Sharing Creativity...

I’m away on a weekend stamping retreat, but I wanted to still share a few things on my Blog while I’m gone.  Hopefully, these are timed correctly and the server doesn’t fail like last time! 

Yes, another craft fair item…a sketchbook, small pen and a jumbo bookmark in the Ladybug theme.  I wrapped these up in a cello bag and added some black/red polka dot ribbon and a tag with a ladybug on it.  Too cute! 

The ladybug sketchbook was inspired by a swap card I received.  It doesn’t have a name on the back, so I really don’t know who to give credit to.  It was perfect to cover the round sketchbooks I had purchased a few months ago.  I took off the spiral binding and then traced the front onto Real Red cardstock and the back on Basic Black.  I punched the 1/2" circles out of Black Faux Diamond Dust so they sparkle.  I used my white gel pen for the stitching around the body and wings.  I tied some different polka dot ribbons on the top. 

Then I received the scallop circle ladybug bookmark/paperclip in a 3D swap at Convention.  Another great idea.  It is 4 Scalloped Circle punches, stamped with black dots, folded in half and then layered on a Black Scallop Circle.  A pop dot between the paperclip and a second black scallop circle undeneath holds it secure.  A 1" black circle is punched for the head and slid between the Red scallop body and the top black scallop circle.  Pretty easy!

The little red pens I had from a LONG time ago.  I wrapped a label around them after I brayed the white label with Real Red ink and then stamped the dots in black.

I think this is a great stocking gift for someone who loves ladybugs or that young girl you know!

Tags: bookmark, Ladybug gift

Here are some tag cello packages that I made for the craft fairs this year.  The tag stamp images are from TAC and are adorable!  The scallop image is from Stampin’ Up!’s Sale-A-Bration set, So Many Scallops.  The "Celebrate the Season" snowflake  image is perfect for the holidays and using on all kinds of packaging!  I stamped it twice, once in Glorious Green and once in Real Red, then punched the center snowflake with the 3/4 circle and layered it onto the green scallop.  Then I punched it all out with the Scallop punch.

The cello bag top is made with the Top Note die, folded lengthwise.  I stapled it shut and added the grosgrain ribbon to hide the staples…then placed the Scallop over it to hold in place.

The Tags, I stamped the images in Basic Black and colored them with Stampin’ Up! markers in Real Red, Glorious Green, Yo Yo Yellow, Only Orange, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, and Close to Cocoa.  I layered them on either Real Red or Glorious Green and used my tag corner punch on the ends.  There are 12 tags to a bag.  Each tag has a ribbon at the top so you can tie it on a package.  YES!  I still have some left…price is $3.95 each plus $1 shipping (US only, please)  SOLD OUT

BLOG SPECIAL:  I also have two Stampin’ Up! So Many Scallops stamps sets, new and unmounted.  The first two $50 or more (before tax and shipping) Stampin’ Up! orders placed either online with me or emailed to me will get one of the sets FREE!  (US residents only, please.)  Offer expires 11/24/08.

Tags: Christmas tags

I’m embarrassed to mention that I received a full Build a Flower tin at Convention 2007.  We used a couple of the items on a scrapbook page and decorated the front of the tin, but I never did anything with them after that.  I had full intentions of doing a class, but didn’t…then they retired them this year.  Does anyone else buy stuff and then not use it right away…come on…I KNOW you do!

So, when I was thinking of things to make for the craft fair, I pulled out the tin of die cut adhesive flowers.  They really are VERY nice to work with…the same quality as the ones in the Scrappin’ Kits.  (We have Roof Garden in the current catalog.  You can easily overlook them on page 182.  But, I’ve purchased them and WILL be having a class using them.)

