I have an older friend who's been going through a tough time right how, health-wise.  She's sort of like a mom to me, since I don't have a mom any more.  I wanted her to know that I enjoy spending time with her, even if it's simply sitting at her dining room table talking.  I wanted the card to show quiet-ness and impart a serene feeling.  I think I pulled it off.

I used the stamp set Waterfront, an offering in the upcoming 2018 Occasions Mini Catalog, which goes lives to customers on January 3, 2018.  I just love this set!

First the card:

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Waterfront (2018 Occasions Mini Catalog)
Ink:  Soft Sky, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Early  Espresso.
Paper:  Thick and Regular Whisper White card stock, Wood Grain Designer Series Paper Stack.
Accessories:  SNAIL adhesive.

Directions:
1.  Cut thick Whisper White card stock 8.5x5.5".  Score at 4.25"
2.  Cut wood grain paper to 5.5x4.25".  Adhere to card base with SNAIL adhesive, and set aside.
3.  Stamp scene on to 3x4" piece of regular whisper white card stock.  This can be trimmed down later if necessary.  Stamp the following:  Sky in Soft Sky, sand in Crumb Cake, water first in Marina Mist, then Night of Navy.  Palm trees in Pear Pizzazz and Chocolate Chip.  Sun in Crushed Curry.  Hut in Early Espresso.  Sentiment in Night of Navy.
4.  Trim stamped panel down if necessary, and attach with SNAIL.

Again, this set is but one offering from the 2018 Occasions Mini Catalog, which goes live to customers on January 3, 2018.  This is a very versatile set and can be used for many different occasions.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Beautiful Friend

I have a friend who's going through a lot right now.  It's near the holidays and her mom broke her hip in a fall and spent time in the hospital following surgery and is now in rehab.  I wanted her to know that I think she's a beautiful person for caring about her mom so much, and that I'm here if she needs me.  She's not one who likes frills or fancy stuff, so I thought this card was a good fit for her. 

First the card:

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set:  Beautiful Peacock (2018 Sale-A-Bration, starts January 3)

Ink:  Lemon/Lime Twist, Powder Pink, Tranquil Tide

Paper:  Thick Whisper White Card Stock, Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Night of Navy Crinkled Seam Binding, SNAIL Adhesive

Tools:  Stitched Shapes Ovals, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Accessories

Directions:

1.  Cut white to 8.5x5.5" and score at 4.25".  Cut Designer Series Paper to 5.25x4".  Wrap Seam Binding around left side of patterned paper, and tie in a bow.  Attach to card front with SNAIL.  Set aside.

2.  Cut out oval with largest Stitched Shapes Oval Framelit Die.  This allows for better placement of the stamped elements.  Stamp peacock flourish with Lemon/Lime Twist.  Stamp tiny flower image in Powder Pink, and detailed flower image with Tranquil Tide.  Stamp sentiment in center with Tranquil Tide.  Adhere with dimensionals.

3.  Clear rhinestones could be used for the center of the blue flowers, but I chose to leave them plain.

The 2018 Sale-a-bration promotion begins for customers on January 3rd.  You can get this set free with a qualifying $50 order.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Waterfront

OK, I have only purchased one stamp set during the preorder period for demonstrators, Waterfront.  I wanted something that looked quiet and serene, and I think this one covers it all pretty well.  This is a birthday card for my brother-in-law who loves the outdoors.  I sure hope he likes it!

First, the card:

Supplies used:

Stamps:  Waterfront, Hello, Gorgeous (sentiment)

Ink:  Crushed Curry, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Chocolate Chip

Paper:  Whisper White (regular and heavy weight), Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  Pinewood Planks 3D Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive

Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Accessories, Paper Snips, Stampin' Sponge

Directions:

Heavy weight Whisper White CS 8.5" x 5.5" scored the long way at 4.25" for base, Sahara Sand cut to 5.25" x 4", run through the Big Shot with the Pinewood Planks EF.  Sponge with Sahara Sand ink for dimension.  Attach to card base with SNAIL adhesive.  Cut piece of regular Whisper White CS to 3.25" x 2.5".  Starting in the upper left hand corner and working down, stamp sun with Crushed Curry.  Then stamp mountains with Always Artichoke, followed by the sand in Sahara Sand ink.  Stamp the water in Pool Party followed by Island Indigo.  Lastly, ink up the trees in Always Artichoke.  Attach to panel of Always Artichoke CS 4.5" x 3.25" notched on the right side.  Attach panel to card front with dimensionals.  Stamp frame and Happy Birthday sentiment from Hello, Gorgeous stamp set and cut out with paper snips.  Attach to card front with small dimensional pieces.

