A Passion for Stamps

FREE Digital Ensemble CD-Stampin' Up! Hostesses Limited-Time Option!

Have you heard about the new holiday season Hostess Promotion? It's a digital hostess ensemble cd called Savor The Season!  You can earn this ensemble free by hosting a qualifying workshop or by placing an online order of $150 US-It's valued at $16 in hostess dollars!   Check out some of the things included (click on image to enlarge):

 

 

 

 

 

This kit includes:

• 10 Designer Series Paper patterns
•  4 new punches exclusive to this ensemble
• 36 piece stamp brush set
•  a variety of embellishments
• 2 greeting card templates
•  1 postcard template
• templates for tags, labels, boxes, and a banner

Here are some of the amazing projects you can make from this cd:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about creating these beautiful items, watch this video created by a Stampin' Up! employee:

 

 

The punches that create lovely bows and treat boxes seen above,  will not be available after December 31, so contact me today to get all the details on how you can earn this wonderful ensemble as part of your hostess free dollars!

Passionately Stamping,

 

 

Halloween M&M Stix Goodies Double as Fall/Thanksgiving Home Decor item!

I love decorating the home for holidays...starting with Fall-don't you?  Here's a great idea for you!  While making some halloween M&M Stix treats with stamps, punches, inks, papers M&M candies and Stampin' Up!'s NEW 1"x8" Cellophane Bags,  I  decided I needed something to put the candy in!  I decorated a vase using Stampin' Up! fabrics and buttons, then accidentally created a wonderful home decor item for the table in my foyer!  I now have instant home decor that can be switched out for Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving-lasting for three months!  (I loved the idea so much, I already made one for Christmas too!)  It also makes a terrific hostess gift!  Here's what the end result looks like:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't it lovely?  It's really quite easy to make this!  Fall/halloween M&M's weren't out yet when I created this, so I purchased regular M&M candies and separated all the colors out into different dishes.  (The red and green I saved for the Christmas M&M Stix).  The orange, yellow and brown were all used for this treat container and my hubby and I ate the blue ones!  Try making some with the kids-just add some Apple Cider and you already have a snack on hand for them that they will love! (kids love to eat while they create, just like us adults do!)  Here is what you will need:

SUPPLIES (all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)

STAMPS:  Batty for You (116576), Falling Leaves (115386)-greeting & candy topper                              

INKS:  Classic Black Pad (101179)

CARDSTOCK:   Basic Black (121045),  Pumpkin Pie (105117), More Mustard (100946), Old Olive (100702),  Various scraps of Designer Series Papers

ACCESSORIES:  Cellophane Bags (124134) -1" x 8" (50 per pkg),  SNAIL Adhesive (104332),  eck the Halls Designer Fabric (121716), Tangerine Tango 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (124144),  Designer Buttons (Regals 119744 and Brights 119747), Various Markers, Various sizes of the circle punches and 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch (119854)

OTHER:  Vase or small jar, M&M's-large bag

To make it quicker and easier to get the M&M's into the cellophane bags: 

 Make a funnel from copy paper, that fits into the top of the cello bag-then drop one M&M in at a time, alternating the colors-just make sure the bottom candy lies flat and the rest will stack up right on top.   It works beautifully and fills up quickly!  It takes about 20-24 M&M's per Stix to fill each cello bag.

The tops of the bags have an adhesive strip closure.   Leave room at top so you can add the topper.  The toppers were made with increasing sizes of  Stampin' Up! circle punches, including the Scallop Circle punch.  layer your cardstock pieces on top of each other then end with a front and back that can be adhered together, with the candy stix in the middle. 

Decorate your vase, add a bunch of M&M Stix and you are ready for all those trick or treaters and Halloween!  When Halloween is over, change out the theme for Fall/Thanksgiving and you can still have a lovely item to grace any room in your house till Christmas!  (make those now too,  then just change your vase ribbon and button colors and you'll be ready with a holiday display till New Year's!)  This could be an ongoing decoration you leave out all year round!  Enjoy!  Don't forget to let me know in a comment here, how yours turn out...or e-mail me a picture of your creation and maybe I will feature it in a future blog post! 

If you would like to order any of the supplies to make this project,  please email me or you can order online here.  To check out our products or view any of our catalogs, click on the rotating catalog images on the right sidebar of this blog.

Until next time.....

Passionate about stamping!

 

 

Mistletoe Market Craft Fair In Franklin NJ was last weekend!

I apologize to my readers for not blogging for a few weeks. It could not be avoided.

This fall has been extremely unpredictable..and very traumatic for our family, due to some unusual and totally unexpected and upsetting happenings.   Things are looking brighter now,  so hopefully I'll be able to keep up with my blogposts.  

