Happy Valentines Day!

I'll admit, Valentines Day is not my favorite day of the year.  My poor boys are deprived of having cupid visit and bring them little gifts.  Or having their doors "heart attacked" or really any mention of the holiday beyond Valentine exchanges and parties at school.  But in the craft and card business, I go where the demand is so that means I do make Valentines Cards (even if I don't send them to anyone ;)).

Colors: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Pool Party, and Primrose Petal.  Stamps: Language of Love, Banner Blast (SAB Exclusive), Express Yourself (Hostess Exclusive) and Hardwood.  Big Shot: Label Cards Thinlit  Dies. Punch: Banner, Petite Pennant Builder, Owl Builder,  and small Heart.  Accessories: Silver Glimmer Paper, White Baker's Twine.

Another Pinterest Inspiration on this one.  This time the original creator was Carol Lovenstein. I love how the Hardwood stamp from the Occasions Catalog makes the background of the card look like an old wood fence.  Perfect for hanging a Valentines Banner.  This is one stamps from the Occasions Catalog you are going to want in your collection for sure.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day, if in deed you celebrate such things, filled with love and laughter.  Enjoy!

Golden Love

Colors: Whisper White and Gold.  Stamps: Language of Love.  Big Shot: Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Beautifully Baroque Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punch: Heart. Accessories: Brushed Gold Cardstock, Gold Embossing Powder and Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

I have another card to show you from my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet.  This one is perfect for Valentines, Wedding or Anniversary (especially a 50th Anniversary).  I found inspiration for this card from one by Debra Currier that I saw on Pinterest.  I changed it up quite a bit, but if you saw hers and mine you would know where the inspiration came from. 

I know in the picture, the gold cardstock looks like Crumb Cake.  But it is the Brushed Gold Cardstock (item 102935) and it is gorgeous in real life.  Gold is the new black this year, or so I have heard.  I purposely left the greeting off so that it could be used for any occasion but I did give my customers the option of adding a greeting to it.  Enjoy!

Envelope Punch Board Ghirardelli Chocolate Box

I knew I wanted to make these cute little boxes for my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet and they were a big hit.  There are various versions of this box all over the Blogosphere but I did have to tweak the measurements to fit two of the Ghirardelli chocolate squares in the box.

Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Silver.  Stamps: Fabulous Phrases.  Big Shot: Heart Collection Framelits.  Accessories: Envelope Punch Board and Silver 1/8" Ribbon.

I was hoping to have time to make a photo tutorial of these boxes, but I knew if you were all waiting for me to do that, it might be well after Valentines day before it happened. If you have a working knowledge of the envelope punch board, you shouldn't have any trouble following these simple steps.  If you don't know how to use your envelope punch board yet, you can find a video that shows you exactly how to do it on the Stampin' Up! You Tube Channel.  So here are the basics for the box:

• Start with a piece of cardstock 5-1/4" square.
• Place the cardstock on the envelope punch board at 2" and punch and score
• Move the cardstock over to the 3" mark and punch and score again (so you'll have two punches and score lines on each side of the cardstock to make a box).
• Rotate the cardstock 90 degrees and line up the notch with each score line and punch and score
• Repeat on each side of the cardstock
• Round the top and bottom points of your box
• To put the window in your box, use a framelit. Here I used the second smallest heart.  (Hint: the box will only fit through the big shot if your heart is at a 45 degree angle.)
• Cut the corner notches out of the box
• Fold along all score lines
• Put adhesive on the bottom outside edge of each of the side pieces
• Fold and adhere your box together
• Decorate and embellish as you choose.

These don't have to just be for Valentines.  They would be a cute favor for a wedding or shower and could be decorated any number of ways. I can't wait to see what you make with them.

