Stampin Inspirations Club Site

Announcement! Stampin Inspirations Club Site Has Moved

2009-02-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends, Club Members, and Faithful Readers,

If you follow my blog, subscribe through Feedblitz or through a reader, all Stampin Up postings will now be posted on my main blog site: Stampin Inspirations

Please subscribe or follow Stampin Inspirations.

I have come to the decision that I can no longer maintain 3 blog sites. I've thought about it for a while now and as much I've enjoyed creating a separate blog site for my Stampin Up Club Members and a blog site focusing only on Stampin Up products, trying to keep up with 3 sites have been quite difficult.

My daughter will be heading out to college this year and in the following months, we will need to take a few trips to visit the various colleges to see which campus fits her needs, I realize that it would be a disservice to my readers and club members if I cannot keep up regular postings for 3 blog sites because I'll be away for periods of time throughout the months.

I will continue to use Stampin up products, create tutorials, post announcements and all that is Stampin Up on Stampin Inspirations but will no longer maintain this site.

Not to worry. . .Stampin Inspirations Club Site will continue to remain open to reference back to past tutorials and projects. I will link it on Stampin Inspirations!!

Thank you for being such wonderful readers and club members!! You have been fabulous and I really am appreciative of your support throughout the past months!!!

Sale-a-bration and Just Buzzin By. . .

2009-02-03T21:14:00.001-08:00

Hi Ladies!! I recently purchased this bee stamp set! It's called "Just Buzzin' By". . .such a cute stamp set!! Hey. . .it's sale-a-bration time again. Sorry, for the late announcement. Time have been flying so quickly that I didn't realize that I didn't make an announcement on the sale!!

Not to worry. . .the sale runs from February 1st to March 31 so you have two whole months of this awesome sale. This is one of the main big sales that Stampin Up have each year.

What is the sale? Well first of all. . .Click Here for the Flyer!!

Promotion Dates: February 1- March 31, 2009

Promotion Details: Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives reason for everyone to celebrate!

Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase.

Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product with a $300 or more workshop, in addition to the normal hostess benefits.

Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $47.95) from the current catalog when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15% off the regular $199 price of the Starter Kit--that's $335 worth of products for only $169!

Okay, now isn't this an AWESOME Sale or what!! I think so!!

Anyway, if you're interested in purchasing any Stampin Up products, you can shop online. Click on the catalog on my side bar and check out all the fabulous products Stampin Up has to offer.

Just a little bit of information on my card. I colored my image using both Prisma color pencils with gamsol and Copic Markers. The designer paper is a retired designer paper called "Berry Bliss" I still had a bunch of the dp so I decided to use it.

Anyway, I hope you all have a fabulous day!!

Card Details:

Stamps: Just Buzzin' By

Paper: Berry Bliss Designer Paper, Regal Rose, More Mustard

Ink: Prismacolor pencils, Copic Markers

Accessories: Fiskar scallop scissors, Prima flowers

Just Because I Love You

2009-02-01T17:34:00.001-08:00

Hiya Ladies!! Wow, I haven't been on here for a few days! I've been a bit busy with other

obligations on my Stampin Inspirations blog site that I haven't had the time to step into the Stampin Up world for the past days.

The truth is sometimes when you sign up for things. . .when taken individually, it's really not much but when you add them all together you begin to realize the full extent of the load that you've signed up for. LOL!!

I think we all to some degree go through life in the same manner, not just for crafting but for day to day sort of activities. Sometimes I wake up in the morning thinking I'm all set for the day not realizing the time it takes to do everything and when you don't allow a little extra time anything that extends beyond what you planned for can really mess up your life schedule.

Take for example, traffic. I'll drive my daughter to and from school every day. It's only a few miles drive but because of the traffic, what normally would be a 10 minutes drive turns into 40 minutes. Although I plan for the traffic, sometimes it shocking to think that almost 3 hours of my day have been spent sitting in traffic just bringing my daughter to and from school.

Anyway. . .just a little bit about my card. I used a retired Hostess set called "Serene Spring" for my card. I had already colored the image previously so I decided to use it.

I colored the image using my copic markers and cut scallops using Nestibilities. Stampin Up carries the Scallop dies but I haven't had the chance or the money to purchase them. LOL!! Demonstrators, unfortunately, have to buy the items to demonstrate and if you don't have the budget to buy everything, well you need to make do with what you have or not show it at all.

Well, just to let you know, if you purchase the scallop dies, you can crate a card just like my card.

Anyway. . .I hope you all have a fabulous week ahead!! It's going to be a busy week again!!

Card Details:

Stamps: Serene Spring Retired Hostess Set, Best Yet Retired Hostess Set
Paper: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Ski Slope Retired Designer Paper
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware Pewter (retired), White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Signo white pen, Scallop Edge Punch, Nestabilities Classic Circle Scallop, Prima Flower, brad

Announcement!! Christmas Group Blog Debut

2009-01-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

Come and join the group site on Paper Craft Planet

Click on the banner below or here

Hello, Friends!! I have a big announcement to make! I started a group blog called "Chistmas Stampin' All Year Long". Stop by and I would love, love, love to have you play along. This week's challenge is a sketch challenge and the card above is my sample. Check out the other blog member's samples. . .all their cards are "inspirational"!!

