Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! Life's been a bit crazy around my house the last couple of months. With starting a new job after a number of years as a stay-at-home-mom, I'm learning to manage my time differently.

I'm hoping to post more regularly starting the beginning of the year.

November Stamp Club Projects

Finally getting around to posting the projects from my November stamp clubs. Been a bit crazy since I started working a job outside of my stamping.

This project was one that was demonstrated during this past year's convention. And, it was a real hit with all the gals. The mugs can purchased at any dollar-type store, and the mittens (or other images as there are 10 different ones) are Decor Elements available in the Holiday Mini catalog, Candy Cane Christmas Decor Elements, $14.95. The fabric and buttons are also available in the mini catalog. The mug-mat was cut using the Scallop Square die and the Sizzix Big-Shot. The fabric is on sale at 50% off through the 30th of November!

The final project we made was this cute card, using the stamps from A Cute Christmas (another mini catalog item) and Come to Bethlehem (just the "Merry Christmas" image). The background paper is the Candy Cane Christmas Specialty designer series paper. Ovals were cut using the Ovals die and the Sizzix Big-Shot.

Christmas Stamp Camp Projects

This past Saturday, I held a Christmas Stamp Camp. Everyone had a great time. Here are the projects that we made.

Snowman Pop-Up card:

Stamp Sets: Punch Pals, Many Merry Messages

Ink: Jet-Black Staz-On, Basic Gray, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive & Soft Suede Stampin' Write markers

Paper: Old Olive (4-1/4"x11", strip for punched circle); Cherry Cobbler (2-3/4"x5-1/4"); Whisper White (2-1/2"x5")

Accessories: Chunky Essentials glitter, Tombow Multi-Purpose glue, Crop-a-Dile, 1-3/8" Circle punch, Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding, Paper Trimmer w/scoring blade, Hobby Blade, Sticky Strip Adhesive, Stamp-a-ma-jig

This great card/gift card holder idea came from Lynn Pratt. You can find her fall inspired card here: http://stampndesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/french-foliage-gift-card-holder.html

I simply took her idea and changed the "ribbon" which is actually some of the new Deck The Halls Designer fabric from the Holiday Mini Catalog, and the stamped image on top. It's from the Christ Is Born stamp set and the "Merry Christmas" is from the Come to Bethlehem stamp set. A little Gold Glow Smooch Spritz gives the final touch!

Here's the inside.

The final project we made was this cute little matchbox with an assortment of Christmas tags. It's made using the Sizzix Big Shot, Match Box die, and the Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, Jolly Jingles. The tags were made using the stamp set Tags til Christmas. Both the wheel and the stamp set are found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. A bit of Early Espresso 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon and 1/2" Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding finish it all off. Oh, and I don't want to forget the little tag on the box. It's made using the Tiny Tags stamp set and the Medium Jewelry tag punch.

Thanks for stopping by. I love hearing your comments!

Versatile Roller Wheels

This last month, I focused on Thanksgiving and thankfulness for the theme at my stamp clubs. Below is one of the cards we made. It uses the Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, Bright Blessings (#115626, $8.50). I stamped it onto Naturals Ivory card stock using Early Espresso ink. Then, ran the stamped piece through the Big-Shot using the Texture Plates Kit #4 (the woodgrain one of the 3). To give the piece a more aged look, I sponged some Crumb Cake ink over the raised image.

To finish it off, I tore a piece of Early Espresso card stock followed by a piece of Crumb Cake card stock, and layered the stamped image on top. Then, tied a piece of 1/8" Early Espresso taffeta ribbon and finally added a "Happy Thanksgiving" message from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $36.95) by cutting piece of card stock into a pennat and attaching it with a 1/16" hole punch and some linen thread. This all went onto a Marina Mist card.

