Monday, October 14, 2013

O Holy Night Chalk Board Card

I still love the chalk board look and it's been a few months since I made a card with this fun technique.  But I think this stamp is perfect for it:
Colors: Coastal Cabana, Island Indigo, Basic Black.  Stamps: O Holy Night.  Big Shot: Stylish Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Accessories: Winter Frost Designer Series Paper Stack, Silver 1/8" Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Whisper White Craft Ink, White Embossing Powder.
I made this card for a swap The layout is nice and simple, but the technique really makes it something special.  If you can't remember how to do the chalk board technique, I explained it in this post: CHALK BOARD TECHNIQUE.

This is just one of the Christmas Cards that will be available at my Holiday Stampin' Buffet next week. I hope to have all the projects posted by the end of the week so stay tuned!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Flat Bow Card

One last follow up to last weekend's Stampin' Addicts Winter Holiday Blog Hop: the flat bow card.

Colors: Island Indigo, Pool Party, and Whisper White.  Stamps: That's the Ticket.   Big Shot: Gift Bow Bigz L. Punch: Ticket Duo. Accessories: Silver Foil Paper, Island Indigo Textured Card Stock, Winter Frost Designer Series Stack.   
The inspiration for this card came from convention.  In the product showcase, they had a board that showed different ways to make bows with this die:

And just for good measure, here's the other board with samples:


When you purchase this die, it cuts the following shapes:

Gift Bow Bigz L Die

To make the flat bow on the card, you use four of the "fish tail" pieces and one of the small strips (for the middle). The Silver Foil Paper from the Holiday Catalog adds just the right bit of sparkle and shine to the the bow and card. And the Christmas greeting from That's the Ticket makes the perfect little "tag" for this card. 

I hope you enjoyed this closer look at the Gift Bow Bigz L die this week.  Next week, I'll have even more Christmas ideas as I start to post projects for my Holiday Stampin' Buffets.  Stay tuned!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Fringed Bow Box

More details today on the Fringed Bow Box from last weekend's Stampin' Addicts Winter Holiday Blog Hop.  First, here's a reminder of what it looked like:

And here it is from a different angle.

Colors: Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Smoky Slate and Whisper White.  Stamps: Greetings of the Season (Holiday Carryover list). Big Shot: Gift Bow Bigz L Die.  Accessories: Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Winter Frost Designer Series Paper Stack, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, & Tag A Box Gift Box.
Just a couple of things to point out about this.  First, to make this bow I cut three of the larger double loops.  Then I folded the loops into the middle and cut each loop several times.  This will crease the loops.  To get them to look less creased, I just pushed the fringed pieces back towards the center.  I used my hot glue gun (we have such a love/hate relationship) and glued all the pieces together, including adding the ribbon.

Second, I feel the need to point out how perfect the Designer Series Paper Stack pieces work with these Tag A Box Gift Boxes. Almost like it was planned that way.  One piece from the stack makes the perfect cover for these boxes.  I just scored it 1-1/16" on each side and it makes the perfect cover for the box.  Scoring at 1-1/16" is a little tricky, but you just move the paper over so the edge is half way between the edge of your Simply Scored and the first 1/8" mark and then score at 1-1/8". 

It's hard to tell from the picture, but I did emboss the tag in Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder to add to the festive feel of this gift box.  This stamp is from the Greetings of the Season stamp set that isn't in either of the current catalogs.  It carried over from last year along with a few other Holiday stamps that aren't in any of the catalogs.  You can see them all here: 2013 Holiday Carryover List.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Join Stampin' Up! Now for Only $25



Have you ever even had the smallest interest or desire to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?  Ever thought, I could do that?  Or, I  love the product and have a huge wish list, I bet I could save money if I signed up and bought from myself?

