Big Shot Snowflake Ornaments!

Would you like to know how to make these Snowflake Ornaments? Can you guess what they are made from? They are so cool and shiny and could also be used package or card embellishments. Anyway, I think they're pretty cool and I wantede to share with you how to make them. First off, they are made with Stampin' Up's #2 Snowflake die. Here's the "rest of the story"! :=)

Start out with an aluminum Cooking Sheet. I got mine at the Dollar Tree (package of 2 for a buck!).


Now, cut off the edges with scissors. Won't hurt your scissors...this is pretty thin aluminum. If anything, it might sharpen them! :=) After getting the edges cut off, I also trimmed it to get rid of the outside ridges that are shown in this pic. Also shown in my photo is a 4x6 sheet of adhesive backed fun foam (you could also start out with a larger sheet....but cut it down to 4x6).


Ok, now I cut my aluminum into 4x6 pieces and prepared it for the big Shot.
I used a guillotine paper cutter I have, but you could just cut it with scissors.
I'm not sure I'd recommend cutting it with your SU slide-type cutter.


This is what you will now have. A 4x6 adhesived backed fun foam and a 4x6 piece of aluminum. Remove the protective paper from the fun foam and adhere the aluminum to it. Be careful to have the shiniest side showing. There is actually a "back and front" to the alumininum and one is indeed shinier...guess how I know! LOL!


Ok, now make your "sandwich" for the Big Shot in the normal way....clear plate, Snowflake die, aluminum face down on the die, and another clear plate. Put this through your Big Shot.


Ok, this is what you have after putting it through the Big Shot. And it is VERY EASY to punch the snowflake out and the edges won't be a bit sharp! And the foam helps give it some stability!


And after punching it out, this is what you have. Way cool, huh? :=) Just let me know if you have any questions! Hope you enjoyed my tutorial and will make some of these. I'm going to hang them all over my tree! If you don't have the Snowflake die, I know where you can get one. LOL! And if you don't have a Big Shot, why not? I know where you can get one of those too! LOL! Cindy

Stamp Class next Tuesday!

Do you live in my area....Seymour, Indiana? If so, you might want to come join in on the fun we have each month! I hold Stamp Classes the second Tuesday of each month and will be extending them to a second night in the New year. If you would like more information, please contact me!

This is what we will be making next Tuesday, Nov. 10th. We always make 4 projects....usually a card, but sometimes I throw in something "3-D". I also have begun holding special classes and will be holding them through out the year.
Even if you think you're "not crafty", believe me....you'll be "crafty" by time you leave the class! It's just all about learning the techniques and tools to use. I get such a kick out of having a "newbie" come in saying "I can't do that...I'm just not crafty" and I reassure her she CAN do it. Then at the end of the night, she is just glowing with pride as she holds up her projects! It is just so satisfying to me to be able to share my love of crafting in this way!

Ok, on to the projects! :=) Club Members and regulars, you're getting a "sneak peek" this time around....you'll have to tell me if you like seeing these ahead of time! And for those across the miles or unable to attend my classes, I am also going to begin selling "kits" for these cards, so be watching for details and let me know if you're interested!

Our first card was made with the Lovely Trees and Forest Friends Stamp Set. More details will be coming later when I write up a Tutorial for it.



And here is a great Birthday card for the females in your life! I need to work on one for a male. Actually, this same card could be re-done in blues and browns or greens for a man. I used the Party Hearty Stamp set for this card. I need to make a new one and get a better picture (I promise I will). I got some ink down on the bottom after I had it finished....must have laid it on top of an ink pad. And my ribbon is hiding my sentiment that says "Party Hearty"!


Here is a "Bookmark Card". It didn't start out to be a "bookmark card"....LOL! But, I messed it up and in trying to "fix" it, it grew into a bookmark card! Some of the best ideas come from our mistakes...right? The bookmark (on the right) is removable, so it's a gift along with the card! How about that? This is a regular type card, but after finishing it up I realized it would be a great triple fold card...I may re-do it that way! Oh, I used our new single Stamp called Dasher on this card. I'll have to look up the names for the other stamp sets.


Now, I have a confession to make on this last card. My friend Martha came over one day and showed me a new card she had made and I loved it! I told her....we are soooo making that at the next class! So, she came over and taught me how to do it. Isn't it great? I just love it and it's so unique! We used the Big on Christmas Stamp Set for this one.

