Holiday Gift Exchange

Hi, folks!  Wanted to share with you the wonderful gifts made by my Stampin' Up! demonstrator friends for our holiday gift exchange.  It's so nice to know such wonderfully creative people!!!

No instructions for these items, but perhaps they'll inspire you to be creative!!!

(Click on any of the photos for a closer look.)

Created by Shirley Middaugh

Created by Cathy Hansen (closed)

Created by Cathy Hansen (open)

Created by Wanda Williams

Created by Sheryl Luttringer

Created by Linda Anderson

 

Created by Sharon Winter

Created by Angela Zaba

Created by Robin Bagley 

Created by Connie Ingram

Created by Ann Lohmeyer

Created by Ann Lohmeyer

Created by Herma Hughes

Created by Jayne Fuller

Created by Jayne Fuller

Stampin' Up! Year-End Discounts through January 5, 2015!!!

Amazing Products, Unbelievable Discounts!

It's a busy time of the year, but Stampin' Up!'s Year-End Closeouts can help you complete your wish lists or your Christmas gift lists (some holiday items included). With discounts up to 80 percent on fabulous products, you will want to take advantage of these amazing deals! Check out the Year-End Closeouts to see what's on sale!

Details:

• Promotion Dates: 5 December 2014 - 5 January 2015.
• No minimum purchase required.
• No refunds or exchanges on Year-End Closeout items.
• Items offered during the Year-End Closeouts are while supplies last.
• Year-End Closeouts orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards with qualifying orders.
• Following the Year-End Closeouts sale, some remaining items may stay in the Clearance Rack. Other items may be removed from the Clearance Rack to be added at another undetermined time.
• Orders may be placed online or by contacting me.

Deadlines:

• Phone orders: January 5, 2015 6:50 pm (MT)
• Online orders: January 5, 2015; 11:50 PM (MT)

 Cath  ;D

Snowflake Tag (November Class Project)

This is the final project from my November classes.  Now I think I'm all caught up!  Whew!!!

This tag was inspired by Jane Goldman.  To see the original design, you can view my Pinterest page and take a peek at the Tags board (http://www.pinterest.com/cathy5612/tags/).  You may not immediately recognize it because I've changed it quite a bit.  To see Jane's other designs, visit her blog at http://petitefleurpaperie.blogspot.co.uk/

Click on image for closer view.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Gorgeous Grunge
* Wondrous Wreath Photopolymer Stamp Set (2014 Holiday Catalog; back of tag)

Paper:
* Island Indigo (about 4" x 4")
* Lost Lagoon (about 4" x 4")
* Silver Glimmer Paper (about 2-1/2" x 2-1/2")
* Typeset Specialty Designer Series Paper ("DSP"; 4" x 2")
* Very Vanilla card stock (3-1/2" x 2")

Ink:
* Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad
* Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad
* Gold Encore Metallic Ink Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Star Framelits Dies
* Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Stampin' Sponge
* Venetian Crochet Trim (about 6")
* 1/8" Silver Ribbon (about 7" or 8")
* Island Indigo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon (about 7" or 8")
* Rhinestone Basic Jewels
* Crystal Effects
* Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive; Tombow Liquid Glue

Miscellaneous:
* #3 Shipping Tag (4-1/4" x 2-1/8") (can be purchased in office supply stores)

Instructions:
(NOTE:  Unless otherwise indicated, SNAIL Adhesive was used to assemble this tag.)

1. Use Soft Sky ink to stamp big splotchy spatter from Gorgeous Grunge randomly on Shipping Tag; use Gold Metallic Ink to stamp wide spatter from Gorgeous Grunge randomly over Soft Sky spatter.

2. Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Island Indigo around edges of tag, DSP, and 3-1/2" x 2" Very Vanilla card stock.

3. Use SNAIL Adhesive to adhere DSP to front of tag, wrapping edges around to the back and "finger-folding" edges.  (This is a very thin paper, so no need to score the paper before folding it around the tag.)  Use Stampin' Sponge to apply ink to folded edges of DSP.

4. Adhere Crochet Trim to tag at upper and lower edges of DSP, wrapping edges around to back of tag.

5. Stamp "To and From" image from Wondrous Wreath Stamp Set on 3-1/2" x 2" Very Vanilla card stock as shown below, and adhere to back of tag covering edges of DSP and Crochet Trim.

6. Use Big Shot and Card Thinlits Dies to cut one large snowflake from Island Indigo card stock and one from Lost Lagoon card stock.  Cut one small snowflake from Island Indigo card stock and one from Lost Lagoon card stock.  Cut one "joy" from Island Indigo card stock.  Cut one star (smallest size, I think -- it's the one that's about 2" across) from Silver Glimmer Paper.

