The First Gift of Christmas

The gift I am most grateful for was the FIRST gift of Christmas.

#sharethegift

Hello Fall Treat Tutorial and Project Life GIVEAWAY!

There is a nip in the air with the changing of seasons, so it's fitting that we say HELLO to Fall with this cute little envelope that holds a Ghiradelli chocolate square or a gift card...or both! Click on the picture for a .pdf tutorial and make a bunch to share:

Original project by Susan Campfield

And in other news this morning, it's time for a PLxSU giveaway!

One lucky winner will win a complete Project Life by Stampin' Up! prize pack including every product available in the product line! You could also win one of 100 Project Life by Stampin' Up Card & Accessory Packs. Enter the giveaway here: http://bit.ly/1wDBAgt

If you aren't familiar with project life, it's the most awesome and simple memory keeping system ever!

Easter Eggs and Memory Albums

Look at me! I actually finished a project BEFORE the holiday! Feeling pretty good right now :) These little Easter Egg "thrones" are such fun to make with a few punches, stamps and the Big Shot!

So I don't have time to make a lengthy tutorial, so let me give you a few tips for making them:

• Cadbury eggs are too small. I found some larger eggs at Costco (they are hollow)

• Cut a 8.5"x2.5" strip from one end of your card stock and score it (down the long edges) at 1/2" and 2" (the Simply Scored board--item #122334--makes all your scoring SUPER SIMPLE). Then chop it up into 2"x 2.5" pieces and punch a hole using the 1-1/4" circle punch (#119861) in the middle like this----->>>>
   
• Cut the rest of the card stock into 2"x8.5" strips. Score them at 3.5" and 5". Punch the ends with the Scallop Tag Topper Punch (133324). 

• Line up the Designer Frame embossing folder (#123130) with the first score line from one end and run through the Big Shot --->>>>>

• Punch the middle of the embossed frame out with the Large Oval Punch (#119859)

• Adhere the "throne" piece between the two sides with SNAIL adhesive, add egg and embellish as desired! I used the flowers and punch from the Petite Petal bundle (#134821-wood or #134822-clear mount). As always, you can purchase these supplies from my Stampin' Up! store!

And in upcoming events, if you have a mother, friend or grad that you need a thoughtful gift for, come to my Mini Memory Album class! You can bring your own pictures or come to create the book and add photos later. The cost is $17 and you MUST bring your own Scissors, SNAIL adhesive and Glue Dots. If you forget your adhesive, I will let you buy new ones from me :) Please register below.

Preserve Precious Memories: Simply, Beautifully

Create a mini album in a snap: We did the work and saved the fun for you! We measured, cut, and gathered the paper and accents so you don't have to, but the pages aren't predesigned—you put it together however you want. Keep it for yourself or give it to someone else to enjoy: It's perfect for a mother, friend, grad or to collect memories of a special event! It's a simple, quick way to capture life's precious moments.

It's more fun to craft with a friend and you can personalize this project with your bestie in Southern Utah on April 12th or in Spanish Fork on April 16th. Just check out my Events page and register early!  

Sale-A-Bration is all about great deals and rewards. You can get wonderful rewards by shopping, hosting, and joining Stampin’ Up! before March 31st! 

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Endless Wishes: 5 Ways on Fridays!

Well, I had this ready for last Friday when my computer was out of commission...and wouldn't you know it: Stampin' Up! sold out of this awesome Photopolymer stamp set on Tuesday!!! GRRRR...

But I'm sharing it anyway because of all the time and effort I put into it, and those of you who were lucky enough to snag one before they sold out~ You're Welcome! Of course,  many of the designs & techniques could be re-created with another snowflake stamp set, such as Festive Flurry :)

P.S. Endless Wishes *is* available as a digital brush set (item #136559) for all you digi-crafters and if SU! changes their minds and produces more, I'll make sure to update this post (we can hope, right?)