The stamp set will be available for customer purchase starting January 3rd, so be sure to check out the ordering site then.  You're definitely going to want this set!!

Enough of Christmas!

Ok, I was reminded today that Christmas is only 12 days away.  Wow, it doesn't seem possible that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away!!  Time to get working on samples from the upcoming 2018 Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-a-bration Catalog!

What's Sale-a-bration, you ask?  Well, it's the biggest promotion of the year is all!  For every $50 you spend on anything from the Occasions or Annual Catalogs during the sale period January 3rd through March 31, 2018, you qualify for a free SAB item from the Sale-a-bration Brochure.  Spent $50, get one Level 1 SAB item.  Spend $100, get 2 Level 1 or 1 Level 2 SAB items, spend $150, get 3 Level 1 or 1 Level 1 and 1 Level 2 SAB item.  If you join during Sale-a-bration, you can get your starter kit for $99 and for $1 more, you can get SAB items!  It's that easy!

Stay tuned for more information as the beginning of the biggest sale of the year approaches!

Happy Stamping!!

Fancy Hershey, Anyone?

Everyone loves a Hershey bar, right?  The big ones that you break apart and put on a graham cracker with a toasted marshmallow, squished down and then eaten quickly before the marshmallow cools off and without getting sticky fingers.  Ah, the memories of summers at the lake or around a campfire!

But, Hershey bars make great Christmas gifts too, you just need the right wrapping.  Below is a sample of a spiffed up wrapping for the lowly milk chocolate Hershey Bar!  (of course there are other types of chocolate Hershey bars too, those with almonds, dark chocolate, but for most folks, the plain, no frills, milk chocolate one is the best!)  Sorry that these are sideways but I don't know how to rotate them!  Oops!

Supplies:
Stamps: Merry Patterns (Hostess Promotion - sentiment)
Paper:  Year of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper (2017 Holiday Mini Catalog), Silver and Red Glimmer Paper, Copper and Gold Foil Paper, Whisper White Card Stock
Ink: Versamark
Accessories:  Red, Copper, Gold Embossing Powder, Foil Snowflakes (2017 Holiday Mini Catalog), glue dots, adhesive tape
Tools:  Eastern Medallion Thinlits, Pretty Label Punch, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Accessories

Directions:  Cut Year of Cheer paper long enough to wrap around candy bar (length of candy bar by enough to wrap and overlap in the back).  Cut belly band out of foil or glimmer paper 2" wide by enough to wrap and overlap in the back.  Adhere with adhesive tape.  (Sorry but I don't have the measurements and have sold the candy bars at a church bazaar.)  Card #1 uses Copper Foil Paper for belly band, Silver Glimmer Paper cut with the larger die from Eastern Medallion Thinlits, and Copper Embossing Powder. Card #2 uses Red Glimmer Paper for belly band, gold Foil Snowflake, and red embossing powder.  Card #3 uses Gold Foil Paper for belly band, Silver Foil Snowflake, and Gold Embossing Powder.  Attach main embellishment to front with glue dots. Stamp the Merry Christmas sentiment on to Whisper White card stock with versamark, and emboss with coordinating embossing powder.  Punch out with Pretty Label Punch.  Attach to front with dimensionals.

Be aware, many of the items used for this project are holiday items which will be retiring when the upcoming Occasions mini catalog goes live on January 3rd, so get them now before they're gone!

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Another Handwarmer Idea!

This idea was a little bit cuter I thought and was easy to put together.  This little Eskimo looks right at home outside his igloo!

Stamp Set:  Cookie Cutter Christmas, Wonderland - background snowflakes (retired)
Paper:  Marina Mist, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black and Marina Mist ink pad, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Real Red markers and Old Olive makers
Accessories:  Layering Circles Thinlits Dies, Layering Ovals Framelits Dies (for doorway), Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Cookie Cutter Builder Punch, Tombow Liquid Glue, mini dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive
Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories, Stapler

Directions:  Marina Mist Card Stock is cut to 5.5" x 8.5" scored at 1" and 5".  The front panel is stamped with the snow flake stamp from Wonderland in Marina Mist ink. (although any small snowflake stamp will do) making sure not to stamp where the open door of the igloo will be.  The largest layering circle is cut out using the Big Shot and then the doorway is cut out using the appropriate size layering oval die, and then embossed with the Brick Wall Embossing Folder also using the Big Shot.  It is then attached to the card front with Tombow Liquid glue.  The Eskimo image is stamped onto Whisper White card stock and colored in with the appropriate color markers.  The Eskimo image is then punched out using the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch and attached for the card front with dimensionals.  The sentiment is stamped in Basic Black and cut out with paper snips, and attached to the bottom flap with SNAIL adhesive.  The hand warmer packet is tucked under the stapled flap and the front panel is folded down over the packet and under the flap.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Keeping Hands Warm On Cold Winter Days

