A Passion for Stamps

Make an awesome Christmas or Winter Curly Ribbon Wreath--to give or keep at upcoming Class!

I was planning on offering a great 3-D project earlier in November:  Curly Paper Wreath-making class, but my plans were put on hold when I learned my dad (91) was having some difficulties and wasn't doing very well.  So mid-October, my husband and I dropped everything to go out to see him (about 3 1/4 hours away on Long Island).  Unbeknownst to me I spent the last weekend of his life with him, as he passed away shortly after my husband and I arrived home that Sunday evening.   It's always difficult to lose a parent but I am very grateful to have been able to spend those last days with him.   After that,  I had one week to prepare for a benefit Craft/Vendor Event I had committed to, which took place yesterday (November 9).   That event was to help raise funds for an 18 year old girl named Julia, who needs a kidney transplant operation.  Knowing that my efforts would help this girl actually made it easier for me to prepare for the event, and softened the blow of losing my dad. 

Rubber Stamping has always been therapeutic for me, but this time  it really helped me to work through the grief, because I was also helping another who would benefit from my efforts as well. 

I have rescheduled the Wreath-Making class to the weekend of November 23-24, offering the class once on each day. The Theme will not be fall-it has been changed to Christmas or Winter.

Here is the Fall-themed wreath (using retired Stampin' Up! papers) I displayed at the Craft/Vendor Event yesterday (because I haven't had the time to make the Christmas or Winter Wreaths yet);  the paper themes are different, as will be the embellishments, but hopefully you will be able to get an idea of the way the wreath will look based on the Fall Themed Wreath pictured here:

(click to view larger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the wreath on my front door: (click to view larger)

 

 

 

It's really a lovely wreath, and fun and colorful made of double-sided Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up!.  These papers are retired...the papers we will be using at the class will be from the current Stampin' Up! 2013 Holiday Mini Catalog.  You will only use 1/2 package of paper so you will have paper left to make another wreath!).   Should you decide to take the class you will have your choice of making:

Christmas Themed Wreath-Season of Style Designer Series Paper  (page 23 of current Holiday Mini catalog)

OR..

Winter Themed Wreath-Winter Frost Specialty Designer Series Paper (page 29 of current Holiday Mini Catalog)    (This selection is $3 more because it includes specialty papers)

If you have any questions you can email me .  The DEADLINE TO SIGN UP AND PREPAY FOR THIS CLASS IS Sunday, November 17.  Otherwise, please click on the CALENDAR ON THE RIGHT under MY UPCOMING CLASSES to view the class information and links to sign up (via PayPal).  If you are local to me (Hardyston, NJ) you also have the option of dropping off your payment (by November 17).  I will be placing the supply order on Monday, November 18.

It's great to be back!  Come and help support my efforts! I look forward to seeing you at this class!

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!

 

Many Benefits to Scrapbooking

Today I have an article about Scrapbooking that I'd like to share with you:

 

ARTICLE - Many Benefits to Scrapbooking

---

 by Carole DeJarnatt

The scrapbooking hobby has been around for a long time and people do it for a variety of reasons. If you are an outsider to the world of scrapbooking, then you will not understand until you experience the craft the many reasons a person invests so much time and energy into a scrapbook page.


When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages. One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.

Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.

What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?

1. Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
2. Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
3. History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
4. Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
5. Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.

Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.

People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.


About the Author

Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.com for ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.

Very interesting article, isn't it?  Of course,  Stampin' Up! has wonderful scrapbooking supplies such as Albums, Designer Series Papers (some are double-sided), beautifully coordinating  Craft Inks which are archival safe,  Simply Scrappin' Kits (everything you need, just add ink and stamps) and many accessories to add accents to your pages.  If you prefer digital scrapbooking, you will love My Digital Studio!  And right now is a perfect time to try it, because Stampin' Up! is offering the contest I recently talked about in a blog post. To read more about the contest, click HERE.  

To see what scrapbooking products Stampin' Up! has to offer, click HERE, then click on Products, then Product Lines.   Scrapbooking is worth checking out...you won't be sorry you did!