If you are a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, you are aware that our family has been through some tough ordeals of late.. and you learned about some of the classes I held and that I was once again participating in some craft fairs this holiday season.  (if you are not a subscriber to my monthly newsletter, you can easily become a subscriber by adding your email address to the link on the upper left sidebar).  As a subscriber, you will also currently receive any remaining weeks of my exclusive Twelve Weeks of  Christmas Projects Events posted every Wednesday.

Thanks so much to my customers and others for your patronage who came out to see me last weekend for our Fourth Annual Mistletoe Market Craft & Consultant Fair Event at my church-First Presbyterian Church of Franklin in Sussex County NJ. 

I did very well there,  and am looking forward to my next craft fair at Wallkill Valley High School in Hamburg on December 4. 

I meant to take to a picture of my table...but totally forgot, or I would include that here on this blog post!  I was busy most of the day with customers, so it went right out of my head..

I love doing this fair at my church, because not only does it help our church, but I really enjoy making projects for Thanksgiving, as well as Christmas. 

 

THANKSGIVING BLESSING MIX JARS for sale!

I created my own version of the Thanksgiving Blessing Mix as a JAR instead of a baggie project (which was what was originally created several years ago)  and it has always been popular at my shows ever since! It makes a terrific Thanksgiving Hostess Gift!  I was inspired by the idea originally shared online on this site and  I change it up a bit each year, based on what Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers I have on hand.  I've used other ideas from others which I shared in previous years and have modified. This year, I was trying to use up some of last years papers...but also added some from this year-unfortunately I didn't take  a pic of them...so here are some views of those using last years papers with different ribbons:

Front of Jar

Top of Jar

Back of Jar

 

  Contents of Baggie

I've sold out of all these offered at Craft Fairs...but if you ORDER NOW-by November 16th, I can have extras made up and ready to pick up by the 23rd (for those local to Northern New Jersey) or ready to mail out by the 20th. (this fee can be adjusted per your state laws).   Blessing Mix Jar is $6 (plus add priority shipping & handling of $6.50 per jar).

Please email me or call me no later than November 16th and include the state I'm shipping the order to.  Orders limited to the United States only.

Happy Harvest!

 

Stampin' Up! 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog!

Design-a-House Décor Accents

Our brand-new Design-a-House chipboard house is so versatile! From Christmas village, to gingerbread house, haunted mansion, or Build-A-Bear Workshop playhouse, these cute houses will delight you all year round!

Chipboard houses can be decorated to suit any season or style. The included template will help you embellish as much or as little as you like with Designer Series Paper, ribbon, and more! The size of a finished house is approximately 6-1/4" x 6" x 5".

 

Haunted House

Stamps

    * Dark & Dreary

Paper

    * Basic Black Card Stock
    * Cajun Craze Card Stock
    * Old Olive Card Stock
    * Rich Razzleberry Textured Card Stock
    * Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper
    * White Vellum Paper
    * Waffle Paper Assortment 2

Ink

    * Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
    * Distressing Essentials
    * Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
    * VersaMarker
    * Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz

Accessories

    * Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
    * Black Stampin' Emboss Powder
    * Circle Scissor Plus
    * Color Spritzer Tool
    * Bitty Bat Punch

Have a SPOOKY time!

 

Mistletoe Market Craft Fair In Franklin NJ is back again!

Just a quick post to let you know that I will once again have my Stamp Table at the Mistletoe Market Craft Fair! I hope you will be able to come out and join in the FUN! More info at a later date! Please mark this date on YOUR calendar now...

DATE:  November 6, 2010

TIME: 10 - 4:00 P.M.

LOCATION:  First Presbyterian Church, 11 Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416

C0me and visit us! Do your Christmas Shopping at your one-stop Christmas Shopping Fair!

More info to follow...

Blue Snowflake Holiday with a Square Lattice Background..

I thought I'd share another card from the Easy-to-Reproduce Holiday Swap...the creator didn't identify herself, so I can't give proper credit for this lovely card (if you are the creator please let me know).

This is an interesting blue and white themed card with simple stamping using the Snow Swirled Stamp set (111690) - a set of six stamps on page 40 of the 2010-2o11 Stampin' Up! catalog:

Cardstock color is Marina Mist, a sliver of Brushed Silver which gets the Eyelet Border Punch treatment, as well as Whisper White cardstock (after it was run through the Big Shot in the Square Lattice Embossing Folder).  Tuck the silver strip under the white lattice designed cardstock, with just a touch of silver peeking out...

I'm a fan of embossing folders! Not only do they have very cool designs that make wonderful backgrounds, accent pieces or borders, but they are incredibly easy and quick to use as well!

It doesn't show up in the photo too well, but each of the larger snowflakes are dotted in the center with one of the NEW Basic Rhinestone  embellishments that come 150 pieces to a package (50 each in 3 sizes) which have adhesive on the back-you simply peel them off and adhere! How easy is that! And, each package contains 3 strips of connected rhinestones or pearls too, which are PERFECT when you want to create a border!  LOVE these...

