Stampin' Sunshine-Bringing Sunshine to Every Day

Final Deals of the Week

What better way to help the little princess or pirate in your life plan their party than by getting the Little Princess or Little Pirate Party Kit?  These fabulous kits, the final Deals of the Week, are filled with everything you'll need to create invitations and other party items.  And at a 35% savings, you can buy more treats for their treasure chests!!

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
116214	174	Princess Party Kit	$15.95	$9.99
116213	175	Pirate Party Kit	$15.95	$9.99

These deals are good through October 31 at 1:50PM (MT) 

Can't get enough of a bargain?  Check out theStampin' Up! Clearance Rack for more great fabulous bargains!! 

Week 3 Deals of the Week

The items featured in this week's Deals of the Week are all fabulous accessories that can be used to add that little extra something to your card or paper craft project.  Get one or get them all, they will be the Deals of the Week until Monday October 26 at 9:50AM (MT).

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
114348	179	Basic Jumbo grommets	$6.95	$4.49
109857	179	Mini Library clips	$12.95	$8.99
112571	179	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$3.99
112581	179	1/2" Library clips	$6.95	$3.99

PPA 12

If it's Thursday, it must be time for the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.  This week's challenge was a sketch challenge, using this sketch from the fabulous Margaret Moody:

I wanted to continue making Christmas cards (see my MojoMonday card), because after all, there are only 71 more days until Christmas!!

• I wanted and old-fashioned looking card, so I started with a 5" x 7" base of Kraft card stock. Over this I spread a thin layer of Champagne Mist All Purpose Ink. This gave it a fun, sparkly look. Even though just a tiny bit of the base would show through, it helped to keep the application uniform, and not streaky.
• Next, I cut out (2) 2 1/4" x 7" strips of printed paper from the Merry Moments Designer Specialty Paper. Before adhering to the base with Snail Adhesive, I spread a thin layer of the Champagne Mist Ink on these as well. I adhered both strips to the card base, aligning one to each of the 2 outer edges, leaving a 1/2" strip of the base showing.
• Using my Circle Scissor Plus (and amazing tool !!) I cut out a 3" circle from the Kraft card stock, and a just slightly (but not much) larger circle of Garden Green card stock. I spread a thin layer of the Champagne Mist Ink on the green circle.
• Using a Stamping Sponge, I applied a thin layer of Champagne Mist Ink to the star stamp from the Delightful Decorations stamp set, and stamped a few background stars onto the Kraft circle (you'll have to re-ink once.)
• Next, be sure that you use your Stamp-a-ma-jig (SAM through the rest of the post) for stamping the images, this will be crucial to line up the "string" for the ornament with the actual ornament. I inked one of the ornaments from the Tree Trimming stamp set, using Real Red Classic Ink. After lining up the image on my SAM, I lined it up to where I wanted it in the circle. I cleaned the stamp, then applied a thin layer of the Champagne Mist Ink to the same stamp, and, lining up the image with my SAM, I stamped the Champagne Mist over the red, making a fun, sparkly ornament. I then used my SAM to stamp the "string" onto the top of the ornament, also using Real Red ink. Here is where I'll confess that it took me many tries of not quite getting it right before I realized that I should stamp the ornament first, it would be easier to line up the "string" afterward. When I was cutting out my Kraft circle, I cut out several more, to use for later project. Or to use in case I had to try 2 or 3 times to get it "just right."
• Using the Paper Piercer and Mat Pack (making things oh so easy), I made a hole to add a Real Red Brad to the ornament. I inked the star stamp with the Champagne Mist Ink, and stamped a few random stars on the front of the card, then added the circles to the card base using the Snail Adhesive.
• To get a pretty, layered look for my sentiment, I cut a 1" x 5" strip of Garden Green and, you guessed it, added a thin layer of Champagne Mist Ink. A 3/4" x 4" strip of Kraft card stock (painted with a thin layer of Champagne Mist Ink) was just the right size to add the Merry Christmas sentiment from the Four the Holidays stamp set, using Real Red Classic Ink and my SAM. After centering and adhering the sentiment, I used the same steps as above and added a brad on either side of the sentiment. A "ribbon" of Champagne MIst-covered Kraft card stock (make a circle and adhere the ends together using Sticky Strip, then press in the middle and secure with a Stampin' Dimensional) adhered to the top of the circle "ornament" with a Stampin' Dimensional adds a nice finishing touch. (I also added a little snip of Real Red card stock to the top of the ornament to accentuate the "string.) I thought it was kind of fun to have the top of the string extended a bit past the top of the card, but you could also cut it even with the card stock.