Now would be a great time to act on that thought.  In fact, I don't recall a better time to act.  In honor of Stampin' Up!'s 25th Anniversary, they are offering a $25 Starter Kit from today through October 21!!  Yep, for just $25 you get:
  • Up to $26.95 in product of your choice.  Choose anything from any catalog or even from the things not in the catalog (photopolymer stamps, envelope punch board, Best of 25 stamp sets, etc).  Your total needs to be more than $25 but less than $26.95 before tax.
  • Business Supplies including catalogs, order forms, and other items you'll need if you want to make this a business.
  • Two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services.
 Of course there is much, much more you get by becoming a demonstrator:
  • 30% instant income on your first order of $150 placed within the first  45 days of joining Stampin' Up!  Combine this with the current hostess special (extra $25 in hostess benefits for a $250 order) and you'll get an even greater value.  This can be a workshop order or a demonstrator order (for yourself)
  • Special Perk for those that sign up during this promotion: host your first $150 workshop in 30 days and you can pick any stamp set from the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog (redeemable with your first order in December). Combine this with the above offers for even more benefits!
  • 20% instant income off every order you place while you remain an active demonstrator
  • Most demonstrator orders also qualify for current Stampin' Up! promotions and always qualify for hostess benefits
  • Sneak peeks and special pre-order opportunities on up coming products and catalog releases
  • Access to Stampin' Connections, an online community just for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators to exchange project ideas and business tips
  • Stampin' Success, a magazine that comes every other month full of project and business information
I run my Stampin' Up! business the way that works best for me and you can too.  Demonstrators come in all shapes and sizes and all different levels of interest.  Many join just to buy for themselves at a fabulous discount.  Some like me, run a limited business to cover the cost of having lots of fabulous craft supplies.  Others help or fully support their family on the income they earn from Stampin' Up!

Worried about what kind of commitment you'll be making? Don't!  Stampin' Up! does not require anything from you once you sign up.  If you never place an order, you will not be penalized.  You can just keep your starter kit and enjoy the product.  If you decide you'd like to remain a demonstrator to take advantage for the ongoing benefits, you just need to sell or purchase enough to cover your quarterly minimums ($300) before the end of your first full quarter (in this case that would be March 2014). 

If you want more information or are ready to sign up, visit my Demonstrator Website and click on "Join Now."  You'll see details on all the benefits and more information on the career plan there and see a copy of the Independent Demonstrator Agreement.  You can also call me and I can answer any questions you might have.  But don't let this offer pass you by!

Curly Paper Wreath

I hope you enjoyed the Stampin' Addicts Holiday Blog Hop this past weekend.  I love hopping with these talented demonstrators. So many wonderful ideas!

I promised to share some more details this week on the projects so today I'm sharing more on the wreath I featured on the hop.
Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White. Big Shot: Gift Bow Bigz L Die, Expressions Thinlits.  Accessories: Season of Style Designer Series Paper, Champagne Glitter Paper, Glitter Brad, Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon. Other: straight pins, Styrofoam wreath form.
Just a reminder that I did not make this wreath.  The very talented Angie Pegram swapped it with me at convention this summer.  She used 1/2 a package of Designer Series Paper and a Styrofoam wreath form to make this wreath.  She cut six sheets into 1 inch strips.  Then use a bone folder to curl the paper (like you would run curling ribbon over a scissor blade).  Finally, take each piece and pin to the the wreath form.

I added the bow and the glittery "Merry" to her creation for the blog hop.
 
The die cuts two different-sized loops and two tails.  For this bow, I cut two of the larger double loops and four of the smaller loops.  I then stacked them together and used a glitter brad to put it all together. 

This will be one of the projects at my Holiday Stampin' Buffet next month.  Watch for more projects and details to be posted in the coming weeks.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Stampin' Addicts Winter Holiday Blog Hop: Gift Bow Die

Welcome to stop #14 on the Stampin' Addicts Winter Holiday Blog Hop!  I've been on a bit of a hiatus the past couple of weeks, but I'm back and just in time for another great hop. If you're hoping in order than you've arrived from Jennifer Timko's Stampin' On the Fly and her fabulous take on the Expressions Thinlits. (I feel a few CASEs coming on Jen!).  If this is your first stop, we are all linked in a circle so you won't miss a thing.  If you get lost or want to chat it up, head on over to Stampin' Addicts!

