilities this new medium offers. Here are some of the pieces I've made thus far:

I used some spiral earrings to stamp into this pendant.

I made a mold from a really pretty button to make this pendant.

Used a good old acrylic stamp here.

Breaux Vineyards Key West Festival!

2011-07-12T10:03:00.000-04:00

One of the fun perks of having a craft business is the opportunity to discover new family events. Often I learn about fairs/shows from other vendors and this weekend I'll be at one that came highly recommended, the Breaux Vineyards Key West Festival, for the first time. They had me at "wine". :-)

Whether my husband might be willing to bring the kids to an event (& if the kids would like it!) is a major factor in deciding to do a show because I like it when they can get something out of it too. Yeah, I had my husband at "wine" too!

Located in Purcellville, this Festival has a laid-back Key West theme; come & enjoy wine tasting, kids' activities, craft & food vendors & live music in a beautiful venue!

Sat., July 16, 11am-6pm; tickets can be purchased from the vineyard's website: http://www.breauxvineyards.com/

Retro Othello Pendant & Mini-Scrabble Earrings Set

2011-06-06T19:37:00.000-04:00

Love this retro print!

How cute are these little mini-scrabble pieces??? They are about 1/2" square. I happened upon a travel game of Scrabble in a thrift store, came home & immediately bought three more sets off ebay (they don't make the wooden pieces in the travel games anymore). I'm also using them as simple initial charms too.

Made this charm bracelet for a customer at a craft fair this past Saturday.

Patera Necklaces with Transfers

2011-04-29T16:46:00.000-04:00

I've discovered a new product (for me) at Nunn Designs (where I get my premium supplies)--transfer sheets! These are really fun and easy to use--just punch or cut out, soak in water to separate the image from the backing paper and slip the image onto the surface of your pendant. For the antique copper pendant on the left, I first colored it with a pearlescent green chalk ink and heat set it. The transfers are translucent so the color shows through. Finally, I sealed them with my favorite resin. I won't be posting these in my store as I have a very limited supply but you can find them at one of my upcoming shows. :-)

Vintage Paperweight Bracelets

2011-04-10T11:39:00.000-04:00

Latest designs--images from vintage paperweights made into bracelets! You can easily add your favorite charms to these chains too. I'd be happy to stamp an initial onto a small charm to personalize these.

Mimi & Mommy Custom Hand-Stamped Metal Pendants

2011-02-18T17:52:00.000-05:00

Whoo-hoo! Now in my store, hand-stamped metal pendants custom-made for moms and grandmoms! These are on 1" silver aluminum discs, which keeps them affordable, yet they polish up to be nice and shiny like sterling silver. The Mimi pendant features the initals of each grandchild, separated by family by a heart and the rhinestone is the grandmother's birthstone (uh, Happy Mother's Day, Mom! if you happen to see this :-) ) The Mother pendant can feature an optional decorative stamp--either a heart, a heart with wings or baby footprints. I love the heart with wings because it can remember or symbolize Angel Baby Sisters or Brothers watching over your other kids or a Guardian Angel.

NEW Metal-stamped Pendants!!

2011-02-07T17:29:00.001-05:00

You've probably seen this trendy style of pendant & since it involves stamping, I just HAD to try it myself. It involves a whole lot of new tools and supplies so it'll be awhile until I can ramp up to lots of different designs myself so for now, I'm starting simple with the Maddie Pendant. It's my little girl's birthday in February so I made one for her with an amethyst (February's birthstone). It's also my first project since returning from a self-imposed sabbatical. (We welcomed another baby girl, our fourth child, in December! So, now the "4" in Stamp 4 Life has even more meaning for me :-) )

Now available in my webstore: "The Maddie Pendant makes a special gift for a little (or big) girl in your life. Choose a name or initial to be stamped onto a 16mm vintage classic silver-plated disc. You may also add one birthstone. If a name can't fit straight across, it will curve around the edge of the pendant. The pendant comes with a silver-plated ball chain."

Stay tuned for new designs for Mommies & Mimis!

Christmas Fairs are Here!

2010-11-10T10:36:00.001-05:00

This weekend begins the whirlwind of Christmas shows for the season. I've been busy this fall with new designs for the holidays & now it's time for me to rest and gestate (baby #4 is a-coming in the next couple of months--I tend to go early so all bets are off :-) Here are some samples:

Stamped Teal/Gold Celtic Cross Large Mah Jong Pendant (my new favorite!!)

Square Stamped Bananagram Game Piece Rings

Stamped Snowflake Othello Game Piece Pendant

Little Critters Scrabble Pendants

2010-09-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

Little Critters: Mouse, Puppy, Two Chicks, Turtle, Kitty & Bunny

Had to share these new "Little Critter" pendants I made using the cutest stamps! They are stamped directly onto the Scrabble (or Sudoku) tile in black. Then, I hand-colored them using chalk inks (so I can customize the colors to match someone's pet if they want). The sky & grass are pearlescent colors, which make them reflect light very prettily. I'm confident kids will like these because mine kept trying to take them (even my boys)!

New Pendant Designs

2010-08-19T13:13:00.000-04:00

New Pendant Themes: Vintage Dogs, Horses & Cats, Irish Fun, Pregnancy, Funky Trees, Madonna & Child, Matryoshka & Yoga

I apologize for being so remiss on my blog postings; it's been a long summer! In early 2011, I shall be changing my profile to read "SAHM of 4!" (& hence the belly love pendants ;-) ) Anyway, I tend to get pretty sick when I'm pregnant so I haven't had much energy to do anything but gestate, lol. Also, the resin I use for my jewelry is toxic before it cures, meaning I have to wear a ventilator to avoid the fumes. It's pretty hard to breathe easily in the mask & when you feel like throwing up anyway, well, it's easy to see how this is the first batch of pendants I've made since May.

I picked out these new themes some months ago but wasn't able to motivate myself to do the final resin & glue steps until this past week. I've had lots of requests for dogs and yoga and am happy to finally have some in my inventory! I also thought the Madonna & Child images would be perfect for the upcoming Christmas season; I used a fun new gold shimmer paint spray on them to add to the icon look.

In general I've got some fun new toys (shimmer paints & accent inks) & stamps I'm excited to start using, so stay tuned :-) This fall I'm slated to do a couple of holiday craft fairs, Chicks Picks by Hillary boutique shows & am taking reservations for home jewelry parties.

Card Suit Necklaces

2010-06-20T19:46:00.000-04:00

I've had these card suit "stones" for awhile now--found them at a thrift store. They have a hole through the middle already so I all I had to do was put an eye pin through them and add a dangle bead & bail to complete the necklace. I used my usual alcohol ink & embossed image to decorate them & sealed with a waterproof epoxy resin. Here are my "Queen of Spades, Clubs & Hearts" necklaces:

Glitter Glue/Alcohol Ink Storage

2010-06-08T20:10:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd share this cool & inexpensive storage solution I found through a stamping forum. I already had the acrylic frames (can be found at an office supply store). You want the kind that stands straight up. Then, buy a roll of sticky back velcro. I bought a 1" wide roll and just cut it in half (cheaper). You can see through the back how I just laid a strip of one side of the velcro across the frame in four rows. Then cut little strips of the other side of the velcro and attach to the backs of your bottles. They say Glitter Glue should be stored upside down. I have a second frame filled with my Alcohol Inks (NOT upside down!) You can use up both sides of the frame too.

Mother's Day Shimmery Rose Cards

2010-05-04T15:50:00.000-04:00

I wanted to make some Mother's Day cards to sell along with my jewelry at Celebrate Mama this past weekend, plus I needed a new technique for our last technique club of the year so I borrowed this technique from http://www.pattystamps.com/ who also used the rose from Fifth Avenue Floral in her samples. It's kind of like watercoloring on steriods--I love it! I don't know the name of it so I'll dub it "Juiced Watercoloring" hee.

First, stamp the rose in white craft ink on shimmer white cardstock. Sprinkle on clear embossing powder and heat emboss. Mist the flower with water until it puddles. Then take a drop of re-inker (I kept them handy in a little palette tray) with your aquapainter and drop in the puddles. The color won't stick to the embossed part so the flower outline still shows. I used Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette & Bashful Blue (without rhyme or reason). Trim the flower & use as a pretty focal point.

Btw--the four cards I made all sold in the first hour!

Busy, busy, busy! & Gala Table Signs

2010-04-20T18:27:00.000-04:00

Busy is good. I've been so busy with various family, volunteer & jewelry business, I haven't had time to post for awhile. But that's good too! I've got quite a few shows coming up in the next month. Next weekend I have two at the same time!

A friend of mine told me about Chick's Picks by Hillary and thought I should check it out because my jewelry would fit in. So I emailed her (she features local artists in frequent boutique shows in her own home), showed her my stuff & she wants me in her next show! It's the same weekend I'll be at Celebrate Mama in downtown Bethesda but luckily all I have do is drop my stuff off and she sells it for me. So I've been dividing up my inventory--man, I've got a lot of stuff.

Then, on May 7, I'm doing a Japanese Culture Festival Craft Fair at Fox Mill Elementary in Herndon. On May 15, it's the Virginia Wine and Craft Festival in Front Royal, VA.

On top of that, I'm organizing the auction display (bid sheets, checkout) for our church/school's annual gala this weekend--131 items & most of them are in my living room. You try keeping a 3 year old out of huge baskets filled with games, toys & candy. Oy. The fun thing for me has been getting to use my stamps & paper again to help make table signs and decorate posters, etc. Our theme is "Night on the Orient Express" so I found a retired travel set & went to town with embossing. The table names are stops on the route. I think they're a cross between a ticket & a passport page with stamps (at least that's what I was going for!)

More Resin Discussion

2010-03-31T20:55:00.003-04:00

A reader sent me some good questions about Magic Glos vs. Colores Doming Resin and doming effects so I thought I’d address resin a little more.

To answer her question on whether I tried it on paper as opposed to just over Diamond Glaze--I did try just the magic glos on a paper item about 5/8" in diameter. I had to do several layers to get the thickness and "dome" effect I wanted. I don't remember bubbles being a problem with that but I still felt like I had to babysit it--maybe I'm just paranoid. However, it eventually cracked! I've never had Colores crack on me.

There should be time to catch initial bubbles if you first work in the shadows before moving into the sun--but once in the sun, magic glos does cure fairly quickly. John Golden has a good video up on youtube using magic glos & he had bubble issues--it's interesting to watch his system--he also has a video on using Easy Cast Resin.

She wanted to know if I had to do several layers with Colores to get the doming effect. I only do one layer, one last check for bubbles (blowing lightly through a straw will take care of most of the bubbles), cover with a box to keep out stray particles & leave overnight to cure. I usually mix 15 or 30mm worth of resin (1/2 or almost 1 medicine cup respectively) & do a bunch of jewelry pieces at once to save on the cups, sticks & gloves. You can definitely make more pieces for your money with Colores than with the magic glos. Of course, if you only plan to make a few items for gifts, personal use (not necessarily to sell), then it might be more of an investment since Colores only has a shelf life of six months.

But back to the doming--I personally think the doming works better on flat surfaces. Everyone always asks me how I keep it from running over. The short answer is: surface tension. As long as you add a little at a time (and you’ve mixed it well and with two equal parts), you can bring it to the edge and it won’t go over. If you use a bezel cup you have to keep adding more to get the dome-- to the point where you think you're about to spill over--but you really won't because of surface tension if you're careful. That said, don’t be surprised if your “cup runneth over” a few times before you get the hang of it!

If you really love the big bubble look, I’d recommend finding bubble glass (can be found on etsy) to put on top because you really won’t get THAT much height with a doming resin.

Easter Bunny Scrabble Tile Pendant

2010-03-23T12:58:00.000-04:00

In honor of Easter (& because someone requested a "bunny or egg or something"), I made a special Easter Bunny Scrabble Tile Pendant. Isn't he cute??

Since I discovered I could color my wood Scrabble tiles (my last post), it made it a lot easier to be able to create this right on the tile as opposed to on a piece of cardstock, punch it out, seal it & fit it securely on the tile. First I colored the whole tile in a white chalk ink (drying with a heat gun between about three layers of ink). Then I stamped the bunny in black Staz-On. To get the blue sky and little bit of green grass, I just used a Fantastix dipped in chalk ink. Then I added the little Swarovski crystal and my Colores resin on top. I couldn't seal it with Mod Podge like I would with paper because it smudges the chalk ink I've found. But the resin doesn't seem to affect chalk ink like it does alcohol inks.

By the way, if too much ink gets on the side of your pendant, rubbing alcohol should remove it.

Game Piece Charm Bracelets

2010-03-15T18:08:00.000-04:00

I made a great discovery a few weeks ago--You can color wood with alcohol inks! I can't believe it took me this long to try it. The results aren't as bright as paper or plastic, but I liked them enough that it gave me the idea of using scrabble tiles colored that way as a bracelet focal point. I simply glued earring bails onto both sides to connect the bracelet chain. Regular bails would work too. I also made some using small dominoes.

And one last pic--my favorite mini domino ring to match the blue wave bracelet--all to be posted in my shop soon:

I Like Big Rings & I Cannot Lie

2010-03-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

Inspiration can find me in the strangest places--the latest one came in the ER when I took my youngest in over a weekend for an ear infection. The nurse had a big mama-jama ring on her finger & it looked so cool & funky, it made me want to make a bigger ring. I've been keeping it rather conservative with 5/8" round rings.

So, I came up with making rings with my mini-dominos! I hope they fill a need for people who like big rings :-) They're 1/2" x 1"-- so not ginormous, but still a little more funky.

A few samples now in my store:

Versafine vs. Staz On vs. Chalk Ink

2010-02-25T13:02:00.000-05:00

Recently, I ran into a problem getting a good image and sealing a jewelry project that mixed types of inks. I have all kinds of different ink pads, as you can imagine, & I've been using black Staz On for most of my jewelry projects but I ran into some problems using it with some keychains lately.

I was trying to stamp a larger stamp image in Staz On over some Chalk Ink but when I pressed hard to make sure the whole image came through, I found it "dug into" the chalk ink, sort of removing some of the chalk ink. Plus the image wasn't as clean as I like it. Then, when I covered it in resin, it also ran a little. Normally, I don't have that problem, but I'm guessing it was because the chalk ink wasn't completely dry & the image is larger than I usually work with. You can see below how the top line is a little smudged & I had to color in the "eis" with a sharpie because the Staz On didn't give me the best image (I didn't want to press too hard & mess up the chalk ink as I'd been doing in numerous other tries).

I've also found that Staz On runs when you try to use a spray sealer instead of resin. I tried sealing with Mod Podge first but that also removes the chalk ink. Mod Podge will work fine with Staz On by itself or with alcohol inks & then you can spray or use resin with no ink running. So, I set about finding either a sealant that worked with both Staz On and chalk ink or finding a replacement for the Staz On.

What I found was Versafine, a pigment ink, by Tsukineko. I read somewhere it was good for detailed images so I decided to check it out. First off, I was very happy to see that it gave me a complete image on the very first try and didn't take off any of the chalk ink at all! Then, I made a VERY cool discovery--when stamped onto Staz On ink, you can wipe it off taking the Staz On ink with it and get a resist embossed effect without even embossing. It doesn't dry on non-porous surfaces so it can wipe off or you can emboss with it. The first pic shows the crisp image it made over chalk ink. The second pic shows the resist embossing on Staz On.

So, yeah, I'm a huge fan of the Versafine!! I'll still need Staz On for stamping on Staz On (I did try clear embossing the Versafine on Staz On but it muted the black color). But for Chalk ink, the resist emboss effect, & regular embossing, Versafine is the way to go.

By the way, these keychains are on the back of crayola dominos I found in a thrift store.

American Girl Doll Matching Pendants

2010-02-18T20:03:00.000-05:00

For my daughter's 6th birthday last week, we got her her very first American Girl doll, not an investment to be taken lightly, I might add. We ended up getting her Lanie, the doll for 2010 because well, she's so pret-ty! Plus, our Maddie is an outdoor kind of girl and so is the Lanie character.

Anyway, I came up with this idea of making matching pendants for Maddie & her doll. I'd gotten a shipment of mini-dominos in that weren't like my usual ones--I was able to break them in half! I can't use them for mini domino pendants of course but serendipitously, the half-domino is the perfect size to be a mini "Scrabble" pendant. Very cool. For the bail, I found these cute flower charms to glue on. Since the chains had to be a smaller size, I chose ball chains that can be easily cut to any length you want and used simple connectors for the clasp. (The doll's chain is 9" and the girl's chain is 14"). I was even able to use the same color rhinestone in large & mini sizes. I've officially added them to my webstore now :)

Maddie chose her background paper, I stamped the monograms in black and here you go:

Maddie & her doll:

She happened to have a similar dress as Lanie already--kismet!

Looking for Celtic Stamps??

2010-02-10T20:25:00.001-05:00

So we've been snowed in for let's see...6 days now. Today I was out shoveling the driveway so my husband could make it into the garage okay & it literally felt like I was in the Arctic--howling wind blowing snow in my face. I live in Virginia..riiiiight.

Anyway, so I've had lots of time to putz around--today I completely re-arranged my craft area work space to be more geared towards jewelry-making instead of scrapbooking (which I hope to get back to someday). Then, I've been shopping online for fun. I'll be vendoring at my daughter's Irish Dancing School's Feis (dance competition) in a few weeks so yesterday I called Highlander Celtic Stamps to place an order for more, what else, celtic stamps, because I was having internet issues and it was so nice to reach a human being.