7. Apply a drop of Tombow Liquid Glue about 1" from left edge and about 3/4" from top of DSP on front of tag.  Place center of large Island Indigo snowflake onto drop of glue; apply another drop of glue in center of Island Indigo snowflake and adhere the Lost Lagoon large snowflake over the Island Indigo large snowflake, turning 1/8th turn.  Apply a small drop of glue at bottom edge of Crochet Trim near bottom about 3 /4" in from right edge of tag.  Adhere Island Indigo small snowflake to glue; apply another drop of glue in center of Island Indigo small snowflake and adhere Lost Lagoon snowflake, turning 1/8th turn.  Place a medium-size rhinestone in center of small snowflake.

8. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere Star to center of large snowflake.  Use small dots of Tombow Liquid Glue to adhere "joy" to center of star.

9.  Cut about 7" or 8" of both the Silver and Island Indigo ribbon; hold two pieces together and thread through hole in top of tag.  Tie in a loose knot so you can easily untie it later to attach it to a package.

10.  Use Crystal Effects to "paint" gloss over the word "joy" in center of star; set aside for about 20 minutes to dry.

Click on image for closer look.

Hope you like this tag as much as I do!

If you have a hard time finding the right size shipping tags, let me know.  I bought 1000s of them online in various sizes and am willing to sell some of them in smaller quantities.

Joy to you!!!

Cath  ;D

Santa Gift Tag (November Class Project)

This little tag was SO MUCH FUN!!!!  And really easy!

The idea came from Candee Porter.  You can see her original design at on my Pinterest page on the Tags board (http://www.pinterest.com/cathy5612/tags/).  To view some of Candee's other designs, visit her blog at http://cardcornerbycandee.blogspot.com/

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* To and From (2014 Holiday Catalog)

Paper:
* Real Red card stock (4-1/4" x 2")
* Shimmery White card stock (4-1/4" x 2")
* Pink Pirouette card stock (about 1-1/2" square)
* Blushing Bride card stock (tiny amount for nose)
* Basic Black card stock (tiny amount for eyes)
* Whisper White card stock (about 3" x 2" for back of tag; see below)

Ink:
* Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad
* Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad
* Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Fancy Fan Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
* Chalk Talk Thinlits Dies
* Scallop Tag Topper Punch
* Bird Builder Punch
* 1-3/8" Circle Punch
* Corner Rounder Punch
* Cupcake Builder Punch
* 1/4" Handheld Circle Punch
* Stampin' Sponge
* Sponge Dauber
* Frost Sequins (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Silver 1/8" Ribbon (about 8")
* Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (about 8")
* Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (White)
* Adhesives: Tombow Liquid Glue; Stampin' Dimensionals; Crystal Effects


Instructions:
(NOTE:  Except as indicated, Tombow Liquid Glue was used to assemble this tag.)

1. Trim one short end of 4-1/4" x 2" Real Red card stock with Scallop Tag Topper Punch; trim opposite two corners of Real Red card stock with Corner Rounder Punch.

2. Use Fancy Fan Embossing Folder to emboss Shimmery White card stock.  Cut a 3/8" strip from one short end, then cut a 3" length.  Use Corner Rounder punch to trim bottom two corners of 3" piece.  From remaining piece punch two wings from the Bird Builder Punch.

3. Use Real Red ink to stamp To and From image on 3" x 2" Whisper White card stock.  Use Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and Chalk Talk Thinlits Die to cut out image for back of tag.

4. Use 1-3/8" Circle Punch to cut circle from Pink Pirouette card stock.

5. Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Crumb Cake ink around edges of all pieces.

6. Adhere "To and From" shape to back of card.  (See photo below.)

7. On front of card, adhere 3" Shimmery White card stock to bottom of Real Red card stock.

8. Use Sponge Dauber and Blushing Bride ink to dab pink cheeks on 1-3/8" Circle.  Adhere to Shimmery White card stock near top -- just below Real Red.

9. Adhere Bird wings near lower edge of circle for Santa's mustache.

10.  Adhere 3/8" x 2" strip of card stock over top of Santa's face with Stampin' Dimensionals.

11. Punch one Blushing Bride nose with 1/4" Circle Punch.  Adhere above mustache.

12.  Punch two Basic Black eyes with Cupcake Builder Punch.  Adhere as shown.

13.  Use Crystal Effects to adhere snowflake and sequin to Santa's hat.

14.  Cut about 7" or 8" of both the Silver and Red Ribbon.  Hold two pieces of ribbon together and thread through hole in top of tag.  Tie in a loose knot (this way the knot is easy to untie later when you want to tie the tag to a gift).

15.  As a finishing touch, use the Gel Pen to add little dots of white to each of Santa's eyes and his nose.  Then dab Crystal Effects on the eyes and nose to make them shiny and set tag aside for about 20 minutes to dry.