To finish the card off, the Whisper White satin ribbon is layered over a strip of Marina Mist cardstock cut slightly wider, then the embossed saying is punched out using the Oval Extra Large Punch.

All these products can be found in the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog! It's easy to check them out or purchase them - just go to my DBWS Store by clicking HERE, then click on the SHOP NOW button-you can shop and purchase right from there! Remember, you can only receive "preferred pricing" when you order from a Demonstrator's Business Web Site (DBWS).  This means you will get the lowest shipping cost, lowest price, and can also earn hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards for qualifying orders!  So always select a demonstrator when ordering from the online store!  If you don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'd love to be your Creative Coach! 

Also one other note about the Online Store Web Site-Stampin' Up! has been busy enhancing the performance of the web site, so your Online Store Orders will be processed faster now! That's great news, because I know how busy everyone is...

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting--please leave me a comment so I know you were here!

See you tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stampwithdeb/

Lions, punches and BUNNIES-OH MY!

Well, I'm gearing up for my punches class this weekend...just returned from a great weekend on Long Island with my dad, followed by some fun with Jan and other demonstrators on my S.O.S. Team in Connecticut. We had a great time-stamping, sharing, eating, laughing and just plain old fun with the girl's at Jan's Rubber Room! This was the first time I got to see her new stamp room, which is just amazing!

Jan and I both had projects planned for everyone to make. Mine was a Stand-up Bunny Card inspired by Jackie Topa that is just so cute, and Jan's was a Bunny Top Note Treat Box filled with grass and jelly beans-made with the Top Note die! If you come to Punch Art Card Class you will make them, but TODAY is the last day to sign up, which you can do by clicking on the CALENDAR on the  right sidebar. Here they are:

      

Heather decided to make her bunny into a WALRUS!:                                                   Isn't this creative?

Another Punch Art Card Class project is this adorable LION M&M                                  card made with the Heart Treat Cups:

(and you don't have to rip the card open to get the candy out!)

Aren't they all adorable? At class you will learn how to make                                      these cuties and a few more other punch cards! Remember                                           to register for Punch Art Card Class today!

Have a great stampin' day!

A Big Shot Project-Candle Gift for a Friend!

I'm so excited because this weekend, I'm going to visit my dad on Saturday who lives at my brother's house on Long Island NY  (my dad had a stroke right before Thanksgiving and I couldn't see him till now). I haven't seen him since May, when we went to Manhattan for our new nephew's baptism.  

On Sunday I'm going to catch the Ferry at Orient Point to New London, CT then drive to Pawcatuck to visit Jan Eno, a dear friend and one of my directs in my Stampin' Up! downline-and I look forward to visiting with some of the girls in her downline and stamping with them this weekend!! I will be staying at Jan's until Monday, and I wanted to make her a thank you gift for her hospitality; so I decorated this candle using the Fabric Floral Embellishment I made with the Big Shot in my previous post:

Here's a photo of the back:

and a close-up:

It just so happened that the colors of the fabric matched up perfectly with our Polka-dot IN color ribbons, and the buttons and rhinestone brads coordinated as well! I embossed the saying on tissue paper, wrapped wax paper around it then heat embossed the words onto the candle.

Because of the fabric, this candle cannot be lit as it is. Before I attached the embellishments, I lit the candle and let it melt down a bit in the center. Then I inserted the Tea Light candle into the melted wax. Now the candle can be lit because the flame will stay in the middle, and the candle is protected by the metal tea light holder! When it burns out, it's replaceable!  Here is a photo from the top, so you can see how it looks when it's done:

To make this candle, I used all Stampin' Up! products:

STAMPS: Spring Song saying (115074) $15.95

INK: Taken with Teal Craft Pad (100617) $7.50

PAPER: none

ACCESSORIES: Stampin' Up! Flower Folds die (115970) $42.95 on page 201 of the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog; Summer Sun Corduroy Buttons (114343) $9.95; Circle Ice Turquoise Rhinestone Brads (109111) $10.95; Crushed Curry (115614) and Bermuda Bay (115610) 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbons $9.95;Sticky Strip (104294) $6.95; Extended Cutting Pads (113478) $19.95; Big Shot Die-Cut machine (113439) $99.95; Clear Embossing Powder (109130) $4.75; Heat Tool (100005) $29.95

Non-SU: about 1/4 yard coordinating fabrics (3-4 assorted); White Pillar Candle and base; Tea Light Candle

You can purchase these products ONLINE to make this candle right now from my website stampwithdeb.stampinup.net, and you will also qualify for several FREE Sale-A-Bration products! So what are you waiting for? Be a Big Shot with Fabric too! Or, sign up now for my next Big Shot class in March and make this candle, and more fabric projects with the Big Shot! I can't wait to show you!

