Christmas Card Buffet

Get a jump start on your Christmas Cards and Holiday projects.  I tried to pick projects with different styles, with something that would appeal to everyone.

WHEN: Saturday, November 7 from 11-4:30

WHERE: Red Robin, 316 E. Winchester, Murray

WHAT: Make only the cards and projects you want to make and make as many of them as you would like.

RSVP: By Thursday, November 5 to paula24@comcast.net or 801-967-3210.  Let me know which cards and projects you would like to make so I can have enough ready for that day.  Some projects may be limited on supplies and will be reserved for those that RSVP first.

The cards are $1.50 each, or 10 for $12.50 (mix and match) and include an envelope.  Here are the designs:

Dasher features one of the most popular stamps in the current catalog.  The card is a "Z Fold" and says Christmas Greetings on the inside.

Olive Swirl is the perfect card for mailing because it is very flat.  This card is completely inspired by one that jentimko posted on Stampin' Addicts. Ink is sponged on using an easy reverse masking technique.









Merry Christmas Tree features a band dry embossed paper that gives it lots of rich texture. Ruby Red, Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke give this a lovely muted look too.

Talk about texture, Joyful Ornaments features flocked paper for a velvety feel.  Those ornaments are punched out (no cutting required) to make this a quick and easy card that is very elegant.

The Santa's Sleigh card features the sleighbell ribbon from the Holiday Mini catalog.  It has a vintage feel to it with the Crushed Curry, Real Red and Old Olive color scheme.

This fun Snowman card has a card-length window on the front that peeks through to the greeting below.  It also features shimmer paint on the snowmen.  Thanks to Dawn Griffith for the inspiration on this one.

Razzleberry Trimmings is not your traditional Christmas card. The Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Black and White offers an eye-catching color scheme that is sure to stand out from the crowd this holiday season. 

And for all of you who like to send a Photo Card, this long card fits in a business-size envelope and has a place for you to put your family picture.  The greeting says "From our House to Yours."

Here are the other projects that will also be offered:

This beautiful Snow Frame would look beautiful on your wall or mantle, even after the holidays. It measures 8x10 and "SNOW" is cut from vinyl and placed on top of the glass.  Add a photo in the top right corner for an treasured keepsake. Cost: $12

Wish everyone Joy this holiday season with this JOY Banner.  An extra elegant addition to your holiday decor. It features the flocked paper from the Holiday Mini.  Each banner will be precut for you to quickly assemble. Cost: $5

 Deck the Halls in the color of your choice.  These Sparkly Ornaments can be made in any of Stampin' Up's 54 colors (assuming I have the reinker on hand).  Please specify which color you would like when you RSVP.  These are not hard, but they are time consuming. Cost: $2 per ornament

These small Gift Tins are perfect for lots of holiday gift giving.  Fill them with with candy, gift tags or they are the perfect size for a standard gift card.  $2 each

Speaking of Gift Tags, these are just a sampling of ones you can make.  I will have lots of samples for you to copy, or you can make them your own.  Thanks to Cris for these cute tags and to Rhonda for the photo. Cost: 4 tags for $1.

And it wouldn't be my buffet if I didn't offer a Scrapbook Layout as well.  With spots for three 4x6 pictures, it will be easy to complete when you take it home. (Printed Paper panels may vary.) Cost: $6.

October Technique Class/Club - Watercolor Roses

WHEN: Thursday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: My house (call for directions)

COST: $6 or free with a $25 purchase

RSVP: By Wednesday, October 21 at noon.

HOSTESS: Lyndsie

This month's technique is Watercolored Roses.  It is a completely different way to watercolor and it turns out so beautifully.  Here's the card:

Recipe: Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Wishes; Colors: Regal Rose, So Saffron, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Shimmery White CS; Big Shot: Little Leaves Sizzlet; Punch: Modern Label; Accessories: Brads, Reinkers, Water spray bottle, Aqua Painter, White Embossing Powder.

Once you make the roses, it takes a little while for them to dry so I picked a 3D project that is a little more involved this time too.  And it really isn't a "technique" but it sure is cute and it sues the Big Shot Pillow Box die in a really fun way too.  I found the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers.