I'm usually not very chatty with strangers, despite being from the tourist mecca of Williamsburg, VA, where we all grew up doing service industry jobs, but I couldn't resist telling the woman on the phone that I make jewelry with their stamps. Well, it turns out I was talking with the designer of the stamps herself and it's a family-owned business. Her husband is an award-winning children's author who writes Scottish stories (I *heart* Scotland--studied there for a spell). She actually visited my website while we talked & it was cool to be able to share what I do with her work--I hope it gives her the kind of satisfaction I get when I see someone wearing something I made. Here's a scrabble tile pendant I made with her Irish Dancer stamp:

Can't wait to get my new stamps!! 'Course, I'd be happy just to get the mail & newspaper too in this snow.

Adventures in Starting a Small Business Pt. 3

2010-02-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

Time to wrap up my "Adventures"-- in summary, I came to the conclusion over the course of a year to become "legit" and then started a website. The other things that needed to come together were letting the government and people know I was "legit" :-) This part is where I had to do research because as I've mentioned before--I've never taken a business class (hence the "adventures" part)! Because of that fact, I was intimidated but once I started reading (first stop--the Virginia State Government's website), it really wasn't too bad. There are books out there to help you with all this, of course. I even bought one specifically on starting your own jewelry business and using etsy, but it turned out I was already doing most of the things it said to do (yay me) so it just served to reassure me that nothing was falling through the cracks.

Different states may have different guidelines so go first to your state's website. You'll also need to find out if your county/town has any permits or licenses you need to have. I was lucky in that I called the VA tax department and a nice lady clarified what was really necessary for me to do. It made my day that I actually got things done on the phone with the government! How 'bout that?

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to be a sole proprietorship or if you want to incorporate. I'm not going to have any other employees so I'm a sole proprietorship doing business with my SS# as my tax ID. In my state and county (Fairfax), I needed to go to the County Courthouse and register a DBA ("Doing Business As") name (which is "Stamp 4 Life"). A DBA name allows me to open a business checking account under that name and thus, accept checks written out to "Stamp 4 Life." My bank only needed my DBA certificate--the manager said many people don't realize that. By the way, registering the DBA took 10 minutes and $10--not a big deal at all--I even had my 3 year old with me and it was like a field trip for him!

The other money-related thing I decided to do (kind of a no-brainer) was to accept credit cards. Just like with website hosting, there are lots of credit card merchants out there. I ended up choosing Propay because they're known, not too expensive and I can use my phone to accept credit cards (necessary when you're doing craft fairs!) I also bought a "knuckle-buster" manual credit card imprinter & forms off ebay. It's important for me & customers to have a cc receipt in case they contest the charge when their statement comes. I could rig my website to accept credit cards directly through ProPay but I decided to just stick with PayPal & Google Checkout.

When you register with your state as a sole proprietorship or whatever, then you'll be responsible for paying sales tax (depending on your state I guess). Now I collect sales tax online only for Virginia (because that's where my business physically resides) and I incorporated it into my prices for in-person sales such as home parties or fairs in Virginia (didn't want to deal with the change!) Since I'm new, I have to file & pay monthly (which I can do online). After a while, they'll let me do it quarterly. Now that I have a "Sales & Use Tax" certificate, I'm able to buy from wholesalers too--pretty cool.

Finally, of course, I need to keep track of all income and expenses for my annual tax return. I've done that since I became an SU! demo so that's not any different--I still use my basic Quicken to record everything. The only other thing I have to watch is my income--if it looks like I'll make certain amount in a year, I'll need to register for an actual business permit in my county.

Hope this encourages someone else that they can start & own a small business too!

Adventures in Starting a Small Business Pt. 2: The Website

2010-01-22T14:30:00.001-05:00

In early December, I started researching how to start a website. At my craft fairs people would ask if I had one & I'd have to explain yes, I have an etsy store but not much is posted on there etc. I knew I needed a place for people to find me again if they liked what they bought from me so it was time for a stand-alone website.

The first thing I did was buy my domain name...now there are TONS of places where you can buy a domain name from & then you can usually pay extra for them to host a site for you. There were lots of different packages depending on what kind of site you want. I just found the cheapest legit place & bought my domain name there without anything extra.

I was trying to figure out a way to have a free website but also be able to use my domain name plus have a shopping cart. Mal's E-commerce is a free shopping cart service so I wanted to find a way to incorporate that into a free site. I looked into Wix.com (free flash websites) but I'm just not tech savvy enough to integrate the cart into a site on my own. Then, I found their interface/templates rather confusing too. I'd have to pay to use my own domain name & have an e-commerce site with them. So, I moved on to ecrater.com which is a marketplace kind of like etsy, but not all handmade. I learned I could "mask" my url so that people going to my domain name would be directed to my ecrater store instead. Apparently though, that can cause problems with search engines finding you? Anyway, after trying to get a store started there I quickly realized it doesn't give you much flexibility in terms of organizing your store, having descriptions as long as you want or giving discounts. Sigh. So, I realized I needed to just suck it up & actually PAY for something! lol.

I'd been ordering handmade bags from Mom of Two Boys for a few year now & since it was a "mom-epreneur" site too, I looked into her hosting site Merchant Moms. I decided to cancel my Stampin' Up! website and use the money to do my own site with Merchant Moms instead for about the same about of money. Merchant Moms allows me the flexibility to organize my store the way I want, add pages, and have discounts & online parties. They don't have tons or fancy templates but I wanted to keep it simple anyway. So, I just picked a template, uploaded my logo & after a learning curve, started filling in all the content. If you're completely new to websites or html, it can be daunting but I know enough to know I DON'T know enough, if that makes sense. So, I knew which code I shouldn't mess with & when I needed to ask for technical support. Merchant Moms templates already have the Mal's E-commerce shopping cart integrated so figuring out the cart is another learning curve. THEN, you have to integrate the cart with the methods of payment you accept--(for me: Google Checkout & Paypal). THEN, you also learn that you have to let Google know about your site & products if you want to turn up in search results. Some sites, like ecrater "submit" your info for you so you never have to worry about it (well, except to make sure the language you use is "acceptable" to Google--but there are whole Forums of people discussing that so I'll just move along) but with Merchant Moms, I have to upload/submit my products periodically to Google--I probably spend a whole day figuring that one out!

Finally, I spent maybe an hour of sheer panic ("What have I gotten myself into???) and then a good week just wrapping my head around all of it before I could start to stock the store. Now that I've been working with it for over a month, I'm pretty comfortable with it. Just to give you an idea of the process....if I want to add something new to my site, I log into Merchant Moms, then I just click on "Products" then "Add" & fill in the blanks, upload a pic, assign a category & hit Save. If someone buys something from my site, it's Google Checkout or Paypal that lets me know. This has been a very hands-on learning experience for me & I wasn't sure if I'd like it (boring data entry & all that)...but, when it's your OWN site, it's a whole different story & now I'm glad I jumped right in :-)

Adventures in Starting a Small Business Pt. 1

2010-01-14T13:45:00.001-05:00

I thought I might start recording my journey on the road to having my own jewelry business by starting with how I came to the conclusion I should become a "legit" business with my own domain name, pay sales tax & all that good stuff. So, I've been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for a little more than 3 years now & I've enjoyed it immensely. I started doing it to earn enough to pay for all the supplies I wanted because I was pretty much a beginner stamper & wanted the good stuff from the start. I've had a small core group of loyal customers and did the occasional class or workshop. I also started doing craft fairs almost immediately. That said, this area of Northern Virginia is pretty saturated with demonstrators so I was realistic to know I'd never be a big business demo.

About a year ago, I came across Scrabble Tile pendants on etsy.com & thought to myself--"I could do that." If you look back at my postings then, I tried my own versions for the first time. It just kind of grew from there as I found more game pieces to use, then tried stamping on them, then discovered using waterproof resin instead of Diamond Glaze. I'd thought I'd make them for my Christmas fairs but then people started buying them right away! Then I just couldn't turn my mind off & I added rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. & by the fall I had a full line of jewelry. This kind of craft is a great fit for me because I get to use ALL my supplies and browse thrift stores, which I love :-)

During this past Fall/Christmas craft fair season, I made an interesting observation; all the paper items I'd made in the past didn't sell as well as in previous years while my jewelry was very popular! By the end of the season, I'd made more than twice I had the year before, so I had to ask myself--what am I doing when I was able to get these results in even this economy? I could actually make some extra money doing this (besides just paying for my supplies) & the feedback I was getting was that besides the Scrabble Tiles, people hadn't seen stuff like mine. That & seeing people wearing your creations is VERY cool. Besides, not everyone lives to stamp like me, but pretty much everyone wears or knows someone who wears jewelry!

I've never had a business class in my life (hello, English major), but I've learned the cliche where there's a will, there's a way & decided to investigate next steps. Luckily, I already had some basic items in place--like business cards, this blog, facebook group, a newsletter list, etc., so I could build on my own brand as a demonstrator (because we're "Independent" from SU!, we choose our own "business" names when we sign up). I'd tried etsy but decided I wanted my own site where people can not only find me again, but aren't easily tempted to go browsing around other stores. I also wanted a lot of flexibility to make the store my own (more on finding the right venue later).

Next, I'll go into the decisions that needed to be made (website, credit card) & the documentation hoops to jump through....

It's a New Year! Big Changes Afoot!

2010-01-07T09:32:00.001-05:00

Maybe this is a little premature, but I'm so excited, I have to announce that my new website & store, Stamp 4 Life, is on its way!! I still have a few more items to add but I'm ready for orders!

This whole experience of starting my own business (well, branching out from being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator anyway) has been very interesting & I plan to write more about it--it may interest anyone else with similar aspirations.

But first, let me get back to stocking my store, & then I shall return :-)

Christmas Hanging Decoration/Blog Holiday

2009-12-09T10:11:00.000-05:00

As you've probably figured out from my last few months of posts, I'm pretty much all jewelry all the time these days. I'll be taking a break from my blog over the holidays because not only is it a busy time of year for most of us, but I'll also be working on a new online webstore to sell my jewelry. Stay tuned for a January Grand Opening!

So I'm going to leave you with a Christmas project I made this summer before I got too busy with jewelry :) These hanging decorations are made from tiles from a stacking domino game. I just flipped them over & added paper inside (the letters are punched from scrapbook paper & the images in the smaller one are stamped). Then I covered them with Stampin' Up!'s Crystal Effects for a glossy finish. I used Sticky Tape to adhere the tiles to ribbon. These can hang on a wall, on a doorknob or even on your tree! This would be a fun project to do with your kids too--make one with their names for their rooms :)

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! See you next year--

Last Crafts Fairs of the Season!

2009-11-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

One last plug for any locals out there--I've got my two last craft fairs of the holiday season this weekend! Come see my stuff (IMHO it's much cooler in person :) )

Sat. Dec. 5 from 9 am -3pm: Fox Mill Elementary, 2601 Viking Dr, Herndon VA 20171

Sun. Dec. 6 from 10am -4pm: Herndon Community Center, Craft Fair Brochure with list of juried crafters

Mention that you read about it on my blog & get a chain for free with the purchase of any pendant!

"Mustard Seed" Bamboo Bead Pendant

2009-11-24T13:43:00.000-05:00

This is so cool--my artist friend Vanessa commissioned me to make six of these bamboo bead pendants using an image of her very own artwork ("The Mustard Seed")! She's a mixed media artist with her own etsy store--check it out: TheHeARTGallery

After sizing the image, I printed them out and coated them with Mod Podge so that the ink wouldn't run. Then, I just cut them out and glued them on the beads. I hope Van doesn't mind, but I took a little creative license by adding some of Stampin' Up!'s Champagne Shimmering Paint sparingly on top. I've really come to rely on that stuff to add a little sparkly oompf to the images I use. Finally, I drip Colores Doming Resin on top. With the waxy & rounded surface of these beads, it works best to use the very end of your resin batch after it's thickened up some & use it sparingly. The resin really tends to drip off of these babies. If that happens, a hobby knife can be used to cut off the excess. I had to do that on a couple & then add a little more resin later where too much had peeled off in my effort to "fix" things.

I use wire to add decorative beads (the bamboo tile beads come from a placemat so they already have two holes drilled lengthwise through them--have a batch of them for sale in my etsy shop if you want to try this) and make a basic loop at the top. Finally, a bail is attached by a jump ring and threaded with a black satin necklace.

Monogram Charm Pendants

2009-11-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

Here's one more gift for one of my jewelry party hostesses--a leather cord necklace with three pendants with the initials of her kids. These were made from the same silver 5/8" buttons I'd made the charms (in the charm bracelet post) from. The initials are stamped from Stampin' Up!'s Calendar Alphabet and embossed in silver on black cardstock. Then, I just had to show the backs so you could see the cute flower bails that they're glued onto.

Monogram Mah Jong Pendants

2009-11-11T15:03:00.001-05:00

Some of friends of mine threw me a jewelry party last weekend so I made them these monogram pendants from mah jong tiles as a thank you. (They just "happened" to be on "Joker" tiles--heh).

These mah jong tiles are from an American Travel Mah Jong Set, which are thinner (1/8") than the regular chunky mah jong tiles. I really love working with them because I can stamp on them just like I do with dominos but the nice shape lets me fit bigger images. I've also found them in two sizes--these (which are ivory) & about 1 3/8" x 1" and smaller ones that are about 1 1/8" x 7/8" (mine are white).

For these pendants, I first colored them with chalk inks--a light coat all over, heat set it, then edged it with a darker shade & heat set. I used a makeup sponge to dab the ink around the edge, pouncing until it blended as I wanted. Then I used Staz-on for the images--a little flourish from SU!'s retired "Frames with a Flourish" at the top & then the initials (the "S" is from Stampin' Up!'s "Lovely Letters" set). It's hard to tell from the pictures, but I also went over the letters with a black glitter pen to add a little bling.

Finally, I added Colores Doming Resin for a waterproof seal, a large bail and a rhinestone embellishment to complete the pendant. It looks great with a black satin cord for a funky statement. :-)

I welcome custom orders so if anyone wants one or any of my other creations, just let me know and I can create a custom listing for you in my etsy shop.

Altered Art Charm Bracelet Set

2009-11-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

Charms are such a fun way to personalize a bracelet. I've made tons of charms using Japanese Washi paper (as well as other kinds of specialty paper) sealed onto the flat side of silver buttons for people to choose from at my upcoming shows. To make the buttons into charms, I had to clip the loop off the flat side with a wire cutter & then sand smooth with my Drexel hand tool (came with a mini-sander tool--really cool). Then put on the paper, sealed with Mod Podge & then covered with my Colores Doming Resin. Finally, I glued the buttons onto the flat charm pads & attached them to the bracelet.

To make the ring, I just glued a charm button onto the ring blank. The pendant uses the same coordinating paper on a Sudoku tile (much like a Scrabble tile).

Bingo! More Halloween Earrings

2009-10-27T10:34:00.000-04:00

Have to get in one last Halloween project--more earrings! I found this cute monster/Halloween paper to make earrings from bingo chips. The bingo chips are 5/8" in diameter & I have a circle punch just that size--yea! I love it when I don't have to trim or sand to get things to fit perfectly. I think the most fun part of making my paper-embellished jewelry is picking out the paper designs :-)

So, I always use a strong adhesive like SU! Crystal Effects to glue the paper to the chip--on things where the paper is the exact same size & so the resin may not even touch the chip, if it's not on securely, the paper, even covered with resin, can come right off! Ask me how I know...

Before spreading the waterproof Colores Doming Resin over the paper, I sealed it (front AND back) with Mod Podge--very important step!!

Once the resin cured (I leave it overnight), I screwed in the little eye-screws at the top (by hand--if you're patient, you don't need to drill a hole first) and attached the earwires.

This last picture shows the back of another pair so you can see what the bingo chips look like (I glue the paper to the actual back of the chip. The side with the numbers isn't smooth--besides, I think being able to see that something is a game piece makes it more interesting. For this pair, I'd actually drilled a hole through the chip and used an eye pin so that I could add a bead dangle. You could also just add a second eye screw too. I'm starting to get handy with the jewelry tools, I tell ya!

& if you really like my monster earrings--they're on sale in my etsy shop! (see side widget)

Haunted House Treats

2009-10-20T13:20:00.000-04:00

The Bradley Farm Haunted House asked me to sponsor a room this year so I made these Halloween treats using "Batty For You." I made about 300 of these for a "monster" to pass out to the kids as they go through "my" room. These are pretty easy to make--but 300 of them do take a while (there's a whole 'nother plastic bag not pictured)! There was a lot of gluing during So You Think You Can Dance! The candy sandwiched inside the black & pumpkin pie cardstock are peanut butter caramels. The wax paper is not very conducive to adhesive--Snail won't stay but Crystal Effects & Tombow Mono will--you just have to press & hold for a few seconds (so yeah, ---took a while!)

Tile Coasters

2009-10-13T13:29:00.000-04:00

I know I don't need any more new craft fair projects but I was reading on splitcoaststampers a discussion about them and decided I needed to try them. & when I try something, I end up making a bunch because I want to try different designs and then it's only worth it if I sell them & well...on it goes.

