Thanks for a GREAT Stampin' Up! Anniversary Celebration!!!

A big THANK YOU to all who came to my Stampin' Up! 6th Anniversary Celebration and new workshop open house! It was great fun!

Everyone made this sweet little owl treat bag at the open house. (Thanks to Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Marian Foerster for the idea of using the Top Notes die for the head.)


We'll also be making this cute little guy at my table at Stampastic Stampers Stamp Camp on September 24.

Materials:

Paper:
* Patterns Designer Series Paper ("DSP") Stack (Neutrals -- any brown tone; about 4" x 5")
* Coordinating brown-tone card stock (enough for scallop oval and a corner of the scalloped petite pennant)
* Glossy White card stock (enough for two 1" circles)
* Crumb Cake card stock (enough for two 3/4" circles and one-half scallop oval)
* Basic Black card stock (enough for two 1/2" circles)
* More Mustard card stock (enough for 3/4" square)

Ink:
* Stampin' Write Marker to coordinate with DSP

Accessories:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Top Notes Die
* Punches: Scallop Oval, Petite Pennants, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle, 3/4" Square
* White Gel Pen
* 3" x 5" Cellophane Bag
* Adhesives: Two-way Glue Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Other:
* Ghirardelli Chocolate Square

Instructions:

1. Cut Top Notes shape from DSP, fold across at center to create owl's head.

2. From coordinating card stock punch one Scallop Oval and one corner of the scalloped Petite Pennant creating a smaller triangle with one flat edge and two scalloped edges. Cut across the Scallop Oval on each side of center scallop to create eyelids. Use brush end of Stampin' Write Marker to shade edges of each piece.

3. Punch one Scallop Oval from Crumb Cake card stock; cut in half lengthwise.

4. Punch two 1" circles from Glossy White card stock; punch two 3/4" circles from Crumb Cake card stock; punch two 1/2" circles from Basic Black card stock. Use White Gel Pen to draw crescent highlights in each of the two black circles.

5. Use Two-way Glue Pen to adhere triangle at the top of folded DSP Top Notes shape, flat edge lined up along fold; fold More Mustard square in half diagonally to create beak and adhere to bottom center of Top Notes die; adhere 1/2 Crumb Cake Scallop Oval shape behind DSP at bottom (behind beak); adhere Glossy White circles to Top Notes die shape as shown; adhere Crumb Cake circles in centers of Glossy White circles; adhere Basic Black circles in centers of Crumb Cake Circles. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere eyelids over the circles.

6. Place chocolate square in Cellophane Bag and place top of bag against inside fold of Top Notes die. Adhere owl's head to bag with one Mini Glue Dot in the front and one in the back. (The one tiny glue dot allows people to open the bag without ripping the owl apart . . . because as everyone knows, when you give a hand made gift, the recipient will want to keep it FOREVER!!!!!)

My stepdaughter had a great idea -- she said how about using this same technique to make a vampire bat or dracula treat bag?! And guess what?! Ghirardelli makes something called Twilight Delight (Intense Dark Chocolate) that comes in a black wrapper! So guess what I'll be trying next?!

Hope you also have fun with this!

Cathy Hansen
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
303-657-9737
cathy_hansen@q.com
http://cathyscraftroom.blogspot.com
http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net

Sunflower Card -- Two Versions

This was the card I made for Kristin Sutton's 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog Swap. I love love love this huge sunflower! And it was fun to mask it to add the polka dot background.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Sunflower background
* Distressed Dots background
* Pursuit of Happiness

Paper:
* Crumb Cake card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; scrap for embossed oval frame)
* Chocolate Chip card stock (5" x 3-3/4")
* Naturals Ivory card stock (4-3/4" x 3-1/2")
* Very Vanilla card stock (scrap for oval punch)

Ink:
* Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ Pad
* Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Ovals originals die
* Designer Frames textured impressions embossing folder
* Extra-large Oval punch
* Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon

Adhesives:
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin’ Dimensionals

Instructions:
(Note: I used SNAIL Adhesive to assemble this card except where noted otherwise.)

