Happy Halloween from my Office!!!!

It's beginning to look like the holiday season around my cubie . . . here are my Halloween decorations . . . next week I start on Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween to you!!!

Cath  ;D

Witch's Broom Tootsie Roll Pop

Click on image for larger view

Here's one last Halloween project -- I've been seeing these fun little witch's brooms all over the place.  Click here to visit Di Gibbs' site for a tutorial on how to make these sweet little Halloween treats.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Wicked Cool (Boots)
* Toxic Treats (Happy Halloween)

Paper:
* Basic Black card stock
* Whisper White card stock

Ink:
* Jet Black StazOn Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Labels Collection Framelits
* 1/16" Handheld punch
* Linen Thread
* Multi-purpose Liquid Glue

Other Stuff:
* Small Coffee Filters
* Tootsie Roll Pop
* Thick Black Sharpie

Instructions for Label:

1. Use Sharpie to color Tootsie Roll stick black; cut coffee filter and drop over stick according to instructions on Di Gibbs' site.  Wrap linen thread around coffee filter 4 or 5 times and tie in a knot, leaving long tails (about 4").

2. Stamp Boots and Happy Halloween images on Whisper White card stock; punch out with smallest Framelits shape.

3. Punch next size Framelits shape from Basic Black card stock.  Adhere Whisper White label to Basic Black label.

4. Punch 1/16" circle near top center of label; thread tails of linen thread through hole and tie in a bow.

That's it!  How easy!!!!  (I made 53 of them to give my co-workers on Halloween.)

Cathy  ;D

Wicked Cool Halloween Card

This card was inspired by a card posted to the Stampin' Up! demonstrators Stampers Showcase by Cathy Grantham.

Click on image for larger view.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Wicked Cool

Paper:
* Naturals Ivory card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Rich Razzleberry card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; 3-1/8" x 1-7/8"; small amount for 1-3/4" circle punch)
* Basic Black card stock (3-3/4" x 2-5/8"; 2-1/2 x 1-3/4; small amount for 1-3/8" circle punch)
* Very Vanilla card stock (small amount for wide oval and 1-1/4" circle punch)
* Love Letter Designer Series Paper (3-1/2" x 2-3/8")  NOTE: This DSP is retired, but can still be downloaded and printed using My Digital Studio.

Ink:
* Jet Black StazOn Pad
* Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Houndstooth Embossing Folder
* Extra-Large Oval Punch
* 1-1/4" Circle Punch
* 1-3/8" Circle Punch
* 1-3/4" Circle Punch
* Scallop Trim Border Punch
* Crystal Effects
* 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (Basic Black)
* Glue Dots
* Multi-purpose Liquid Glue
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions:

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.

2. Emboss 5-1/4" x 4" Rich Razzleberry card stock with Big Shot and embossing folder; adhere to front of card with Multi-purpose Liquid Glue.

3. Stamp boots image on Very Vanilla card stock and punch out with Extra-Large Oval Punch.  Color in every other stripe with Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Marker.  Highlight boots with Crystal Effects and set aside to dry.

4. Adhere 2-1/2" x 1-3/4" Basic Black card stock to front of card; adhere DSP over Basic Black card stock.  Use Scallop Trim punch to punch borders on each short end of  3-1/8" x 1-7/8" Rich Razzleberry card stock; adhere to DSP.  Adhere 2-1/2" x 1-3/4" Basic Black card stock to Rich Razzleberry; adhere Large Oval with boots to Basic Black card stock.

5. Punch 1-3/4" circle from Rich Razzleberry card stock.  Punch 1-3/8" circle from Basic Black card stock; adhere to Rich Razzleberry circle.  Stamp "have a WICKED halloween" on Very Vanilla card stock; punch out with 1-1/4" Circle punch; adhere to Basic Black circle.  Tie a knot in a 2-1/2" length of ribbon; adhere to Very Vanilla circle with Glue Dot.  Adhere circle to front of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Cath  ;D

Spooky Bingo Bits Halloween Card

Just had to make a few more Halloween cards!  This one was inpsired by a card posted on the Stampin' Up! demonstrators Stampers Showcase by Jami Carrera.