I made up a lot of items for my church's holiday craft and bake sale which was held the past 2 Sundays.  I was so busy making up things, that I didn't have time to post pictures or instructions.  I'm trying to catch up but I know I won't be able to share everything so I'll share what I can and hope you all understand.

This is a handwarmer cover that I made up last minute.  

Stamps:  Cookie Cutter Christmas (sentiment)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Crumb Cake
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Woodland Textured Embossing Folder, Card Front Builder Thinlits Dies, Stitched Shapes Thinlits Dies (ovals), mini dimensionals
Tools:  Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories, paper snips

Directions:  The dimensions for the cardstock are 3.5" x 11" scored at 1" and 6.25"  The Woodlake EF is used to emboss the front panel of the holder.  The bottom 1" flap of the holder is stapled in place.  The Garden Green, Whisper White, Crumb Cake card stock is run through the Big Shot with the appropriate dies.  The sentiment is stamped in Chocolate Chip ink and cut out with paper snips.  Holder is assembled per the picture, using Tombow liquid adhesive for oval and trees.  Deer is attached with mini dimensionals.  The hand warmer packet is tucked in under the bottom flap and the front panel is tucked in on top of the handwarmer packet.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

More Holiday Craft Items

I made a number of different craft items for my church's holiday craft and bake sale.  I'm late in posting these because of not having time with all the crafting.  Who knew it takes so long to write down all the details!  So, I'm going to be concise, but keep it simple.  H

ere goes:

These are mini matchbook holders that hold one wrapped York Peppermint Patty.  The kind in the little individual pouch, not the individually wrapped ones that are round.  The patty in the pouch is also round, but the packaging has an edge that can be stapled.

Supplies Used:

Paper:  Foil Frenzy Card Stock and coordinating solid card stock, Crumb Cake for the snowflake,

Tools:  Stitched Shape Layering Circles (1 7/8th Circle), Seasonal Layers Thinlits and Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, stapler

Embellishments: Clear Faceted Gems, Year of Cheer Washi Tape.

Matchbook folder:  Paper cut to 2 1/2" wide by 6".  Scored at 3/4" and 3 1/2" 

Patty is stapled into the lower 3/4" flap.  The washi tape covers up the staples.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Checking in with some Samples!

Hello all,

I'm just going to be posting a few pictures here for now, since I have things made but haven't had a chance to write anything up yet.  I'm working up items to sell at my church's holiday craft and bake sale and just when I think I'm done, I find something ELSE to make and so the blog posting gets put on the back burner again.  Feel free to start on these if you feel like making anything.

These are all the mini pizza boxes embellished with a variety of papers, techniques, and stamp sets/dies.

Quilt Builder Framelits Dies, Real Red Card Stock, Vellum, Quilted Christmas 6x6" Designer Series Paper, White Enamel Shape colored with Red Sharpie Marker.

Quilt Builder Framelits Dies, Champagne Foil, Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack, Chocolate Chip Card Stock, Wood Snowflake element (retired).

Year of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper, Gold Glimmer Paper, Card Front Builder Framelits Dies, Basic Black Ink, Sentiment from Christmas Pines 

Pizza Box top embossed with Winter Wonder Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Sponged with Pool Party and Island Indigo ink, Wink of Stella on center 'medallion', clear faceted gem, Pool Party Satin Stitched Ribbon wrapped around side of box.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Christmas Is Coming!

I always hate it when Christmas stuff starts coming out before Halloween.  It just doesn't seem right somehow.  However, the reason that I haven't been online for quite a while is for 2 reasons.  1)  I was on vacation for 17 days and got back on the 13th and 2) I've been working like a little busy beaver making Christmas craft items for my church's holiday craft and bake sale coming up the end of November.  Who knew that there were so many neat and trendy craft items showing up at craft fairs around the country?  I've been working on a number of items and will be sharing those here as soon as they're complete.  Stay tuned!

Kathy

Ahhhhh, WOOD!

Hello!  This lovely masculine card was made by Amanda Mertz.  I've discovered that I have few cards with a masculine theme so was very happy to come across this one.