If you don't already have an Envelope Punch Board, contact me today to get one ordered just for you or head on over to my online store.  There are endless projects you can make with this board beyond just envelopes and boxes so you really do need one for your

Monstermaniacs

Stampin' Up! has several items that aren't in any catalogs at the current time but are still available to order.  One of those items is the Monstermaniacs Clear Mount Stamp Set (item 134972).  Here is a card I made with it for my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet:

Colors: Pear Pizzazz, Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral.  Stamps: Monstermaniacs.  Big Shot: Apothecary Accents and Chalk Talk Framelits, Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (SAB Exclusive).  Accessories: Subtles Candy Dots, Many Marvelous Markers, Crystal Effects, Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack.

I am the mom of boys. So every year, I like to make at least one Valentines card that would work will for the smallish monsters (boys) in your life.  (I say smallish but my 10 year old is as tall as I am so it's all relative).   But I think this one works equally well for a girl too with it's bright fun color scheme and cute little monster. I added a little shine to it by covering the monster in Crystal Effects after I colored it i.

This entire stamp set is so cute.  It was the winner of Stampin' Up!'s second "I'm With You" challenge where demonstrators and customers could submit their own designs to be made into a stamp set.  This one was designed by Doris D.  Here's the rest of the images:

Cute, huh.  Perfect if you have boys in your life or just like monsters as much as I do.  Enjoy!

Be My Valentine

Valentines Day will be here before we know it.  So how about a card for your Valentine?

Colors: Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White.  Stamps: Delightful Dozen and Perfect Pennants.  Big Shot: Banner Framelits.  Punch: Small Heart. Accessories: Tea Lace Doilies, Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack, Red Glimmer Paper, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Apparently, I cannot get enough of the Banner Framelits and the Tea Lace Doilies lately.  If you stopped by during the Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop last weekend, you know what I mean.  But this card got many rave reviews at my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet last week.  I don't know if the picture fully shows how much texture the doily adds and how much bling the glimmer paper brings to the card.

The Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper pack is a hidden gem in the Occasions Catalog.  The picture just doesn't do it justice. Each piece of paper in the stack is 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" making it the perfect size to cut in half or thirds for an easy layer on a card.  Or they are the perfect size to mat a 4"x6" photo on a scrapbook page.And I love the Coastal Cabana, Crumb Cake, Real Red and Whisper White combination of colors and the prints are all fabulous and on point with today's hottest trends.  You will want to order one or two of these packs on your next order so make yourself a note.  Or head on over to my online store and place that order right now, while you are thinking about it.

Valentines Banner

If you are a regular customer of mine or even just blog visitor, you know I love to make banners.  They are just so festive and fun.  So this year for my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet, I came up with this one:

Colors: Cherry Cobbler and Pink Pirouette.  Big Shot: Hearts Collection, Hearts a Flutter and Banners Framelits and Typeset Alphabet Bigz.  Accessories: Whisper White Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon, Red and Silver Glimmer Paper, Tea Lace Paper Doilies.

You might have to click on that picture to get a better look at it.  It has a lot of fun textures and bling in it. I just love these new Banner Framelits that are in the Occasions Catalog.  Such a fabulous shape and you get  6 different sizes with the set. 

If you want to make one of these for yourself, today is the last day to RSVP for the class.  If you can't come to the class, but would like the banner kit for yourself, send me an email at paulastamps@gmail.com and I'll get it to you. 

Coming up Friday is the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop!  Don't miss this festive look at all the fun items you can get free during Sale-A-Bration.  And then on Monday, it's time for the Stamp Review Crew Blog Hop featuring Hello, Lovely.  We'll see you back her then!

Last Day for Valentines Products

Today is the last day you can order items from the A Whole Lot of Love Promotion.  My favorite thing in the promotion are these cute little treat bags:

Colors: Real Red, Pool Party, Primrose Petal and Whisper White.  Stamps: Tags 4 You.  Punch: Label Bracket.  Accessories: Sweetheart Treat Bags Kit, Primrose Petal Stitched Ribbon.