Click on image for larger view

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Spooky Bingo Bits

Paper:
* Naturals White card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; about 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" for squares)
* Lucky Limeade card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; about 3" x 3" for squares)
* Basic Black card stock (about 5" x 4" for die; about 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" for window die)
* First Edition Designer Series Paper (5" x 3-3/4")

Ink:
* Jet Black StazOn Pad
* Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Top Notes Bigz Die
* Peek-a-Boo Bigz L Die
* 1-1/4" Square Punch
* 1-3/8" Square Punch
* Crystal Effects
* 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (Basic Black)
* 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (Basic Black)
* Multi-purpose Liquid Glue
* SNAIL Adhesive

Instructions:

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.

2. Distress edges of DSP by scraping across Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad; adhere to 5-1/4" x 4" Lucky Limeade card stock.  Make 1/2" wide slits about 1/2" from left edge of card; thread Scallop Dots ribbon through slits from front to back at top and bottom and adhere on back of card stock; adhere card stock to front of card.  Tie 1/8" Taffeta ribbon around Scallop Dots ribbon.

3. Cut Top Notes die from Basic Black card stock; turn shape to the side and cut again to create the funky square shape on the front of the card.  Adhere over DSP.

4. Punch four 1-3/8" Squares from Lucky Limeade card stock.  Use StazOn ink to stamp three images on Naturals White card stock; stamp BOO with Lucky Limeade ink.  Punch out shapes with 1-1/4" Square punch, and adhere to Lucky Limeade squares.  Adhere squares to front of card.

5. Use Crystal Effects to highlight ghost shape, mummy shape, BOO! and eyes and teeth on skull.  Allow to dry.

6. Punch 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" Window Frame; punch hole and thread Baker's Twine through hole; tie in a knot on front.  Use Multi-purpose Liquid Glue to adhere to BOO! square so word lines up in opening when the window is opened (see photo below).

 

 Fun and spooky stuff!!!!  Enjoy!

Cath  ;D

More Single Stamps Available!

Single Stamps
10/25/2012 Update

A few weeks ago Stampin' Up! announced that until January 2, 2013, you have the opportunity to purchase single stamps from the Word Play, Perfectly Penned, and Seasonal Sayings Stamp Sets. Based on the interest so far, it appears that everyone loves them! Now Stampin' Up! is are excited to let you know that ten more individual images-including three images that you have never seen before have been added to the single stamps inventory!!!

Details

• These stamps are available by placing an order with me, or by ordering directly from Stampin' Up! through my online store. 
• Stamp item numbers are listed on the flyers below (NOTE: You may need to increase your screen size to view the numbers, but you are also welcome to e-mail me at cathy_hansen@q.com or view my Stampin' Up! website at http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net for additional information and item numbers).
• These stamps won't be sent to you in the typical cases or packaging; they'll be packaged in cello bags. If you'd like a case for your stamp, you can buy the Clear-Mount Stamp Cases that come in packs of four (item 119105).
• This offer is available for clear-mount stamps only.
• The stamps won't come with a Clear-Mount Block, and you'll need to buy a block separately if you don't already have one. The recommended block sizes can be found on the flyers.
• There's no limit on how many pieces you can buy.
• Remember that this is a pilot program, so take advantage of it while you can!

 

 

Contact me for details, or visit my Stampin' Up! site: http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net.

 

Cath  ;D

Wedding Card

Click on image for larger view

In the midst of all this Halloween flurry . . . all of a sudden a Wedding!!!!!  So I made this card last night.  I've seen several versions of this wedding cake here and there, so I just had to try one.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Itty Bitty Banners
* Petite Pairs (inside)

Paper:
* Naturals White card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 3" x 2"; 2" x 1-1/2"; 1" x 1"; scraps for banner and flowers) 
* Inside (see below):  Naturals White card stock (5-3/8" x 4-1/8"; 4" x 2-3/4")

Ink:
* VersaMark pad
* VersaMark pen

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Stripes Embossing Folder
* Elegant Lines Embossing Folder
* Bitty Banners Framelits Die
* Corner Rounder Punch
* 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (Very Vanilla)
* Boho Blossoms Punch
* Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack
* Crystal Effects
* Pearl Basic Jewels
* Pewter Embossing Powder
* Heat Tool
* Bone Folder
* Adhesives: Glue Dots; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Strip

Instructions:

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from scoreline to create card.