DAY 6: TIPS 6-10 TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

NOTE: I apologize for not posting the rest of these tips on a daily basis as originally planned. Sometimes life throws  us curves which interfere with the best intentioned plans. To catch up on time, all remaining tips will be published in this post. Thanks for understanding! 

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#6: LOCK THE FOCUS!

Following up on subject placement, most cameras will lock the focus on the center of the picture. As we just discussed in Tip #5, the best photo is not always with the subject in the center, but off-center. So if you want a clear, non-blurry photo of your subject off-center, here's a trick to use with your camera: with the subject in the middle of the photo, lock the focus pressing and holding the shutter button halfway, then move your camera to position  the subject out of the center. Now you can press the shutter button down the rest of the way and take your picture!  

Tip#7: TO FLASH OR NOT TO FLASH!

Do you know the flash range of your camera? If you take photos beyond the maximum flash range of your camera, your photos may turn out too dark. The usual maximum flash range is up to fifteen feet (approximately five steps from the camera).

If you don't know the maximum flash range of your camera, it's better to take the photos from ten feet away from your subject. If using film cameras, check into a higher speed film  for extended distances. 

Most cameras include a fill-flash setting, but it's advisable to know when and how to use flash settings on your camera for situations when the lighting isn't quite right. 

When to use FILL FLASH FEATURE of your camera:

• on bright sunny days or beach/snow photos which cause facial shadows to appear; also darker complexions and brimmed hats cause shadows or dark areas
• When lighting is coming from the side or back of the subject (this causes the subject to appear much darker)

When to avoid using FLASH FEATURE of your camera (turn flash off):

• when taking photo at a great distance
• when shiny backgrounds (mirrors, sun, other bright reflections) reflect bright light
• a background sunset scene with your subject as a silhouette in the foreground
• when desired effect is light being reflected onto subject (glow in evening, light accent)
• when flash is not permitted

Other tips for optimum performance:

• Make sure your batteries are not running low, or you won't have full flash power
• To avoid red eye, brighten up the room with lighting to shrink pupils, and ask subjects not to look directly into the lens. Avoid use of the "red eye reduction" flash setting—to many people it's distracting and confusing.

Tip#8: Be Aware of Light Source!

Lighting is critical and makes all the difference in photos.  Photos can be taken in any kind of weather, but it's important to know how to use the weather conditions for different affects. Surprisingly, the best time to take a photo isn't in the middle of a bright sunny day. On an overcast or cloudy day, portrait photos turn out great because there are no shadows to deal with. Flowers, more specifically pastel florals photograph best in this lighting. Landscapes photos are best taken earlier in the day or in the evening.  Bright sunshine with side lighting can enhance wrinkles of an older person, but take the photo on a cloudy day and these wrinkles with be softened.

If the lighting is less than ideal, move your subject or the camera for a better shot.

In light rainy weather, you can capture the light reflecting off of the surrounding area for unusual photos.

Tip#9: SWITCH FROM LANDSCAPE TO PORTRAIT VIEWS!

If you look at photos you've taken, are most of them taken horizontally (landscape view)? This is typical because we tend to hold the camera this way.  Group pictures are usually better taken horizontally. 

Try changing it up now and then for portraits by turning your camera in the vertical (portrait) position.  Full length or close-up pictures turn out great like this, as the emphasis is on your subject. Spotlighting historical sites or landscape markings are ideal for the vertical view. Give it a try!

Tip#10: YOU'RE IN CONTROL!

When you are in charge of taking the pictures, you become the picture director!  It's up to you to decide where everyone will stand in a group photo, or where the best lighting for the picture is. It's up to you to guide a person in the proper way to stand, tip the head or hold a prop for a portrait photo. Here are a few tips for group and single portrait picture-taking:

TAKING A GROUP PHOTO

• Outdoor photos are best! Make sure the sun is lighting the faces of the group in sunny weather. Have the group set up by an object that portrays the event. Direct each person as to how to stand, what to hold, where to look. Try splitting a larger group into two smaller arrangements-several in each group. Remember the focus is on the group, so be sure there are no background distractions that may take away from the group. 
• Indoor photos are fun too! Remember all the other tips you've learned here. Use your camera's flash feature, and stay within your camera's maximum flash range. Try to position a larger group in no more than two rows.