First the card:

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  None
Ink:  None
Paper:  Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Tranquil Tide Card Stock.
Tools and Accessories:  Paper Trimmer, Tranquil Tide Finely Woven Ribbon, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Accessories, Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies, multipurpose glue, SNAIL adhesive

Directions:
I attached a panel of Very Vanilla to the card base of Tranquil Tide.  I then cut a piece of Very Vanilla slightly smaller than the Very Vanilla mat.  I then cut 3/4" strips out of several of the Wood Textures paper with my paper trimmer, and lined them up on a Very Vanilla panel, unevenly like with real flooring, attaching them with SNAIL adhesive as I went.  I trimmed the edges so they were all even, then wrapped a piece of the ribbon around the wood panel attaching it in the back with tape.  Tied another piece on the front into a bow, and then attached the wood element to the card base with SNAIL adhesive.

I used the three snowflake dies from the Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies set and cut one of each out of Whisper White card stock using the Big Shot.  Attached to the card front with a drop of multipurpose glue.

This could also be done with other patterned paper to resemble a strip quilt.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Celebrating Winter with Color Theory

Hello stamping friends!  I know it's not even officially Fall yet, but I came across this card making idea from Patty Bennett's blog.  She used the Color Theory Memories & More Card Pack to make this awesome winter themed card.  They've already had snow in Montana but I'm sure hoping it holds off for a long time here in Wisconsin!

Anyway, first the card:

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  None

Ink:  None

Paper:  Dapper Denim, Soft Sky, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper, Color Theory Memories & Mark Card Pack

Tools and Accessories:  Wink of Stella Glitter Brush, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Accessories, Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL adhesive.

Directions:

I cut down one of the large cards with the snowflakex image from the Memories and More Card Pack, adhered it to a Soft Sky panel, and then to the Dapper Denim card base with SNAIL adhesive.  I then took the smaller card with the 'Let It Snow' sentiment, cut it down a bit, adhered it to a soft sky panel and then to the card front with SNAIL adhesive.

To make the snowflakes, I used the Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper and the snowflake thinlits from the Seasonal Layers Thinlit Die set, and cut one of each size using the Big Shot.  These were attached to the card with a drop of multipurpose glue.  You can't see it in the picture but the snowflakes are really glittery in real life!  I also used some clear Wink of Stella on the word 'snow'.

This layout would also work using other elements in the Card Pack and the Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies.

Easy Peasy!

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

MASCULINE HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ok, I think we'll all agree that you can never have too many birthday cards.  I have to admit however, that when it comes to birthday cards, I have plenty for women and not so many for boys or men.  So, I decided to go easy on myself and make up a couple masculine cards.

First the card (which was recently sent to a 16 year old boy):

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  None

Ink:  Early Espresso

Paper:  Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay

Tools:  Happy Birthday Thinlit Die, Big Shot Diecutting Machine and accessories, Pinewood Planks Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Stampin' Sponges, Gold Metallic Sequins, Multi Purpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL adhesive

Directions:  Card base is Soft Suede.  Cut mat of Bermuda Bay.  Cut mat of Soft Suede and run through the Pinewood Planks embossing folder.  Lightly rub Early Espresso over the embossing to show detail. Attach to card base and mat with SNAIL.  Run Happy Birthday thinlit die through Big Shot using Bermuda Bay card stock.  Attach to card with liquid glue.  Embellish with gold metallic sequins using liquid glue.

This card was also made using Chocolate Chip and Lemon Lime Twist card stock, sponged with Basic Black, and embellished with Silver Metallic Sequins.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Life is a Beautiful Thing!

I love the set that this sentiment comes from!  It's the Colorful Season stamp set with coordinating Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies.  Buy them as a bundle and save 10%!

Anyway, this set is so awesome because it's a year-round set.  It has images for Spring, Summer, Fall, AND winter!  The card featured today is Fall themed.  In a future blog post I'll share the 4-season cards that I created with this set, to be used as a silent auction item at a church craft sale.

First the card:

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Colorful Season

Ink:  Crumb Cake

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Lemon Lime Twist, Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze

Tools:  Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories, SNAIL adhesive, Fine Tip Glue Pen

Directions:  Stamp the solid leaf stamps on the Very Vanilla card stock, stamping the large stamps off once before stamping on Very Vanilla.  Attach panel to Crumb Cake card base with SNAIL.  Using the larger cut out leaf thinlit, cut one each of Lemon Lime Twist, Always Artichoke, and Cajun Craze.  Attach to card front either with Multipurpose Liquid Glue or Fine Tip Glue Pen (I used the fine tip glue pen).

