Stamp Studio 606 Sentiments

Happy Thanksgiving!

 
Fall just flew for me! I took these photos in October and am just getting to posting them now.

I've added a bunch of handmade cards to the Christmas Card album, and more giftable 3-D items to the 3-D album. I hope they inspire you.

There is also a 4 Season Punch Art board that a few brave scrapbookers made with me, during a retreat in October, in the 3-D album. It was really fun! I don't know how many hours it took me to create it (not as many as a spent procrastinating making it), the class was about 4 hours. Although that all sounds daunting, I just love creating creatures from punched shapes. And it is always fun to use our tools in a new way. Now, those scrapbookers have a piece of art, that they can also reference for ideas and inspiration.

To the left are items from the October classes, I know I'm behind. The large box in the top photo I call an Animal Cracker's box - and is cased from a box made by Connie Tumm. It was the main item in the October Giftables class, we also made the Turkey Candy favor (see 3-D album).

I am so grateful for the Big Shot, and all those terrific dies! We weaved strips of the Autumn Meadows dsp, ran them through the Top Note Die, and then through a texture plate (to quilt). Well, that wasn't quite enough, so I stitched the edges of the square. Fall reminds my of cozy quilts, and cool fall days at my grandparents cottage. I think I need so hot cider.

Sometimes, I buy a stamp set with a specific card in mind. And, I know I bought the Voila accessories to make this Thanksgiving card - at least 2 years ago. The October card class attendees, helped me fulfill that dream. OK, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. I love the idea of stamping on dsp, and then cutting it out to make extra fancy clothes.

I wish each of you a very nice, and cozy, Thanksgiving day. And blessings through the holidays and into the New Year.

Witch Way to Halloween? Bear with me...

...please excuse the puns, I just couldn't resist. And I also couldn't resist ordering the Build-A-Bear dies, then I kicked myself for not ordering the clothes too! I swear, give me paper, something that cuts, and some glue, and I'm 5 again.

This month I'm adding a Mommy & Me class to my monthly class schedule. It's designed for Moms of all ages, and children 5-7 years old; maximum of 2 children per parent. Fee: $5 per child. In the October 28th class (4:30-5:30pm) we will be making the bear dressed in a pumpkin costume magnet. For November's class we will be constructing a magnet board with a scene to put the bears on. And in December, we will make Santa Claus. Please call or email me if you would like to register, before Monday the 26th.

Other classes this month are:

Tuesday, October 27th, 7pm – Crazy for Cards
Make 1 technique card, 1 fancy fold card, and a 3-D item for $10.
Thursday, October 29th, 7pm – Giftables
Make an old fashioned Animal Crackers box, using a simple template that you can take home. This box is so fabulous, great for candied nuts or holds 10 of our favorite chocolate squares! With the pattern, it will be easy for you to recreate for Christmas gifts. We will also make the Turkey Sweet Treat Card, you can see it in the "My Favorites" album. Fee includes all materials, $10.
Saturday, October 31st, 10-11am – Crazy for Cards
Make 1 technique card, 1 fancy fold card, and a 3-D item for $10
Saturday, October 31st, 12:30-1:30pm – Kid’s Class
Just in time for Trick-or-Treating, we will make a batch (8) Halloween Goodies to share with your friends, $5. Children must be over 7 years old to attend.

More ribbons - "Tidy" knots

Some people call this a faux bow, but I prefer to call it a Tidy Knot, because it is. The knots lay flatter against the card, and it is much easier to control the knot's placement.

To make it, put about 1/2" of adhesive on the back of the card where you wish to place your ribbon. Cut your ribbon about 1" longer than the width of your card, and simply place it across the card and fold it over to the back, attaching it to the adhesive., repeat on the other side. Cut 4-6" of ribbon (here we layered 2 ribbons) and knot onto the ribbon already attached to the card. Slide it to it's best spot. When you attach this layer to your card, put adhesive right over the folded-over portion of the ribbon.

This is one of my favorite cards from Volume 8 of Stamps-by-Mail. I do have 3 kits left, let me k now if you are interested - it is a beautiful kit that includes Parisian Breeze dsp and fabulous ribbon!

Brads & Ribbon, A Match Made in Heaven

This is about as simple as you can get, but how beautiful it is. Just a simple loop of ribbon with a Filigree Brad through it. I always poke the hole, using a Paper Piercing tool or push pin, through both the ribbon and the cardstock, and wiggle my tool a bit to make the hole a touch bigger. Then push the brad through both layers at once.