The main thing I learned is that there are tons of conflicting advice on the best way to make them. The consensus though is to use "tumbled" tiles from a home improvement store. These are the tiles that are porous and NOT glazed. I found ones that were 9 to a box so of course, I had to buy at least 4 boxes so I could have even sets of 4. I do recommend checking out each tile before buying though because they can be chipped or broken.

Next, I wiped off my tiles with a baby wipe front & back to get the dust off. Then I stamped the main images with Staz-on. Most of the tutorials say that if you use permanent inks or sharpies then you don't need to heat set the tiles to maintain the images. I'd probably heat set Staz-on before coloring with sharpies though just so the colors don't mix at all. I wanted to color mine with softer chalk ink so I did have to heat set. You can use regular chalks too with a Q-tip but I'd first put some Versamark on so the chalk stays better. I used a heat gun on mine after coloring with the chalk ink (most of the time I just used sponge daubers to color & then smudge with my finger to blend a little). I decided to be safe & went the extra step of baking the tiles in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. I just put them right on the rack. Finally, I sprayed them with acrylic matte sealer to protect the images from fading etc.

These coaster sets used Stampin' Up!'s retired "Summer by the Sea", retired "Celtic Knots" & the current "A Tree For All Seasons" (how did I live without that set until just last winter??) I could even see using some of them in a tile backsplash too!

Pumpkin Poop with My Digital Studio

2009-10-06T13:51:00.000-04:00

I needed something else for the fall festival I'm doing on Saturday & decided to make "Pumpkin Poop" for the first time. It's definitely not an original idea--you can see samples all over Splitcoaststampers (& that's where I got the poem). My take on it was to try my first project with My Digital Studio (Stampin' Up!'s new digital scrapbooking & card making program) to mass produce these puppies.

The "Eat, Drink & Be Scary" set is included in MDS--which is GREAT because I don't own it! I love that you can do some things with the program you can't with the real thing. For example, the "punches" can be resized so you can always mat them (like the curly label one here). Then, you always have a perfect bow. There isn't a Garden Green ribbon in "real life" either. Then, I didn't have to worry about the expense of using up all my brads either. One tip--give elements a drop shadow to add to the 3D illusion.

For the project itself, I was able to print out 10 of the white part on a piece of whisper white cardstock. Then I matted it with Garden Green cardstock folded over a cello bag of candy corn.

The only tricky thing is that MDS doesn't let you "divide" up a stamp yet to crop or color only part of it. However, because it does let you open an element in a different photo editting program, I was able to open the project in Photoshop Elements to color only the pumpkin "Pumpkin Pie". In MDS, click "Export to jpg" under "Share Project". Then just find the jpg to open it in your photo editting program.

Shrink Plastic Halloween Earrings

2009-09-29T13:44:00.001-04:00

Aren't these fun? The images are from the current SU! set "Batty For You" & the retired set "Bitty Boos." I made them with black shrink plastic (like Shrinky Dinks). I really like the black because I don't think it looks obvious that it's shrink plastic.

First, stamp the image (straight up & down--it's a slippery surface--you can sand it in a criss-cross pattern to prevent sliding if you don't have a steady hand). On black, I recommend Chalk Inks...they showed up much more vibrantly than Craft or pigment inks.

Then punch the image out (I used a 1 3/8" circle punch for the image & a 1/8" hole for the jump ring). Be very careful when punching because the ink can smear. Also, make sure you didn't get ink on your punch because then you could transfer it to the next image. Next, all you need is a heat tool to shrink them. I keep a paper piercer in the little hole to keep the plastic from blowing away when I'm trying to heat it. The finished size is about 1/2" in diameter--perfect for casual earrings.

Finally, just add jump rings & earring findings. Going to a Halloween party? Give the hostess a pair of "The ghostess with the mostest" earrings :)

Fall Festival Halloween Necklace

2009-09-21T11:37:00.002-04:00

I've just been confirmed to participate in a Fall Festival at the Brambleton Town Center in Ashburn, VA on Oct. 10, 2-7 pm--so I thought I'd post a Halloween project I made for it (I've got it for sale in my Etsy store too). I usually do Christmas fairs so it was fun for me to make some Halloween items. Come visit me if you're in the area!!

I'd make some glazed mini-domino pendants with this same skeleton and found out that boys liked them so I decided to make some that were a little simpler and geared towards the tween set with the leather necklaces. I colored them with chalk inks and dabbed gently with my finger or a make-up sponge until the colors looked blended. Next, heat set the ink with a heat gun. I found if I did that before stamping the main image, the stamp doesn't slide and the image is crisper. So the main image was stamped with black Staz-On. I used a sharpie to color the sides black.

I invested in a Dremel hand drill and mini-vise that clamps onto my desk this summer so drilling a little hole near the top of the domino was a cinch. Then I used a jump ring to add the domino to the necklace. I also made a bunch of girly ones too--I'll post when I get better pics but here's one...an Irish Dancer:

Custom Photo Pendant

2009-09-15T11:58:00.004-04:00

I finally had someone ask me to make a photo pendant of her grandbaby. I was psyched to try out a black and white photo on an Othello game piece (the back of the piece is black). And how could you go wrong with such a beautiful picture? The photographer is Kelly Mihalcoe.

This was my first time working with a digital print so I had some new challenges. Just like other papers, it has to be sealed first before you add the epoxy resin on top. I tried Mod Podge but found that it yellows the picture a little. Next, I used Krylon's Preserve It! in Matte Finish. It's kind of funny making a picture printed on glossy paper look matte, but whatever, that's what I had on hand & the epoxy made it look glossy again. Make sure you spray the front AND the back of the paper to seal it. Finally, I added a rhinestone to her hair for the finishing touch.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Name Frame

2009-09-08T12:16:00.004-04:00

I was asked to make a name frame for a little boy with an "Eric Carle"-themed bedroom. Hmmm. This is what I came up with:

SU's retired "Tart & Tangy" set was perfect for this. I punched holes through them to mimic the book. Then, the retired "Good Morning Sunshine" designer paper had this pear paper. I also used the coordinating pear stamp from the "Cheep Talk" set.

But the real challenge was how to make the caterpillar. Once I figured out how to achieve a similar look to the book, it was easy. I simply rubbed some craft spots across glossy paper (which came out looking like brushstrokes), then punched 1" circles out of each colored "stripe" on the paper. For the body I did a stripe of Old Olive & Summer Sun & a stripe of Garden Green & Night of Navy then alternated the circles. For the head, I made a stripe of Ruby Red with just a little Garden Green. The feet & antennae are horizontal punches in Close to Cocoa & Lavender Lace. For the eyes, I just punched holes in the red circle, then put a circle of Garden Green cardstock behind it. Then I drew around the eyes with Summer Sun marker (it just pushed the craft ink out of the way on the glossy surface). The frame, by the way is 12" x 5" & the Alpha Set for the name is Schoolbook Serif (I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig to get it nice & straight & Black Staz-On for a quick-drying crisp image).

Mucha Resin Link Bracelet

2009-08-31T10:49:00.003-04:00

I've expanded my jewelry-making to bracelets now. This is a link bracelet made with Alphonse Mucha images--I just love the art nouveau look! You can really use any images--your own photos or punched designer paper.

Since I bought these images as a digital collage sheet (from www.etsy.com --where I bought the bracelet blanks too, by the way), I had to print them on my computer, which required a step to seal them before adding resin. I used a Krylon spray specifically for protecting photos. After printing the images, spray both the front and the back of the paper, let it dry & then punch or cut them out.

They were already in a 3/4" circle size in pdf form but I needed them to be 11/16" to fit perfectly inside the link. I figured out I could re-size them by opening the pdf & then using the pdf photo tool to copy them onto the clipboard--IMPORTANT--make sure the "view" is more than 100% to maintain image quality--I put it on 150% just to be safe. Then I inserted the copy from the clipboard onto a blank 8 1/2" x 11" photo in Adobe Photoshop Elements. Nest, I resized the whole thing so the circles were 11/16" (by making the ruler visible). Then I saved it as a .tif so as to avoid any compression of the file. Next, I opened up Microsoft Publisher & inserted the tif onto a blank letter, resized the photo to letter size (this is to make sure it still prints to be the right size) & saved it as a pdf. I found that it still printed the best quality as a pdf rather than if I just printed it as a jpg--I'm sure other more computer savvy people can figure out their own way but if all you have is Microsoft Office & a non-professional photo-editing software, hopefully this will work for you too. Alot of these collage sheets are already sized for use on certain pieces (like scrabble tiles or dominos) but if you know how to resize, you can buy one size & re-use it!

Since I could not find a 11/16" circle punch to save my life, I simply had to cut the circles out. It was worth it though, because it's easier to add resin when the image fits nicely in the tray. So, the last step, of course, was to add my Colores Doming Resin--let it cure & viola--cute bracelet!

These five Mucha ladies represent the five months of my family's birthdays--so it can be a nice personal present. Below is a (little fuzzy) close-up of "April."

Outdoor Craft Fair: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly

2009-08-23T14:50:00.003-04:00

Saturday was the first time I’d done an outdoor craft fair (but I’ve done indoor ones for about four years now) & I have to say—not a big fan. The event was the first annual Catholic Heritage Festival for the Diocese of Arlington so there was a lot more going on than just the vendors. Here are my reflections on my experience as one of them:

So the Good—Friends & Family: my friend & downline Areana had a table with me and it was nice to share the day with her. More friends stopped by—our friend Erin, who isn’t even Catholic, drove out with her family. My family came to visit and there were kid activities to keep them happy and they got to see me “in action.” My friend JoEllen, her husband & four young kids helped me pack up quickly when the festival was closed due to a storm coming. I also met a few new stamping diehards for my newsletter and got nice compliments on my display.

The Bad: I couldn’t sleep the night before because the weather forecast was poor and I was sure they’d cancel it completely—kind of stressed me out because I’d already packed the car and worked so hard for so long. The weather held off for quite awhile (albeit it got annoyingly windy) but then they did cut the festival short by about 2 hours due to a lightning storm coming (metal tents=bad place). We were on top of a hill too—not good. There wasn’t much activity the first hour and a half either because there was a mass & mass + shopping = sacrilegious. So there was only about 2 hours of “shopping” but then a lot of people didn’t come to the festival to shop—therein lies the risk of doing a craft fair in conjunction with a larger event. So, while I got some nice feedback, the sales were less than hoped for L. I know it couldn’t be helped but I left a little discouraged nonetheless. The bright side is that I got all my stuff packed up before the rain hit (rain + paper products=disaster).

& the Ugly: So I managed to escape unscathed (ironically, it was at the Bull Run Park near Manassas, site of the famous Civil War battle, and there was a shooting range nearby that I could hear as I drove away—adding to the drama or maybe I’m just easily amused), but then had the perfect end to my day AFTER pulling into our dry garage. When I opened up the door to the van, my box full o f paper items fell out and dumped everything in a puddle that had formed from the rain on the van! Triage was quick. Then, when I brought in my big magnetic board with all my domino magnets on it, I noticed little teeny ants crawling all over it! A sheet I’d left under a table and placed on top of the board had collected the unwelcome visitors & in our rush to pack up, had not been noticed. Sigh.

The Aftermath: Luckily, after the initial shock of puddles and ants, in the end there wasn’t much lasting damage. I did do some soul-searching regarding my crafting hobby though. My conclusion—when this seems to feel like a job, it’s time to cut back! If anyone has insights on how to moderate/balance making enough stuff to have for a craft fair yet still remain sane/don’t bite your kids heads off—please share!!! I’ll be working on that over the next few months (Lord knows I have enough stuff now for the rest of my holiday shows!)

Me & my Shtuff. I went a little nuts with Vistaprint —notice the matching banner & my t-shirt. Then, I also got new business cards, business magnets, a car magnet AND a hat (my daughter was wearing it). It was all “Free” (just paid more than usual shipping). Vistaprint isn’t paying me for this, but it’s great fun if you want a few more marketing items!

Areana's Table. Check out the fun headbands--made from sealed paper! We'll get her to guest-blog about them :-)

Barrettes anyone? The Disney Princess ones were popular.

Quality Control. Then, as you can see, I've become obsessed with making jewelry...think I have enough rings & pendants??

Embellish It Yourself Mini-Albums

2009-08-18T21:52:00.007-04:00

Here are a few mini-albums for Saturday's craft fair. These were made with SU!'s Scallop Circle and Clear Scallop Square dies. I first used SU's Glue Stick to adhere the paper on chipboard (mostly the stuff that comes with packs of paper) before running it through the Big Shot. Only the front and back are chipboard and then I added cardstock inside for the pages (also run through the Big Shot).

I tried a variety of themes and then created a little bag of coordinating embellishments so people had a choice. For example, in the first picture, the image from "Special Blessings" lends itself to a wedding, baptism, first communion etc. so I offered all those sentiments. Next, I broke out the Sticky Cuts and glitter for tween albums.

Finally, I used the new "Pony Party" and the retired "Prehistoric Pals" for a girl or boy birthday album respectively. For the boy embellishments, I used the new "Look Who's Turning" stamp set and provided all the numbers so someone can pick the age the kid is turning. This project makes a great gift and still lets someone else add their personal touch.

Craft Fair Countdown...

2009-08-03T12:16:00.004-04:00

Well, my first craft fair of the season is less than three weeks away (the Catholic Heritage Festival at Bull Run Park, Manassas, VA Aug. 22--come visit!) and I'm going on vacation next week so here's a "double post" since I'm going to try my darndest to avoid the computer for awhile--some photo binder clips I've made to sell and a new display idea I picked up fromKerry on splitcoaststampers.com. (Love the free sharing of ideas on that site!!)

First off, some jumbo binder clips (from Staples) that I altered to hold photos. I used retired Simply Scrappin' Kits for these. My SU! glue sticks hold the paper on very nicely & then dimensionals pop the images out. Note the snowflake on the Christmas one--that's the new SU! Snowflake punch.

This next version of the photo binder clips uses some that were on clearance at Staples. They had a round end and were too top-heavy to stand upright so I turned them on their sides. I used the Batty For You stamp set and a random soccer ball stamp I had. Luckily, SU! colors coordinated nicely with the clips. I dipped the images in a Versamark Pad, covered in Clear Embossing Powder and embossed (2 layers to get a nice smooth glass-like appearance).

Now, here's a little preview of a new display idea I got from Kerry: using upended wire shelving! She used these for a craft fair to add height and I loved the idea. I also have this area in front of the folding doors of our furnace and it was the perfect solution for adding more organizational space. I can still move it easily if we need to service the furnace and I can then use it for my craft fairs too. These are 6 ft. high & tied together with plastic cable cord ties--got it all at Lowe's. Right now they're just leaning against the doors but for the craft fairs, I'll use Kerry's idea of bungee cords to secure them to the table since there won't be a wall to lean them against.

I got the "S" hooks and long narrow basket from the IKEA kitchen section. My punches are on a towel rack I found at a thrift store. I rigged this other wire basket with some yarn so that it'd hang. More counter space was saved by using S hooks to hang my brown & pink organizer tote too.

See you in a couple of weeks :)

Notebook & Beaded Pen Sets

2009-07-29T16:28:00.003-04:00

I took a break from my making-jewelry obsession to make a few altered composition notebooks with matching beaded pens. I like making these because I can do a lot in front of the TV :)

I made these for my craft fairs last year too and sold out of them so y'know--had to make more! (I sell them for $7 if you're curious. When I sell them alone, the beaded pens go for $2.50.) I always stick with Stampin' Up! designer papers, ribbon & stamps for these because everything coordinates easily,which saves me a lot of time when creating in bulk.

The first set is from the retired Rockabilly Specialty Paper (with tweeners in mind). My seven year old son wants the rock star one of course. That stamp is from the "Little Something" retired hostess set.

This second set uses the retired Good Morning Sunshine paper & coordinating stamp ("Cheep Talk") & retired rub-ons. I also used the Scallop Circles #2 die & the Circle Scissors Plus.

This last one uses the retired Raspberry Tart paper and more dies--SU! Birds & Blooms Sizzlet and SU! Sweetest Stem embosslit.

Few nitty gritties...some people make these by folding the paper over and then covering the inside covers. I simply cut very close to the edge, adhere (with SU! glue sticks), trim off excess and sand the edges. My 5 year old daughter has a notebook I made a year ago and it's withstood her um, lack of order without coming apart so I stand by my methods. My year old pen has held up well too.

I use Pentel RSVP pens--some people roll the paper up and insert it inside the pen. I didn't think you could see much of the paper, so I use sticky tape (the 1 1/2" wide Scor-Tape) to adhere it to the outside of the clear barrel and then use the tape again to adhere the ribbon & then clear micro-beads. SU! now sells Sticky Sheets so you could also cut those to size and use them too. Be sure not to adhere the bottom of the pen while making these because then you can't open them to refill the ink (one of the main selling points of these pens!) Also, add the paper & tape with the cap on--otherwise, you might not be able to close it all the way if you take it off. I also use sticky tape (the 1/4" kind) to adhere my ribbon to the notebooks.

Finally, I love to add some final bling to my images so if you look closely, you'll see I added Stickles to the first two sets and colored half-back pearl embellishments to the last one.

