CREATIVE RETREAT PROJECTS

Yes, I have been very busy and didn't get a chance to post until now -- so very sorry!!  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I attended Ronda Wade's Creative Retreat.  She has had 2 of these events every year, for the last 8 years, and I have never missed one of them!!!  She and her assistant Tamie Ackerson spoil us rotten and we truly have a blast.  It will take me 3 posts to show you all the neat stuff we did and received, so watch for updates on my blog to see more of the fun.

Today I am showing some projects I took with me to finish or create; along with 3 of the make'n takes Ronda had for us (I didn't get to make one as I was probably busy with something else -- LOL). 

Right-click on the picture and select "open in new tab" to enlarge so you can see the detail.  These are card boxes, that will hold 20 cards and envelopes.  I'm having my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack class next Saturday and wanted to make boxes for my stamping friends to hold the cards they will be making. 

One of the make'n takes using the Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper (everybody received a whole package of this in their goodie bag).

Another make'n take using Stampin' Up's Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper.

Another make'n take project.  This is so beautiful in person.  It is a gift card holder using 2 Top Note dies (front and back) and there is a pocket on the inside made with the Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper.  You can't tell but it is embossed with Silver Embossing Powder.

This gift bag uses all Stampin' Up retired product because I was experimenting making a sample gift bag.  I didn't like it so will be making a different one in the next couple of weeks for a craft show I am attending.

I have some really awesome projects lined up for my next post, but I hope some of these projects inspire you.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law."  -- Psalm 119:18

STAMPIN' UP PUNCH CARDS

What a day it has been!!  It has rained the entire day so it was perfect for stamping.  The only thing, I wasn't expecting to spend an entire half-day making one card!  Only for my family would I spend that much time on a card, and this one is special.  This Sunday is my great-grandson's first birthday so I wanted something very special (as special goes in my dictionary).  The theme of his birthday party is Dr. Seuss, so I decided to mimic the design on his birthday invitations.  WARNING:  This is not the type of card to CASE for a card class!  I did the best I could, but now that it is done I see some things that I would do differently next time.  Lesson learned:  Continue to buy Stampin' Up! stamp sets, as I still can't draw stick figures!!  However, I still get a smile on my face when I look at it so that is all that matters.  Here is Mr. Sam:

Product used (a couple of punches are retired):
Head:  Ornament Punch
Neck:  Modern Label Punch
Ears:  5 Petal Flower Punch
Hat:  Stocking Tag and Small Oval (for brim) Punches
Whiskers:  1 3/4" Circle (Punch twice) Punch
Eyebrows:  1/2" Circle (Punch twice)
White Stripes on Hat:  Cut freehand from Stocking Punched on Whisper White
Eyes & Nose:  Freehand
Bow:  Small Oval Punch
Cardstock and Marker Colors:  Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, & Daffodil Delight

And here is another punch card that will be done at my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack Class.  I thought this was so cute when I saw one done at our monthly RubberQueen's meeting.  Mine doesn't really look like that one, as I didn't have a picture of it when I made mine.  For the class, I punched everything ahead so all they have to do is assemble.

How do you like my socks (I even frayed them so they looked like they are rolled over).  Product:  Top Note Die cut in fourths; Gumball Green and Basic Black Ink; Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper; and Silver Glimmer, Real Red, Gumball Green, and Whisper White Cardstock; Christmas Messages & Fun With Christmas Stamp Sets; Small and Large Tag, Blossom, 1/2" Circle, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, and 1 1/4" Circle Punches; Gumball Green Ribbon; Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine' Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder; Glue Dots; and Dimensionals.

These cards are so "out of the box" for me, so let me know what you think.

Until next time,
Sandi
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  --  Psalm 119:105

RUBBERQUEENS' MAKE'N TAKES

I attended the monthly RubberQueens' meeting last night, and as usual it was packed full of information and training from our leader Ronda Wade.  There are so many fantastic new product and sales going on right now that I almost need a binder book just to keep up with Stampin' Up's celebration of 25 years in business this month.  Make sure you check out my Stampin' Up Shopping site (button on top right column) so you can see all the promotions and sales.  Also, for the month of October, Stampin' Up is offering current product on sale every Tuesday, WaHoo!!  The products on sale until October 14th:


 

TO ORDER AND CHECK THEM OUT CLICK HERE.



I also want to share with you our make'n take projects from last night -- trust me these pictures do not depict how cute they are in person:

Very cute and different gift-card holder made with the Deco Labels Framelits Collection (fold your designer paper and run through the Big Shot so you don't cut the bottom fold).

Naughty and Nice gift card with matching envelope.  I used a dab of Stampin' Up's 2-Way Glue Pen on the point of the envelope flap and let it dry, this makes the glue temporary so you can open and reclose.

