Punched Hearts Valentine Card

Crazy?!  Perhaps!!  Yes, this card includes 30 embossed and punched hearts.  We first textured six pieces of cardstock in Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, and Pretty In Pink using the Snow Burst embossing folder for the Big Shot.  The hearts were punched out using the small heart punch and then raised using Stampin' Dimensionals on a 4" square of Chocolate Chip layered on a Crumb Cake card.  The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set, punched out with the Word Window, and then layered on a Modern Label, and finished off with a couple of small rhinestones.

A Sense of Time Graduation Card

We have admired the Sense of Time stamp set ever since it premiered in one of the mini catalogs over a year ago, and we finally gave in and got it.  It lends itself to inspirational graduation wishes.  This is an easel card using the Bigz clear scallop square die for the big shot.  The color spritzer tool was also used to spray random color over the clock on to the front of the card.  The Happy Graduation sentiment is from our favorite Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Antibacterial Gel Holders

What a great inexpensive gift these make!  This is one of the projects that we'll be doing for our May workshops.  We used the new Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper from the Summer mini catalog, which provides a beautiful color combination.  These are quick and simple to make, and we picked up the antibacterial gel at Bath & Body Works for $1 each.  The thank you stamp is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

• Cut an 8 ½” x 11” piece of cardstock down to 8” x 11” , which will make 4 holders.  If you only want to make one, cut a 2” x 11” strip.
• Score at the following measurements along the 11” side: ½”, 1 ½”, 4”, 5”, 8 ½”, and 9 ½”
• Cut on the 8” side into 2” strips (if making 4 at a time).
• Punch 1” circle between ½” and 1 ½” measurements.
• Attach ½” section to back of holder with sticky strip.
• Decorate with patterned paper and stamps as desired.

Mother's Day Tulips

This card was actually CASE'd directly from another demonstrator, but we apologize that we can't recall who it was.  The tulips were made using the wings from the bird punch, and the tulip leaves were made from the bird's body.  The background scallop was cut with the scallop #2 die for the big shot and the layered circle was cut with the 3" circle die.  The outside greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and the inside sentiment is from the Bring on the Cake set.  The white dots around the scallops were done using the white uni-ball Signo gel pen.

Framed Tulips Valentine

This card showcases the new Framed Tulips embossing folder for the Big Shot.  The images are from the hostess level 1 set Punch Potpourri and the sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  

Butterfly Bliss

This card incorporates more of the items that are available for FREE during Sale-a-Bration.  The coordinating ribbon and buttons are part of the Ice Cream Parlor ribbon & button pack.  The butterflies were stamped with an image from the Sale-a-Bration exclusive Bliss set and then punched with the butterfly punch. The sentiment comes from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Love Is In The Air

This is one of the cards we'll be doing for January's Big Shot Club.  The front was done using the Lots of Love Letterpress plate in the Big Shot.  Full disclosure: after trying the letterpress plates initially the way that Stampin' Up! recommends (using Craft ink and brayer for application), we vowed never to demonstrate them to our customers.  Luckily, one of our fellow demonstrators shared with us how he had used one with a Versamark pad and the tackiness of the ink helped it adhere without slipping.  So we tried it, and were pleased with the results (although we would still recommend using repositionable adhesive to stick the cardstock to the top cutting plate).  Out of all the texture plates, this one is our favorite, as the design of the different fonts really creates a beautiful background, or the words can be cut or punched out and used alone.  The colors are hard to decipher in the photo - we used Pretty In Pink for the card base and layered with Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo.  The ribbon is 5/8" Rich Razzleberry satin with 1/8" Pretty In Pink taffeta on top. 

Ghiradelli Chocolate Holder

This idea came from Jill Hilliard, such an easy treat holder!  This was also a great use for our leftover scraps of Candy Cane DSP (which is unfortunately sold out).  As you can see, we tried a it a couple of different ways using each side of the paper, tilting the sentiment and spacing the ribbon holes differently.  The measurement is so easy and you can get 3 of them out of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock, and save time by scoring the full sheet first.  Cut the full sheet into 9" x 8", score along the 8" side at 3 7/8" and 4 1/8", then cut on the 9" side into three 3" pieces.  The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Marker Thumping Technique Card

This card demonstrates the marker thumping technique.  The pine tree image was inked with the Crumb Cake pad and then randomly "thumped" with the brush tip of a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker and then stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock.  This idea came from Max Conrad's blog.  The base panel of the card was embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder.  The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set, punched with the word window and then layered on a modern label.  Finishing touches include basic rhinestone jewels, 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, and hemp twine.   

Happy Halloween!

Two things that are hard to see in the photo (it was a last minute idea late last night) - the card base is Early Espresso and the Daffodil Delight panel is embossed with the paisley Sizzix texture plate.  We couldn't let the holiday pass by for another year without a final Halloween wish for 2010.  The pumpkin image is from the Paisley Prints stamp set in the Holiday mini catalog (another one of the included sets in our Convention registration fee).  The happy halloween sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  The white piece was cut using the Top Note die for the Big Shot - cut once and then turned 90 degrees and run through again.  The card is completed with a touch of Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon.  We wish you a fun, safe, and Happy Halloween and hope your day is filled with wonderful treats!  