TAKING PORTRAITS

• Take a Self-portrait! Learn how to use the Self-Timer feature of your camera, or you can use the zoom feature and hold the camera at arm's length to take a photo of yourself! Use a wide-angle if your camera has a zoom lens. Try experimenting with photos of yourself in different settings, doing different tasks, or just being you!  Try different facial expressions to portray various aspects of your own unique personality. 
• Semi-formal portraits: cloudy day lighting is best to capture a soft, flattering look of your subject. Pay attention to distractions from your focal point such as busy backgrounds. Take full figure view or zoom in for a closer photo. Your camera should be at your subject's eye level. Guide the person as to which way to stand, turn the head or where to place the hands.

I HOPE YOU'VE ENJOYED THESE TIPS AND HAVE LEARNED A FEW THINGS ABOUT BETTER  PICTURE-TAKING!  GREAT PHOTOS ARE AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP WHEN CREATING BEAUTIFUL SCRAPBOOKS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL CHERISH FOR YEARS TO COME!

THE NEXT STEP,  IS LEARNING HOW TO TAKE THESE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND CREATE PAGES USING STAMPS, SIMPLY SCRAPPING KITS, ACCESSORIES AND DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS!  I TEACH SCRAPBOOKING 101 CLASSES WHERE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT LAYOUTS, TITLES, JOURNALING AND ACCENTS, AND PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!  

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING 101 CLASSES I OFFER, CLICK ON THE CALENDAR ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR OF THIS BLOG. 

TO ENJOY SAMPLES OF SCRAPBOOK PAGES, STAMPED CARDS, AND MANY OTHER STAMPING TIPS EACH MONTH, ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE BOX ON THE TOP LEFT SIDEBAR TO JOIN MY MAILING LIST, AND RECEIVE MY MONTHLY PASSION FOR STAMPS NEWSLETTER!

Note to demonstrators: My CUSTOMER newsletter is meant for my customers, and prospective customers.  If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please respect this is my customer list and do not sign up for my customer mailing list. Thank you.

Thanks for visiting! Come back soon...

Passionately Scrapping,

DAY 5: TIP FIVE OF TEN TIPS TO TAKING BETTER PICTURES

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come!

Tip#5: THE RULE OF THIRDS & OFF-CENTER SUBJECT PLACEMENT

Where do you think the subject of your photo should be positioned in the viewfinder? in the center? The only time this is so is when the subject is part of a formal arrangement such as a wedding pose, prom photo etc.  Otherwise, it's best to use the Rule of Thirds when photographing people. Imagine drawing a tic-tac-toe grid on your viewfinder-then place a prominent feature such as the face, on one of the points where the lines intersect. In a close-up, you would position the eyes on this focal spot. Always position the subject off-center on the side of the grid where the subject is turning or facing an open space. If you have an auto-focus camera, you'll need to lock the focus to prevent the subject from being placed in the center of the viewfinder.

In summary, by moving your subject away from the center of the photo, you will bring the picture to life!  Here's our beagle Shiloh-checking out a squirrel on the deck outside:

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow for Tip #6!

Passionately scrapping,

Day 1: Ten Tips to taking better pictures!

Do you scrapbook your photographs? Or do you feel your photos aren't scrapbook worthy because they never come out as well as you would like? Are you somewhat intimidated by taking photos, because you really don't know how to take good pictures?

Over the next week and a half, I am going to share Ten Tips that I learned from our friends at KODAK-the picture experts!  Once you've learned these tips and apply this knowledge to your photo shoots, you will see the quality of your pictures improve, and you'll feel much more confident about picture-taking! Be sure to check back here for a photo-taking tip each day, that will help you take better photographs with your digital camera!

