Star Ornament (December Class Project)

This was a kind of challenging project -- partly because I gave my class attendees the wrong measurement for the cut that needs to be made -- so that required us to use tape and fix things before we could finish our projects.  They still turned out ok, I think (see photo of my star below), but this taught me an important lesson -- ALWAYS double-check directions before getting started!!!

Another important tip . . . be sure to read through ALL of the directions before beginning the project.  I've sometimes forgotten an important step by just starting out to make my project before reading everything, and have ended up having to backtrack to pick up a missed step.

Click on image for closer look.

NOTE:  Rather than trying to explain how to make the basic star, I'm going to refer you to a You Tube video for detailed instructions.  So much easier for you to understand than my trying to explain it in words . . . .  (See link below.)

Materials:

Paper:
* Timeless Elegance Designer Series Paper ("DSP") (2 pieces, each 6" x 6")
* Gold Glimmer Paper (about 12" x 4", maybe a little more)
* Shimmery White card stock (about 4-1/4" x 4-1/4")

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Leaflets Framelits Dies
* Darling Doily Thinlits Die (NOTE: This item is no longer available in the Stampin' Up! catalog, but as of today -- 12/14/2015 -- it is available online at a price of $14.99 -- visit my site at http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net, and click on the SHOP NOW link.  You'll find the die under the Year-End Sale link.)
* Gold Cording Trim**
* Gold Metallic Thread
* Adhesives: Tombow Liquid Glue for paper-to-paper gluing; Tear and Tape Adhesive.

** 2015 Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog (available through January 4, 2016)


Instructions:

First thing you need to do is view the You Tube video tutorial and make the basic 4-point star.  You will need two stars -- each uses one 6" x 6" piece of paper.  You can view the tutorial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wgdn3piXpU.  The basic star ornament will look something like this:

(NOTE:  If you want to add the fru-fru stuff as shown above, DO NOT join the two stars quite yet.) 

(IMPORTANT NOTE:  Before gluing all of the points together, if you want to have a hanging cord, cut a length of the Gold Cording Trim, hold the two ends together, and tie a BIG knot near the end.  Snip just a teeny-tiny tip off the end of one point on one of the two stars, and stash the cord inside the point before gluing down the flap -- loop on outside, BIG knot on inside.)

To add all of the "fluff" . . . follow these steps.

1. Use the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and the Leaflets Die to cut 8 of the long, multi-pointed leaves from the Glimmer Paper.  Also cut one Darling Doily from Shimmery White card stock.

2. Adhere the leaves to the doily with a strong adhesive (I used Tombow Liquid Glue) as shown in this photo.  There are four leaves glued to each side of the doily, so what you're seeing on the opposite side of the doily is the back side of the Glimmer Paper.  Set this piece aside until Step 4 below.

Click on image for closer look.

3.  Hold the Gold Cording Trim and the Gold Metallic Thread together and wrap them around your fingers about 3 times to make a loop.  Pinch one end of the loop together and wrap Tear and Tape around the pinched end a few times -- as you're wrapping the tape, pull it away from the backing, so just the tape itself is wrapped around the loop -- not the backing.  Adhere the taped edge to the inside of the star as shown below.  You will need a total of 8 of these loops to go inside the four corners of each of the two stars.



Click on image for closer look.

4.  Now you need to go back and pick up the doily piece made in Step 2 above.  With the front side of the star facing down, make sure the glue end of the loops stay inside the star and kind of push the loopy parts down and toward the front of the star to get them out of your way.  Then use Tombow Liquid Glue or other strong adhesive to adhere the doily piece to the back side of the star.  (NOTE:  The glittery side of the leaves facing down should fall between the star points -- see top photo -- and the glittery side facing up will line up with the star points.  So, in other words, the wrong side of the glimmer paper leaves will be glued to the back side of the star points.)

5.  Let the glue dry and set up for a few minutes before repeating Step 4 to adhere the second star to the other side of the doily.  You'll want to kind of hold everything together for a few minutes to allow time for the glue to set up and take hold.  And then just let everything rest on the table for a while to allow the glue to dry completely before hanging your star.  (How do I know this?!  Because I was anxious to view my masterpiece and didn't allow the glue to dry completely on one of my stars.  As a result the glue didn't make good contact, so as I was sitting there admiring my work . . . BOOM!!!! . . . one side of my star just fell right off!)

I sure hope you enjoy this project.  Or even just the simple stars without all the added fluff!!!

Happy Holidays!

Cath  ;D

Poinsettia Gift Tab (December Class Project)

This easy 3D gift tag will add the perfect finishing touch to your holiday packages!

NOTE:  Rather than explaining in detail how to assemble the poinsettia, I've listed the items you'll need, and then referred you to a You Tube video (see link below) to see how to assemble it.  (One picture -- or video -- says a thousand words!)




Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Reason for the Season**
* Happy Scenes (noel)**

Paper:
* Crumb Cake card stock (4-1/4" x 2"; about 3" x 3/4")
* Cherry Cobbler card stock (about 1/2 sheet)
* Always Artichoke card stock (about 4" x 2")
* Delightful Dijon card stock (about 2" x 3/4")

Ink:
* Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
* Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad
* Black Memento Ink Stamp Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Festive Flower Builder Punch**
* Scalloped Tag Topper Punch
* Project Life Corner Punch
* Stampin' Sponge
* Baked Brown Sugar Thick Baker's Twine (NOTE:  Not available in current catalog, but as of today - 12/14/2015 -- available online; check out the Year-End Sale at http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net - click on SHOP NOW link at top of page)
* Rhinestone Basic Jewels
* Adhesives: Tombow Liquid Glue

Miscellaneous:
* Mustard-colored Sharpie Pen

** 2015 Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog (expires January 4, 2016)


Instructions:

Tag:

1.  Use Scalloped Tag Topper punch to make tag from 4-1/4" x 2" Crumb Cake card stock; use Corner punch to trim bottom corners of tag.