I'm featuring the Gift Bow Bigz Die from the Holiday Catalog on this hop.  I picked this because I needed to stretch myself and actually use this die that I bought.  I have three projects to share and I will be sharing more details on them next week here so check back!

My first project I'm sharing isn't really my project at all (or at least the main part of it isn't).  I received this fabulous wreath as a swap from fellow Stampin' Addict Angie Pegram at convention this past summer.  My part of the project was to add the paper bow to the bottom of it.  Here is a close up of the bow:

You can see that I have used multiple "loops" from the die to make this bow a little fuller.  I also used a glimmer brad to hold it all together.

My second project was inspired by a project Shelli Gardner shared on the mainstage at convention this year.  Again, I used multiple loops, but this time I added some interest to the bow by fringing it and adding the ribbon. 

And last, but not least is a card.  Here I used the "tail" pieces to create a flat bow that could easily be mailed.  Love this silver foil paper and the textured card stock that are also in the Holiday Catalog and how much interest they add to a simple card like this.

Thanks for hopping a long with us today.  Now you're off to Heidi Bak's Running with Scissors and her amazing projects made with the Tags 4 You stamp set.

 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Halloween Gable Box

When I was looking for one more treat box for my Spooktacular Buffet, Janine Tinklenberg posted one on her blog that was perfect.  My version looks like this:

Colors: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry.  Stamps:Halloween Bash.  Punches: Decorative Label and Large Oval.  Accessories: Witch's Brew Designer Series Paper, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Pumpkin Pie Chevron Ribbon and Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.
These little boxes are so cute a pretty easy to make from half a sheet of card stock.  Dawn Olchefske has a video tutorial on how to create this boxes on her blog.   They would make great little favor boxes for any occasion.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Stampin' Addicts Recycle Challenge #5

Yapha Mason posted a great color challenge for us this week on the Stampin' Addicts Recycle Challenge: Soft Suede, Pool Party, & Pear Pizzaz.  I love these colors so I knew I was ready to jump in and play along:
Colors: Soft Suede, Pool Party, Pear Pizzaz, & Naturals Ivory.  Stamps: World Map & Really Good Greetings.  Big Shot: Chalk Talk Framelits. Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Natural 7/16" Trim & Antique Brads.
The World Map stamp was the first stamp to go on my wish list from this catalog.  Then they had to make a change to it so it wasn't available to order when the rest of the catalog went live.  I did end up ordering it when it was available, but by then, I was playing with Halloween and Christmas stamps and didn't have much of a chance to ink it up.  I thought this challenge was the perfect opportunity.

To make the card, first I stamped the map in Soft Suede Ink and then quickly dumped clear embossing powder all over it and heat set it.  Then I used my Aqua Painter to color the ocean Pool Party and the land Pear Pizzaz.  This didn't work out perfectly because the Soft Suede did still smear a little bit, but it kind of just adds to the antique feeling of the card.

Head on over and play along with this week's challenge. You can also see, like and repin all the projects on Pinterest and help us determine the winner of this week's challenge. The challenge ends Friday, September 27 but don't put it off.  The player with the most repins and likes wins.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Muslin Bag Halloween Treat

One of the items featured in the Holiday Catalog are these cute little muslin bags.


There are so many fun things you could  do with these bags for the upcoming holidays.  Today, I'm going to show you a Halloween idea:

Colors: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry.  Stamps: Halloween Bash.  Big Shot: Deco Label and Chalk Talk Framelits.  Punch: Modern Label. Accessories: Mini Muslin Bag, Build a Banner Simply Created Kit Chevron Template, Black Chevron and Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon. 
To make this, I used the Chevron Template from the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit and a spritzer to add the color to the bag.  For the tag, I cut the round parts off the sides a Deco Label Framelit Die Cut and used one of the smaller pieces from chalk talk to make the hole in the top for the ribbon. 