1. Faux Diamonds. This is always a big hit and so very easy! I gave step-by-step instructions on the Faux Diamond technique in this post. The Designer Series Paper is from the Winter Frost Specialty DSP (132341)

2. Random Stamping. Just go crazy with it. Let them overlap, go off the edge of the paper and layer them on top of one another. I really loved the look of White/Baked Brown Sugar/Cherry Cobbler on Crumb Cake card stock and even stamped a piece to go on top of my jar of apple pie filling.

3. Make a Window. The Squares Collection Framelits (130921) and the Big Shot (113439) create perfect windows. I used a piece of a window sheet and stamped the snowflakes using the White Stazon ink pad (106960), then placed it between the Navy and (polka dot embossed) Blushing Bride layers to appear that you were gazing outside to a frost covered world.

4. Use the Words. While the snowflakes are delicate and delightful, the words are what sold me on this set. It's awesome to be able to mix up the script with the print and come up with dozens of greetings. So cute! I paired the greetings with some of the Season of Style Designer Series Paper (132340), the 1" Cherry Cobbler Grosgrain ribbon (132135) and Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (123125) and a Vintage Faceted Designer Button (127555).

5. Monochrome Embossing. The words & snowflakes on the white were simply stamped using the Silver Encore pad (132141) and I embossed in silver on the Silver Foil Sheet (132178). This card is stunning in person, though the photo doesn't do it justice (sorry...I tried). Just because it needed MORE bling, I added the Silver Glimmer paper (124005) as a layer, too!

Stamped snowflakes are much warmer than the real thing, eh?

My Digital Studio: 5 Ways on Fridays

My Digital Studio is a Sweet digital designing Suite from Stampin' Up! that has evolved to become quite an intuitive user experience. If you are like I (was), you may have just turned off and tuned out...

"I'm computer challenged," you were thinking, "and I'll never be able to learn digital stuff. It sounds too complicated."

Stop. Right. There. 

MDS is INTUITIVE (look it up if you don't know the meaning) and it's EASY...and there are step-by-step training videos. Hello?! And templates that you can drag & drop pictures into (or customize). And you can try it FREE for 30 days. Duh. This is a no-brainer. (As long as you have an hour or two to play with it, so don't download the free trial the week your daughter is getting married) 

Obviously, it is optimal for creating photo albums and cards...but THAT'S NOT ALL it's good for! Today I'm sharing 5 different ways to use My Digital Studio:

1. Fabric Transfers

When I saw this on the SU! blog with instructions for using MDS to print on transfer paper, I was so delighted! How fun and easy to dress up not only our mini muslin bags, but a t-shirt, a backpack or a piece of fabric to frame in an embroidery hoop. Crafters...start your irons!

2. Chalkboard Quote Template

There are plenty of ways to add the look of chalkboard to your card and pages in My Digital studio (I like this video by Kimberly Van Diepen) but did you know you can also print a template to use on a chalkboard wall (or frame)? Check out the tutorial here or click on the picture above.

3. Recipe/Cook Books

There are actually quite a few recipe book templates to choose from in MDS and you can print them as board books, hard bound books, single pages or in this case (and my favorite) as a free-standing recipe book using the Easel Calendar format :) How cool would it be to gather family comfort food recipes (and pictures of family members cooking them) to compile as a gift for a family reunion or Christmas?

4. E-Cutters & MDS

(Personalized Water Bottle by Connie Collins)

Oh, yes, digi-crafters...you read that CORRECTLY! My Digital Studio has SVG files that can be used with E-CUTTERS! Which means that you can cut paper and VINYL (and who knows what else) with an E-Cutter that can import any SVG file. 

Video Tutorials that may be helpful in learning how-to: 

Kimberly Van Diepen shows you the basics of SVG files and e-Cutters

Erica Cerwin also teaches MDS & SVG here

While there are a few e-cutters that seem to work, Silhouette Cameo is a popular choice and
Connie Collins walks you through the process from start to finish in this video

5. Home Decor

Create a year's worth of interchangeable quotes to showcase in a lovely frame. If you create 5x7 postcards in My Digital Studio, you can print on both sides of the card: 6 cards will give you 12 personalized quotes or pictures (and through November 30, 2013, printing through MDS is 30% off). You can even peek at a friend's Pinterest board to find her favorite quotes and make it a very thoughtful gift.

