FOREVER LOVELY

Hello stamping friends!!  By now you all have the new Occasions Mini Catalog and probably flipped through it a dozen times.  I am in love with the whole catalog!!  But I have to tell you that my two favorite products are the Forever Lovely Bundle (p. 5) and the All My Love Designer Paper.  Actually I love the entire All My Love Suite (including the Meant to Be Bundle).  They go perfect together.  Below I used both of these bundles and accessories to create this lovely home décor, framed shadow box.  This would make a lovely gift for that special person in your life; especially for Mother's Day, a daughter, friend, or that wall in your spare bedroom to show your guests they are special to you.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer and His kindness."  --- Psalm 66:20

OCTOBER RUBBERQUEEN MEETING: SNOW PLACE

Hello stampers!  I thought I better update my blog today before I leave for Creative Retreat tomorrow.  I'm all packed, and already wondering what I have forgotten, even though the whole rear of my SUV is packed to the roof!!  I love going to retreat to see everybody and catch up on their adventures over the summer.  And of course, I love working on my scrapbooks; but I dislike the fact that I always forget something that I really need (last spring it was a punch that nobody else had and I needed it to finish an album page -- I have it packed this time and probably won't need it).  So today I'm showing the awesome make'n takes from Ronda Wade's RubberQueen meeting this month -- she always comes up with such cute ideas, and I loved these cute treat ideas using the new Snow Place Stamp Set:

Snow Poop never grows old -- everybody loves this simple goodie bag.

Cute, cute card!!

Another way to give candy, using the Gift Box Punch Board.

Another treat box using the Fry Box Bigz L Big Shot Die.

A cute snowman gift tag!!

Until next time,
Sandi

"In all your ways be mindful of Him and He shall make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:6

BUILD A BOUQUET FLOWER KIT AND MORE!!

Do you know how hard it is to craft when you are finally seeing and feeling sunshine in months???  Here in Michigan the snow is finally starting to melt and I'm seeing patches of green in the yard -- YIPPIE!!!  But nothing compares to going outside without 4 layers of sweatshirts and coats on (and sometimes I wrap in a blanket).  So I decided to celebrate the coming of spring with finalizing my Build a Bouquet Project Kit from Stampin' Up.  I started this at retreat a couple of weeks ago (did a whopping 4 flowers) and pulled it back out this last weekend to work on it.  Of course I did some of my flowers a little different, just because I wanted it to be "mine."  But all in all, I loved the end result.  However, buyers beware:  this is not a kit that you will sit down and finish in a couple of hours (unless your name is Tamie Ackerson).  But that is okay for me, as I never finish a project in a couple of hours -- did Picasso?  It actually took me longer to decorate my flower pot than it did to assemble the flowers (that's a whole story in itself -- let's just say, on the 4th layer I finally was satisfied).  And now that I am finished, I'm so glad I got the coordinating stamp set and Big Shot Bouquet Bigz L Die so I can make more.  So here is my finished bouquet and flower pot:

Well after doing 3 different layers of designs on this metal can, I finally liked my 4th layer using the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper; and for the tag, I used the matching Painted Petals Stamp Set with the tag, ribbon, and twine included in the Build a Bouquet Project Kit.  I wanted to use this designer paper right from the get-go, but I was going through one of those, "I love it so much I can't give it up" moods.  In the end, I knew this is what I wanted and nothing else was going to "work" for me so just clinched my teeth (and cried a little) as I glued it on the can -- now I'm happy!!

This was my name tag/card sitting on my table when I went to Retreat.

One of our make'n takes we did at Retreat.

Pillow gift from Ronda Wade and Jenny Peterson at Retreat (filled with a package of the new Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers).

Another make'n take with a birthday card inside the pocket.

Until next time,
Sandi

"For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand saying unto thee, Fear not; I will keep thee." 

