Occasions Mini 2011 Blog Hop!

  

Welcome to the Occasions Mini Blog Hop sponsored by Stampin Addicts, the positively creative, positively Stampin' Up! website! 

Officially, the Hop begins at 12:00 Noon EST 

so be sure to check back!

If you just hopped over from Joyce Wowczuk's blog, Stampin' Central, you have arrived at the right place. But maybe you landed here first. That's ok, because the Blog Hop will go full circle - just follow the links. 

  I chose to feature the stamp set, Easter Blossoms. I know we just finished Christmas but Easter will be here before you know it! And what I love about this stamp set is that it can be used for springtime projects too! Yay for versatility!

  This branch of white blossoms says Spring to me. Thinking out of the box, I used Early Espresso ink and stamped on Pink Pirouette cardstock. After I heat set it, I used my White Gel Pen and colored in the blossoms. I then added a touch of Pink Pirouette in the flower centers.

  I know others in the Blog Hop will be featuring the Framed Tulip Textured Impressions Embossing Folder so you won't want to miss that! I used it for this card because it added the perfect frame for my blossoms! 

Stamps: Easter Blossoms (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Ink: Early Espresso ink, Pink Pirouette marker

Accessories: White Gel Pen, White Satin Ribbon, Basic Pearls, dimensionals, Big Shot, Framed Tulip tief (Occasions Mini), Oval Punch

   Handmade home decor is so hot right now so I decided to make my own "egg tree". It features the egg stamp that comes in the Easter Blossoms stamp set. I simply stamped and embossed it in white on different colors of cardstock! A Basic Pearl adds some dimension to each egg. Once the eggs were embossed (on both sides), I threaded crochet thread through each one and hung them on my tree branches (a real tree branch btw).

  The base of the tree was made with the new Petal Cone bigz die, new Springtime Vintage designer paper and some new embellishments. Be sure to finish the entire Blog Hop because other stampers will be featuring these items in full! Be prepared to be inspired is all I 

have to say!

A close up of the embossed egg.

Stamps: Easter Blossoms (Occasion Mini)

Paper: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Baja Breeze, Springtime Vintage dsp (Occasions Mini)

Ink: Whisper White Craft ink

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Basic Pearls, So Saffron Button, Ribbon Rosette (Occasions Mini), Vintage Flower Adornment (Occasions Mini), Big Shot, Petal Cone Bigz die (Occasions Mini), Crochet Thread (non SU)

   

  What would Easter be without an Easter basket?? I made this one with my Big Shot and the Box #2 bigz die. I was inspired by a 3D challenge over at the Stampin Addicts website. I made mine using two Boxes adhered together and then layered with cardstock and Springtime Vintage designer paper. 

  The little girl stamp in the Easter Blossoms stamp set is a popular silhouette stamp but I chose to make it multi-colored by using markers. Tiny Basic Pearls adorn the front of her Baja Breeze dress and a large Basic Pearl adds dimension to the Happy Easter sentiment. 

  The handle needed something so I added the largest of the Ribbon Rosettes to the front. These new Rosettes can be dyed any color with reinker or markers! How cool is that?

  This basket can be filled with candy or baked goods or maybe something that isn't edible. It has many possibilities! ETA: I will try to post directions /dimensions on Monday, January 3rd.

Stamps: Easter Blossoms (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage designer paper

Ink: Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Crumb Cake, Blush Blossom, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Big Shot, Box #2 Bigz die, Basic Pearls, Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Oval Punch, dimensionals, Ribbon Rosette

And now it's time to hop along to the next blog, Barbara Welch's blog, Creative Stampin' Spot. She has some wonderfully creative projects to show you.

   Enjoy the rest of the Blog Hop and feel free to visit again!

Eye Candy is on its way.

I don't have any eye candy for you today, but for those of you who may be wondering.... I am ok. I have been spending time with my youngest daughter who is home until Sunday morning so not much stamping is getting done. HOWEVER!