So, now I'm thinking Christmas ideas and wondered what I could do with the same layout. Well, below you'll see what I came up with. I used the Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel, Jolly Jingles (#120864, $8.50) from the Holiday Mini Catalog and Cherry Cobbler ink onto Very Vanilla card stock. Instead of using the texture plates with the Big-Shot, I chose to use the Textured Impressions folder, Petals-A-Plenty. After stamping the image and texturing it, I sponged once again with Crumb Cake ink on the top. The only other variations to the card from the previous one is that I used some Always Artichoke 1/2" seam binding and Always Artichoke and Crumb Cake card stock punched along the edges with the Scallop Trim border punch. The "Merry Christmas" image is also from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes. The card base is Cherry Cobbler.

I think that the combinations are pretty endless with all the available roller wheels on the market.

Congrats! Gift Bag

My downline Jen, found a new recruit for her Stampin' Up! business, and I wanted to give her just a little congrats! gift to celebrate.

Well, being a demonstrator, you can't just buy a gift bag to put it into, now can you? No, I needed to make one. And, since it's fall and I totally love the the French Foilage stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog, I chose to make it a fall congrats! bag.

She loved the bag too.

The "Congratulations" stamp is a retired stamp from a number of years ago, I think level 1 hostess set even. I just didn't have a current stamp that was better.

Pocket Silhouettes Christmas

While searching for card samples (something I do often to gain inspiration), I came across this idea. Really simple and yet a wow! The colors are Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke.

I found the card I cased from Taunya Thurman Rivers, a fellow demonstrator. The original poster, Stamping with Ali, made this monochromatic card in all Real Red.

You can find her sample here: http://stampingwithali.blogspot.com/search/label/Pocket%20Silhouettes

I really liked it, but wanted to use more traditional coloring, and the new 1/2" Seam binding found in the Holiday Mini. The "Merry Christmas" image is from the Come to Bethlehem stamp set.

2011 Desktop Calendar

This month in my stamp club meetings, I had the gals make these desktop calendars. It was a big hit. The image to the left of the calendar can be changed according to the season (winter, spring, summer & fall) by removing the image and placing one of the other 3 onto the velcro dot (attached behind the image). The corresponding side of the velcro dot is placed on the back side of the images. I used the stamp set A Flower for all Seasons, #111592, $14.95. And, the extra images are stored inside in a small cellophane bag.

The calendar base takes only 1 sheet of card stock to make, measuring 9" x 6-1/2". With simple scoring and folding, it goes together very quickly. Another demonstrator had shared the calendar file that is printed onto printer paper and cut to size.

All fit into the 1/2" library clip from the clips assortment (#112580; $6.95). There are 8 of them included in the package along with a couple of other style of paper clips. While they are still available, you can also get varied colors of these clips in the Clearance Rack section of the Stampin' Up! website for $1.99/package.

For more detailed instructions, just comment to this post of send me an e-mail.

New Promotion from Stampin' Up!

You have the opportunity to purchase select products--perfect for Amazing cards,Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts--at a 20 percent discount! Click on the image on my side-bar for more details.

French Foilage Thanksgiving

I was wanting to make a few Thanksgiving cards, and wanted to use a unique stamp set to make them with. I decided to use the new French Foilage set that is in the Holiday Mini Catalog
In trying to decide upon a color theme, I went to my trusty Color Coach, and chose Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke & More Mustard. I really like how it all turned out.

Here is a picture of the inside. I used the stamp set Seasonal Sentiments (also in the Holiday Mini) as the saying.

More Items Added to SU!'s Clearance Rack

Now, from October 5–18, Stampin' Up! is adding over two hundred more discontinued items--some at up to 80 percent off--to help make room for new products! Place your order today through my SU! website (www.amytaylor.stampinup.net). This gives you preferred pricing. Orders cannot be placed through clubs or workshops. Don't delay! Order today.

Another Holiday Mini Project

Ever have a season of little to no creativity? Well, I've been having one of those times lately. Hoping that it passes quickly! Here is a project I put together awhile back. It's a 6x6 scrapbook page using the Cute Christmas stamp set from the Holiday Mini.

New Holiday Mini

The new Holiday Mini Catalog is here! And, I'm showing a simple card made with one of the sets from it today.

The stamp set is called A Cute Christmas and it's a set of 9 simply adorable Christmas stamps. Perfect for so many projects!