2. Emboss front of card with Stripes embossing folder.

3. Trim two top corners of 3" x 2" card stock, 2" x 1-1/2" card stock, and 1" x 1" card stock with corner rounder punch.  Line up in embossing folder to resemble a 3-tiered cake.  Crank through Big Shot to emboss.

4. Trace all lines of embossed design with Crystal Effects and insert a corresponding sized Pearl into each circle in the design.  Set aside to dry.  Wrap ribbon around from front to back and adhere on back near bottom of each piece.

5. Place two Stampin' Dimensionals, one on top of the other, in each corner, and at the top and bottom center on the back of the largest (bottom) tier; adhere to front of card.  Place one Stampin' Dimensional in each corner, and at the top and bottom center on the back of the middle tier; adhere above and slightly tucked under bottom tier.  Use Glue Dots to adhere top tier directly to card, above and slightly under middle tier.

6. Punch one middle sized flower from Boho Blossoms; two of the smallest flower from Boho Blossoms; and 3 of the round scalloped shape from the Itty Bitty Shapes punch set.  Make one flower by layering all three shapes; make a second flower by layering two smallest shapes.  Use Glue Dots to adhere smallest flower to ribbon on top tier, two-layered flower to ribbon on middle tier, and three-layered flower to bottom tier.

7. Stamp "congratulations" on scrap of card stock with VersaMark pad; emboss with Pewter embossing powder.  Punch out with Bitty Banners Framelits die.  Use Bone Folder to soften card stock (use it like you would use scissors to curl ribbon), scrunch together, and adhere to front of card with Glue Dots.



Click on image for larger view

8. For inside of card, use VersaMark pad to stamp Best Wishes and to the new Mr. and Mrs. on 5-3/8" x 4-1/8" card stock; add three dots between two stamps with VersaMark pen.  Emboss with Pewter embossing powder.  Adhere to inside of card.

9. For the gift card holder, I used a retired punch to cut half-moon slits about 1/4" away from each side and bottom of 4" x 2-3/4" cardstock.  I then slipped the gift card into the tabs and used Sticky Strip to adhere the card stock to the inside of the card.

That's it.  My gift for the wedding tomorrow.  Hope you all enjoy the card!

Cath  ;D

More Halloween

. . . just because I can . . . .

Wanted to show you these cute little guys I have sitting in front of my banner (you may have noticed them on the photo from my previous post).

Click on image for larger view

This sweet little ghosty was made years ago by my friend Samantha.  She had quite the chicky business going for awhile . . . making all kinds of them with different costumes.  She even made me my very own Cathy Chicky!!!  (Note the yarn and crochet hooks, pencil, paper and scissors, beads -- have I mentioned I'm a consummate craftaholic?!  The Birks -- this was before I started wearing Crocs; the big watch . . . and even the toe ring!  She captured me completely!)

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And then I have my wonderful witch's hat that I just purchased from Gordman's.  I've seen "Don't make me get my flying monkeys" . . . but this one was even better!

Click on image for larger view

I just had to share some of the reasons I like Halloween so much . . . now back to work! ;D

Cath

Perfectly Preserved Window Card (October Class Project)



Click on images for larger view

The idea for this card came from a friend who showed me a card a friend of hers had made. I have since learned that the card was made at a Stamp Camp and that it was Trish Pardue's design.  Hers had brighter colors and pears instead of apples, but the basic construction of the card was the same.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Perfectly Preserved (Holiday Catalog)

Paper:
* Cajun Craze card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2)
* Natural Composition Designer Series Paper (DSP) (5" x 3-3/4)
* Orchard Harvest DSP (4-1/4" x 3"; scraps for die; 1/4" x 4" strips for inside) (Holiday Catalog)
* Very Vanilla card stock (5-1/4" x 4" for inside; scraps for apple, stem and bitty banner dies)
* Raspberry Ripple card stock stock (small amount for bitty banner die)

Ink:
* Lucky Limeade Stampin' Pad
* Primrose Petals Classic Stampin' Pad
* Raspberry Ripple Classic Stampin' Pad
* Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad
* Jet Black StazOn Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Window Sheet (3" x 3-1/2")
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Cannery Set Framelits Dies (Holiday Catalog)
* Bitty Banners Framelits Dies
* Stampin' Sponge
* Linen Thread
* Bone Folder
* Glue Dots
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin' Dimensionals
* Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Miscellaneous:
* Post-it Note (3" x 3")

Instructions:
(Unless otherwise indicated, SNAIL Adhesive was used to assemble this card)

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from scoreline to create card.