Stop back tomorrow, Friday, December 31st beginning at noon. The Stampin Addicts Blog Hop will begin officially at that time and there will be 25 blogs worth of Occasions Mini Sneak Peaks! Everything in the new mini catalog will be on display - everything - in the form of 3D projects and cards!

So I haven't been a total slacker. lol. I do have some fun stuff to show you tomorrow through Sunday, January 2nd.

One Final Christmas Card

Merry Christmas from me to you! 

 I hope you have a wonderful, blessed day!

Celebrating the birth of my Savior and Lord,

Nature Walk and Raspberry Squares "Recipe"

  I know I have been absent for a few days and I apologize. All 3 of my daughters flew in from Ohio and I am just soaking up every minute I can with them. When they say, "mom come....." or "mom do you want to go..." or "mom lets....." I say Yes! But that means I don't stamp, and if I don't stamp, I don't have anything to share. Until now.


 If you are here for my raspberry square recipe from the project found HERE, just keep on reading. It is at the end of today's post.


  I found a moment today to finish a card that I had partially made last week. It uses the stamp set Nature Walk which can be found in the new, upcoming Occasions Mini. It is a beautiful set and has designer paper to match so I am in my glory!

This set comes with a stamp of 5 eggs in a row and seriously that stamp is what drew me in. Ok, the bird did too.....I am such a sucker for birds! But I do love that egg stamp and decided to use it to make the background for my card. To do this, I just used my stamp-a-ma-jig and stamped the eggs over and over. 

   For the focal image, I first stamped the bird, then masked it, and stamped the foliage - super easy! The little strip of designer paper at the bottom is from the matching designer paper called Botanical Gazette. Did I say how awesome this paper and stamp set are?! They are!

Stamps: Nature Walk (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Naturals Ivory, Botanical Gazette designer paper (Occasions Mini)

Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Marina Mist

Accessories: Marina Mist Satin Ribbon, Early Espresso buttons, Linen Thread, Color Spritzer Tool

And now for my raspberry square recipe which really isn't a recipe at all. 

   I used to make them from scratch until I discovered these. They taste just like homemade but are so much easier! 

   Oh and one more thing! Stampin Addicts is having an Occasions Mini Blog Hop, December 31 - January 2nd and I will be one of the participants! I think just about everything in the fabulous new Mini catalog will be showcased. How cool will that be?! So stay tuned for more about that. In the meantime.....

   Thanks for stopping by!

Control Freaks Blog Tour - Occasions Mini 2011 Sneak Peak!

  

  It's time! Yes, it is time for another Control Freaks Blog Tour and do we have some Occasions Mini Sneak Peaks for you! The Tour officially starts tomorrow, December 20th so be sure to check back because you won't want to miss  a thing!

  

   If you arrived from Jen Smith's fabulous blog, Ladybug Stamper, you are in the right place. If you are beginning with my blog, don't worry, you can go full circle by following the links at the end of each Control Freak's post.  Have fun and be inspired!!

   There are several sneak peaks in my projects, all centering around the Occasions Mini stamp set, Clearly for You. This set is so much fun and contains 12, yes 12, different stamps!

   The other sneak peaks? 

1. New Springtime Vintage designer paper - Flowers, stripes, patterns - all in vintage colors and styles

2. Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - I sponged ink over mine to give it even more definition!

3. Vintage Flower Adornments - I used Baja Breeze on my card. They remind me of old jewelry.

4. Ribbon Rosettes - They come in Vanilla and in 3 sizes. The smallest size is what I used for my card. And best of all, these Rosettes can be dyed with a marker or reinker! More on that later!

Supplies for the card:

Stamps: Clearly for You (Occasions Mini) and Word Play

Paper: Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

           Springtime Vintage designer paper (Occasions Mini)

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Old Olive

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Occasions Mini), Oval Punch, Oval Scallop Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Ribbon Rosette (Occasions Mini), Vintage Flower Adornment - Baja Breeze (Occasions Mini)

My next project is all hand made, even the plate! This would make a lovely gift for a friend or loved one. Who doesn't love homemade goodies?!