1. Score 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock at 4-1/4"; fold at scoreline to create card.

2. Stamp sunflower image on 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" Naturals Ivory card stock; stamp another image on scrap paper and cut it out to create a mask. Place mask (do not adhere) over stamped sunflower. Stamp distressed dots over masked sunflower to cover entire piece of card stock; remove mask. Stamp distressed dots on card front.

3. Wrap ribbon around Naturals Ivory card stock near bottom and tie in a bow to the left. Adhere card stock to Chocolate Chip card stock. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere Chocolate Chip card stock to front of card.

4. Use Big Shot and middle-sized oval to cut shape from Crumb Cake card stock. Place oval inside oval frame embossing folder and roll through Big Shot. Stamp sentiment on Very Vanilla card stock with Chocolate Chip ink and punch out with Extra Large Oval punch. Adhere to center of oval frame. Adhere to front of card over ribbon with Mini Glue Dots.

That's it -- the card is finished (unless you want to do the optional inside -- see below).

This is the same card design with a slightly different look. This is the version we did at Sylvia Meyer's Stampastic Stamp Camp. For this one, I followed the same instructions, but instead substituted the following:

More Mustard card stock instead of Crumb Cake
Early Espresso card stock instead of Chocolate Chip
Very Vanilla card stock instead of Naturals Ivory
Early Expresso Classic Stampin' Ink and Bravo Burgundy Classic Stampin' Ink
Cherry Cobbler ribbon instead of Crumb Cake

For this card I stamped the sunflower and the sentiment with Early Espresso, and I stamped the distressed dots with Bravo Burgundy (I didn't want the deep burgundy color, so to get a more subtle color, I stamped it off once first -- stamped the image on scrap paper, and then without reinking, stamped it on the card stock).

I used SNAIL Adhesive to adhere the Early Espresso card stock to the front of the card instead of Stampin' Dimensionals like I did on the other card, and then used Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the oval to the front. Instead of wrapping the ribbon around the card, I just made a small bow and attached it to the front of the card with a Mini Glue Dot.

Here are the envelope and the inside of the card: I stamped the sunflower in the lower right-hand corner of both with Early Espresso, stamping off once to make it a lighter version of the one on the front of the card. I stamped the sentiment on the inside without stamping off.

Hope you enjoy this one! I like both versions, but I think I like the second one a little better -- the sunflower is a much more crisp image when stamped on the smoother Very Vanilla card stock, and I like the contrast of the vivid fall colors better than the more subtle monochromatic look of the first version.

Until next time . . . keep on stampin'!!!!

Cath ;D

Holiday Mini Swap Card

Halloween for me marks the beginning of the holiday season -- my favorite time of the year! So I decided to begin a little early and do a Halloween card for my 2011 Holiday Mini Swap.

My stamp set for this swap was Fun & Festive. But I couldn't resist adding a few images from Out on the Limb too . . . . The Designer Series Paper is also from the Holiday Mini -- Pick Your Poison.

Oh, by the way . . . here's the inside:



Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Fun & Festive**
* Out on a Limb**
* Halloween Hang-Ups Jumbo Wheel** (inside)

Paper:
* Card stock: Basic Black (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"), Peach Parfait (5-1/4" x 4"), Very Vanilla (5-1/4" x 4" for inside; about 3" x 3" for moon; scraps for witch & cat), Naturals Ivory (4-1/4" x 1-1/4")
* Designer Series Paper ("DSP"): Pick Your Poison** (I think the black & orange piece is 4-9/16" x 1-7/8", but I'm going to measure it again this evening; the stripe piece at the bottom of the card is 5-1/4" x 1-3/4"; the striped piece inside the card is 5-1/4" x 3/8")

Ink:
* Basic Black Craft Stampin’ Pad
* Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad (inside)
* Stampin’ Write Markers: Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery, Peach Parfait, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Wisteria Wonder

Accessories:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder
* 3” Circle Die
* Scallop Trim Border and Corner Punches
* 3/16” Corner Punch
* Clear Embossing Powder and Heat Tool

Adhesives:
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin’ Dimensionals
* Sticky Strip
* Two-Way Glue Pen

** 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog

Instructions:
(Unless otherwise noted, SNAIL Adhesive was used to assemble card.)