The Sweetheart Treat Bags Kit comes with 12 bags, Pool Party Baker's Twine and the little pool party stripped banner piece.  Fill them with a cookie or candy and you are ready to go for a quick and easy Valentines Treat. Or you can make them a little fancier:

Colors: : Real Red, Pool Party, Primrose Petal and Whisper White.  Stamps: Oh, Goodie! Big Shot: Bitty Banner Framelits, Punch: Petite Curly Label.  Accessories: Sweetheart Treat Bags Kit, clothes pin from the Tag a Bag Accessories.

Here I turned it into a gusseted bag by simply trimming a little bit off the bottom and scoring 3/4" from each side and the bottom.  Then you fold along the score lines, fold and adhere the bottom together, and fold and pinch the sides so that the original fold on the bag goes towards the center of the bag.  Takes a little more time than using the bag as it comes, but it's a great solution if your Valentines treats are a little bulkier. 

You can make either or both of these cute treat holders at my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet coming up this weekend.  Just let me know by Wednesday how many of each you'd like.  Supplies are limited to what I have on hand.

You can order these bags or anything else from the A Whole Lot of Love Promotion through the end of the day today (except the sold out Follow My Heart Stamp Set). Go online to paula.stampinup.net to place your order or give me a call.

Sale-A-Bration Preview: Banner Blast

I promised another Sneak Peek at Sale-A-Bration this week and here is a quick, simple card you could make for your Valentine:

Colors: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride. Stamps: Banner Blast (SAB exclusive).  Punch: Banner (SAB exclusive).  Accessories: White Baker's Twine, Occasions Paper Piercing Pack and Paper Piercing Tool.

I love this little Banner Punch.  I find myself reaching for it over and over again and I'm going to have to get a second one because I keep using it on class projects and I don't want my customers getting slowed down waiting for others to finish with it.  And the matching stamp set is adorable.  You will want this one so find yourself $100 of product to buy so you can get both. (Remember, it's one free item for every $50 you spend and the punch and stamp set are each one item). 

It's a little hard to tell from the picture, but I randomly pierced some heart shapes into the background of the paper.  This is a fun and easy technique that adds interest to the card. 

Sale-A-Bration starts on Tuesday, January 28 and runs through March 31.  But the sooner you put your order in, the sooner you'll have your goodies to use.  Be sure to check back next week when the Stampin' Addicts will be showcasing all of the Sale-A-Bration goodies in a blog hop starting January 31. 

Valentines Wreath

I finally finished up all the projects for my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet over the long holiday weekend.  I think I took a little too much time off of stamping this fall and winter because I felt like I was right back to making all my projects look the same.  But this one project stands out as very different from anything I have ever made before (although it is a similar layout to the Burlap and Blooms kit in the Occasions Catalog).

Big Shot: Heart Collection and Hearts a Flutter Framelits and Spiral Flower Originals Die.  Accessories: 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, Designer Buttons.  Non Stampin' Up: Hot Glue Gun, 12" Chipboard Wreath Form, and Felt.

The first step to making this wreath was to cover the chipboard wreath an entire roll of the Burlap Ribbon.  Yes, it did take the entire 5 yards to over it and just barely.  I had to make sure when I wrapped it that I just barely covered the edge of the previous wrap to make it all the way around.  I found the chipboard wreath form in the scrapbook section of at my local big box craft store (I bought the felt their in the fabric section).

At first I wasn't sure the framelits would cut through the felt.  But for the most part they did it like a champ.  I did run it through the Big Shot three times (forward, backward and forward again) and there were some small sections that needed to be clipped, but it was so much easier than cutting all of those hearts by hand. 

And do you see those flowers are on there?  Aren't they just gorgeous?  I cut those using the new Spiral Flower Originals Die.  Since it's an originals die, you don't have to wonder if it's going to cut through the felt because those suckers can cut through several layers of fabric at once.

Here is a close up of the hearts and flowers:

This is just one of the projects you can make at my Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet coming up on January 31 and February 1.  The cost is $20 and I will have all the hearts and flowers precut for you so you can simply put it together at the class (or at home) with your glue gun.