This is just one of the projects that will be available to make at my Spooktacular Stampin' Buffet on September 27 & 28.  Let me know if you are coming and what you want to make.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Bat Candy Bar Holder

Halloween is still six weeks away, but my Spooktacular Stampin' Buffet is only two weeks away!  This is always my most popular class of the year because my customers ♥ Halloween.  It's always a bit of a challenge to come up with some new and different kind of treat holder for this class, but I think this one turned out so cute:
Colors: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Summer Starfruit.  Stamps: Halloween Bash.  Big Shot: Labels Collection Framelits.  Punches: Decorative Label, Elegant Butterfly, Modern Label, 2-1/2", 1-3/4", 1/2" Circles, & Circle from Itty Bitty Shape Punch Pack.  Accessories: Witch's Brew Designer Series Paper, Basic Black Chevron Ribbon, Brights Glimmer Brads.
When you take the belly band off and open it up it looks like this:

Belinda Tubby has a video tutorial on how to make these on YouTube.  I changed it up just a bit by using the Elegant Butterfly punch to make the ears and the Modern Label punch to make the feet.  For those that prefer written directions instead of a video here are the basics:
  • Start with a piece of black card stock 7-1/2" x 6-1/2"
  • Place it on the Simply Scored Board the long way and score at 2-1/2" and 5".
  • Turn the card stock the other way and score at 1" from the edge to the first score line and from the second score line to the other edge. (So there is no score line in the middle).
  • Cut the 1" x 2-1/2" corners away along the score lines.  
  • Use the 2-1/2" Circle punch to make a template for the head.  (Punch a circle out and then trace it onto the top section to make the rounded head.)
  • To make the wings, start about 1/2" in from at the top corner and use the 2-1/2" circle punch to punch the first notch.  Move down to the end of that notch and punch in about 3/4" from the edge.
  • Switch to the 1-3/4" circle punch and start at the bottom at the score line and punch about 1/2" in from the bottom.  Then use the 1-3/4" circle punch to notch the corner and make it look like a bat's wing.
  • Repeat on the other side. 
  • Use the top half of the butterfly punch to make the ears (cut it in half to make two) and glue to the top
  • Use the 1/2" circle and the small circle from the Itty Bitty Punch to make the eyes.
  • Use the modern label punch for the feet.  Cut one in half and glue them to the bottom. 
  • Attach the candy bar to the center and add a belly band.
You can check out all the projects for my Halloween class here: Spooktacular Stampin' Buffet.  All project orders need to be in by Tuesday, September 24 so I can have them all cut and ready to go.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Split Negative Technique

Last week, Mary Rindal posted the third recycle challenge on Stampin' Addicts using a technique that I've never done before: Split the Negative.  This is a fun technique and the original directions on Stampin' Addicts that Debbi Silberberg posted there make it easy peasy. This is what I came up with:

Colors: Smoky Slate, Whisper White, and Crushed Curry.  Stamps: Beautifully Baroque and Delightful Dozen.  Accessories: Versamark, Rhinestone Jewels, Smoky Slate and White Embossing Powder.
I kept the card itself very simple and let the technique speak for itself.  You'll see that my image isn't split exactly in half, we'll just pretend that was intentional. With all the colored embossing powder Stampin' Up! offers now, there is no reason to limit this technique to just Black and White.  I was picturing a fun Christmas card with Cherry Cobbler and White.

If you don't have time to play along with the challenge, you can still help with the challenge.  Head over to Pinterest and like and repin your favorites.  The player who gets the most repins and likes gets to pick the next challenge.