 First I baked a batch of raspberry squares, packaged them in one of our Large Cello Bags tied at the top with a handmade tag. Then I placed the entire package in a handmade box stamped with the little background stamp from the set Clearly for You, and trimmed with more Springtime Vintage dsp!

   I love raspberries and was so excited to see a raspberry stamp included in the aforementioned, Clearly for You stamp set! I immediately thought of this idea to create my own serving plate. I simply used White Stazon ink and stamped raspberries around the brim of a small, clear, glass plate. Here is a close up - yum!

  My tag is stamped at the bottom with the little background stamp included in the Clearly for You stamp set. Then I added a few strips of Springtime Vintage designer paper plus a stamped, and hand cut raspberry and flower. A piece of new Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon adds a special touch.

 Notice the Ribbon Rosette on the bow! Remember earlier I said these can be dyed? Well this is the medium sized Rosette dyed with Rich Razzleberry ink! I just love the options this presents!!

Supplies for the plate and package of goodies:

Stamps: Clearly for You (Occasions Mini)

Paper: Rose Red and Whisper White cardstock

          Springtime Vintage designer paper (Occasions Mini)

Ink: White Stazon, Black Stazon, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, various SU markers

Accessories: Big Shot, Two Tags die, Pear Pizzaz Ribbon, Large Cello Bag, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon (Occasions Mini), Ribbon Rosette (Occasions Mini), Mini Glue dots, Clear Glass Plate (non SU)

  Well that was fun, and hopefully you had fun too! If you haven't seen what all of the Control Freaks have created for the Blog Tour, be sure to keep on going! You won't want to miss a thing! Uber talented Dawn Olchfeske of DOstamping with Dawn leads the way. 

To continue: either click on Dawn's name (above) 

or on the icon below.

Enjoy!

A Tag is a Tree

   Today's project is just a really simple card I made recently. It is crazy busy around here so I will try to post when I can, and what I can.  BUT.... don't forget the Control Freaks Blog Tour on the 20th. It will be all about the Occasion Mini that will be in mailboxes soon. 

  Back to today's card. I used one of the tags from the Two Tags Bigz die and stamped my image at the top and the sentiment at the bottom.

   By adding the strip of Play Date designer paper across the front, it made the sentiment look like "the roots". The Early Espresso Button is my only accent and is just enough to balance the layout. I kept thinking I should add something to the upper right corner but ended up letting it remain as is.

Tags are fun and can be used for more than.... well, tags! And I hope you find this card inspirational!

Stamps: Forest Friends and Fabulous Phrases

Paper: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Whisper White

             Play Date designer paper

Ink: Early Espresso and Old Olive markers

Accessories: Large Scallop Circle punch, Big Shot, Two Tags bigz die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Early Espresso Button, Linen Thread

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit!

Day of Gratitude Christmas

   It has been such a long time since I participated in a sketch challenge and I have missed them! I headed over to Stampin Addicts, found HERE, for some inspiration. 

I love how simple this sketch is, yet it offers alot of possibilities. 

  You may recognize the focal point. It is the medallion type stamp from the Day of Gratitude stamp set. I  just don't want to put it away yet so I used it once again for a Christmas theme! Love that versatility!!

   To make this card I just stamped the medallion several times on Crumb Cake cardsock. Some were stamped in Always Artichoke and some in Cherry Cobbler. Then I cut and punched and layered. The bottom layer is a circle made with none other than the new 3" Circle Die coming soon in the Occasions Mini! I am sooo excited to have this! Life just got easier.

   I couldn't figure out how to add the circle pictured in the sketch. So I added one of our little Vintage Tags and added the saying "Merry" for a festive little message. It kind of gets lost in the background but it's better than nothing I say.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude (Holiday Mini), Tiny Tags

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Deck the Halls designer paper

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Big Shot, 3" Circle die (upcoming Occasions Mini), Chantilly Crochet Trim, Large Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, Basic Pearls, Mini Vintage Tag, sponge, dimensionals

I am so thankful you took the time to stop by! Oh, and don't forget, the Control Freaks Blog Tour is coming up on December 20th! It's going to be a sneak peak of the Occasions Mini. Exciting stuff!

