Stampin Addicts 2010 Holiday Mini Blog Hop

On August 29th, I discovered a link to the Stampin’ Addicts Mini Holiday Cattie Blog Hop that had started two days earlier. Naturally I clicked on this link so I could follow the blog hop through from the beginning. To my absolute delight, I discovered that not only were there terrific ideas for using the products in the new Holiday Mini, but there were 22 absolutely fabulous blog sites that I’ve bookmarked and know I’ll be going back to visit. Thanks Stampin’ Addicts you were marvellous. I’ve got to say what a fabulous blog hop, one of the best I’ve been on, and I know I’ll be checking in on the “Stampin Addicts Web Page too as they have some great forums and links too. All in all a great experience!
Even though this Blog Hop is now over, I thought you might be interested in checking out some or all of these sites to get a peak at their fabulous projects so here’s the link and have fun.

MOJO Monday Sketch 154 - August 30, 2010

It took me a while to decide whether I wanted to do a round or a square card for this week's challenge, and I may actually do both as it was such a fun sketch. The round sketch was just screaming for the "Scallop Circle" treatment, and so I set about making this Sympathy card using that format.

I used Cherry Cobbler, Basic Gray, Basic Black and Whisper White cardstocks, and my ribbons were 5/8" Basic Black Satin and 1/2" White Taffeta. I embossed the Basic Gray circle cut with the Finial Press (115963 pg 214) Embossing Folder. The Sentiment was embossed on Whisper White card stock by stamping the image from Friends Never Fade (118750 pg 99) in Versa Mark Ink and then embossing with Basic Black embossing powder. I then cut the embossed stamped image so that just the sentiment part was used. I stamped the flower from the Friends Never Fade stamp set twice in Cherry Cobbler and mounted the first image to Basic Black, Basic Grey, and Cherry Cobbler circle cuts then layered it with just the center portion of the stamped image mounted on dimensionals to the center of the flower. I removed the prongs from a Clear Rhinestone brad (113144 pg 187) and glued it with Tom Bow glue to the center of the flower.

Inside View - Sincere Salutations sentiment "Thinking of You".  Flower motiff from Elements of Style Set stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White Card Stock.

I used the Extra Large Scallop Square Punch 119884 pg. 200 to make the background white and black scallop pieces.  See tip below.  The corner piece was punched in Cherry Cobbler using the Extra Large Photo Corner punch 119878 pg. 202, but I used the smallest corner frame and embellished it with non SU rhinestones for some bling. 

Tip on Creating Scallop Border Outlines Without a Scallop Edge Border:

I have no idea whether this is my original idea or I ran across it somewhere, but I've used it several times to help me out in a pinch, so I'm going to claim ownership (correct me if I'm wrong).  Anyway if you don't have a scallop edge border punch you can punch out a few of the Extra Large Scallop Squares, as many as you need for width and depth and you can weave them together.  See these images:

Using the Punch cut out as many scallop squares as you need to make the width and depth of the framework.  Here I've cut 2 white squares that will be mounted on the 3 black squares.  Since the bottom will be hidden by ribbon I did not need to punch more squares.  If the bottom is to show you would need to punch 6 black squares.  Hope that's clear.

To join simple weave the sides of the scallops together and put a small piece of tape across the join to hold them in place.   Heres a sample of two different scallop squares that I've put together.  Just make sure everything is in alignment before you add the layer with the sentiment and glue down the joined scallops so they are flat.  I see mine is sticking up in this photo (go figure?).

Anyways I hope this helps somebody out at some stage in their stamping life.  It worked for me, and no one has ever mentioned anything about my cards being piece work.  LOL!  Enjoy. 

Holiday Mini Now Available

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"  The new mini catalogue has arrived and it is gorgeous.  Have fun looking at all the wonderful new products and then let me know what you think.  I'm excited to know what is your favourite new product.  Enjoy!