But, back to this project.  I remember someone did a similar class or project with them a LONG time ago.  There are four color flower sets in the tin…pink, purple, green and blue.  I used the same color theme for each bag.  I decorated the front of a small Kraft Handle bag with the larger flower, added a scallop circle and more build-a-flowers, then added some white shredded paper inside.  The four cards are fairly simple.  I used a Whisper White base card, layered it with the matching color…in this case Certainly Celery…then layered an polka dot embossed background on top of that.  Then a strip of coordinating Designer Prints pattern and finally the Build A Flower Die Cuts.  I also used colored mini brads in the centers of the flowers.  Even the envelopes are decorated with the die cuts.  I tied up the four note cards with some colored wide organdy ribbon (boy…I miss Stampin’ Up! carrying these ribbons!) and also tied a small bow around the handle of the bag.  Very simple, but I think it makes a nice gift.

I’m making a dent in the things I need to finish this week, so that makes me happy.  I need to start thinking about what I’m taking on my stamping retreat the following weekend!  It will be here before I know it.  Plus, I’m in charge of the Make & Take this time…I need to sort out the Scrappin’ Kits and prepare the directions for them to follow.  Almost 4 full days of stamping fun…I can’t wait.  Plus, several of my friends are coming into town that live around the country.  We’ll have a big reunion!

Tags: Build a Flower, Note cards

This week’s Blogger’s Challenge was Gift Giving projects.  Perfect!  I love 3D items and giving little stamped gifts.  I can’t wait to see what everyone has done.  But I decided to tackle this project instead.

I’ve been wanting to do this project since Trees Three was in the mini catalog a couple years ago.  I bought the frame WAY back then!  I’m glad I waited, however, since I love the Season of Friendship stamp set even more.  I knew the minute I saw that set, that I could use it for this frame.  Wish I’d have bought more so I could make up a few more of these.

Some of the details.  I did use Craft inks so I got a more intense color.  And I used the retired Soft Sky cardstock for the background only because it matches my bathroom (yes…I know…I’m supposed to GIVE this away), but you could use Bali Breeze or Bashful Blue instead.  The little birds are all clear embossed…can you see the robin in the spring even has a rust belly?  And I love the cardinal in the winter, crow in autumn and bluebird in summer!  Fun!  The seasonal greetings are from a retired set, Season by Season.  Another set I’ll never part with…we don’t have anything like it now.  I added some glitter to the cherry blossom centers and the snowflakes and ground.

I decided to leave the glass off so it looks more 3D and I can enjoy the ribbon a little more.  I’m SO happy with how this turned out.  The photo really doesn’t do it justice.

Enjoy the weekend!!!

Stamps:  Season of Friendship, Season by Season (retired)
C/S:  Soft Sky, More Mustard, Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Old Olive
Inks:  CRAFT Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Old Olive, More Mustard, Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, Gable Green, Whisper White
CLASSIC:  Close to Cocoa, Really Rust, Ballet Blue, Basic Black, Real Red
Other:  Versamark, Clear EP, 5/8 Grosgrain Ribbon (Rose, Olive, Choc Chip), Baja Breeze Striped Ribbon, Dimensionals, Multipurpose glue & Dazzling Diamonds, Large Oval Punch, White Gel Pen

Want this set?  ORDER it from me today ONLINE!

Tags: Season of Friendship, Seasons frame

EDIT:  Since I’ve received several questions, hope this helps.  I charged $2.95 for these at the craft fair.  They are the LARGE size calendars from www.skybluepink.com  and I discarded the first December page because I wanted them to realize they were for 2009 and the Christmas candy canes just didn’t go with the themes.  I just adhere the back to the coaster with adhesive.  Since the calendars are padded, you pull off the month after they are done.

 
I made a total of 25 of these coaster photo/calendar binder clip holders for the craft fairs.  I sold out the first one, so made a few more.  I only have 4-5 left from the second fair.  I’ll be taking them with me to sell at the Retreat in a couple weeks.  These were great to make, because again I am using up the tons of retired designer paper and ribbon I have stored.  When the year is done, they can add another calendar or replace it with a photo.