2.  Use Memento Ink to stamp "NOEL" on scrap of Crumb Cake card stock; position word near right side of opening, and punch out with Washi Label punch. 

3.  Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Always Artichoke ink around edges of label and label.

Poinsettia:

4.  To assemble Poinsettia, you will need the following pieces:
* From Cherry Cobbler card stock, punch 8 of the large petals
* From Cherry Cobbler card stock, punch 4 of the smaller petals
* From Cherry Cobbler card stock, punch 2 of the two-petal pieces
* From Always Artichoke card stock, punch 3 of the large petals
* From Delightful Dijon card stock, punch 3 of the "x"es

The following link has a very good video tutorial on how to assemble the flower:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTRP5cvrgrg

Once you've assembled the poinsettia, adhere it to the tag with one Stampin' Dimensional right in the middle of the back.  Then tuck the label under the flower and adhere to the tag with a bit of Tombow Liquid Glue.

Oh . . . one last thing:  I used the Sharpie Pen to color a small Rhinestone, and then placed it right in the center of the poinsettia.  Adds just the right bit of flash to the flower.

The Thick Baker's Twine is to attach your tag to a gift for your favorite person!

Enjoy!

Cath  ;D

Joy Greeting Card (December Class Project)

This was the last of my 2015 Christmas cards . . . using lots of different products from the 2015 Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog.  (Note:  Many of these items will retire January 4, 2016.  Check out my Stampin' Up! website at http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net and click on the SHOP NOW link at the top of the page to check out the year-end sale, including some of these items!)



Inspired by www.regalstamping.com

Materials:

Paper:
* Mossy Meadow card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 3-1/2" x 1/2")
* Very Vanilla card stock (5-1/4" x 4")
* Cherry Cobbler card stock (about 3" x 2-1/4")
* Season of Cheer Designer Series Paper ("DSP") (poinsettia design - 4" x 2")**
* Home for Christmas DSP (music design - 3-1/2" x 2-1/2")**

Ink:
* Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Bows and Berries Textured Impressions Embossing Folder**
* Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies (Joy)
* Gold 3/8" Glitter Ribbon (4")**
* Reindeer Paper Clips**
* Linen Thread
* Gold Metallic Thread
* Stampin' Sponge
* Paper Snips
* Bone Folder
* Adhesives:  SNAIL Adhesive; Tear and Tape Adhesive; Mini Glue Dot; Fine Tip Glue Pen or Tombow Liquid Glue

** 2015 Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog


Instructions:

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.

2. Use Big Shot and Embossing Folder to add embossing to Very Vanilla card stock.

3. Use Paper Snips to cut "V" shape at each end of 3-1/2" x 1/2" Mossy Meadow card stock.

4. Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Soft Suede ink around all edges of card front, Very Vanilla embossed card stock, both pieces of DSP, and 3-1/2" x 1/2" Mossy Meadow card stock.

5. Use SNAIL Adhesive to adhere Very Vanilla embossed card stock to front of card and to adhere poinsettia DSP over Very Vanilla at bottom.

6. Use Tear and Tape to adhere ribbon across top edge of DSP.

7. Use Bone Folder to slightly curl up bottom edges of music DSP and to edges of 3-1/2" x 1/2" Mossy Meadow card stock.  Use small amount of SNAIL Adhesive to adhere Mossy Meadow strip across top of music DSP; add Reindeer Paper Clip.  Use SNAIL Adhesive to adhere music DSP to front of card at an angle as shown.

8.  Holding linen thread and metallic thread together, make a small bow.  Adhere to paper clip with a Mini Glue Dot.

9.  Use Big Shot and Framelits Die to cut "Joy" from Cherry Cobbler paper stock.  Apply over music DSP with Fine Tip Glue Pen or tiny dots of Tombow Liquid Glue.

Now you're ready to add a holiday greeting on the inside and share with one of your favorite people!!!

Cath  ;D

December Class Projects

Saturday, December 12, is my last class date for the year!  Here are photos of the fun holiday things we'll be making.

Inspired by www.regalstamping.com

3D Poinsettia Tag

3D Star Ornament

Hope you can join me!  RSVPs are requested by Wednesday, December 9.

Cathy

Bull's Eye Holiday Card (November 2015 Class Project)

This card was a little challenging -- not assembling it, but cutting the layers.  I've included a link to the site where I saw this card.  You will find a very detailed tutorial at that site.  I'm totally not into measuring and marking and erasing pencil marks, so I tried doing it a little differently.  I will try to explain below how I made mine, and then you can judge for yourself which way works better for you.

Deb Valder's version is a Christmas card, and uses a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set.  Here's the link to Deb's YouTube video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tap56EFcPxc

Click on image for closer look.

