Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Easter Butterflies

Happy Wednesday!

Another throwback …

Easter this time!  These were the little gifts I have my club gals ...

Once again, quick and easy was the name of the game … and those butterflies!  I and a bit of an obsession with them in the spring!

I just filled a little cello bag with some Cadbury Eggs, tied them with some Bakers Twine, added a tag using the Tag Punch and a sentiment from the "One Tag Fits All" (now retired) set, attached the butterfly (with a rhinestone accent) and wa-low!  Easter treats done!

That's all I've got for today.  Off to "core" at the gym (not gunna lie - kinda love core!).  Whatever you get up to, have a stampy day!


Tam

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Coaster Board Gifts

Happy Tuesday!

OK!  I seem to be in "throw back" mode this week … so here is another project I threw together in NO time …. back in February!  OMG these are so quick and easy!  I made them to hand out at Teacher's Convention.  They were a hit!

These are little chip board coasters (4" x 4") that I bought … oh … 8 years ago! lol.  ya, ya … but you just never know when you are going to need 400 coasters!  
All you do is cut doe 4" x 4" DSP, round the corners with Project Life Corner Rounder, tape it down (snail is strong enough), punch out a butterfly with your thinlits (I added rhinestones to the body) and tape it down.  Then you just grab a pack of post-it-notes, tape it to the coaster and (just to keep it in place well) clip it with a medium bull-dog cop.  Oh!  You can't see it too well here but I also decorated the bull-dog clip with some wash tape.  It was the PERFECT width.  I stamped the sentiment from the retired … um … Feels Good (?) set in Mossy Meadow.  Done!  I made 40 in under an hour.  SO quick!  Did I mention they are quick??  lol

Right.  Off I go.  Have yourself a stampy day!


Tam

Monday, September 28, 2015

Tea Bag Gift Holder

Happy Monday!!

Well I survived the weekend and, aside from my REALLY sore back, had a great, relaxing time.  Brunch for 16 turned out REALLY well!  I do 95% of the prep Saturday night so Sunday morning I just had to pop everything in the oven ( had to borrow my neighbours oven as well … too many dishes to fit in mine!)  What did we have?  My "Land of Nod" Cinnamon buns (OMG those things are good!), Big Breakfast egg dish, rosemary potatoes, yoghurt/raspberries/home made granola and home made fruit salad.  it was all so yummy!  To keep things simple I used dollar store plastic plates, Costco "faux silver" plastic cutlery, plastic cups for juice and had Starbucks and Tim Hortons Party Packs of coffee.  No fuss, no muss, minimal cleanup.  Chalking it up to a success!

I managed to craft for about 45 minutes (couldn't do more than that because of my back) and I'll share that project another time.  Today I'm going to share a project I made wayyyyyyyy back … maybe March or April!  I can't take credit for the idea … but I honestly don't remember who to give the credit to.  I found the project in one of our Stampin' Up! Canadian Newsletters - so it was from a Canadian demonstrator.  If I come across the originator I'll be sure to give her credit!

Check out this QUICK little envelope punch board tea gift holder ...

Is that awesome or what??  The sentiment goes well as the teas are chocolate flavoured!  This was seriously SO quick to make!  Cut your DSP to 5" x 5".  Score and punch your piece at 2 3/8", turn the DSP 90 desires, line up the scored line that you just made with the score line guide (on the board), punch and score and then repeat on all sides.  Sounds confusing but once you try it you'll get it.

I stamped the sentiment on some scrap 2 1/2" circles I had lying around from my Magic Slider Cards.  Don't want to waste anything!  To keep everything closed I just used some Designer Clothespins I had been hoarding.  LOVE this kind of project.  Quick, easy and cute!

That's it for today.  I guess I should get moving - busy day again.  Thanks for popping in.  Have a stampy day :)


Tam

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Faux Leaf Technique

Happy Sunday - again :)

Just relaxing while dinner is cooking - thought I'd post my Technique Card from class this month.  We used the Faux Leaf Technique using some of the new toys in the 2015 Holiday Catalogue.  I can't take credit for this beautiful layout.  I CASED it from fellow demonstrator Deb Mauch.  Here is Deb's card …

… and here is my version ...

I love how realistic these leaves are!  More than one stamper thought they WERE real!