Click on image for closer view.

Now you're ready to send a gift from Santa to your favorite tot!

Cath  ;D

A Merry Little Wish ... (November Class Card)

This next card was inspired by a card posted online by Margaret Raburn.  You see Margaret's original design at http://funstampin.blogspot.com/2014/10/three-trees-ccmc-326.html.

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Festival of Trees Photopolymer Stamp Set (2014 Holiday Catalog)*

Paper:
* Mossy Meadow card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; about 3" x 2-1/2" for tree; about 2-1/2" x 3/4" for banner)
* Lost Lagoon card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; about 4" x 2" for trees)
* Whisper White card stock (about 2-1/2" x 3/4" for banner)
* Brushed Silver card stock (4" x 1-1/2")
* All is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper (4" x 3"; 2014 Holiday Catalog)

Ink:
* Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
* Silver Metallic Encore Ink Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Filigree Frame Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Tree Punch (2014 Holiday Catalog)*
* Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Deco Labels Thinlits Dies
* Frosted Sequins (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Crystal Effects
* Stampin' Dimensionals
* SNAIL Adhesive or Tombow Liquid Glue

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

1. Score 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Mossy Meadow card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.  Adhere 4" x 3" Designer Series Paper ("DSP") to center of card front.  Use scissors to cut a curved edge on one long edge of 4" x 1-1/2" Brushed Silver card stock.  Adhere over bottom edge of  DSP.

2. Place second from largest Deco Labels die in center of 5-1/4" x 4" Lost Lagoon card stock, and run through Big Shot to cut out center portion.  Place this piece of card stock in Filigree Frame Embossing Folder, centering cut out section in design, and run back through Big Shot.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere to front of card over DSP.

3. Use Silver ink to stamp two different tree images on Lost Lagoon card stock.  Cut out design with tree die from Snowflake Card Thinlits Die set.  (Note:  This tree does not match the tree design; it's slightly smaller, so center it on stamped design wherever you like it best.)  Adhere trees to front of card inside of frame as shown.

4. Use Silver ink to stamp two more tree images on Mossy Meadow card stock; use Tree Punch to cut out these trees (this image is designed to fit the Tree Punch).  Set one tree aside for inside of card (see below); adhere second tree to center of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

5. Use tiny dots of Crystal Effects to adhere snowflakes and sequins as shown.

6. Use Mossy Meadow ink to stamp "A Merry Little Wish . . . " on Whisper White card stock; cut out with banner die from Snowflake Card Thinlits Die set.  Cut a second banner from Mossy Meadow card stock.  Adhere Whisper White banner up and to the left of the Mossy Meadow banner.  Adhere to front of card as shown with Stamipn' Dimensionals.

7.  Use Crystal Effects to trace and/or daub dots over Silver stamped images on all three trees.  Set aside for about 20 minutes to dry.

Don't forget the inside of your card!!!

8. Use Mossy Meadow to stamp rest of message ("For Lots of Joy at Christmas") on a 5-1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White card stock.  Adhere to inside of card.  Adhere tree as shown to inside.

Click on image for closer look.

Wishing you lots of joy at Christmas!!!

Cathy  ;D

Joy Card (October Stampin' at the Shack)

This card was a snap to make with the Wondrous Wreath Stamp Set and coordinating Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies.

Click on photo for closer look

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Wondrous Wreath Photopolymer Stamp Set (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Dictionary Background Stamp

Paper:
* Crumb Cake card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Cherry Cobbler card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; about 2" square for bow)
* Very Vanilla card stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8"; about 3-1/2" square for wreath)
* Gold Foil card stock (about 3-1/2" square for "Joy")

Ink:
* Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
* Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad
* Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad
* Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Wonderful Wreath Thinlits Dies (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Gold Basic Metal Buttons (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Gold Metallic Baker's Twine
* Tea Lace Paper Doilies
* Stampin' Sponge
* Crystal Effects
* Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive; Glue Dots; Tombow Liquid Glue

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

1. Score Crumb Cake card stock at 4-1/4"; fold away from score line to create card.

2. Use Crumb Cake ink card stock to stamp Dictionary image on 5-1/4" x 4" Very Vanilla card stock.

3. Use Wild Wasabi ink to stamp full wreath image on 3-1/2" square Very Vanilla card stock; line up and stamp partial wreath image over Wild Wasabi wreath with Garden Green ink; line up and stamp berries over Garden Green ink.  Use wreath die to cut out the outer edge of the wreath. 

4. Use bow die to cut a bow from Cherry Cobbler card stock.

5. Use Stampin' Sponge to sponge Crumb Cake ink around edges of all pieces of card stock, including the edges of the card itself, the wreath, the bow, and the tea doily.