Christmas card with matching envelope using the Envelope Liner Framelit.  (Ronda's sample had the tails on the sides of bow, but I'm just not a fan of that placement so I cut one tail in half and a little cut on top so my tails are below the bow.)

If you like these make'n takes, you need to sign-up as a demonstrator before October 21st, while the price is only $26.95 (the purchase of one stamp set), so you can attend Ronda's meetings, receive discounts on Stampin' Up! products, and so much more.  Call me if you are interested. 

Until next time,
Sandi

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."  --  Hebrews 13:5


STAMPIN' UP CIRCLE & LABEL THINLITS' COLLECTIONS: HORIZONTAL CARDS

Another beautiful fall day here in Michigan!!  I actually spent a day outdoors this week cleaning out the pond shed and organizing it for the winter.  I hadn't been inside the shed since the last swimming party we had, so I was shocked to see how many swimming toys were left behind.  So now I have to go out and buy another huge plastic tote just for the child life jackets.  It also took a lot more time this year because I had to release the air out of probably 10 more inflatable toys.  Those go in a tote also because the country varmints seem to like plastic (plus it keeps dirt and cobwebs off the toys, which I can't stand to touch in the spring).  Bottom line, I have enough water toys for next year!!

So let's get on to what you came here for -- stamping projects!!  I wanted to create a few more cards using Stampin' Up's awesome Circle and Label Thinlits' Dies and try out a new horizontal cut I saw on Angie Leach's blog.  Here are two horizontal cards (both different sizes) that I came up with:

I thought I had all the Christmas stamps I needed for the year (and more), but one of my clients saw a swap card using this stamp set, and I decided I should get it because it would make a great birthday card stamp.  Supplies:  Wishing You Stamp Set; Season of Style Designer Series Paper Pack; Whisper White and Crumb Cake Card Stock; Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon; Label Thinlits Die; Rhinestone Basic Jewels; Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, and Crumb Cake Markers, and Dimensionals.

Here it is unfolded.  I used the Fun With Christmas Mistletoe Stamp on the label.  The Whisper White Card Stock cut size was 5 1/2" x 8 1/4".  When you run it through the Big Shot, you'll have the left side of the card stock under the Label Card Thinlit, and the right side of the card stock on top of the Thinlit (not being cut).

And of course I had to create a vintage card (it has been way too long).  I have had the Lovely Romance Stamp Set since June (on my first order from the new catalog), and I can't believe I had not inked it up before.  It really is a beautiful stamp set.  Supplies:  Label Card Thinlits Dies; Lovely Romance Stamp Set; Soho Subway Designer Series Paper; Island Indigo and Crumb Cake Card Stock (spritzed with Island Indigo and sponged with Garden Green and Summer Starfruit Ink); Tea Lace Paper Doily; Creped Filter Paper (spritzed with Stampin' Spritzer using Island Indigo and Summer Starfruit Ink Refills); Blossom Punch; Soft Suede Ink (sponged around Crumb Cake panel); Pearl Basic Jewels; and Antique Brads (center of flower).

Here is the card opened.  The stamped  medallion was heat embossed with Early Espresso Embossing Powder.  The pearls were colored with a yellow permanent marker.
How To Make A Horizontal Card—To create a card that fits in a Medium (standard A2-size) envelope, start with card stock that is 7" x 4-1/4".  When you run it through the Big Shot, you'll have the left side of the card stock under the Circle Card Thinlit, and the right side of the card stock on top of  the Thinlit (not being cut).

Let me know what you think of the horizontal style.

Until next time,
Sandi

STAMPIN' UP'S TRULY GRATEFUL MEETS THINLETS CIRCLE CARD DIE

I had a really fun class last Saturday.  Had a chance to visit with friends I hadn't seen over the summer months and found out we are all still sassy and young at heart -- love my stamping group!!  Everybody got a chance to try out the new Envelope Punch Board to make an envelope and discuss other projects you can make with the new tool.  They all loved it as much as I do -- best new tool offered by Stampin' Up since the Big Shot was announced around 4 years ago. 

I only have a couple of cards to show you today as I have already posted three of the projects done at last weeks card class: 

A simple birthday card with matching envelop.  Main supplies:  Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper, Bring on the Cake Stamp Set, and new Envelope Punch Board.

Inside of card.

 

I finally had a chance to play with my new Circle Card Thinlits' Dies and the Truly Grateful Stamp Set.  I think I used every stamp in the set and 3 of the Thinlits' Dies, plus the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper, Autumn Accents Bigz Die, and Woodgrain Embossing Folder on Early Espresso Core'Dinations Cardstock.

 

Here is the opened card.

JUST RELEASED THIS WEEK:  Check out the awesome Everyday Occasions Card Kit below – these will be sold out fast!  This is a fantastic deal for 20 cards (7 stamps, with a clear block and ink included, plus much more!!!).