This card can be done in many different color combinations for Fall.  It can also be glitzed up with Wink of Stella, or rhinestones or metallic accents.  I kept it plain because I thought it might work well for a masculine card.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Still Here!

To those of you reading this, if that's anyone at all, you'll notice that I haven't been posting much lately.  That's because I've been working on MAKING cards and haven't had time to write up the instructions, and post them.  I'm currently out of town, and will be back in action on Thursday.  Hope to get something put up soon after that.

Stay tuned and happy stamping!

It's Almost Fall But Still Summer So..........

I decided to continue with the summer theme with this card.  It's gotta be warm somewhere because it sure isn't here!

I really like the Colorful Seasons stamp set and coordinating dies.  It makes it so easy to put together a very pretty card!  First the card:

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set:  Colorful Seasons

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Soft Sky

Paper:  Marina Mist, Powder Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Card Stock, Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack

Tools and Accessories:  Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Crumb Cake 3/8" Satin Stitched Ribbon (retired), Sponge Daubers, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Directions:

Card base is Marina Mist, using a side fold.  Whisper White is cut to 4.5x4.5" square.  Using a scrap piece of paper and the 2-5/8" circle die, cut out the circle and center over the WW piece.  Using sponge daubers, apply Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, and Soft Sky into to simulate sand, water, and sky.  Attach to card front offsetting it to the right. Using branch and flowers and Adirondack Chair from Seasonal Layers Thinlits, cut out using Chocolate Chip for branch and Powder Pink for flowers and Wood Textures DSP stack for chair.  Attach with liquid adhesive as shown in photo.  Color rhinestones with gold color Sharpie marker.  (could also leave clear).  Attach to flower centers.  Tie ribbon on left of card.

So Easy!

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Life is a Beautiful Thing

Some days it just doesn't pay to try to be creative.  Today was one of those days.  I knew I had to make a card since I wanted to post something but didn't have anything new.  And I didn't want to spend half a day making a fancy card that only a few people would really appreciate.  So, I went to my computer and flipped through the cards that I'd saved from various blogs that I follow, and came across the following, created by Melissa Kerman @ Melissa's Crafting Treehouse.  I will admit to CASE'ing it pretty much as she did it and I really like how it turned out.  First the card:

Products Used:

Stamp Set:  Colorful Seasons

Paper:  Early Espresso,  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink:  Early Espresso

Embellishments:  1/4" Copper Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals

Directions:

Cut paper to following sizes:

     Early Espresso Card base:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored and folded at 4-1/4"

     Basic Black Mat:  3-7/8" x 5-1/8""

     Wood Textures Designer Series Paper (cut one each of 2 designs)  2-1/2" x 3-5/8"

     Very Vanilla Sentiment Piece:  2 x 2-1/8"

     Early Espresso Sentiment Mat:  2-1/4" x 2-3/8"

Assembly:

* Stamp sentiment on to Very Vanilla card stock in Early Espresso ink.  Attach sentiment piece to small Basic Black mat piece.  Set aside.

* Adhere two wood textures pieces to large Basic Black mat piece, trimming the patterned pieces if necessary so that enough black mat shows around edges.

* Take copper trim and with your fingers, spread out trim to approximately 1/2" wide.  Wrap around to back side of print/black mat piece and attach with Scotch tape.  Attach this piece to Early Espresso card base with adhesive.

* Using Stampin' Dimensionals, attach sentiment piece to left side of card front.  Using length of expanded copper trim, tie bow at right side of card front.  The shimmer and texture of this trim is simply gorgeous!!

This card is a really good one to use if you need a masculine card for that special guy in your life, or for any man who deserves a special card.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Enjoy Today

I try to live by this mantra every day, but some days are a bit tougher than others.  I just love this card idea using the Eastern Palace Suite items from Stampin' Up!  I CASE'd this card from Patty Bennett's website at www.Pattystamps.com.  First the card:

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set:  Eastern Beauty

Paper:  Whisper White Note Cards, Whisper White Card Stock, Color Theory Paper Stack

Ink:  Berry Burst

Tools:  Eastern Palace Medallion Framelits, Big Shot die Cutting machine and accessories

Accessories:  Glitter Enamel Dots

Directions:

Attached the Berry Burst 'ombre' piece from the Color Theory Paper Stack to the note card base.  I then cut the medallion shapes in the Whisper White Card Stock, and then stamped the images using the Berry Burst ink, and the Eastern Beauty stamp set, leaving room for the sentiment.  I then layered this piece over the Berry Burst 'ombre' piece.   I suppose you could use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the stamped element to the ombre piece, but I chose to leave it flat for ease of mailing.  I used a Glimmer Enamel Dot for the center of each cut out shape, and also to accent the sentiment.