Were you behind on you Christmas cards and handmade gifts last year? Did you feel overwhelmed during the holidays trying to catch up on creating your cards? Did you fail in sending your Christmas cards on time or not send any at all?

Well, this challenge blog is the place for you to get motivated to start NOW!!! Each week, I'll post a challenge (sketch, color combo and others) each and the group members will show samples of their cards on the group blog.

You can participate by creating a card based on the challenge and commenting on the post with the link to your picture from your blog, SCS photo, PCP photo, or online album. You may also send the photo to my email address cardinspired@gmail.com

I will upload your card photo on to an album on Paper Craft Planet so everyone can see your lovely work. This blog site is primarily a motivational site but from time to time, I may do a contest . . .maybe once a month and I'll have the group members vote on which card they liked best.

Anyway. . .stop by the group blog today and check out are first challenge and the samples!! I hope this challenge blog will help you to get motivated to create your Christmas cards.

Meet the Christmas Stampin All Year Long challenge divas:

Rachel - Inspirations by Rachel

Joan - Scrapmum

Sankari - Sankari's Sunshine Corner

Jen - Pieces of Me

Rina - Heartful Stamping

Vicki - Summerthyme Studio

Danni - Danni's Dream

Michelle - Creative Journey

Marcia - Ciab's Crafty Times

Maria - Stampin Inspirations

Connie - InLoveStamping

Monica - Little Bit of Life

Charlene - Charlene McKenzie

Tina - Mommy Scraps Alot

Posted A Tutorial on Stampin Inspirations

2009-01-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!!

Because I sometimes post tutorials not using Stampin Up images or products, I post them on my Stampin Inspirations Blog site. I posted a tutorial on a "jacket/coat" card. Go check it out!!

Square Coat Card

January's Kit #1 - Mini Purse Accordion Pocket Album Tutorial

2009-01-24T01:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!! Here is January's Kit #1. It's a 5 x 4 1/4" mini purse album. It uses #10 Envelopes (business size) that are cut in half to create pocket pages and card stock for the pocket's insert.

It's a cute mini purse album that can be given as a gift to family or friends. I created this album for my daughter for Valentines.

Check out the tutorial below for the instructions on how to create this album.

This is the first page/pocket of the album. It's a picture of my daughter. I added a little poem and small prima to decorate the page.

I didn't decorate the tabs or label them because I wanted to get this posted before I head to bed but you can add a prima or ribbon to the tabs if you want. You can also write a label for each tab if you prefer.

This is a side view of the pocket pages.

Here are the pocket inserts/pages outside of the pocket.

Anyway. . .hope you like this project and be sure to check out the tutorial!!

Project Details:

Stamp set: A Happy Heart

Papers: Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron, Pink Pirouette, Parisian Summer

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Corner Rounder punch, 1" circle punch, Round Tab punch, Crop-a-dile, Prima flower, JoAnn brad

Mini Purse Accordion Pocket Album

Materials

8 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock
6 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock
(3) 4 3/4 x 4" card stock
(4) 4 3/4 x 4 1/8 designer paper
(7) 4 x 1 1/4" designer paper (6 are design options)
(2)#10 envelope (9 1/2 x 4 1/8" - business size)
Hole Puncher
Velcro
Corner Punch
Ribbon
Round Tab Punch
1" Circle Punch
Adhesive
Pictures
Scorer

Score the 8 1/2 x 4 1/4" at 1 1/2", 6 1/2", and 1/2" from thereafter until it ends at 8 1/2"

Score the 6 1/2 x 4 1/4" at 5" and 1/2" thereafter

The card stock measurement will create a total of 3 pockets

You may add more pages (accordion folds) by increasing the length of the 6 1/2" of the 6 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock to 8 1/2".

Fold the 8 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock as shown in the picture (valley fold, valley fold, mountain fold, valley fold, mountain fold

Fold the 6 1/2 x 4" card stock at the fold line (valley fold, mountain fold)

Apply double stick tape at the end fold of the 6 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock

Adhere the two card stock together as shown in the picture to create 3 accordion folds as shown in the picture.

Punch the corners of the 1 1/2" flap of the 8 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock

After punching the corners, the 1 1/2" flap should appear as shown in the picture

Punch the corners of one side of the 4 x 1 1/4" designer paper

Adhere one of the 4 3/4 x 4 1/8" designer paper to the front of the purse and the 4 x 1 1/4" to the 1 1/2" flap as shown in the picture

Seal and cut the #10 envelopes in half to create two pockets. Create a total of 3 pockets using two envelopes.

Adhere the remaining (3) 4 3/4 x 4 1/8" designer paper to the pockets on the "flap" side.

Turn the pockets to the other side and stamp and decorate the pockets.