-- Isaiah 41:13

PAINTED BLOSSOMS

I decided to start thinking "SPRING" today just because I'm tired of winter!!  So, I removed my winter scene from my framed picture on my wall and replaced it with lots of SPRING and lots of layers.  I only have this one project to show you today as I cleaned up my studio to get ready to fly down to Orlando, Florida for Stampin' Up's! Leadership Convention. WooHoo, going to catch some warmth and sun and have fun with thousands of stamping friends -- what more can a girl ask for!!  I hope to post pictures here on my blog while I am there -- if we don't party too much.

Anyway, here is my SPRING frame with all the layers, using product from the new Occasions Mini Catalog:

Okay, so I forgot to mention I'm also showing off my newest great-granddaughter, Hazel Ann (she's 19 days old here).  What better way to do it than using the beautiful new Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper!!!  I also used the new Bouquet Bigz L Big Shot Die (flowers petals around circle pictures), new Butterflies Thinlits Die along with Butterfly Punches, new Sahara Sand 7/8" Lace Trim (love this!!), new Something Borrowed Embellishments, and sentiment from the Feels Good Stamp Set.

The new lace makes such a beautiful flower!!

Until next time (hopefully, in sunny Orlando!!),

Sandi

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  -- Psalm 121:1-1

I LOVE MY STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCT!!

WooHoo, I'm finally back!!  Have I told you lately how much I could use about 12 extra hours in my day??  Yep, it wouldn't be holiday time if our time wasn't spread a little thin.  I would prefer to be spreading a little "thin" body-wise, but maybe that will come with all the extra work required getting ready for the holidays!!  Hey, a person can dream!!

I went to Stampin' Up's! kick-off event for the new Occasions and Sale-A-Bration Catalogs this week and was WOWed beyond belief.  Wait until you see the new products coming out in January -- sorry, I can't ruin the surprise and show you anything right now, but stay tuned!!

So today I have a little mixture of some things I have been doing lately.  Enjoy, and I hope it gives you some inspiration to get your fingers inky while enjoying the holidays!

Yep, here's my Frosty treat boxes!!  He's all decked out in new SU product to hold tons of candy in each box.  The boxes are a lot larger than they look in this picture.  All the boxes were made with the cardboard included in the packaging of Stampin' Up's! Designer Paper.

Using "A Little Smile" single stamp and Blendabilities.  I love these guys, they make everybody smile! 

Simple birthday card using my favorite Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set and Bloom With Hope Hostess Stamp Set.

Having so much fun with Project Life!!  These pages use Seasonal Snapshot Project Life Card Collection, Day to Day Project Life Stamp Set, and the Epic Day This and That Journal.

Until next time,
Sandi

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"  --  Luke 2:14 

ALL WRAPPED UP WITH STAMPIN' UP!

Brrrrr, it's getting way too cold here in Michigan!!!  Now I know why people go south for the winter when they are retired.  It's just not good for our bones -- they need to be kept at a steady 75-80 degrees 24/7, and without humidity!!  Just like I store my craft supplies and albums -- we are both worth preserving!!  But you didn't come here to read about my creaking bones, so I'm going to show you some awesome and SIMPLE projects to give gifts that won't take you hours to create.  The majority of these ideas were done either at Creative Convention or gifts I received at Creative Retreat (designed by Ronda Wade and Tamie Ackerson).  But all of them are adorable in person.

Easy-Peasy way to make pocket holders for those gift certificates!!  We made these at Creative Convention using:  Polka Dot Tag a Bag Gift Bags, Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Stack, Good Greetings Hostess Stamp Set, and the Under the Tree Tag a Bag Accessory Kit.

Gift bags also made at Creative Convention using:  Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Pack, Good Greetings Hostess Stamp Set, and the Under the Tree Tag a Bag Accessory Kit

I made these gift boxes for my stamping group using the new Gift Box Punch Board, Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper, Note Tag Punch, Merry Everything Stamp Set, Burlap Ribbon, and Sweater Trim Ribbon (on Clearance Rack).