This is the basic card . . . when I make more, I will probably try other things like embossing the top layer, sponging color around the edges, etc.  This version also has nothing stamped on the inside of the card to show through the window, but other versions will have leaves, etc., stamped on the inside.  I'm really looking forward to playing with it some more to see what else I can come up with.  Use your imagination and see what you can come up with too!

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Vintage Leaves

Paper:
* Early Espresso card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Sahara Sand card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; 4-3/4" x 3-1/2")
* Into the Woods Designer Series Paper ("DSP") (5-1/4" x 4")
* Whisper White card stock (5-1/4" x 4" for inside)
* Scraps of Hello Honey, Sahara Sand, and Soft Suede for leaves and sentiment

Ink:
* Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Ovals Collection Framelits Dies
* Leaflets Thinlits Dies
* Seasonal Frame Thinlits Dies**
* Linen Thread
* Gold Cording Trim**
* Gold Metallic Thread
* Adhesives: SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tombow Liquid Glue or Fine Tip Glue Pen**

** 2015 Holiday Mini Catalog (available through January 4, 2016)


Instructions:

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

2.  Using Big Shot and third from largest Ovals die cut oval out of center of 5-1/4" x 4" Sahara Sand card stock.

3.  Open out Early Espresso card and center the Sahara Sand card stock from which the oval was cut over the front of the card.  Line up next smaller size Ovals die inside of opening and cut oval from front of card.

4.  Center 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" Sahara Sand card stock over Early Espresso card stock; flip to back side so the cut out Oval is facing up.  Center next smaller size Ovals die inside of opening and cut oval from Sahara Sand card stock.

5.  Center 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" Sahara Sand card stock over DSP; center next smaller Ovals die in opening of Sahara Sand card stock and cut oval out of DSP.

NOTE:  Now that you have all the pieces parts, we're ready to assemble.  But first, there actually is one pencil mark that would be helpful.  Place the DSP over the Whisper White card stock that you will be using for the inside of the card, and make a few light pencil marks to show the placement of the oval cut out.  (This will be helpful when stamping the inside of the card, so you can see what will show through the window.)

6.  Line up 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" Sahara Sand card stock on INSIDE of card so the opening lines up inside opening on front of card; adhere with SNAIL Adhesive.

7.  Line up DSP on INSIDE of card so the opening is centered in opening of card and edges line up neatly on inside of card (this piece will cover the Sahara Sand card stock you just adhered to inside of card); adhere with SNAIL Adhesive.

8.  Line up 5-1/4" x 4" Sahara Sand card stock on front of card and adhere with Stampin' Dimensionals.

9.  For the embellishment on the front, use the Big Shot and the Leaflets Thinlits dies to cut one leaf (the smallest of the three) from Sahara Sand card stock, cut one Maple Leaf from Hello Honey card stock, and cut one Oak (?) Leaf from Soft Suede.  Use Soft Suede to stamp the appropriate leaf on each cutout.  (NOTE:  This is a photopolymer stamp set, so you can easily line it up on the pre-cut leaves; however, if you prefer, you can stamp the leaves first, and then cut them out.)

10.  Apply one line of Tombow Liquid Glue down the center back of the long, thin leaf and adhere it to the front of the card as shown; one thin line of Tombow about halfway down the back will work for the Maple Leaf (if you get too much glue on the back, you can punch a small circle or something to cover the excess glue on the back so it doesn't stick to the inside of the card); one thin line down the center of the smallest leaf will adhere it over the Maple Leaf.

11.  Use Big Shot and Seasonal Frame Thinlits Die to cut "grateful" from Soft Suede card stock.  Use tiny dots of Tombow Liquid Glue or Fine Tip Glue Pen to apply glue to back of "g" and "l" -- adhere across Oval opening as shown.  (NOTE:  The easiest way I've found to cut out this type of die is to put wax paper between the card stock and the die, and then cut it using the new Sizzix Precision Plate in place of the bottom acrylic pad.  If you don't have the new precision plate, another way to cut it is to place one or two new dryer sheets between the card stock and the bottom acrylic plate before cutting -- this will pull the shape right out of the die.)

12.  Holding Linen Thread, Gold Cording Trim, and Gold Metallic Thread together, make a double-loop bow and adhere it to the front of the card with a glue dot.

13.  If desired, stamp leaves on the inside of the card to show through opening on front of card.

I sure hope these instructions made sense to you.  Of course, you're always welcome to contact me if you have questions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cathy  ;D

2016 Coaster Calendar (November 2015 Class Project)

Yup . . . it's definitely time to be making calendars for next year.  I've already got my desk calendar filled with lots of upcoming dates!!!  This sweet little calendar will sit next to your phone or on your desk for quick reference any time.

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Paper:
* English Garden Designer Series Paper ("DSP") (4" x 4" -- two pieces; 1-1/4" x 1-7/8")
* Soft Suede card stock (2-5/8" x 2")
* Old Olive card stock (2-1/2" x 1-7/8")
* Blush Blossom card stock (scrap for flower)
* Hello Honey card stock (scraps for flowers)

Ink:
* Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories:
* Pearl Basic Jewels (1 large; 3 medium)
* Petite Petals Punch
* Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small flower)
* Stampin' Sponge
* Linen Thread
* Adhesives: Tombow Liquid Glue; Glue Dots; Tear & Tape

Other Stuff:
* 4" x 4" coaster**
* Medium Binder Clip (clip size 1-1/4"; capacity 5/8")
* Mini Calendar Pad (size 2-3/8" x 1-5/8")***

Instructions:

1. Use Tear & Tape to adhere two 4" x 4" pieces of DSP to coaster -- one on the front and one on the back.

2. Use scissors to trim DSP around the corners of the coaster.

3. Use Stampin' Sponge (I cut mine into 4 pieces and use the wedges) to apply Soft Suede ink around edges of DSP-covered coaster, as well as the smaller piece of DSP and the two small pieces of card stock.