Recipe: Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White; Big Shot: Pillow Box Die; Punches: 1 inch circle, 1/2 circle, photo corner, slot; Accessories: Brads and Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon

October Scrapbook Class/Club

WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Murray Red Robin Restaurant, (just southeast of Fashion Place Mall)

COST: $6 per Scrapbook Layout and $1.50 per card.  $7 for both or free with a $30 purchase from the catalog

RSVP: By noon on Monday, October 21 to paula24@comcast.net or 801-967-3210

SPECIAL PRIZE: Bring a completed scrapbook page from a previous class or any project you've made at home with a Stampin' Up! product and receive a free incentive stamp.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.  I love to celebrate all my favorite "F" words: Food, Family and Friends.  And it is a wonderful time to pause and reflect on all the things we are thankful for.  This 2-page, 12x12 scrapbook layout features lots of strips to record the things you are the most thankful for.  Add a few pictures of some of those things, and you will be all set.

Recipe: Stamps: Grateful Greetings and Autumn Splendor; Colors: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Old Olive, Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Dusty Durango, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla; Big Shot: Leaves #2;  Accessories: Champagne Shimmer Paint, Gold Brads.

The card we are making this month also celebrates Thanksgiving.   Perfect for saying thank you to your Thanksgiving hosts.  It features the Big Shot Movers and Shapers die to make a window in the front as well as the Falling Leaves and Bright Blessings Wheel.

Recipe: Stamps: Falling Leaves and Bright Blessings Wheel; Colors: Soft Suede, Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry,Very Vanilla; Big Shot: Movers and Shapers; Punch: Curly Label; Accessories: Gold Brads

And as if that wasn't already enough, I will have My Digital Studio available as well as a preview of some projects I have made using this exciting new product.  Want to try it out for yourself?  I'll have my laptop set up so you can starting at 6:00 p.m.

Spooktacular Stampin' Buffet

Halloween is just around the corner and now is a great time to start the spooktacular crafting! This Stampin' Buffet offers a variety of Halloween projects to decorate your home, share the spookiness and more.

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 11 AM - 4 PM

WHERE: Murray Red Robin Restaurant, (316 E Winchester across from Fashion Place)

WHAT: Pick your projects from the ones below. Make one or more of only the projects you want to make.

RSVP: If you want to make the Cauldron, I have to order the Decor Element by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 16. RSVP for the other projects by noon on Friday, September 18.  paula24@comcast.net or  801-967-3210



This fun project makes a great treat bucket to hand out treats on Halloween night.  Or you can add a little dry ice to make a spooky witches cauldron.  Choose from Pumpkin Pie or Old Olive words and Pumpkin, Olive, or Black Ribbon.  MUST RSVP FOR THIS PROJECT BY WEDNESDAY AT 10:00 AM.  Cost: $20

 

How about a SPOOKY! banner for your wall?  This can be made to hang vertically or horizontally.  It features the new Night and Day Designer Series Paper and will be all PRECUT with the Big Shot for you! (Saves you lots of time!)  Cost: $10

The young (or young at heart) will love to make their own magic potion this Halloween.  Each of the Test Tubes is filled with drink powder (Grape KoolAid and Tang).  Cost: $5

 

Fill this treat box with candy and give it to the teacher in your life, Visiting Teaching sisters, neighbors or just good friend.  Looks complicated, but with the Big Shot and a few Punches, this box goes together very quickly.  Cost: $2.50

Get ready to scrapbook your Halloween celebration.  This basic page is easy to fill with your photos at home after the class.  Cost: $6

 

This fun card features the Sweet Center set and is a fun way to celebrate the season.  You can also just make it as a treat holder with out the fold (I can show you how!).  Does not come with an envelope.  Cost: $2

Yes, I know this isn't a Halloween card.  But it was just so cute, I couldn't resist offering this one as well.  Filled with Jelly Bellies, it's a great way to say Thanks to someone who has done something especially nice for you. Does not include an envelope. Cost: $2

 

The new Medallion stamp sets off this Spooky Card sure to send a few chills  this Halloween.  Cost: $1.50 including envelope.

From our Pumpkin Patch to yours, this card is a great way to send a Halloween greeting to your friends or family. Cost $1.50 includes envelope.

Not only is Halloween fast approaching, but so is Fall -- the perfect time tell those special people in your life how grateful you are for them. Cost: $1.50 includes envelope.

 

These creepy spiders are a fun little treat made with punches and peppermint patties.  Cost: 4 for $1.00

My Digital Studio!!!!

I just have to start this post with a big I LOVE STAMPIN' UP!!! Last month at convention, we got a sneak peek at MY DIGITAL STUDIO. I really thought I just might pass out or even throw up as Brent Steele showed us the really cool and fun things this new digital crafting solution could do. Oh my gosh!!! Someone had to remind me to keep breathing. I honestly don't remember the last time I was this excited about a new product (and I get pretty excited about the new catalog every time we get one too.)