The next step after taking good pictures, is knowing how to make great scrapbook pages with them! I teach rubber stamping and Scrapbooking 101 classes every month at my in-home studio in Hardyston NJ using Stampin' Up! stamps, Simply Scrappin'™ products and accessories, Designer Series Papers and much more, so make sure you check out my CLASS CALENDAR too! If you attend these classes in person each month, you will receive hands-on experience creating eye-appealing layouts, with attractive colors, titles and journaling-all necessary components to putting together a great scrapbook page! When you combine your newly found knowledge of good picture-taking, with the steps to creating fantastic scrapbook pages, you will be so excited to make some beautiful pages you and your family will cherish for years to come! Are you ready to learn your first tip?

TIP #1: MEET YOUR SUBJECT ON THEIR LEVEL!

Instead of taking a photo of your pet, your child or another subject while standing up, try getting down on the level of your subject with your camera, and meeting them eye-to-eye!  Direct eye contact will capture the true essence of the shot and will give the effect of actually being there with that subject at that precise moment! Simply kneel down so your camera is at eye-level, focus on your subject up-close, then wait for that captivating smile, laugh or other facial pose you want to capture and take the picture.

Other tips for photographing children come from Michael Crouser, who has produced two books about black and white photography. Young children will be much more cooperative when you allow them to be photographed in a natural setting for them, or in their favorite hero outfit! Always take photos of the older child first, and the younger one will want the attention as well, which means a better photo-with cooperation! Keep things as natural as possible-and that includes NOT having the subject say "cheese" which only produces a phony or exaggerated smile. Also try to take outdoor photos in the shade rather the sun, so the subject doesn't have to squint. For indoor photos, try to find alternatives for the direct flash. Wedding photographers avoid using it!

Pets can do funny things that we want to capture in a photo forever...I wish I could find the photo of my cat when she winks at me, but I'm not sure where that one is so here is one of Snickers, our four-year old Silky Terrier that I captured of bath time:

 

Had I taken this photo taken higher up it just would not have captured the look on his adorable little face! Don't you feel as if you can just reach out and touch Snickers? His expression is-priceless-and that's what I wanted to capture! This is a great photo to scrapbook...

Let's see what you can do with this tip-give it a try! I'd love to see some of your pictures so email them to me if you like...and I may feature some of them! Keep practicing taking eye-level pictures, focusing in on your subject-and keep the background simple (but more on that topic-tomorrow!).

Passionately scrapping,

What we stamped at January Jamboree!

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new products in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration brochure, don't you?

The Last weekend of January I held my first annual January Jamboree class....didn't come? Here's what we made:

  ...a Love You card, sympathy card, Friend Mini Milk Carton

and a Birthday all-in-one treat box!

I created this floral sympathy card using the Faux Silk Technique(the bumpy white textured cardstock) -one of my favorite techniques:

Notice the new Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402)? This is one of the FREE products you can get right now during our Sale-A-Bration event with an order of at least $50! There is also a matching corner punch too! (available for purchase in Occasion Mini Catalog) Don't you just love the silk ribbons? and now they come in different colors!

Here is the same card showing the scallop punch used on the top and on the side. Which do you prefer?

This card also utilized the Big Shot die cut machine, and Polka Dot background (hard to see), the new Extra Large Fancy Flower punch, Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Papers! Isn't this so bright and cheerful? I could have used hearts, but just had to try the new floral punch!

 

The new Mini Milk Carton Die used with the Big Shot Machine is SO adorable! Here it is featured with the NEW Vintage Vogue stamp set, Sending Love Specialty DS papers and a rhinestone brad and grosgrain ribbon to finish it off! So many great NEW products!

The last project was this pretty Birthday box showing both sides of the designer papers, and using different bow designs and button colors. Can't really tell from the photo, but the Specialty paper is glittered! Oh, so chic!

 

Here the box is opened-the lid is attached-VERY cool! Fill it with Hersey's kisses or whatever you like, and it's the perfect gift for a Birthday--or Valentine's Day!

So--don't you wish you came to January Jamboree?