Monday, September 9, 2013

MDS Monday: SA Recycle Challenge #4

I'm back!  It's been a little crazy around here.  First, we bought a car and had to get the old one ready to sell.  Then my husband had a milestone birthday this past weekend, complete with a BBQ that got rained out so we had to get the yard ready, and then the house.  But I'm back now.  My youngest son is back in school now and I'm ready to get back to work!

So what's the best way to get back to work?  How about with an MDS Monday and a challenge!!  The Stampin' Addicts Recycle Pinterest Challenges are now on week 4.  I haven't had time to play the past two weeks, but Adriana posted a great Scrapbook challenge this morning for us so I opened up MDS to play along.

Colors: Cajun Craze, Baja Breeze, More Mustard and Soft Suede.  Digital Stamps: Natural Composition Overlays.  Digital Punches: Stars and Circle.  Digital Embellishments: Hodgepodge Hardware.
I love this picture of my boys with their cousins.  We were in St. George, Utah for my family reunion this past summer.  It was toasty hot most of the time we were there, but we still managed to squeeze in trip up the Sugar Loaf.  If you are familiar with St. George, the Sugar Loaf is the big red rock with Dixie painted on it.  It is just above the old family property so when we were kids we used to walk up there and play on those rocks and it's a tradition we have continued with our children as well.  Only now, we have to drive up there since they built a busy bypass road between it and the old family property.  But it is still just as fun to run around and climb those rocks as it was 30 years ago.

If you would like to play along in the challenge, head on over to Stampin' Addicts and check out this week's sketch:
And if you don't have time to play along this week, head on over to the challenge board on pinterest and help pick the winner of this weeks challenge by liking and repinning your favorite.  (Including this mine!!)

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Thinlits Card Dies

I can't believe it is nearly the end of August.  Where has the time gone?  And I've kind of been a slacker this week.  We were offered a last minute spot at a different school for my 10 year old son last Thursday so he restarted fifth grade on Monday.  This leaves me home with my 8 year old all day until he goes back on track in 12 days (but who is counting right?).  And we're toying with buying a new car so that means I've entered full OCD mode and have spent entirely too much time looking at cars online the past few days.  We better buy one soon so I can get back to my life.

But you didn't come here to hear about my life, you came here to see something creative. So because I was I didn't post on Monday, I am sharing not one, but two cards with you today featuring the brand new Thinlits Card Dies that make swing cards a breeze!

First, what it looks like closed:
Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla and Basic Black.  Stamps: Tags 4 You and Halloween Hello.  Big Shot: Lable Card Thinlits and Labels Framelits Collections.  Punch: Label Bracket and 1-3/4" Circle Punch. Accessories: Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper.
 Then, when you open the card up, that piece in the middle flips around to look like this:

It's been years since I have made one of these swing cards.  They just took too much effort.  But with these new Thinlits for the Big Shot, they are quick and simple and look fabulous! They come in two different shapes: Label (shown above) and Circle.

So what do the circle ones look like?  Here is my take on a card that Shelli Gardner showed on the mainstage at convention that is a little more stepped up:

Colors: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, and Whisper White. Stamps: Halloween Hello.  Big Shot: Circle Thinlits and Circle Framelits.  Punches: Bracket and Decorative Label.  Accessories:  Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper and Washi Tape, Black Stampin' Glitter, and Whisper White Bakers Twine.
And here is what it  looks like open.


Kind of fun how the little bat spins around on the bakers twine.  One of the best things about these Thinlits is they come with a bunch of accessory pieces to enhance your card.  I didn't use many of those pieces on these cards and unfortunately, these are not shown in any of the catalogs.  But you can check out all the details on this flyer:

And now to top off my other slacker excuses, my internet has gone down twice while I was trying to post this.  Talk about the post that takes all day!  Hopefully I will have more success on Friday!