With the circle punch, punch a slot through the top (open side) of each of the pockets

When completed, the pockets should appear as shown in the picture

Optional: With the (3) 4 3/4 x 4" card stock, adhere the remaining (6) 4 x 1/4" strips of designer paper to the card stock (front and back)

Using scraps of card stock, punch 3 tabs using the "Round Tab Punch"

Insert the 4 3/4 x 4" card stocks partly into the pocket and adhere the tab to the top of the card stock aligning with the slot of the pocket as shown in the picture

When adhering the tabs to the card stock, be sure that it the tabs do not extend beyond the length of the 5" inch covers of the album or the album will be unable to close.

When completed, insert all the 4 3/4 x 4" card stocks into the pocket and your pocket/inserts should appear as shown in the picture

Open up the album and apply adhesive to the front of each accordion fold (one side only)

Adhere the 3 pockets to each of the accordion folds to create 3 pocket pages

Punch 2 holes to the left and right side of the 1 1/2" fold line

Insert a ribbon through the holes to crate the handles. Tie both ends on the inside of the flap.

Another option is to tape down the ends with transparent tape and adhere a designer paper, picture, or journaling to cover the ends of the ribbon.

Adhere the Velcro to the inner aspect of the 1 1/2" flap and the front of the album

Decorate your album, pockets, and inserts with pictures, stamped images, journaling and embellishments

Working on a tutorial!!

2009-01-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!! I'm working on a tutorial right now and I hope I can post it tomorrow!! In the mean time, I posted a tutorial on my Stampin Inspirations blog site. It's an old tutorial that I transferred from my web site on to my blog but I did create a new sample if you care to check it out.

Slit Flower Frame Tutorial

Serene Spring Bunny

2009-01-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies! Just a random card I made using Retired SU stamps and papers. Believe it or not but this is the first time I've inked this stamp set since buying it several months ago!

This stamp set was the last catalog's hostess set "Serene Spring". It's such a great stamp set for Easter that is actually right around the corner.

I also used a retired designer paper from the 2008-2009 Spring-Summer catalog called "Berry Bliss". I, actually, feel really sad when the designer papers retire because I love them. LOL! I wish they could recirculate them or not retire them. Ahhh, it's just wishful thinking on my part unfortunately.

I colored my image using Prismacolor Pencils with Gamsol and shaded parts of the image with my Copic Markers. In combination, they actually work nicely together.

Anyway, just a quick post today. Hope you all have a fabulous day!

Card Details:

Stamp set: "Serene Spring"

Paper: Berry Bliss, Rose Red, Creamy Caramel

Ink: Prismacolor Pencils, Copic Markers

Accessories: Heart charm (?), Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Fiskar Mini Scallop Scissors, Coluzzle Circle Template, Deja View Large Brads

Posted A Video and Written Tutorial on Card Inspired

2009-01-19T23:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I justed wanted to let you know I posted a video and written tutorial on my Card Inspired blog site on how to line or cover a heart/round box with designer paper. Anyway, check it out when you have the chance!!

Wet Paper Watercoloring Technique Video Tutorial

2009-01-17T00:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!! I decided to create a video tutorial for a stamping technique called "Wet Paper Watercoloring". It's a super easy technique that works well with large solid rubber stamps.

You can find the written version on Splitcoast Stampers Sometimes I get tired of coloring my images so this is a fun and easy way to create your own card background without having to color in the image.

With the Splitcoast Stampers version, neutral paper is used but I used watercolor paper with my tutorial.

Arrggghh! YouTube is being a butthead about the music on my videos. I attempted to add a "Hawaiian Music" to my tutorial and I got a notice from YouTube saying that I may have a problem with the upload because of the copyright issue with the music. I guess my videos are "tagged" by YouTube. I don't get it because there's a bunch of videos out there that blatantly title their videos with the songs of the same music that I had added on my videos and I don't see their videos being deleted. Sheesh, I can'tseem to put any English music on my videos. Very annoying.

The stamp image is a new stamp set that will be in the 2009 Spring Summer Catalog. The stamp set is called "Petal Pizazz". I like this stamp set. . .the flowers are really pretty.

Anyway, check out the tutorial and try this technique out!

Card Details:

Stamps: Petal Pizazz, Best Yet (Hostess Set)

Paper: Watercolor paper, Pixie Pink, Lovely Lilac

Ink: Kaleidacolor Ink Pad - Pastels, Garden Green, Pixie PInk

Accessories: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon, Stickles Glitter, Key Tag Punch, HodgePodge Hardware - Styled Vanilla

#10 Envelope Tag/Pocket Card Video Tutorial and Written Tutorial

2009-01-14T23:27:00.001-08:00

Hey Ladies!! This project is a tag/pocket card created using a #10 envelope (business size). It's a super easy way to create a pocket card.

I actually created this tutorial over a year ago but I decided to create a video tutorial for this project. I will be posting the tutorial directly on this post sometime later today. In the mean time you can view the written tutorial here.

I created this project using the Bella Rose designer paper and the "Flight of the Butterfly" stamp set. I really love this designer paper and stamp set!!

As you can see, there's a tag that is inserted into the pocket. I made my tag really simple so I can write a message on the tag.

Another way to use this project is to add a goody bag or even a cocoa packet instead of the tag like I did on the photo to the right.

Anyway, check out the tutorial if you're interested in trying this project out!!

Hope you all have a fabulous day!!