2. Stamp one Primrose Petals and one Raspberry Ripple apple image and two Lucky Limeade stem images on Very Vanilla scrap paper.  Cut out images with coordinating Cannery Set Framelits Dies and Big Shot.

3. Stamp "just for you" image on scrap of Very Vanilla card stock.  Cut out with coordinating Bitty Banners Framelits Die and Big Shot.  Cut larger banner from Raspberry Ripple card stock.

4. Cut two jar lids from DSP with Framelits Die and Big Shot.

5. Adhere one DSP 4" x 1/4" strip across top and one across bottom of 5-1/4" x 4" Very Vanilla card stock.

6.  Use Stampin' Sponge and Soft Suede Stampin' Pad to apply ink around edges of jar lids, apples, stems, bitty banners, DSP, and 5-1/4" x 4" Very Vanilla card stock.

7. Adhere Cajun Craze DSP to Natural Composition DSP.  Place a Post-it Note near the center of the DSP.  Position the jar Framelits Die over the Post-it-Note and run through the Big Shot.

8. Position the DSP on front of card BUT DO NOT ADHERE.  Position jar shaped Post-it Note inside of cutout space on front of card, and then remove DSP -- this will mark the exact position where you need to cut the jar from the front of the card.  Position the jar Framelits Die over the Post-it Note jar shape and run through the Big Shot.

9. Use Two-Way Glue Pen or Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere stems to apples (I positioned the stems behind the apples because I just liked the look of that better than placing the stem in front of the apple).  Close card and glue apples to inside of card so they appear through the jar-shaped opening.

10.  Use StazOn Ink to stamp jar image on Window Sheet.  Adhere to front of card over jar-shaped opening, positioning image of jar over the opening.  Adhere DSP over Window Sheet to align with opening on card.  Wrap Linen Thread around Jar Lid and tie a bow in the front.  Adhere to front of card at top of jar with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Wrap Linen Thread around second jar lid and adhere ends on the back.  Adhere to INSIDE of card to align with jar lid on the front.

11.  Adhere "just for you" banner over Raspberry Ripple banner.  Use your bone folder to soften the card stock (use it like you would use scissors to curl ribbon).  Once the card stock is soft and pliable, scrunch it together and adhere to front of card with Glue Dots.

That's it!  A lot of little steps, but actually a very simple process.  Hope you enjoy this project!

Cath  ;D

Glitter Napkin Card (October Class Project)



Click on image for larger view

This October class project is a technique recently demoed at the Stampin' Up! Regional Conference in Denver by my friend Connie Ingram. For the card on the left, I followed Connie's steps to make the glitzy, glittery card. For the card on the right, I added one more step to really seal in the glitter and give it a deeper, richer look.

Materials:

Paper:
* Cherry Cobbler card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 4" x 3")
* Garden Green card stock (4-3/4" x 3-1/2")
* Very Vanilla card stock (4-7/8" x 3-5/8"; 3-3/4" x 2-3/4")

Ink:
* VersaMark Pad

Accessories & Tools:
* Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (3-3/4" x 2-3/4")
* Heat and Stick Powder
* Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter
* Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder
* Glimmer Brad
* Paper-Piercing Tool
* Stampin' Pierce Mat
* Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon (about 3")
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin' Dimensionals

Miscellaneous:
* 2- or 3-ply napkin with holiday design

Instructions:
(Unless otherwise indicated, SNAIL Adhesive was used to assemble this card)

1.  Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from scoreline to create card.

2. Adhere Garden Green card stock to 4-7/8" x 3-5/8" Very Vanilla card stock.  Using Stampin' Pierce Mat and Paper-Piercing Tool, punch a hole about 1/4" from bottom center of card stock.  Open prongs of brad and smoosh the center of the ribbon between the prongs and all the way down to the head of the brad.  Close prongs and attach to card stock.  Once you open the prongs back up on the back of the card stock, the brad will hold the ribbon in place.  Adhere card stock to front of card.