I hope you've enjoyed this project-thanks for stopping by!

Stampingly yours,

Thanksgiving Stamped Hostess Gift

Thanksgiving is approaching and it's one of my favorite times of the year! It's a day when our family members are all home together to share in the holiday feast. It conjures up scents of turkey & stuffing roasting in the oven, and the house is filled with the aroma of baked pies and other goodies...I can feel the warmth of the kitchen with candles lit just thinking about it! It happens to be my son's favorite day too....all the food, relatives, followed by football game. (This year, my birthday also happens to fall on Thanksgiving-November 27th!)

It may be the last Thanksgiving we can all be together--as our son is seriously considering joining the Coast Guard, so he can follow up on his education in the Law Enforcement field, as well as obtain knowledge and experience while serving his country. He is currently in college but this will probably be his last semester, as he will most likely be going to Boot Camp next year. Thanksgiving is my son's favorite holiday-so this one will be very special for us all, as we may not be able to all be together for the next one.

This time of year also brings to mind the many blessings we have to be thankful for. As I work on projects for craft fairs this fall, I make sure I also have a few for Thanksgiving. I love the concept of a Thanksgiving Blessing Mix which makes an excellent little gift to bring to the hostess when you visit family on Thanksgiving Day! Two years ago, Stampin' Up! partnered with Country Living magazine which featured a spread in their magazine for Thanksgiving decorating. I loved the stamp set that was featured that year, and even used one of the sayings in this year's blessing mix that I put together for Thanksgiving. Last time I made the blessing mix with everything in a cello bag and topper. This time I wanted to do something a little different, so I found this cute little jar to decorate and fill:

If you follow my blog, you know I am sucker for punch art, so I knew I wanted to use punches to make my turkey. I got the idea for the turkey design from a card I saw (made by Cynthia Stember) mentioned here on Patty Bennett's blog and just expanded on it. The feathers were made with half a scallop punch on various colored cardstocks, then sponged around the edges. I used dimensionals between every layer so the turkey really pops out and attached the whole thing with Pop Up Glue Dots. (the dimension is hard to see in this photo-but the turkey really stands out nicely!)  I made the pumpkin with three small punched ovals and pumpkin pie cardstock and attached with dimensionals...

I hand drew the cornucopia on cocoa cardstock that I first stamped with Aida Cloth (a retired SU background stamp) and added a 1 3/4" chocolate chip circle behind the turkey for dimension. The bow was added with a glue dot to the top of the cornucopia.

I used the Coluzzle to make the large circle behind it all with More Mustard cardstock.

I cut a strip of Autumn Vine Designer Series paper and attached that to the jar.
This paper is so pretty and is double-sided, so it shows on the inside of the jar, too!

I printed the Thanksgiving Blessing Mix from my computer onto mustard cardstock, then used the slot punch to attach it to the back of the jar with (retired) SU ribbon.

This is the Thanksgiving Blessing Mix-I added all these ingredients to cello bags which were then sealed and placed inside the jar.

I cut a circle for the top of the jar, again using the Coluzzle, and added the saying. and sponged the edges.

I finished off with a ribbon around the top.

Here is the same designer series paper used in the above jar, but in reverse.  It was fun to change the papers and accessories for a different look.

These jars were a good seller at the Misteltoe Market Craft Event at the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin NJ that I just participated in this past weekend. (I've been busy for awhile getting ready for this fair-that's why I haven't been posting to the blog lately). I had some half-finished jars that I didn't bring with me, that I wished I had completed!  I am offering those I have left for sale to my local customers or to anyone who is willing to pick them up. Contact me at 973-827-2893 if you are interested in purchasing this lovely Thanksgiving hostess gift. The jars make a great home decor item that can be refilled every year! Offer good only while supplies last....

This year, Country living is partnering with Stampin' Up! once again-not for Thanksgiving projects, but for Christmas ones! I'll save that for my next post!

TURKEY POOP

Another project I offered at the Mistletoe Market Craft Fair this year was Turkey Poop-very similar to what I did last year, but simplified:

Do you really want to put a smile on a loved one's face? I highly recommend this humorous alternative to the more serious hostess gift above-it really makes a great gag gift! These are quick and easy to throw together and would be adorable at the place setting of your guests this Thanksgiving...

At the craft fair, two elderly ladies stopped by my table; this item caught their eye-and as they read it they suddenly burst out laughing and just kept looking at each other, laughed some more until tears were running down their faces!

Sometimes the simplest things bring the most pleasure....let me know if you would like to purchase any!