Card Details:

Stamp set: Flight of the Butterfly
Paper: Bella Rose
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Word Window Punch, Pink Pirouette grosgrain ribbon

Januray Kit #4 - Gift Bag Topper Video Tutorial and Written Tutorial

2009-01-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!! This is the 4 kits for January!! It's 4 kits instead of 5 this month because of the cost of the CD Case. Anyway, as you can see, there's a CD Case Calendar, a matching card, a box, and a bag to complete the coordinated kit.

Kit #4 is the Gift Bag Topper . . .similar to November's kit. Because I wasn't able to send out November's kits, I created another one but a non-Christmas version. Hope you like it. I posted both the written and the video tutorial to help you create the gift bag topper.

This sample is the same one as in November. With this version, there's a 4 x 3" mini card attached to the front and can be treated as a tag or you can write a message on the inside of the card.

This is the card opened up. It's a very simple design but it's a great way to include a card as well as have a decorative bag to give to someone.

Hope you like it.

Project Details #1:

Stamps Inspired by Nature

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pattern Pack designer paper (Hostess Gift)

Ink: Markers

Accessories: Rose Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Stickles glitter

Project Details #2:

Stamp set: Snow Swirled
Paper: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Holiday Treasures designer paper
Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Alpine Ribbon (Holiday Mini Catalog), Ticket Corner Punch, Stickles Gliter

*********************************************

Gift Bag Topper Card/Tag Tutorial

Materials:

9 x 7" Gift Bag (plain or decorated)

6 x 11" Card stock

Scorer

Word Window Punch

Stamps and Embellishments to decorate the topper/card

Optional:

To create a mini card in front of the card. . .

4 x 6" card stock

Glue or double stick tape

Decorate the 6 x 11" card stock as desired

Score the 6 x 11" card stock at 8 1/2" and fold at the score line.

If desired, with a pencil mark the width of the handle on to the card stock to be used as your guide when punching the slot.

At the fold line, with the Word Window Punch, punch a slot starting at 1/2" from the left edge of the card stock to 1/2" before the edge of the right side or use the markings as your guide.

Insert the card stock half way into the Word Window punch and start punching in row.

After punching the card stock, you should have a slot as shown in the picture.

Fold the 4 x 6" card stock in half. Fold the 6" side to create a 4 x 3" mini card.

You may create any size mini card you want. For the purpose of this tutorial, the mini card size is 4 x 3" folded.

Decorate the mini card and the gift bag topper as desired and adhere the mini card to the front of the card.

Insert the handle of the gift bag through the gift bag topper slot as shown in the picture.

This topper will give your gift bag a nice design as well as keep the bag closed without having to use a tape to close the bag.

Here is the completed project with the mini card attached to the front of the gift bag topper!! Try it out! It's a very easy way to decorate your gift bag!

Hope you like the tutorial!

January Kit #3 - CD Case Calendar Video Tutorial

2009-01-10T02:02:00.000-08:00

Click Here for the Calendar template

Hi Ladies!!! Happy Saturday! This CD Calendar is January's Kit #3. I thought it would be a fun project to create. It's really super duper easy to make and you can make a bunch of them really quick. It's a great "after Christmas" gift to your friends and family.

I got the template for the mini calendar at SCS and I cut the calendars to 2 1/2 x 3". Check out the video on how to create this CD Calendar. I didn't create a written tutorial because I felt it was easier to explain through a video tutorial.

I posted a different version of this CD Calendar on my Card Inspired Blog Site. I did a "scrappy" version and rather than attaching all 12 months of the calendar on to one panel, I created seperate panels for each month. Check out the Scrappy version Here.

By the way, I used a foreign language music (Taiwanese) because a few of my video tutorials have been deleted by YouTube because of music copyright infringement. Arrrrghh! I figured by using foreign music, my video will less likely get deleted! LOL! Somebody at YouTube don't like me!!! Anyway. . .the music is really pretty. It's a song by Ariel Lin called "Prank".

I used the "Inspired by Nature" stamp set to create the calendar base. It's a fast way to create a pretty background.

This post is short. I have a really busy day today. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

Project Details:

Stamp set: Inspired by Nature

Paper: Pretty in Pink

Ink: Markers

Accessories: Brad, Stickles

January Kit #2 - Marker and Mist Tutorial

2009-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies! This is January's Kit #2!! It's a coordinating card for the box. I also want to share a technique using markers and water mist. It's not a new technique but this technique is a fabulous way to create a watercolor look to huge solid stamps, especially pretty flowers. It works fabulously with the "Inspired by Nature" stamp set.

My posts for the next few days will be straight to the point because I have a lot of stuff that I need to catch up on including putting away the holiday decorations! I'm REALLY not looking forward to it but it has to be done! Anyway, scroll down for the tutorial.

Materials

Stampin Up Markers (Rose Red, Pink Passion, Garden Green, Certainly Celery, More Mustard, Pretty in Pink, Really Rust)

Mister Bottle with Water

Solid Stamp (Inspired by Nature)

With a lighter shade of marker (Pink Passion), color the flower petals and with the darker shade (Rose Red), color the edge of the flower petals.

With the "Pretty in Pink" marker, color the flower's center and with the "More Mustard" marker, randomly dot the center.