DO YOU HAVE MORE IDEAS FOR MY DIGITAL STUDIO? Share them (or links) in the comments so we can compile a resource of MDS ideas that are "outside the book" :)

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting this list in November 2013, you can take advantage of the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"...for digi crafters, anyway...because many digital downloads AND print services are 30% off through November 30, 2013! Check out the awesomeness HERE.

Trick-or-Treat: A Perfect Fit for Blondies

I consider myself a connoisseur of baked goods and my favorite bakery on the planet is The Sweet Tooth Fairy. Yesterday I stopped by for a cupcake (okay, two) and discovered their BLONDIES: Like a S'more on steroids! Let's just say I may have a new addiction.

In an act of SERENDIPITY, I discovered that said Blondies fit perfectly into the new Decorative Window Gift Boxes from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog (6 boxes for $4.95...a bargain!):

Side Note: I bought four blondies to share with the ladies I visit in my church calling each month...only three blondies made it to the boxes...

Add a strip of Designer Series Paper, a skull stamp (so they can tell their kids it's poison and won't have to share) and some washi tape and abracadabra! You've got yourself a VERY quick gift. IF you can deliver them before you eat them all.

Project Recipe (for the boxes, not the blondies)
All supplies can be ordered from my Stampin' Up! Store

Stamps: Toil & Trouble (2013 Holiday Catalog)
Ink: Staz-On White (Item 106960)
Paper: Witches Brew DSP (132185)
Embellishments: Witches Brew Designer Washi Tape (132156)
Other: Blondies from The Sweet Tooth Fairy!

Create-Your-Own Gift

Have you ever read the Create-Your-Own-Adventure chapter books where you can choose what happens next at the end of every page? Well this gift is a little like that :)

Enclosed in this adorable box (with an acetate sleeve) are 2-1/2" cards and blank tags, along with stamped and punched "card candy". The recipient can choose the greeting for the occasion and quickly put together a gift card or tag to match the need...like this:

I'm sure you'll come up with many great uses for this idea, but here's what I used to create this one:

Project Recipe (All supplies from my Stampin' Up! store): 

Stamps: Label Love 
Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Early Espresso, Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit
Paper: Soho Subway Designer Series Paper (item 130140), Crisp Cantaloupe, Summer Starfruit and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories: Tag a Bag Gift Boxes (130927), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Chalk Talk framelits (129983), Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin Ribbon (126846), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430),  7/8"Scallop Circle (129404) and Artisan Label (130920) punches.

NOTE: Label Love stamp set and Artisan Label punch are also available in a bundle for 15% off. 

5 Ways on Fridays: Envelope Punch Board

Today I'm sharing FIVE amazing ways to use the new Envelope Punch Board from Stampin' Up! (Item #133774). Once you see these, you'll NEED your own and you can order it from My Stampin; Up! Store Since it's Halloween season, I made most of my samples using the Witches Brew Designer Series Paper (132185), Toil & Trouble and Tags 4 You stamp sets (Holiday Catalog) and Label Bracket punch (132153)

1. Make Envelopes. Stating the painfully obvious, but hey...that's what it was made for! Just remember this: Envelopes don't always have to hold just a card :)

If you haven't seen how the Envelope Punch Board works, WATCH the Training Video from Stampin' Up! I also love having a liner inside the envelope and the best video tutorial I've seen (using just a small square of Designer Series Paper) is from Mary Fish and her tutorial can be seen HERE. 

2. File Folder Cards. These unique cards are so much fun to make and you could create a whole slew of little file folders to organize things like photos, paper embellishments, receipts, etc.

Patty Bennett's Video Tutorial explains how simple these are, and once you've made a few, you just can't stop! 

3. Boxes. Yep, that's right: The Envelope Punch Board can make BOXES! Here are two of my top picks (because they are both simple, and I'm all about easy!)