T get the look we stamped the leaves from Vintage Leaves with Definitely Dijon on Crushed Curry card stock.  We punched them out using the corresponding framelits and then just sponged, sponged, sponged with Old Olive, Tangerine Tango and Cherry Cobbler inks.  We creased the leaved for more texture and attached them to the card base with glue dots.  The background was made using the Woodlands Textured Embossing Folder.  The sentiment is from For All Things, inched out with the large oval punch.  The little leaf on the sentiment is from Among the Branches.  I pooped the sentiment up on dimensionals, added a bow made with bakers twine (gotta use glue dots!) and wa-low!  A stunning fall card.  I actually made up a few extras but with a "Happy Birthday" sentiment.  you can never have too many birthday cars on hand!

Think I'll go see what the littles are up to … haven't seen them much this weekend.

Have yourself a relaxing, stampy evening :)


Tam

Tin of Cards Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Sunday!

No time to "chat" … 16 people arriving this morning for ham, eggs, cinnamon buns and more!

Friday night I had a few ladies over to put together the Tin of Cards project kit.  It was SO quick and easy!  It only took about 2 hours from start to finish.  I highly recommend grabbing one of these kits for a little escape from your daily routine!

Have a stampy day!



Tam

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Craft Room Awesomeness - Mary Fish Studio Tour

Happy Saturday!

Feeling VERY relaxed and lazy today … alas, lots to do.  Craig and I are hosting brunch for 16 of our nearest and dearest tomorrow morning so today will be LOTS of kitchen time.  I'd be looking forward to it mrs if my back wasn't screaming at me today for standing all day Thursday making dinner for Craig's Auntie.  GAWD I hate the the things I love to do hurt my back so much!  Probably didn't help that I've been pushing y luck at the gym this week.  I think I better change my Monday class to the Tuesday class.  Strength may be a little easier on me than KICKBOXING!  Seriously.  Me … kicking things.  Ridiculous!  (not to mention hilarious to watch!)

So this morning, as usual, I grabbed my cup of coffee and headed over to my favourite crafting blog www.stampingpretty. com to see what Mary Fish has been up to.  She has taken part in a video serious for "crafted spaces" and she has a video showing her craft room off in detail.  I was surprised at how many of her tips are already systems I use … just not QUITE as organized lol.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching it so thought I'd share.

Enjoy!



Isn't it dreamy??

Right.  Off to refill my ice pack the to walk Doodles.  Have yourself and awesome, stampy day!


Tam

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Watercolor Words

Happy Thursday!

Ooooo today I'm sharing another fab card I made for last weeks class.  Now the card only takes about 4 minutes to make.  It took me 2 hours to design lol.  Seriously.  I started out TRYING to use a totally different stamp set and was DETERMINED to make it work.  After almost 2 hours of fighting with the bloody thing I pitched it across the room, grabbed this set and 5 minutes later was looking at this … and loving it …

SOOOOOOOOO quick!  Seriosuly.  5 minutes TOPS!  Wisteria Wonder ink - I used the splotch from The "Prerpetual Calendar" stamp set (I told you MONTHS ago that set is a must have!).  I stamped the splotch twice.  Stamped the sentiment (form Watercolor Words) in Delicious Archival Black ink … as well as the flower.  Glue dot in the centre of the flower.  7" of silver chord (from the 2015 catty).  The chord is already curly due to the tight wrap around the spool - go with it … just stick it to the glue dot.  Add a Vintage Faceted Button with another flue dot (effectively sandwiching the chord), add 3 rhinestones and Wa-LOW!

Love it?  Love it!

Off I go to start my day.  Have a stampy one!


Tam

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Fine-Tip Glue Pen by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Wednesday!

Gym day again so no time to "chat"

Check out this video on the FABULOUS new Fine Tip Glue Pen.  Warning - you WILL fall in love with tis product … you DO need to own it … but it is currently on back order so you won't be getting yours as quickly as you'd like!

Off I go!  Have a stampy, stampy day!


Tam

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Jingle All the Way Bundle by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Tuesday!

Hopefully today is slightly more productive than yesterday.  I'm exercising at home, rather than the gym.  Translation - 25 minutes rather than 2 hours!

Right!  I found a Stampin' Up! video on the fabulous Sleigh Ride Edgelits and Jingle all the Way stamp set I posted about yesterday.  Check it out … and have a stampy day!


Tam


Monday, September 21, 2015

Sleigh Ride Edgelits and Jingle All The Way

Happy Monday … again …

Wasn't planning to post twice today but to be honest today has been such a waste of make-up I figured "why start trying to be productive now??" with only half an hour before I have to start dinner!

Becca stayed home with a nasty cold today.  That's didn't keep me home, though.   I still hauled my flabby butt to the gym to do some kick boxing.  Good Lord.  Not gunna lie.  Kinda hate kickboxing.  Guess I'll be changing my Monday classes to the Tuesday class.  I really have no business punching a bag or kicking anything.  Seriously.