Color the stems with the "Really Rust" marker

With the "Certainly Celery" marker, color the leaves and shade the edge of the leaves with the "Garden Green" marker

Add water to the mister bottle (you can find at any craft store).

Mist the colored stamp. Don't over wet but distribute the water evenly on to the stamp.

Stamp directly and firmly on to a cardstock. Be careful not to move the stamp or the ink will smear.

The result will be a pretty watercolored look to the image.

Anyway, this is the completed card. This technique works best with solid stamps. I added a bit of stickles to the flower center to give the flowers a nice sparkly appearance.

Card Details:

Stamps: Inspired by Nature

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Garden Green, Riding Hood Red Patterns designer paper

Ink: Markers

Accessories: Rose Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Large White Brads, Ticket Corner Punch

January Kit #1: 5 x 7 1/2" Box - Tutorial

2009-01-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Ladies!! I'm trying to start on the right foot this year so I decided to start the year with a tutorial! Yipee!! There's going to be a few changes with my club site. One of which all my tutorials will now go public rather than private tutorials. It was difficult to manage both private and public tutorials. . .I just don't have the time to do both!! I'm also going to be posting all my tutorials directly on to my blog rather than using a web hosting service. I'm trying to cut down on expenses so I no longer will be using a link to a web page to post the tutorials.

Anyway. . .this tutorial is on a box that I had actually measured from a "Nestle cocoa packet box". I disassembled the box and measured the size and score lines. I posted a sample of the cocoa box that I used to create this template:

Click Here for the sample and tutorial using a used box to alter and create a decorated box.

This box is for my stamp club's January Kit #1.

With this box, the opening is a the top and requires to be taped down to close or some sort of closing mechanism such as a ribbon as shown in the picture. If you want, you can add a handle so it can look like a purse.

Materials:

Scissors

Scorer

9 1/4" x 8 1/2" cardstock (Pink Pirouette)

11" x 8 1/2" cardstock (Pink Pirouette)

Transfer tape or double stick tape

Stamps and embellishments as needed (Inspired by Nature)

Color medium (Markers)

Click on the template to enlarge. The templates are not measured to scale so don't print it. Their purpose is to show the diagram and not as a direct template. To create the box, follow the tutorial below.

Score the 9 1/4" x 8 1/2" cardstock as shown in the diagrams above. On the 8 1/2" side of the cardstock, score down at 1 3/4" and 6 3/4" and on the 9 1/4" side, score down at 1 3/4"

Score the 11" x 8 1/2" cardstock as shown the diagram above. On the 11" side, score down at 1 1/8", 2 7/8" and 10 3/8" and on the 8 1/2" side, score down at 1 3/4" and 6 3/4".

With the 11 x 8 1/2" cardstock, snip off the corners of the 5/8" flap (the narrower flap) up to the 1 3/4" score lines on each side as shown in the picture.

Cut at the 1 1/8" and 2 7/8" score lines up to the 1 3/4" score line as shown in the picture.

Snip off the corners of the 1 1/8" flap to the 1 3/4" score line.

When completed, your 11 x 8 1/2" cardstock should appear as shown in the picture.

With the 9 1/4" x 8 1/2" cardstock, on both the 1 3/4" flaps, cut at the scoreline as shown in the picture.

Fold at the score line as shown in the picture

With the 11 x 8 1/2" cardstock, fold at the score line as shown in the picture.

Apply double stick or tacky tape to the 5/8" and 1 1/8" flaps of the 11 x 8 1/2" cardstock as shown in the picture

Adhere the two cardstock together, overlapping the 5/8" flap of the 11 x 8 1/2" cardstock and the 1 3/4" flap of the 9 1/4 x 8 1/2" cardstock.

Apply double stick or tacky tape to the bottom of the 1 3/4" flap of the 9 1/4 x 8 1/2" cardstock as shown in the picture.

Decorate your box before completing the assembly of the box.

Adhere the rest of the flaps to complete the box.

When completed, the box should appear as shown in the picture. The box measures 7 1/2 x 5".

Adhere the top flap to close the box or tie a ribbon around the box. The box can be used as a gift box or to hold envelopes or cards that measure 5 x 7".

With this sample, I had cut the top flaps off and stored my clear stamps. I thought this was a cute box to store my stamps.

Project Details:

1st box:

Stamps: Inspired by Nature

Papers: Pink Pirouette

Ink: Markers

Accessories: Regal Rose 5/8"Grosgrain Ribbon, Stickles glitter

2nd Box:

Stamps: Flower Fancy, Text & Texture

Paper: Pink Passion, More Mustard, Certainly Celery

Ink: Pink Passion, Certainly Celery, More Mustard

Accessories: Buttons

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Everyone!! I hope you all had a great time celebrating the New Year!!! We had a blast at Disneyland and just got home today. My family from Hawaii are still here vacationing and are staying at our home so I haven't really had the time to respond to emails or post on my blog! They'll be here until Tuesday, January 6th and after that I'll be back in blogging business!! LOL!

I'll see if I can post a few pictures from our time at Disneyland when I have the chance. Gosh, I have a list of New Year Resolutions to work on. . .unfortunately, I can't really work on them while my family is here. . . .for example. . . exercise or go on a diet and my various crafting goals!

