Sneak Peek!

Can you believe that the year 2013 is just about over?  I can't!  Still remembering the events of this year, and thinking that it was only yesterday...But it's time for "in with the NEW!" and Stampin' UP has us covered.  Our new Occasions Catalog begins January 2, and what a gem!  (think BLING!)  You'll have a great time looking at all the new goodies, and if you're like me, you'll have trouble deciding what to get first.

So I made a few decisions, and here's a card using many of my new things:

 I started with a piece of Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock, measuring 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and folded in half.  The Perfect Chevron background stamp was stamped, using Crisp Cantaloupe ink.
A piece of Tangerine Tango was run through the Big Shot with the Stripes embossing folder.  Another sneak peek--I used the banner punch (yes, you read that right--a BANNER PUNCH will be available during Sale-a-Bration at the end of January; this is when you can get FREE stuff!  Stay tuned for details!) to punch out little banners from the new Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper, and adhered them to the card using Mini Glue Dots.  A sliver of Silver Glimmer Paper gave the card a bit of pizzazz!

Another piece of Watercolor DSP was cut using the new Banner Framelits and adhered with a piece of washi tape (left over from the Holiday catalog--Halloween!).  Then I stamped the new Just Sayin' stamp in Crisp Cantaloupe, snipped it out using my trusty Paper Snips, and added it to an Island Indigo layer cut from the Word Bubbles framelits...what fun!

Can't wait to show you more new toys!

Let's get creating!

Gift Card Holders

 I sometimes sell Stampin' UP gift cards, and I always like to make a special holder for the presentation.  Over the past few weeks I made a few of these for a lucky customer.  Here is one of them:

Using the stocking die (now retired, but I just received it as a gift from Stampin' UP--lucky me!), I cut a card by folding a piece of Coastal Cabana (upon which I had pre-glued a piece of the beautiful Designer Series Paper Winter Frost) and placing the fold just below the top (where the cuff goes).  I also cut the heel, toe and cuff from Silver Glimmer Paper.  The "merry" is from the wonderful Occasions Thinlets, using Silver Foil. 

 On the inside, I stamped a few snowflakes (using Coastal Cabana ink, but first stamping off one time), and then adhered the toe and heel.  I also made a small envelope from Coastal Cabana, but adhered it upside down inside the stocking.  A label (Label Love and Label punch) was stamped in Coastal Cabana, and layered on Silver Glimmer paper. 

The pull-down gift card was created using My Digital Studio, printed on Whisper White card stock, and fit perfectly in the envelope. 

Don't forget:  the Holiday Catalog will soon end (January 2), so if you love the Winter Frost paper, be sure to order soon.  Coastal Cabana, the Occasions Thinlets, Silver Glimmer Paper, Silver Foil, Label Love and the Label punch continue to be available, either in the Annual Catalog or as a carry-over from the Holiday Catty.  And of course, My Digital Studio is always ready--why not try a FREE trial subscription?  Head over to my on-line store and place your order now!
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/priscillastamps/

And let's get creating!

Simple Christmas

I'm all about simplifying this year.  Having had an extremely busy year at my "real" job, and after totally over-committing in the month of December, and (of course) procrastinating on all the things I NEED to do, it's time to simplify my Christmas cards.
While participating in a craft fair last weekend, I strolled about admiring the crafters' items, and stumbled upon another Stampin' UP demonstrator (Hi, Annabelle Lewis!).  She had a really pretty (and easy!) card for sale; I bought it and took it home to play.  Using her idea for the ornament, I added another layer and some embossing to make it mine.  What do you think?

This beautiful white-on-white card comes alive with the gorgeous Gold Foil ornament, punched from the retired Ornament Punch (which just happens to be on sale on the Clearance Rack!).  I cut a card base of Whisper White (5-1/2" x 8-1/2") and folded it in half.  Another piece of Whisper White, cut to 4" x 5-1/4", is scored on all four sides (on the BACK side) at 1/2".

The sentiment from Four the Holidays is embossed in Gold embossing powder and the layer was added with Dimensionals.