1. Score Basic Black card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from scoreline to create card.

2. Use 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch to trim all four corners of Peach Parfait card stock; emboss top 2-1/4" of card with Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and Big Shot. Adhere to front of card.

3. Use Big Shot and 3" Circle Die to create moon from Very Vanilla; trim to fit into upper left-hand corner of card. Before adhering this piece to card, stamp Tree Limb and Bats images on moon with Basic Black Craft Ink and emboss with Clear Embossing Powder. Adhere moon to card with Sticky Strip (this sticks to the raised polka dots better than SNAIL Adhesive).

4. Adhere striped DSP to bottom 1-3/4" of card.

5. Use Scallop Trim Corner and Border punches to trim edges of black & orange DSP. Set aside.

6. Stamp Happy Halloween image on Naturals Ivory card stock with Basic Black Craft Ink; emboss with Clear Embossing Powder. Color in the letters with Stampin' Write Markers, trim corners with 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch, and adhere to black & orange DSP piece created in Step No. 5 above. Adhere Stampin' Dimensionals to back of DSP and adhere to front of card as shown.

7. Stamp Witch and Cat images on Very Vanilla card stock with Basic Black Craft Ink, and emboss with Clear Embossing Powder. Color Witch image. Cut out both images and adhere to the front of card as shown. I used a Stampin' Dimensional behind each head, and adhered the bottom portions to the DSP with a Two-Way Glue Pen.

Inside:

8. Trim corners of Very Vanilla card stock with 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch.

9. Use Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad to ink up Stampin' Around Wheel. Place a piece of scrap paper across top part of card stock and roll design across bottom of card stock. (The vertical dotted lines on this design are longer than what appear on the card; the scrap paper masks the top of the design, so only the part you want to appear actually rolls onto the card stock.)

10. Adhere narrow strip of striped DSP across top of image.

That's it! Time to send out scary cute Halloween greetings!!!!

Cath ;D

The Fans Are In!!!!

And they work!

They look just like they did online and in the store. B-E-A-U-TIFUL!

The latest on the crafts room is that it's almost finished! I think the floor will be installed tomorrow, and by the end of the week I should be shopping Ikea for shelves! How exciting is that?!

I'm really looking forward to my open house on September 10 . . . and I hope you are too. This will be the unveiling of our new digs. I also should have dates for upcoming classes by then. Probably will have just the one big event in September and then settle down to a regular monthly class schedule beginning in October.

You've all been so patiently awaiting the big event! I hope you'll continue to hang in there with me for just a few more weeks.

Cath ;D

Elebration Card (revised 08/16/2011)

I LOVE this little elephant! He was the first stamp I bought out of the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!!! And I've used this same card for several recent stampin' events -- first at the Stampastic Stampers Stamp Camp in Westminster on July 23, and then the Sassy Chic Stamp Camp in Longmont on August 6. And finally, I've just completed 80 card fronts with this design for a wonderful card swap sponsored by Cricket Thompson featuring new stamps from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. Can't wait to see what everyone else made . . . .

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Elebration
* Bring on the Cake

Paper:
* Baja Breeze card stock (8-1/2” x 5-1/2”)
* Whisper White card stock (3-3/4” x 3-3/4”)
* Pool Party card stock (3-1/2” x 3-1/2”)
* Basic Gray card stock (3-1/4” x 3-1/4”)
* Pocketful of Posies DSP (3” x 3”)

Classic Ink:
* Basic Black stampin’ pad
* Baja Breeze*
* Basic Gray*
* stampin’ pad or refill ink

Accessories:
* Blender Pen
* Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Circles #2 Original Die
* Punches: 2-1/2” Circle, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle, Decorative Label, Scallop Oval
* 5/8” Organza Ribbon (4”)

Tools & Adhesives:
* Paper Snips
* 2-Way Glue Pen
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin’ Dimensionals

Instructions:
Note: Unless otherwise noted, SNAIL Adhesive was used to assemble card.