 

Stampin' Up! introduces the Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit! Designed for the new card maker, by providing a simple, fun experience at a great price.  However, it's a great kit for both beginning and experienced stampers alike! Also makes the perfect gift for that creative someone in your life (friend, daughter, niece, mother, etc.).   

The kit contains everything necessary (except: adhesive and scissors) to create 20 beautiful cards for almost any occasion, and it comes in a beautiful box to store them in.

• 7 Piece Stamp Set
• 1 Clear Block
• 2 Stampin' Spots
• Card Stock and Envelopes for 20 Cards
• Twine, Buttons, Clips, and More
• Die-Cut Paper Embellishments
• Full-Color Tips and Tricks Brochure
• A cool, storable, giftable box.

Click on the link above to put in your order now, using HOSTESS CODE:  4PNC2WS9.  Order on-line through my “Shop 27/7” web site and your product will be mailed directly to you.  Copy and paste the Hostess Code 4PNC2WS9 in the box located in the lower-left of your shopping bag (see picture below).



Make sure my name shows as your demonstrator, enter the Hostess Code, and continue shopping (you know you want more!!)

Until next time,
Sandi
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink."  --  John 7:37

CATCHING UP ON STAMPIN' UP PROJECTS!

I hate to admit this but I just pulled out my Stampin' Up 2013 Convention Make'n Takes (from July) to stamp.  I'm sure many of my fellow demonstrators have posted pictures, but to be honest, I had not seen any so I had no idea we were given so many projects and how awesome they were.  I loved all of them so much that I have to share, just in case you haven't seen them yet.  I also made 20 Project H.O.P.E. cards as I never seem to have the "right" card when I need it.  So this card is very generic and can be used for all types of situations.  What do you think:



I used a card I received from Lacie Latimore for this layout.  I love the new Wetlands Stamp Set and how generic this card turned out.  So simple, just stamp and add a little bit of sponging.

Here are the make'n takes from Stampin' Up Convention:



Five note cards and envelopes that go into the Tag a Bag Gift Bag below.  My favorite is the ampersand.

Decorated Tag a Bag to hold the note cards above.

How many ways can I say, "I LOVE GRUNGE!!!"  My very favorite make'n take -- don't you just love the colors!

Another darling gift bag -- perfect to use for birthday party favors.

And a final packaging idea:  Tag a Bag Gift Boxes.  These are so cute in person -- perfect to hold cookies or beauty products.  So many ideas for packaging gifts and very sturdy.

I don't have room to post all of the make'n takes, but I hope you like my take on the above projects.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Through love serve one another."  --  Galatians 5:13

CREATIVE CONVENTION FINAL PHOTOS

Today is the last of my make'n take photos from Ronda Wade's Creative Convention Event.  I finally purchased a picture frame this week for my last project.  When I signed up for this class, I indicated I wanted to make the cards instead of a framed project.  Needless to say, after I saw these 3"x 3" squares behind a glass frame I forgot about doing the cards and decided to frame them.  Don't get me wrong, they also made 9 gorgeous cards -- but the frame is truly gorgeous with all the sparkle. 

There is no way my cheap little camera can capture the beauty and sparkle from Stampin' Ups' new Frosted Finishes Embellishments, Silver Ribbon, and Winter Frost Specialty Designer Paper (love that foil paper!!).  So unless you come to one of my classes -- you will never be able to appreciate this wall decoration.  I also have a few of the Halloween make'n takes to show you.  Ronda always comes up with fabulous designs for our make'n takes.  So here they are:

I couldn't find a 12" x 12" frame like Ronda's that I liked, so I ended up getting the 13" x 14" frame above.  The frame was white, and I painted it with Island Indigo Classic Ink Refill mixed in white Acrylic paint, but it just didn't come out the color I wanted.  So I will probably take off the color and go back to white -- what do you think?

Okay, it's the next day and I had to edit this post.  I couldn't stand that picture above any longer and removed a lot of the color on the frame.  So which one do you like better?  (#2 below is my pick):

The coloring is still not accurate (the background is really Whisper White -- just looks darker).  A little bit of glare is showing and none of the bling really shows up -- darn camera skills!!  You can probably see better if you right-click on the picture and select "open in new window" for the larger view.  But I definitely like the frame better.

Isn't this just the cutest treat holder?  I see I forgot to trim my Baker's Twine before I took this picture.  I'm too lazy to go back and take another picture, so just use your imagination of how pretty it is now that the tails are trimmed.

Simple, but so cute -- love the Washi Tape!!  I just found out today what the word "Washi" means:  "WA" means Japanese and "SHI" means paper.  The things I learn when I'm ordering tea canisters on-line!!

Creepy, but so cute!!

Now that I finally have all my new stamps mounted and organized, I hope to have some of my own designs to post next time. 

Until next time,
Sandi

"Life is good when you walk with God!"