The image was stamped onto a piece of Whisper White card stock that was first run through the Sizzix Big-Shot using the Ovals Originals Die, and colored in using markers. The tree with the star was given a bit of "bling" using one of the new Basic Rhinestones. I took 3 different colors of card stock (Garden Green, Blushing Bride & Real Red) and ran them through the Sizzix Big-Shot using the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions folder. The stamped image was then attached over the 3 strips using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Owl Card Make & Take

The End of Summer Stamp Bazaar I held this past Saturday was a success! I had a number of people through. Here is the card that I had out for everyone to make.

I just love this little owl. He's made using the new 2-step owl punch from the 2010/2011 Idea Book & Catalog. The "tree" is made using a strip of Soft Suede card stock that has been textured using the Sizzix Big-Shot and the Texture Plates kit #4. The leaves are made using the Little Leaves Sizzlit (also to be used with the Big-Shot). The owl is made using Chocolate Chip and Whisper White card stock and the Level 1 Hostess pack of In-Color Designer Series paper.

The card base is a 8-1/2"x11" piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock (one of the new In-Colors).

End of Summer Stamp Bazaar

Amy's End of Summer Stamp Bazaar

Saturday, August 21st

10AM to 4PM

My House (if you need address or directions, please contact me)

"Retired" Stamps up to 75% off

Drawings

Surprise Make & Take

Please bring a friend

My Digital Studio Demonstrations

Simple refreshments

New Catalog samples

Sneak Peek of Holiday Mini Catalog

An RSVP by Friday, August 20th appreciated

*All specials day of event only! Must be present to win. NO gift certificates for purchases. Cash only on retired stamp sets.

August Stamp Club

I've been busy as of my return from Salt Lake City and Stampin' Up!'s annual convention. However, I've been neglecting my posting here. Here are the projects we made at my Littleton's August stamp club.

Stamp sets used:

Just Believe #116948 (wood mount) $33.95

#120453 (clear mount) $25.95

Teeny Tiny Wishes #115370 (wood mount) $36.95

Fabulous Phrases #117002 (wood mount) $37.95

#120501 (clear mount) $26.95

This card was made using the Black Magic technique. A simple card, but the coloring in takes a little bit more time than simply stamping in ink.

This card I cased from a fellow demonstrator, Lynn Pratt. I made a few changes by using card stock run through the crimper instead of using ribbon. I loved how simple the card was to make using a piece of card stock run through the Big-Shot and using the Top-Note die, scored and folded over along the top.

Finally, we made a card using the reflection technique. This card was also cased from Lynn. I made changes to use a 3x6-inch card and the Scallop Trim border punch along the edge, and again changing the saying.

Stampin' Up! Freebies

On the last day of convention, and at the last possible moment, Stampin' Up!'s gave all demonstrators in attendance this:

It's products that aren't even available yet from the Holiday Mini Catalog that will be available starting September 1st. My intention is to get busy creating with these items very soon. So, keep an eye out.

New stuff

Ever thought about using fabric on a cards?

Last day of SU! Convention

I mentioned yesterday in my post about the funky bags all demonstators
received on check-in day for SU! Convention. Here it is.

SU! Convention make & takes

Convention has been great! Yesterday, one of the classes I attended
was a make & take session. Lookie at one of the cards we made.

Saturday Fun

I just received my first order from the brand-new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog. It was only 2 stamp sets (freebies that I earned with my sales from Sale-a-Bration!), but what fun!

The 2 cards that I'm showcasing today are from the stamp set, Friends Fur-ever. The layout is almost identical, but I've changed the colors used. This first card uses Real Red, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White. The dog image was stamped onto a piece of Basic Gray card stock and cut-out and attached on the chair using 2-Way glue. That wasn't my first intention, but when you aren't thinking and stamp the chair first, and then the dog, you just have to do something! Otherwise, the lines of the chair go right through the dog!

This next card uses Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White. Probably one of my favorite color combinations!

On both cards, I colored in the stamped images using the Many Marvelous Markers. The embossed sections were done using the Sizzix Big-Shot and the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Perfect Polka Dots and Square Lattice.