On Monday, word came down that demonstrators could start preordering this wonderful, stupendous, totally amazing new software on September 1 and I almost passed out again! Of course I ordered it almost the minute it was available (OK, really about two hours after it was available because I dozed off just before midnight.) And it arrived on my doorstep yesterday afternoon!

So what can you do with My Digital Studio? You can make scrapbook pages, albums, cards, calendars, flyers, DVD's, and so much more. And boy is it ever easy. It comes loaded with Stampin' Up's exclusive colors, images, and kits. And Stampin' Up! will also be offering printing services and the printers are all calibrated so they will match your Stampin' Up! Card Stock. Here is the card I made first thing for today's Stampin' Addict's Sketch Challenge:


And here's the scrapbook page I made today of my boys:


I'm kind of a computer geek at heart so I love that this combines my love of crafting and Stampin' Up! with my love of the computer. Does it get any better?

What's that? You say you are not a digital scrapbooker? You like the feel of the paper in your hands? That is totally fine. You still want to consider this software because you can plan your pages before you waste a single sheet of card stock cutting it the wrong size. Or how about hybrid scrapbooking where you print your pages off and then add additional embellishments to your project to really make it pop.

For anyone that is already a digital scrapbooker and has a beloved program, you will still be able to purchase Stampin' Up's exclusive images and kits and download them from my internet store.

Anyone else feel like passing out yet? My Digital Studio will be available to purchase for $79.95 starting October 1. That is also the date you can start purchasing the digital image downloads (prices start at $3.95). Want to get it 50% off? Host a $400 workshop in October or November and you will be able to purchase it for 50% off. Contact me today and get your workshop on my calendar.

I hope you really feel some of my excitement for this software. I can't wait to start making Christmas presents with it!

Blog Candy Winner

Drum roll please. . . . The winner of my Holiday Mini Blog Hop is Ellen aka Chipper! Thanks to all of you who visited my blog for the hop and who came back to see the directions for the ornaments. I have some fun things planned for my blog for the next few weeks so come back and check it out again!

Glitter Ornaments and Blog Candy!!

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to visit during the Holiday Mini Blog Tour. I hope you enjoyed all the wonderful ideas everyone shared as much as I did. The Stampin' Addicts group is full of amazingly talented stampers who love to share.

I promised if you came back after the blog hop, I would tell you how to turn clear glass ornaments into these beautiful sparkly creations. First, I have to tell you that it was not my original idea. I read about it somewhere in my internet journeys and wish I could provide credit to the originator because it is a cool idea for sure.


Supplies:

• Clear Glass Ornaments available at your local craft or big box store. I have only ever made the round ones, but I don't know why the other shapes wouldn't work.
• Stampin' Up! Classic Reinkers in your favorite holiday color
• Dazzling Diamonds
• Decor Elements or Rubons (optional)
• Matching or Coordinating Ribbon or Elastic Cord.

Remove the hanger part of the ornament. Put several drops of reinker into the ornament. The ones I made are the larger ornaments and it took about 6-7 drops. You can always add more later if you need more.

Start rolling the pool of ink around your ornament to completely cover the inside. This is a little tedious but if you move slowly it will be easier to completely cover the inside of the ornament. If you find you have multiple streams of ink, set your ornament down for a minute or two to collect the ink in a single pool. It's easier to move around this way. You can add more ink if it is moving too slowly.

Once it is completely covered, you can remove excess ink by plugging the hole with several layers of paper towel and holding it upside down until the excess runs out. While the ink is still wet, pour Dazzling Diamonds into the ornament. I use a 2-3 baby spoonfuls. Put a paper towel over the hole again and shake to spread the glitter all round the ornament.

Apply small Decor Element or Rubon of your choice (or leave blank) and tie with ribbon or elastic cord. Viola! And the best part is, you can have them in any one of the fabulous colors Stampin' Up! offers.

P.S. I did try this with a chunkier glitter and you do not get the same results.

And now for the BLOG CANDY! This time I am offering a grab bag of ribbons and other embellishments. I promise that it will contain at least three yards of various ribbons and more than a dozen misc embellishment pieces (designer brads, clips, buttons, Hodge Podge Hardware etc.) To be eligible, just leave a comment here and tell me what color of ornament you plan to create before 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3.

Holiday Mini Blog Tour Stop #19

Welcome to stop #19 on Stampin' Addicts' Holiday Mini Blog Tour. This year’s Stampin’ Up! Holiday Mini is chalk full of stamps, embellishment, new product lines and so much more. And they will all be available starting September 1. I am excited to show you the Decor Element line that is featured in the catalog: Holiday Mix and Decor Blocks. Holiday Mix is available in Black, White, Chocolate, and Red. Each sheet has 27 different elements including the letters to spell out JOY, SNOW, and NOEL – all for $9.95.