I'd love to hear what you think of these projects...and all the wonderful new products Stampin' Up! came out with!

Be sure to check out my future classes and events on the Calendar to the right....

or, visit my website to view events and to shop for any of these products 24-7!

Come back and see me tomorrow,

My new venture-Handpainted & Personalized Snowbaby Ornaments!

I'm sorry I've been away from my blog for so long...lot's has been happening! I had several fall/Christmas craft shows, holiday stamp classes, meetings for various things, church duties, and my dad also had a stroke right before Thanksgiving...he is doing much better now, in a facility where he is receiving Physical Therapy for his right side, where the majority of the damage occurred.

I've been making and selling personalized Glass Ornaments for the holidays! I sold some of these last year at Craft Fairs, and received orders for more this year. If you follow me on Facebook, you know I posted yesterday that I'd share some photos of the SnowBaby Christmas Ornaments I've been making and fulfilling orders for this holiday season. I hand paint the faces, and personalize the ribbon on the hat with the name of the child, year and/or First Christmas, etc.  I also offer a beautiful coordinating holiday keepsake box with the child's name and year, to help identify and organize this ornament, and facilitate safe storage for years to come!

Here are some photos of recent ones I've made:

 
 

 Baby Boy & Baby Girl Glass Ball Ornaments;

Faces are hand-painted; tags for the year are provided, and can also be added to the ribbon if requested. The cheeks have a hint of color and will sparkle from the iridescent ice glitter when touched by the lights from your tree.

These are the coordinating keepsake boxes to store your treasured ornaments for years to come!  The interlocking closure is made with Designer Series Papers.  Each box has the name of the child on the front,  as it appears on the ribbon on the ornament. A gorgeous white silk ribbon and tag saying a "A Gift for you-Merry Christmas"finishes off the packaging!

The box is filled with a festive paper filling to protect the ornament during storage.

 

 Close-up view of the top of the box featuring the lovely white silk ribbon and bow, and the tag-to give it a finished look!

This close-up view shows how beautifully it is packaged and ready for gift-giving!

Here is a close-up of the ornament:

I will be taking orders for this product, as well as At Home Class Kits, Finished Product, and Retired Stamps which will all be available for purchase fom my new online store, Passionstamper's Boutique- which will open in early January 2010! 

Please email me if you are interested in more information about this product. If you would like to place an order for these lovely ornaments for Christmas 2010, please place your order(s) early in the year, as these are now in high demand!

Details such as ordering, personalization, price, shipping etc. will be will be available online on my new blog Passionstamper's Boutique and orders can be placed starting on January 3, 2010, when a link to the new site will be provided.

Be on the lookout for a Winter Storm Online Holiday Sale tomorrow afternoon in lieu of a Holiday Open House, should we receive the storm now being predicted!

Classes for 2009 have now ended. I will be resuming them in January 2010. Please visit this site again soon for updates to my class schedule.

You can also shop the Stampin' Up! ONLINE store 24/7! Now thru 12/22 you can get some deals on Sizzix Dies! I hope you are enjoying these last days before Christmas arrives! Please contact me should you have any questions and I'll be happy to assist you!

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,

Merci (thank you) Card-Using Retired Accessories & Stamps

Created by Debbie Van Gieson Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008
(click on image for larger view)

Now that the RETIRED ACCESSORIES LIST is out and is being updated daily on this site HERE, many products are going fast....if you want some of the products on the list, you really have to work fast because items are being depleted every day. I used almost all retiring products to make yet ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD including the Carte Postale stamp set, Le Jardin Designer Series (double-sided) paper, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, and of course the In Color River Rock cardstock and coordinating ink pad. Unfortunately, the hardware I used for the embellishments is already sold out (all colors)! There are still lots of accessories left (some at 25% off)  so if you haven't checked out the list yet, click on the links here (or on the left sidebar for Retired Stamps list) and contact me asap so I can *place your order!