Inside



Now, are you excited about class next Tuesday? Remember, if you are not in one of my Clubs and plan to come, please let me know so I will be sure to have enough supplies prepared. The cost is $10.00 and all supplies will be provided. Where else could you have so much fun and go home with 4 items YOU created for just $10? Also, bring a guest (she also pays $10) and receive a $2.00 Stamp Buck! The guest must be someone who has never attended before and must be an adult. Those Stamp Bucks add up and can be presented to me just like cash for any purchase you make! Please pre-register you and your guests for the class by emailing me....I would hate it if I had more people there than supplies! So, this helps me to know how many to plan for.
These cards are not hard at all and everything is cut out and scored for you, so it's just a matter of learning how to put them together and embellish them! And we will be using lots of glitter in the next class! So, come join us for the fun!!!

Use the button below to Pre-Register Now and securely send your class payment!

Pictures from the Stamp Camp

I know I'm slow at getting these on....but knew some of you would like to see them.

And here's some of the things we made.








These are gifts/prizes I made. Pizza Boxes and tiny Window Boxes.....different SU items in the Pizza Boxes and each Window Box contained a small Sentiment Stamp. I just love these little boxes!




I know this is short and sweet, but I need to get to bed! If you see something in the photos that you'd like a tutorial on, just let me know! Campers....I haven't forgotten you...I know I promised you measurements! :=) I'm already looking forward to next year!

My Stampin' Studio!

I'm in the process of re-organizing my Stamping "studio"....which is the spare 10 x 10 bedroom (LOL). It's a little small but it's nice to have a place of my own to let my creative juices flow. I know some of you said you'd like to see what I do to organize, so I thought I'd post pictures for you all to see. Now, keep in mind...it's a "work in progress", so there's still some "messiness". But, it's coming together. When I began I didn't know where to even start...it was a mess!
I basically began by emptying out the closet (which was stuffed full of stuff....supplies I used in a previous business I owned). Then I put in 6 of these organizer drawer things (I got them at Staples...you can get them other places, but these are a little larger and were on sale for $10). So, I stacked them on top of each other. A word of warning...don't do what I did....don't put the wheels on them! It makes it wobbly, so now I will need to take everything apart and get those wheels off...darn! I'll save that for a day I'm "in the mood". It's not unstable....just moves more than it would without the wheels. Then I ran over to Home Depot and just bought a countertop (only around $20) and put it on top of the drawer units and this is what I got! I'm pretty pleased with it and put my "machines" on it. I can actually even use my machines right where they are (if I want), as I have a light in the closet. Ignore the rest of the closet...I still need to work on it. I also need to clean off the shelves above this and can maybe put some of my machines up there, leaving me more of a work area. Oh, and I still need to remove the labels from the drawers and type up labels identifying what is in each drawer.



This next picture is my work station I made from two of the Drawer units (I found them at Lowes) and you just place them where they need to be, depending on the length of your countertop. Then you go back to Home Depot (LOL) and buy a cheap countertop. I still need to put some of the stuff sitting on it up on shelves. I actually have two of these and love them! I'm debating on bringing the other one back in from the garage. I WANT to, but I also want to have a space for a rollaway bed for my g-daughter to spend the night. So, I may just leave it out there for now.


This is at the corner of my Work Station....tv in corner (gotta have a tv) and shows some of my shelving. I hung my shelves myself (with my friend Karen...Hi Karen!) several years ago! I hung them all around the room wherever there was a bare wall.

And here are my shelves right above my Work Station. I cleaned and organized them....except the very top shelf and I'll get to it eventually (have to get a step ladder to reach it).

Here is my pegboard where I hang all of my Punches, scissors, tape and "other hangable supplies". I got the idea for the punches from seeing others showing their rooms. Most people use curtain rods, but I own a ton of dowel rods from a previous job where they just threw them out (and you know a crafter....you gotta bring it home...LOL). So, I just used peg hooks to hang them from and they worked perfectly. This is actually where the second Work Station would be IF I decide to set it up in this room. It would be right under the peg board. I'm soooo torn! But, my g-kids are only "little" once. And my oldest is 11 and before too long she may not even want to stay with "mamaw" as much.

And this is my computer corner. Pretty self explanatory..LOL!

See these super messy shelves above the computer desk? I haven't even touched them yet....thought I'd show you what the "other shelves" looked like before I worked on them! Yikes....LOL!

And this microwave cart sits on the other side of my desk and holds my laser printer and paper stand. As you can see, this is in desperate need to be cleaned off too.
I thought I'd show you the "messy" along with the "organized".....You know, "before and after" pics. I just feel good that I got this far in two days!