CUSTOM MESSAGE TILES

I wished I had made more of this cook serving up the turkey...but all the tiles my daughter and I have made so far, are "one of a kind".  I knew this one would be snatched up...and I was right! (there was a glare when I took the picture)

I will not be making more of this design this year, but next fall I plan to make a bunch of these.

I will be selling Message Tiles all year long in my online store...soon! My daughter Kelley helps me make these and has come up with some adorable ones! Each set includes the frame and Dry Erase Marker which is conveniently attached to the top of the tile for easy accessibility.

I have a few of these that we use around the house. When I first put one in the foyer, my nineteen year old son left me a note on it that said: "Mom-this is stupid". Well for something so stupid, need I tell you who now uses these more than any other family member to leave us messages? You guessed it! I have one in the foyer and one in the kitchen-they really come in handy...and it's easy to use-just erase with a tissue!

If you have any particular themes you are interested in, please let me know and I will try to accomodate your personal interests. I also make these up as wedding gifts. If you are in the Hardyston NJ area, come and visit me at the Wallkill Valley High School annual Booster Club Holiday Craft Fair on December 6 if you would like to purchase these as Christmas gifts, as I will have some there for sale.

Thanks for visiting!

Sizzix Big Shot-Halloween Basket

With only a few days to spare before Halloween, I can finally share this adorable little halloween basket I made with the Sizzix Big Shot Baskets & Blooms Die!

If you haven't heard, Stampin' Up! has partnered with Sizzix and now has some terrific exclusive dies as well as the Big Shot machine! I can't believe how easy this machine is to use and the cute projects that can be made with this product! This is the basket I made:

I had so much leftover Creepy Crawly Designer Series Papers from last year (I LOVE this paper) that I decided to use some of it for this project. The stamp set-Batty for You,  is a carryover from last year and I just love this little set too...so I was thrilled to be able to continue using it this Halloween for my projects!

I used this as a Hostess Gift during October, but it is a great little basket to fill and give to your favorite Trick or Treaters too, by varying the stamps used...or how about making one for a friend, spouse or co-worker? Just change out the papers and stamps, and this idea can be duplicated for any holiday or occasion during the year. The infinite possibilities.....

If you have any baskets you have made with this die, I'd love to see them!

If you have no clue what the Sizzix is (I didn't really know what it could do until SU! started offering it) you can learn all about it, how to use the Sizzix Big Shot and the 50 different surfaces that are acceptable for use with the Sizzix by clicking HERE. You can even shop online now...from this link! (but that news is for another post!)

It's GREAT to be back to blogging again! I've missed you! I welcome your comments!

Thanks for looking,

Boatload of Love Box in the Bag-a downline gift!

I really enjoy making these Box in a Bag projects (and this is what it is called, because there really IS a box in the bottom of the bag-see the photo below as proof!). To learn more about these, read THIS POST.

Here is another one I made as a gift (shhhhhhh!) for Jan (one of my first level downline) who has been an inspiring leader to her team, a supportive downline member, and most importantly-a dear friend for many years. I hope she doesn't see this before she receives it in the mail! Even if she does, what's IN it will still be a surprise (so I'm not telling you what I'm putting in it!) I'd love to hear your suggestions though!

 

                                                    IMAGES © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I had so much fun making this one! I try to make gifts with nautical themes for my downline, because our team name is S.O.S. Team (for S.aving O.verwhelmed S.tampers)..I use images of lighthouses, beachy ocean, tropical, fish (starfish), and boat type images such as life rings and anchors. Sooooo....having explained that, you'll understand why I had to have the Boatloads of Love stamp set  from Stampin' UP! (love that Boat with the life rings and anchor!). As I was going thru my vast assortment of Designer Series papers, I knew as soon as I saw this Cutie Pie paper that this was THE one I wanted to use and the ideas just flowed from that point on... (Its amazing how different the colors and designs are in this package!) I love it when that happens...

Here is the INSIDE-as you can clearly see, there IS a box on the inside at the bottom which explains the name of this project:

Pretty cool, huh? Ok-on to some of the details up close:

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

The boat is watercolored with Aqua Painters and Classic Ink Pads on Watercolor Paper, then cut out and added above the scalloped edged bottom. The boat, life rings and anchor are all stamped again, tediously cut out and raised with Stampin' Dimensionals and Crystal Effects for a fun 3-D effect.

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

 The clouds are stamped in White Craft ink and embossed. I painted the chipboard letters with white acrylic paint, then used the aqua painter and reinkers to color them blue. The Life rings, anchor and clouds as well as the On Board Lots of Letters Chipboard are all finished off with Crystal Effects to make them "pop".

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

I LOVE embellishments and this time I need something more nautical....so here is what I came up with...
I used Textured Wild Wasabi Cardstock and the Round Tab punch, then added eyelets with the Crop-o-dile and looped (retired) Bella Fancy Fibers loosely thru them, knotting them at the ends.  I decided to made the nautical knot with roping (instead of using ribbon) to add to the seafaring touch! 