In my first project, I used the blocks to make two different letter configurations. The blocks are 3” tall and come four to a package for $9.95. I used the same blocks for both projects and just flipped them to put the other word on another part of the block.

Recipe: Decor Elements Holiday Mix, Real Red; Decor Elements Decor Blocks; Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Real Red Card Stock; Merry Moments Designer Series Paper; Old Olive 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain, Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain, Old Olive 5/8” Grosgrain; Ticket Corner and Scallop Edge Punches; acrylic paint.

For this project, I recycled a frame I had already. The paper, blue snowflake and ribbon are inside, and I applied SNOW to the outside of the glass to give it a 3D look. I still might add a photo to this in the upper right corner, but can you believe I don’t have a single snow picture of with both my boys?

Recipe: Decor Elements Holiday Mix White; Bashful Blue Card Stock; Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper; Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon; Snowflake #2 Big Shot Die; Scallop Edge Punch; Frost White Shimmer Paint.

And remember how I said there are 27 images on each sheet? The possibilities are really endless with all the other images. I used some of them to decorate up these Christmas Ornaments:

If you come back on Tuesday, I will tell you how to turn clear glass ornaments into these gorgeous sparkly ornaments and have a chance for some blog candy!

Recipe: Decor Elements Holiday Mix in Whisper White and Real Red; Old Olive and Real Red reinkers; Dazzling Diamonds; Old Olive and Real Red 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon.

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the tour. Next stop is Linda’s Olive Stamps to see a sneak peek at the Charming stamp set. If you’ve enjoyed this tour, come check out Stampin’ Addicts too.

September Ribbon Share

The holidays are just around the corner and what would Christmas presents, cards and goodies be without a little ribbon wrapped around them? My September Ribbon share focuses on the Stampin’ Up! Ribbons that are perfect for adding that special touch to all your holiday projects.

For only $18.60 (includes tax and shipping to me), you will receive a total of 19 yards of beautiful Stampin’ Up! Ribbon including the following:

• 2.5 yards of 1” Double-Stitched Grosgrain in Real Red
• 2.5 yards of 1” Double-Stitched Grosgrain in Rose Red
• 2.5 yards of 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain in Old Olive
• 2.5 yards of 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain in Chocolate Chip
• 2.5 yards of 3/4” Polka Dot Grosgrain in Real Red
• 2.5 yards of 5/8” Sleigh Bells Ribbon from the new Holiday Mini
• 2 yards of each of the ribbons featured in the Holiday Mini Mistletoe Bundle. (3/8” Old Olive Taffeta and 1/2” double-stitched grosgrain in Whisper White with Real Read stitching).

Deadline to order and pay for the share is September 26. If you don’t live in the Salt Lake Valley, please add $2.50 for shipping and handling. To order, contact me today at paula24@comcast.net.

BOLO: Holiday Mini Blog Tour

In my previous career (feels like another life time ago) I worked with lots of law enforcement types and learned how to speak Coppese. It is their very own little language and involves lots of acronyms. It also helped me communicate with my own Cop husband too. One of my favorite acronyms was BOLO or be on the look out. Probably because it reminded me of those bolo ties that were all the rage when I was in High School.

Stampin' Up's Holiday Mini debuts one week from today, (September 1). To celebrate Stampin' Addicts is having another Blog Hop featuring stamps and accessories from the new catalog. The tour starts at 10:00 am Saturday, August 29 and last through midnight, Monday, August 31. I will be featuring some new items in the Definitely Decorative Collection here on my blog.

In the mean time, here are some of my own Mini Catalog Sneak Peeks featuring a really fun set called Sweet Centers and the coordinating treat cups that go perfectly with the set:
To make this card, I folded a piece of basic black card stock and cut it with the new Clear Bigz Square Scallop Big Shot Die. My fellow SA sister came up with the idea to thread the ribbon through the holes in the side of the card. Adorable huh? I stamped the image in Pumpkin Pie and added a Crushed Curry layer behind it. To get the treat cup in there, you use the 1 3/4 inch punch to make a window and the cups just fit right into the window.


The Sweet Centers set isn't just for the holidays. I love this hot air balloon filled with yummy strawberry cheesecake jelly bellies. The colors are Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink. Coincidentally, these colors also remind me of the 1980's but more along the lines of junior high and not high school.

And now that my oldest is back in school, I am hoping to have more time to post to here. Watch for some blog candy coming up this weekend with the hop. Hope to see you back here then.