6. Adhere Cherry Cobbler card stock to front of card; adhere Very Vanilla card stock (dictionary stamp) over Cherry Cobbler card stock.

7. Apply adhesive to back of  wreath and adhere to center of doily.  Use appropriate die to cut out center of wreath through both thicknesses.  Use Stampin' Sponge to adhere Crumb Cake ink to center edges of wreath.  Adhere wreath to card as shown.

8. Use Glue Dots to adhere bow to top of wreath.  Thread Baker's Twine through button and tie in a knot on the front.  Adhere to bow with a drop of Crystal Effects.

9. Use Joy die to cut word from Gold Foil card stock.  Adhere to front of card near bottom of wreath with Tombow Liquid Glue.

10.  Dab small dots of Crystal Effects on each of the berries to make them shiny and set the card aside to dry for about 20 minutes.

Now you're ready to wish your friends a joyful Christmas!

Cath  ;D

Front Range Stampers Swap Cards (November 2014 Meeting)

Howdy, folks!  I haven't had time to post photos of the cards from the November Front Range Stampers meeting, but I noticed that my friend Chris Pereira has posted them.  So this month I'm referring you to her blog to view the photos.

Lots of good cards here.  Hope you enjoy!!!

http://mudmaven.blogspot.com/2014/11/front-range-stampers-swaps-and-make.html

Cathy  ;D

Holiday Extravaganza at Stampin' Up! -- One Week Only!!!

Hi, folks!  Stampin' Up! is offering its annual Holiday Online Extravaganza right now!  Prices are slashed on several items (between 20% an 50% off) now through Monday, December 1.  Don't miss the Doorbuster Specials on December 1.

For a complete list of what's available at these ridiculously low prices, please visit my Stampin' Up! website at http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net.  Click on the link at the bottom of that page for details.

Creative Blog Hop

My post this morning is a little different than usual.  My hugely talented friend Chris Pereira has totally blown me away by asking me to follow her on a Creative Blog Hop!  How fun is that?!

I've known Chris for awhile, both through various stamp camps and through my Front Range Stampers demo group.  She is always bright and happy (especially now that she's retired -- I'm SO JEALOUS) and full of wonderfully creative ideas!!!

Chris always keeps herself busy with Stampin' Up! activities, as well as other handcrafts and charitable projects.  Read more about what Chris is up to on her Creative Blog Hop post from last Monday:  http://mudmaven.blogspot.com/2014/11/creative-blog-hop.html

So . . . for the Creative Blog Hop, I've been asked to answer three questions:

1. What am I working on now?

What am I NOT working on?!  I've got craft sales scheduled for the first week and the first weekend in December, so I'm kicking it into high gear and working on so many things . . . of course, the ever-popular Curvy Keepsake Boxes -- lots of different designs out there and I'm making a bunch of them!!!  Lots of little candy stocking stuffers (the Peppermint Patties and Ghirardelli chocolates are always popular items).  Also, although not necessarily made with Stampin' Up! products (other than the star), I'm totally hooked on making these cute little totally low-ticket item Chocolate Kiss Angels.

I took this photo before it was completely finished . . . she also gets a little silver bow.

Thanksgiving week I'll be on vacation (yes, I have a full-time job), so will be finishing and packaging up lots and lots and lots of wonderful, fun, little Christmasy treasures.  People often tell me they love visiting my table at craft sales because I have so many cute little affordable items.

I'm a charter member of the Front Range Stampers demo group in the North Suburban Denver area.  This group was organized by my friend Jayne Fuller 7 years ago, and I'm hooked on the monthly swaps and make and takes.  Plus I've made so many friends over the years -- so many talented and creative people in this group who are always willing to share their ideas!

Up until this past year I had been offering several monthly classes in my craft room.  Unfortunately, family illnesses forced me to back off a little bit during 2014, but now that everyone is healthy again I'm looking forward to moving back into a regular class schedule in 2015.

During the past year, my friend Jayne Fuller and I have started doing a small stamp camp at the Scrapbook Shack in Louisville, CO.  Unfortunately, we are limited to doing this only 4 times a year -- once each quarter, so we recently started looking for another location where we can do a monthly camp.  I'm happy to say that we've now found a location in the Northeast part of metro Denver -- an area that has previously been kind of overlooked.  So I guess this is the big announcement that Jayne and I and 3 other demonstrators plan to start the Rose Hill Stamp Camp in Commerce City, CO, in January 2015.  We hope to make it as professional and appealing as the stamp camps in the other parts of town.  (P.S.  We also plan to continue the stamp camps in Louisville, so Rose Hill will fill in the gaps for the other 8 months of the year.)