Because I Care

With the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog released, I wanted to share a card using a Level 1 Hostess stamp set. It's called "Because I Care".

For this card I used just one new In-Color, Pear Pizzaz. The other colors used are Bashful Blue, and Chocolate Chip. You might also notice a new Textured Impressions Embossing folder for the Sizzix Big-Shot. It's called Vintage Wallpaper, and it gives an elegant look to the card.

Now, to get finished setting up for my open-stamp-night. I'm hoping to get working on my swaps for Stampin' Up!'s convention later this month.

June Stamp Club Projects

I had my last stamp club for this year's catalog last night. It was lot's of fun, and we made some neat projects. It's always hard to choose just a few from the retiring stamp sets, but I managed to narrow it down to 2 stamp sets. Wanted & Garden Whimsy.

I really like the layout on the Garden Whimsy card. It's the same one I posted a couple of times using the Game Night stamp set. I told you it was versatile!

Stamp sets: Garden Whimsy

Card Stock: Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White

Inks: Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue

Accessories: Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, Horizontal Slot punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Techniques: Rock & Roll

Stamp sets: Wanted

Card Stock: Crushed Curry Textured, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Inks: Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango

Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Techniques: Rock & Roll, Faux Suede

Stamp sets: Wanted, All Holidays

Card Stock: Naturals Ivory, Kraft, Dusty Durango

Inks: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede

Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Vintage Brads, Paper Piercing tool, Mat Pack,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Techniques: Faux Suede, Stamping Off

A bit of a sneak peek!

This card is a bit of a sneak peek. The stamp set is a Level 1 hostess set from the current Summer Mini catalog, It's the Thought. However, 3 of the colors that I used are NEW colors!

The card base, is Cherry Cobbler, the yellow is Daffodil Delight, and the brown is Early Espresso. Oh, and did you notice the ribbon on the tag? That's brand-new 1/8" taffeta ribbon in Early Espresso color. I'm loving the new colors. So much fun to play with.

Game Night Birthday

This card may look a bit familiar! It's the same layout as one of the Father's day card's I posted earlier. See how versatile this layout is. You could change the stamp image as well.

Father's Day Inspiration (and a My Digital Studio newbie too)

Father's Day is just around the corner, so here are a couple of cards to inspire you.

The first one uses a retiring stamp set (those retiring from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog are only available through June 30th!) called Game Night.

The card base is Basic Gray and the dice image is stamped in the same color ink. The hearts, diamonds, spades & clubs image is stamped using Gong Gray, a color that is retiring this year. The accent on the front of the card is from the All Holidays stamp set, stamped using Going Gray ink onto Whisper White card stock, and backed onto a piece of Real Red card stock. The accent is attached to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals. The final touch is a piece of Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon tied around the front of the card.

This second card is a hybrid card using some elements from the My Digital Studio and traditional stamps and accessories. The image is from the brand-new digital download from My Digital Studio, King of the Grill stamp brush set (#123174, $3.95). This is also available as a stamp set in the Summer Mini Catalog (#121707 in wood mount, $18.95, or #120066 in clear mount, $14.95).

To make the card, I sized the image in My Digital Studio to the size I wanted, and printed it onto a piece of Whisper White card stock. Then, I trimmed the image to the finished dimensions that I wanted and colored it in using the Many Marvelous markers. I layered it onto a piece of Poppy Parade card stock (a new In-Color) and attached it to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals. The card base is Not Quite Navy, the accent piece is Sahara Sand that was run through the Big-Shot using the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, available in the Summer Mini Catalog. The Father's Day stamp is a retired stamp (it fit the area that I needed) and is from last years mini catalogs, And Many Mower.

Hope I've inspired those of you who still have Father's Day cards to make.

Crafter's Tool Kit in SU!'s Clearance Rack

Crafters Tool Kit 110089 $15.99 (60% off of original price) Includes 3/16" and 1/8" anywhere hole punches, universal eyelet setter, two needles, paper-piercing tool, bottle-nosed pliers with wire cutter, cross-lock tweezers, and hammer. Also includes paper-piercing pad, paper-piercing template, and setting mat, each 4" x 4". All packaged in a durable nylon zip case with outside pocket. Instructions included.