4. Use Tear & Tape to adhere Old Olive card stock to Soft Suede card stock; adhere mini calendar to Old Olive card stock; adhere three-layer piece to front of calendar.

5. Cut one Petite Petal flower from Blush Blossom card stock; cut three Itty Bitty flowers from Hello Honey card stock.  If desired, sponge Soft Suede ink around edges of flowers.  To attach to calendar, I applied a tiny drop of Tombow Liquid Glue where I wanted each flower, and then dropped the flowers onto the glue.  Add a self-adhesive pearl in the middle of each flower (I used large for the larger flower, and medium for the three smaller flowers).

6.  Apply Tear & Tape to each short edge of small piece of DSP, as well as one piece across the center.  Remove the tape backing and adhere one end up under the rounded edge of the binder clip.  Carefully wrap the DSP tightly around the clip, making sure the center of the DSP adheres to the bottom of the clip.  This is a pretty exact fit, so you may need to use scissors or other pointy tool to tuck the edges of the opposite end of DSP under the coils on the back side of the clip.

7.  Last step, make a small bow from Linen Thread and attach to clip with a Glue Dot.

Hope you enjoy this easy peasy project.  If you give this as a gift, the recipients will think of you every day as they glance at their calendars.

** If you don't have 4" x 4" coasters, a sturdy piece of cardboard will do just as well.
*** Yes, I still have mini calendars for sale -- they come in three different sizes; I used the medium size for this project.  Contact me for info.

Cathy  ;D

Hidden Trees Embossed Card (November Class Project)

This is one of the cards we made in my November classes.  I honestly don't know what this technique is called, but it is WAY COOL!!!!



Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Lovely as a Tree
* Happy Scenes**

Paper:
* Whisper White Thick card stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Soft Sky card stock (5-1/4" x 4"; 2-3/8" x 7/8")
* Basic Gray card stock (5-1/8" x 3-7/8"; 2-1/4" x 3/4")
* Whisper White card stock (5" x 3-3/4"; about 2-1/4" x 3/4" for punch)

Ink:
* Memento Ink
* Basic Gray Archival Stampin' Pad
* Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad
* Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad

 Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Woodlands Embossing Folder**
* Stampin' Sponges
* Washi Label Punch
* Winter Wonderland Embellishments**
* Dazzling Details
* Adhesives:  SNAIL Adhesive; Glue Dots

Instructions:

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

2. Use Stampin' Sponge (I cut mine in fourths and use a separate wedge for each color) to apply Basic Gray ink to outer edges of all pieces of card stock.

3. Adhere Soft Sky card stock to front of card; adhere Basic Gray card stock over Soft Sky card stock.

4. Using Memento Ink, stamp image onto Embossing Folder -- be sure to stamp it on the side on which the trees are sunken; not raised.  The stamped image will show up on the surface of the embossing folder, but not in the sunken areas, and this is what makes it appear as though the embossed trees are in the foreground, and the stamped trees are behind them.  Put your Whisper White card stock in the embossing folder over the stamped image and crank through the Big Shot.  You're gonna love how this looks already!!!!

5. Use a wedge of Stampin' Sponge to apply Soft Sky ink between the embossed trees above the ground line on the stamped image; use a separate piece of Stampin' Sponge to apply Smoky Slate ink between embossed trees on lower portion of the card, below the ground line.  Use the same wedge with the Smoky Slate ink to rub ink up and down the embossed trees to create shadows and depth on the trees.  Adhere Whisper White card stock to front of card over Basic Gray card stock.

6. Adhere small piece of Basic Gray card stock to small piece of Soft Sky.  Use Basic Gray ink to stamp sentiment on scrap of Whisper White card stock; punch out image with Washi Label punch.  Adhere the label over the Basic Gray card stock.  Adhere this piece to front of card in lower right corner.  Adhere Winter Wonderland Embellishment to label with a Glue Dot.

7. Apply Dazzling Details (glitter glue) to tops of branches on embossed trees (it doesn't really show up in this photo, but the glitter really adds a touch of winter to this card).  Set aside to dry.

** These items are featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog (expires January 4, 2016)

That's it.  Way cool card with little effort!

Cathy  ;D

Stampin' Up! ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA -- ONE WEEK ONLY!!!!

Online Extravaganza November 23-30, save up to 50 percent on select products during our week-long Online Extravaganza! To make it even better, there will be flash sales that last 24 hours on November 23 and November 30, the first and last days of Online Extravaganza. But remember: Online Extravaganza savings are only available while supplies last, so get them while you can! Visit my Stampin' Up! site at http://cathyhansen.stampinup.net to place your online orders, or contact me directly at cathy_hansen@q.com.  But hurry!  At these prices, items will be going fast!!!! Cathy  ;D

November 14 Class Projects

Pictured below are the inspirations for my November 14, 2015, class projects.  These are not the actual samples of what we'll be making, but those will be posted next week before the classes.

For details, see my Upcoming Events page.