The Gold Foil ornament was run through the Big Shot with the Sophisticated Stripes embossing folder, a small bow was added, and it was popped up with Dimensionals.

Easy and done!

Now let's get creating!

Do You Believe in Santa?

More from the Craft Fair in which I participated.  This cute idea has been floating on the internet for awhile, and was a big hit at the fair. 

 These little fellas are easy to make, using punches.  Start with a 1 3/4" punch using Blushing Bride or Pink Pirouette card stock for his face.  Don't forget a 1/2" circle nose!
The (retired) ornament punch makes the beard; add his mustache by punching two wings from the Bird Punch--run these through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  Add the beard to the "face" and pop up the mustache with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Glue on his nose.

Cute Santa

 Eyes are a 1/4" punch of Basic Black; glue them on and give him a "glimmer" with a Signo White Gel Pen. 
For the hat:  punch about 1/3 of the wide oval punch using Whisper White card stock.  Discard the piece you punched; slide the punch about 1/4 way over the curve and punch again.  This creates his cap (popped up with dimensionals) and then add a 1/2" circle pom pom.

Yum Yum!

Stick on your Peppermint Patty using Sticky Strip, and you've got an adorable stocking stuffer or place setting decoration. 
Enjoy!

Coffee Gift Cards

 This was another fun offering from the Craft Fair in which I participated over the past several weeks.  Who doesn't give gift cards for special occasions?  And who doesn't like fun packaging for them?

 This cute little holder actually pops up the gift card as you open the top.  Made with the Perfect Blend stamp set (and coffee rings made with one of my mugs!), this will brighten anyone's day...especially that of a coffee-lover!

 I even added a stir-stick!

What a cute idea (stolen from our Stampin' UP Convention), and a good seller at the Craft Fair.

Let's get creating!

Weekly Deals

Great bargains on lots of goodies this week. 



Floral Framelits, Peek-a-Boo Frames Bigz Die, Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad, Regals Stampin' Write Markers, 1" Square Punch, Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, and the Beautifully Baroque embossing folder are all included at terrific prices!  Don't miss out.

Go to my website to see them for yourself:

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=1634

Trinket Boxes

Do you order Stampin' UP embellishments?  Like brads, buttons, or clips?  The ones that come in those nice little round plastic boxes?  So Stampers, how many of these do you have lying around the house? 

If you're like me, you'll answer "dozens!" So in typical crafter's fashion, re-purpose them:

When I went to Convention this year, I was "gifted" one of these little boxes.  What a charming idea!  So I've taken all my embellishment empties and am turning them into little works of art.

Clean off any paper labels.  Using the 2-1/2" circle punch, punch out a piece of Designer Series Paper (I used Season of Style).  Adhere this to the top of the container.

Add some Sticky Strip to the side edge, and adhere a length of ribbon, leaving it long enough to tie a small bow or knot in the front.

Make a paper rosette (score a 1" x 12" strip of paper every 1/4", and fold in mountain/valley folds--adhere the ends and using hot glue, squish it flat, adhering it into a rosette) and add with hot glue to the top of your container.

Decorate with a scallop punch of Champagne Glimmer Paper and add a button with some Linen Thread.  Stamp and cut a banner, and you're done!  An adorable box of candies or use as a gift box for a pair of earrings, a necklace or other small trinket.

Let's get creating!

It's a Sale! It's a Sale!

And who doesn't like a Sale?

Stampin' UP is having our annual Holiday Extravaganza with a shorter, easier name:  Holiday Sale!






Starting today, there are tons of items on sale at 20-50% off regular prices!  A perfect time to stock up and save on your favorite items, just perfect for holiday card-making and gift-giving.


Check out my on-line store (link above, or go to http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/priscillastamps/) and check out everything on sale now!

For those of you ordering bundles, please be sure to use the special bundle order number associated with the holiday sale or  you will pay regular prices for each item.

Let's get creating!