By the time I get home, then walk the dog for an hour, shower and grab a quick bite to eat it is 1:00 pm!!!  1:00 PM!!!!!  Man!  Really cuts into the day when my day generally "ends" at 2:45 when I have to go get Alicia from school.  After that it's a blur of backpacks, forms to sign, homework to help with and dinner to prep.

On the bright side I AM actually getting more done, despite having fewer hours at my disposal. You know what they say … want something done give it to someone who is busy.  Still lots on the go for the rest of the day (once I finish this post!)  Dinner … music lessons, errands … should PROBABLY finish off Alicia's birthday invitations so someone actually comes to her party in 2 weeks …. and on and on and on …

First, though …. I will share with you another FABULOUS card I made for yesterday's class.  Ready? …..
 LOVE it!  (ya, ya … I know … I always say that lol).  Once again I can't take all the credit.  I was under time pressure to make my cards for class yesterday so I headed to my laptop and my favourite designer, Mary Fish.  Every single morning I get up, grab my coffee, open my laptop and, after I check my emails I head to her blog.  Every.  Day.  www.stampinpretty.com.  Check it out.  You won't be sorry.  Here is her card that inspired me ...
These cards were made in mere minutes using the new Sleigh Ride Edgelits.  There are 3 in the set - the third one are Trees.  They are also bundled at 15% off with a "Jingle All the Way" stamp set.  It's only $36.50.  Awesome deal!

To make this card you comply run the edgeless through the Big Shot to get the whisper white front piece.  I wrapped some Basic Black Baker's Twine around it, tied it in a know and attached it to a basic black mat.  I stamped the sentiment (in the delicious new Archival Black Ink), added a string of 5 rhinestones and wa-low!  Done!  Love love love!!!

This is MUST HAVE bundle peeps - you won't regret it!

OK - off to start dinner now.  Have a stampy evening!


Tam

Oh What Fun Tag Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Monday,

Yes, another video … and the third offering for "kits" at my Extravaganza Saturday, Oct 17th.

Check it out … register for the event … and have a stampy day!


Tam


Sunday, September 20, 2015

Your Presents

Happy Sunday! … again ..

What a great weekend!  Busy, but great!  Friday night we all went out to my favourite restaurant, Vivo, with Craig;s family.  21 of us in all!  His Aunt Ena is in town so we went out to celebrate her 80th birthday … and his Mom's 80th (coming up in October) and his Mom and Dad's 29th wedding anniversary.  It was such a fun night!

Yesterday I spent all day crafting.  I loved it! … although my back is VERY unhappy.  Why does may favourite thing to do KILL my back so much??  Ugh!  I designed 7 or 8 cards during my craft-a-thon … so lots to share in the coming days (time permitting to post, of course!)  Why all the crafting?  I had 4 ladies coming over this morning and I kinda needed some projects for them to make lol.

After crafting I got to spend a few more hours making up the extras I had cut … then dinner and now a little relaxing before the bed0time routine.  As  is aid  busy, but fun!

I wanted to share one of the cards I created.  I can't take all the credit for it as the idea came from a card designed by Mary Fish over at www.stampinpretty.com .  I absolutely LOVE this card.  Check it out:
Freaking LOVE IT!!!

Here is the card of Mary's that caught my eye …
What I love the most is the versatility of this set!  It is "Your Presents" that is in the 2015 Holiday Catalogue.  AS you can see, Mary used it for a Christmas card … I used it for a birthday card.  Mary used the sentiment from the set but there isn't a birthday sentiment so I grabbed my new "Tin of Cards" stamp set for my sentiment.   LOVE LOVE LOVE the thick, dark font of it!
Let's look at the card again, shall we?
So!  On the whisper White card base I used Basic Black for a mat - 5" x 3 3/4" … then another whisper white mat of 4 3/4" x 3 1/2".  This is my favourite sizing for cards that have just a *little* too much dead space on them.  This real draws your eye in.  I stamped both presents on scrap whisper white card stock then cut them out with scissors.  The large present is just taped down the small present is popped up on dimensionals.  Before I added the dimentionals, though, I stamped the black bow (hard to do once it is popped up). Can I just take a moment to say how much a LOVE the new Archival Black Ink???  I DO!  My mind was getting cluttered with all the different kinds of black ink we now have … so I called Stampin' Up! to see what was what.  How is this one different than the Memento Ink?  They are pretty stinkin' close, really.  They can both be used for watercoloring (i.e. won't bleed) but this ink ROCKS because it is a "true" black.  Apparently the Memento Ink is a soft black - this one is a dark black.  I don't know much about much but I do know that THIS BLACK IS DARK BLACK!  Yes - you have to have one.  I've already ordered a second one and will likely order 4 or 5 so I can have one at every station for my Stamp-a-Stacks.  It's that good.  Yup.  It is.