3. Cut a 3-3/4" x 2-3/4" design from the napkin.  Separate all the plies of the napkin and discard the back layers -- you will be using only the very thin top layer for this technique.

4. Remove backing from Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet and place on your work surface with the sticky side up.  Place 3-3/4" x 2-3/4" Very Vanilla card stock over the sheet and smooth out.  Now place the napkin design on your work surface, design side down.  Remove remaining backing from the adhesive sheet and place it over the back of the napkin.  Turn it over and smooth out wrinkles and bubbles.

5. Completely cover napkin with VersaMark and cover with Heat and Stick Powder.  Heat with Heat Tool until completely melted, then cover with Stampin' Glitter.  Heat with Heat Tool again to set the glitter. 

You could end here, but I've added one more step to really seal in the glitter and enhance the richness of the colors.

6. Completely cover the glitter with another layer of VersaMark and cover with Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder.  Heat with Heat Tool to melt embossing powder.  Allow to cool for a minute or two.

7.  Adhere glittered design card stock to 4" x 3" Cherry Cobbler card stock.  Adhere to front of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

A few tips:
*  Look for napkins with bright, vibrant designs that have a lot of conrast.  I found when doing this technique on subtle designs that the design gets lost behind the glitter.
*  If your VersaMark Pad gets completely engulfed in glitter, just take a piece of packing tape and lay it sticky side down on top of your pad.  When you lift it back up, the glitter will be stuck to the tape.  (You may have to repeat this a few times to remove all of the glitter.)

That's it!  Hope you enjoy this technique.  And thanks again to Connie for demoing it!!!!

Cath  ;D

Another Spooky Banner!!!

Click on image for larger view.

I just can't seem to help myself!  There are so many other things I should be doing, but I just can't stop making fun Halloween stuff!  This banner was actually a special request from my co-worker who liked mine so well she wanted one too.  I told her I wouldn't make another one exactly like mine, so I found this other cute idea.  (Inspiration:  Post by Brittany Woodward on the Stampin' Up! Stampers Showcase)  (See my earlier post for updated information about my original Spooky Banner.)

 

Here are some closeup shots of the tags . . . and a little info about the materials used (unfortunately, many of the materials used in this particular banner are now retired, but there are other fun and funky materials still available in the current catalogs to build something similar).

 

The base piece (5" tall) was cut from 12" x 12" Cajun Craze card stock.  It's scored every 3-1/2" and then accordian-folded.  I just kept adding on strips until I had the length I needed to accommodate all the panels I wanted.  After it was folded, I cut the tops at a diagonal.  Then I cut slightly smaller pieces from Basic Gray card stock and glued them over the Cajun Craze base.  Then I cut 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" squares from Basic Black card stock, and 3" x 3" squares from last year's Frightful Sight designer series paper.  The letters were cut with the Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz Die Set (also now retired by Stampin' Up!, but a similar alphabet set is now available -- these letters are about 2" tall -- the letters in the set now available (Typeset Alphabet) are about 1-1/4" tall -- that also would work.

 

After I added the squares to the banner, I decided the tops of each tag looked pretty bare, so I went back and cut shapes to fit into the empty space and ran them each through the Big Shot with either the Spiderweb, the Woodgrain, or the Elegant Lines embossing folder before gluing them over the Basic Gray tags.

 

Click on image for larger view.

Beginning at the left end of the banner, I left only about 1-1/2" on the Cajun Craze tag to accommodate the coffin.  The Basic Gray and Basic Black card stock were just cut on the paper cutter to the basic shape of a coffin.  The Basic Black was then run through the Big Shot with the Woodgrain embossing folder.  The letters R-I-P and the bats were cut from retired Sizzlits dies.

 

I used Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details to add three dots to each letter, and also to add eyes to the bats.  The shapes were then covered with Crystal Effects and set aside to dry.  On the "S" panel, I added some fun little bat eyelets that I found somewhere in my stash.  On the "P" panel, I stamped the hat and boots from the "Wicked Cool" stamp set, colored in the stripes with a Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Marker, and then covered them with Crystal Effects.

 

Click on image for larger view.