Friday, August 23, 2013

Convention Display: I Dig You Seed Packet

It's been a couple of weeks since I shared one of my Display Board creations.  There are just so many fun things to share that I haven't had time.  Here is one of the 3D items that I made:

Colors: Gumball Green, Marina Mist, Strawberry Slush, Daffodil Delight. Whisper White.  Stamps: Tag It.  Big Shot: Chalk Talk, Bitty Banners and Oval Framelits, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Accessories: 2013-2015 In Color Designer Paper Stack, Mini Brads, Occasions Paper Piercing Pack, Many Marvelous Markers.
I had an idea for this stamp that involved an entire little garden set.  But I couldn't find the cute little pots I needed so it morphed into this.  And unfortunately, I didn't write down the measurements I used to make this little pocket.  But I know this Cocoa Packet Holder was the inspiration for it. I just changed up the measurements to work for the seed packet. 

I did run it through the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder after I put it together.  Then to get the rounded top, I used the Adorning Accent Edgelit, carefully lined it up on the pocket and ran it through the Big Shot.

And here it is on the actual display board at convention with some of the other wonderful projects made by some very talented stamper:

Next week, I'll have some samples showing off the new Thinlet Card dies.  They are seriously addicting!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

August Paper Pumpkin: Last Chance for $10 Offer

I was so excited on Saturday to go to my mailbox and see this inside:

What is it, you say?  It's my monthly Paper Pumpkin subscription.  Or my creative escape, delivered right to my door.

And what was inside?
Everything to make 4 quick and easy (and cute, I might add) cards.  All I needed were scissors and adhesive and 20 minutes later I had these beauties:

August Paper Pumpkin

When I finished, I had an extra sticker, so I made this too:

Colors: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Raspberry Ripple, Baked Brown Sugar and Whisper White.  Stamps: August Paper Pumpkin Kit.  Accessories: Mini Brads
Sign up to have your own Paper Pumpkin delivered to your door.  Right now, your first two kits are only $10 (plus tax) when you use the code PUMPKINDEAL.  Shipping is included in that price to make it an even better deal!  I covered all the steps to do just that in this blog post: July Paper Pumpkin and $10 Offer.  The clear block that comes as a bonus in your first kit is worth $8.50.  That is one amazing deal right there!

And for my local customers, I will be hosting a Paper Pumpkin Night at my house the first Thursday of each month.  Bring your kit and we'll put it together and make one bonus card using the stamps and ink from your kit. But don't delay.  This fabulous deal ends August 31!  Sign up now: Paula's Paper Pumpkin

Monday, August 19, 2013

Stampin' Addicts Challenges are Back!

It's been over a year since a new challenge has been posted on Stampin, Addicts.  But today we are bringing the challenges back in a new and different way.  For now, we are recycling the old challenges and adding a new twist to them:  Pinterest.  You can see all the details on that here: Stampin' Addicts Pinterest Recycle Challenge #1

The first challenge is the old Sketch Challenge 44.  I sat down yesterday to create a card with this sketch and here it is:

Colors: Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Basic Black and Whisper White.  Stamps: Halloween Hello.  Punches: Label Bracket and 1" square. Accessories: Markers and Crystal Effects
It's a little hard to tell from the picture but there is Crystal Effects all over the candy to make it shiny like real candy.  Here is the sketch it's based on:

Don't have time to create this week but want to help pick a winner of the challenge?  Simply become a follower of Stampin' Addicts on Pinterest, then like or repin cards from the challenge board.  The creator with the most likes and repins gets to pick the following challenge. But it's even more fun to play along, so do that too!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Happy Day!

One of the perks from going to convention the last couple of years has been a discount on select items from the catalog.  It's an even better perk when stamps that are on your wish list are included in that perk.  That is how I ended up with Happy Day and this is one of the first cards I made with it:

Colors: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Gold.  Stamps: Happy Day.  Big Shot: Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits, Circle #2 Originals.  Accessories: Modern Medley Designer Series Paper, Brushed Gold Cardstock, Rhinestone Jewel.
I just love the Modern Medley Designer Series Paper.  It is so elegant and refined.  And here I added just a touch of the Brushed Gold Cardstock to the circle layers to add a little more elegance.  One of the presenters at Convention told us that gold is very in right now.  I envisioned this as a wedding card, but it would work for nearly any occasion.