Right …. went off on a bit of a ramble there didn't I??

So!  AFter steaming the delicious black bows and attaching the presents I used a glue to to add a black button to the small present.  As I made up the remaining 8 cards after the class I ran out of black buttons  :(  No worries .. Candy Dots to the rescue! … except I only had two :( …. No worries!  Rhinestones coloured with a black Sharpie to the rescue!  More than ONE way to skin a cat!

Lastly I stamped the sentiment (ARGH I LOOOOOOOVVVVVE that black!!!!), punched it out with the 2" circle punch and popped it up on dimensionals.

Love.  This.  Card.

Any questions???

No?  OK!  Then off you go … relax and have a stampy evening!


Tam


To You & Yours Shaker Cards Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Sunday!

Another video - this one is with respect to the "To You and Yours" Shaker Cards Project Kit … the afternoon offering at my Extravaganza.  Again - watch this before you put yours together, or before coming over to my event.

Have a stampy Sunday!


Tam


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Witching Décor Project Kit by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Saturday!

I thought I'd share with you the Stampin' Up! video of the Witching Decor Project Kit.  This is one of the options for the morning session of my Extravaganza Saturday, October 17th.  I have already put my kit together.  I found this video a helpful guide on how to put it together.  If you have purchased this project kit, or if you plan to make it at my Extravaganza, I highly recommend you check this out!


Beautiful Fall day out there - hope you get out to enjoy it … have a stampy Saturday :)


Tam

Friday, September 18, 2015

Fall 2015 Stamping Extravaganza!!

Happy Friday!!!

WOW did this week fly by!  Crazy busy!

I wanted to post the email I sent out last night (at long last!) about an upcoming class and my EXTRAVAGANZA …

Read on … and have a stampy day!





Happy Thursday!  I'm FINALLY getting to my "Extravaganza" email ... but first ... this just in ... because for THIS class you only have 5 DAYS TO REGISTER!!!  What is it??? 

Check out THESE little packages of awesomeness!


Who wants to come make some?   Everything (except the treats) needed to make little treat bags is included in the class. Use them for Thanksgiving, Halloween or "just because"
  • Thursday, October 22nd 6:30 pm
    • 8 bags for $16 OR
    • 16 bags for $30
      • I MUST have an RSVP by THIS TUESDAY, September 22nd


NEXT UP .....



FALL EXTRAVAGANZA - Saturday, October 17th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

YOU MUST REGISTER NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

OK!  At long last here are the details of my Fall Extravaganza!  It's not what Tamye and I originally planned but it's still going to be awesome!  Tamye is running HER Extravaganza and I'm running mine - same date - different projects and locations.  Hers is in Sherwood Park, mine is in Castledowns.  Both will be tons of fun!  No, we haven't "broken up" - I just figure since I can't even carve out enough time to send an email with details I sure as HECK wouldn't be able to carve out the hours and hours and hours of planning, prep, and set up required for anything more than pre-made kits!

So!  Without further adeau ... here are the deets!  (Pictures of the projects are at the bottom)

    1. Morning Session - $40
      • 9:00 am - 11:00 am
        • Witching Decor Project Kit (LOVE!!!) -
        • OR
        • Oh What Fun Tag Project Kit
          • You tell me which project you want when you register!
      • YOU MUST REGISTER NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
    1. Mid-Day Session - $25
      • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
        • (9) "Wine Notes" Booklets 
          • You will make NINE of these little booklets - they are a GREAT little gift to go with the bottle of wine you bring to dinner.  The extra-super-awesome thing about them is they can be used all year long - they aren't decorated for Christmas or Thanksgiving - you can use these any time of year, whenever you give a bottle of wine to a friend.  "What are they for?" (as Craig so carefully asked).  They are for the recipient to keep wine notes in - what wines they've tried, what wines they liked, the flavour, the price, where it can be bought ... anything they may want to track for the future.  Just a little bit of fun and a little more thoughtful than "just" a bottle of wine in a store-bought bag.
        • YOU MUST REGISTER NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
    1. Afternoon Session - $42
      • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm 
        • To You and Yours Shaker Cards Project Kit
        • 18 Christmas "Shaker" Cards and Envelopes - you supply adhesive - I supply everything else
        • YOU MUST REGISTER NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
  • Options!
    • Morning and Mid-Day Sessions - $60 (save $5)
    • Mid-Day and Afternoon Sessions - $60 (save $7)
    • Morning and Afternoon Sessions - $75 (Save $7)
    • The whole sha-bang - Morning, Mid-Day and Afternoon Sessions - $95 (save $12)
    • YOU MUST REGISTER NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
I will have treats, snacks, light lunch, refreshments, gifts, prizes and anything else I can come up with so everyone has a great day out.  My intentionfor this Extravaganza is simply to have fun crafting with my friends.  Would you like to come?  I hope so!  Space IS limited so make sure you register ASAP ... and remember ... YOU MUST REGISTER NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH









Monday, September 14, 2015

Precision Base Plate by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Monday!

Just a quick video this morning as I'm running out the door to take Alicia to school … and then hit the gym.  Yes - you read correctly.  The gym.  Ugh.  What was I THINKING???  *lol*

I thought I should share how to use the new precision base plate since I used it wrong …. and noticed the "this is not a cutting surface" on the front of the plate AFTER I used it as a cutting surface.  hee hee - when in doubt read the instructions!

Whatever fresh hell you get up to today, make it a stampy day!


Tam

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Woodland meets Cottage Greetings

Happy Wednesday!

Seriously.  I didn't realize how badly I needed those girls to go back to school!  I've actually been in my Craft Cave CRAFTING … in peace and quiet!!! … for hours!!!  Holy COW you guys I loving the new products in the 2015 Holiday Catalogue.  Last years Holiday Catalogue had some great products too but when it came to creating quick and easy cards (especially for Christmas) I REALLY struggled - like REALLY struggled.  This year is gunna be a snap!  I just grab a set and within half an hour or so have a card I LOVE!  Take this one, for an example … I actually was reaching for a totally different set … but had to move my new Woodland Textured Embossing Folder to get to it …
Yup - was TOTALLY thrown off course and 15 minutes later was staring at this little cutie …
Ska-WHEEEEEEL!  Now, while I love how the card turned out I now realize that when you brayer the new Archival Black Ink directly onto an embossing folder it.s pretty much there for life afterwards.  Hee hee - well, good thing I accidentally ordered two of them so one is now dedicated to black backgrounds :)

Yes - so to get this look I brayered the black ink directly onto the folder, inserted a piece of Whisper White Card Stock and ran it through the big shot.  Yes - I was going to use this as our technique card this week but REALLY wanted to do another one instead - stay tuned for that in my next post …

So … back to our story … the embossing folder is the entire background.  I used a 5" x 3 1/2" piece of white card stock and then a mat of Real Red just 1/4" bigger.  I used one of the sentiments from Cottage Greetings (second time this week I've used a sentiment from that set - thinking it's a "must have" set!!) and then punched the 4 hearts using the hearts border punch.  I tapes a 1/2" strip of real red behind the sentiment so the red peeks through the heart windows and Wa-low!  One quick, easy, stinkin' key-ute card.

That's it for now - I'm procrastinating on sending an email so I better get on it … it's not going to send itself!  Pop in again soon … and have a stampy night!


Tam

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Mish Mash of Cards

Happy Rainy Sunday!

Wa-hoo!!!  It's raining … and it's Sunday … and I have nothing on m "must do today" list!!!  You know what that means, don't you???  It will be a day full of baking (chocolate zucchini loaf), crafting (Witches Hat Kit), napping (fingers crossed), roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner and general nothingness with the family!!  Doesn't get any better than that!!!!

I was scrolling through my "to be posted" posts … and came across a LOT of them … and they are pretty stinkin' old!  Heck, a few are from Easter!  Well … time for a quick tidy-up of my blog so today I'm just throwing them out there without a 19 page ramble to accompany each one.  There are still 5 or 6 more that I DO want to ramble on about and/or that deserve a tutorial so I'll keep those for another day (or month … or year … lol)

In no particular order, here are some of the cards I've made over the last 6 months ...
Two fun little ones using the Sprinkles of Life Set

Obre Technique
A quick one I made for Rebecca back in April when she got her braces on
LOVE this card - it was a CASE - from Patty Bennett?  Sorry - can't remember!
This was another CASE - used this card for Mother's Day this year.  Again, sorry - didn't track who I cased it from
Collage Stamping Technique for a quick and easy "guy" card
Lastly - just LOVED the little gifts Rebecca came up with forEaster this year. This was all her idea!  She used cotton balls to make the rabbit - LOVE it!