Use your bone folder to separate and push down the prongs of the brad on the back, it'll save your fingers.

This just in...we will be using "Thoughts and Prayers" for our next volume of Stamps-by-Mail. I can't believe that we are on our 10th volume! Check out the Stamps-by-Mail album below to see some of the samples. Stay tuned for more info coming soon.

Buttons, Ribbons, and Brads, Oh My!

This weeks blog will be all about buttons, ribbons, and brads - so make sure you check back everyday for techniques and inspirations!

Those of you who have ever made cards with me, know that I am a bit compulsive about putting something through those holes in the buttons. And you'll get no apology from me - except that the holes can be a bit small.

The obvious thing the thread a button with is linen thread. But have you tried...embroidery floss, colored thread, or how about a thin slice of coordinating card stock?

When I am making a bunch of the same cards, I'll get together my thread, buttons, and glue dots, and sit down in front of the TV. While I catch up on the shows I've recorded, I string a batch of knotted buttons. Then, I cut them apart, trimming the threads, and stick them on the strip of glue dots. Now, they are all ready for mass assembly.

Do you have a button trick you can share? Please click on the "comment" below - and "do tell".

This card is from Volume 9 of Stamps-by-Mail (check the album below). If you would like your own kit, please call or email me for details - I've just got 2 kits left.

Check out the new techniques!

We got together Thursday (some of the demos in my downline and I) for our monthly Technique Swap.

What is a "swap" anyway? Each person prepares a kit, featuring a pre-determined technique, with enough supplies to create 6 cards from her sample. They show up here with their kits, and usually some wine and chocolate, and we each make 1 card from each kit. You can see all the cards we have made so far, in the Technique Swap album.

This is just one of the events that I do to help my downline develop their businesses (and they are helping me). Email or call me for more information on becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Tip: When I mounted the "Gobble, Gobble" stamp, I cut the verse apart from the image, tore the foam backing off the verse (because the stamp is so tiny), and mounted it on the end of the block with jewelery glue. This gives me a separate turkey stamp from the verse, making it easier to stamp the images.

Make Fabulous Gifts with your Stamping Supplies

August classes were all so fun - but the "Giftables" class was the most fabulous! We all spend a lot of time creating beautiful cards and scrapbook pages. We send the cards to our closest friends and family to brighten their day. The scrapbook pages are usually kept in books, that are opened a few times a year, and through this process we share what people mean to us.

I love the idea of making something that will brighten many days! This project took less than an hour and very few supplies, yet it is stunning.

Since I only purchased enough frames to do this particular class one time, I do offer the "Giftables" class each month (typically the 3rd Thursday). In September we will be making a BOO banner and Halloween centerpiece. The centerpiece is a "bouquet" of treats, and the banner can last a life time. There are only 2 spots left, so email me right away if you would like to come.

You can see other giftable projects in the 3-D papercrafting album. Enjoy!

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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It was so easy!

So, I got the software installed, opened it up, and 1 hour later, this is what I have. Oh, and I picked up Madeline from school in that hour too!

I know it's a little simple, and could use more bling, but it is the first time I've used the software - and with NO training either.

This won't replace the cards that I make by hand, it will make projects like birth announcements and Christmas cards with photos and lots of information much simplier.

And, did I say that we can also make calendars, hard and soft cover books, besides scrapbook pages. The software includes the former In Colors and the stamp sets are endless. The software and downloads will be available to customers October 1, 2009!

Well, I'm going to go play some more...

...3 blog entries in 1 day - unheard of!

Yes, I do take my own photos...

...and I promise that they will be better next month. Someone dropped my camera during Madeline's birthday party, and it's not quite right.

The good news is that I got a new one, next month's pictures should be much better.

I TOTALLY Have Stamping ADHD! The box (UPS) man just brought my latest SU! order. So I grabbed the box, took it to my studio, ripped it open, threw the packing paper on the floor, and happily pulled out my very own copy of "My Digital Studio". It's SU!'s new digital scrapbooking software!

So much for my list of "things to do" - the package is already ripped open (and not even neatly), and sitting on my desk saying "Install Me Now!". Those September & October Class samples will have to wait. See you later...

The rest of the pictures are in "My Favorites" folder.