This is one of the cards offered at my August Stampin' Buffet this weekend.  All the projects were inspired by something I learned, a swap or a display board at convention.  I have added another day for this class, next Thursday, August 22.  If you couldn't come this weekend but want to come then, let me know by noon, next Tuesday.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Mixed-Media Halloween Canvas

Today I am sharing with you the details of the Mixed-Media Canvas I made for the blog hop this past weekend. 
Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Summer Starfruit, Basic Black, and Basic Gray.  Big Shot: Typeset Alphabet Bigz, Accessories: Build a Banner Kit (Chevron Template), Halloween Simply Created Banner Accessory Kit, Linen Thread,  and Orange Stampin' Glitter, Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper. Other: 11x14 Canvas, 5x7 Frame, Mod Podge, hot glue gun, spray sealer.
Sara Douglass shared a version of this on the Mainstage at Convention. For my version, the first thing I did was use the Chevron Template from the Build a Banner Kit to put the background on the canvas with a sponge dauber and Pumpkin Pie reinker.  I moved the template around so that the circle that is on the template didn't get in the way.

Next, I carefully put the paper on the canvas using Mod Podge.  This has be be done very carefully because the Mod Podge will smear the ink if you brush across it.  I applied a layer of Mod Podge to the canvas and to each of the paper strips and then carefully laid it on the canvas.  Allow the canvas to dry and then apply a layer of mod podge over the top.

At this point, I would add the glitter letter.  It's not how I did it because they were kind of an after thought.  I cut the letters out of some left over chipboard with the dies and then brushed them with glue and dipped them in the glitter.  After they are applied to the canvas, spray the entire thing with spray sealer.  This will help hold the glitter on the letters and seal the mod podge.

Next remove all the glass hardware from the frame and glue it to the canvas.  Then add all your embellishments.  Nearly all of the embellishments for this came from the Halloween Banner Accessory kit. 

I made a second Canvas using some of the left overs:

Colors: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Starfruit, Basic Gray.  Accessories: Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper, Halloween Simply Created Banner Accessory Kit, Orange Stampin' Glitter.  Other 12x12 Canvas, Mod Podge, Hot Glue.
For this one, I just used Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the canvas.  But I did not put Mod Podge over the top this time.  I used glue to adhere a bit of glitter to some of the images and then added the embellishments. 

Both of these projects will be part of my Spook-tacular Stampin' Buffet at the end of September.  I'll have more information posted about that class at the middle of the September.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Build a Banner Tips and Tricks

Wasn't the Stampin' Addicts Fall Blog Hop spectacular? So many great ideas for Fall from the Holiday Catalog.  If you missed it, the sites are all deep linked together so you can still make your way through the hop.

I promised today to share some tips and tricks I have learned about using the Build-A-Banner kit.
Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Summer Starfruit, and Basic Black.  Punch: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle.  Accessories: Build A Banner Simply Created Kit, Halloween Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit, Pumpkin Pie and Summer Starfruit Ink Refills, Sponge Daubers, Black Stazon Ink Pad, Basic Black Chevron Ribbon.

For the SPOOKY banner, I used the Stampin' Spritzers to color the background on four of the pennants.  This can be a little tricky and I will admit to ruining a few pennants before I got it right. But with the suggestions offered at convention and through trial and error, I have a few tips to share.