October 2015 Paper Pumpkin

My friend Carol Donahue and I had a great time today assembling our October Paper Pumpkin kits!  Carol is much more creative than I am -- she made each individual card just a tad bit different than the others.  I, on the other hand, figured out one design for each of the three different cards and made them all alike.

Here's what we came up with (click on images for a closer look):

Carol's cards

Cathy's cards

Do you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin?  If so, you're welcome to bring your kit to my house the last Saturday of every month and join us to assemble your kits.

NOTE:  In 2016, I'm adding a new bi-monthly event to my calendar -- the Rose Hill Stamp Camp -- on the fourth Saturday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, so the Paper Pumpkin Party will be scheduled for the fourth Saturday of the opposite months: February, April, June, August, October, and December.

Cath  ;D

Grateful Card with instructions (10/24/2015 Stamp Camp Card)

This was my card at the Rose Hill Stamp Camp on October 24.  It's kind of based on a design by Mary Deatheridge (http://stampsnlingers.com/2015/09/24/stampin-up-happy-scenes-on-vintage-leaflets/).

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Happy Scenes (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Hardwood Background Stamp

Paper:
* Soft Suede Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 4-3/4" x 3-1/2")
* Tip Top Taupe Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4")
* Sahara Sand Card Stock (4-1/2" x 3-1/4")
* Whisper White Card Stock (about 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" for leaf)
* Dazzling Details Glimmer Paper (about 6" x 2" for leaves)

Ink:
* Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
* Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin' Pad
* Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
* Tangelo Twist Classic Stampin' Pad
* Stampin' Write Markers: Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Tip Top Taupe

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Woodland Textured Embossing Folder (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Leaflets Framelits Dies
* Seasonal Frame Thinlits Dies (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Precision Base Plate (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Stampin' Sponges
* Linen Thread
* Gold Cording (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Gold Metallic Thread
* SNAIL Adhesive; Glue Dots; Tombow Liquid Adhesive or Fine-Tip Glue Pen (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)

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. Use Tip Top Taupe to stamp Hardwood image on 5-1/4" x 4" Tip Top Taupe card stock.

3. Use Big Shot and Woodland Embossing Folder to emboss 4-3/4" x 3-1/2" Sahara Sand card stock.

4. Use Big Shot and Leaflets Die to cut maple leaf from Shimmery White card stock; cut oak leaf and other leaf (don't know what the heck that one is -- maybe elm?) from Glimmer Paper.

5. Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Tip Top Taupe ink to edges of card front, Tip Top Taupe card stock, Soft Suede card stock; Sahara Sand embossed card stock, and tips of leaves (don't worry about trying to get into crevices).  Use Stampin' Sponge to daub Crushed Curry ink to Glimmer Paper leaves; repeat with Tangelo Twist.

6. Adhere Tip Top Taupe card stock to front of card; adhere Soft Suede over Tip Top Taupe; adhere Sahara Sand embossed card stock over Soft Suede.  Use Tombow Liquid Adhesive to adhere two Glimmer Paper leaves as shown.

7. Use Early Espresso to stamp fall scene on maple leaf.  Color in leaves and pumpkins with various shades of markers, and adhere over Glimmer Paper leaves with Stampin' Dimensionals.

8. Hold Linen Thread, Gold Cord, and Gold Metallic Thread together and make a double-loop bow.  Adhere over stem of maple leaf with a Glue Dot.

9.  Using Big Shot and Precision Plate, cut "grateful" from Soft Suede card stock.  Adhere as shown using either Tombow Liquid Glue or Fine-Tip Glue Pen.

That's it!  Hope you enjoy this fall-themed card.

Cath  ;D

It's beginning to look a lot like fall . . . card with instructions. (October Class Project)

This is another card we made in my October classes.  It was SO MUCH FUN to make . . . using a new technique (new to me anyway), plus an old tried and true technique.

Click on photo for closer look.

Materials:

Paper:
* Crumb Cake Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; 4-3/4" x 3-1/2"; about 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" for leaf)
* Mossy Meadow Card Stock (5" x 3-3/4")
* Whisper White Card Stock (4" x 2-3/4")
* Pear Pizzazz Card Stock (about 4" x 2" for long leaf)
* Hello Honey Card Stock (about 2" x 1-1/2" for small leaf)

Ink:
* Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad
* Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad
* Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
* Delightful Dijon Classic Stampin' Pad
* Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Leaflets Framelits Dies
* Woodgrain Embossing Folder
* Stampin' Spritzer filled with water
* Stampin' Sponges
* Linen Thread
* Gold Cording (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Gold Metallic Thread
* SNAIL Adhesive; Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Glue Dot

Miscellaneous Items:
* Bubble Mailer (3 pieces cut to approximately 2" x 1-1/2")

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. Use Big Shot and Embossing Folder to emboss 4-3/4" x 3" Crumb Cake card stock.

3. Use Delightful Dijon ink pad to heavily distress* edges of card front, Mossy Meadow card stock; embossed Crumb Cake card stock and Whisper White card stock.  (* Drag edges of card stock across top of stampin' pad to create thick, uneven edges of color.)

4. Adhere Mossy Meadow card stock to card front; adhere embossed Crumb Cake card stock over Mossy Meadow card stock.

5. Starting with Hello Honey ink, touch packing bubbles to ink pad, then daub randomly several times on Whisper White card stock (don't reink, just daub until the ink is light).  Repeat with Tangering Tango ink, and then Mossy Meadow ink.  Adhere as shown to front of card over embossed Crumb Cake card stock.