A Very Minty Christmas!

   I debated about posting this snowman because I made it before Candy Cane Christmas designer paper went out of stock. That's right. It is no longer available! But even though my snowman contains a product you can't purchase, I decided to show you anyway cause he is so much fun to make - and hopefully receive!

   I got the idea from Ghiradelli Candy and made it my own. It involves the Big Shot, Box #2, Clear Circle die, plus various punches. 

   When I originally made this project, I used the Circle Scissors Plus to make the 3" Circle in the center. I am excited to tell you that in the new, Occasions Mini (available Jan. 4), there is a 3" die and a 3 1/2" Circle die!!!! Woo Hoo!

  Here is a side view so you can see the box. It is covered with Candy Cane Christmas paper to match the mint candy inside. Note: I faced the box so it opens from the back. And I didn't tie the ribbon in a knot. Instead I used Mini Glue Dots to hold it in place. 

  I thought you would like to see the various pieces I used for my snowman. In addition, I added the punched greeting that he holds. If you look closely you can see some snowflakes stamped with one of the stamps from Serene Snowflakes. I had to use stamping somewhere! lol!

 Sorry, I don't have time to post directions but I think it is pretty straightforward. You can always email me. 

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Snow Swirled (eta)

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Peach Parfait

            Candy Cane Christmas specialty paper - no longer available

Ink: Sahara Sand for snowflakes and sponging edges

Accessories: Big Shot, Box #2, Clear Circle die, Circle Scissors Plus (or 3" circle die when available), Decorative Label Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, Ghiradelli Candy

Have a blessed day! 

Snowman Gift Card Holder

    This cute little guy is one of the gift card holders I made for my daughters' stockings. We still do stockings even though they are now young adults - their choice, not mine. Gift cards are an easy, albeit expensive, stocking stuffer. Maybe that's why they don't want to forgo the stocking tradition! Ya think? lol.

   His body is made with the Big Shot and Clear Circle die and the 2 1/2" Circle Punch. The shoes are punched with the Oval Punch and his hands, face and hat are various Circle Punches. Notice that I added some texture to his hat by embossing it with the Northern Flurry textured impressions embossing folder.

   Every snowman needs a scarf so once again I used Real Red Striped Ribbon. I love the texture of this ribbon - so easy to tie and fraying the edges is a bonus! 

   His gift package is really a pocket to hold the gift card! I know you are going to want the measurements so here they are:

• Baja Breeze cardstock cut to measure 7 3/4" x 3 1/2
• Score at 3" and 6 1/2" 
• Score at 1/2" and 3" 
• Trim off the 1/2" sides down to the 3" score line
• Punch a half circle from one end with the 1 1/4" Circle Punch. This makes it easier to get the Gift Card in and out.

 Once I cut and scored the gift card holder I stamped snowflakes from Serene Snowflakes stamp set with White Craft Ink. I then embossed with White Embossing Powder. Finally, before I adhered the sides, I added ribbon with Mini Glue Dots. The bow was added with Mini Glue Dots too. Once that is done:

• Fold on all score lines and adhere the sides with Sticky Strip. 

Glue on a piece of velcro with Crystal Effects. I weighted this down until it dried.

In review:

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes

Paper: Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Basic Black, Real Red, Peach Parfait, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry tief, Clear Circle Die, 2 1/2", 1 1/4", 1", 3/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Itty Bitty Punch, Oval Punch, Signo Gel Pen, Real Red Striped ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Super Simple Christmas Card

  Do you ever need a quick Christmas card? I always do for one reason or another! This card is so easy because it is one layer, and elegant because it is embossed in gold. I used Whisper White cardstock but Shimmery White would look even better!

   I added a little Basic Rhinestone to the star to cover up a mistake - oops!

Stamps: Come to Bethlehem

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Basic Rhinestone

Thanks for looking.