Anyway. . .I hope your year started off fabulously!!! I think 2009 will be a better year for me. 2008 wasn't a very good year for me. . .so I do look forward to sort of start off fresh and hopefully, the year will turn out to be a happier year!! I wish the same for all of you!!

Merry Christmas My Friends and Blog Vacation

2008-12-25T13:32:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas, Everyone! I wish for all of you to have a merry and bright Christmas filled with love, joy and happiness!!! Thank you for stopping my blog and always being so kind with your comments. I am very grateful for all the blessings in my life including all of you!!

I'll be on blog vacation until January. A few of my family from Hawaii will be here to visit us in California so I will be spending time with them. We'll also be spending time with them in Disneyland for New Years. . . I may pop in and blog our pictures with them if I can find the time.

Again, Merry Christmas my friends!!

Jolly Holly Christmas Joy Card Instructions

2008-12-09T07:44:00.001-08:00

Hey Ladies!!! Good morning to you all. I am so proud of myself. I actually found the time to actually make another card for this blog. I was feeling a bit down not being able to find to create the cards and projects I've intended to do this month. I guess little steps are better than none at all. I have a tendency to "shut down" when I have too many things to do and I can't do all of them. I get so frustrated that I don't know where to start so rather than do anything, I don't do much at all. I have the tendecy to think "it's all or nothing" and that can be counterproductive . .

Okay, now to my card:

Instructions:

Cut a designer paper (Holiday Treasures) 5.25 x 5.25"
Mat over a 5 3/8 x 5 3/8" card stock (Real Red)
Adhere on to a 5.5 x 5.5" card base (Certainly Celery)
Cut a designer paper (Holiday Treasures) 4 x3"
Mat over a 4 1/8 x 3 1/8" card stock (Old Olive)
Mat again over 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" card stock (Real Red)
Adhere to the card base. . .follow the sketch for placement.
Stamp your images on to a 3 3/4" x 3 3/8" white card stock (Jolly, Holly Christmas)
Mat over a 3 7/8 x 3 1/2" card stock (Old Olive)
Again mat over a 4 x 3 5/8" card stock (Real Red)
Adhere on to card base using foam tape or dimensionals following the sketch for placement
Stamp the sentiment "Joy" (Jolly, Holly Christmas) on to an a scrap piece of card stock (Old Olive) using "Real Red" card stock.
Punch with the "Key Tag" punch
Mat over a "Real Red" card stock cutting around 1/8" wider than the Key Tag shape.
Optional: Punch two holes to the left and right side of the sentiment.
Add a ribbon as desired
Adhere to the card base following the sketch for placement

To create the scenic look to the images, follow the instructions below.

Instructions for the images:

Stamp the Christmas trees four times on to the white panel using "Old Olive" Classic Ink
Stamp the reindeers on to a separate card stock using "Creamy Caramel" Classic Ink
Cut out the images carefully (LOL!)
Adhere over the right side of the panel using dimensionals or foam tape
Stamp Santa 2x, one with "Real Red" Classic Ink and "Basic Black)
Cut out the Santa stamped in black
Adhere to the left side of the panel
Color Santa's face with any color medium
Apply "Liquid Applique" to Santa's beard and the ball on Santa's cap.
Heat the "Liquid Applique" until it becomes puffy.
Cut Santa's cap and coat stamped in "Real Red"
Apply over the Santa stamped in black using foam tape.

Anyway. . .I'll work a few more projects before life gets a lot more busy than it already is!!

Card Details:

Stamp set: Holly, Jolly Christmas
Papers: Holiday Treasures, Real Red, Old Olive, Certainly Celery
Ink: Real Red, Creamy Caramel, Old Olive Classic Ink
Accessories: Hemp cord, Key Tag Punch, Fiskar Mini Scallop Scissors,

Holly Jolly Christmas Card

2008-12-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!! Wow, I haven't posted here for a while. I've just been really busy and I've only had time to post on Stampin Inspirations. Well, I decided to work on a Stampin Up card tonight just so I have something to post here. LOL!

Anyway. . .I created this card using the "Holly, Jolly Christmas" set. To create the Santa image as shown in the picture.

Instructions:

Stamp the Santa image twice. One with black ink and the other with the "Real Red" ink.
With the red colored image, cut out Santa's cap and coat.
Mount over the black colored image, using foam tape or SU Dimensionals.
To create the puffy beard, add "Liquid Applique" (you find it in the fabric paint section of your local craft store) to the image.
Heat emboss the Liquid Applique to create the "puffy" look.

Anyway, I hope y'all a wonderful time this holiday season.

Card Details:

Stamp set: Holly, Jolly Christmas
Paper: Holiday Treasures Designer Paper, Real Red, Old Olive, Certainly Celery
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black
Accessories: Basic Grey Brads, American Craft Elements ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch, SU Snowflake punch, 1/2" circle punch, Liquid Applique, Stickles Glitter

Blog 2nd Anniversary and Blog Candy!!

2008-12-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

LOL! I'm posting this blog candy on all of my blogs. Only one entry will apply. . .you may choose any of my blog to comment but only one entry will apply for all blogs.