I also did the same with the blue card, using Dapper Denim ink and the Dapper Denim 'ombre' sheet from the Color Theory Paper Stack.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Eastern Palace

This card was CASE'd (Copy and Share Everything) from the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog on page 18.  This is part of the Eastern Palace Suite.  This is just ONE of the many gorgeous cards that can be made with the stamp set, coordinating Designer Series Paper, and the Gold Stickers.  First the card:

Supplies Used:

Stamp set:  Eastern Beauty

Cardstock:  Berry Burst (2017-19 In-Color), Very Vanilla

Ink:  Tranquil Tide (2017-19 In-Color), Versamark

Tools:  Eastern Medallions Thinlits Dies, Layering Circles Thinlits Dies, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories, heat tool

Accessories:  Eastern Gold Vinyl Stickers, Gold Sequins, Gold Embossing Powder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Directions:   Card base is Berry Burst.  Very Vanilla overlay is cut 3.5 x 5" and run through the big shot with the appropriate Thinlit Die.  You can actually use any design die that you want but you want the colored card stock to show through from the back and have a center space big enough for the sentiment circle.  Attach to card front.  Using Tranquil Tide ink, stamp the sentiment on a scrap of Very Vanilla card stock.  Using Versamark ink and the dotted circle stamp, stamp around the sentiment, and then apply the gold embossing powder.  Set with heat tool.  Crop with 1 and 7/8" circle die.  Attach to center of the cutout with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Apply strips of gold vinyl stickers to each side of Very Vanilla piece.  Glue on gold sequins.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Bloomin' Heart - Take 2

This card uses the same basic instructions as the previous card only the colors have changed.  First the card:

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp set:  Delicate Details (2017 Sale-a bration set)

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Ink:  Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, Watermelon Wonder

Tools:  Bloomin' Heart Thinlits Die, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories

Accessories:  White/Gold ribbon from Metallic Ribbon Combo Pack (2017 Sale-a-bration item), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Sponge

Directions:  Cut Very Vanilla CS to 4.25" x 11", and fold in half with the fold on the left side.  Using the Bloomin' Heart Thinlits Die and Big Shot, die cut heart from Whisper White Cardstock.  Using sponge daubers, apply Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, and Watermelon Wonder to image.  Stamp large lace image from Delicate Details set to left side of card with Watermelon Wonder ink, the width of the ribbon away from the edge.  Tie ribbon around card.  Stabilize with drop of glue under knot.  With stampin' sponge, sponge Flirty Flamingo ink around edge of card.  Attach heart shape with liquid glue.  Embellish with Fhinestone Basic Jewels.

Because I didn't know which occasion this card was going to be used for, I left space for a sentiment to be added at a later date.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Bloomin' Heart - Take 1

Today's card idea is taken from Patty Bennett at PattyStamps.com.  It is so pretty, and can be used for many different occasions.

Supplies Used:

Stamp set:  Delicate Details (2017 Sale-a bration set)

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink:  Pool Party, Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake

Tools:  Bloomin' Heart Thinlits Die, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories

Accessories:  White/Gold ribbon from Metallic Ribbon Combo Pack (2017 Sale-a-bration item), Pearl Basic Jewels, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Sponge

Directions:  Cut Crumb Cake CS to 4.25" x 11", and fold in half with the fold on the left side.  Using the Bloomin' Heart Thinlits Die and Big Shot, die cut heart from Whisper White Cardstock.  Using sponge daubers, apply Pool Party, Bermuda Bay and Island Indigo to image.  Stamp large lace image from Delicate Details set to left side of card with Soft Suede ink, the width of the ribbon away from the edge.  Tie ribbon around card.  Stabilize with drop of glue under knot.  With stampin' sponge, sponge Crumb Cake ink around edge of card.  Attach heart shape with liquid glue.  Embellish with Pearl Basic Jewels.

Because I didn't know which occasion this card was going to be used for, I left space for a sentiment to be added at a later date.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Friends Forever!

This card was copied from fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator Mary Fish at stampinpretty.com.  Mary always has such GORGEOUS cards!

Products used:

Stamp Set:  None

Paper:  Flirty Flamingo, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla cardstock, Cupcakes and Carousels Paper Stack (Mary used current Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper)

Tools:  Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies, Lovely Words Thinlits Dies, Stitched Shapes Thinlits Dies, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.