Ribbon of Hope

2009-07-23T14:38:00.003-04:00

Do you watch So You Think You Can Dance? Well, if you saw last night's episode, Ade & Melissa, to much acclaim, did a beautiful dance about a woman who has breast cancer. How ironic that I was putting the ribbons on my new domino pins made with Stampin' Up!'s Ribbon of Hope stamp as I was watching it!

I added this set (which is really not a set, just one individual stamp on the last page of the catalog for just $7.95) to my last order on a last minute whim and I'm so glad I did. Did you know there's a color associated with pretty much every cause? It's an interesting thing to google. Anyway, that's a versatile stamp.

So, pretty similar to the Christmas ornament domino pins or magnets I make for craft fairs, I decided to do something with this set. I'm making them into pins & I'll also attach an elastic cord so they can be ornaments too. I made these with Staz-On inks and then covered the whole domino with Iridescent Ice embossing powder. For the breast cancer pin, I just wrote "HOPE" myself with a black sharpie.

A few tips when working with the Staz-On. Because it's a solid image stamp and the domino surface is slippery, the stamped image looks mottled at first. To smooth it out, I used a blender pen. It also pushed the color around enabling me to get that darker around the edges dimensional effect. If you get a stray mark outside your image, a Versamarker will clean it up! The yellow image was really light after embossing, so for more definition, I outlined it with a darker yellow fine-tip Bic Mark-It permanent marker (yes, you can write OVER the embossing powder, pretty cool). Since SU! doesn't make a yellow ribbon, it occurred to me to make the ribbons red, white & blue for the "Support Our Troops" pin. I live in a military-heavy area, so here's hoping these go over well :)

Deal of the Week!

2009-07-20T14:44:00.002-04:00

This week's deal is item #112454 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware on page 178 of the SU! Idea Book & Catalog! Regularly $29.95, from July 20, 10 AM (MT) through July 27, 9:50 AM (MT), it's only $18.99!

Scratch, Sniff & Smear!

2009-07-17T12:57:00.003-04:00

Let's do a card, shall we? This one uses the new in-colors, Circle Circus set and Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. I know, it's been awhile...

For my last technique club, I got a request to do a "scratch & sniff" card. So, this is my good faith effort. It's a really easy technique to do but the results are mixed I think.

First, you mix 1 teaspoon kool-aid with 1 1/2 teaspoon clear embossing powder--make sure you use the kool-aid with no sugar because you don't want a carmelized card after heat embossing. Stamp your image in Versamark or with craft ink; sprinkle on mixture & heat set.

The problem I ran into was really having the right color kool-aid and smearing--I used the orange from the Tart & Tangy stamp set but the "Mixed Berry" kool-aid is purpley, so I had to settle for what hopefully passes as a red grapefruit. Then, the kool-aid granules kind of smeared a bit when you touch the image. Maybe it helps to wait a little before handling the image? I don't know because I was impatient. The good news is that it really does smell good & stays that way for a while (good to know if you want to mail it). My friend Danielle can attest that it tastes good too (she couldn't resist, it smelled too good--hee).

Adventures in Resin: Part 2--Magic Glos

2009-07-11T13:56:00.003-04:00

Quick update on my resin experimentation...yesterday I tried using Magic Glos to go over the pendants I'd sealed with my first batch of Colores Doming Resin but were still sticky because I hadn't mixed well enough. Sorry to say, it was pretty much a failure.

Magic Glos is a UV resin, which means it needs either a UV lamp or sunshine to cure but then it cures pretty quickly--maybe in 20 minutes. When I tried putting it over the sticky areas, I noticed that the Magic Glos didn't stay put and the surface got bumpy and uneven as it cured. I was able to remove the Magic Glos crust (reminded me of "Magic Shell", that chocolate coating that hardens on ice cream).

So I tried Colores again on the sticky ones. Some were still salvageable but the backs were pretty messy from the first batch running under. I had to just throw out a couple because they were just a tad sticky still. I must've really done a poor job mixing on those because the Colores from the first batch was still running out from under the new curing Colores. Ugh.

Back to Magic Glos...I'm sure there are some projects that it's great for but I don't really like it for covering pendants. Even if I didn't have the Colores underneath, it still cures too quickly to be confident you have time to fix bubbles or rhinestone placement. Plus, I felt like I had to babysit it so it actually takes longer than using Colores which I can leave inside covered and go about my business. If you cover Magic Glos, you run the risk of the UV light not being able to get to it. I guess investing in a UV lamp and working inside would solve that problem. I tried it on just plain paper which you have to seal with tape or laminate--can't use mod podge or other water-based glaze--and that's kind of a pain to trim around the image to get the extra tape off (got bumpy edges. Plus, I had to apply several layers to get a dome-like effect (which meant even more time).

So, now that I know how to use it correctly, I'm sticking with Colores. I'll have to come up with something else for the Magic Glos because I hate the idea of wasting $10!

Adventures in Resin: New & Improved Pendants

2009-07-09T13:29:00.003-04:00

I hate to say it, but Crystal Effects wasn't cutting it for my pendants. After my daughter's first swim meet of the season, I noticed my baby footprint mini-domino pendant (see a few posts ago) wasn't quite so shiny and almost cloudy in one place. I knew I had to upgrade my pendant sealant to a waterproof one if I wanted to sell them.

When I first started making them, I read all about the different ways to seal them and settled on the non-toxic, less-mess route of Crystal Effects or Diamond Glaze. So I knew about epoxy resins but didn't get past the "make sure you ventilate the room" part. I was intimidated. But, my desire to produce quality, lasting work prevailed and just last week I took the plunge into a new world.

After a lot of reading, I settled on "Colores Doming Resin" because it was supposed to be less smelly and have a step or two less than other 2-part epoxies. Colores comes with an 8 0z. bottle of hardener and an 8 oz. bottle of resin which is enough to make hundreds of pendants (but only has a shelf-life of six months so don't buy a lot at once--on etsy, I sold off the second kit I'd bought when I realized I'd never use it! The kit also came with stir sticks (essentially popsicle sticks which you can find at a craft store) and little plastic measuring/mixing cups, which was quite useful because I haven't been able to find them in local stores. It turns out you can re-use these plastic cups if you let the remaining resin cure in them and then peel it out.

Cool--saved some money there because the 12 cups that came with the kit was not going to be enough! You see, this stuff is only workable on a pendant for about 45 minutes to an hour so I quickly learned with my first batch of the full 1 oz. cup that I couldn't use it all in the amount of time. I figured out that I can do about 30 pendants with 1/2 oz in that time. I only did that many at a time because I re-glazed all my existing pendants with the epoxy. So, yes! You can put this stuff OVER the non-toxic glazes. I couldn't find the answer to that question anywhere so I just crossed my fingers it would work. A good overview on epoxy resin can be found here.

The stuff does smell...but not too badly. You should invest in some preventative measures and make sure your workspace is well-ventilated; I bought safety glasses & latex gloves at Walmart and used a dust mask, which doesn't protect your lungs, but at least it kept me from feeling irritated or smelling the stuff. I saw a demo video for it and they weren't wearing the mask. It's recommended that you get a filter mask if you're working this stuff every day.

The demo video gives great tips--definitely mix for the recommended time (about 5 minutes) and let it sit until clear. On my first batch I must not have mixed well enough because my first few pendants are still sticky (not cured thoroughly) days later. Luckily, I stopped and stirred some more because the rest of that batch turned out fine. Also, if you put it on too soon when it's really liquidy, be careful because it's more likely to run--especially if your surface isn't very level. I actually like working with the resin after it's been sitting for about 20 minutes because it's easier to spread when it's thicker. You should really seal your images well with mod-podge or a thin brush of diamond glaze first so that the resin can't soak in or under the image. This happened with some of my pendants and was really noticeable on white or double-sided paper (see pics below). The casualties (like the bird) that I can't sell are now proudly in my daughter's jewelry box. Some, like the skull, still kind of worked because of the image or color, thank goodness.

The ones that are still sticky I'm going to re-do with a new UV non-toxic resin called Magic Glos. It doesn't have to be mixed so it'll be good for doing pendants here and there when I need to. It's also a lot more expensive (got my 1 0z. bottle for $10 with free shipping from www.artbeads.com). 1 Oz. will only make about 60 pendants so if you're making a lot, it's not cost effective. I'll let you know how those turn out!

So, in review, I'd recommend Colores--the pendants (where I followed directions) turned out beautifully!

Deal of the Week!

2009-07-07T10:28:00.004-04:00

This week's deal, from July 6, 10 AM (MT) through July 13, 9:50 AM (MT),
is item # 113474 on pg. 194: The Sizzix Big Shot Doctor's Bag....regularly $69.95, sale price is just $49.99!

The New Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog!

2009-07-01T10:10:00.002-04:00

The NEW 2009-2010 Stampin’ Up! Idea Book & Catalog goes live today at noon (MT)! Peruse online at www.stamp4life.stampinup.net.

Promotions:
1) For the month of July, we’re having a “deal of the week.” This week’s deal (until July 6) is the Scallop Edge punch on sale for $10.99 (normally $15.95).

2) Mini Starter Kit for New Demonstrators Promotion:
Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with the limited-time $85 Mini Starter Kit from July 15 – August 31, 2009. The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:

Item Code Page #* Description Retail Value**
115360 118 For All You Do stamp set $28.95
115658 155 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115656 155 Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115659 155 Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115654 155 Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115655 155 Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115657 155 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
100730 155 Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.50
115315 155 In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.95

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

Signing up is really easy—you can do it through my SU! website (the password is “cheaptherapy”) when you click on "Join SU!". The Mini Starter Kit will be listed as an option on the Independent Demonstrator Agreement (IDA).

Custom Baby Footprint Pendant

2009-06-23T13:56:00.005-04:00

While trying to live up to the "Stamp 4 Life" name, I came up with a mini-domino pendant design to honor babies and moms with this special baby footprint pendant that can be decorated with rhinestones to represent each child in a family.

It's now for sale in my etsy store and $3 from the sale of this pendant will be donated to Tepeyac Family Center, a non-profit that helps women in crisis pregnancies.

This pendant is:
• Made from a mini-domino (about 1” x ½”).
• Handstamped and colored with alcohol inks in colors of your choosing.
• Sealed with waterproof epoxy resin.
• Completed with a silver-plated jewelry bail and rhinestones (I'll use clear unless you request special colors, such as those of your child's birthstone).

The one with three rhinestones is my personal one to represent my three kids. The others are custom orders. The one with blue and red rhinestones are the birthstones of the kids.

Teacher Pin Sets: More Altered Game Pieces

2009-06-17T13:44:00.004-04:00

Some of my craft fair projects might seem pretty random..."how'd she think to do that?" you might wonder. Well, often it's just because I find myself in the possession of something and I don't want to waste it. For example, I love visiting a local thrift store to pick up board games for the pieces now that I'm in the business of making pendants from them. However, this store tapes the games shut so sometimes it's a crapshoot and the pieces aren't suitable for pendants (but I don't know that until after I buy the game). Thus, I try to figure out something else to do with the game pieces.

So today's project is a case in point. I found a game of Rummikub in this thrift store and bought it, hoping that one side of the game piece was blank, flat and stamp-able like a domino. Unfortunately, it's not. Earlier this year, I made a set of all-occasion teacher pins for a friend so I thought to do that with the Rummikub tiles (there are TONS in one game). They turned out to be much easier to make than dealing with all my punches and the Melting Pot!

First, I just cut a piece of white cardstock to fit on top of the tile. Next, I stamped and colored images for six holidays. Then, I adhered the cardstock to the tile using a thin layer of Crystal Effects. I outlined each image with a metallic Glaze pen for a finishing touch. Then, I pushed the whole thing into a Versamark pad, sprinkled with UTEE and melted with my heat tool. A second layer of UTEE would have made it look smoother but I kind of liked the "puddle" look of just one layer so I kept it that way. Finally, I used a drop of E6000 adhesive to attach the pinbacks.

Since I do a couple of craft fairs at schools, I'm hoping they'll make good teacher gifts!

End of the Year Teacher Gifts

2009-06-08T10:52:00.003-04:00

Need an idea for a class teacher gift? I made two 8" x 8" albums for my son's first grade teacher and her aide. The room mothers went into the class & for each child, took a photo, had them press a thumbprint (pink ink for girls, blue for boys) onto two scrap pieces of cardstock & gave them two 6" x 6" piece of (cheap) cardstock on which to write a thank you message to each teacher.

Then, they passed everything on to me to assemble into the album. I ordered the simple black "SEI" albums & cheap cardstock off JoAnn's (all the supplies, including what I used of mine came to $20). I couldn't bear to give the kids my good SU! cardstock to write on...what can I say? I'm very protective of it :)

I loved these albums because the black matte covers immediately made me think of chalkboards & you can stamp on them. So, I used SU!'s retiring ABC Alphas, Images & wheel sets to create the cover. I stamped everything in Versamark, sprinkled white detail embossing powder & heat set to get the bright white chalk look. I colored in the images with Watercolor Crayons, covered in Versamark Marker and clear embossed to protect the images. (The apple die-cut was a thrift store find!) Tip: When using Alpha stamps, if you don't have punctuation stamps, just write them in with Versamarker and then emboss--I did that here and I think it worked out well.

On the inside, I just adhered the kid's messages in the middle of the page. Then I but 6" x 3/4" scraps on each side (more work but saves your supplies & money). In each corner I stamped a little image. I used the Wide Oval Punch to punch out each thumbprint and drew little arms & legs on them. I'd printed each kid's headshot cropped into a circle so I didn't have to use much ink. Then I could easily punch out each "head" with a 1 1/4" circle punch (blacked out in the photo above). Then I adhered each little "person" onto the page.

Hope they like them!

Changes to the Last Chance List

2009-06-03T10:09:00.001-04:00

There have been slight changes to the Last Chance stamp and accessories lists. The following stamp sets have been removed from the Last Chance stamp list and will be available for purchase from the dormant list during the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog sales period.

113732: Central Park (added June 8)
113688: Wonderful Watercolors (added June 8)

114494 Forever
114492 Beautiful Baby
114486 Birthday Wish
114490 Glad Friends
114498 Flowers in Silhouette
114496 Celebrations
114488 Fun Flowers
114032 Acurelas Maravillosas

Also, the following items were added to the Last Chance accessories list and are available for purchase while supplies last.
116209 Note of Thanks
116210 Birthdays Count

Last Chance List is Here!

2009-06-01T08:20:00.010-04:00

Stampin' Up! is breaking out a new (year-long) catalog on July 1 so some things are leaving us to make room for the new. Here's the list of accessories (& below that, decor elements--at 25% off!) that is going the way of the dodo bird. Once the accessories sell out, they are gone. Stamps (click on picture above) should be available right up until July1.

ACCESSORIES
Some items are for sale while supplies last!
Item # Product Description Price Discount Sale Price Availability
112735 RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
112970 LO MEJOR DE TODO 19.95 0.5 9.98 Available
105143 DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 FR 9.95 0.5 4.98 Out of Stock
113888 RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
109044 PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
111364 RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8"8.95 0.5 4.48 Available
106961 STAZON REFILL WHITE 4.95 0.5 2.48 Out of Stock
114341 COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available
114316 RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS 13.95 0.5 6.98 Available
111414 RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available
114351 DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available
114338 COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available
114019 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available
114317 RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP 12.95 0.5 6.48 Available
102875 HEMP TWINE RED 2.95 0.5 1.48 Available
101259 HEMP TWINE BLACK 2.95 0.5 1.48 Available
113979 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS 7.95 0.5 3.98 Available
114350 DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available
111363 RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4" 7.95 0.25 5.96 Available
111365 RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED 6.95 0.25 5.21 Available
111847 RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1" 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available
111371 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
111373 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
111372 RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
113884 RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT 10.95 0.25 8.21 Out of Stock

114318 RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET 12.95 0.25 9.71 Available
111374 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
111370 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
111415 RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available
113887 RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS 11.95 0.25 8.96 Available
111416 RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available
111338 NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II 12.95 0.25 9.71 Available
111879 RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA 7.95 0.25 5.96 Available
111277 RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available
110730 DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available
107272 PUNCH KEY TAG 15.95 0.25 11.96 Available
113980 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
111375 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Out of Stock

112010 DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN 8.95 0.25 6.71 Out of Stock
113991 TASTE OF TEXTILES 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available
101399 STIPPLE BRUSHES 6.95 0.25 5.21 Available
112092 BUTTON BOUQUET 7.95 0.25 5.96 Out of Stock
112139 NOTES CAROUSEL II 11.95 0.25 8.96 Out of Stock
111336 NOTES SCALLOP II 11.95 0.25 8.96 Available
111840 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT 2.95 Available
111841 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO 2.95 Available
111843 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE 2.95 Available
11183 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED 2.95 Available
111842 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS 2.95 Available
112161 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS 9.95 Available
112042 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN 9.95 Available
112156 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE 9.95 Available
112150 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT 9.95 Available
112153 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO 9.95 Available
111844 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE 2.95 Out of Stock
111836 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED 5.95 Available
111838 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE 5.95 Available
113966 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE 9.95 Available
109123 STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN 3.25 Out of Stock
113981 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS 9.95 Available
112157 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE 9.95 Out of Stock

113975 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART 9.95 Available
114037 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER 11.95 Available
113978 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS 9.95 Available
112041 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE 9.95 Out of Stock
112468 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS 9.95 Out of Stock
111834 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO 5.95 Available
114039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY 11.95 Available
108590 CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12 8.95 Out of Stock