Ok . . . non-Stampin' Up! stuff.  As I mentioned above, I work full-time.  I was a legal secretary and judicial secretary for about 32 years before I came to CenturyLink (then USWest) in January 2000.  I am currently employed as an administrative assistant.  Working with paper isn't nearly as fun as PLAYING with paper, but I do like to eat . . . and it's kind of nice to have a roof over my head to protect all my craft supplies . . . .

I have a beautiful 3-1/2 year old grandson who is the light of my life.  Ok, my husband of almost 36 years isn't too shabby either -- a wonderful, gentle, sweet man . . . except when he's driving me nuts!  I enjoy fly-fishing when time allows.  I love to try new recipes, so on Sundays we often dine on my   "experiments."  Sometimes the leftovers go into the freezer; sometimes they end up in the Monday morning trash pickup.  I dabble in all handcrafts -- sewing, needlework, polymer clay, and jewelry-making to name just a few.  Crochet is my first love and I try to crochet at least a little bit every day.  Since paper crafting has entered my life and more or less taken it over, I no longer have as much time as I would like for all these other fun things.

I'm counting the days (just under 950 as of today) until retirement.  I have lots of plans for spending the rest of my life doing all these wonderful things that I love so much!!!

2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?

As Chris mentioned in her entry, my work may not currently be that different from other demos; however, because I didn't have much contact with my upline during the first few years of my demonstratorship and really had no contact with other demonstrators, I didn't make the same designs as everyone else  and instead designed most of my own class projects.  (I'm proud to say I was "published" . . . one of my creations found its way to the Stampin' Up! site back in the days when they featured only 5 or 6 designs each day -- before Stampin' Connection came into being.)  I have to admit that this has changed somewhat over the years since I joined Front Range Stampers.  I'm not above CASEing other people's designs -- especially when I'm in kind of a time crunch to get class or stamp camp kits made.

3. How do I create what I do?

I am inspired by everything . . . catalogs, photos, things I see here and there that have nothing to do with paper crafts or card making.  I like the challenge of expressing these ideas with paper.  I also like trying new and non-traditional color combinations, as well as all kind of new techniques -- just because I can!!!

Ok . . . I've rambled on long enough!  Now it's time to introduce you to my inductee into this wonderful creative hall of fame:

Wanda Williams is a very talented artist and Stampin' Up! demonstrator who I've known for a number of years.  I first met Wanda when she was working in a law firm in my building.  I was totally inspired by her creativity when I saw her display in a craft sale sponsored by her company.  And she was so friendly and outgoing and willing to share her ideas and techniques!!!!

Wanda later moved to South Carolina for a number of years, moving back to Denver only a few months ago.  Through it all, she's been able to maintain her Stampin' Up! business (sometimes by borrowing stamps and supplies from friends since hers are still packed away in a pod . . .).   I'm honored to call Wanda my friend and Stampin' Up! colleague.

Please plan to visit Wanda's blog next Monday, November 24, 2014, to find out what she's been up to:  http://stampingwithwanda.blogspot.com.

Thanks for visiting my blog and "listening" to me ramble on . . . .

Cathy  ;D

A quick jump back to Thanksgiving . . . (Tootsie Roll Treat Bag)

Almost forgot about the little giveaway I had at my November classes.  This was so much fun to make -- and my sweet grandson helped me!!!



Click on image for closer look.

This cute little gobbler was a snap to make . . . and all it takes is a few scraps of cardstock, some punches, and adhesive!  Thanks to Andi Potter for the idea!  You can view the original at http://www.absolutekreations.com/2012/11/22/punch-art-turkey-candy-treats/

Materials:

Scraps of the following cardstock:
* Basic Black
* Cajun Craze
* Chocolate Chip
* Crushed Curry
* Real Red
* Whisper White

Accessories and Tools:
* Owl Builder Punch
* Cupcake Builder Punch (optional)
* 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch
* 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
* White Stampin' Chalk Marker OR uni-ball Signo Gel Pen
* Adhesives: Tombow Liquid Glue; Sticky Strip
* 1" x 8" Cellophane Bag

Instructions:

1. Punch 2-3/8" Scallop Circle from Crushed Curry card stock.

2. Punch 1-3/4" Scallop Circle from Cajun Craze card stock.  Adhere in center of Crushed Curry Scalloped Circle.  Cut between scallops from outer edge of Crushed Curry Circle to edge of Cajun Craze Circle; move over three scallops and make the same cut.  Cut straight across to remove the three scallops (this is the bottomof the turkey feathers).

3. Punch 1 owl body from Chocolate Chip card stock.  Trim off "ears."

4. Punch two sets of feet from Real Red card stock.  Glue two of the feet over the feet on the Chocolate Chip shape.  Set another aside to use as the turkey's wattle.