Goofy Little Reindeer Gift

   I have always loved those one size fits all gloves. You know the ones. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. I think the reason I love those gloves is because I am constantly losing and/or misplacing mine! It never fails! So I keep several pair around just in case. 

   One day, I was on the web looking for something totally unrelated and I came across a creative way to give these gloves as a gift! The name of the site is Cindy's Candy Creations. It has nothing to do with stamping, just candy. The original idea was 2 separate reindeer, 2 separate gloves and 2 separate candy bars. I combined 2 candy bars and 2 gloves into 1 reindeer. 

   First I wrapped 2 individual candy bars in Chocolate chip cardstock. Then I slipped a glove on the top of each wrapped candy bar. The gloves become the antlers! 

   To hold the 2 candy bars together, I wrapped a piece of crimped white cardstock around the reindeer's head thus giving him a hat. I made sure it was wrapped firmly and only adhered it in the back. You want the gloves to be worn without adhesive all over them!

   You can see from this picture that I used 2 candy bars individually wrapped with cardstock. The ribbon around the bottom keeps the candy bars together plus adds some color!

  The little tag tied around the antlers says Merry Christmas but it could just say To: and From: or whatever you prefer.  I thought these were  a little goofy (in a good way) and cute! Enjoy!

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, White, Crumb Cake, Black cardstock

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black marker

Accessories: 1/8" White Taffeta Ribbon, Real Red Striped Ribbon, White Gel Pen, 1/2" circle punch, Wide Oval punch, 3/4" circle punch, Crimper, 1 pair of One Size Fits All gloves, 2 regular size Hershey Bars

There's alot happening in my stamp room  this month - swaps, blog hops, sneak peaks and of course Christmas stuff, so I will post when I can. Stay tuned!

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for looking!

Straying from Christmas for a Moment

  I am so excited because I placed my Occasions Mini Catalog pre-order Wednesday and it should be arriving early next week! It is like an early Christmas present to me! Don't worry, I'll be giving sneaky peakies in the weeks to come.

  In the meantime, I have some more holiday ideas to share with you - except for today. Today's card is a diversion.

  I made this 4.25" x 4.25" square card last week because I needed a quick feminine card for a friend. I have to confess it was nice using non Christmas/winter colors. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas colors. It's just this was a nice change of pace.

   This is a hostess stamp set called Silhouette Sentiments, and it is one of those hostess sets that I wish wasn't a hostess set because I don't want to see it retire in June. *sigh*

  Ribbon Tip: The ribbon and bow are 2 separate pieces. After I attached the ribbon to the cardstock, I tied another piece around it to form a bow. I find that the bow stays in place better when tied like that.

Stamps: Silhouette Sentiments (hostess)

Paper: Pretty in Pink Textured cardstock, Whisper White cardstock

Ink: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery Markers

Accessories: Basic Pearls, White Organza Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch

   Have a happy stamping day!

Stepped Up Version

   Happy December! I just returned from a road trip to Ohio where we spent Thanksgiving and the days following, with our daughters! We had a fabulous time together - it was VERY hard to say goodbye. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving as well! Now, let's talk stamping.

When I made this card found HERE, I never, in my wildest dreams, thought it would be as popular as it was/is! All I can say is Wow, and thanks! 

   I also made a stepped up version - one with color, layers, embossing and embellishments. 

  I used torn cardstock edged with Iridescent Ice embossing powder for the snowbanks. I also added Iridescent Ice embossing powder to the tree, pine branches and the deer's footprints. I think Dazzling Diamonds Glitter would work just as well. The nice part about the embossing powder is - it stays in place!

 After I made the card, I stepped back and thought it needed something at the top so I added a tone on tone punched shape, a snowflake and a button. 

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree and Forest Friends

Paper: Almost Artichoke, Whisper White cardstock

Ink: Almost Artichoke, Soft Suede, Versamark ink pad and pen

Accessories: Iridescent Ice embossing powder, Decorative Label Punch, Big Shot, Northern Frost Decorative Strip, Button, twine, sponge

Thanks for stopping! Have a happy stamping day.