111337 NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II 9.95 Available
112471 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET 9.95 Out of Stock
112464 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER 9.95 Available
112006 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II 14.95 Available
111837 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT 5.95 Out of Stock
112461 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE 9.95 Out of Stock
113993 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE 11.95 Available
112155 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED 9.95 Available
111353 CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Available
111348 CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Available
112172 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY 19.95 Out of Stock

100900 GIFT SACKS WHITE 2.95 Available
114605 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS 42.95 Out of Stock

102264 COLUZZLE STARTER KIT 19.95 Out of Stock
111346 CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12 8.95 Available
111835 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS 5.95 Out of Stock
111350 CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Out of Stock
105668 TATTOO KIT I 13.95 Out of stock
111349 CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Available
109231 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS 54.95 Available
111351 CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11 5.50 Available
112165 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL 19.95 Out of Stock
113950 DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE 8.95 Available
111345 CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12 11.95 Available
105669 TATTOO KIT II 13.95 Out of stock
111833 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE 5.95 Available
113936 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES 19.95 Out of Stock
111347 CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11 7.95 Out of Stock
107288 ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LARGE 5.50 Available
104310 CRAFTERS TOOL KIT 39.95 Available
111352 CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11 5.50 Available
113943 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET 19.95 Available
113925 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS 19.95 Available
112179 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES 19.95 Available
113911 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN 19.95 Out of Stock
112054 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER 19.95 Out of Stock
111253 Blooms & Bulbs 6.50 Available
109684 Doodle 8.50 Available
111257 Happy, Happy Birthday 8.50 Available
109692 Love 6.50 Available
109568 My ABCs 6.50 Out of Stock
109682 Perfectly Pretty 6.50 Out of Stock
109687 See You Around 8.50 Available
109683 So Swirly 8.50 Available
111260 Something Fishy 8.50 Available
111262 Stems & Silhouettes 8.50 Available
105516 Watercolor Joy 6.50 Available

116209 Note of Thanks
116210 Birthdays Count

Last Chance Decor Elements

"Pseudo Emboss Resist" Domino Magnets

2009-05-27T11:55:00.003-04:00

I've been having a lot of fun recently with alcohol inks. I also love altering game pieces. Put the two together and you can make some pretty dominos! To make the two "white" ones, I stamped images from SU!'s Pocket Silhouettes in Versamark on the dominos, sprinkled with clear embossing powder & heat set. Then, I colored with different combinations of alcohol inks until I liked them. The cool thing about alcohol inks is that if you don't like the results, just dab with the blending solution to lighten or remove ink & try again. For the domino in the middle, I stamped the image AFTER coloring with inks, sprinkled with gold embossing powder and heat set.

Finally, to remove the ink and get the clean, white image, simply heat the image again (after coloring) & wipe off with a clean cloth. The alcohol ink comes off. I discovered this while playing one day (was trying to do an emboss resist technique but the alcohol inks still stick to embossed images so it doesn't work like it would with water-based dyes--hence "pseudo emboss resist").

Stick a bit of magnet on the back, & I have pretty things to sell at craft fairs :).

Reverse Mask a Fish Bowl

2009-05-20T18:46:00.004-04:00

For technique club this month, I wanted to show "reverse masking" and an image of a fish bowl popped into my head--I have no idea why. This technique is so simple! For this card, the first thing I did was stamp the fish in Cameo Coral craft ink, sprinkled clear embossing powder over it & heat set it with my heat tool. For the fish bowl, I cut a 2 1/2" circle out of some cheap cardstock with my Circle Scissors Plus to make the mask. I placed the hole of the scrap cardstock over where I wanted the fish bowl to be & laid a piece of post-it note over the very top. Then I sponged around the edge of the hole with Going Gray to get the outline of the fish bowl. After lowering the post-it note a little, I sponged the rest of the hole in with Baja Breeze. Then, I rolled the fish wheel right over the bowl in Night of Navy & wiped the coral fish clean of any ink. Then, I placed another piece of cardstock down right at the edge of the bowl and sponged Going Gray all along the bottom of the card so the bowl would be sitting on something. The base of the bowl is a Word Window punch.

This beautiful Christmas card was given to me at a swap probably two years ago and was the inspiration for my next reverse masking sample.

For my (more spring-like) sample, I first cut a rectangle out of a scrap piece of cardstock using my trimmer & placed the opening over a piece of Whisper White cardstock. Then I sponged Lavender Lace all over the open rectangle. Next, I took a flower from "Petal Pizzazz" & used the "step off" technique to stamp inside the rectangle. I'd stamp one time with all the ink, then stamp a second time without inking up again or I'd do the full ink on a piece of scrap paper & the second stamp inside the rectangle until it was completely covered in flowers. The last little touch was a full-on ink stamp over the boundary of the rectangle and then embellishing with 2-Way Glue & SU!'s Purple glitter. This technique is a great choice for one-layer cards!

Congrats Mini-Album

2009-05-13T10:11:00.004-04:00

I love being able to make projects for a specific reason--like a gift! A friend of mine needed a gift for her friend who's graduating from college (in middle-age too--an impressive feat!) So, I whipped up this simple album using the Scallop Circle die & Big Shot. The outside covers are chipboard covered with the retired "Ginger Blossoms" paper. The inside pages are just cardstock--the retired Groovy Guava & River Rock. This album took four runs through the Big Shot, four punches with the Crop-a-Dile, attach Jumbo Pewter eyelet & assemble with a D-Ring. So easy! Totally gave me ideas for my craft fairs!

For the "Embrace Life" flower, I stamped in Versamark & then River Rock, sprinkled with Clear Embossing Powder & melted with my heat tool. Then I used Groovy Guava & Ruby Red inkpads & an aquapainter to watercolor. Any "overlapping" wipes off the embossing with a rag so the River Rock outline stays crisp. Used the the Circle Scissors Plus to cut out the circles (using serious adhesive on the back--otherwise, the paper moves around.)

The only embellishment I made to the inside was on the back inside cover with this sweet sentiment & punched flower. Otherwise, I punched & glittered a bunch of flowers & put in a baggie so the recipient could add them where she'd like (a great idea for craft fairs I think).

New Pendants at My Etsy Store!

2009-05-05T16:42:00.003-04:00

I've been really obsessed lately with making altered game piece pendants--from Scrabble tiles, Othello chips & mini dominos. I'm sure if I can find something else that works, I'll use that too! Hunting through thrift stores is just part of the fun. Of course, it's a lee-tle early for craft fair season, so I've started listing them in my Etsy store (see sidebar over to the left).

Yesterday I looked up how to make a light box to try to get better pictures of them but as you can probably tell, it's still a work in progress! I still don't think the pictures do them justice. My personal favorites to make are the mini dominos because the plastic surface lets me get my hands dirty with alcohol inks. I love combining the various colors and coming up with unique looks every time. Plus, while I've definitely seen others do versions of paper on game pieces to make the pendants, I haven't seen actual stamping so hopefully I'm bringing something a little new to the game :-)

& In case you're wondering, one bottle of Crystal Effects can seal about 100 of these puppies!

Cheep Talk Scenes

2009-04-27T11:41:00.004-04:00

For technique club this month, I decided to try emboss resist a la Michelle Zindorff (if you've never seen her brayering style, check it out! She's amazing). So here's my own twist using the retro sets "Cheep Talk" and "Trendy Trees."

Use Versamark (pad or marker) on your stamps, then either color with your markers or dip in a classic stamp pad. Stamp your image, then sprinkle on clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool. In order, I did the branch, birds, then trees. Do one tree at a time to get the layered effect. Lastly, is the the background scene. In the top card, I used sponges and torn paper to create the hills (kiwi kiss, old olive and creamy caramel for shadow), then did the sky (bashful blue with a little yoyo yellow over it). You can go all over the embossed images with ink because after you're done with the background, you can just take a clean cloth and wipe the ink off the images. To add highlights I used a white paint pen over the embossed images (I tried a white gel pen but it didn't work on embossing very well). Finally, I sponged brilliant blue all around the edge of the card.

In the second card (the first one I tried, actually), I used a brayer in the background using Creamy Caramel for the "ground" and Baja Breeze for the "sky." I didn't really like it so after making the other card, I came back to this and added the hills. It made the Creamy Caramel look like a beach so I added white gel pen for "sea foam" and viola--the sky became the ocean instead.

I really love this technique because it allows you to make real scenes that look like paintings (awesome for people like me who just WISH they could paint!). It is more time consuming and detailed of course, but the results for a very special card (maybe even worth framing!) are well worth it.

Mother's Day Mini-Album

2009-04-15T19:03:00.003-04:00

I made this Accordian Mini-Album as a sample for a Mother's Day gift class I'm having May 1 (if you're local to DC--there are still a few spots left!). I learned how to make it at my local Stampin' Up! group's recent meeting. I also got the idea for the butterfly from that meeting too. You simply wrap a ribbon around the butterfly (made from SU!'s Butterfly Die), add Sticky Strip and ribbon.

If you email me, I can send you a file with the instructions from my meeting but I'm not sure if I should post them directly on here. Basically, you'll need a Large Scallop Die and a Big Shot.

To decorate the album, I used Bella Rose Designer Paper, Red Riding Hood
and Kiwi Kiss 12 x 12 cardstock. The stamps are from a few different sets, including: All Holidays, Enjoy the Moment, Stitched Exotics, God's Blessings and Fifth Avenue Floral. (The sentiment under the first photo and after "Enjoy" is: "the little things" with a pic of my kids). I was really pleased with the way it all came together as a special Mother's Day gift!

Sports Mini-Coaster Album

2009-04-09T16:16:00.003-04:00

My brain's a bit mushy right now--I've been organizing our church & school's Silent Auction & I don't know if I'm coming or going. So forgive me for not being very specific about this latest project. It just so happens that I made it for the Sports-themed basket my son's class is donating to the auction.

I housed the little album, made from Outback Steakhouse coasters, in this ancient box. I had it in my closet and the label on it had font from the 1960s I think. Crazy. So, just like last post--finally a use for it! I didn't have to distress it or anything cuz it's legitimately OLD. I just wrapped some paper around it from an old Simply Scrappin' kit. How 'bout that Jumbo Grommet from the new mini-catty?

I used the Crop-a-Dile, Jumbo Eyelets and some office store D-rings to make the album. The paper on the coasters are all from retired Simply Scrappin' kits. This is the cover--thank goodness for the Stamp-a-ma-jig for the All in the Family & Accessories stamp sets!

I also used a bunch of SU! sports stamps & the retired Starstruck in the album too. The sports brads are from Around the Block. I made the pages so that you could stand the album up and display either side.

Door Prize Surprise

2009-03-31T10:11:00.003-04:00

You know how you have some things hanging around for ages that seemed like they were crying to be altered but you never got around to it? Well, I've had this Chipboard box since Recollections went out of business over a year ago I think. Or was it two years? Anyway, I even tried selling it off at a garage sale with no takers. I'm glad I didn't because it occurred to me it'd make a pretty advertisement for our products while holding door prizes for my workshops & classes!

The stamped image is from "Inspired by Nature" (on the dormant list). I used my watercolor crayons to color the stamp directly, spritzed with water & stamped on Very Vanilla. Then I cut it & the mat out with the new Circle Scissors Plus. I've resigned myself to the fact that you really do have to tape the paper down (SU! recommends dotto) or the paper moves & your circle is all messed up. At first I didn't like the idea of putting adhesive on paper, but I'm going to adhere it later anyway & dotto on the glass mat doesn't rip the paper off so I'm ok with it now. I can't tell you how many other "solutions" I tried though before just doing as I was told! lol.

The paper is the Sale-a-Bration paper & I used the large scallop & butterfly dies (love!) Got the idea to use Sticky Strip & glitter for the butterfly's body at our local SU! group's meeting. The Thank You stamp & scalloped oval punch are coming up in the Occasions Mini!

For the door prizes, I then made a bunch of little "love note" card kits that contain one stamp, a black stamp spot, cardstock for one 3"x 3" card & some ribbon.

Easter Workshop Projects

2009-03-24T10:43:00.004-04:00

Here are some Spring/Easter project ideas that we made at my last workshop (Thanks again Mary!!)

I've learned that the best part of a workshop is the hands-on participation so I tried to make these simple (yet interesting) enough for everyone to be able to make all three. Also, by making two smaller projects, as opposed to three cards, it's faster for me to prepare & uses less supplies.

So the first project is a "love note." These are a great size, especially for 12" x 12" cardstock. They are 6" x 3" folded to make a cute 3" x3" card to tuck into a present, basket, etc. This one uses the Tea Party Designer Paper & coordinating Sweet Stems stamp colored in with markers. The Eyelet Border punch adds a pretty touch.

Next is an Easter card using Fifth Avenue Floral. So quick & easy but still looks fancy! The Easter Wishes stamp from the All Holidays set fits nicely into the Designer Label punch (which also coordinates with the Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware). I find gluing the cardstock on the ribbon & then putting the frame OVER it is easier than trying to adhere the paper to the frame first. I used my paper piercer to punch holes in the ribbon for the brads (adhered the ribbon to the vanilla cardstock first too but before adhering the vanilla layer to the Tangerine layer).

The last project is a very simple candy topper. We used the new "Egg Hunt" wheel from the Occasions Mini over a Top Note die cut. Then we punched "eggs" from Designer Patterns paper with the large oval punch. I used the double rectangle punch to secure the ribbon. I used Sticky Strip to secure the bag to the paper--looks cleaner than staples. You could easily whip up a whole school class worth of these babies in no time!

Faux Silk "Praying For You"

2009-03-17T17:30:00.002-04:00

This is the card we did at our latest Technique Club using "Faux Silk." The stamp set is "Thoughts & Prayers,", which I think really lends itself well to this technique. To get this look, all you need is tissue paper (the kind used with gift bags) & a glue stick or other spreadable adhesive. First, stamp on the tissue paper--any kind of coloring works--you can even watercolor. I colored my stamp with markers. Then, crumple up the tissue & spread back out. Apply glue stick all over white cardstock & smooth the tissue over the cardstock (but not too smooth--you want the wrinkles to show). Next, you can either trim off the excess tissue or, like I did here, run your aquapainter or a wet brush along the edge of the cardstock & gently pull the tissue off. The second way gives it a "fiberish" look, for lack of a better word.

A couple of other details here--I dusted off my Color Spritzer tool to add a little visual interest & added glitter to the flowers. I simply used glue dots to keep the ribbon fold in place. & finally--notice the super-cute scalloped oval punch? Thought you might enjoy a sneak peek of an Occasions Mini Catalog offering (coming April 1)!

My Stampin' Space

2009-03-09T11:04:00.008-04:00

I enjoy organizing my craft supplies as much as I enjoy using them. Since I really enjoy getting organizing ideas from other people, I thought I'd share what my craft room looks like in case it helps anybody else. My craft room is relatively small--about 10 x 9ft. It has two doors because it's between the kids' play room & a storage room. It's nice because I can put larger items (like my craft fair displays) in the storage room & stuff my kids would also use in the kids' craft area just outside my craft room. I know I'm REALLY lucky to have a room all of my own! When I first started papercrafting ten years ago, I lived in a little condo & everything I had for scrapbooking fit in one scrapbook box that I had to pull out to use (so yeah, this craziness didn't happen overnight). Now I can leave everything out & shut the door. I do like to tidy up AFTER I'm done with a project though. I took these pics in between projects so it's relatively clean.

When we moved to this house a year and a half ago, my craft room was the first room I completely set up (cuz if mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy!) I painted it Duron's "Sour Apple" because it pretty much matches SU!'s Gable Green, one of my favs. I also wanted a bright happy color since it's a basement room with only one little narrow window up high. The picture above is my main work space. I'm all about function at bargain prices over having everything matchy, matchy (since this room is out of the public eye). First off--join Freecycle! I've gotten so much through it--this IKEA desk for starters (the drawers hold my ink refills, most used tools, extra adhesives). Next, keep your mind open at yard sales (the office chair) & consignment shops (the wooden tape holder that I use for my ink pads). Then, look around your house for stuff you can repurpose (the little plastic shelf that I once had in a kitchen closet for mugs).

Sometimes, it is worth investing in specific products with a purpose. For example, I bought two 4 ft. folding tables at Costco. I put one on either side of the desk so I can swivel to different stations. On my left I can keep out my cutting mat & glass mat at all times & on my right I keep out my Table Top cutter & have space for my Big Shot. (The left table is in front of the furnace closet so I had to keep stuff there that I can move easily.)

Oh & the pink crates under the table? Those hold my scrapbook stuff in 12" x 12" plastic envelopes by theme (boy, girl, baby, Winter, etc.) I keep things like theme-specific paper, stickers & some embellishments in them.

I also bought specific "Rubbermaid Shelf Saver" cubes from Staples for my non-SU! markers (which came in their own container). They come in different configurations & can stack (click on the pic to see how I used them). I get hives spending money on that kind of thing, but they were worth it! My little SU! embellishment caddy is fantastic & fits perfectly on one of the cubes (earned it through SU!'s great rewards program).