There!  THAT felt good … one more thing off my list of things I wanted to do.  Next up … drink coffee.  I'm on it!

Have a stampy Sunday!  Hope it's raining and cold where you are :)


Tam

Friday, September 4, 2015

Square Pillow Box Thinlits Dies by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Friday!

Me again - found a video on the great little Square Pillow Box Thinlits … Check it out!



Have a stampy day!


Tam

Square Pillow Box Treats

Happy Friday!

What???  Another post of an actually project so soon??  Yup.  True story.  I'm obvious procrastinating on setting up for the Open House tonight … 'cause that's the way I roll, Sista!

I wanted to share the little treats I whipped up Sunday night for my club gals.  Yes - while I was away my club order came in … and I wanted/needed to deliver them Monday … and I just CAN'T deliver without a little "something" in the bag … so down I went.  I knew I wanted to make something using the new Pillow Box Framelits.  This bad boy is going to come in handy for all SORTS of treats!
It also has a coordinating stamp set that I would highly recommend …
Great set for tags and seasonal backgrounds …

So here is what I came up with …
What I really love about these little boxes is how much they can hold!  WAY more than the pillow boxes we made with the old Big Shot dies.  I put three tea bags in these and there was still lots of room to spare.  So many options!  I'm thinking they would make a cute place setting for the Thanksgiving table, Halloween Treats, Teacher Treats, really - no limits!

In making these I realized that, like in cooking, things are SO much easier when you have the right tools!  These would have been HELL to make if it weren't for my Tear Tape, Fast Fuse Tape and mini Stapler!  The boxes are made by punching out two pieces and taping them together.  I started out using the Tear Tape.  It worked GREAT!  Then I realized my Fast Fuse would be even faster so switched to that.  

I taped my pieces together then used my Vintage Leaves set to stamp the background
I used Delightful Dijon, Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze and Tip Top Taupe.  FYI this set has a matching set of Framelits to make cutting out images quick and easy
Once the background was stamped (took all of a few minutes!) I stamped the sentiment (in Cajun Craze) from the Cottage Greetings set …
… and then punched it out with the new Washi Label punch.  LOVE this punch!  I also punched out an Always Artichoke and Cajun Craze piece

Finally, I stapled the 3 pieces to the box before sealing it with my fast fuse using the mini stapler.  I had never been a fan of stapling on cards/projects in the past but I got over it and now love it!

Final project again …
 Ta-da!  I made 12 of them in about an hour.  My kind of project.

OK - gotta get moving.  Hope to see you tonight.  In the meantime, have a stampy day!!


Tam

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Dove of Peace and the Fine-Tip Glue Pen by Stampin’ Up!

Happy Thursday!

Well … I figured it was high time I posted an actual CARD … designed by ME!  It has seriously been so long since I crafted I was more than a little overwhelmed when I went down to the Craft Cave.  If you recall, right before we left for vacation, I had a commission to make 100 wedding invitations.  I got 'er done with a day to spare but of course once I DID get it done I just shoved everything into The Cave, shut the door, packed my suitcase and left.  Kinda forgot that until I open the door again this week.  Ugh.  Not only did I have a HUGE mess to clean up but I also received three boxes of new toys while I was away that needed unpacking, oogling, and putting-togethering (ok, so it's not a word … I made that one up …)

It tool forEVER … I JUST WANNA MAKE A CARD!  Well … I sat and rummaged through all my lovely new sets.  I have a few favourites that I'm DYING to use … but I just didn't have an ounce of creativity in me.  I just wanted quick and easy - I didn't want to sit there trying to come up with a new and exciting way to stick a piece of paper to another piece of paper … didn't want to think about sizes … or cutting … I just wanted to relax and craft.  I decided on one of the new sets in the Holiday Catalogue - Dove of Peace.

Now I've gotta admit.  This stamp caught my eye in the catty right away …. but I talked myself out of it about 8 times.  Oh sure, I liked it for ME but wasn't convinced it would be good for a class as it would be time consuming to colour.  I kept adding it, then deleting it, from my order.  In the end I had a bit of free spending left on my order so I threw it in as a "treat" for myself.  Figured if I didn't use it I could always sell it after it retired.  Well … I grabbed it, inked it and am SO glad I got it.  Seriously.  I think this will be one of the cards I mass produce for Christmas this year.  Yes, the colouring took some time … but nothing else did … so it really was no more time consuming than an other card I make … and I love colouring …. so … without further adieu … I give you … Dove of Peace …

Ta-Da!  I.  Freaking.  Love it.  The only thing I'd like to try before mass producing it is to make it with black embossing powder, for some texture.  Other than that the whole thing just makes me happy!