First, add about 30 drops of reinker to the Stampin' Spritzer and then add rubbing alcohol to fill the bottle about 3/4 full.  (70% alcohol works better than 90%).  Before you spray the pennant, make sure to protect the surrounding area.  I placed mine in a cardboard box.  Place the stencil over the pennant.  Prime the spritzer onto a scrap (or into the corner of the box) just to get a feel for the direction of the spray and saturation of it).  Hold the spritzer 8-10 inches away and spray lightly.  Don't over do it!  The more you spray, the more it bleeds under the stencil, so be careful!  Carefully remove the stencil.

For the other pennants and the letters (the ones with the polka dots on them) I used a sponge dauber to apply ink directly to the pennants using the stencils. 

The other thing to share about this is coloring the Black Chevron Ribbon.  I got this idea from my friend Rhonda Griffin over at the Stampin' Bunny.  I used a sponge dauber to add color the white portion of the ribbon pumpkin pie.  You can see that ribbon here:
You can also see on this pennant how I added a few 2-3/8" scallop circle punchies to the banner too.

Colors: Tangerine Tango, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry.  Punch: 7/8" & 1-1/4" Scallop Circles.  Accessories: Build a Banner Simply Created Kit, Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper, 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon, Naturals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Many Marvelous Markers.
For this banner, instead of using the spritzers, I colored directly on the pennants with the Stampin' Write Markers.  As you can tell, the colors turn out much more vibrant when you do this, but it does destroy the tips of your markers so you might want to used your old ones and then buy new ones to replace them.  I also dipped the tip in matching ink refills when they started to get a little dry. 

Here is a close up view of the smaller burlap pennants between the larger pennants:


I am already thinking of other banners to make for parties and Christmas, and other holidays.  Come back on Wednesday to see the mixed-media project plus a bonus mixed-media project.   See you then!

Friday, August 9, 2013

Stampin' Addicts Fall Blog Hop: Banner Kit

Welcome to stop #9 on the Stampin' Addicts Fall Blog Hop.   This hop focuses on Halloween and Thanksgiving stamps, kits and accessories from the Holiday catalog.  Then in October, we'll showcase the Holiday section of the catalog. (Two hops = Twice the Fun!)  If you are hoping in order, than you've just arrived from the very talented Mary Rindal's {Scrap and Stamp with Mary} look at the Witch's Brew Designer Series Paper and Washi Tape. She always has fabulous creations.  If this is your first stop on the hop, all the blogs are linked in a continuous circle so you won't miss a thing.  If you get lost along the way or want to chat it up, visit Stampin' Addicts.

I love to create banners.  I've featured them on the hops before so it probably won't be any surprise that I picked the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit and the Halloween Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit to show you today.  The first kit includes 18 blank canvas pennants and the stencils you need to create different backgrounds and letters on the pennants.  The second kit helps you turn those plain pennants into a SPOOKY (or other Halloween word) banner.  And as a reminder, you can click on any of the pictures to get a closer look.

My first project showcases these two kits used together: 
I pretty much followed the instructions that come with the Halloween Banner Accessory Kit when I put this together, except I added a titch more card stock and some extra ribbon that I died to match the kit.

Now, what else could you do with that same Halloween Banner Accessory Kit?   Sara Douglass gave us an idea at convention:
This is a CASE of her mixed-media project, but I've added a few of my own elements to it as well.  See the chevron background behind the skull and crossbones?  I used the template that comes in the Build a Banner Kit to put it on the canvas.  The only accessories on here that aren't in the other kit are the letters,Witch's Brew Designer Series Paper and a little linen thread.

And the last one I am showing today is actually the first project I made with the kit:

For this one, I used the banners and the templates to created a Thanksgiving-themed banner featuring the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper and the Burlap Ribbon from the Holiday Catalog and the Natural Buttons from the regular catalog.

I will be sharing more about the banners, including some tips with the templates, here on my blog on Monday.  And on Wednesday, I'll share more about the mixed-media project.  So be sure to check back.  Now you are off to Adriana's Escape to Stamp and her look at the adorable Oh Goodie stamp set.  You will not be disappointed.  Happy hopping!