This view shows the door leading into the kid's craft/play room. I hang my punches on that door in a shoe bag. The white shelf was repurposed from an old bathroom; the dark brown one is an old spice rack that I didn't have room for in the kitchen (perfect for embellishments). My SU! cardstock scraps are in the filing box (each color has its own hanging folder) below the table. The two tall IKEA shelves I got through Freecycle. The left one holds my SU! 12" x 12" cardstock, scrappin' kits & designer paper. One shelf has the current stuff & the top one is retired stuff. Then below that is all my Big Shot stuff. The right one holds all my non-SU! paper. The bottom shelves hold paper I let my kids play with, my scor-pal & light table (I still use the Disney one I got as a kid!) I have nice empty shelves because of the AMAZING display find I got this past weekend (more on that). On a side note--I've tried horizontal storage for my papers--had one of those tall wire racks too. However, I've found vertical storage to be better--it's easier for me to find stuff & takes up much less room. So--those Cropper Hopper paper storage things are another great investment.

Moving along--my back wall. The shelf is from IKEA (I actually bought this one!) I love this thing! It holds my 8 1/2" x 11" SU! paper (in super cheap IKEA cardboard holders--the Cropper Hopper 12 x 12 holders don't fit in this), magazines, etc. In the plastic shelves I have things like my Stickles, SU! wheels, non-SU! stamps & misc. I keep all my SU! glitter & embossing powders in Gladware containers (with a spoon) for easy use in two of the cubbies. My photos to be scrapped are in photo boxes up on top (away from my kids who would mess up their order!) but I keep photo boxes for each kid below that has cards & other memorabilia in them & binders for special school/art work (they love to pull them out). I have TONS of alpha stickers in page protectors in a large binder (all the way to the right, second cubby up)--I went to a "Craft" yard sale that I found on craigslist almost three years ago & bought the entire binder for $15 with a friend. I got lots of great deals that day--sigh, good times :-) Of course, that was just a few months before I joined SU!, so last year, I ended up selling a bunch of stuff at a craft yard sale myself (some things for more than I bought them for!--shh...).

On the table you can see another big investment--my Clip It Up for embellishments. It's been said often "out of sight, out of mind" because it is SO true! I indulged in this for my Birthday (cleared out two of those plastic drawer things & then some) & it ROCKS! It holds non-theme specific things that I might forget about (like dew drops, metal embellies, rub-ons, clear stamps, tags, borders, felt dies cuts, etc. etc. ) (Oh, & that random piece of rug on the floor is where my kids can lie down & color without coloring on the actual carpet. I learned that the hard way.) Finally, you'll notice a few items clipped up on the wire "wall" next to the table. THAT is part of my awesome weekend find....

This view into the closet shows the display rack I got this weekend at a Circuit City that was down to selling off its displays. $10!!! Wooo-hooo! It's a rolling stand that wire shelves attach to (I can roll it out to the play room if I have people over to stamp--so cool!) I laid cardboard down in the shelves & then put ALL my stamps in it (hence four new empty shelves!) There's still room too. The bottom shelf has retired stamps that I use most often for scrapbooking. Then I organize the rest by: Flowery, Kids, Seasonal, Sentiments, Backgrounds & Alphas. Those work for me. I have more retired stamps in the IKEA dresser in the closet itself (Freecycle again). So, if you see a going out of business sale--be sure to check out their displays!

This closet is my catch-all--mostly craft fair stuff, office supplies, SU! business supplies, etc. I even have a "jewelry" shelf for when I start that hobby (yeah, right). I took down the garment rod & put up two more wire shelves. I also removed the doors for more space. Yeah, it's cluttered-looking, but I don't look directly into it so it doesn't bother me.

Ok, so obviously I'm a collector & a bargain hunter. I do try to sell or trade things I'm not likely to use too. & I know I'm not alone :-)

Just let me know if you have another organizing question...

And a Princess Scrapbook Page!

2009-03-02T13:10:00.003-05:00

Ok, I promise to retire the princess motif for awhile after this! I got such an affirming response to my "Princess Panorama" that I wanted to submit it to Stampin' Up! for one of their contests (I'm always open to winning stuff, y'know.) The problem was that I couldn't exactly mail them the project. So, I had the sneaky idea of making a scrapbook page OF it & submitting that! The contest category called for a scrapbook page with multiple photos so that seemed pretty appropriate. So wish me luck :-)

Basically, I just printed out pictures of my project & my daughter jumping on her bed & used the same supplies/techniques that I used for the panorama (thus, negating having to think very much!) I used circle punches to highlight details from the panorama. At first I was kind of going for "thought" bubbles to signify how my daughter inspired some of the details but in the end it doesn't really look that way. Still, it is an easy way to cram a lot of pics on a page.

Princess Panorama

2009-02-18T17:37:00.005-05:00

My baby girl is 5 & for her Birthday, we "unbabyfied" her room. The baby quilt came down & up went a butterfly net (bought 3 years ago at a consignment sale, just waiting for her to be old enough not to tear it down first chance she got) & a "princess panorama." When I saw Stampin' Up!'s new "Build a Fairy-tale" die cuts & decor elements, I was thrilled because I knew they'd be perfect for that big empty wall!

Luckily, her Birthday came just as I got all my new goodies from the new catalog & I could at least promise her I'd make a special picture for her. So here it is--a week later! I don't think I've ever been this obessed with a project--yesterday I forgot to eat (or shower)! I grabbed chips on the way out for afternoon carpool. At least I remembered to put my youngest in the car. Today I framed it & added the decor elements around it.

We found a frame that fits essentially three 12" x 12" scrapbook layouts perfectly. I used the new Sale-a-Bration paper for the background. Then along the borders, I used the new Eyelet Border punch. Then I went to town creating a scene with the Build a Fairy Tale die cuts. I still have lots left over, believe it or not! I can use those for scrapbook albums.

For added texture, I sponged the edges of everything in ink if I could. I also added glitter here & there--I'm loving all the new colors! For some centers of the flowers, I sprinkled glitter on a mini-glue dot. If I used a die cut circle for a flower center, then I covered it with a dot of Crystal Effects for a glass look. Check out the adorable little birds on the tree branch--love them! My daughter took another one (for "safe-keeping" she said).

Figuring out how to configure the castle was a little challenging because the die cuts don't come with a sample, so you just have to play. In this middle part, my favorite details are the half-back pearl from the Pretties Kit at the princess' neck & the Sale-a-Bration Saffron grosgrain "yellow brick road" leading to the castle over hill & dale.

There was a huge space above the carriage perfect for some kind of title, so I came up with this--probably saw it on a stamp somewhere--lol! I tried to make it look like a banner waving. If you don't have something to cut curves, you could make a template & use a hobby knife. The "I" & "Y" letters were stamped with the Lovely Letters set in Versamark. Then I used Heat & Stick Powder to make the Chocolate Glitter stick to them. They are matted on a tag from the new SU! die "Lots of Tags"--kind of look like little mirrors, don't they? The pink letters are from the Naturally Serif sizzlit die.

My favorite details here are the little mice peeking up at the carriage with their tails curling around the border. I wasn't going to add them because I didn't think I had room but my daughter really wanted them. So, that caused me to be creative & tuck them into the border. I'm also digging the gold glitter on the carriage--it looks really pretty on the chocolate! (My daughter wanted me to "do something with the carriage" too--she's a muse, I tell you.)

But what I love most is while she was watching me, she was making up stories about the characters--like the Princess is on her way to get married to the Prince Knight. She always puts our family into her stories too. I get to be the pink fairy--I can live with that :-)

Initial Pendant Party Favors

2009-02-10T14:00:00.003-05:00

For my daughter's "Princess Party," I made these initial pendants for the girls to find in a treasure hunt. I used the little playing pieces from a traveling backgammon set (so there's a magnet on the other side). The process is the same as the really popular Scrabble tile pendants (just google "scrabble tile pendant tutorial" to learn how to make them). A 3/4" circle punch fit the paper to the game piece perfectly (with a little sanding around the edges).

I guess because these pieces were plastic, not wood, I did have to use a stronger glue than Tombow Glue on the paper to get it to adhere. Imagine my angst when the whole lacquered top came right off after drying for a whole day. But--I just used the Crystal Effects on the other side to put it back on, no problem. I also recommend removing any felt from the other side of the pieces because that peeled right off WITH the jewelry bail--so had to reattach the bail without the felt.

For the initials, I simply used a letter sticker or rub-on & then went over it with Stickles. I put the Crystal Effects lacquer right on top of it (without even waiting for the Stickles to dry). I also sprinkled a few microbeads onto the wet Crystal Effects. If your microbeads cover your initial too much, simply use a toothpick or paper piercer to gently push them around.

Last tip--the C & M game pieces were red, so I just colored them with two coats from a white Paint Pen. Quick & easy.

Happy Birthday To My Little Girl!

2009-02-02T12:14:00.004-05:00

My daughter Maddie is turning five (!) next week. She wanted a princess pony party. Well, I don't have those stamps exactly (they'd be a HUGE hit if someone would come up with that!), but I did have these cute images from the stamp set "ABC Images" to create some girly goodness. The designer paper is from the retired "Confetti" Simply Scrappin' Kit & so I just took my color inspirations from it. I made the glittery swirls by dotting Pink Stickles along the edge of the oval & then running my paper piercer tool through them--a little trick I learned from a pastry chef in my waitressing days long before I even knew stamping existed!

The "piece de resistance" is Maddie's fine coloring job on the images so each invite was unique, to say the least :) I love how she added sprinkles to the cupcake! That's my girl!

Much Love For Die Cut Cards

2009-01-27T13:12:00.003-05:00

So here are the Main Course & Dessert projects for my recent Valentine Buffet event. I wanted to showcase not only the Love You Much Valentine Bundle Promotion, but also making cards with our Big Shot dies.

The first card uses the Top Note die--when you run it through the Big Shot, fold it & leave it just a little to the right of where the die cuts so that it cuts out a card still connected on the left side. The ribbon was threaded through the two holes the die cut made when you place the cardstock slightly over like that. I also used the new Sweet Stems Embosslit & 3 Hearts Punch (for the flower) & Raspberry Tart Designer Paper (Gorgeous stuff!!)

The second card uses the Large Scallop circle die with the fold slightly below three of the scallops. I ran the Candy Lane Designer Paper strip at the same time but above the scallops. Then when I adhered it to the card, it looks like a complete circle & you can't see the fold. Hope that makes sense.

Finally, For this card I used the Scalloped Envelope die. My intention was that you could write a love note or I.O.U. on the other side of the pull-out card (like, I.O.U. breakfast in bed). The little ribbon tab is secured by the brad & makes it really easy to pull out the card from the envelope.

A Spiritual Bouquet

2009-01-20T17:28:00.003-05:00

I just live for the times when I get to make something with special meaning. My friends over at Divine Mercy Care were invited to have an audience with Cardinal Rigali on the occasion of the March for Life on Jan. 22 here in Washington, D.C. They asked me to make a card with a "Spiritual Bouquet" inside to present to the Cardinal. (A Spiritual Bouquet is a collection of prayers that people promise to pray for the recipient or a specific purpose.)

I don't usually make "pretty" cards so I really enjoyed it! I broke out the retired hostess set "From the Garden" & embossed it in white on vellum. I colored that in with Perfect Pearls (a Christmas present to myself). It's actually really easy to stay in the lines because the color just rolls right off the embossing as you paint over it. I used the Perfect Pearls to color the little fabric flowers too. The chance to dip into my Pretties Kit also made me happy--I mean, it's not every day one of my cards is hand-delivered to a Cardinal so I tried to overcome my hoarding ways :-)

Valentine Buffet Appetizer

2009-01-16T11:26:00.005-05:00

I'm having a "Valentine Buffet" on Jan. 23 & here's the first offering, the appetizer, if you will.

I wanted to showcase the Valentine Bundle (3 Heart Punch, Love You Much stamp set, Candy Lane Designer Paper), as well as the Big Shot dies. So, first is a candy topper made from the Top Note Bigz Die. I love the look of white embossed on vellum so that's what I did with the big heart stamp.

Next is a Pillow Box (from the Bigz Die) made from acetate (used Sticky Strip to adhere the side--you can see it, but since it's still nice & neat, I don't think it matters). I used 2-way Glue to adhere clear microbeads on the stamp.

Have a great long weekend!

A Pin for All Seasons

2009-01-09T14:39:00.008-05:00

So, I've been just a leetle busy this week--when not glued to all the fun spoilers about the new Stampin' Up! catalog (coming out Jan. 19)--I've been busy creating these pins for a friend. Yeah, I've been on a little craft high, & it's not from the E6000 glue to adhere the pin backs (although, wow--does that stuff have potent vapors or what?)

She commissioned me to make holiday pins she could wear when volunteering in the school lunchroom & gave me carte blanche to be creative. I was really excited to be able to play with my new "Melt Art" melting pot that I bought myself as a Bday present. A little trial & error, but I'm pretty happy with how they turned out! If you've never seen the melting pot, check out Suze Weinberg's site --she's the Queen of Melt Art. It works by melting Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel Powder & then you can dip or pour it on projects. It's like making your own resin finish or you can even pour into molds to create shapes. I used it to coat my projects to make sturdy pins.

I made the Valentine one first & discovered that adding UTEE Flex to my UTEE in the pot made it a little too yellow for my taste. (Flex is supposed to make the UTEE stronger.) I'd followed the recommended ratio (1 scoop Flex to 4 scoops clear UTEE powder) but in the future I'll put in less Flex. I also learned (by the fourth pin) that it's better to place the pin face down in the pot than dip it (paper scorches on the bottom--duh, right?) Then I let it drip to keep the layer of UTEE thin to minimize the yellow. The cool thing is you can use your Heat Tool to smooth the surface and get rid of bubbles or tweezer dents.

The Valentine pin was made using the new Love You Much stamp set & 3 Heart Punch that are part of the Valentine Bundle promotion going on right now. All the other pins were made by paper piecing together shapes from Stampin' Up! punches. I also put a piece of shaped chipboard behind the little characters to add a better base. For the rabbit, I covered the oval in DCWV Nursery paper.

The Easter one was the biggest Flex "yellow" challenge--really dulled the colors! So, to try to remedy that, I painted over the egg with Perfect Pearls. You can really see the Perfect Pearls on the ghosts too! (By the way, can you tell that's supposed to be the moon behind the ghosts?) Finally, I had lots of fun playing with my many colors of Stickles (have I mentioned how much I lub them?) for eye-catching glittery goodness. Oh & the Valentine one has a smattering of pink microbeads--they stick if you put them on when the UTEE is still hot. If you're wondering how I adhered all the little paper pieces--Tombow Multi glue.

For my inspirations, I have to credit "Memory Lane's" gallery on splitcoaststampers.com for the rabbit, ghost & pumpkin shapes, the Oct. '08 Stampin' Success for the turkey and LW Designs for the reindeer--my personal favorite! I cobbled the leprechaun together from many different sources.

My friend accepted them today on the condition that I charge more for them at craft fairs than I charged her--um, yeah, I think I can do that...twist my arm :) Thanks for the good time, Elizabeth ;-)

Retired Accessories & Inventory Blowout Sale!

2009-01-05T14:49:00.014-05:00

It's that time again: the Retired Accessory List is out!
From SU!: "Items on this retired accessories list will be available at regular price while supplies last or through January 18, whichever comes first. Products are marked as available or unavailable. If an item is unavailable, our supply is exhausted and the item can no longer be ordered. This list will be updated every day through January 18. Keep in mind that the status of any retiring product may change quickly based on demand."

Some of these items are featured in the Inventory Blowout sale too (click on photo to get the details).

If you want the products as shown in the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog, now is the time to purchase them!
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6* Not Available
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY Not Available
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK Not Available
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25 Not Available
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME Not Available
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT Not Available
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

WHEELS:
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO Not Available
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T11:09:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone!

I was trying to simplify my card this year but then it did end up still taking me awhile to complete them--it's using markers on the stamps--gets me every time & takes longer than I expect! I used the "Snow-Swirled" set & the negative of the Top Note Die. I had tons of them left over from my craft fair packaging so I thought to use them as frames for the picture of my kids.

Just in case you didn't get one in the mail, consider this my Christmas Card to all of you :-) Thanks for reading my blog & encouraging me in my creative endeavours this year!

Truly Inspirational

2008-12-16T20:12:00.004-05:00

Way back in the summer I posted about SU!'s generosity in donating to my favorite non-profit Divine Mercy Care. Well, the DMC Gala was in November & I'm just now posting about it (had to wait 'til all the recipients got their gift frame pictured below).

The theme was about the parable of the seeds that fall in the good soil & grow because DMC has really grown this year! I was excited to be able to share with Heather the Decorations chair that Stampin' Up! has a "wheatgrass" stamp in the "Inspired by Nature" set. They used it on the menu cards (pictured), which went nicely with the REAL wheatgrass centerpieces! Cool, huh?

I've also included a picture of the Stampin' Up! basket (which was bid up nicely in the silent auction, I might add)--note the gold wheatgrass on the description frame too.

Finally, I made nine of these gift frames for the top donors and the gala co-chairs. This fall I was honored to become a Board Member so I wanted to do something a little special. The frame was made using a masking technique & sponge daubers to apply the ink. The Mother Teresa quote that comes with the set was just too perfect--I had to find a way to use it! Then, I incorporated a personal message from the Founder & President, Dr. John Bruchalski. This stamp set got a nice little workout for a great cause!