So, what do you think? I use every inch of that little 10x10 room...LOL! I just love having a space to create in and keep my supplies. And I love to spend time in there...when it's cleaned up! Let me know if you have any questions!

Water Bottle Hangers

I served lunch at the Holiday Stamp Camp last Saturday and had these bottles of
water put out on the counter. I used this design throughout my Stamp Camp....I love it when things match! Many of you have asked how to make these and I promised to tell you! I'm sorry it took me a few days! Life is always so busy! Anyway, these are very simple and a great addition to any "party/event" you may be planning! Here are the products I used:

*Whisper White Cardstock (cut 2 x 7-3/4 and scored 2" on each end)
*Garden Green Cardstock
*Real Red Cardstock
*Garden Green Classic Ink Pad
*Real Red Classic Ink Pad
*Scallop Circle Punch
*1-1/4" Circle Punch
*Ornament Punch (Holiday Mini)
*1/16" punch OR Paper Piercer with Mat Pack
*Small Silver Brads
*White Gel Pen
*Dimensionals
*Delightful Decorations Stamp Set (in Holiday Mini)



Ok, you should score each end at 2". One end will fold up to make the pouch to hold the drink pouch....the other end will fit over the top of the bottle. Let's start with the top.
1. Punch a 1-1/4" circle in your Garden Green or Real Red.

2. Next, line your Scallop Circle punch over the hole you just punched....and punch
it out. This will form your little scalloped circle for the water bottle.

3. Now you will attach this onto your hanger with Tombow glue. Put a dab on each
scallop and attach in the middle of your two" end. Make sense?

4. Now line your 1-1/4" circle punch over the red/green scallop circle and punch
through that smaller hole....this will make the hole to hang over the neck of the
bottle. I hope this is making sense. I can do a video on this, but it will
probably be a few days, as I'm in the middle of reorganizing my Stamping Studio!
Just let me know if you have any questions.

5. Stamp your design in red and green all over the hanger, using the small stamps.
Remember the bottom part wil be folding up, so you'll want to be sure to fold it
up to stamp the front. Refer to my photo to see the alternating design I made on
mine. Always stamp off the edges as well, to give it a "natural look".

6. Using your white gel pen, make a dot of white on each scallop...it just really
adds "something" to it.

7. Ok, now you can attach the bottom with the brads. Just fold it up and punch
a hole on each side with a 1/16" paper punch (or the Paper Piercer and
mat pack). Insert the brad and open up the prongs.

That's it! Oh wait! I forgot the ornament on the front! You just need to stamp your ornament with the stamp set and punch it out using your Ornament Punch. I must tell you that these two items from the Holiday Mini catalog have become my favorites! You will love them! Then attach the ornament to the front of the bottom of the pouch with Dimensionals! Add your drink pouches and you're ready for your guests! :=) I can't take credit for this idea....credit goes to Angie Juda. The design was created by me though! :=)


And how about these cute Cookie Pouches to match! Can you tell what they are made from????? They are white CD sleeves! Pretty simple to make! You just need to stamp your background design in red and green. Stamp two ornaments and attach with Dimensionals on the right bottom. Then I stamped the "Holly Jolly" with the Level II Hostess Set "Christmas Punch" (page 14). I just love this set! If you want it, I can tell you how to earn it FREE!!!! Anyway, attach it to the top right left corner and you're ready to add your cookie. One tip I'll give you.....when you're designing the front you need to make sure your envelope flap is at the TOP in the back. Another tip: Wrap your cookie in clear food wrap before inserting it into the envelope. If you don't wrap it, you will find that the oils from the cookie will seep out onto the paper, leaving an ugly greasy stain. I also cut a color cardstock sheet (Real Red/Garden Green) to fit into the envelope to make a pretty backing....then just slide the wrapped cookie in. You will find that the cookie will stay put without taping it down! I also found I didn't even have to seal the envelope, as it just stayed closed. Of course you could seal it if you want, but since it wasn't necessary, I didn't....that way they wouldn't have to tear their envelope to get to the cookie!

Ok, I hope you give these a try! If you need any of the products, you know where to find me! :=) I've gotta get to bed...yikes....it's 2 AM and I work tomorrow!!

SNOWMAN COCOA TOTE

Do you have the Big Shot die that this tote is made from? You might have it and not even realize it! And if you don't.....I know where you can get it! LOL!