My pillow gifts from Ronda Wade and Tamie Ackerson at Creative Retreat using:  Under the Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (Project Life Journaling Pen inside), Polka Dot Tag a Bag Gift Bags (Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Pack inside), Star Framelits Dies, Tree Punch, Cherry Cobbler 1" Sheer Linen Ribbon, and Clothespins.

More pillow gifts from Creative Retreat!!  I love how easy it is to just add a few embellishments to the Tiny Treat Boxes and Decorative Window Gift Boxes to make WOW packaging!!

I hope I've given you some good ideas on how easy it is to create awesome packaging for your holiday gifts.

Until next time,
Sandi

"As I have loved you . . . you also love one another."  -- John 13:34

SNOWFLAKES AND LEAVES

I went to our monthly RubberQueens' meeting last night and learned a lot, created a lot, laughed a lot, and won a lot!!!  I actually participated in the swap last night for the first time in probably a year.  I forgot how much fun it is to "receive" such creative cards from the artistic RubberQueens.  (I'll show you pictures in my next post.)  I admit I am a little prejudice when it comes to the RubberQueens, but I am always in awe of their talents. I have a few more fall cards I made at the Creative Convention shoebox swap to show you today and a 3-D snowflake I made based on Stephanie Zimmerman-Berg's demonstration last night.

I don't know who made this, but it was brought by one of the RubberQueens last night for the WOW table.  I loved it, and this picture does not do it justice.  (Made with Stampin' Up's! Burlap Ribbon.)

Most people call this a star, but I think it looks like a snowflake.  This was my first try making this, and it was so easy and fun to make.  I will be making more in different sizes -- this one is about a 14" diameter, using  the All is Calm Speciality Designer Series Paper.

Download a PDF to make the 3-D Snowflake above.

Until next time,
Sandi

"With God all things are possible."  --  Mark 10:27

CREATIVE CONVENTION -- PART 1

Well, I am finally back from a long vacation and very excited to show you all the creative projects I made for my presentation at Ronda Wade's 2014 Creative Convention, along with tons of swaps and Ronda's make and takes.  So you will probably be seeing posts from this event right up until Christmas.  I truly believe we have some of the most talented stampers in Ronda's RubberQueen group -- I hope you feel the same!!

Jumping right in, today I am showing Christmas tags and one of my 3-D projects.  (Because I have so many pictures, I kept the pictures small.  Please right-click on the picture and select "open in new window" and then click on the picture after it is loaded to see actual size.):


Gift Tag class featuring Mingle All the Way Stamp Set, Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Pack, Scallop and Angled Tag Punches, and Festive Designer Kraft Paper on easel board.



Gift Tag box made with recycled Paper Pumpkin mailing box and Trim the Tree DSP Paper Pack.



Inside of Gift Tag box.

 

Horizontal measurements for long middle of box:  9 1/4" x 4"; scored at 1/2" - 2" -31/2" using heavy card board from DSP packaging.  Fold on score lines like teepee; adhere Sticky Strip to bottom of both sides; pinch together teepee; and adhere to middle center of box.



Vertical measurements for short divider in gift tag box (cut 6 3/8" x 4" strip of heavy card board backing from DSP packaging; score on long side at 1/2" - 2" - 3 1/2" and cut in half so you have 3 1/16" inch long strips.  Fold like a teepee and adhere Sticky Strip to bottom of  both sides, on both pieces.  Pinch each teepee together, and adhere vertically to inside center of short side of box.

Christmas table candle centerpiece; featuring Beauty of the Season and Ornamental Pine Stamp Sets, Frosted Sequins Embellishments, Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper Pack, and Paper Pumpkin blue tissue packaging.



Close-up.

Close-up showing Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz.

Close-up showing strips of designer paper rolled on pencil and spritzed.