6. Use Stampin' Sponge to lightly daub Tip Top Taupe randomly across front of card.

7. Cut maple leaf from Crumb Cake card stock; cut oak leaf from Pear Pizzazz card stock; cut aspen leaf from Hello Honey card stock.  Toss all leaves into a bowl and spritz with water until they're soaked through.  One by one, scrunch leaves up into tiny little balls, and then very carefully straighten them back out.  Place them on a paper towel to dry, or if you're impatient like me, use your heat tool to dry the leaves.  When they're dry, use a Stampin' Sponge and Tip Top Taupe ink to lightly daub ink across the leaves.  Adhere leaves  to front of card with Tombow Liquid Adhesive.

8. Wrap a length of metallic thread around fingers about 3 or four times and then tie one end of loop in a knot to create the wisp of gold peaking out from under the bow.  Adhere to card with a glue dot behind the knot.

9. Hold Gold Cord and Linen Thread together and make a double-loop bow.  Adhere over wisp of Gold Thread with a glue dot behind knot.

Happy Fall!

Cath  ;D

Double Gatefold Card with Instructions (October Class Project)

This is the second card we made in my October 10 classes.  It's way easier than it looks!!!

Instructions appear below, as well as a link to an online video tutorial showing you how to make this card.  Enjoy!

Closed (click on image for closer look)

Open (click on image for closer look)

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Peaceful Wreath - Bow (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Joyful Season - Cardinal, Branch, and Sentiment (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)

Paper:
* Very Vanilla Card Stock (3-3/4" x 3-3/4" for inside; about 3" x 2-1/2" for label; about 2-1/2" x 1-3/4" for cardinal; about 1-1/2" x 1-1/4" for bow)
* Mossy Meadow Card Stock (about 3-1/2" x 3-1/4" for label; 11" x 3/4" for belly band)
* Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper ("DSP") (12" x 5-1/2"; 12" x 1/2" for belly band)

Ink:
* Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
* Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
* Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
* Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin' Pad
* Real Red Stampin' Write Marker
* Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Deco Labels Collection Framelits Dies
* Wonderful Wreath Framelits Dies
* Stampin' Sponges
* SNAIL Adhesive and Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions:

Card:

1. Score DSP at 2", 4", 8", and 10".  Use a pencil to mark 2-3/4" on each short edge.  Use a pencil to draw a diagonal line from 2-3/4" mark to top of 4" score line, and from top of 8" score line to 2-3/4" mark on opposite side.  Use paper cutter or scissors to cut along line.  DO NOT DISCARD TRIANGULE CUT FROM DSP.

2. Fold DSP toward front on 4" and 8" lines; fold back the opposite direction on 2" and 10" lines.  Unfold and adhere triangles cut from DSP at bottom of flaps, with point at outside bottom edge and flat edge against 4" and 8" score lines.  Refold flaps.

3. Use Stampin' Sponges to apply Tip Top Taupe Ink along all outside edges of card, and to edges of 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" Very Vanilla card stock.

4. Stamp "MAY YOUR SEASON BE" with Memento ink on 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" card stock; stamp "Joyful" with Real Red ink as shown.  Adhere card stock to inside of card.

5. Stamp two bows on center section of inside of card as shown; color with Real Red marker.   Stamp third bow on scrap of Very Vanilla card stock; color with Real Red Marker, and then cut out with Wonderful Wreath Framelits die.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere to inside of card between other two bows.

Belly Band:

6. Cut second to smallest Deco Label Die from Very Vanilla card stock; use next larger size to cut label from Mossy Meadow card stock.

7. Use Memento ink to stamp branch near bottom of Very Vanilla label; stamp cardinal standing on branch.  Stamp a second cardinal from scrap Very Vanilla card stock.  Use Real Red to stamp body of cardinal on second stamped image; use Crushed Curry to stamp beak.  Use stamp or Real Red marker to color in berries on branch; use Chocolate Chip marker to color in branch.

8. Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Tip Top Taupe ink around edges of both labels and to lightly daub a little Tip Top Taupe ink on front of label.  Adhere Very Vanilla label to Mossy Meadow label.  Cut out second stamped image of cardinal (just the body; not the feet), and use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere over stamped image on label.

9. Use Stampin' Sponge to apply Tip Top Taupe ink along long edges of DSP and card stock strips.  Adhere DSP over Mossy Meadow card stock.  Wrap around closed card and overlap about 3/4" in center front of card.  Adhere label to front of belly band to hide the seam.

View a YouTube video tutorial by Dawn Olchefske at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8_MXY2gRpE.

Cath  ;D

Silent Night Sleigh Ride with Instructions (October Class Project)

This is the Christmas card we made in my October 10 classes and also my shoebox swap the following Saturday, using the Sleigh Ride dies featured in the 2015 Stampin' Up! Holiday mini catalog.  Easy peasy!!!

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Sets:
* Jingle All the Way - Sentiment (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Among the Branches - Snowflakes (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)

Paper:
* Basic Gray Card Stock (8-1/2" x 5-1/2")
* Smokey Slate Card Stock (5-1/4" x 4")
* Shimmery White Card Stock (4" x 3-7/8"; 3" x 3-7/8"; 2" x 3-7/8")

Ink:
* Basic Gray Archival Stampin' Pad (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Smokey Slate Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Sleigh Ride Edgelits Dies
* Dazzling Details (Clear Glitter 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. Adhere Smokey Slate card stock to front of card.