Hey Everyone!!! Friday, December 5th is my Blog 2nd Anniversary! I was going to wait until the 5th to announce the blog candy but I want to get the package out before the Christmas rush kicks in. The blog candy will run from from December 3rd (today) and will end on Wednesday, December 10th, 12:00 midnight PST. The blog candy is open to US and Canadian residents only. I'm sorry for the International readers, I hate doing customs at the post-office. It's painful!

It's been such a wonderful 2 years of crafting and blogging and especially meeting such wonderful people who I would never have met if it wasn't for this fabulous world of blogging. Thank you for inspiring me, entertaining me, and just being kind and encouraging. I, especially, appreciate my regular blog readers who always comment with such kind words. . .you brighten my day when ever I receive your comments or emails!!

Whenever I visit a blog, I ALWAYS read what the blogger writes. That is one reason why I take a long time to make my rounds as far as commenting your blogs. I actually read what you write and I like to comment on what your talk about. I not only enjoy the beautiful work that you post on your blogs, but I especially enjoy reading what you have to say.

So here's the deal. . .one entry per person.
Comment on this post by linking a blog that you regularly like to READ. . .not because of their beautiful art work but because you like what they write aside from the subject of card making, scrapbooking, or any art work. Tell me why you like to read this person's blog. The blog don't have to be stamping, cardmaking, scrapbooking related. . .any blog applies. I will, in time, follow those links and read them myself as well.
Please leave a comment on this blog. . .do not email me because I cannot keep track of my emails! LOL!!
Everyday until the blog candy ends next Wednesday. . .I'll add a new item in addition to what is pictured and listed below. This is just the start of the prizes!! Whoohoo!!
Link this blog candy on your blog and you'll receive an extra entry. Please let me know on your comment that you'll be linking this blog candy on your blog. Thanks!!

One winner will be RANDOMLY chosen and announced on Thursday, December 11th. If the winner do not respond within 48 hours, I will choose a new winner because I want to get the package mailed out as soon as possible.

Here is the list of items so far:

1. Marcella by K&CO rubber stamp set (Happy Occasion)
2. High Hopes rubber stamp (Birdies Fried - Snowlady)
3. CD Tin Case for altering
4. Kaleidacolor Rainbow Dye Ink (Spectrum)
5. Making Memories Charmed Plaques (Mini Bugs)
6. Making Memories Tagged Squares
7. Lasting Impressions Buttons
8. Pressed Petals Monday Metal self-adhesive frames
9. Jolee's Boutique Sticker Collage
10. Heidi Grace Alpha Chipboard Stickers with Flocking (Snowflake Park)
11. Heidi Grace Rub-ons
12. Heidi Grace Shape decorations Plastic Embellishments (Vineyard)
13. My Moments Peel n' Stick
14. Jolee's by You Kid Gift Bag
15. Sticko Stuffed Ups Adhesive Envelopes
16. Making Memories Boho Chic Ephemera Stickers

17. Prima Flowers

Be sure to check back daily to see what else I've added to the prize. Good luck!!

December 4th - I added a container full of Prima Flowers!

November Kit #2 - All In One Gift Bag Card/Tag Topper

2008-11-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies! This post will be really quick! I got a lot of things to do! Argggh! I just haven't had time to work on my Stampin Up projects because I had a few other obligations that I needed to work on. Frustrating but I'm trying!

This is November's project #2. . .it's a gift bag topper/card/tag. It's an all in one project. I was trying to think up of a way to design a gift that I can create really quickly. I thought. . .hmmm, why not a topper with a card/tag already attached so I can make a whole bunch without stressing out!

You can find these paper gift bags at your local craft stores. I bought a set of them at Michaels. They are less expensive that the premade gift bags even with the decorative topper.

This project involves using approximately1 1/2 to two pieces of 8 x 11"card stock in total. Not bad, huh!

Anyway. . .as you can see the front panel opens up like a card or a gift tag. It sort of kills 2 birds with one stone! LOL! What's also convenient is the topper or cover (whatever you want to call it) slips over the handle so it'll keep your bag closed. You don't have to tape the bag closed.

I know the project isn't very original but if you've never created a project like this, try it out and you'll see how fast and simple it is to create it!!

Project Details:

Stamp set: Snow Swirled

Paper: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Holiday Treasures designer paper

Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: Alpine Ribbon (Holiday Mini Catalog), Ticket Corner Punch, Stickles Gliter

Simple Jacket Mini Album

2008-11-20T00:26:00.000-08:00

Click here for the tutorial (Club Members Access Only)

Hello Ladies!! This is going to be a quick post! This is a mini album (4.25 x 4.25") created using the same "jacket" as the previous tutorial I created. Rather than using the jacket for a card, in this case, it's used for the cover of a mini album.

By adding a few doubled sided designer paper, it's a quick and easy way to create a mini album. When decorating the album., avoid using too many bulky embellishments because if it's too bulky, the album may not close properly.

In my design, I added a ribbon but it's primarily for "decorative" purposes. The album can remain closed without a ribbon.