The faces, stems and vines on these two cute guys are from the Jack of All Trades set.  I added a little Dazzling Details to brighten their eyes, and then traced over the images with Crystal Effects.  (Yes, cutting out those vines was challenging, but so worth it!)

 

Click on image for larger view.

The chandelier image on the "Y" panel is from Wicked Cool.  Again, I added a little Dazzling Details to the flames, and then traced over the image with Crystal Effects.  The final panel is Vellum card stock embossed with the Spiderweb embossing folder.

 

The jumbo eyelets are retired Stampin' Up! items, as is the 1-1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon.  The 1/8" Taffeta ribbon used to tie the larger ribbon is a current item.

 

The last two things I did to this fun banner were to mix a little Platinum Shimmer Paint with some Early Espresso refill ink and some 70% alcohol and splatter it here and there with my Aqua Painter; then I mixed some Frost White Shimmer Paint with 70% alcohol to make my own glimmer mist, and used the Stampin' Spritzer to spritz the entire banner with this solution.

 

Here's wishing you a haunting Halloween!!!!!

 

Cath  ;D 

 

 

 

Halloween Ornament

Click on image for larger view

I just couldn't resist making a creepy crawly Halloween ornament . . . so here's my first attempt -- I may try another one later.  This follows the same general directions as the ornaments posted earlier (see link to Kirsteen Gill's blog in that post for directions). This one uses the Apothecary Accents Framelits dies for the tombstones; the round ornament from the Holiday Ornaments Framelits dies for the moons (but you could use any circle punch for those).  I also used the Doily and Little Leaves sizzlits dies for accent pieces.  For the ghosts peaking out from behind the tombstones, I just cut spooky shapes freehand from some scraps of Shimmery White card stock.  I'm a little hooked on these fun ornaments, so I'll probably be making more . . . stay tuned . . . .

Cath  ;D

Scarecrow Treat Bag (October Class Project)

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Is this not the cutest treatbag ever?!  I found this design by Rae Harper on the Stampers' Showcase -- available to demonstrators on the Stampin' Up! website!  We made this little scarecrow treat bag in my October classes.  Fun fun fun!!!!!  (To see more of Rae's designs, follow this link:  http://wildweststampin.com/)

Materials:

Paper:
* Crumb Cake card stock (12" x 6")
* Naturals White card stock (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
* Whisper White card stock (small amount for eyes)
* Basic Black card stock (small amount for eyeballs)
* Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper (DSP) (5" x 2" - two different designs for hat; scrap for nose) (Holiday catalog)

Ink:
* Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad
* Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad
* Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories & Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die
* Top Note Bigz Die
* Bird Builder Punch
* Petite Pennants Builder Punch
* Small Oval Punch
* 1/2" Circle Punch
* Spice Cake Fabric (3" x 3-1/2")
* Googlies (Holiday catalog) (2)
* Basic Jewels - Rhinestone (1)
* Stampin' Sponge
* Misc. Adhesives: Glue Dots; SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals and Tombow Multi-purpose Liquid Glue

Miscellaneous:
* Packing paper from Stampin' Up! shipment (or plain old brown paper bag), cut into strips about 1/4" wide and about 8" long
* Needle and thread

Instructions:

1. Cut Fancy Favor bag from Crumb Cake card stock; assemble and set aside.

2. Cut Top Note shape from Naturals White card stock.  Punch one Top Note from each of two different designs of DSP; cut one in half horizonally for top of hat; cut one in half vertically for brim of hat -- fold about 1/2" of flat side to back.

3. Punch two Small Ovals from Whisper White card stock; punch two 1/2" Circles from Basic Black card stock; punch the non-scalloped Pennant shape from DSP (Cajun Craze grid design) -- trim about 1/4" from bottom of triangle; punch bird and branch from DSP (Cajun Craze grid design); flip paper over to the striped side and punch wing.

4.  Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Soft Suede to edges of everything except the box and the black 1/2" circles, and then start assembling.  I used Tombow Liquid Multi-Purpose Glue for most of the assembly. It holds well and dries fairly quickly.

* Referring to the photo for placement, adhere the small ovals near the center of the Naturals White Top Note shape; adhere the 1/2" Basic Black circles over the ovals.  Adhere the Pennant shape between and slightly below the eyes.