Holiday Bazaar Twisty Treats

Next up on the bazaar table are the Twisty Treats:

These little goodies are stuffed with M&M's candies (but can hold any small item),and can be made in any size.  The Season of Style Designer Series Paper Stack were the perfect size for my project and I used all 4 designs.

Taking the piece of 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" paper, I added Sticky Strip to the two long sides and, flipping the paper over, one short side.  First make a tube by adhering the short ends together; remove the Sticky Strip from one of the long sides (this should be on the inside of your tube) and squeeze the end closed. 

This is the important part:  FILL YOUR TUBE!

Then remove the other piece of Sticky Strip, and squeeze the end closed, but on the diagonal ("twisted" from the first end--so if the seam of your tube is on the side of the squeezed end on the bottom, have it in the middle of your squeezed end on the top).   Using a crimper, insert each end into the crimper and crimp about 3/4" of the ends. 

Then it's time to decorate:

The Pop 'N Place Holiday Gift Tags and Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp set make this easy--just add a few more layers with other punches and tie it all up with Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine. 

These look so cute on your holiday table or in a basket as a take-home favor...try it!

Let's get creating!

Frosty the Snowman

As mentioned yesterday, I am going to share with you some of the items we sold at our Holiday Bazaar last weekend. 

First up:  Snowman Tic Tacs

This little guy is easy and fun to make, and is a hit with kids. 

Cut cardstock (I used Marina Mist) twice as long, plus 5/8", and the same height as your tic tac box.  Round the corners. 
Cut Whisper White to layer on the front, rounding the corners, and stamping with snowflakes (I stamped in Smoky Slate).  Lay about 15" of ribbon (I used 1/8" Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon) across the front and adhere the white layer to the blue layer (this will circle around the back and tie on the side, keeping your cover closed); punch a 1" circle near the bottom.

Using a piece of Sticky Strip on the spine of the Tic Tac box, adhere your cover.

The body of the snowman is another 1" circle punch, and his head is 3/4" circle.  Before adhering him with dimensionals, add his scarf (red 1/8" Taffeta ribbon). 

His hat is the Ticket Punch with a sliver of Basic Black as the brim; I added a sparkle of Silver Glimmer Paper trim, along with a flower and rhinestone.  His eyes and buttons are Basic Pearls, colored with a black Sharpie, and his nose is a sliver of Pumpkin Pie.

Inside is a little poem:

Makes a cute stocking stuffer or table decoration for your holiday dinner.

Let's get creating!

I'm Back!

It's been a long few weeks, and I apologize for the lack of posting!  Starting with a trip to Cape Cod to visit my parents, returning to get ready for a Craft Fair/Holiday Bazaar, attending my grandson's first birthday, and finally preparing for my November Card Clubs has really set me back.

But here I am with loads of photos to share, and I'll start with the Holiday Bazaar.  My friends/colleagues and I had a table:

Here is Bonnie and Tani, standing behind our Stampin' UP table (which went through a few modifications over the hour before we opened).  It was jam-packed with hand-made goodies!

Here are the "Nugget Jars", and darling snowman tea light pins, packed in their own gift box.   There are CD Note Pad cases and a basket of note pads.

Another basket of hand-stamped cards/envelopes, some cute angel ornaments and a stand full of Blossom Boxes.

Gift bags, snowmen, Twisty Treats and bedazzled jewel boxes...

And a Christmas tree with angels, alongside of our catalog/info center.

It takes quite a bit of work to put this together, and I'll share some of our samples over the next few days. 

In the meantime, it's laundry, food-shopping and thinking about Thanksgiving...check back each day for directions for some of the items we sold.

Let's get creating!

Best of Snow--a new set!

Stampin' UP is celebrating 25 years in business, and has been offering a special stamp set each month.  These stamps are some of the best-loved from years past, along with an exclusive new image.  Purchase 6 sets and you get to choose another one for free!

November's offering is Best of Snow!  Take a look:

I have loved that little snowman for a long time, and no longer own it.  So I'll have to re-treat myself and get him back.  No problem though, as I also get some cute porcupines, a beautiful snowflake, and a wonderful sentiment.
Interested in owning one yourself?  Hop on over to my on-line store, and purchase this great set for only $14.95!

