Festive Flurry Goes Pink

I happen to like pink and gray together.  Mix in a little glimmer paper and a rhinestone and you've got the makings of a great card, even if I do say so myself.  You be the judge.

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:

• Festive Flurry #131781 (save 15% if you buy this with the coordinating framelits)
• Petite Pairs #122497  
• Winter Memories (2012 retired #127937)

Ink:

• Smokey Slate
• Blushing Bride

Card Stock:

• 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Whisper White card base - fold in half
• 5 1/4 x 4 Whisper White for 1st layer - emboss with Polka Dots EF #117335 and mount with dimensionals to card base
• 4 1/4 x 4" Whisper White for snowflake images
• Scraps of Whisper White and Blushing Bride for sentiment and backer 
• Scrap of Silver Glimmer paper for snowflake and star  

Accessories:

• Big Shot, Large Oval and Extra Large Oval punches, Festive Flurry Framelits #132193, Basic Rhinestones, BoHo Blossoms Punch,Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Snail, 6/12" piece of Blushing Bride Chevron Ribbon and Dazzling Details glitter adhesive.

 

This is a very basic card starting with a Whisper White card base that has a single layer of Whisper White that was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  The 6 1/2" piece of Chevron Ribbon was adhered to the polka dot layer before the layer was added with dimensionals to the card base. Isn't the snowflake beautiful?  To achieve this look,  I stamped the medium sized snowflake in both Smokey Slate and Blushing Bride and the smaller snowflake in Smokey Slate.  The snowflakes including the smaller one on Silver Glimmer Paper were cut out using the Festive Flurry Framelits that co-ordinate with the stamp set of the same name. You can purchase these as a bundle and save 15% off the original price.  The snowflakes were stacked together with dimensionals and then mounted over top of the ribbon.  The small silver star was punched out of Silver Glimmer Paper with the BoHo Blossoms Punch and a medium sized Basic Rhinestone Jewel was mounted in the center. 

I stamped the sentiment from Winter Memories on the inside of the card.  This stamp set was one of my all time favourites from last year's Holiday Catalogue and even though it's retired I still want to use it.  I simply stamped the image in Smokey Slate on the inside of the card base and as an after thought, I added Dazzling Details on the laces of the skates.  You can't see how pretty that looks because I did it after this picture was taken, but trust me it added a subtle sparkle that worked.  

The sentiment from Petite Pairs was stamped in Smokey Slate on a scrap of Whisper White card stock and then punched out with the large oval punch.  I mounted 4 small Basic Rhinestone Jewels below the sentiment for a little extra bling.  The sentiment piece was mounted on an oval of Blushing Bride card stock with dimensionals.  To get that perfect layered look I punched the Blushing Bride piece out using the Extra Large Oval Punch.  Ta Da  all done!

Envelope Punch Board

I don't have to say a lot about this hot new September 1st product.  It's the brand new Envelope Punch Board.  

The Envelope Punch Board creates totally customizable envelopes in up to 66 different sizes (not to mention a million different color and pattern options depending on the paper you want to use). Even tried and true envelope sizes will only take you moments to create!

Features:

• Super easy to use - it looks intimidating at first glance, but all you have to do is measure for the first punch and from there you just turn 90% and and score.  It's that simple!
• It's small and lightweight so it stores easily and you can take it and use it anywhere - you could use it while watching a soccer match at a park, or take it to a friend's for craft night.
• It comes with a slick scoring tool as well as a punch that lets you create rounded corners on your envelopes. 
• It's easy to keep it all together; the stylus storage compartment and two punches are designed into the tool so you don't have a bunch of little pieces to keep track of (even the instructions are printed right on the tool so you won't lose them!).
• The price is terrific-especially for a tool that does so much! 
• It will be in next year's annual catalog, so it's here to stay.

Watch as Brian Pilling from Stampin' Up gives you the low down on this great little machine.

Best of 25 Years - Autumn Stamp Set

September has arrived and it's time for the release of the "Best of " stamp set which is very appropriately named "Best of Autumn".  What a great selection of stamps and a great value at only $17.95. 

 

 

Be sure to check out the flyer by clicking here. and visit my "BEST OF" page on the menu at the top of my home page.  There you can see all the other Anniversary Stamp Sets and get all the details on this promotion.

 

So What's So Special About the 

25 Year Anniversary Stamp Sets?

• All "Best of" stamp sets include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image (see yellow highlighted stamp on my post).  These sets are just $17.95, plus shipping and handling - a great bargain!
• Each month Stampin’ Up! releases a new “Best of" stamp set featuring a new theme.  But don't worry you can still get all the previous months sets, because they'll all be available until March 31, 2014.
• Check out the new PDF flyer posted every month for each new “Best of” set.
• All “Best of” stamp sets are only available in Clear-Mount and you will need Clear-Mount Blocks B, C, and G for this set.

Whether you're new to the paper crafting world or a seasoned stamper, you're probably building your crafting collection of stamps and accessories.  Did you know that butterflies are a must-have staple for that collection since they're always in style and can be used on projects for any occasion! That's right, everyone loves butterflies no mater what shape or size they come in, whether they are on a Birthday, Sympathy or Just Because card or scrapbook page.  By coordinating a great butterfly stamp set with punches Stampin' Up! has made it easier and more fun to use these products in your creations and build your collection. 