Lots of Love Buffet Sneak Peek

My Lots of Love Stampin' Buffet is coming up in two weeks!  That means sometime on this long holiday weekend, all of the projects for the class will show up here on my blog and on my Facebook page.  However, I still have a lot of work to do before I can get them all posted.

However, here is a sneak peek at one of the projects that will be available to make at the class, a Valentines Sampler:

Colors: Real Red, Coastal Cabana, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White.  Stamps: Banner Blast, Fabulous Phrases, Occasions Alphabet, Itty Bitty Banners, Perfect Pennants, A Round Array, and Tag It.  Big Shot: Hearts Collection and Bitty Banner  Framelits; Circle & Label Card Thinlits; Fancy Fan, Chevron, Adorning Accents, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punches: Small Heart, Cupcake Builder, Little Labels Pack, Full Heart, Banner, Owl Builder, Large Oval, 7/8" Scallop & 1-1/4" Scallop Circle, 1" Circle.   Accessories: Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Pack, Neutrals Designer Buttons, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, White Baker's Twine, Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Candy Dots, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Delicate Details Lace Tape, and Basic Metal Buttons.  Other: 8x8" Shadow Box

Where do I even begin to describe this?  I have seen plenty of these around including one that was featured in the last Stampin' Addicts Blog Hop by Sara Mattson-Blume, but I tried not to look at any of them when I put mine together so it could be original.  You can see from the extensive list of products used in it, it really is a sampler of stamps, Big Shot items, punches and accessories.  I pretty much just pulled out anything Valentine's or love-related and went to town. And most people probably don't think of teal blue/green when they think of Valentines, but I love the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Pack that is in the new Occasions Mini Catalog and knew that I had to use it in this.

I picked the 8x8 size because I have seen frames and shadow boxes this size at two different stores lately and I think it is the perfect size--not too big and not too small.  Each white square is 2"so it isn't a lot of real estate to work with, but sometimes that is easier.

It took me the better part of one day to put this all together, however at the class, you should be able to put it together in under 2 hours because I will have most of it cut out for you.  You will just need to stamp and assemble (or stamp and take it home and assemble).  Watch for more details on pricing in the class information in the coming days.

And I've joined a new blog hop group, The Stamp Review Crew,  and will be participating for the first time this coming Monday.  All the stops are featuring the same stamp set, Chalk Talk (one of my favorites!) so you will see just how versatile one stamp set can be.  We'll see you then!

One more Valentines Card

The technology gods were not cooperative this morning while I was trying to get this blog post done.  First, the battery in my good camera died.  Then I couldn't find a card reader for the one picture I took before the battery died.  *Sigh*  Hoping this day turns around quickly.

I needed one more card for one of my clubs last month and wanted it to be a Valentines and to be simple to make, yet cute.  So we made this:

Colors: Pink Pirouette, Primrose Petal, Raspberry Ripple.  Stamps: Wacky Wishes.  Big Shot: Fancy Fan Textured Embossing Folder and Hearts Framelits.  Accessories: Raspberry Ripple and Primrose Petal Stitched Satin Ribbon, Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon and Whisper White Stitched Grosgrain, Rhinestone Jewels.

Seems like I first saw this technique at Convention last summer and it's taken me six months to finally get around to sharing it with my customers and all of you here on my blog.  It is very simple to do, but also gives texture and interest to your card. I just cut the heart out of the card with the Framelit.  Then stamped the card and ran it through the texture folder.  Next, I traced the heart onto the card stock that would be underneath and covered the entire area with adhesive.  Then you simply lay alternate ribbons over the adhesive to give you a fun striped look.  I think my customers liked it and now of course, I have other ideas for it too.

Hopefully by Friday I have found my charger and my card reader.  I've started getting ready for my March Birthday Class and have several new birthday cards to share with you. Wish me luck!