Accessories:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Directions:  The card base is Chocolate Chip.  A layer of Flirty Flamingo is attached followed by a layer of Crumb Cake.  Patterned paper from the Cupcakes and Carousels Paper stack (2.25x4.5") is positioned as shown in the photo.  Chocolate Chip (3x2.5") is positioned as shown in the photo.  Using the 'Friends' die from Lovely Words Thinlits, cut out from Flirty Flamingo.  Using Stitched Shapes oval die, crop again to make a 'frame.'  Attach to card.   The Adirondack chair is die cut from Very Vanilla card stock, using the die from Seasonal Layers Thinlits.  It is attached with Stampin' Dimensionals as shown in photo.  Cut two flowers from Very Vanilla cardstock using Seasonal Layers Thinlits and attach to card.  Embellish centers with Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

I'm Baaaack! (but not really)

Hello all,

Back from a GREAT New England cruise but have nothing to post because of reorganizing my crafting space.  I have my table covered with 'stuff' that I'm sorting through to decide what to keep and what to give away to a neighbor for his school kids.  Until I can get that cleaned up and organized, I have no space for making cards.  Yes, my table space is limited!  So, keep checking back if you would please.  I hope to have something to share soon.

Keep on stamping!
Kathy

Taking a Break to have a BREAK!

If there's anyone out there reading this, just a word to let you know that I'm going to be taking a break from blogging for a little while.  This week will be very busy and on Friday my husband and I are leaving on a New England cruise for 11 days.  We'll actually be gone 12.  I do have new stamps and accessories from the new Stampin' Up! catalog, but will need some time to make some things up.  Please check back nearer the end of the month when I should have some new things to share.

Happy Stamping!

Thanks Friend!

This box is the perfect gift for anyone on your list, and can be given for any reason, or no reason at all.  It's perfect for that special friend who you want to thank in some way and they don't really need anything.  But everyone needs a handmade, special thank you box, don't they?

Products Used:

Stamp Set:  Window Shopping

Paper:  Flirty Flamingo, Whisper White

Ink:  Mint Macaron, Flirty Flamingo Stampin’ Write Markers, Soft Sky Ink Pad, Versamark

Embellishments:  Copper Embossing Powder

Tools:  Window Box Thinlit Dies, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Heat Tool

Directions:   View Stampin’ Up! youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81T-PtHcFE4  . Construct box using Flirty Flamingo card stock using dotted thinlit die for side panels.  Cut large leaf/flower design using thinlit from Whisper White card stock.  Attach to top of box.  Stamp ‘Thanks’ and ‘Friend’ from Window Shopping in Versamark on Very Vanilla card stock.  Emboss with Copper Embossing Powder.  Trim to size.  On separate piece of Whisper White card stock, stamp ‘For Being A Friend’ in Soft Sky ink.  Trim and attach to ‘Thanks Friend’ panel.  Attach to top of box with Dimensionals.  Using Mint Macaron and Flirty Flamingo markers, stamp the small flower/leaves image from Window Shopping on Whisper White scrap, 4 times.  Fussy cut with paper snips.  Attach to sentiment as shown.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Lotus Blossom Box

This box can be used for any occasion:  birthday, anniversary, anything that needs a little something extra.

Products Used:

Stamp Set:  Window Shopping

Paper: Mint Macaron, Sweet Sugarplum, So Saffron

Ink:  Sweet Sugarplum, Crushed Curry

Embellishments:  Crushed Curry Baker's Twine, Lace Doilies (Occasions Mini Catalog)

Tools:  Window Box Thinlits Dies, Succulent Framelits Dies, Fringe Scissors, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories.

Directions:  View Stampin’ Up! youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81T-PtHcFE4  .  Construct box using Mint Macaron card stock using the hearts thinlit for the side panel cutout.  Using the three largest flower petal dies from the Succulent Framelits, cut 2 each of the 3 dies in Sweet Sugarplum card stock.  Curl petals using a bone folder.  Glue together with Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  To create center of flower, cut a ¾” x 11” strip of So Saffron card stock with Fringe Scissors (or use paper snips), and roll, gluing as you go.  Once dry, spread the fringe out to fill in the center of the flower.  Glue.   Set aside.  Stamp ‘Open Me’ on to So Saffron card stock and cut with oval from Window Box Thinlit set.  Stamp with small flower stamp from Window Shopping stamp set in Crushed Curry ink.  Cut length of Crushed Curry Baker’s Twine, thread through tag and tie a bow.   Attach a Lace Doily to top of box, then the ends of the Baker’s Twine to the bow is at the edge of the box and tag hangs below edge, and attach flower a bit toward the back.