I stamped the image (it comes on one stamp) using the delicious new BASIC BLACK archival ink.  Yes, we now have a great black ink back - wa-hoo!  I don't know the difference between this one and the Memento Ink (I'll research it one of these days) but suffice it to say I love it.  It's a TRUE black, it doesn't smudge and it doesn't bleed when coloured.  It is on one of the old felt-style ink pads and it's fabulous!  It also comes in Basic Gray.  Wa-hoo again!!!

So - stamped in black - I then coloured it with our markers.  I used Crushed Curry, Mint Macaron and Blackberry Bliss.  Love!

THEN I just HAD to try out the new Fine Tip Glue Pen.  Oh.  Em.  Gee.  Love it love it love it!  It's just the BEST!  It lets you get into the smallest places!!!  I used it to cover all the coloured parts of the dove and then added Dazzling Diamonds.  It really is stunning in the light.  Here is a video on the pen ..


I thought I was done … went to bed.  Came down in the morning and decided it needed just a little something more … spotted my new Curvy Corner Trio punch …

(ok - i only just realized it's a TRIO punch, not a DUO like I thought!!)  This punch is awesome - it's THREE punches in ONE!  GREAT value for money!!  I punched the two corners, added two of the largest rhinestones and Wa-lo!  The perfect accent!

Blackberry Bliss is the matt behind the top layer.  Super love.  Let's look at the final thing again, shall we??
Yep - that's my Christmas card!

Right - guess I should think about getting this day started. I have my Open House tomorrow night (hope you can come!) and should probably get my act together for that.

Have yourself a stampy day!


Tam


Tuesday, September 1, 2015

2015 Holiday Catalogue is LIVE!!!

Ska-WHEEEEEEELLLLLL!!!

Happy Tuesday!!

Yes, I'm back from Hawaii.  Yes, we had a fabulous time … but let's get to what we REALLY want to know about … FALL CLASSES and STUFF!!!  lol

Yes - today the 2015 Holiday Catalogue goes into effect.  Click on the picture on the right hand side bar to check it out!!!!  If you are in the Edmonton area feel free to drop by my Open House this Friday to pick up a physical copy, if you don't already have one!

I'm going 150 mph today with back-to-school registration and such so no share today … just posting the email I sent out to my customers last night.  Projects to post one of these days - I promise!!

Talk about hitting the ground running!  It's been all-systems-GO today - welcome back to the reality of fall!
 
I hope you all had a fabulous, relaxing summer!  I'm happy to say that I did a whole lot of nothing ... not even crafting ... and the proof is that I am now scrambling to get everything organized for the fall - Ack!  I'll try to keep it short and sweet just to give you a heads up on a few dates and classes ... especially ones that are coming up in ... oh 4 DAYS *lol*.  Yep - it's fall and Tam is back to her smae old self lol!
 