I am pleased with how this project it turned out!  So--what do you think?

I truly had so much fun making this..I should have made two! As difficult as it will be to give this one-of-a-kind creation away, it was made with love, for someone I admire who is very deserving of special recognition-in case Jan doesn't realize it, she has been a loyal, caring friend and I just want her to know how much I have appreciated our friendship over the years.

Here are the supplies I used to make this project:

Stamps: Boatload of Love
Ink: Wild Wasabi, White Craft, Ballet Blue, Brocade Blue,Versamark Pad, Black StazOn
Paper: Cutie Pie Designer Series, Bashful Blue, TEXTURED Wild Wasabi, Watercolor
Accessories: Crop-o-Dile, Eyelets, 1/4" Circle Punch, Round Tab punch, Crystal Effects, On Board Lots of Letters, Sanding Block, Ballet Blue Ink Refill, White EP, Heat Tool, Aqua Painter, Slit Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots, Paper Snips, SNAIL adhesive, (retired) Bella Fancy Fibers

Non-SU: white acrylic paint, roping

To view all Stampin' Up! products used in this project, visit the Stampin' Up! ONLINE CATALOG. Just click on the photo link on the left sidebar. Fortunately for me, the Boatload of Love stamp set is NOT on the retirement list!!!  It's a great set!

I'd love to hear your comments...don't forget my BLOG CANDY posted awhile ago will EXPIRE at midnight on June 29! Follow the instructions in THIS POST to be in the drawing to win this awesome Stampin' Up! candy I'm giving away at 9:00 a.m. EST on JUNE 30!

Happy Stampin'!

Here's my Box in a Bag for a Birthday Gift!

Check out this adorable "box in a bag"! Or...is it a bag in a box? (I saw this posted both ways so I'm not sure which is correct-I'm going with Box in a Bag.) These were created by Paula Goff:

ARTWORK © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

ARTWORK © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

When I saw these, I knew I had to give it a try and make one!

NOTE ADDED NOVEMBER 2 2008: I just learned that the credit for the Box in a Bag creation actually goes to one of my INKredible Impressions (my upline Tina's Stampin' Up! group) friends from Arizona-none other than Diana Gibbs, an awesome stamping gal! Diana won a contest with Stampin' Up! for this creation! She wrote a terrific tutorial which you can find HERE.

Pat, a good friend of mine, had a birthday last week, so I thought this was an adorable way to package up a gift! Paula asked that we share our creations, so I will be sending mine to her. I noticed others have already sent her some and she has posted them on her site here. You can find the tutorial here.

I had just been talking to Pat earlier and she said she loves the colors aqua and apricot together, so can you guess which Stampin' Up paper I used? If you guessed Bali Breeze Designer Series papers, you are correct! To coordinate with the paper, I chose Apricot, Pumpkin and Taken with Teal. I also decided that the colors were perfect to use the Flower Fusion as accents with aqua Rhinestone Brads in the center. It just occurred to me that I used a bunch of punches again (I always seem to use them in most of my projects!)

Do you know which punch was used to make the scalloped base? The Slit punch! It's really very cool!

The photo didn't come out great, even after editing, because the colors just don't seem as pretty as they were in person...and I wished I had taken a photo BEFORE I stuffed the gift inside...but here is my Birthday Box in a Bag:

ARTWORK © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

 

So-what do you think? My friend Pat LOVED it! She couldn't believe I made it...she thinks I have the patience of a saint-but I told her these are SO EASY and quick to put together! Here are the supplies I used:

Stamps: NONE (?!)
Ink: NONE(?!)
Cardstock: Apricot Appeal, Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal
Accessories: Bali Breeze Designer Series paper, Flower Fusion, Aqua Rhinestone Brads, Large & Small Tag Punches, Round Tab Punch, 1 16" Circle Punch, Slit punch, grosgrain ribbons, Teal Stampin' Write Marker

All of these products can be found in the 2008 Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer Collection. You can view the ONLINE CATALOG HERE.  Email me  if you are interested in purchasing any of these products...

Now it's YOUR turn! Give it a try! I'd love to see YOUR creations! Send me your photos and I'll showcase yours here! Or leave a link here in the comment section when you make your own!

HAPPY STAMPIN'!

Time Well Spent

Stamps: Time Well Spent , Baroque Motifs

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink
Glossy White, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Groovy Guava, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal

Accessories: 2-Way Glue, SNAIL, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Mini Glue Dots, Paper Snips, Aqua Painter



This pretty spring-like card was a swap I made for our demonstrator group in November, using TIME WELL SPENT, a new set from the Spring-Summer 2008 Collection. Shelli Gardner, Cofounder & CEO of Stampin' Up!, generously gave this third level Hostess Set to every active demonstrator at the end of October! This is one of the reasons why I love Stampin' Up!-Shelli runs this company with her heart as well as her head!