We also made these at my Last Minute Gift Ideas last December (stay tuned, I’ll be offering this class again THIS December with different ideas!)  I covered both sides of the blank coaster with designer paper.  Stampin’ Up!’s glue sticks work great for this.  Then wrapped designer paper around the binder clip.  I added some punched flowers, felt flowers and Rhinestone brads for a little bling.  The ribbons help keep the binder clip closed and holding the coaster.  Fun!

Oh, I purchased the calendars from www.skybluepink.com  I get several dozen from her every year.  I still have some left, so will need to think of a few more things to do with them! 

I have my Punch Class tonight.  We are doing some fun things…I’ll share as soon as I hold the second class in November…don’t want to ruin the surprise for them!

Tags: Coaster calendars, craft fairs, decorated binder clips

I know…you were expecting to see a winner announced last night.  However, we got the chance to go to dinner with some dear friends and the evening got away from me!  But, here is the Winner….HEATHER…COME ON DOWN!  Remember, you do need to be a US resident in order to win this prize.

Hi Connie, congrats on your publication!!! I love the apothecary jars that you did. What a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing all your creative ideas, I always love seeing what you put together.

Heather
t_bear514@yahoo.com

Send me an EMAIL with your information and I’ll get it out to you.  I’ll send in the form to Paper Crafts Magazine with your information, too!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This was a blank gift card holder from Stampin’ Up! that I made up for the craft sales.  I had an entire package of last catalog colors (Old Olive, So Saffron and Sahara Sand) that I never used and some of last year’s designer paper.  Now we carry the gift cards in Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Kraft colors.  I used a variety of different stamp sets, but I liked the snowman from Merry & Bright the best.  After I took this picture, I did add a little bit of glitter to his body to make him sparkle!  The greeting is from an old hostess set, Warmest Regards…still one of my favorite sets that I won’t part with!  I sold out of these at the first sale, so I made up some more and only have a few of those left!  People really seemed to like them!

Busy week for me…I have a Punch class and some Class Kits to finish.  Plus a couple design team assignments.  I also need to start preparing what I’m going to work on while I’m at a weekend stamping retreat coming up in a couple weeks!  Woohoo!  Happy Monday!

Tags: Gift card holder, Merry & Bright

Aren’t these cute?  For my stamp camps, I always like to have a little gift item sitting on top of their projects, waiting for them when they get here.  These are 1/2 of the ones I made…I did two classes.  The gifts look so colorfull when they walk in…ooohhhing and aaahhing.  Being able to make 3D items was one of the reasons I started stamping.  I so wished I’d have known about Stampin’ Up! when my kids were little.  Making favors for their birthday parties and classes would have been so much fun!

I used the Big Shot Pillow Die from Stampin’ Up! along with the Halloween paper, Ghostly Greetings.  Love the bags and pumpkins on these two designs.  And I love how the pattern is random, so you don’t need to worry about what side is up or down.  I used up some ribbons I had laying around to hold the pillow box closed.  I used the tag stamp from Eat, Drink & Be Scary with the ribbon!  Fun and easy to stamp and punch it out!  Inside I put two peppermint patties.

I’m so surprised (and HAPPY!) that the Big Shot has been such a success for Stampin’ Up!   The exclusive dies are so popular (some of them are on backorder, but they are well worth the wait!)  So, if you’ve been thinking about getting the Big Shot and/or dies, EMAIL me.  I’m still offering 5 projects ideas and a FREE $4.95 die with your Big Shot Starter Kit purchase!  It would make a GREAT Christmas present for yourself!

Tags: Big Shot, Ghostly Greetings, Pillow Boxes

In celebration of being published in Paper Crafts Magazine for the first time, I’m offering YOU some Blog Candy!  I also want to thank you for reading my Blog and for your comments.  I like hearing from you!