Stamp Club Projects

I'm excited about getting together again tonight with one of my stamp clubs. I'll be showing them the Rock & Roll technique and showcasing a couple of the stamp sets that will be gone after this month. Garden Whimsy and Very Thankful.

It's going to a great time of stamping!

Retiring Stamp Set Count-Down

The days are going by quickly for the end of the 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalog. So, I'm showcasing projects using stamp sets that won't be available after the end of this month.


I'm sad to see the Refuge & Strength set go. The grass along the bottom of the stamped image was done using the Inspired By Nature stamp set (this set is not retiring). To make the sunset image behind the cross, I punched out the 1-3/4" circle from a scrap piece of card stock and sponged in Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie and Really Rust ink starting with the lightest and ending up with the darkest color.

It's a MDS Monday

For today's post, I'm showing a card I made using My Digital Studio.

Stampin' Up! released a new download for MDS, the "Go, Graduate Plus". With this download, it makes for easy card making, and scrap-booking too!

Monday, Monday!

It's been a little hectic around my house getting ready for graduation this coming Friday. I'm a little behind in posting the projects that were made at stamp club last Tuesday. But, here they are:

Here's a money/gift certificate holder card for that special graduate. The stamp set used is Go, Graduate from the Summer Mini catalog. The card base is made from Kraft (soon to be called Crumb Cake) card stock. The measurements are 8-1/2" x 6", and it's scored at 3" & 6". The Designer Series paper that is used on the top is from the Holiday Lounge pack. The image was stamped twice, one right next to the other to get an extended piece, then watercolored with Classic stamp pads and the Aqua Painters.

Here's a picture of the inside:

The 1-3/4" Circle punch was used in the center of the flap and the top corners were rounded with the 3/16" Corner Rounder punch.

This next project is a gift card holder, perfect for those summer gifts. It uses the new stamp set Sweet Scoops, also in the Summer Mini Catalog.

This one uses 3 of the Stampin' Up! colors that are retiring after this catalog year, and the project is super simple to make. Call me to book a workshop, and I'd be happy to show this project (or one similar) at your home with your friends and family!

Finally, here is an easel card we made using the same stamp set:

Tuesday stamping

Good Tuesday morning to you!

For my Thornton stamp club members, you might recognize the layout on this card. I changed it up by using a different stamp set, "Pocket Silhouettes". And, to give the background some texture, I used the Sizzix Big-Shot and the SU! Perfect Details Texturz Plate.

It's Graduation Time

It's that time of year where thoughts turn to graduation. They do, of course, unless you don't know of anyone graduating this year! For me, that would be my son graduating from High School. So, needless to say I'm thinking about it quite a bit.

When Stampin' Up! sent out my preview copy of the Summer Mini catalog, I knew that I was going to "need" this stamp set. It's the "Go, Graduate" stamp set on page 24 of the Summer Mini catalog that became available today! It's a great set for cards and scrapbooks and is available in both wood mount and clear mount.

The colors I used were Basic Gray, Going Gray, Whisper White, Bravo Burgundy and Basic Black. The Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Pad for the Sizzix Big Shot was used to give a bit of texture to the background of the card front. While it was available in the previous mini catalog, it's still available for purchase.

Happy Thursday

I attended a Spring Stamposium this past Saturday, and used the card below as my swap card. The day was filled with stamping and stamping business tips and time with stamping friends. It doesn't get much better than that!

Anyway, here are the card details. The stamp sets used are the new Awash with Flowers set that will be in the new catalog when it comes out in July (but it's available as a sneak peek during the month of April), and Heard From the Heart. I purchased the Awash with Flowers set in clear-mount, and it definitely helps to line-up these 2-Step stamp sets using the clear-mounts over using wood-mount and a Stamp-a-ma-jig.

The colors used are Pretty In Pink, Old Olive, Confetti White, and Basic Black. The message image was stamped onto a strip of Vellum card stock and attached on both sides using Pretty In Pink brads. The Pretty In Pink card base was given some texture using the Perfect Details texture plate and the Sizzix Big-Shot.