Early Thanksgiving Wishes

This card features an image from the Leaf Lines stamp set.  People will frequently ask us how images are stamped in multiple colors.  The answer is simple - you use Stampin' Up!'s beautifully coordinated Stampin' Write markers and color directly on to the stamp.  It's recommended to start with lighter colors first and color it the way you like.  Once you apply the ink, go ahead and stamp!  The More Mustard "flap" is attached on the back side of the card, folded around to the front, and secured with a punched word window, and stamped with the Happy Thanksgiving greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set.

Testing 1...2...3

After our Big Shot Club workshop this week, we were curious as to whether or not the Sizzix permanent multipurpose adhesive sheets would work with the Designer Material.  So, we decided to test it!  We cut a piece of the material and put a piece of the adhesive on the back, ran it through the Big Shot, and then peeled off the backing  and stuck it to a piece of cardstock.  This is the result.  Tomorrow's post will feature a card using the negative piece of the material.  This card also includes some of the coordinating "Deck the Halls" Designer Series Paper.  The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out with the word window and layered on an oval.  The card is further complimented by some 3/8" Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon and gold mini brads.  The colors are Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla.

Wood Sheet Wonder

This is one of the cards that our Big Shot Club members will be doing at this month's workshop.  The Lattice die was cut out from one of our wood sheets.  Prior to running it through the Big Shot, we put it onto one of the multipurpose adhesive sheets, which are available in the Holiday mini catalog.  The wood grain is a nice touch with the lattice die cut.  We saved the "petal" shapes from inside the lattice to make other designs, like flowers with a brad in the center.  The background was embossed with the Elegant Bouquet folder, and of course, the sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes.  The bird was done with the punch and the edges were sponged with Soft Suede ink to make it stand out.

Happy World Card Making Day! Happy Fall!

Today we celebrate World Card Making Day!  Make sure you take the time today, even if only a few minutes, to sit down and make a card!  This time of year in some parts of the country marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall.  Here in Las Vegas, we are still experiencing triple-digit temperatures (you'd think we'd be used to after 40+ years!).  We love the colors that are associated with fall and the amazing images of leaves, trees, and nature in general.  The colors are so rich and warm.  One of the MANY things that we love about being Stampin' Up! demonstrators is the wonderful resources we have available to us.  Each month, we receive a demonstrator publication - Stampin' Success.  It is packed with a variety of information that we need to know to conduct our business, but it also contains some great card and project ideas made by fellow demonstrators and company employees.  The first photo shows an idea that was featured in this month's edition by Lyssa Zwolanek.  We took the simplicity of it and transformed it into our own version for Thanksgiving using the Day of Gratitude set and our favorite Teeny Tiny Wishes set.  The original colors used by Lyssa were So Saffron, Cajun Craze, and Soft Suede.  Our version uses River Rock, Cajun Craze, Wild Wasabi, and Chocolate Chip.  Enjoy your day!   

Elizabeth a la carte

We must confess, we are not huge fans of the Victorian style; however, this a la carte stamp caught our attention immediately!  Yes, it is available as an individual stamp and works perfectly with your existing sentiment stamps, like the Teeny Tiny Wishes set, to make a quick and elegant card.  Although this uses discontinued colors (Mellow Moss and Blush Blossom), you can easily substitute your favorite colors.  Add a touch of ribbon and you are all set!  This card was also done using our package of Whisper White pre-scored notecards and envelopes (they come 20 to a package for only $5.95), so you can whip out a stack of them in no time - what a perfect gift idea!

Another Early Halloween Idea

Like we said (and we'll probably say it a million more times - HA!), it's NEVER too early to start on your holiday cards!  Here is another Halloween card idea using the new spider web embossing folder along with the Batty for You stamp set and the Top Note die.  The new 2 1/2" circle punch from the holiday mini was used to punch out the area for the spider.  You'll notice some of the great new 1/8" taffeta ribbon tied on the side - LOVE that new thin ribbon, it is so versatile!  The sentiment is from one of our favorite sets, Teeny Tiny Wishes and layered on the small oval and modern label punches.  The texture on the Top Note was done with the Wonderfully Worn background stamp. 

Happy 18th Anniversary Scot & McCall!

Today is my (Scot) anniversary - 18 years!!  This is the card that Kira made for McCall and I - isn't it awesome!  She did a great job!  It features the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, the Two-step XL Bird Punch, the 2 3/8" XL scallop circle punch, the 2 1/2" XL Circle Punch, the Modern Label Punch, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, and the Basic Pearls Jewels.  Thank you, Kira!

Have to share a photo from our celebratory night out, here we are toasting with champagne at Le Reve at the Wynn Resort last night.  McCall won tickets on the radio for a VIP package, so we were treated like celebrities with special plush seats, champagne, and a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and truffles.  We really enjoyed the show and had a very nice time!