1. Score Baja Breeze card stock at 4-1/4"; fold at scoreline to create card.

2. Adhere 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" Whisper White card stock to front of card; adhere 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" Pool Party card stock over Whisper White.

3. Adhere 3" x 3" Designer Series Paper ("DSP") to 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" Basic Gray card stock. Punch scallop circle in center through both pieces. Adhere to Pool Party card stock on front of card. (NOTE: Since the DSP is much thinner than card stock, this will work -- I would NOT advise trying to punch through two thicknesses of card stock; the punch may get stuck.)

4. Use Big Shot and Circles #2 Die to cut the next to largest of the four circles from a piece of Whisper White card stock. Center circle in 2-1/2" Circle punch and punch again to create white ring. Use 2-Way Glue Pen to adhere to front of card over DSP, covering edges of scallop curout.

5. Stamp Elebration image on Whisper White card stock with Basic Blank ink. Use Blender Pen and Baja Breeze ink to color balloon, cake, and candle; use Basic Gray to color elephant. (Note: Basic Gray is a very dark, intense color, so you'll want to test it on scratch paper to make sure you get the shade you want.) Cut out elephant and use 2-Way Glue Pen to adhere to front of card over white ring. Cut out balloon and adhere to front of card with Stampin' Dimensional. Use Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker to draw line from bottom of balloon to elephant's leg (skip over trunk and arm).

6. Punch Decorative Label from Basic Gray card stock. Stamp "bring on the cake" on Whisper White card stock; color the word "cake" with Blender Pen and Baja Breeze ink. Punch out with Scallop Oval punch, and adhere to Decorative Label shape. Fold ribbon in half and adhere to back of Decorative Label. Adhere Decorative Label to front of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

7. Inside (not shown): Stamp "happy Birthday" from Bring on the Cake set on a piece of 5-1/4" x 4" Whisper White card stock. Color the word "birthday" with Blender Pen and Baja Breeze ink. Adhere to inside of card.

Enjoy!

Cath ;D

I HAVE WINDOWS!!!!!!

It's all I can think about these days . . . the room addition and how much fun we're gonna have in it! Yesterday the windows were installed, and they started putting in insulation, so that means the framework has passed inspection. Now I think we're down to drywall, doors, floor covering and ceiling fans! (And for my friend Audrey some heat!!!!!)

I think we're still on track for a Grand Opening/Anniversary Open House on Saturday, September 10. Will keep you posted.

Cath ;D

August 1 Update

Howdy, Stampin' Enthusiasts!

So many new things going on this month! First, and most exciting to me, is that I'm now a Supervisor with Stampin' Up! Four of my best customers and close friends signed up with me as Stampin' Up! demonstrators during the great $99 Starter Kit promotion in July! We're gonna have lots of fun together, and I'm sure each of them will have a great time as they explore their new stampin' opportunities!

Construction on our new workshop is progressing. The windows are scheduled to arrive August 2, and from there I think things will go VERY quickly -- doors, insulation and drywall are all waiting to be added as soon as the windows are in. And the MOST FUN ceiling fans!!!! I'm just so anxious for the fun to begin in our new room. But it will just have to wait until September. (Watch my Upcoming Stampin' Events for September dates as soon as they're available.)

In the meantime, there are several stamp camps going on around town during August. (Note that Stamp Camp North and the South Stamp-a-Stack have been canceled this month due to vacations and other summer festivities. Check out the right-hand column for dates and contact information.

Be sure to check out the first item on the side bar too! During the month of August, Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE package of Designer Series Paper when you you purchase 3 packages at regular price. This is a great opportunity to stock up on all of the new designs offered in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

Until next time . . . keep on stampin'!!!

Cath ;D