I had used the "Just Journaling II" stamp set to create the lines but unfortunately, it's retired. To decorate the pages, I cut strips of 4 x 1.5" designer paper and adhered them to the pages and punched a few flowers using the 5 Petal Flower Punch and Boho Blossoms Punch.

Album Details:

Stamp Sets: Autumn Harvest, Just Journaling II
Paper: Really Rust, Autumn Vine Designer Paper, watercolor paper
Ink: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, SU Markers
Accessories: Crop-A-Dile, Boho Blossoms Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Organdy Ribbon, 1/4" More Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon

November Kit #1 - 4x4 Tunnel Mini Album

2008-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

Click Here for the Tutorial (Club Members Access Only)

Hi Ladies! This is the first kit for November. It's a 4x4" Tunnel Mini Album. In the next few days, I'll create a few variations of this album in different sizes and a "Star Mini Album" using the same concept. It's actually quite easy to create. It looks complicated but it's not really.

I used the SU "Ski Slope Designer Series Paper" for this project which is available in the "Holiday Mini Catalog". The papers are really pretty and what I like about it is some of the papers can be used for other occasion and not just for Christmas. The color combo is pretty too.

As you see, this album basically uses the "tunnel card" concept with a suspended photo design. I basically created two 4x4" tunnel cards and adhered them together to create a mini album.

The photo is of my grandmother and daughter. My grandmother passed away 3 years ago. . .she is dearly missed.

As you can see here, the mini album consist of two pages. I didn't decorate the inside much. . .just added the designer papers. I'll probably add my journaling later but I just wanted to post the project at it's most basic because sometimes newer crafters are intimidated by the amount of work that a project seem to entail and I wanted to show that you can create something that's very simple in design but yet able to achieve a result that is still very pretty.

Project Details:

Stamps: Scandinavian Season (Holiday Mini Catalog)

Paper: Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, Baja Breeze

Ink: SU Markers, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heating tool, Coluzzle cutting system, Scallop Circle Punch

Here is another sample using the "Bella Rose Designer Series Paper". The rose image is actually from a retired set "Wild Rose". I don't have the current rose stamp set ""A Rose is A Rose" but the "Wild Rose" still matches nicely with this designer paper.

It's basically the same mini album as the one above but using different designer paper. The only difference with this album is that I had created the inner portion a little deeper. The middle panel is actually 2" deep as oppose to the Christmas one above which is 1 1/2" deep. The 1 1/2" deep inner panel actually works out better than the 2" deep panel.

Project Details:

Stamp Set: Wild Rose

Paper: Bella Rose, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss Classic Ink

Accessories: Clear embossing powder, Heating tool, Colozzule Cutting system (circle template), Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch

Christmas Simple Jacket Card

2008-11-13T20:34:00.001-08:00

Click here for the Tutorial (club members access only)

Hello Ladies! Hope y'all are having a fabulous week!! Here is the second sample for the "Simple Jacket Card". With this card, vellum is used for the jacket and it is attached to the insert unlike my previous card (previous post). The insert is also not a "full card" but just an insert.

The design is fairly simple. I think simple designs are more elegant than overly busy cards.

I heat embossed the vellum with the snowflakes from the "Snow Swirled" using clear embossing powder and Bordering Blue "craft" ink. Heat embossing with clear embossing powder with the SU Craft Ink takes on the color of the ink. This is a great way to achieve different colored embossed images and much more economical than buying various colored embossing powder.

Stampin Up "Craft" Ink is similar to "pigment ink". Craft ink dries very slowly, therefore, it's a great medium to help hold the embossing powder. Unlike the SU Classic Ink, it is not "water based" and you may stamp on "non-porous" surfaces by setting it with a heating tool.

With the insert, I heat embossed the image with "white embossing powder".

Card Details:

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Paper: Bordeing Blue, NIght of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Vellum

Ink: Bordering Blue Craft Ink, Not Quite Navy and Night of Navy Classic Ink, Versamark Ink

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Corner Rounder Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Organdy Ribbon

Simple Jacket Card - Thanksgiving

2008-11-11T16:20:00.001-08:00

Hi Ladies!! I'm sorry I haven't posted for awhile on this blog. I've been really busy for the past week finishing up the October kits and sending them out to my club members. The end of the month and the first week of the month are usually my most busiest and it's difficult to maintain a balanced life.

Anyway. . .I'm posting this for the public because I already posted this tutorial on to the tutorial site for my club members.

Just a bit of info on this card. One side of the card jacket slips into a slot to keep it secured. The ribbon is just a decorative feature.

The jacket slips off and inside is a regular card. I used the "Harvest Home" stamp set to create this card. I watercolored the image using my Stampin Up markers.

Nothing much to the card. . .

I'm sorry I haven't created a video tutorial for a while now. My video program has been giving me grief and I just don't want to deal with it right now.

I actually need to clean out my computer. . .I have so many files that it slows down my video program and takes forever to load so I've been avoiding making a video. I'll try to work on it soon.

Well, I hope y'all are having a wonderful Veterans Day!!

Card Details:

Stamp Set: Harvest Home
Paper: Autumn Vine Designer Paper, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Ink: SU markers, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, 1/4" More Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Copper brads