From now until September 30th Stampin' Up! is offering the Papillion Potpourri Stamp Set and Bitty Butterfly Punch as a bundle.   By purchasing these two great items as a bundle you'll save 15% off the retail price.  That's a great savings!  You can take advantage of this great offer as a demonstrator, a customer, through a workshop or in online shopping, but you only have until 10pm (MT) on September 30th, 2013.  

Item # 135311 Butterfly Bundle Clear Mount  $33.92 = $5.98 off regular price.
Item # 135212 Butterfly Bundle Wood Mount $38.17 = $6.73 off regular price.
 

Papillion Potpourri

Bitty Butterfly Punch

Remember Christmas is just around the corner, so if you already have the Papillion Potpourri stamp set and the Bitty Butterfly Punch you maybe interested in purchasing this set for a friend or family member. It's such a great deal!

 

PUMPKINDEAL - Almost Gone

Just like Cinderella running from the ball to catch the coach, time is running out on the PUMPKINDEAL.

What is Paper Pumpkin?  
Well, it's a nifty little stamping kit that comes once a month and offers a variety of simple paper crafting ideas for people who want to do something creative and simple, or for those who want to experiment and learn what paper stamping and crafting is all about.  Click here to find out more.

Why Would You Want to Get the PUMPKINDEAL?
If you're never ordered Paper Pumpkin before but you're interested in ordering and getting the best deal of the year on a subscription to Paper Pumpkin this deal is for you.  But remember you only have until 10pm Mountain time (just over 24 hours) to use the promo code PUMPKINDEAL and get in on this special offer.


What's the Big Deal? 
Sign up tonight or tomorrow (before 10pm MT) and you'll get the first two months of Paper Pumpkin delivered to your front door for only $12.50. 

That's right you can sign up for half price and get two months at $12.50 per month plus applicable tax (shipping is included in the price).  After that time the price for future monthly kits will go back to the regular price of $24.95 (plus applicable tax).

When you get your first kit, which is the Welcome Kit, it includes a Clear Mounting Block for your rubber stamps to adhere to.  This Clear Block will work with every kit you subscribe to.  This in itself is a "big deal".  Want to know why?

Clear Block C     118486   Price: $8.95

For all the Paper Pumpkin kits you subscribe to you will receive clear mount stamps which means you'll need a clear block to adhere your stamps to. Stampin' Ups! blocks are a clear choice. Made from high-quality, sturdy acrylic, these blocks can hold one stamp or multiple stamps if you want to create a collage of images.  The big deal here is that you're getting it basically for free with this promo.

 

How To Sign Up:

 1.  Visit mypaperpumpkin.com to join.

2.  Select "1" as the quantity for kits

3.  Click on  "Add Promo Code" and then enter the promo code PUMPKINDEAL in the "Promo Code" field which is located just below the kit quantity. 

4.  Mark or select me as your demonstrator - Penny Hanuszak

5.  Finish with your payment information and click "Submit."

6.  You will receive a confirmation email and a request to set up a password. You can do that at any time.

7.  You must join by Saturday, August 31, 2013; 10:00 PM (MT) after that time My Paper Pumpkin goes back to it's regular price.

 
Want to See What I Made With the August kit?

August's kit contains enough supplies to make four cards with envelopes.  The set comes with two cute little stamps - a bicycle and a thank you banner.  It also includes Bermuda Bay and Baked Brown Sugar ink spots, ref self stick flags and paper strips that are like Washi tape. 

How Do I Store My Paper Pumpkin Supplies:

Although I love the pretty red boxes that the monthly Paper Pumpkin kits come in, they are way too big to use as storage for the kits, so I decided to save those boxes for wrapping Christmas presents and look for a different kind of container.  I wanted something light weight and stack-able to put the stamp set, ink spots, instructions and left over paper supplies into once I had assembled the kit.   I decided to use a 3 1/2 x 5 1/4" tin box with an Acrylic hinged lid. 

Here's what I came up with.  This lovely metal tin holds everything, stacks, and is easy to grab off the shelf when the stamping urge hits.  The Acrylic lid is perfect because you can see the stamp image and the stamp set name.  Although you can't see it in these pictures I've also added a computer file label on the end of the tin so the stamp set name can easily be seen when stacked.

I've folded the kit instructions and added them to the lid along with the embellishments.  In the bottom of the tin I've removed the white paper from the back of the rubber block and then stuck it to the bottom of the tin.  When the stamps are not in use they sit in this rubber support and don't move around.  The ink spots fit perfectly to the side, and the clear block could easily be stored in this tin too.

My Promo:  Anyone new who signs up for Paper Pumpkin tonight or tomorrow using the PUMPKINDEAL promo code and naming me as their demo, will receive two tins to store their kit supplies in.  Just forward a copy of the Paper Pumpkin Confirmation email from Stampin' Up! to me by email at pennyhanuszak@telus.net and include your mailing information, and I'll get your prize out to you.  