Free Shipping & 10% Off Retiring Sets!

2008-12-09T11:35:00.003-05:00

Get 10% off retiring stamp sets & free shipping on any orders over $70!

Wow, this is fantastic!! I've never seen free shipping from Stampin' Up! so I am all over this. I've been eyeing "Summer by the Sea" for years too! Take advantage of this limited offer (Dec. 9 -Dec. 23) by ordering now through my website: http://www.stamp4life.stampinup.net/

Craft Fair Musings

2008-12-08T09:50:00.006-05:00

So I finished my craft fair season--whew--I did 3 shows in all. I thought I would just post my general conclusions. This is the third year I've done them & I learn new stuff every year. This year I was doing the biggest ones I'd done so I didn't know what to expect & ended up making WAY more than I needed to.

Of course, most of it can be used next year. The items that had chocolate in them that didn't sell--well, I'm going to recycle the containers for next year & put the chocolates in stockings this Christmas. Those cute jars I made with nuggets? Well, I didn't sell many--I suspect it was because there are cheaper ways to buy chocolate & not because they weren't cute--I did get compliments on them (the purses did sell pretty well though--maybe because they were more Christmasy). So, I'm going to make them "card candy jars" & put my card candy (punched flowers, images I didn't use) in them. Then I'll advertise as for the "scrapper in your life". All of a sudden it's a much more unique gift & I think they'll do much better.

I also made tons of the SU! baskets (easy & fun to make--kind of addictive, really) so I still have a lot left. So instead of chocolate kisses, I'm thinking about making them into "gift card holders"--& lowering the price. Regular gift card envies from the store won't fit, but if I custom-make smaller ones, I can do it (see my Beach Basket from back in August).

I'm glad I had a lot of variety but I'd say next time I wouldn't make so much of each item except the ones I know from experience sell really well. So, next year the only items I really have to make are my best-sellers (the post-it holder sets, ring wine charms, domino pins/magnet ornaments (see pic--these things FLEW! I sold them at $3.50 or 2/$6), photo clips, altered notebook sets, rhinestone beaded pens, christmas card holders--but I'm not going to make as many of these items as I did this year) & I have enough of the other things left over to make the table look interesting. For example, I might have 20 post-it holders, 50 domino ornaments & 10 of the other things mentioned (that's to last 2 craft fairs). I like that the two craft fairs I want to do have some time in between to replenish & adjust pricing if necessary. Of course, if inspiration hits, I might try a new item---I did just get a "Melt Art" melting pot so you never know...

If you're going to sell cards, I definitely recommend a nice display rack that makes it easy for people to look through & of course, label the subjects. I didn't make cards specifically to sell but just used cards or cardfronts (put them on cards) I already had. The lightly embellished ones in clear envelopes on my spinning display rack sold much better then my cheaper, plain ones that I had on my table. I did have regular envelopes available if they wanted them in addition to the clear envelopes. I personally would not make extra cards to sell if you already have some lying around--I had less than ten cards for each subject and that was more than enough.

On a logistics note--don't forget a water bottle, a snack & some tylenol! I had a raging headache yesterday. After weighing all the time I spent preparing (usually during naptime on school days), I'm cutting back to 2 shows next year (besides--my youngest won't be napping next year). I've decided on the two shows I did at schools--St. Timothy's was my best in terms of profit & it's great because people I know shop there; Fox Mill Elementary, while less profitable (but definitely still worth it), allows me to sell as a demonstrator & is very close to my neighborhood & only half a day. The Herndon Community Center one was the most expensive table fee but I only made a little more than Fox Mill. It's also the same weekend as Fox Mill & that's really hard on the family. I woke up this morning panicked that my kids didn't have clean clothes for school but thank goodness, my husband had done the laundry on his own accord.

So, if you're looking into doing this craft fair thing, it's great fun but it does take a while to learn the right work/family balance (as in all things). Since I do this for a little extra play money & for fun, I think I've made the right adjustments for me. Hope this helps some of you :-)

Post-it Holder & Matching Beaded Pen Sets

2008-12-02T11:18:00.003-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love Freecycle.org? Last year I scored a bunch of acrylic frames (6" x 4") from someone & this year I had a revelation of how I could use them: post-it holders! This was my first time making these things but I'd heard of them from so many crafters through splitcoaststampers.com.

I LOVE making them. I just used a piece of designer paper & then adhered a cardstock block so I'd know where to attach the post-its later. Then I made some kind of matted stamped or rub-on image to match & adhered it on the paper. Put that into the frame & then added the post-its, ribbon & generic dew drops directly onto the frame. The finishing touch is a beaded pen made from matching designer paper. I almost sold out of them at my first craft fair so I went out & bought more frames to make more for my craft fairs this weekend.

Come find me at Fox Mill Elementary in Herndon on Sat. Dec. 6 from 9-1 & at the Herndon Community Center on Ferndale Rd. in Herndon on Sun. Dec. 7 from 10-4!

I Believe Too!

2008-12-01T18:42:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to my friend JoEllen who started a counter ad campaign to the American Humanist Association ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," that will appear on Washington, D.C buses through December. The I Believe Too campaign has raised $2400 so far to place ads of their own on DC buses! The ads will say, "Why Believe? Because I created you and I love you, for goodness sake--God." If you'd like to be a part of it, please visit their website at www.ibelievetoo.org & donate to the best Christmas card this season!

Successful Craft Show!

2008-11-24T10:00:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday was my first craft show of the season at St. Timothy’s Catholic School in Chantilly. For my fellow crafters who are always looking for ideas on display or what sells well, I shall indulge you :-)

My set up was a 6 ft. table & a 2 ft. table under one tablecloth. The white shelves are just plastic snap together ones I used in my old dorm room & just rediscovered in my mom's attic-lol. The wire basket stand is one of those "narrow laundry shelves" with the caskets removed. The stand alone card rack I got free from Freecycle.org from Eileen Hull (thanks again Eileen!) who used to do craft shows--so it never hurts to ask! If you can get one, I highly recommend it--I sold more cards than I ever have & that might have had something to do with it. The other items are just dollar store trays or xmas containers I had around the house. The wire basket that the bookmark clips are on I usually use in my bathroom for lotions, etc. I used my kids' play magnet board to display the magnets. I have 2 more fairs to do so I definitely had more stuff than I needed!

Some thoughts on some of my items …I had my nicer cards in clear envelopes in the rack. I was pleasantly surprised the individual Xmas cards did well--the lady said she wanted special envelopes to put money in for family. I did explain to people how to mail in the clear envelopes but they could take a regular envelope if they really wanted (no one asked). I think they did well (first cards I've sold in three years of fairs) because of the rack & the clear envies--just made them look so much more classy & easy to look at.

Card Totes/purses—These fit 4 cards with envelopes & I meant for people to choose cards for them but it didn’t really work out (didn’t sell any). I’m planning on whipping up some generic cards to put in them. I’ll have each set look the same & say they’re a gift set.

Lollipops—I sold 7 out of 18 at 25 cents each. Of course, three of the sales were from my own kids…

Gift Tags (set of 10)—I only sold 4 out of 26 at $3 so I’m going to lower the price to $2.50 & advertise they can be used on cards or in scrapbooks. I heard one lady comment she wished they were bigger so that’s a thought for next year.

Christmas Card Holders (altered letter sorters): One lady commented she wished I had some any season ones so she could use it year round. Another idea for next year.

Post-it Holders with matching beaded pen--Wow, these were popular at $6 each. One teen asked me if I’d take $5.46 (all she had) so she could get one for her mom (I said yes—& an awww inside). Another commented that she liked the ones without sayings because they were great teacher gifts & you never know if the teacher wants to “Live with Passion” (as 4 of mine said) Hee.

So…yeah, I’ve been working every naptime & then some since Aug. for all this stuff. I’m very pleased with the results & I have plenty left for my next 2 shows (not til Dec. 6 &7). The only things I’ll be making more of are the lg. notebook sets & the post-it holders (I’m going to make some magnet ones this time too) & then the cards for the totes. Then, I have a couple of other small projects I just thought of. Anything that doesn’t sell will be Xmas gifts or put on my etsy store or saved for next year.

General tips—try to do a sample set up at home to make sure stuff fits. I had the SU! kid tattoo kits & when a kid shopping with his mom looked bored, I offered to do a free tattoo & they really seemed to like that (I had a stamped sample so they could easily choose which one they wanted). Pretty packaging seemed to help. Having samples of how to use things helped (like the tealight in the candle, the card holder with a card in it, a wine glass with the charm on it). The most popular items in a nutshell: altered domino pin or magnet ornaments, large notebook sets & the post-it holder sets.

This was the largest (& most expensive table fee) show I’ve done in three years so turning a profit & all the positive comments were definitely affirming. Will I do it again next year? I think I’ll wait til my other shows & maybe just pick one to do—as much as I love it, ours is a very time-consuming hobby!

Just in Time for Thanksgiving--another Hostess Gift

2008-11-21T18:11:00.004-05:00

A big thanks to Katie at Katie's Niche for this inspiration (& the tip about adding the scallop punch around the neck): Wine Tags! I saw those & thought they'd be perfect to make for my craft fair tomorrow (and the only one I have before Thanksgiving).

I'd seen these before but for some reason, the purpose didn't click with me until I saw Katie's blog. Duh! Use them as gift tags on bottles you bring as a hostess gift (instead of paying a bunch for a little wine bag). I always looked at them & wondered "Why would I want to put that on my wine bottle?" What does that say about my resistance to giving my wine away?

Anyway, here are some samples all using SU!'s Top Note Bigz Die & a stamp from "Frames with a Flourish" embossed on the bottom in gold with a sentiment inside. In the first picture, for the Christmas one I used the Snow-Swirled set with markers. On the Blessed one, I made a pumpkin with punches (sponge the edges with ink--really makes it pop) & the vine is from "Baroque Motifs."

In the second picture, I used the hostess set "Fall Flair" for the Thanksgiving tag and the retired "Glorious Garlands." If you enlarge the picture, you'll be able to see that there are little snowflakes that I stamped with Versamark & embossed with Irisdescent Ice--adds a really nice subtle sparkle.

Ok--off to bed--got to get up early for my first craft show of the season!

Snowflake Die Projects

2008-11-17T10:34:00.002-05:00

My poor husband is starting to feel like a "Craft show Widower." I don't know when to stop. I was inspired by the blog "Addicted to Stamping" to buy SU!'s Snowflake Die & I'm so glad I did! (By the way, you have to look at her reindeer punch projects--SO cute!)

Anyway, I came up with a couple of projects using this die. First is a Christmas card holder (or letter or napkin holder). I saw these mesh letter holders in a store & then I was browsing the Oriental Trading catalog & saw a card holder project--combined the two & this is what I came up with. I used an old holiday scrapbooking kit for the paper & sentiment (it's a matted sticker--gasp!). Then I added SU!'s felt snowflakes, brads & Stickles to the snowflake die cut (used a thin white chipboard that backs SU! designer papers). I've had fun decorating each one differently to sell at my craft fairs (made ten--at least if they don't sell, I'll have cute teacher gifts!)

Next is a pretty straightforward snowflake ornament. I layered three die cuts together. They are held together with clear snowflake buttons tied with a bit of silver elastic cord. I also decorated them with Liquid Pearlz & Stickles. I used Shimmery White paper & while you can't tell from the photo, it's quite glittery.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2008-11-15T10:20:00.006-05:00

If you're a crafter with kids, I think you'll be able to relate to this situation--whenever I steal away into my craft room, before long "they" find me! & when they find me, especially my 4 yr.old daughter Maddie, they insist on doing what I do.

Okay, so last February I did a class on creating 16 cards in a tote made from half of Stampin' Up!'s Boho Blend Simply Scrappin' Kit (see pics--got the idea from a local SU! meeting). It's been sitting out in my craft room ever since then & numerous times Maddie has eyed it.

Yesterday, I was in there an inordinate amount of time trying out a couple of new craft fairs ideas. There's kind of a point of no return when my time becomes non-productive because one of the kids will inevitably come in looking for attention. (My craft room is right off their playroom so I can keep an ear on them.) With Maddie, it usually involves me having to stop what I'm working on to help her make "something pretty." This time she wanted to make the Simply Scrappin' tote & cards.

As you can imagine, you're trying to get stuff done, the creative juices are flowing, the last thing you want to do is stop & figure out a way a 4 yr. old can make something complicated without using your good supplies! (I keep a stash of "dispensable" supplies for the kids & taught them not to use my good stuff.) Anyway, on her own initiative, Maddie goes to get her paper & proceeds to cut it up(using my Stampin' Up! tabletop cutter--safe for the kids!) & puts on glue stick, & then brings me the pieces to fold together to make a tote. When we were done, she asked for the handle, which I did. Then on her own, she made a bunch of "cards" to put inside & here's the result!

So, while I know as a good mother, I should probably spend more time making stuff with her, I also can't help but be tickled & proud of what she does when left to her own devices with just a little assistance :-)

SU! Virginia Beach Regional

2008-11-10T16:51:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I headed to VA Beach for the SU! Regional. It'll probably be the closest I'll ever come to making it to a convention. This was my second Regional, but the first one Shelli (the founder) was at. So, I had to get the requisite Shelli on stage pic.

Even though I wasn't able to meet up with the other lady from my SU! team there, I found a place at a table with some other VA demos. I've found stampers in general to be a friendly bunch (& a bunch of enablers!) They had some great projects for us to make (I'll post those later) & I learned a bunch of cool tips. I guess I've been doing this long enough now that I've at least heard of most techniques (at least the ones they showed us), but it's the little things that I love learning the most!

This "Snowman Kit" was a project demonstrated on stage. I doubt I'd ever make it but I still thought it was the cutest thing. She made the buttons (on clothespins) out of foam run through the Big Shot. So of course today I had to run out & get some foam! She had buttons, a styrofoam nose, foam eyes & a scarf all in the top hat to form the kit. A cool little tip was how she made the little snowman tag's face. Sorry--I didn't get a good picture of it, but instead of punching out little black bits for the eyes & teeth & sticking them on the white head, she punched out circles & squares for the eyes & mouth & then put black cardstock behind his white circle head so it only looked like she'd messed with itty bitty punch-out pieces.

The neat little idea I got from this card on one of the sample displays was simply using the Photo Corner punch to make a Christmas tree. How simple but cool is that?

This last project Shelli showed us from the stage. It's a little game where you try to rest two little BBs in the punched out holes. The display shows all the pieces. First a box of Designer Paper, two layers of foam, watercolor paper (the layer you stamp the image on) & an acetate top (click to really see it). Then you just punch a hole in the top foam & watercolor paper layers. The whole thing was about 3" x3". Probably not something I'll get around to making, but who knows--maybe stocking stuffers for the boys since they won't want my pink barrettes?

Fun with Shrinky Dinks Pt. 2: Barrettes!

2008-11-03T09:36:00.002-05:00

While browsing the jewelry aisle at the local big box craft store for my wine charms (& thus with shrinky dinks on my mind), I saw some barrette clips & inspiration hit. It took a while of trial & error to hit on the correct measurements to fit the barrettes (ended up with a White
Shrinky Dink strip of 1" x 5 1/2" for this size barrette). Next, I used a 1/4" hole punch (to thread ribbon through) close to either end of the strip & rounded the corners.

Then I decorated the strip with various stamps (the Christmas trees are re-purposed Birthday party hats from "Party Hearty" by the way). I just used craft ink. On a few barrettes not pictured, I stamped ballet slippers in Staz-on Black & then colored in with markers since I didn't have the right pink in a permanent marker. The water-based dye beads up which creates an interesting polka dot look. That's okay with the small images produced because it still gives an overall pink color but for larger images, I'd splurge for the $1.99 permanent marker :-) I also found that simple shapes worked best since they shrink so small. I tried one intricate pattern & colored it in with permanent markers. However, it was all lost when the image shrunk & everything just blended together. When choosing colors, also remember that the color gets darker or more intense when shrunk.

Once the strip was stamped, it was time to shrink. I simply used my heat tool, holding down one end with a craft tweezer in one of the holes. This also took lots of trial & error because the long narrow shape was very tricky to shrink without it twisting & folding up on itself (& thus getting stuck & ruined!) The best I can describe the winning technique is to start on one end & let it shrink about a third of the way then switch sides. When the strip is shrunk, quickly flip it over & put the barrette onto the back of it. Then, with one side pressed down, pull the other side of the strip up to touch the barrette. You need to do this step quickly so that the strip forms to the curve of the barrette before cooling completely.

Before attaching the strip, I added an optional step of embossing the whole thing. I pressed the strip onto a Versamark pad & then scooped Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder over it. Then, I used my Heat Tool to melt the powder. If you do this too long, the strip will straighten out again. If this happens just re-shape it with the barrette as described before.

Finally, I attached the strip by first putting some Crystal Effects on the barrette & laying the strip down on the barrette with the holes on the strips & barrette lined up. When it was dry, I threaded the ribbon through the holes & tied a bow on each end (this helps the strip more closely fit against the barrette since the shape will not be perfectly contoured). My packaging, once again, is SU!'s exclusive Top Note Die.

Preserving Stamped Candles

2008-10-27T10:51:00.004-04:00

As you know, I made these candles to sell at my upcoming craft fairs & it occurred to me that people might be concerned about buying something that will eventually melt away. So, I remember reading about a way to keep the image intact so that you can use these candles year after year: make them into tealight holders!