  • 2015 HOLIDAY CATALOGUE OPEN HOUSE
    • THIS Friday (insert *ack* here!) September 4th
    • 6:30 - 9:00 pm
      • This holiday catalogue is AMAZING!!!!  As usual, I've already purchased about 85% of the items in it and just decided you HAVE to see these items "in person".  Since I'm throwing it together last minute and (as usual) Craig has decided to start a major home renovation the same night I'm not sure what the event will look like but it will definately have all my new toys on display .. and water - I'll definately have water :)
    • Please RSVP by Thursday if you think you will be coming - you know - so I make sure I have enough water on hand :)
  • FALL STAMP CLUBS
    • 10 Month Stamp Club
    • 6 Month Project Life Album Club (Scrapbooking that isn't Scrapbooking)
      • I'll send specifics in a seperate email ... but as always ... fall means a new round of clubs!
      • 10 Month Stamp Club - I'm looking for 10 ladies who commit to spending a minimum of $25 per month (plus s/h/gst) for 10 months.  Club members get LOTS of perks, discounts and free products.  The club starts Sept 15th (insert *ack* here!).  Note - this is a "purchasing" club - you don't have to attend classes (but you can .. and at a discount) - all you have to do is order every month.
      • 6 Month Project Life Album Club - I'm looking for 6 ladies who commit to spending a minimum of $34 per month (plus s/h/gst) for 6 months.  Again, Club members get perks and a FREE "Class" every month.  Again, attendance at our get-togethers is optional - but it IS great to get out of the house and actually USE the stuff you purchase *lol*.  The club starts Sept 15th (one more *ack*!)
      • ***  Please let me know ASAP if you are interested in joining either (or both) of the clubs this round.  The 10 month club is already half full!
  • FALL CLASSES - Save the dates!
    • "Technique" Classes - come and make 3 cards with envelopes.  $15 for non-club members; $10 for current club members.  **new this year - please bring your Stampin' Up! adhesive - if you need some I have them ($9.82 full; $6.35 refill)
    • MOST months the classes are:
      • 2nd Friday of every month - 7:00 - 10:00 pm
        • Coffee and Cards - 9:30 - 11:30 am
      • the Tuesday of the same week as the 2nd Friday of every month (what??? Did you catch that??)
          Technique Class - 6:30 - 9:30 pm
  • September Technique:
    • This is one of those months when the Tuesday class is one week later than usual due to the first day of school for my kids.  My head might explode if I had a class the night of their first day so I've pushed it back a week - Soooooo ...
    • Friday, September 11th
      • 9:30 - 11:30 am and
      • 7:00 - 10:00 pm
    • Tuesday,September 15th
      • 6:30 - 9:30 pm
  • Tin of All Occasions Cards Class
    • Friday, September 25th 6:30 pm
    • ***  I MUST have an RSVP no later than Thursday, September 10th.  This item has been VERY popular and is currently on backorder.  More kits are expected to arrive September 11th at which point I will order.  If, for some reason, we cannot get the kits in time for the class we will reschedule***
      • Cost:  $45 - bring your own adhesive - everything else included (works out to $2.80 per card) ... but you get more than just cards ...
      • Makes 16 cards (4 each of 4 designs) and envelopes, occasions dividers and a FAB little tin to keep them all in!


    • FALL EXTRAVAGANZA -
      • Saturday, October 17th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
      • Remember a while back I had you "Save the Date" of October 17th for an Extravaganza that "The" Tamye Dunbar and I were putting together?  Slight change of plans.  Tamye is still hosting this Epic Extravaganza - alas, I can't.  TOOOOOO much going on for me to help plan, prep and throw such a huge event.  For once I'm taking a step back so I don't ite off more than I can chew.  I encourage you all to attend Tamyes function though - I promise it is always a GREAT day out!! 
      • Having said that I AM still holding an event on the same date ... but not as grand as Tamye's.  What I have roughly thought of is running a day full of events ... and you can pick and choose if you want to come to 1, 2 or all 3 ... and pay accordingly.  As I said, I don't have the time or brain cells to come up with epic projects ... but I don't have to ... Stampin' Up! has done that for me!  This isn't set in stone yet ... and I still have to figure out costing but here's what I'm thinking ...
        • Morning Session -  Witching Decor Project Kit (LOVE!!!) -
      • Mid-Day Session - "Little Gifts".  This one is one I am putting together, not Stampin' Up! - little hostess gifts that you can use ANY time but specifically I have an idea of a GREAT little gift to go with the bottle of wine you bring to dinner.  Number of gifts and cost to be determined.  Stay tuned!
      • Afternoon Session - To You and Yours Shaker Cards Project Kit -
        • 18 Christmas "Shaker" Cards and Envelopes - you supply adhesive - I supply everything else

    • So continue to save the date ... either for Tamye's event or mine ... in the next two weeks I'll be firming up all the details and get them out to you
 
  • CRAFT SUPPLIES ROUND UP
    • Alicia and I are running a stamp club at her elementary school this year.  We will be getting a group of children together to make cards to
      • make and sell at their "Market" to raise funds to build a school in India
      • make and sell cards to staff and students (funds for the school in India)
      • make and give cards to staff, students and seniors at Shephard's Care Senior Facility
    • I will be supplying all of the supplies and am looking for all I can get my hands on!  If you (or anyone you know) are being buried alive in papercrafting supplies and would like to find a new home for them let me know!  I would be grateful for any donations.  They don't have to me Stampin' Up! products - anything the kids can use for cards - especially paper and/or envelopes as those will be our biggest costs. 
    • Drop me a line and I will arrange to pick items up - alternatively, if you are planning to come to my Open House or any classes in the near future you can bring them along.  Thanks in advance for your help!  Alicia and I are REALLY excited to get this going!
Right.  11:10 pm and I am officially EXHAUSTED and heading to bed.  Hope it all makes sense, hope all my dates, prices and projects are correct and hope you made it through another of my epic emails.
 
Please RSVP sooner rather than later ... I haven't left much time for lolly-gagging lol.
 
Have a stampy night - hope to see you all soon!
 
 
Tamara