3. Use Edgelits Dies to cut the trees from 4" x 3-7/8" Shimmery White card stock; the houses from 3" x 3-7/8" Shimmery White card stock; and the sleigh from 2" x 3-7/8" Shimmery White card stock.  Adhere pieces to front of card, with largest on the bottom, smallest on the top, and all three pieces even at the bottom.

4. Use Basic Gray ink to stamp sentiment.

5. Use Smokey Slate ink to stamp snowflakes.

6. Apply small dots of Dazzling Details randomly in sky, in centers of snowflakes, and then trace along top edge of each of the edgelits die shapes.  Set aside to dry.

That's it!  Didn't I tell you it was easy?!

Cath  ;D

Front Range Stampers Swaps - Fall Theme

Pictured here are the swaps and make and takes from the September 2015 Front Range Stampers demo meeting.  The theme was fall colors, so there are lots of wonderful autumn leaves in this collection.  I hope you enjoy!

Angela Zaba's make & take

View from the top (opened to see the tea light)

View from the side
 

Ann Lohmeyer Swap Card (open)

Ann Lohmeyer Swap Card

Carmen Silver's CUTER THAN CUTE treat jar. 
Can you believe this is a Martinelli's apple juice jar?

My Swap Card -- recognize this from my September class projects?

Cyndi Roddey's Make & Take closed

Cyndi's Make & Take open

Joyce Coffee Swap Card

Marilyn Zilinski Swap Card

Shannon Bedingfield Swap Card

Sharon Winter Swap Card

Thinking of You (September Class Project)

This month's technique card was by far my favorite -- loved the look of it, and the ease of the technique!  My inspiration was a card posted by Lisa Young (http://addinkandstamp.blogspot.ca/2015/04/sheltering-tree-block-stamping.html?m=1).  Lisa's card is beautiful in blues and greens, but I wanted to use autumn colors, so this is what mine looks like:

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Sheltering Tree

Paper:
* Mossy Meadow card stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
* Crushed Curry card stock: 5" x 3-3/4"
* Cajun Craze card stock: 4-3/4" x 3-1/2"
* Whisper White card stock: 4-1/2" x 3-1/4"

Ink:
* Memento Black Ink or Basic Black Archival Stampin' Pad (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Stamp 'n Write Markers: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Mossy Meadow

Accessories and Tools:
* Size "D" Acrylic Stampin' Block (2-1/2" wide by 2-3/4" tall)
* Stampin' Spritzer filled with water
* Adhesive: SNAIL

Instructions:
(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 score line to create card.

2. Adhere Crushed Curry card stock to front of card; adhere Cajun Craze card stock over Crushed Curry.

3. Use brush end of Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, and Mossy Meadow Stamp 'n Write Markers to paint color onto acrylic block.  (TIP: Started with lightest color first so you don't pick up the darker colors on your marker.  Also make sure you cover the entire surface of the block with color.)  Hold your block at arm's length and spritz with water -- enough to wet the surface; but not so much that the colors run together or wash off the block.  Stamp block directly onto Whisper White card stock.  Allow card stock to dry completely before moving on to the next step (it doesn't take more than a minute or two, but you can use your heat tool to speed things up a bit).

4. Stamp tree image as shown near left side of card stock.; stamp grass as shown.  Stamp thinking of you below block of color.  Adhere to front of card over Crushed Curry card stock.

5. Use pen end of Basic Black Stamp 'n Write Marker to extend tree branches out onto card stock below and to draw a line around the edge of the block of color.

Was this easy or what?!  And so cool!  No two cards are alike with this technique!

Enjoy!

Cathy  ;D

Spooky (September Class Project)

How fun is this card?!  It's very similar to the card featured in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog, with just a few tweaks.  This version was posted on Splitcoaststampers.com by Terri Allen.

Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Set:
* Among the Branches

Paper:
* Basic Black card stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
* Sahara Sand card stock: 5-1/4" x 4"
* Pumpkin Pie card stock: 3-1/2" x 1-3/4"
* Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper ("DSP"): 2" Circle

Ink:
* Basic Black Archival Stampin' Pad (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Basic Gray Archival Stampin' Pad (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Woodland Embossing Folder (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Seasonal Frame Thinlits Dies (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Sponge Dauber
* Spider Web Doilies (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* 2" Circle Punch
* Into the Woods 3/8" Cotton Ribbon: 3-3/4" (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Gold Sequin Trim: 3-1/4"
* Adhesives: SNAIL, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Tear and Tape

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 score line to create card.

2. Use Big Shot and Embossing Folder to add trees to Sahara Sand card stock.  (Note:  This is a 6" x 6" embossing folder.  To make sure the trees are positioned so there's room for the owl to perch on the branch, you will need to position the paper at the open edge of the embossing folder.  Guess why the owl on my first card was standing on the ground?!  Mistakes are great teachers . . . .)

3. Use Sponge Dauber to smudge Basic Gray ink randomly onto the trees.  Use Fine Tip Glue Pen to adhere Spider Web Doily in lower right corner of card stock; trim edges of doily to fit card stock.  Use Basic Black ink to stamp owl on tree branch, and stamp spooky eyes randomly between branches.  Adhere card stock to front of card.