Until next time,
Sandi

"When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind.  And you will be blessed."  -- Luke 14:13-14

BLOOM WITH HOPE MEETS MIXED MEDIA CANVAS

I had a fun afternoon yesterday creating something new for me, which I have wanted to do for over a year.  I purchased 4 canvas frames almost a year ago with a gift certificate that was soon to expire, with the thought of incorporating my love of Stampin' Up! product on canvas using mixed media.  I thought this would be the perfect time to try it out because Ronda Wade, our RubberQueen leader, challenged us to use Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper on a few projects for our July meeting.  You know how much I love a challenge, and I'm so glad she gave it or I would have never put my thoughts on this canvas.  I love how it turned out mixing Stampin' Up's vibrant ink colors with their gorgeous designer paper.  And yes, it did take me the whole afternoon to finish it because the mediums had to dry in between the creativity and I started with just an idea to use designer paper. 

A lot of my inspiration for mixed media comes from Ronda Palazzari, a well-known mixed media artist, author, licensed designer, instructor and avid memory keeper who enjoys all kinds of mediums.  Her artwork has also been published in several magazines and idea books.  I have been following her blog for a couple of years and love her style because it is so different than mine!! A while back she sent me her first book, published in 2012, Art of Layers; which was my inspiration for today's project.

Check out Ronda Palazzari's blog here.

Here is what I came up with for my very first mixed media on canvas (yep, I will never be a Ronda Palazzari but I still love it) with directions:

My art is not for everyone; but I love to just "jump out of the box" every once in a while.  If you want to see a larger picture showing the texture, just right-click on the image and select "open in new window" and then you can click on it to enlarge.

Product Used:
Stamps:  Bloom With Hope (Hostess Set) and Feel Goods
Inks:  Lost Lagoon, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Hello Honey, Strawberry Slush, StazOn Black, and Momento Tuxedo Black
Designer Series Paper:  All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories:  Very Vintage and Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons; Strawberry Slush Thick Baker's Twine; Lost Lagoon Stitched Satin Ribbon; Daffodil Delight Blendabilities; Hexagon Hive Thinlits Dies; Old Olive Ink Refill; Sponges; Crystal Effects; Tissue Paper; foam paint brush and small bristle paintbrush; Gesso; and Mod Podge.

Directions:

• Using the foam paint brush, spread the Gesso over the entire canvas to give it texture.  Add a small piece of the All Abloom DSP on top of the gesso (while still wet) and smooth it with the foam brush and let it dry. 
• Sponge on the different colors of ink and let it dry. 
• Using scrap cardstock, run the Hexagon Hive Thinlit through the Big Shot and use it as a template to sponge on the Old Olive ink (and I used the same sponge to lightly wipe the color around the hexagons). 
• Mix together about a teaspoon of Gesso with Old Olive Ink Refill for desired color; and using a bristle paintbrush, paint the outside frame and create some "splatters" on the front of your canvas. 
• Using the StazOn Black Ink, stamp your sentiment on some white tissue paper, tear around the words, apply some Mod Podge on the back using foam paint brush, and apply to canvas being careful not to tear.  
• Using the Momento Tuxedo Black Ink, stamp your flowers and leaves on the designer paper, cut, and apply Mod Podge to back to adhere to canvas (I did use my tweezers for the leaves).
• Color one button with the Daffodil Delight Blendability and adhere designer paper to back of the other 2 buttons using Mod Podge.  Let dry and then tie on baker's twine and Lost Lagoon ribbon (I cut this lengthwise at 1/8th inch wide so it would go through the small button holes).
• Adhere the buttons to the canvas using Crystal Effects.
• Using a sponge, I applied some Lost Lagoon ink on the frame sides.

I have probably forgotten something in the directions, but if you have any questions leave a comment and I will check back to answer.  Let me know what think of my first attempt!!

Until next time,
Sandi
"I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."