The only products NOT retiring in this card are the Simon Lower Letters Chipboard and the Taffeta Ribbon! First, I cut a piece of Le Jardin paper, and attached it to the left side of the card with SNAIL Adhesive. Next, I stamped the decorative motif design from Carte Postale stamp set (LOVE this set and will really miss demonstrating with it!) with River Rock ink on RR paper (tapped off ink on scrap paper to get lighter stamped images).

Next, I traced the letter (face down) onto a different Le Jardin paper, cut it out and  attached it to the letter with a Stampin' Up! Anywhere Glue Stick (GREAT product!) and used the Sanding Block to smooth out the edges and get rid of any excess paper on the letter. I Tied the ribbon on the left and attached a brad from the hardware kit in the center. I adhered the elegant hardware pieces to the bottom of the letter with SNAIL, then attached the letter to the card.

Did you know you can stamp on the Taffeta Ribbon? It's easy with StazOn ink-didn't smear, dried quickly and is permanent! Just don't load up the stamp with too much ink or it will smear and look bold-instead of crisp. I measured where I wanted the two connector pieces and made a dot for both with a pencil on the cardstock. Then I attached one of the hardware connectors with the brad, looped the ribbon thru it and adjusted it so the Merci saying would be centered-used SNAIL to attach the ends of the ribbon underneath, then attached my second connector.

This is an elegant card, in every way! I am so glad the Simon Lower letters are not discontinuing! But I will really miss Le Jardin papers and Carte Postale!

Don't forget about Stampin' Up!'s current Discounted Retiring Accessories Promotion   where you will find  products that are 25% off! This is a great deal....while supplies last!

If you still haven't placed your order for retired stamps and/or accessories, time is running out....take a look at the list today...and check the ONLINE CATALOG for those products you can't live without, before they are gone!


*orders can only be taken for US and it's territories
Links are Highlighted

Thanks for visiting!

CARD & BOX USING RETIRING STAMPS

I pulled out a stamp set called All Through the Year which will be retired from Stampin' Up!'s 2008 Spring-Summer Collection after August 10. I really love the Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper which is two sided so I used the cherries from All Through the Year with it and came up with a card and this matching 2-4-6-8 box:

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

I am really going to miss the set and I'm sure the paper will probably be on the Retired Accessories List coming out on July 21....

The "gift package" was made simply by folding over the top of the designer paper to reveal the design on the other side of this two-sided decorative paper! Then I wrapped the ribbon around it, tied it in a bow (can't do bows? See this post HERE for bow tying help!) and attached it to the Real Red cardstock with SNAIL Adhesive.

I think it would be helpful to do a tutorial or two showing how to get that sparkling cherries affect on both the card and box using Heat and Stick powder (makes a great embelllishment), and how to make a 2-4-6-8 box! But it's very late so that will have to wait till another day! Don't forget to check back again soon!

Happy Stampin'!

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'!

Cutie Pie 6x6 Scrapbook Page

I wanted to use some Designer Series papers I haven't done much with (before it ends up on the retired accessories list!)  Here's a simple page I came up with for a Stampin' Up! workshop, using the Cutie Pie paper. I love embellisments, so this time I combined the Boho Blossoms punch and cardstock, with the Flower Fusion and a brad for the floral embellishment. To make the Rose Red corners where the photo goes, I used the Photo Corners punch and layered these UNDER the top So Saffron piece, instead of on top-for a different look!

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

Supplies:

Stamps: God's Blessings, All Holidays
Ink: Rose Red
Cardstock:Whisper White, So Saffron, Rose Red, Bashful Blue; Cutie Pie Designer Series paper  Accessories: Brads, Flower Fusion; Punches: Photo Corners, Boho Blossoms & 1/16" Circle                     

Happy Stampin'!

passionstamper

SUMMER DAYS-6X6 SCRAPBOOK PAGE

Is scrapbooking something you would love to try, but you are intimidated and get lost when you look at all the myriads of scrapbooking papers, embellishments, gizmos and gadgets available out there and it appears you need it all to complete the task?