Still Organizing My Space

I'm always interested in other people's crafting spaces, so the other day when I saw a blog hop for craft spaces over at Crafty Spaces Blog Hop I thought why not check it out.  Wow there were some awesome craft rooms and ideas.  I even decided to link one of my earlier posts about Reorganizing My Space.  

My room is still a work in progress and I've made a few more changes that really help me out. One of the biggest changes I made was getting a cabinet for my stamp pads.  Check out this great buy I got at the last Clipper Street garage sale.  It made my day!  And, it changed my craft space.  

I spied this great cabinet at the last Clipper Street garage sale, and even though I was determined not to buy anything (I'm supposed to be getting rid of things remember), I couldn't resist.  And, am I glad I bought it!  What a difference it makes to my work space.   

This cabinet is the perfect size and holds all my current ink pads including In Colours for 2013-2015, Versa Mark and Staz On pads, and there are a couple of additional spots for when I get my new Encore Inks.  I'm not fussy about the colour of the cabinet so sometime in the near future I plan on spray painting it white to go with the rest of my storage cabinets.

The best part is that the cabinet fits right on top of the hutch my sweet BIL built for me last year.  Now I can just reach up and grab the ink pad of my choice and voila, creating time is at hand.  All my markers, sponge daubers  and clear block mounts are on the shelf below the pads.  Perfect. 

And, because I relocated all my current ink pads I was able to store my retired ink pads (that I haven't been able to part with yet......... notice I said yet) and re-inkers in my revolving ink pad holder.  This gave me back practically a whole shelf.  So, this addition to my craft space has been a win-win, that has more than paid for itself.  Oh, did I mention I bought the cabinet for $40.00.  

Thanks for dropping by today and Happy Stamping. 

Wonderfall Card - Give Thanks

Fall is just around the corner and you can see all the colourful changes beginning.  The Maple leaves in our front yard are starting to take on the bright hues of Autumn, and the leaves are beginning to drop. 

When I wake up I can't wait to get outside and enjoy a walk in the woods.  I love all the fall colours, the way the air smells and the dew on the ground in the mornings.  Makes me want to go ahhhhhh.   Yes Fall really is my most favourite season.  It's the time of year when I come alive after the heat of summer and begin to  get energetic again.  

To celebrate this coming change in seasons, today's card is all about Thanks Giving and Fall.  It was made using this sample of leaves as my inspiration.  I hope you'll like it.  Leave me a comment or two to let me know if autumn is your favourite season too.  Appreciated.

Supplies:

Stamp Sets:  Wonderfall (128087), Tags for You (131823) and Gorgeous Grunge (130517)

Ink:  Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard (retired - could have substituted Starfruit)

Card Stock:  Old Olive for Card base (8 1/2 x 5 1/2"), Natural Composition Specialty Paper - Wood Grain (126917) 4 x 5 1/4 for outside layer and 5 1/4" x 2" for inside layer.  Very Vanilla for leaves and sentiment, 51/4 x 3" for inside of card. Champagne Glimmer Paper (127885) scraps. 

Accessories:  Big Shot Machine, Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Label Bracket Punch (132153), Trimmer.

Here's My Card:

• I used Old Olive for the card base and added a layer of Natural Composition Specialty Card stock as a layer. I thought the wood grain worked well with the leaves and the green background. 
•  The card front features two maple leaves and what I believe is an acorn leaf all stamped on Very Vanilla Card stock and layered together with dimensionals. 
• The leaves were all cut out using the Autumn Accents Bigz Die which coordinates with the Wonderfall stamp set.  
• The leaves were stamped in More Mustard ink and the edges were sponged with Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Ink.  
• When stamping the images, I found it easier to cut out the leaves and  lay the cutout portions onto the inked stamps and then rub over the back of the cut leaves to get the impression.  The stamped image and edges don't have to be perfect because when you finish this step you  sponge around the outside of the leaves with the three inks noted. 
  
• The splot from the Gorgeous Grunge set was randomly stamped in Old Olive and Cajun Craze inks to give that weathered look.
• After all the inking was done, I crumpled and creased up the two Maple leaves to give them some textured.  When I was satisfied with the creases and lines in them I unfolded them and then lightly patted my Cajun Craze ink pad over the leaves.  The dark ink magically picks up the crease lines.  
• Two leaves were cut from Champagne Glimmer Paper and added to the base of the leaf stack for effect.  I used 3/8" glue dots to adhere them.
• A 1/2" by 4" strip of Glimmer Paper was added to the right hand side of the card.
• The Happy Thanks Giving Sentiment is from the Tags for You Stamp Set I got for free at Convention.  I love the images in this set and the fact they have a coordinating punch called the Label Bracket Punch.  It made cutting it out a lot easier.  The image is stamped in Old Olive.

The inside of the card is pretty plain.  I used markers to colour the Acorn shell in Baked Brown Sugar and Early Espresso, and then stamped the image twice using the Stamp-a-ma-jig so I could ensure perfect placement.  I layered the Very Vanilla card stock with the Natural Composition Specialty Paper for a very woodsy look.