5. Punch one heart from Crushed Curry cardstock.  This will be used as the turkey's beak.

6. Punch two of the medium-size circles from the Owl Builder Punch out of Whisper White card stock for the eyes.

7. Punch two of the circles from the Cupcake Builder Punch out of Basic Black card stock . . . OR . . . punch the two smallest circles from the Owl Builder Punch.  (I liked the size of the circles on the Cupcake Builder punch better -- they're a little larger than the ones on the Owl Builder Punch . . . but either will work.)

8.  Glue all the pieces parts for the face as shown in the photo . . . use the White Stampin' Chalk Marker or the uni-ball Signo Gel Pen to put little highlights in the turkey's eyes.

9.  Put Tootsie Roll Minis (or other candy) in 1" x 8" Cellophane Bag and close it.  Adhere turkey to top of bag with Sticky Strip.

Fun little treat for the little ones (or even the bigs ones) in your life!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Cath  ;D

8.

Time Out for a Paper Pumpkin Plug . . . .

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Merry! (October Stamp Camp Card)

This is one of the two cards I designed for the October 25 Stampin' at the Shack event.  What fun!!!!

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Seasonally Scattered (2014 Holiday Catalog)

Paper:
* Lost Lagoon card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 4-3/4" x 2-3/4")
* Pear Pizazz card stock (5-1/4" x 4")
* Whisper White card stock (5" x 3-3/4"; 4-1/2" x 2-1/2")
* All Is Calm Specialty Designer Series Paper ("DSP"; 4-3/4" x 3-1/2"; 2014 Holiday Catalog)

Ink:
* Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad
* Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Stampin' Sponges
* Frosted Sequins (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* 1/8" Silver Ribbon
* Crystal Effects
* Adhesives:  SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals

Other:
* 3" x 3" Post-It-Note

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

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

2. Adhere Pear Pizzazz card stcok to card front; adhere 5" x 3-3/4" Whisper White card stock over Pear Pizzazz; adhere DSP over Whisper White card stock.

3. Use Lost Lagoon ink to stamp "merry" image on 4-1/2" x 2-1/2" Whisper White card stock.  Stamp image again so the word "merry" appears at top edge of Post-It-Note (the part with the sticky stuff on the back).  Cut out each of the letter images from the Post-It-Note and place them over the corresponding letters in the stamped image.   Use a Stamppin' Sponge to lightly apply Pear Pizzazz ink over image.  Remove the Post-It-Notes, and adhere Whisper White card stock to Lost Lagoon 4-3/4" x 2-3/4" card stock.

4.  Wrap ribbon around the card stock a couple of times, criss-crossing the ribbon in the front, and adhere ribbon to back of card.  Use a separate small piece of ribbon to tie a knot around the ribbon where it criss-crosses in the front.  Adhere to front of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

5. Use a tiny dot of Crystal Effects to apply sequins (stars and silver circles) randomly over stamped image.  (Helpful Hint:  Dab the tiny dot of Crystal Effects onto the stamped image where you want to place the sequin, and then drop the sequin onto the glue.)

6. Use the small tip of the nozzle on the Crystal Effects to "paint" a thin layer over the letters.  Set aside to dry.

That's it!  Pretty easy, right?!  And fun and festive!!!

Cath  ;D

Christmas Wishes (October FRS Swap Card)

Ok . . . now I'm kind of going back to the order in which these cards were made . . . because the next several cards will be Christmas cards!!!

This is the swap card I made for my October 20 Front Range Stampers meeting.



Click on image for a closer look.

This card was inspired by Connie Babbert.  To see her original card, visit Connie's site at http://inkspiredtreasures.com/cards/day-4-preview-ornamental-pine/.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Ornamental Pine (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Gorgeous Grunge

Paper:
* Bermuda Bay card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Island Indigo card stock (5" x 3-3/4"; 3-1/2" x 3/4")
* Whisper White card stock (4-3/4" x 3-1/2"; scrap for die)
* Soft Suede card stock (scrap for pine cone)

Ink:
* Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad
* Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad
* Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad
* Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
* Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad
* Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad
* Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
* White Stampin' Chalk Marker

Accessories and Tools:
* Stampin' Sponges
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Gift Card Envelope and Trims Thinlits Die
* Adhesives:  SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals

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

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

2. Adhere 5" x 3-3/4" Island Indigo card stock to front of card.

3. On Whisper White 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" cardstock, sponge Soft Sky ink in upper right corner of page, covering a little more than 1/4 of the card stock.  Next, sponge Bermuda Bay ink over the Soft Sky ink, leaving some of the Soft Sky ink showing to soften the edges.  Finally, sponge Island Indigo ink over the Bermuda Bay ink, leaving some of the Bermuda Bay and Soft Sky ink showing and concentrating most of the darker color in the far upper-right corner of the card stock.