It may surprise you, but you can make beautiful pages that are quick and easy to produce without alot of fuss-with Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin'® kits! Each kit provides 12x12 cardstock and pages of images which are self-adhesive die-cuts-many of which coordinate with matching stamp sets! Each kit also comes with several terrific layout ideas, so to create the scrapbook pages, just cut, copy and add your own photos! You can finish complete albums using these kits, in just a few hours!

Here's a cute 6x6 scrapbook page (compliments of Stampin' Up!) This page is made with the Simply Scrappin' Summer Days Kit on page 175 of the current Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer 2008 Collection, SNAIL Adhesive, Paper Cutter and Stampin' Dimensionals:

ARTWORK © Stampin' Up! 1990-2008

Isn't this a bright and cheerful page? So-how do you make it? (remember-all papers are included in the kit!)

Instructions

1. Adhere dotted Summer Days Designer Series paper (2" x 6") to Bashful Blue textured page.
2. Adhere photo to Real Red textured card stock (4-1/2" x 4-1/2"). Adhere self-adhesive die cut border from Summer Days Simply Scrappin’ to textured card stock. Adhere to page.
3. Adhere “Lazy summer days” self-adhesive die cut to page using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
4. Layer Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Bashful Blue die cuts using Stampin’ Dimensionals. Adhere to page.
That's it! You are done! Now wasn't that FUN? Simply Scrappin' Kits will save you time and enable you to get those precious photos into memory books that will be treasured for years to come...

Now that you are feeling much more confident, when you are ready to be more creative and spruce up your pages, you can add other little products and embellishments such as colored or Rhinestone Brads or Eyelets (page 189), Buttons or Beads (page 192), Flowers & Pearls (Pretties Kit) or Hodgepodge Hardware (page 188) or Ribbon and bows (190-191). If you want to make a complete album, these can be found in Linen or Leather on page 176, along with page protectors.
 
If you would like more information about any of these products, or would like to place an order from our online catalog, please email me at [email protected]

Please let me know in the comment section after this post, if you want me to provide more scrapbooking ideas and posts in the future. Would you be interested in purchasing ready made kits with pages, instructions, supplies and photos to make a complete scrapbook-by mail?

There are many techniques and ways to embellish not only scrapbook pages, but cards, and other items to make your own home decor, garden decor, fashion statements and so on. But-I don't want you to feel overwhelmed again...so we'll save those teachings for other posts!  If you live in the northern New Jersey area consider hosting a party OR I can bring a class to you and your friends-if interested, please e-mail me!

Have a great stampin' day!

passionstamper

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

PERSONALIZED NOTEPAD TIN

I was originally inspired by the very creative Michele Laycock when she posted this tin made by Sharon Bridwell, (yet another creative stamper):

                                                                                          

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   

I love these DVD tins purchased online from Effectuality Inc so I created mine using Recollections Designer Series Paper! (Yes, these are my favorite! I am really hooked on these papers!!!) This was one of the projects I taught at my last Demo Class for my SOS Team downline demos in the fall...and they all loved it! What's great about these tins is they can be altered and used for SO MANY different things...this is not the last you will see of me using these!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love Stampin' Up!'s Monogram letters, and I thought these would look great on this tin to personalize them! The flowers are punched out using the Spring Bouquet Flower Punch to accent the Monogram, and various bows. Twill Tape, Hodgepodge Hardware, the oval punch and letters punched out with the 1/4" circle punch make it easy to spell out a first name to further personalize the notepad tin cover.

I own a Carl Cutter which works beautifully to cut down a Jr Notepad that fits inside the tin. The matching RSVP pen is attached with ribbon and Crystal Effects so it cannot be separated from the tin, and the final touch is a pocket of background paper to make a pouch for stamps, or this case, I use it so I always have a few business cards on hand with me wherever I go. The inside of the tin is decorated with coordinating papers in the Recollections Designer Seriers Papers for an overall classy look. I added the papers to the top of the notepad too, as a final touch. I LOVE making these! I will be offering this as a class in spring if you want to come and make this along with some other terrific projects! projects...   