I decided I needed to make a sample to show people that it can be done & I also typed up instructions to go with each candle I sell. Basically, I just burnt the candle until the crater was wide enough to fit a tealight (took about an hour). Then, I simply scraped out the bottom of the crater a little more until I could fit the tealight in so that the top was fairly even with the top of the candle. Now I can just replace the tealight when it burns down. Cool, huh?

Holiday Hostess Gifts: Fun with SU Big Shot Dies

2008-10-22T11:48:00.003-04:00

My Moms' Group (for which I made that bulletin board) asked me to show them how to make some "Holiday Hostess Gifts" for a fun crafty morning meeting. I picked two projects using SU! Big Shot dies: the 3D Ornament die & the SU! exclusive Baskets & Blooms die. With a group of at least 10 people, using dies makes it SO much easier to prepare the materials! I could cut 4 sheets of the Holiday Treasure designer paper at a time for the baskets & three for the ornaments. More than that & where the paper is supposed to be scored for fold lines gets cut instead. I recently bought the Premium Crease Pad which is supposed to help you get better fold lines so I'll let you know how many sheets I can cut with that. This picture shows my friends Shannon & Danielle (of Stamp 4 Life Award fame & yes, she wouldn't have missed it three weeks after a C-section!! That's my girl!) crafting away.

Another reason I chose these projects is because they look really cool yet are pretty easy to make. Here's my friend Sue, a self-proclaimed non-crafty person, displaying her handiwork. She even had time to watch Danielle's new baby so Danielle could have her hands free (maybe the Starbucks helped!) :-) I thought it was pretty neat teaching this group because I'd been introduced to stamping myself at a moms' meeting in that very room four years previously. When people get intimidated by this craft, I try to remind them that I was there once too & I'm still learning every day. I love that when it comes to being creative, there's no right or wrong. Besides we're all crafty in different ways. For ex., I'd go to Sue for cooking advice in a heartbeat cuz that is just not my forte. My mom, the gourmet cook, still wonders where she went wrong...

I've made a bunch of these baskets & ornaments to sell at my craft fairs too. For the baskets, I added one of our felt Snowflakes & a bling brad. They are filled with Hershey's kisses. For the ornaments, I used our taffeta ribbon & added a simple bead at the bottom. The paper is "Ski Slope" from the Holiday Mini.

Handstamped Candles

2008-10-14T11:30:00.003-04:00

Now we come to what has to be my favorite project of all: handstamped candles! I finally decided to figure them out (just google handstamped candle tutorial & there are plenty out there!) Actually, there are so many tutorials out there that it can be kind of confusing since they all have different nuances.

The easiest way I've found is this: stamp on white tissue paper (not the Kleenex kind--the gift bag kind). I've found that Staz-on, Dye-based inks, Markers (the wreath & snowflake images), Watercolor Crayons (the Madonna image) & colored pencils all work. I haven't tried craft ink or embossing (but I've read embossing works). When using the Watercolor Crayons with an Aquapainter, just try not to have the tip too wet. Then you cut the image out closely & lay it on your candle (cheap & white work just great!) Next, wrap a piece of wax paper around the candle & over your image (this is an important step that some tutorials leave out) & hold tight. Then, heat the image with your heat tool until you see the tissue "disappear" & melt into the wax. The wax paper keeps the image smooth. Next, just peel back the paper & that's it!

If you'd like, you can embellish too. I tied matching ribbon around the candle & added some Stickles (glitter glue). I've had 3 Stickles for over a year now & really fell in love with them for this project--so much so that I went & ordered a bunch more (plus "Liquid Pearls"), thus spending my craft fair profit already. Sigh. I found the best prices at Cutters Creek (cuz shipping ended up being free), by the way. I'm not really cheating on Stampin' Up! I swear--they don't sell them!
This second picture is of the back of the candles--so yes, you can add as many images as you want to your candle (these are 3" x 3").

I'm hoping these will be popular at my craft fairs--so, my pricing advisees (& you know who you are)--I'm open to pricing suggestions!! (Please!) Oh--& which one do you like best? (i.e. what kinds of images should I make more of--I have Christmas trees & snow men too!)

Fun with Shrinky Dinks Pt. 1

2008-10-08T11:08:00.005-04:00

Ah, the craft fair fun never ends :-) My work was just accepted by the Herndon Community Center's Holiday Arts & Crafts Show. So, if you can't catch me at St. Timothy's on Nov. 22, come by the Herndon Community Center (on Ferndale Rd. in Herndon) on Dec. 7. I just hope I have enough stuff!

I can't remember where I first saw Shrinky Dinks used with stamps, but I saw some wine charms (both kinds) on splitcoasterstampers (in the gallery) & decided to try them out. I had all kinds of jewelry-making stuff from when I had the inspiration to make my own jewelry a couple of years ago (got as far as supply shopping!) & I had the Shrinky Dinks from some other inspiration but hadn't used them yet. Now I remember--I saw someone make a baby mobile embellishment on the Carol Duvall Show years ago!

Using Shrinky Dinks is super easy. You can use your heat tool instead of an oven like when you were a kid. Simply stamp with either Staz-on & color in with permanent markers or stamp with pigment ink (I used Stampin' Up!'s Craft Spots.) I punched out the images & made sure to punch a 1/8" hole so I'd have a place for the jump ring or wire. The plastic shrinks to 1/3 its size so keep that in mind. For the ring wine charms, I used crimp beads as extra security that the beads wouldn't slid off & then twisted the end of the ring up too. The new "Cheers To You" set is perfect for wine charms, don't you think?
Another way of making the charms is to use just wire so they twist around the base of the stem. You could even use them for napkin holders or other kind of embellishment--on a key ring or backpack, for example. These take a little more time than the rings (& more beads of course) but I just beaded while watching TV. Jewelry pliers are useful too. I think the Tart & Tangy set is especially cute--think fruity summer drinks!

The other thing I'd like to point out is the packaging. The tops are simply SU!'s Exclusive Top Note Bigz Die folded in half. Super fast & easy.

Shrinky Dinks--more fun than a Slinky :-)

Magnet Bookmarks

2008-10-01T12:35:00.005-04:00

I'm still hard at work on making sure I have enough items (& variety of items) to sell at my craft fairs. My sister-in-law gave me a gift of commercially produced magnet bookmarks a couple of years ago & I've been meaning to re-create them ever since!

So here's my first effort at making them. They are the coolest little things. I love them because you can keep them in your book as you read & they don't cover up any of the words or slide out of place. Plus, they are super easy to make (shhh!) I'm going to show them to my tech club this Friday along with another craft fair project. (So, if you're local & want to join a regular stamping club--think about it--we do cool stuff!!)

Anyway, here's what you do. First, I swabbed up a piece of glossy cardstock using our daubers & a variety of classic ink colors in stripes. Then, on half the page, I stamped small images in Black Staz-on ink. I cut the other half in 2" x 3/4" strips. Then I punched out the images with a 3/4" circle punch. Fold the strips in half & glue the circle on one end. Finally, place a 1/2" x 1/2" magnet square on the inside of each half of the strips. TIP: Make sure you're placing the magnets so they attract each other! If you accidently turn them so they repel, you'll need to glue another magnet on top of one of them in the right direction. You can buy little magnets in craft stores, or I happened to have business card size magnets lying around that I just cut up.

I made 85 of these little guys in one day (in between carpool, laundry, etc.). I'm going to sell them for $1.50 each because I did individually bag them for display & they are ready-made gifts with the little card attached (ok, that part took a second day). Fair price? What do you think?

The Stamp 4 Life Award goes to....

2008-09-29T20:02:00.002-04:00

my friend & fellow stampin' groupie--Danielle!!! I just have to recognize her amazing dedication to the craft :-) She just gave birth to a beautiful baby boy one month early on Friday afternoon & she spent Friday morning making cards WHILE IN LABOR. Of course, this was her fourth child & she's never actually gone into labor before so she didn't really recognize it--"Oh, that's what that discomfort was!" Even on her ambulance ride to the hospital, she worried about leaving all those cards undone, which she was making for her mom for Christmas (in 3 months!) & so, for stamping beyond the call of duty, Danielle wins the Stamp 4 Life Award!

Good Works

2008-09-24T18:11:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted a card in a while, have I? Well, I've got quite a few projects I'm trying to catch up on as I'm still getting ready for craft fair season so I haven't been making many cards. Still, here's one I made as a swap for a local Stampin' Up! demos meeting.

It uses the Pocket Silhouettes set in Kiwi Kiss, Tango Tangerine & Riding Hood Red & punched out using the Key Tag Punch. I used the "Good Works" sentiment from the Inspired by Nature set. I didn't know if the connected images would reflect a chain (what I was going for), so I opted to be rather obvious about it. The "chain links" were made by first punching a 3/4" hole in More Mustard cardstock & then using the 1" circle to punch around it so you're left with just the sliver circle. People didn't mistake it for Chanel so mission accomplished. I used Dotto to adhere them. Lemme tell you, it took quite awhile for 30 cards!

Let me reflect for a moment on this stamping phenomenon called "swapping" for the unitiated. The purpose is to get tons of variety for inspiration or in my case, my display board. You make a bunch of the same card (just the front of it) & label the back with your name & usually the "ingredients" of the card. At these demo meetings I've gone to, people swap immediately. It's really funny to walk in & have a mob of ladies swoop in on you as the newcomer with fresh swaps! It's a good mixer too because you're ooh-ing & ahh-ing over each other's work & gives you an excuse to walk up to anyone carrying a baggie or box of cards. That's when you usually think "I've got to make a nicer card next time!" I haven't met any swap "snobs" but I've heard about them--they're people who ignore you because they don't like your swap. If you want to do this with your friends (uh, swapping, not being a snob), you can also try a "shoebox swap" where you get together & actually make each other's card designs (you bring all the "ingredients" with you in the shoebox). It's good fun--if you make full cards, you can be rolling in unique Birthday greetings for a couple of months :-)

Name Frame Class: You can too!

2008-09-18T10:29:00.003-04:00

These name frames are from a class I gave a couple of weekends ago to show that you can do it too! Usually I take color & theme suggestions & will make a customized frame to order. For the class, we did it all together with the ladies actually making the frames & I acted as a consultant.

This first one is different from the others I've made because she wanted a frog theme & the only frog stamp I had was a foam one (I was just about to get rid of it too--glad I didn't!) I was nervous the foam stamp wouldn't work well with a dye-based ink, but it was fine (usually foam stamps are used with paints). This was Maggie's first time stamping and I think she did a great job! Her grandson will love this :) Her colors were inspired by a frog print she'd bought for her grandson's room.

My friend Danielle, a veteran stamper, made this frame to match her daughter's room. I LOVE the colors she chose. Doesn't the Kiwi Kiss look great with Perfect Plum?

Another Use for Simply Scrappin' Kit

2008-09-07T15:31:00.004-04:00

The head of my previous parish's mom's group asked me to decorate a bulletin board that will hang in the church's "cry room"--because if you're ever going to find a mom who needs friends, it's going to be in a cry room!

I decided to just use SU!'s new Simply Scrappin' Kit "Summer Home" because it's so much easier to have the professionals coordinate everything & let me get on with it. I used our retired "Letterpress" alpha set for the main title & clear embossed it. If you're wondering how I got them lined up so nicely--the magical Stamp-a-ma-jig--I only discovered this tool this year & now I LOVE it! If I had the time, I'd do a video tutorial, but I don't--so, I recommend checking out fellow Splitcoaststamper starofmay's on YouTube. I use vellum cardstock for my stamped images & just store them with my stamps so I only have to do the placement stamp once.

The Baja Blue letters & flowers are die cuts from the new Naturally Serif Sizzlits strip & Birds & Blooms respectively. I'd also like to point out the vellum "pocket" at the bottom. She wanted something see-through so that people could see the group's business cards so I came up with a template (cut the width you want, then for the length, I cut 4.5" scoring a 1/4" alley right in the middle so that it would have a 1/4" depth to hold a few cards. I reinforced the edges with 3 pieces of paper 1" wide & scored 1/4" in the middle to fold around the open sides & bottom). Oh--& check out the cute buttons in Kiwi Kiss from the new Button Bouquet collection. It was tough giving those babies up but it's for a good cause & I need to fight my hoarding tendencies. Still gonna miss them.

More Craft Fair Goodies

2008-09-03T09:22:00.004-04:00

It's official--I'll have a booth at St. Timothy's School's Craft Fair in Chantilly, VA on Nov. 22. Come visit! (I'll give you a lollipop! ;-) ) So, I've been busy making lots o' things to sell. Here are a few I've completed this week:

This is an altered binder clip that had some kind of medical co. advertising on the white part. These are so cute to use as photo holders. I used rub-ons on the purple binder part. Then, I stamped on black cardstock in white craft ink & used Heat & Stick Powder to adhere blue glitter to the flowers (the flash muted the glitter). Then I spread Crystal Effects over the whole surface to give it a cohesive tile look. I did the same on the other side so if you wanted to use it as a paper clip, you'd have the decoration facing you too. Finally, I added just a dab of blue Stickles to the middle of the rub-on & added ribbon.
These are plastic jars from Oriental Trading. I used more rub-ons on these. The felt flowers on the lids are either from SU!'s "Flower Fusion" (the olive green) or I cut them using SU!'s Basket & Blooms Sizzix die (white & black) & secured with a brad. Inside are Hershey's chocolate nuggets wrapped in stamped address labels. While these weren't hard to make, the rub-ons actually took a bit of time because you have to cut out the images & create your design, often with more than one color. I made 16 of them & each one is unique.

I was really happy with how these little plastic purses turned out! I found the blank purse favors on clearance & got them without knowing what I'd do with them. I decided to make all ten the same with a straight Christmas theme (using up all my Silver Hodgepodge Designer Label holders in the process). I also used our new Holiday Treasures DSP & Baja Breeze 1" Grosgrain ribbon. I stamped the nuggest labels with the new "Snow-Swirled" stamp set.

One tip--to make the holes for the brads, I found it easier to secure the ribbon onto the paper first, place the whole thing onto the cushion in our Mat Pack & poke a hole with the paper piercer through both (instead of using the 1/16th" hole punch). You can then poke the brad through while it's still on the cushion & flip the whole thing over--the brads will stay put & then you can spread the prongs. This way, you don't bend the paper while trying to punch the brads through.

Whew. All I can say is, I've probably spent as much energy keeping these things out of my kids' hands as I have making them! My oldest (6 yrs.) is so cute--he keeps asking how much they are because he wants to save his money to buy them.

Gift Card & Basket

2008-08-25T11:25:00.003-04:00

My new SU! Basket & Blooms Sizzix Die arrived last Thurs. & I was leaving Fri. for my H.S. reunion so I had to act fast! I saw a cute beach basket on Colleen Laux's blog & decided to do the same thing to hold the gift certificate for our reunion's organizer. I loved how it went along with her deserving to relax now! The basket wouldn't fit the envelope that came with the gift card so I made a smaller one that just fits the card & then stamped it with some beachy images from "Life's a Breeze" & a sentiment from last year's SAB set "Lots of Thoughts."

I tried using both Sticky Strip & Tombow Mono Multi around the bottom of the basket (on the one my daughter insisted on making for herself) & both worked fine. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it really was to put together. Next time I think I'll stamp it after I run it through the machine, rather than before (you can see the line where the Canvas background stamp overlapped a little). The basket filling is just strips of cardstock that I ran through the crimper before cutting.

I can also report that the basket lasted traveling all day in my purse--it's a hearty cardstock :). I used Kraft by the way (you'll need a strip of 12" x 6" to fit the XL die if you want everything cut out at once.)

& my reunion? A surreally good time :) I was telling one of my good friends (with whom I'd lost touch) that I was doing this now & she asked rather surprised "You're crafty now?" Yeah, I'm still pretty amused by it myself! Of course, we agreed that the scrapbooking part actually does make a little sense because I did always love to take pics & organize them & write captions even before scrapbooking became the commercial behemoth it now is.

Welcome Baby!

2008-08-18T17:38:00.005-04:00

I had the pleasure this past weekend of giving a workshop to a group of ladies who either had just had babies or who are pregnant. Between the mom (God bless her!) who needed to rush home to a colicky baby & the fire alarm going off on the floor of their apt. building, it was tres exciting :-) Thank goodness the elevator started working again cuz I did not want to schlep my big ol' cart down four flights of stairs. I'm just very impressed they all had the energy to go out! & I should mention that the hostess found me through the Divine Mercy Care Gala's program so Stamp 4 Life donated a portion of the earnings to DMC--yea! (If you want to host a workshop, just ask & I'll do the same for your workshop too!)

Anyway, I thought I'd share the baby projects we did. I first showed them how to make this baby onesie card with our punches. My great-upline Jeannette told me about them & then I got the directions from Lauren Meader's blog except I used a key tag punch to make the indentation below the sleeves instead of cutting with a hobby knife. Now that we have the scallop edge punch, we can scallop the sleeves too!

Next, everyone got to make this gender neutral Happy New Baby card. I used the new In-colors, scallop edge punch & showed how sponging the edges really gives cards a little extra sumpin' sumpin'. For both cards, I used "Wild About You"--one of my favorite kid themed sets.

My new catalog goodies (including the Big Shot) are coming this week! Yea!