4. Punch 2" Circle from DSP and adhere to center of doily.  Apply Tear and Tape to back of ribbon; remove backing and adhere across bottom of 2" circle as shown.  Apply Tear and Tape to back of sequin trim, "smoosh" to fit on back of trim without extending beyond the edges.  Apply across top edge of ribbon.

5. Use Big Shot and Thinlits Die to cut "spooky" from Pumpkin Pie card stock.  Use Fine Tip Glue Pen to adhere above the sequins as shown.

BOO!!!  Your card is complete . . . and kind of scary!

A couple of quick tips about the Fine Point Glue Pen -- there is a pin inside the lid to keep the glue from clogging.  If you hold your finger close to the tip when you're replacing the cap, it's a little easier to guide the pin back into the opening.  Also, the opening is TINY -- to prevent clogging, you need to replace the cap immediately when you're finished using it.

Cathy  ;D

'Tis the Season (September Class Project)

This was one of the most fun cards I've seen!  I saw on it on Loll Thompson's blog -- Stampin' with Loll (http://www3.telus.net/public/loll/archives/2011/june_2011.htm) -- using different colors and a different sentiment (shop 'til you drop).  But I immediately thought how cute it would be in Christmas colors!

So here's my version of Loll's card:



Click on image for closer look.

Materials:

Stamp Set: 
* Versatile Christmas (2016 Holiday Mini Catalog)

Paper:
* Cherry Cobbler card stock: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"
* Cucumber Crush card stock: 5-1/4" x 4"
* Whisper White card stock: 5-1/8" x 3-7/8"
* Merry Moments Designer Series Paper Stack ("DSP"): 2" x 1-1/2" (3)

Ink:
* Memento Black Ink or Archival Basic Black Stampin' Pad

Accessories and Tools:
* Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
* Softly Falling Embossing Folder (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Simply Scored Scoring Tool
* Silver Cording Trim: 6" (2015 Holiday Mini Catalog)
* Adhesives: SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tear and Tape

Miscellaneous:
* Green tissue paper: 1-1/2" x 1-1/2"

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 score line to create card base.

2. Adhere Cucumber Crush card stock to front of card.

3. Use Big Shot and Embossing Folder to add texture to Whisper White card stock.  Note: This is a 6" x 6" embossing folder . . . to achieve the effect of more snow at the top of the card, and none at the bottom, you will need to position the card stock at the bottom (against the crease) of the embossing folder.  This gives you a flat surface to stamp the sentiment near the bottom of the card stock.

4. Stamp "'TIS THE SEASON..." about 1/2" from bottom of Whisper White card stock between the embossed snowflakes; adhere card stock to front of card over Cucumber Crush card stock.

5. For each of the three 2" x 1-1/2" pieces of DSP, score at 1/8" from both sides and bottom, leaving one 1-1/2" edge unscored (this is the top of the bag).  Trim each of the bottom corners diagonally where the score lines intersect to prevent "bunching" of the paper; fold sides and bottom to back and use Bone Folder to reinforce fold.  Apply a small amount (about 1") of Tear and Tape across the top edge on the back of the DSP (the tape should not cover the folded edges).  Cut the 6" of Silver Cording into three 2" pieces (one for each bag).  Remove backing from Tear and Tape, and adhere edges of cording to Tear and Tape to create bag handle.  Pinch one corner of the 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" tissue and fan the rest of it out a little to create fluff of tissue emerging from top of bag; attach tissue to Tear and Tape over the cording.

6. Apply Tear and Tape to back of bag across the bottom (over the folded edge); apply Stampin' Dimensional to the back of the bag closer to the top of the bag (over the tissue is ok).  Repeat for remaining two bags.  Remove backing from Tear and Tape and Stampin' Dimensionals and position bags evenly across the front of card. 

That's all there is to it!  Now you're ready to shop 'til you drop for Christmas gifts!

Enjoy!

Cathy  ;D 

September Class Projects

Howdy, folks!  It feels like FOREVER since I've done a class . . . and actually, the last one was in June.  (July was my annual anniversary open house, so no classes -- just quick and easy make & takes.)

In any event, my August break is now over and I'm getting back on schedule.  Beginning with my September classes, we will be making at least one Christmas card, one seasonal card, and one technique card (3D items may occasionally be substituted for cards) each month.  Below are photos of my inspiration for the September class cards.  Although what we make will be substantially the same as those pictured, there may be a few changes here and there.  See my Upcoming Stampin' Events for details about September classes.

 

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

Cath  ;D

June 2015 Class Projects

These are the cards we're making in my June classes.  Click on images for a closer look.

 

 

Cath  ;D

May 2015 Class Projects

Fun stuff on Saturday, May 9!  We'll be making a masculine(ish) card, suitable for Fathers Day, birthday, thank you, or pretty much anything else!  Also, we'll be making a sweet little flower pot card made with the Berry Basket Die.  Our final project is a birthday card with tubes on the front that you can slip rolled up dollar bills or birthday candles into.

Click on image for closer look.

Looking forward to a fun time!

Cath  ;D

Demo Shoebox Swap (April 18, 2015)

What fun we had today in our Stampin' Up! demonstrator shoebox swap!  There were 9 of us making each others' cards and sharing stampin' tips and techniques!  Afterwards, most of us went to lunch at one of my favorite local restaurants.  A great day with friends!

These are the cards we made (click on images for a closer look).



Ann



Carmen



Cathe V.



Cathy H. (me)



Ceal



Chris



Laura



Marian



Shirley