I intend to use the Recollections Papers when I organize my Stampin' Up! office, on everything from pen holders to file folders!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

DOUBLE THE PLEASURE-DOUBLE THE FUN!

I created a post the updates about Stampin' Up!'s NEWS along with a card the other day, but unknowingly deleted it!!! I couldn't re-do it that day, so here is a short quick version of the exciting upcoming changes:

1. SU! will be coming out with TWO main catalogs a year, starting in July 2007! This means MORE stamps AND accessories, MORE often and DIFFERENT HOSTESS SETS every six months! The JULY 2007 catalog will be called Fall/Winter 2007 Collection and the JANUARY 2008 catalog will be called Spring/Summer 2008 Collection...
2. Mini Catalogs will be reduced from four to two a year: Holiday 2007 Mini Collection and Occasions 2008 Mini Collection!
3. There will be TWO retiring lists offered each year!
4. Although the Spring catalog will NOT have Fall/Winter sets in it, you will still be able to view them online and order them. IN Colors will remain the same in both catalogs, and will change annually.
5. There will also be a Collections Preview Catalog showing what will be coming out in the new catalog!
6. You'll enjoy twice the inspiration eac year, as EACH catalog will feature all-new samples, and hundreds more samples will at your fingertips!
7. Sell-A-Bration will NOT be held in January-February 2008...but don't worry! The same promotion will be held, but at different times each year!

I'm excited to offer fresh new stamps and accessories every six months now!

If you haven't held a workshop yet in January, or attended one of my Sell-A-Bration Card Camps, Mystery Hostess Workshop (coming up this weekend) what are you waiting for? You can also host an ONLINE CATALOG PARTY with only $150 in purchases so tell your friends to check them out, choose a FREE Sell-A-Bration set with each $50 order, and earn yourself an extra FREE set when you collect $300 in orders...it couldn't be easier! To find out more contact me-I'll take care of the rest! I can only take USA orders...Canadians must go thru a Canandian demonstrator. Learn more by checking out the HOSTESS PROGRAM on my website.

Here's a cute card I made with VERY PUNNY, just one of the five Sell-A-Bration sets you can earn for FREE (or a Simply Scrappin' kit!):

                                                    

Stamps: Very Punny (SAB), Brushstroke Alphabet

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Loves Me Designer Papers

Ink: Classic Basic Black

Other: Black Gingham Ribbon, Stampin' Write Markers, On Board Accents, Stamping Sponge, Mini Glue Dots

I love this Designer Paper! On Board Accent is the circle ("like no utter" cow is stamped on it). The bow is simple to do-simply apply strip of ribbon to background. Then tie a separate bow and attach to ribbon with mini glue dot!

All products highlighted are from Stampin' Up! (click for specifics on products!) Created by Debbie Van Gieson

 

 

 

 

Images

GIFT FROM SHELLI & Chipboard Coaster Box

Stampin' Up! demonstrators received a lovely and unexpected SURPRISE for Christmas from the Co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!-Shelli Gardner!  She sent us all one of the stamp sets from the upcoming Spring Mini Catalog-Polka Dots & Paisley! I have been waiting for an opportunity to play with this very cute set, so here is my first project: A Chipboard Coaster Box:

                         

This is a sample of a upcoming class project! It was also a project I did with my S.O.S. Team group at a demo camp. The box features Sarah Designer Series Paper & Spring Bouquet Flower Punch from Stampin' Up!  This makes a great note paper holder, pen holder and even works great when filled with tissue paper or a gift in a cello bag! 

I think this set will be very popular-I know it already is with me! I'll be working on more projects with this set and can't wait to place my order for the Spring Mini Sets-they are AWESOME, and you are going to LOVE them! Did I mention that you can order from the Spring Mini Catalog starting March 1 thru JUNE? That's right! In my next post I'll update you on some other changes Stampin' Up! is implementing!   If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Spring Mini Catalog, contact me and I'd be happy to send one along to you. Otherwise, you will be able to view it online which can be accessed from the link found under my Stampin' Up! Links... starting March 1!