* Use the Stampin' Write Marker to draw little lines all around the nose to make it look like it was roughly stitched onto the face; then make eyelashes and eyebrows, and finally draw the curves for the cheeks, and then a squiggle for the mouth.  Use a Stampin' Sponge to apply Cajun Craze ink to the cheeks.

* Scrunch up the brown paper bag strips and then unscrunch and fold each piece in half.  Adhere, one at a time near the outer edges on the back of the hat brim with Glue Dots.  Adhere the hat brim to the hat, and then adhere the hat to the scarecrow's head.

* Use a needle and thread to make a long running stitch up the cener of the fabric piece; pull the thread tight and knot it to make the bow. Adhere the bow to the front of the hat brim.

* Apply one self-adhesive rhinestone for the bird's eye -- I didn't like the look of the bright eye looking at me, so I then used a brown Sharpie pen to color the rhinestone.  Add the wing with a Stampin' Dimensional, and then attach the bird over the center of the bow.

* Finally, trim the stem on the branch to fit, and then tuck it in under the edge of the bow.

5.  Spread Tombow Liquid Multi-Purpose Glue across the front of the Fancy Favor box and adhere the scarecrow to the front of the box.  If you're going to put anything heavy in the box, you also might want to adhere an extra piece of cardstock (2-1/8" x 3") to the inside of the bottom of the box to strengthen it a little.

Enjoy!!!!!

Cath  ;D

Fall Post-it Note Holder

Click on image for larger view

This was a little gift I made for people who attended my September card classes.  It's a 3" x 3" Post-it Note holder that opens like a matchbook.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Perfectly Preserved**

Paper:
* Always Artichoke card stock (7-3/4" x 3-1/4")
* Very Vanilla card stock (about 2" x 2-1/2")
* More Mustard card stock (small amount for ticket punch)
* Orchard Harvest Designer Series Paper (DSP)** (3" x 3"; scrap for jar lid)

Ink:
* Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
* Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker (optional)

Accessories & Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Cannery Set Framelits Dies**
* Ticket Duo Builder Punch
* More Mustard 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (6-1/2")
* Regals Designer Buttons
* Regals Brads
* Linen Thread
* Paper Piercing Tool
* Stampin' Pierce Mat
* 2-Way Glue Pen
* Crystal Effects
* Multi-purpose Liquid Glue
* SNAIL Adhesive
* Stampin' Dimensionals

Miscellaneous:
* Stapler
* 3" x 3" Post-it notes

** 2012 Holiday Catalog (available through January 2, 2013)

Instructions:

1. Score card stock at 3/4" and 4-1/2"; fold away from scorelines.  Staple near fold line on 3/4" flap to create matchbook cover.

2. Adhere 3" x 3" DSP to large flap.

3. Stamp jar image on Very Vanilla card stock; use Big Shot and Cannery Set to cut out image.  Cut jar lid from a small piece of DSP.  Use 2-Way Glue Pen to adhere lid to jar.  Wrap linen thread around lid and tie in a bow in the front.

4. Punch ticket from More Mustard card stock; adhere to front of jar with SNAIL Adhesive.  Use Paper Piercing Tool and Stampin' Pierce Mat to punch hole in each short end of ticket; attach brads through both thicknesses of card stock.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere jar over DSP.

5. Use Multi-purpose Liquid Glue to adhere ribbon around bottom of matchbook; ends should meet at the center front.  Thread linen through holes in button and tie in a knot on the front.  Trim ends to about 3/8"; use Crystal Effects to adhere over ribbon ends.

6. Place Post-it notes inside matchbook cover and tuck top flap under bottom flap.

Optional:  Write name or message on ticket with Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker to make an inexpensive and thoughtful gift for a friend.

Cathy  ;D

Happy Spooky October!!!!!

Click on image for larger view

BOOOOOOO!!!!  Can you believe it's already October?!  I know!!!!!  I wanted to start the month off by sharing this fun spooky banner with you.  It was inspired by a banner posted by Kristine Burns on the Stampers' Showcase available to Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  Kristine was inspired by Sheila Thibault (both are Stampin' Up! demonstrators).