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

Happy Birthday Box

Are you like me and someone's birthday comes up and you want to get them something but you want to do more than just a card?   I never know what to get for people who already have everything that they need so I usually try to give them something that they wouldn't get from anyone else. 

I will be showing a selection of treat boxes using the Window Box Thinlits Die.  To make the treat box, your best bet is to watch the youtube video by Stampin’ Up! here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81T-PtHcFE4  to get the inside scoop on how to cut out the box and fit all the components together.  I had to watch this a couple of times to make sure that I had it right.  There are several tricks and tips for using this wonderful die set that are easier learned through a video.  Once your box is constructed, you can go about creating the embellishment that goes on top.

Products used:

Stamp Set:  Window Shopping (Occasions Mini Catalog)

Paper:  Emerald Envy, Dapper Denim, Whisper White

Ink:  Dapper Denim, Marina Mist

Embellishments:  Metallic Enamel Shapes, Cucumber Crush Thick Baker’s Twine, 3/8” Metallic Ribbon Gold (2016 Sale-a-bration)

Tools:  Stampin’ Dimensionals, Window Box Thinlit Dies, Layering Circles Framelit Dies, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and accessories.

Directions:  View Stampin’ Up! youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81T-PtHcFE4   .  Cut out and assemble box in Emerald Envy card stock using the candles thinlit for the side panel cutout.  Stamp Happy Birthday and Make A Wish sentiments on Very Vanilla card stock in Dapper Denim ink leaving enough room between them for the ribbon.  Cut out with 2.625” Layering Circle die.  Cut appropriate sized Dapper Denim and Marina Mist scalloped circles from Layering Circles framelits die.   Stack circles with dimensionals in between each layer.  Wrap ribbon around stack and tape to the underside.  Set aside.  Stamp ‘Open Me!’ sentiment on scrap of Whisper White, stamp cupcake design in Marina Mist ink, and cut out with oval die from Window Box Thinlits.  Thread baker’s twine through hole in oval tag and tie a bow.  Attach to underside of circle stack so tag hangs over the edge of the box.  Attach circle stack to top of box with dimensionals.  Fill with candy or other treats of your choice, and then wait for the ohhhs and ahhhs!

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!

A Big Thank You!

My mother passed away back on September 5, 2016.  Since then we've been in the process of trying to sell her house.  It's a big house with 54 years worth of memories, but it was time to let it go and move one.  The closing is on Monday.  I decided that just saying 'thank you' to everyone who's been such a help to my sister, brother and I, wasn't going to be enough, so I made up a few cards to give to the various people who have been so much help.  The real estate agents are getting a card too but that one uses too many retired products to be appropriate to post here.

The construction of the cards is, I believe, pretty self explanatory from the photos provided so I won't go through all of that here.  I will give the supply list for each of the cards, however.

First of all, my mom's two neighbors pretty much took her under their wing and treated her like a member of their own family.  Both of the women watched over her like hawks.  If she was home or if she was gone, they knew.  Which was a very good thing since none of us kids live close, and mom was up there in age (92) when she passed.

This first card was made for those 2 friends:  Kris (Buzzy) and Linda.

Supply List:

Stamp Set:  So Very Much, Delicate Details (both from 2017 Sale-a-bration)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Sweet Sugarplum, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede

Accessories:  1/8” gold trim ribbon

Tools:  Word Window Punch (retired-could also use Classic Label), Big Shot Diecutting Machine and accessories

I made this card for Pam at the bank who was so much help to us.

Supply List:

Stamp Set:  So Very Much (2017 Sale-a-bration)

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Blooms and Bill Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Island Indigo

Accessories:  Regals Enamel Shape

Tools:  Word Window Punch (retired-could also use Classic Label), Big Shot Diecutting Machine and accessories

This card was a bit more masculine and was made for Fran, mom's attorney and Kevin, her insurance agent.

Supply List:

Stamp Set:  So Very Much (2017 Sale-a-bration)

Paper:  Pool Party, Peekaboo Peach, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Soft Suede

Accessories:  Lace Doily, Falling Petals Embossing Folder

Tools:  Word Window Punch (retired-could also use Classic Label), Big Shot Diecutting Machine and accessories

Check out my Stampin' Up! website if you'd like to order any of the above items, at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampinkathy/  Just click on the 'shop now' button and it will take you to my online store.  Happy Stamping!