This is the candle I submitted to Paper Crafts…aren’t they awesome for sending it back to me?  The Blog Candy does NOT include the candle…sorry.  I picked up several of the candles and holders at the dollar store a couple years ago and they sat in my cupboard.  When Paper Crafts sent out a call for using rub-ons in different ways, I used the Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration rub-ons on the candle, wrapped some ribbon around the stand, added some beads from the Pretties kit and sent this in to them.  VERY simple, but makes a pretty impressive gift, I think!

So…for Blog Candy…you will get this October issue of Paper Crafts Magazine AND a 1 year FREE Gift Subscription to Paper Crafts Magazine!  Unfortunately this will be limited to new subscribers only!  (Don’t worry…I have another Blog Candy Award coming up SOON that everyone can participate in!)

So, leave me a comment telling me one thing you’ve seen on my Blog that you really like or one thing that you’d like to see me do with my Blog.  I’ll chose a random number from all the entries.  Please, only one comment per person!  Thanks!  Winner will be drawn Sunday, October 19 at 5:00 PM.

Tags: Blog Candy, Paper Crafts

Anyone remember that kid’s song that started Great Big Gobs…lol!  That is what I think of when I see these eyeballs!  This was another project that I sold at the recent craft fair.  I forgot to take a picture of all the completed ones…they were quite a site!  I only had two left, so I’m sure those will sell at the next craft fair.

I used the retired halloween designer paper from last year and Batty for You.  The plastic tubes were leftover from the Bath Oil beads that I used in the apothecary jars.  I’m glad I kept them!  The wrapped eyeball candy I found at the dollar store, they are chocolate crisps candy.  I knew I wanted to wrap a belly band around the center of the tube with Batty for You, but I was searching for a way to place something like an eyeball on top. 

I originally found some white bath fizz balls at Michael’s and altered one with red eyeball veins and a paper iris, but was afraid that kids would try to eat it, thinking it was candy, too.  Then, I found these Gummi Eyeballs at Walmart.  Aren’t they a riot?  They were already packaged in their individual containers.  I just trimmed down the packaging a little and added a pop dot to secure it to the top of the plastic tube.  (The plastic tube I closed and secured with a bit of Crystal Effects around the lid.) 

I LOVED how these turned out!  They were quick and easy to make.  The kids that came by thought they were great!

Tags: Batty for You, craft fair, eyeball candy, test tubes

Did you notice I went missing?  Friday was crazy trying to finish preparing for the craft fair on Saturday.  I didn’t even get time to make or post my Blogger’s Challenge card.  I’ll have to make it up.  I also have two classes this week, and while I have the items designed that we will be doing, I still need to cut paper and CLEAN UP my studio!  Oh my…I think I had every tool out this past week working on craft fair items.  And, of course, my large drawer where I throw in paper, magazines, catalogs, etc. decided to lose it’s bottom and I had a big mess with stuff stacked all around until my hubby could fix it.

Overall, the craft sale went pretty well.  You can tell people are being very cautious with their money.  I did get lots of compliments and made enough to make it worth my time, I think.  Picked up a couple new customers, too, although my purpose was to sell the finished items mostly.  I know I did use up a LOT of retired designer papers and alterable items I had laying around…that is GOOD!

Here are a couple glass apothecary jars that I altered with punches.  The Santa face I found somewhere on SCS, but the Snowman I made up myself.  I used the small Snowflakes Big Shot Die and glued the snowflakes on the sides of the jar.  Santa’s hat sparkles along with Snowman’s snowflake.  Inside I put some Bath Oil Beads…but they could be refilled with candy…I just think people get enough of candy during the holidays so I wanted to use something else.

I have several left, but will be doing another craft sale in a couple weeks, so hope to sell the rest of them during it. 

I need to get off here and start working on my classes.  Have a great week!

EDIT:  These are approximately 3 1/4" in size.  I found them at Hobby Lobby for 99 cents each.  I have seen smaller ones in the wedding section at Pat Catan’s…they are about 1 1/2 inches.

Tags: Altered jars, Apothecary jar, punches, Santa face, Snowman face