This was a really fun card for me to do, and I love the finished, old-fashioned look of it.  It is on my Christmas card-making list for sure!!

Do you need to order supplies to make this card?  Click my "Shop Online" button to place your order.  Or, if you e-mail me an order of $250, you can also choose any item in the Holiday Mini Catalog for just $10!! (excluding My Digital Studio.)  Also interested in the My Digital Studio?  E-mail me your order of $400 or more, and you get the one item for $10 PLUS the MDS for 1/2 price!!  Get together with friends, family,co-workers, anyone who might be interested, and you can place a combined order to receive these benefits.  And these are in addition to the free Hostess Stamp Set.  These offers do not apply to online orders, so fax me your order and I'll help you take advantage of these fabulous Hostess Specials.  Happy card making!!

Stamp sets:  Delightful Decorations, Four the Seasons, Tree Trimmings

Paper:  Kraft, Real Red and Garden Green card stocks, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Real Red Classic Ink, All Purpose Ink in Champagne Mist

Tools:  Circle Scissor Plus, Glass Mat, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamping Sponges, Sticky Strip,

Fun:  Real Red Brads

 

Welcome to the Hop!!

Welcome to the Pals Holiday Blog Hop, I'm glad you've stopped by. I hope you're enjoying your tour so far; you're in for many more treats along the way.

I wanted to do something to spotlight the fabulous Falling Leaves stamp set.  Fall is my favorite season, so this was the perfect set for me.

 

 

• I started my fall card with a 5" x 7" base of Chocolate Chip card stock. There's just something about card stock with the word "chocolate" in it!! On top of that I added a 2" x 6 1/2" length of Kraft card stock at the top of the card. On a 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" length of Ruby Red card stock,I used the Curly Label Punch to make a window in the bottom right corner, and added a piece of more mustard to create a background for the window. I then attached this underneath the piece of Kraft cardstock, leaving a 1/2" border around the outside of the card.
• Next I added a "seam" of 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (adhering with Snail Adhesive), to pull the two pieces of card stock together. This is a great trick to use when you want to add a little bit of something extra, and tie two pieces of card stock or Designer Series Paper together.
• I stamped the "Grateful" Sentiment fom the Falling Leaves stamp set in Ruby Red Classic Ink on a piece of Kraft card stock, and used the Modern Label Punch to cut out the sentiment in a snap. Using the Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, I pierced a hole in each end of the sentiment punch, and added a Ruby Red Brad in each hole. Before adhering the sentiment to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals, I used the Paper Snips to snip off the "tails" of the brads once I had secured them.
• I usually use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up my images or sentiments, but since the leaves didn't haven't to be perfectly aligned, I stamped the leaves free hand, using Old Olive, Pumpin PIe, and Perfect Plum (all Classis Ink.) I then used Ruby Red Classic Ink to add a leaf in the "window" on the front. This, too, could be done free hand, since the leaves were intended to look "shuffled."
   

To finish the card, I added a piece of 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" piece of Close to Cocoa card stock to the inside, and used Old Olive Classic Ink to stamp a couple of leaf images.  This helps to add a little something extra to the inside, and also allows for a lighter base to write a message.

This card came together fairly quickly, and I will be making more to give to friends.  I have a lot to be grateful for.

I hope you've enjoyed your hop to my blog, and have come away with another fall inspiration.  Please be sure to continue the hop by using the buttons below.  You will be continue to be inspired.

Stamp Set: Falling Leaves

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Kraft, More Mustard, and Close to Cocoa card stock

Ink:  Ruby Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Perfect Plum Classic Ink

Tools:  Curly Label Punch, Modern Label Punch, Paper Piercer, Mat Pack, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Fun:  5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Ruby Red Brads

Be sure to mark your calendar for November 10 for our Thanksgiving/Fall Holiday Hop.