She really lives the Stampin' Up! Statement of the Heart which is:

To love what we do

and share what we love,

as we help others enjoy creativity

and worthwhile accomplishments...

in this we make a difference!

The TIME WELL SPENT Hostess Set can be earned when you host a party of $500 or more! You'll love the experience of hosting a Stampin' Up! workshop-gather your friends and family together for a wonderful fun evening of quality time and creativity! You get them there, then I delight you with creative inspirations as I demonstrate some of Stampin' Up!'s quality stamping and scrapbooking products! I'll also have a project that you and your friends can make and take home! You'll be able to try for yourself, some of these products before you spend a dime!

Stampin' Up! HOSTESSES get a FREE copy of our lovely new Spring-Summer 2008 Collection, as well as earning FREE hostess sets such as this one showcased here:

Time Well Spent

...and time well spent is what it is! You will also get money to spend in the catalog on sets or accessories that cost you nothing! (no half-price hostess gifts with this company!) This 3rd level hostess set (there are three levels of sets you can earn based on party sales) can be earned with only $500 in party sales (which can easily be obtained when you have ten or more interested guests). 

January hostesses will  also enjoy these special incentives:

from Stampin' Up!:  With only $350 in party sales, January hostesses will be able to select anything from the Spring-Summer Preview 2008 brochure-absolutely FREE! To read more about this promotion click HERE.

from ME:

Romantic VALENTINE BASKET CONTEST!

How would you like to win a basket of romantic goodies to share with your honey or other "special someone" this Valentine's Day? Treat yourself...you deserve it!

I am holding my FIRST EVER Valentine's  Hostess Contest from January 12 thru February 12!  All you have to do to be eligible for the drawing is to host a Stampin' Up! party of at least $350 during this time period on one of the available dates I've listed below! And January is a great month to host a party of $350 because Stampin' Up! will also give you a FREE stamp set of your choice from the Spring-Summer 2008 Preview Brochure-offered ONLY to January hostesses! Still not convinced about hosting a party? Read on....


So, what's in the basket?

• a bottle of wine and 2 glasses! (sorry, not the ones in the photo)
• a Gift Card for the Movies!
• a Gift Certificate for Dinner at a local Hardyston restaurant in beautiful Sussex County NJ!
• Yummy chocolate!
• Romantic candles!

Approximate value: $100

Interested now? There's more....

To make it FUN and EXCITING plus profitable for YOU as a hostess, here are some ways ways you can get MORE TICKETS to increase your chances of winning the basket:

1 ticket for calling or emailing me to select your party date at least 1 week in advance (see choices below)
1 ticket for holding the booking on the chosen date
1 ticket for each $100.00 in sales at your party including outside orders!
(minimum  of $350 in sales is required to be in the drawing)
5 more tickets for a $500.00 party or 10 tickets for $1000.00 party
5 tickets for each party booked from your party for Feb & March (during Sale-A-Bration!)
5 tickets for 8 adults in attendance

and of course, you also get a FREE copy of the brand new Spring-Summer 2008 Collection catalog in your hostess packet!

Short on time?I will help you contact your friends by phone or even send out your invitations if you provide the guest list and the stamps, so.... you CAN do this!

Did I mention that you can also host your party at my Stamp Studio in Hardyston NJ? (see, you don't even have to worry about cleaning your house!) 

So..what other reason could possibly prevent you from hosting a workshop during this promotion?

When was the last time you got an offer THIS GOOD to host a Stampin' Up! party? Come on....

• you KNOW you will get the new & inspiring Spring-Summer 2008 Collection-FREE!
• you KNOW you and your friends will have FUN!
• you KNOW you and your friends will learn awesome and COOL new stuff!
• you KNOW I'll have goodies for YOU!
• you KNOW you and your friends will get to make and take home a lovely  project!
• You KNOW you will also earn Stampin' Up! freebies!
• You KNOW you will have an excellent chance to win this romantic Valentine Basket of Goodies....WOOHOO! All you have to do is...

Check your calendar for these dates I have available, then give me a call or e-mail to select the date that's perfect for you  and your friends:

Thursday January 17
Thursday January 24
Friday Janaury 25
Tuesday January 29
Friday February 1
Wednesday February 6
Friday February 8
Saturday February 2
Monday February 11

Dates will be given to those in the order they are selected-First Response, First Choice!  So call your friends and check your calendar-then give me a call....but hurry! There are only 9 dates available, so the first 9 lucky people to respond will likely be in the running to win this incredible  Valentine Basket!