4. Use Mossy Meadow ink and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker to stamp pine sprig in upper right corner over sponged colors.  (Ink up pine needle portion of image with Mossy Meadow and then color in the stem with the brush end of the marker.)

5. Use Whisper White Craft Ink to stamp Gorgeous Grunge "light spatter" image over pine sprig to create the illusion of falling snow.

6. Use Chocolate Chip ink to stamp pine cone image on Soft Suede card stock.  Add white highlights to pine cone with White Stampin' Chalk Marker.  Cut out image with scissors, and adhere over the pine sprig with Stampin' Dimensionals.

7. Stamp "Christmas Wishes" on Whisper White card stock; use Big Shot and banner thinlits die to cut out image.  Adhere to Island Indigo 3-1/2" x 3/4" card stock, and attach to front of card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Don't forget the inside of your card!

Click on image for closer look.

8. Use Island Indigo ink to stamp sentiment.  Use Mossy Meadow, stamped off once, to stamp pine needles.  (Stamp off:  Ink up stamp; stamp image on scrap paper and then, without reinking, stamp the image again on your card stock.  This creates a lighter, kind of background, image.)

Hope you enjoy making this card as much as I did!

Cathy  ;D

Grateful for You! (November class card)

Howdy, folks!  Will be posting lots of instructions this week . . . actually kind of out of order of when they were created, but in order of upcoming holidays.  So the first one is a Thanksgiving card we made in my classes this past Saturday.

This card was inspired by Diane Sisneros.  You can see her original design at www.stampwithbee.com.

Click on image for closer look

Fall is in the air!  Actually, WINTER is in the air this week in Denver!  When I came to work this morning it was about 10 degrees outside . . . with a forecast high of around 20.  And tomorrow is supposed to be even colder!!!!  But this card is kind of warm and inviting, don't you think?

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Merry Everything (2014 Holiday Catalog)***
* Fall Fest (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Hardwood (background stamp)
* Mingle All the Way (2014 Holiday Catalog -- used on inside of card)

Paper:
* Early Espresso card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Baked Brown Sugar card stock (5-1/2" x 3-1/2")
* Always Artichoke card stock (5-1/2" x 2")
* Very Vanilla card stock (5-1/4" x 4" -- inside)
Scraps of the following card stock for punches and die cuts:
* Always Artichoke
* Cajun Craze
* Hello Honey
* Naturals Ivory
* Pumpkin Pie
* Tangelo Twist

Ink:
* Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
* Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
* Tangelo Twist Classic Stampin' Pad
* VersaMark Ink Pad
* Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Fun Fall Framelits Dies (2014 Holiday Catalog)
* Note Tag Punch (2014 Holiday Catalog)***
* 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon (5-1/2")
* Linen Thread
* Heat Tool
* Early Espresso Embossing Powder
* Stampin' Sponges
* Adhesives:  Glue Dots; SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals (optional: Tombow Liquid Glue)

NOTE:  All 2014 Holiday Catalog items are available through January 5, 2015

*** The Note Tag Punch and Merry Everything Stamp Set are available as a bundle -- buy them both and save 15% off the catalog price!!!

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

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

2. Use Early Espresso ink to stamp Hardwood image on 5-1/2" x 3-1/2" Baked Brown Sugar card stock.

3. Use Pumpkin Pie ink and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker to stamp small pumpkin image on Pumpkin Pie card stock; use Tangelo Twist ink and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker to stamp large pumpkin image on Tangelo Twist card stock.  (Note:  After you ink up the stamp with the Stampin' Pad, use a small piece of tissue to wipe off the stem; color the stem with the brush end of the Stampin' Write Marker, and stamp!)  Use the Big Shot and dies to cut out the pumpkins.

4. Use the oak leaf die to cut leaves from Hello Honey, Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke.  (Be sure to make extras for the inside -- see below.)

5. Stamp Grateful for You on Naturals Ivory card stock; sprinkle with Early Espresso embossing powder, tap off excess, and heat with heat tool.

6.  Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Early Espresso ink around the edges of all card stock, including the punch and die cuts.

Now you have all of your pieces parts ready, and you can begin assembly:

7.  Center and adhere the Baked Brown Sugar card stock to front of card; center and adhere Always Artichoke over Baked Brown Sugar; center and adhere ribbon over Always Artichoke card stock.

8.  Using either SNAIL Adhesive or Tombow Liquid Glue, adhere large pumpkin, Hello Honey and Cajun Craze leaves as shown.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere small pumpkin and Always Artichoke leaf as shown.  Adhere Note Tag with SNAIL or Tombow, or Stampin' Dimensionals (or a combination).  In my sample, I put a Stampin' Dimensional behind the top part of the tag and used Tombow glue on the bottom part so it kind of pops out at the top.