We’re thrilled to have you visit and excited to hear what you think of our hop.  Feel free to leave as many comments as you’d like along the way.

        

1.  Kris (Kween Bee Kreations) 

2.  Carla (Carla's Scraps)

3.  Linda (Stampin' Seasons)

4.  Melanie (Oops-a-Daisy)

5.  Mary (Stampin' Pretty)

6.  Trish (Soul Stamper)

7.  Jill (Stamping Heart)

8.  Liz (DIY Paper Creations)

9.  Pia & Kat (Stamp Your Life)

10.  Kim (Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative)

11.  Kalshelia (Stampin' Fabulousity)

12.  Regina (The Stampin' Bean)

13.  Margaret (Margaret Moody)

14.  Debbie (Stampin' Sunshine)

15.  Ann (The Stampin' Schach)

16.  Gina (Cards by Gina)

17.  Lourdes (Cozy Crafty Corner)

Mojo Monday 108

 

It's Mojo Monday, and I think I may just have found my creative mojo for this card!!

Today's Mojo Monday challenge was based on this template.  I knew that I wanted to work on some Christmas cards, and this was the perfect design for that. 

• I started with a 5" x 7" base of Real Red card stock. One of my favorite color combinations is red and brown, and the gorgeous paper in the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper was just the thing for this card. I added a 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" piece of beautiful brown paper from the Merry Moments Paper. I layered a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of candy cane striped designer paper over the brown layer.
• Next I layered a 4 1/2" x 2 3/4" piece of Whisper White card stock over a layer of 4 1/2" x 2 3/4" piece of Real Red card stock. Before adding this to the candy cane layer, I added a length of 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon around the brown and candy cane layer.
• Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig, I centered the sentiment from the Christ is Born stamp set, using Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. I then layerd this over the candy cane and ribbon.
• As a final touch, I used the Scallop Circle Punch to add circles of Chocolate Chip and Real Red card stock. This brought everything together and added a nice final touch.

This was a really simple card from a mojo-fabulous design. I will be making many Christmas cards using this design.

Stamp Set:  Christ is Born

Paper:  Real Red card stock, Chocolate Chip card stock, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Tools:  Scallop Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Snail Adhesive

Fun:  5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon
 

Deal of the Week

 
Here's the Deal of the Week for  October 12  @ 10AM (MT)  - October 19 @ 9:50AM (MT)  The Deals of the Week are a great way to add to your SU! supplies, while saving up to 50% !!  If you'd like to order any of these deals, or any items in the current catalogs, please contact me and I will be happy to help you place your order.   

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$25.99
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$5.99
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$25.49

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

• Who said October is too early to be thinking about Christmas? It's the perfect time to be thinking of creating your holiday cards, and I've got one to get us going. Queue the holiday music!!
• I started with a 5 x 7 base of Tempting Turquoise card stock. Not the first color you think of when it comes to Christmas, but I think you'll agree that it all comes together in a beautiful color combination.
• Next, I layered a slightly smaller piece of gold snowflake paper from the Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper. You will want to add this gorgeous paper collection to your holiday card making supply list.
• On Whisper White card stock, I then stamped one of the ornaments from the Delightful Decorations stamp set  3 times, using Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink. I used a bit of sparkly Frost White Ink to make the ornaments sparkle-tacular. Then came the fun part. I used the coordinating Ornament Punch to cut out the ornaments. If you don't have these fabulously coordinated stamp set and punch, you must add it to the holiday card making supply list I mentioned about. This combination creates beautiful cut outs that can decorate your cards, holiday crafts, and can even be used as gift tags.
• I then lined up the top and middle ornament on the front of the card, adhering with Snail Adhesive. I then used the Ornament Punch to punch out shape for the bottom ornament. I used the Paper Snips to trim the third ornament so that it would fit cozily inside the cut out ornament shape. Using Stampin' Dimensionals, I secured the third ornament, using the cut out shape as my guide, to the inside of the card.