Valentine Treat Purse

A few years ago, when Stampin' Up! first offered the Big Shot Movers and Shapers Die (which they have since retired), my upline gave me a cute little Valentines Purse with a heart window cut into it that used that die.  When I was thinking of a second treat holder to offer at my Valentines Class, I was thinking about that purse and how Framelits would make it even easier.  So that is how I came up with this:

Colors: Primrose Petal, Whisper White.  Stamps: You are Loved.  Big Shot: Striped Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Hearts Collection Framelits and Two Tags Bigz Die.  Punches: Small Heart and Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. Accessories: Window Sheets, White StazOn Ink, Designer Builder Brads, Delicate Details Lace Tape, Primrose Petal Stitched Satin, Mini Brads.  

Directions:

1) Start with a piece of card stock 6"x 11".  Score the long way at 5" and 6" then turn the other way and scored at 1" and 5".  Cut notches along the middle score lines so the box will fold and assemble properly.

2) Cut the heart-shaped window out of the front of the box using the Hearts Collection Framelits. Just line up the framelit and run it through (It was so much easier than how I remember using the Movers and Shapers die to make windows in boxes before).

3) Use a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to add texture to your box.  Here I used the Striped folder.  I placed it on the front and ran it through and then turned it over and did the back. (The sides and the bottom are not embossed so you don't have to worry about lining it up exactly).

4) Cut a piece of Window Sheet large enough to cover the window in your box (mine was 3-1/2" x 3-3/4").  I stamped my window with White StazOn Ink.  Use Glue Dots to adhere the Window Sheet to the inside of your box.

5) Fold along all the score lines and assemble the purse using strong adhesive like Sticky Strip along the sides.  For the handle, I used a piece of card stock 3/4" x 8-1/2" and attached it to the purse using silver mini brads.

6) Embellish and fill your box as desired.  Here I used some of the fun Delicate Details Lace and Designer Builder Brad from the Spring Catalog and then filled it with Kisses.  

You could always switch out the heart for any of the other fun Framelit shapes that we have to make you box for any other occasion too.  The possibilities could be endless.

Valentines Two Tags Basket

Today I am sharing the details of the little treat basket I offered at my class last weekend:

Colors: Real Red and Whisper White.  Stamps: Take a Ticket. Big Shot: Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit and Two Tags Bigz Die.  Accessories: Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper, Organza and Real Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Basics Designer Buttons.

I just love the way these turned out. I found the idea for these on Pinterest last year.  I chased the idea down and I think the original credit for these goes to Lisa Curcio.  But if you want to make one for yourself, Julie Davison has a tutorial on her blog that is easy to download and follow.  I know I am going to make a few more up to give to some neighbors and my boys' school teachers and then maybe I'll design one for Easter too.

Blue Valentine

I have mentioned before that I am surrounded by men and boys in my life.  I grew up the only girl with four boys (two older and two younger). And now, I have two sons and no daughters.  So girly is not really part of my life and never has been. (I know I've mentioned this before, but I always feel the need to clarify when I post something very not girly).

When I was planning for my Valentines Class, I wanted to do something that was whimsical and boyish but not necessarily "masculine."  This is what I came up:

Colors: Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade and Whisper White.  Stamps: Occasions Alphabet.  Big Shot: Tasteful Trim Bigz XL, Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  Punches: Heart and Modern Label.  Accessories: Brights Designer Buttons, Baker's Twine, and Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack.

I got the idea to do the paper-pierced hearts from a card I saw on Pinterest. (Where else? Right.)  It adds some extra texture and balances hearts on the other side of the card.

I thought this card would be perfect to give to my sons or cute nephews for Valentines Day.  But it isn't so boyish that you couldn't give it to a girl as well.

More Valentine's Decor

Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP for my Valentines & More Stampin' Buffet.  So I wanted to share both of the other home decor projects that I am offering at the class.

I knew I wanted to offer some Home Decor items and I was pretty sure I wanted to do a wreath.  The More Amore Fabric is so darn cute that I bought it during the preorder and needed to come up with something to do with it. So what do you think?  