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Promotion Sept 1 - Oct 18, 2010

Have you heard the news?  There's never been a better time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator than now.  During the promotion period from September 1-October 18, 2010, or while supplies last, any one signing up as a new demo will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $49.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit.  Just look at how fabulous this craft tote is:

This Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote includes:

• 100% twill nylon exterior
•  100% nylon interior
• Dimensions: 15-3/4' x 7-5/8' x 8-7/8'
• Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
• Center section fits 12' x 12' card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
• Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
• Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
• Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads"

So, if you love to meet new people, enjoy spending time with friends, and enjoy sharing what you love to do, then Stampin' Up could be just right for you.  As a Stampin' Up Demonstrator you will have an opportunity to enjoy old and new friends, have fun and flexibility in your hours; earn between 20-40% with every order you place; and help others to develop their talents and skills in the world of stamping.  By joining Stampin' Up now, you will receive a starter kit complete with all the craft products and business supplies to start your business as well as this beautiful carryall tote.  You'll have access to training provided for Stampin' Up demonstrators on an exclusive website.  There are training videos on the products that Stampin' Up sells as well as business assistance.  The website also lets you connect with other demonstrators around the globe, so you can share tips, exchange product ideas and learn from other demonstrators.  Every month you'll receive a free copy of the Stampin' Up exclusive monthly magazine that is just jam packed with ideas to grow your business.  And, you'll also have the expertise of a Demonstrator Up-line and other local demonstrators in your community that can help you along on your way to being successful too!

If you want to know more about being a demonstrator on my team and how to earn this beautiful craft tote absolutely free, simply contact me at pennyhanuszak@telus.net and I'll be happy to answer your questions.  You can also check out my Stampin' Up Web page for more information on becoming a Stampin'Up Demo, just click here.

Starter Kit Just $215.00 if You Sign Up Now

Clearance Rack Has Been Updated!!!!

While this is going to be a big week for Stampin' Up shoppers with the unveiling of the fantastic Holiday Mini catalogue on September 1st, I thought I better bring the newly restocked Clearance Rack to your attention too.  I wouldn't want you to miss out on any awesome deals there, and believe me there are quite a few!  I was in the process of finalizing my latest order when I decided to check it out, and was just about bowled over by all the new items that have been added since last weekend.  Remember they'll go fast, so if you're looking for some bargains on ribbons, cardstock, designer paper and other accessories check it out soon before all the good stuff is gone!  Click here to check it out. 

Punch Caddy's - A Stampin' Up Update

I've just received a bulletin advising that Stampin' Up regrets to inform its customer's that the Punch Caddy offered on page 200 of the 2010/11 Idea Book and Catalogue will not be available. Serious quality issues were discovered with the design of this product that could not be resolved. Rather than deliver a defective product to demonstrators and customers, Stampin' Up has chosen to halt production. 

Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #153

I really liked Mary Fish's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge Mojo153 this week.  Those little boxes really appealed to my sense of order.  But, being a chronic procrastinator the challenge for me once I decided to try this out was to find a stamp set that fit the bill, and then decide on colours and of course background.  Usually that's not hard with Stampin' Up, but for some reason, whether my MOJO just wasn't working or what, it took me all week to come up with my version. 

Hope you enjoy it.

Cardstock and Accessories:
Whisper White for Base 100730 pg 169
Basic Black 121045 pg 169
Baja Breeze 111352 pg 167
Cherry Cobbler 119685 pg 168
Greenhouse Gala DSP 11767 pg 173
5/8" Basic Black Satin Ribbon 117285 pg 191

1 1/4" Large Square Punch 119865 pg 202
1 3/8" Extra Large Square Punch 119877 pg 202
1 3/4" Large Oval Punch 119855 pg 202
1 3/8" Large Oval Punch 119863 pg 202
3 Black Eyelets non stampin up
Sticky strip 104294 pg 197
Stampin' Dimensionals 104430 pg 197
Of The Earth Hostess Set 2009/2010 IB&C now retired.

Inside View of Card