This banner is made from some retired and some current Stampin' Up! stamps and accessories, as well as a few other items.  Each square is 4" x 4" and is constructed around some compressed paper coasters I bought from my Yahoo bulk buy group a few months ago (click here for more information about the group) .

How much fun was this to make?!  Lots!!!  I got so wrapped up in making this that I totally blew off all the other things I was supposed to be doing for two whole evenings!  (Inconceivable!!!!) 

Following are closeup photos of the individual squares with a little more info about the supplies I used.

Click on image for larger view.

Each coaster is 4" x 4"; I covered all of the coasters with Basic Black card stock trimmed the corners, and then traced around the edges with a black marker to keep the white coaster from peeking out.   The letters were all cut from Lucky Limeade and Perfect Plum card stock using the Serif Alphabet Bigz Dies (retired by Stampin' Up! earlier this year). 

For the "S" panel, I stamped the image (sorry, not a Stampin' Up! stamp), on a separate piece of Basic Black card stock and trimmed the edges with the Scallop Trim Border punch.  The ink is the new Illuminate Glimmer Watermark stampin' pad featured in the Holiday Catalog; I also sponged some of it around the edges of the piece before attaching it to the base.  The ribbon is 1/8" Taffeta (Basic Black).

Click on image for larger view.

The "P" panel uses some of the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper featured in last year's Holiday Mini Catalog.  The panel is finished off by threading some Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon through a Brushed Bronze Designer Button (current Holiday Catalog), tying it in a knot, and then adhering it to the page with Crystal Effects (yes, in addition to making things shiny and wonderful, it's a GREAT permanent glue for this type of embellishment.

Click on image for larger view.

OOOOOOOh my!  These sweet little pumpkins were made by cutting out 3 Os for each -- one from Cajun Craze, one from Tangerine Tango, and one from Pumpkin Pie card stock.  The three layers were glued together in the center at the top and bottom and fanned out to create the 3-D look.  A few leaves were added in the background (Old Olive card stock and Blossom Petals Builder punch), a small piece of cardstock for the stems, 1/8" Taffeta ribbon (Old Olive) for the vines, and finally a little bit of glitz -- a small self-adhesive Rhinestone Basic Jewel at the top and bottom of each.

Click on image for larger view.

For the "K" panel, the witch's hat and boots were stamped, colored in with a Tangerine Tango marker, and then covered with Crystal Effects.  The broom was made from an orange toothpick I found in a party pack.  I then cut a small strip of So Saffron card stock (maybe 3/4" x 1-1/2"), cut slits close together all along one side, and then wrapped and glued it around the toothpick.  Finally I tied it all together with a small piece of Linen Thread.  It's attached to the base with Crystal Effects.

Click on image for larger view.

The "Y" may be my favorite panel.  For this one, I cut a piece of Basic Gray cardstock, and attached a couple of large google eyes.  Then I just tore strips of Designer Series Paper and glued them across the card stock, partially covering the eyes, and wrapping it around to the back.  The ribbon around the "Y" is Perfect Plum 3/8" Taffeta.

Click on image for larger view.

Halloween just isn't Halloween without a colony of bats!  The bats on this panel were cut from a retired Sizzlits die.  The eyeballs were dotted in with Cherry Cobbler and then the entire shape was covered with Crystal Effects.  The moon is a 2-1/2" cirle punched from So Saffron card stock.  The Basic Gray background was embossed with the Woodgrain embossing folder.

Notice the shimmer on the moon?  When I had finished putting this together, I used the Stampin' Spritzer to randomly spritzed the entire banner with Frost White Shimmer Paint mixed with 70% alcohol.  I also mixed some Platinum Shimmer Paint with some Pumpkin Pie refill ink and some 70% alcohol and then randomly splattered this solution onto the banner with an Aqua Painter.

Finally, the pieces were attached to each other by putting two small eyelets (no longer sold by Stampin' Up!) on each side of each panel, and then tying them together with some colored twine I found in my jewelry-making supplies.  You also could use the Baker's Twine sold by Stampin' Up! for this step.

Now . . . enough for Halloween . . . it's time to move on to the next holiday . . . .  (But don't be surprised if you see one or more fun things pop up here before the end of the month.  I think October is the most fun time . . . because to me Halloween marks the beginning of the fall/winter holiday season!!!)

Cath  ;D