Colors: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Primrose Petal, Real Red.  Accessories: More Amore Designer Fabric, Pool Party Seam Binding, Primrose Petal Stitched Satin, Vintage Lace.  Non Stampin' Up!: Heart Shape wire wreath form.

To make the wreath, I cut the fabric into 1"x6" strips with our fabulous Craft and Paper Scissors (which you should never use for paper BTW, they are fabulous to save only for ribbon and fabric.)  I just loosely knotted them around the wire wreath frame alternating the different patterns.  Once I had all the fabric on there, I went back and added the ribbons in kind of a random way to add some different textures to the wreath.  This was kind of hard to take a picture of, but it is really cute in real life.  It is a little time consuming to make but the result is definitely worth it. The cost is $17.50.

Colors: Real Read, Very Vanilla, Primrose Petal, Basic Black.  Stamps: That's the Ticket, Ciao Baby! Hearts a Flutter.  Big Shot: Hearts a Flutter and Hearts Collection Framelits, Chevron, Fancy Fan & Brocade Lace Textured Embossing Folder, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits.  Punches: Heart,and Petite Curly Label.  Small Accessories: First Edition and More Amore Specialty Designer Series Paper, Silver Basic Designer Buttons, Designer Builder Brads, Brights Designer Brads, Real Red and Very Vanilla 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Primrose Petal Stitched Satin Ribbon.

This banner was completely inspired by a similar one I saw on Pinterest.  I just dolled it up a little.  Right about the same time I finished it and posted it, Stampin' Up! posted one on there blog that was very similar.  So this is right on trend.  Mine is a little on the short side and is $6.  If you wanted to make one that was twice as long (10 pennants instead of 5) it would be $10.  Just be sure to let me know you'd like the longer one.

Valentines is just around the corner

Today is January 25.  That means Valentines Day is just a little less than 3 short weeks away and my Valentines Class is only one week away!  It's probably time for me to start sharing the details of some of the projects here on my blog.  If you want to see them all and get the details, click on the Valentines & More Buffet tab above.

For the past several classes, I have been offering frame inserts.  I knew I wanted to do one for Valentines Day but when I tried to make one following the pattern I used for Christmas and Halloween, it just wasn't working. On Pinterest, I saw a printable that used the alphabet to hide I ♥ U and I knew it would be perfect for my class:

Colors: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White.  Big Shot: Typeset Alphabet Bigz and Tasteful Trim Bigz XL.  Punches: Heart Punch.  Accessories: Red and Silver Glimmer Paper, Basic Black Scalloped Polka Dot Ribbon and Real Red Stitch Grosgrain Ribbon.

It is a little hard to tell from the picture just how sparkly this turned out. The I and the U do stand out more than it looks like from this picture.  I love our glimmer paper and it is the perfect way to add sparkle and shine to any project -- but especially nice for Valentines.

You can make one of your own at my Class on February 1 & 2 for just $6, frame not included.  It isn't hard to make unless you have a hard time making anything straight. (Like I sometimes do.  Don't look too close).  It fits inside an 8-1/2" x 11" Document Frame that you can get at any big box store.

And you can get your own pack of Silver Glimmer paper just for hosting a Stampin' Up! party during Sale-A-Bration. Contact me today and let's get you and your friends on my calendar!

What else I've been working on this week: Valentines

It's been a few years since we did homemade Valentines for my sons' classes.  But this year, I decided to undertake this task.  They were based on this sucker holder I did for my Valentines class last month:

Colors: Pink Pirouette, Real Red, Whisper White.  Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts.  Big Shot: Scalloped Heart Embosslit.  Punch: Heart.  Accessories: Ribbon and Bright Patterns Designer Paper Pack.

Since I needed to make 46 of them, I simplified them just a bit and did not use that cute scalloped heart behind the stamped heart.  And I made some of them in pink and some of them in red so I didn't use up all of one color.  These are the ones for my older son's class (Sorry the picture isn't better, we worked on them upstairs and my good lights are downstairs):

And I did something I said I would never do this past weekend too.  My youngest son was suppose to make his valentine's box at home this year.  And guess who did a majority of the work.