--  John 12:46

WATERCOLOR AND TISSUE

How do you like that title???  Sometimes I run out of ideas when it comes to putting a title on a blog post, so this time this is all I could come up with.  What does water coloring and tissues have in common -- NOTHING!!  At least not for this post, but maybe in the future I will come up with a technique using both of them together -- my wheels are spinning already!  However, I am going to show you projects today using both of these.  So let's get right to it with the water coloring first: 

I got this idea from Sandi MacIver and just had to make these for this month's thank-you cards to clients.  They scream "Spring" and so easy-peasy to make.  I used the "Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set" for the embossed sentiment.

Here is a group shot.  They are all different as I was just trying different brush strokes.

Here are all the supplies I needed (except VersaMark and Black Embossing Powder needed for the sentiment).  The Ink Refill colors I chose were:  Coastal Cabana, Pistachio Pudding, Summer Starfruit, Crisp Cantaloupe, and Strawberry Slush. Heat Emboss your sentiment or image first.  For the water coloring, start with about 10 drops of Ink Refill in the lid of each stamp pad and mist some water in each (one squeeze of mist).  Prior to applying ink to Water Color Cardstock, brush clear water (see bowl and large brush at top of picture) all over the cardstock.  Then, using a separate brush for each color, apply ink to the Water Color Cardstock.  You might want to hold the cardstock down with your tweezers when applying the color.  Let it dry (or use your Heat Tool after the ink has sat a few minutes).  That's it -- easy-peasy!!  I used the same method to create the flowers.

I finished the project below last night for my husband's bathroom.  I have made many of these tissue box covers, but never with a "male" theme.  This was so much harder because I had to keep it manly (you know how I love adding flowers and ribbon -- but not this time), plus I used more pictures than normally because I couldn't make up my mind which ones to use.  So here is where the "tissue" came from:

I love these acrylic tissue box covers because you can change out the design whenever you want (which I have done before).  I had a few of these left over from a class I had a few years back and got them out because my daughter wants to make a couple at Retreat next week.

Here are all four sides to the box (and yes, I added Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper to the top).  Another quick and easy project.

Let me know what you think of the beautiful water coloring technique and give it a try, you will have so much fun!!

Until next time,

Sandi

"I will rescue you . . ., and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm." -- Exodus 6:6

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2014!!!

It's a new year and I'm so ready for it!!  Last week I put in a huge order for all new Stampin' Up! product going on sale January 3, 2014, from the "Celebrate the Everyday" mini catalog.  I rarely ever do "sneak peeks" of new product just because it would be like opening Christmas presents before Christmas morning -- I love surprises and don't want to spoil it for you or me!!  I can say, you will love everything in the new mini, so get ready to "Celebrate."

I have been so busy with Christmas preparations and family visits (let alone not having electric for a week due to the ice storm) that I haven't done much creating.  I do have some pictures of my table decorations for Christmas dinner.  They were fast, easy, but perfect for my table.  What do you think:

Each Craft Bag was filled with chocolates and candy cane; envelope made with Stampin' Up's Envelope Punch Board and cash gift enclosed.  The names were stamped on using the Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamp Set, punched with Word Punch, and attached with Dimensionals on the 2 ends so I could tuck the envelope flap under and keep it closed.  The tag was stamped using VersaMark and the Chalk Talk Stamp Set and then heat embossed with Whisper White Embossing Powder, then cut with the Chalk Talk Framelits.

 

Napkin rings for my dinner napkins.

 

 

Of course I recycled empty toilet paper rolls (doesn't everybody???) by cutting them in one-inch heights, then gluing on one-inch strips of Season of Style Designer Series Paper, sponged the edges with Cherry Cobbler Ink (see picture above), and finally applied a coat of Mod Podge to protect and make them sturdier.  I used the Very Merry Tags Stamp Set, the1-3/4" Circle Punch, a dab of Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details for Rudolph's nose, and Dimensionals to apply the circle to the ring.

 Even though Christmas is over, I hope this gives you some ideas for maybe adding some table decorations for your next holiday dinner (change the stamps and paper for an awesome Easter dinner party).

Until next time,
Sandi

"All things work together for good to those who love God."  --  Romans 8:28

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!"