This is one of the projects we made yesterday at my first Annual Holiday Stamp Camp!
The girls loved it and if they were here, they'd tell you how easy and fun it was!
Have you guessed which Big Shot die we used yet? It is the Box #2 die. You can find it here ....or contact me and I'll order it for you!



You will make two of these boxes. Put them together as usual, except DO NOT FOLD THE SCORE LINES THAT MAKE THE LIDS! The lids will stand up and you will punch a hole through them with your Large Oval Punch. Don't have a large oval punch?....I can help you out with that too. LOL! Now, here's a tip for you. Our punches are wonderful, but will not punch through two sheets of cardstock at once. So, you need to punch an oval in one of them and then line up the second one and punch the second oval. Make sense?

Now you are ready to put your two boxes together to make your tote. I used Sticky Strip Tape. You could also use your Snail Adhesive, but when I make boxes, I just like the Sticky Strip for extra security. It is very sticky though, so be careful....once you place it, it's stuck! So, you need to be careful to get it right where you want it the first time!

You can find it here



So, once you have applied Sticky Strip to the outside edges of the back of the boxes, including the handle area.....and a couple of strips in the middle of the box,
you will very carefully stick the boxes together back to back! Now you have your little tote! Isn't it cute? I think I need to take a sideview pic so you can see both sides of the tote at once.

And now you will need to decorate it! You can decorate it for any occasion or holiday. I put the snowmen on the front of mine because I knew I wanted to put Hot Chocolate and marshmallows in mine. I don't have my measurements for the layered rectangles right here with me now, but I'll look for them (stuff is still packed up from the stamp camp yesterday) and I'll post them when I find them. I stamped the white rectangle with the Holiday Lineup Stamp Set. It is such a fun Stamp Set and we used the reindeer on another project that I'll show you another day this week.

This stamp set can be found here



You can also decorate it quickly by using an image with a punch, like I did on the back of it!



And finish it off with a little ribbon tied on the handles! You could fill the little totes with a number of different things....of course candy (LOL)...maybe candy on one side and cookies on the other side. Or how about some bath salts on one side with a little scrubby on the other side. Maybe a nail kit on one side and fingernail polish on the other side. Cute little gifts! I'd love to hear ideas you come up with! And if you make any, I'd love to see them! If you have any questions, just let me know. Would you like to see a video tutorial on this? If you do, just leave me a comment or EMAIL ME! I plan to show you everything we did at Stamp Camp yesterday and want to do videos on some of them, so your feedback on which ones you want to see a video on would be great!

We had a great time at the Stamp Camp yesterday (hi campers!). I had so wanted to show you these projects as soon as I made them but I had to refrain until the camp was over because I knew they would be "peeking" and I wanted to surprise them with everything! Do you know how hard it was to hold off showing them? Well, let's just say I'm like a little kid when I make something and can't wait to show someone! My hubby just doesn't show the same kind of excitement as "us girls", so it's more fun to show it to people who "understand the excitement". LOL! It was my first camp, but it won't be my last. I so enjoyed it and loved the excitement of everyone as I brought out each product "one by one". Maybe some of you can make it to the next one! It is just so satisfying to me to share my love of paper crafting and show others how they can do it too!

WEEK 3 - DEAL OF THE WEEK!

These deals begin Monday, October 19 and will end October 26, 2009 at 9:50 AM (MT)
If you would like me to place an order for you, please contact me by Sunday, Oct. 25 to allow me time to place the order. You can also place your order online at my website!

CLUB MEMBERS: If you are in any of my clubs, save shipping by contacting me ASAP so I can add it to an order I am submitting this week and your shipping would only be 10%...IF you are willing to wait for me to ship it with your next order.


#114348 Basic Jumbo Grommets $4.49 (Reg. Price $6.95)
■ Colors: Basic Black, Silver, Very Vanilla and Whisper White
■ 5 each for a total of 20 pieces


#109857 Mini Library clips $8.99 (Reg. Price $12.95)
These clips are 1/4" x 1/2" and each package contains 12 each of 4 colors (Black, Silver, Antique Brass, and Pewter).


#112571 Circle Designer brads $3.99 (Reg.Price $5.95)
■ Assortments include 16 pieces; 8 each of 2 sizes (1/2" and 3/4")
■ Use to embellish cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts


#112581 1/2" Library clips $3.99 (Reg. Price $6.95)
■ Contains 24 pieces
■ 8 each of 3 colors: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Whisper White
■ Powder finish
■ 1/2" x 3/4"