• I inked the sentiment Peace on Earth from the Four the Holidays stamp set, using Basic Black Classic Ink. I then inked it with the Frost White Ink and using my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line it up, I inked over the first sentiment, which gave it a nice, layered look, just the right amount of shimmer and sparkle.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog, please e-mail me and I will be happy to send one out to you. 

Did you know that between now and November 30 you can earn any item in the Holiday Mini Catalog for just $10, with your order of $250 or more. (excludes My Digital Studio and Hostess Sets.)  With an order of $400, you can get My Digital Studio for 50% off (this is in addition to your $10 item.)  This does not apply to on-line orders, so e-mail me your order to take advantage of this fabulous offer.

There's still time to take advantage of the Deal of the Week. 

And there's always time to play at the Pals Paper Arts Challenge.

Stamp Set:  Four the Holidays

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise Textured card stock, Whisper White, Holiday Lounge Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Temping Turquoise Classic Ink, Basic Black Classic Ink and Frost White Ink

Tools:  Ornament Punch, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals,    Stamp-a-ma-jig

Hop on in for some holiday inspiration

Beginning Tuesday October 13, the talented group of Stampin' Up! Demonstrator that I am blessed to be associated with will be doing a Holiday Blog Hop. You'll "hop" from one blog to another, picking up fabulous holiday card making and paper crafting ideas and inspirations along the way.  The first hop will focus on Halloween/Fall.

You won't want to miss this, we will be showcasing all that Stampin' Up! has to offer--rubber stamps, designer paper, embellishments, and so much more.  Save the Dates on your calendar for our next Holiday Blog Hops:

Thanksgiving/Fall – November 10, 2009

Christmas/Winter – December 1, 2009

Get ready for our first hop on Tuesday, October 13th.

HOLIDAY HOPPER HOSTS

1.  Kris (Kween Bee Kreations) 

2.  Carla (Carla's Scraps)

3.  Linda (Stampin' Seasons)

4.  Melanie (Oops-a-Daisy)

5.  Mary (Stampin' Pretty)

6.  Trish (Soul Stamper)

7.  Jill (Stamping Heart)

8.  Liz (DIY Paper Creations)

9.  Pia & Kat (Stamp Your Life)

10.  Kim (Stamp, Scrap, Get Kreative)

11.  Kalshelia (Stampin' Fabulousity)

12.  Regina (The Stampin' Bean)

13.  Margaret (Margaret Moody)

14.  Debbie (Stampin' Sunshine)

15.  Ann (The Stampin' Schach)

16.  Gina (Cards by Gina)

17.  Lourdes (Cozy Crafty Corner)

PPA 11-Color Challenge

Todays Pals Paper Arts challenge was a color challenge, so the possibilities were endless.  The colors were Perfect Plum, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie.  Gorgeous colors.

I wanted to make a congratulations card for a friend, so this was a great challenge to see what I could create.

1. I started with a 5x7 card base. I cut out a 5x7 piece of Old Olive Textured card stock. Before adhering this to the base, I used the Paper Piercing Tool and the Mat Pack to create 3 holes for my Flower Designer Brads in Pumpkin Pie. Using the Paper Piercing Tool and the Piercing Template in the Mat Pack allow you to create perfectly aligned, evenly spaced holes. Be sure to always use the mat in the Mat Pack to protect your work surface.
2. After fastening the brads to the card stock, I used the Paper Snips to clip off the "tails". I then adhered the piece of Old Olive card stock to the card base using the Snail Adhesive--never leave home without it!!
3. I then cut a 1.5" wide by 9' long piece of the Old Olive card stock, and adhered a length of 5/8" Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. I rolled this through the Paper Crimper, to give it an extra bit of interesting texture. I then adhered it centered on my card face,and snipped of the extra from each side.
4. Next I once again got to play with the Circle Scissor Plus. This allows you to get perfect circles every time. I cut out 3 graduated circles, the smallest (in Whisper White) being 3". Before adhering the circles together, I stamped my image from the Cheers to You stamp set in Perfect Plum Classic Ink, and used the Stamp-a-Majig to place the image just where I wanted it. Note: I always stamp my image before layering, just in case something goes wrong with the image. This way I don't have to disassemble the entire layer to redo the image. Once this was done, I centered it on the front of my card.
5. I then punched out a piece of Old Olive cardstock, using the Large Oval Punch (a MUST for your punch collection. Very versatile.) I then stamped the sentiment from the same stamp set, once again using Perfect Plum Classic Ink. Using the Scallop Oval punch (another must, to go along with the Large Oval Punch that you just placed on your SU! shopping list!!) I punched out a piece of Perfect Plum. Before assembling these layers, I once again used the Paper Piercing Tool to punch a hole in each scallop of the oval. This created a unique and interesting finish. After adding the large oval to the scalloped circle, I adhered the layers to the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I had fun playing at PPA.  Play along with us each week, and streeeeetch those creative muscles!!