Will one of them be you?

and if this isn't enough, an ongoing Incentive I offer to all hostesses, as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator, is any set in the entire catalog is HALF-OFF when you host a $500 party with me!

Phew! Now is that exciting? I wish I could be a hostess and get all this!!!! If you have any questions about any of these incentives, e-mail me!

 ______________________________________ 
Here are a few of the swap cards made by some S.O.S. Team demos using this set:


by Terie B.

Stamps: Time Well Spent

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pink Passion

Inks: Pink Passion

Accessories: Black Grosgrain, Aqua Painter

by Beth R.

Stamp Sets: Time Well Spent

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Almost Amethyst

Ink Pads: lavendar Lace

Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers: Gable Green, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Lavendar Lace, Apricot Appeal; Corner Rounder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

By Jo-Anne W.

Stamp Sets: Time Well Spent

Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Confetti Cream

Inks: Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum,

Accessories: Aqua Painter, Ice Circle Rhinestone

By Debra S.

Stamp Sets: Time Well Spent, Sincere Salutation

Cardstock: Regal Rose, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Inks: Classic Basic Black & Almost Amethyst; Regal

Rose, Bashful Blue & Almost Amethyst Markers

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals, Ribbon Originals: Fairy Tale

2007 Mistletoe Market Craft & Home Consultant Show

I took a break from posting while I prepared for this first annual craft fair at the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, NJ 07416 this past Saturday....

I haven't done a craft fair in awhile,so this year I decided to give it a try! The day started out with SNOW! The first snowflakes of the season came down on Friday night into Saturday morning-how appropriate for the holiday show!

There were about 40 vendors there with quite a variety of crafts,gifts and  products...Of course I was there with my Stampin' Up! table-here is a photo of half of my table (I must have been interrupted and never took a picture of the rest of the table!)

Here are some of the items that were great sellers:

 

Christmas Fudge-These were made with beautiful new Stampin' Up! Designer Wrapping papers found in our Holiday Mini Collection-so easy to make! The tags were made using both the Mini Tag & the Tag Punches and some of the `1/4" ribbons and also the new Purely Pomegranate Double-Stitched Ribbon which I just love! The poem is perfect for those last-minute procrastinators...these were very popular and I almost sold out of them! We will be making these at my December Stocking Stuffers & Last-Minute Gifts class-they make great stocking stuffers, too...if you are in the Hardyston NJ area, you may want to check this class out-but hurry..sign-ups for this weekend's classes end this Wednesday. There are later classes in the month in case you can't make it to this one.

Apple Spice Nugget Box-Closed

 

Nugget Box-opened

This was another hit-these were intended as nice little hostess gifts to give at Thanksgiving...I will definitely need to make some holiday themed nugget boxes for my upcoming craft fair at the Wallkill Valley High School Holiday Craft & Gift Show on December 1 in Hardyston NJ! This is also another featured item at my December Stocking Stuffers & Last-Minute Gifts Class!

Clear Magnets in a Tin-closed

Tins-opened; inside are four clear fridge magnets-a cute way to hold papers and artwork on your fridge! These were actually designed by my 14-year old daughter who decided to help out! These papers are retired from last year...but I like them so much-I was glad to have some leftover to use for this project. We will be making these at our November Holiday Gifts & Home Decor Classes using Stampin Up! current Designer Series papers

 

Tomorrow, I'll show you some other items I made for the Mistletoe Market Craft Fair.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of these projects..I love feedback-it lets me know there are actually folks out there READING this blog!

I will tell you more about the Mistletoe Market later and will provide you with a link to the First Presbyterian Church and next year's craft fair dates etc. so if you are a crafter or a Home Consultant in the Northern New Jersey area, you can sign-up to participate in our event too!

My October Hostess Gift! Acetate Treat Box...

Isn't this a neat idea? I originally learned about this adorable box from Susie McCormick who used it for Halloween Treats...I thought it was such a cute idea I decided to tweek it by adding the name of my hostess, and filled it with candy corn and seasonal Hershey's kisses-my October hostesses received this as one of their gifts for hosting an in-home party! (Hostesses can also opt to have their Stampin' Up! parties at my home Stamp Studio). I used a retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series paper from last season called Halloween Night for this particular acetate treat box because it had a really cute candy corn design, but you can easily subsitute any of the papers in the current Creepy Crawly DS Paper package or Pumpkin Pie Prints DS paper too and it would be just as adorable!

I also used the cute stamps from the Batty for You stamp set and Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain ribbon, several circle and square punches and Short Order Alphabet letters..I basically used Sticky Strip as the main adhesive so it would hold together well.

Click HERE to learn how to make one of these. You can also come and make a thanksgiving themed box at my Harvest Time Thanksgiving Class in November! To learn more about this and other classes, visit my Events Calendar which is updated periodically.  To order any of the above products, simply email me