#134387 Best of Snow  (English; clear-mount)
$14.95

And let's get creating!

Don't Miss the Weekly Deals!

Look what we have today:

Weekly Deals!

Great news! During this festive week, there are no tricks here, only treats! Make sure you head over to the store to get your deals before they run out.

	Secret Garden Framelits Dies Item #129372  Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN
	Stampin' Pierce Mat Item # 126199 Regular Price: $4.95 US/$5.50 CAN Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$4.12 CAN
	7/8" Scallop Circle Punch Item # 129404 Regular Price: $12.95 US/$15.95 CAN Discounted Price: $9.71 US/$11.96 CAN
	Ovals Collection Framelits Dies Item #129381 Regular Price: $26.95 US/$32.95 CAN Discounted Price: $20.21 US/$24.71 CAN
	Paper Snips Item # 103579 Regular Price: $9.95 US/$14.95 CAN Discounted Price: $7.46 US/$11.21 CAN
	Baker's Twine Island Indigo Item # 125575 Regular Price: $2.95 US/$3.95 CAN Discounted Price: $2.21 US/$2.96 CAN
	Blossom Petals XL Punch Item # 121808 Regular Price: $6.79 US/$9.19 CAN Discounted Price: $5.09 US/$6.89 CAN
	Keep This Memory Photobook Template Item # 129879 Regular Price: $19.95 US/$21.95 CAN Discounted Price: $9.98 US/$10.97 CAN

Head over to my on-line store and get yours today!


And let's get creating!

Blast Off!

My grandson, Ethan, is 3 today!  He's my first grandchild, and very special to me.  And he's extraordinarily smart!  (I know, he's MY grandson, but he really is something!). 
Ethan loves space.  His bedroom is decorated in planets, moons and stars (and he'll be hanging up the space shuttle kite I got him for his birthday).  He can tell you all about the planets.  So what better card to make than this:

I used the stamp set, "Blast Off", and made an "out of this world" birthday card.  It's an extra large card (5 1/2" x 6 1/2"), big enough to fit most of the elements from the stamp set.   The background is stamped with Gorgeous Grunge (to make a "Milky Way", and then the shooting stars are embossed with White Embossing Powder.  I also punched a few more from Whisper White card stock and stuck them on with Mini Glue Dots.

My moon is two layers of Daffodil Delight card stock, with holes punched in the top layer.  My little astronaut was stamped using Stampin' Right Markers in Midnight Muse, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight, and fussy-cut.  He's popped up with Dimensionals.  His flag is a toothpick with a strip of Designer Series Paper.

This little guy is blasting off in a special rocket ship, stamped in Versamark and embossed with Silver Embossing Powder.  There's even a "window" made from Window Sheets.  Also fussy cut, this was "popped" with Dimensionals, and then I added a row of Candy Dots for some colorful bling!

So what do you think?  Did I succeed in my quest for the perfect birthday card for Ethan?  Won't you leave me a comment and let me know?

All items used are currently available in the 2013-2014 Catalog which you can access in my on-line store.

Let's get creating!

No Trimmer? No Problem!

Love to stamp, but haven't yet bought your trimmer?  Wondering how to make all those holiday cards quickly?
Get ready:

Cut and Ready Card Bases--just what the new/busy stamper needs!  Cardstock (in several colors) already cut and scored, ready for your creations!  This is great for making multiple cards, as the boring part is done for you!  You get 20 cards in each pack, all one color.  Here's how to order:

Description	Item Number	Price
Whisper White Cut & Ready Card Bases	135804	$4.95
Very Vanilla Cut & Ready Card Bases	135805	$4.95
Crumb Cake Cut & Ready Card Bases	135806	$4.95
Smoky Slate Cut & Ready Card Bases	135807	$4.95
Cherry Cobbler Cut & Ready Card Bases	135808	$4.95
Old Olive Cut & Ready Card Bases	135809	$4.95
Pool Party Cut & Ready Card Bases	135810	$4.95

Add several of these to your holiday order!