Colors: Read Red, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White.  Big Shot: Scallop Oval Frame, Hearts Collection Framelits.  Punches: 2-1/2" and 1-3/4" circles and Pennant.  Accessories: Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper and Red Glitter Paper.

Originally, I was going to use a shoe box, but in a fortunate turn of events, we emptied a box that had garbage sacks in it on Saturday morning and it was the perfect shape for a monster.  Spencer did help me glue the teeth, eyes and heart on to the box.

I spent all day yesterday and will spend all day today working on swaps.  So I will have a return to regular projects soon. And thanks for all the kind words over the past couple of days too.

Stampin' Addicts Sketch Challenge 120

Still running behind showing off my sketch challenge cards.  This was the sketch challenge last Thursday on Stampin' Addicts.  This time, I designed the card first and then made the sketch.

Colors: Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo, Pool Party and Whisper White. Stamps: Ain't Love Grand.  Punches: Decorative Label Cupcake Builder. Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, brads, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon.

Did you read the list and say "Cupcake builder punch? WTH?"  It's hard to tell from this picture, but I used the frosting portion of the punch to make clouds in the sky but holding it down on the piece of Whisper White and daubing Pool Party Ink around the shape.  It really is the perfect cloud shape. This is also a project at my Valentines/Sale-A-Bration Stampin' Buffet this weekend.  Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP so contact me today!

Speaking of Sale-A-Bration it starts tomorrow!  Come back tomorrow and I'll show you another project featuring Sale-A-Bration Products and give you all the details about this great promotion.  Also, this weekend is the Stampin' Addicts Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop.  I've been putting a lot of work into my projects for it and I can't wait to share them with you starting on Friday.

Valentines Decor

Today I'm sharing the home decor project for my Valentines/Sale-A-Bration Stampin' Buffet.  It was also inspired by something I saw on Pinterest.  And again, I have the hardest time getting full pictures of these things so I apologize up front:

Colors: Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White.  Big Shot: Framelits Hearts Collection.  Accessories: Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper, Simply Scored, Assorted Ribbons.

Here are some close up photos that are a little bit better:

To make these, I used the Framelits Heart collection and cut three hearts in five different sizes.  Next I scored them down the middle and folded them.  Then, I put adhesive tape down the middle of one of them and added a piece of ribbon.  Then I put adhesive on the other two of the same size and stuck them together. I continued this for each of the other sizes, adding them to the same piece of ribbon. Last, I added smaller hearts to each of the tied ribbons around the main ribbon to embellish it. 

At first I was worried that this paper wouldn't look "Valentines" enough.  But I think it looks like candy hearts.  Perfect for Valentines.  This project is $8 and will take a little bit of time to make (mostly time cutting out the hearts).  Can't come to the class but want to make one of these?  I will put a kit together for you for $12 and ship it for free in the US.  Contact me today!

Hooo Loves You?

Ready for some more owls?  Aren't they just adorable?  I'm old enough to remember the last time owls were kind of trendy, but I think they are so much cuter this time around.  One of the punches I don't play with enough is our Owl Builder Punch.  A week or so ago, my stampin' friend Yapha Mason featured an adorable card on her blog featuring the owls for Valentines so I knew I needed to CASE it.  Here is my take on it:

Colors: Coral Calypso, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede and Whisper White.  Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts.  Big Shot: Little Leaves Sizzlet.  Punches: Owl Builder, Small Heart.  Accessories: Brads, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, 2011-2013 In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Bundle.

This card would be perfect for Valentines or even for a wedding or anniversary.  It is just one of the cards that you can make if you come to my Valentines/Sale-A-Bration Stampin' Buffet.  All the projects are now posted and you can click here or on the tab above to see them.  The class will be Friday night, January 27 and Saturday, January 28 during the day. I hope to see you there!