Stamp Set:  Cheers to You

Paper:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum, Whisper White

Ink:  Perfect Plum Classic Ink

Tools:  Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pak, Paper Crimper, Circle Scissor Plus, Stamp-a-Majig, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Punch, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Fun:  Flower Designer Brad in Pumpkin Pie, 5/8" Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

Mojo Monday 107-Groovy!!

I thought it was time to get my Mojo on, this is my first entry into Mojo Monday.  This week's sketch was MOJOMONDAY107 (below) and was a great way to get my feet wet.  I love layering, it adds so much to a card.  Sometimes it's hard to know when to stop, but I like to think of the advice Julia Child gives when it comes to making biscuits - - "it's easy to overdo them, so stop 2 strokes before you think you're done."  Great advice for baking, and for card making (and yes, her advice works - - I figured if Julia couldn't teach me how to make biscuits, then no one could!!)

I really like bright, fun colors (hence my blog design!!) but I wanted to work with the beautiful Earth Elements card stock for this challenge. (Did you know that Stampin' Up has 4 color families?  Earth Elements, Bold Brights, Rich Regals, and Soft Subtles.  They also have the trendy  In Color color family.  The color coordinated card stock, ink, markers, and water colors make it so easy to coordinate your card making and paper crafting.)

This design felt like it needed a bigger card, so I started with a 5x7 card base of Creamy Caramel textured cardstock.  ( I used all textured card stock for this card.) 

• I layered Close to Cocoa over the base, then cut out 2 Chocolate Chip rectangles to layer over 2 Really Rust rectangles. These were adhered to the base with snail adhesive.
• I then cut out a strip 3/4" wide strip of Creamy Caramel, then centered a strip of 5/8" Chocolate Chip grograin ribbon across this strip. This was adhered over the layered rectangles.
• Next I used what is quickly becoming one of my favorite tools, the Circle Scissor Plus, to cut out the two circles for my center layers. I layered a 2 3/4" Really Rust Circle over a 3" circle of Close to Cocoa, and centered this on the card, overlapping both rectangles and the long strip.
• Instead of using a 3-D embellishment, I thought I would add some flower power instead. I used one of the stamps from the Little Flowers stamp set to add the perfect groovy little flower. Using Close to Cocoa ink, I stamped 3 flowers below the first rectangle, and 3 flowers above the second rectangle. I attempted to do it freestyle, and discovered just why Stampin' Up! has the Stamp-a-Majig. It helps to line up your stamp just where you want it. So, instead of being a rebel and trying it freehand again, I used the Stamp-a-Majig to help me place my image from the Welcome Home stamp set (inked with Close to Cocoa) just where I wanted it on my circle layers.

I had lots of fun creating this warm, welcoming card.  If you'd like to know more about any of the Stampin' Up! products or techniques I used, or if you'd like to know how you can host your own live or virtual Stampin' Up! workshop and earn fabulous free hostess merchandise, please contact me, I would love to share all of the exciting information with you. 

Can't get enough of a challenge?  Join us in the Pals Paper Arts challenge every Thursday.   

Stamp Set:  Little Flowers

Paper: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust

Ink:  Close to Cocoa

Tools:  Circle Scissor Plus, Stamp-a-Majig, Snail Adhesive

Misc:  5/8" Chocolate Chip grograin ribbon