It's a Sale! It's a Sale!

25% off select stamps today through Sunday!

Head to my online store to order your favorites.

I'm on Cape Cod until Friday, visiting my parents, so no new cards/projects until I get back.  But that doesn't stop the great deals for you!

And don't forget about taking advantage of our Join for $25 special!  Ends today!

Woo Hoo!! Weekly Deals!

Have you heard about the Weekly Deals? 
Each Tuesday, Stampin' UP is extending an offer on select items at a terrific discount!
Yippee Skippee!
Look at this week's deals:

	Argyle Textured Impressions Item # 127750   Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/$7.46 CAN
	Basic Pearl Jewels Item #119247 Regular Price: $4.95 US/$6.50 CAN Discounted Price: $3.71 US/$4.87 CAN
	Deco Labels Collection Framelits Dies Item # 130102 Regular Price: $24.95 US/$30.95 CAN Discounted Price: $18.71 US/$23.21 CAN
	In Color Dahlia's Item # 127556 Regular Price: $7.95 US/$9.95 CAN Discounted Price: $5.96 US/7.46 CAN
	Sophisticated Spook Ensemble Digital Download Item #131513 Regular Price: $14.95 US/$16.50 CAN Discounted Price: $7.48 US /$8.25 CAN
	Sweet Treat Cups Item #116802 Regular Price: $2.95 US/$3.95 CAN Discounted Price: $2.21 US/$2.96 CAN

As always, the discount will appear at checkout!

Interested?  Head over to my online store and get some of these goodies for yourself!


And let's get creating!

A Special Anniversary

Yesterday was the 5th wedding anniversary of my son, Matt, and his wonderful bride, Sarah.  I mentioned in an earlier post that Matt is currently stationed in Texas with the Air National Guard, becoming an intelligence analyst.  He has been gone four months already, and won't be home until Christmas.  So for a combined birthday/anniversary gift, I sent my daughter-in-law to Texas for the weekend (and I volunteered to take care of my two grandsons, ages nearly three and nearly one!--and that's another story!).

So of course I made a special card for them.  I had nothing in mind as I began to create, but was extremely pleased with the end results.  It just kinda happened!

I started by stamping the blooms and stems from Field Flowers on Whisper White, using Old Olive ink for the stems and Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie for the flowers.
Next I inked up En Francais with Versamark and stamped it over the flowers, embossing it with Clear Embossing Powder and my trust Heat Tool.  I finished by sponging the Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie ink, along with Crumb Cake all over the front, and then spritzed it with Smooch Spritz.

Love was die cut from the beautiful Gold Foil paper, using the Expressions Thinlets die and the Big Shot.

This front panel was layered onto a piece of the Gold Foil, then on Old Olive and finally onto the card base of Early Espresso.

Since this was an unusual-size card, I created my own, custom envelope using the Envelope Punch tool, which is super for this task.

All of these items can be ordered here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/priscillastamps/

Let's get creating!

Flipping for Halloween!

Ready for another Halloween card?

This was one of four cards done in our October Card Club:

 Using the uber-fun Thinlets Card Dies (this is the Label one), we created a flip card for Halloween. 

Here's the inside; note the label (the outside says "Hi, Pumpkin" while the inside flips to "Trick or Treat".  Notice the extra panel?  Easy to do by cutting your card stock 5 1/2" (actually I cut it at 5-7/16" to fit through the framelit) x 8-1/2".  You can use your framelit as a template to place your designer series paper on the cardstock before cutting, so everything cuts together.  Then slip the right side of your card through the framelit (it should be on TOP of the edge) and send it through Big Shot.  In one step you have cut the label (which flips) and scored your card in three places; now just adhere DSP to the back panel (which becomes the front panel, right side) and you're done!  How fun!

If I can ever figure out how to mount a video camera (or my iPhone) above my desk, I'll film a video of this.  Anybody have any suggestions for mounting a camera over my desk?

Let's get creating!