9.  Make a small bow from a double strand of Linen Thread and adhere to the top of the Note Tag with a Glue Dot.

10.  Inside:  Use Early Espresso ink to stamp the Thanksgiving sentiment from Mingle All the Way on 5-1/4" x 4" Very Vanilla card stock.  Use SNAIL or Tombow to adhere a couple more of the oak leaves -- just for fun!



Click on image for closer look.

Hope you enjoy this card . . . and your Thanksgiving!!!!

Cath  ;D

Happy Halloween! Happy Fall! (Cards from my October 11 classes)

This card was one of those we made at my October 11 classes.  Had hoped to get it posted before now for those who wanted to make more for Halloween, but well . . . here it is now!

Click on image for closer look.

This card was created by Pam Strobel.  She gives pretty good instructions for constructing the pumpkin, so rather than giving you directions here, I'm directing you to her blog.  Please visit http://www.stampandstretch.com/2014/09/trendy-white-pumpkin-for-not-too-spooky.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+StampAndStretch+(Stamp+and+Stretch) to see this and other creations by Pam.

Click on image for closer look.

This second card was also inspired by a card I spotted online.  (Lots of great inspirations out there for the days when I just can't come up with original designs . . . .)  The original card design was by Darla Watson.  You can see her original card, as well as details, on her blog at http://scraphappenshere-darla.blogspot.com/2014/09/hello-fall-and-masking-technique.html.  A beautiful card, and this technique holds lots of possibilities!

Click on image for closer look

The final project from my October 11 classes is this little gift box -- one of  several designs I've spotted online using the Stampin' Up! Curvy Keepsake Box featured in the 2014 Holiday Mini Catalog.  If you have a Pinterest account, you should search for Curvy Keepsake Box.  You'll find tons of really cute things made with this die.  I'll be sharing more of them with you over the next few months, but for now I have just one more cute little guy to share with you using this same die.  (I made one for my sister and liked him so well I had to make one for myself too!)

More Christmas Cards! (10/25/2014 Stampin' at the Shack)

We had a great time at the October Stampin' at the Shack event . . . there were 4 demonstrators, with 2 cards each for a total of 8 cards . . . plus a sweet little treat box as a bonus make and take; and a cute little ornament for the registration gift.  Hope you like these fun designs!  (Click on any of the images for a closer look.)

Jayne Fuller Designs:

Cathe Valdez Designs:

Suzanne Mousel Designs:

Cathy Hansen, Designs:

Registration Gift:

Bonus Make and Take:

Christmas Cards Galore (Front Range Stampers swap 10/2014)

This month's theme for my Front Range Stampers (Stampin' Up! Demo Group) swap was Christmas.  What wonderful creations were shared!  Hope these great cards inspire you to create something new and original of your own!  Click on any image for a closer look.

First for the make and takes:  Cathe Valdez and Juli Whitfield brought some great gift card holders for us to make:

Juli's couldn't be easier -- it will hold a check or cash or even a gift card, and fits into a #9  business envelope (8-3/4" x 3-7/8").  If all you have are standard #10 envelopes, those work too!

 Julie's Make and Take (closed)

Juli's Make and Take (open)

Quick instructions:  Score and fold an 8-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of card stock at 2" and 5-1/2".  Fold away from the score lines to create card with pocket;  adhere Sticky Strip or other strong adhesive at each end on inside of pocket to hold it closed.  To make the belly band that holds the gift card closed, cut a strip of coordinating card stock 8-1/2" long x 1-1/4" wide; fold around gift card and adhere one end over the other, making sure it's not so tight that you can't pull the card out, but not so loose that the card falls out.  Embellish as you like!  (Hint:  If you adhere the ends on the front side of the card, you can hide the seam with your embellishment.)

Cathe's design is so cute . . . as you open the card, the gift card pulls up from a pocket on the inside.  The instructions are a bit too complicated to insert here, so watch for a separate post with that info.

Cathe's Make and Take (closed) 

Cathe's Make and Take (open)

Following are the swap cards.  (Watch for instructions for my card to be posted later.)

Cathy Hansen Swap Card

Joline Sanchez Swap Card

Cathe Valdez Swap Card

Wanda Williams Swap Card

Juli Whitfield Swap Card

Shirley Middaugh Swap Card

Jayne Fuller Swap Card

Sheryl Luttringer Swap Card

Carolyn Mahoney Swap Card

Ann Lohmeyer Swap Card



Julie Blanchet Swap Card

Barb Anderson Swap Card

Linda Anderson Swap Card

Debby Blair Swap Card