Elaine Schader (at Elaine's Creations) made this box to hold some eerily adorable Halloween tags from four envelopes made with the Punch Board. Check it out on HER BLOG.

Designed to hold 4 cards & envelopes, I discovered (after I whipped this one out in no time flat) that this little gem also holds a King Size Kit Kat! I followed the instructions by Cindy Beach at Stamp, Paper and Ink. The only modification I made was to use my Word Window punch to create a place to insert the top flap and hold it closed.

Learn to make another candy bar box on THIS video tutorial by Janet Wakeland

4. Advent Calendar. When I saw this on the Stampin' Up! blog post  (scroll down past the Game Day banner to see the instructions and downloadable PDF for dates) I thought it was GENIUS!

5. Envelope Tag Book. Here's one for the memory keepers...or this could be a fun way to present love coupons, a grandma brag book or just for fun.

Tricia over at the Efficient Crafter is the artist for this project and her motto, "Quick...Let's Craft!" tells me she's my kind of lady! View her tutorial HERE. 
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So there you have FIVE different ways to use the new Envelope Punch Board! It's a MUST HAVE tool for your Craft Closet and you can order it in Loni's Stampin' Store today. If you have another great way to use the EPB, leave a comment below to help compile a resource for more excellent ideas!

Grundles of Cards & Tags!

Pretty excited about the two newest products from Stampin' Up! because both would be awesome gifts to give a friend or yourself. In fact, I plan to do both :)

First is the Everyday Occasions Card Making Kit (Item 134797) and you get everything (minus scissors & adhesive) to create 20 cards for just $29.95:

NOTE: These are only available while supplies last!

Second, may I present the Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tag Book and Photopolymer Stamps:



You can order them today in my store and check a few names off your Christmas Shopping List!

Bottle Bib Pocket: Whip One Up In a Jiffy (Video Tutorial)

Waiting in line at the Cal Ranch store in Spanish Fork, I saw a display of awesome bottled pop. One that caught my eye was called, "Dang! That's Good" Root Beer...even the bottle cap was cute! The colors effused FALL and the Stampin' Up! Sweater Weather came to mind. So I grabbed a handful of bottles and decided I'd figure some way to use them :)

Then I went shopping and saw the Caramel Apple bite by Russell Stover and if you know me well, I'm an even bigger sucker for CARAMEL than I am for chocolate (and that's sayin' something). So I put another handful in my cart and whistled all the way home!

My solution? What I call a "Bottle Bib Pocket"! It was actually inspired by a project made by my friend Pam Clyde, whose artistry is beautifully detailed. I'm more of a quick and easy crafter, but I think you'll like both :)

I made a video tutorial for the simple one...I'll let Cal Ranch know they better stock up on "cute" soda pop :D I suspect it tastes as good as it looks, but I don't know as I've been giving all mine away to my Stampin' Up! hostesses as I demonstrate them! Want me to teach you and your friends? Book a party during October!

A Shared Anniversary: 25 & Still Going Strong

Stampin' Up! and my husband & I share the same Anniversary this year: TWENTY-FIVE!

At the 25th Anniversary Convention for Stampin' Up! this summer, the 25 oldest longest-lasting demonstrators were called to the stage and I was surprised to be one of those most tenacious demonstrators! That's me under the "N" in "Difference" with my upline Sherrill Graff to the left in blue. 

Shelli Gardner (far right) presented all of us with a gift (below). Each necklace had our initial on it! Because it was unexpected, it is one the most treasured things I have ever received. Doesn't something delightfully unanticipated just feel so much more exciting? I love the embossed silver paper on the gift and all the layers and every time I wear it, it reminds me how much I love Stampin' Up!

My 20th Anniversary with Stampin' Up! was actually the same time I was in San Diego celebrating my 25th Wedding Anniversary with my sweet husband. I'll admit that we've had our rocky times (as those of you who know me may remember), but perhaps this celebration was just that much sweeter because we have triumphed (with help and prayers) to get to this milestone!

You may be asking yourself...WHO ARE THOSE OTHER WOMEN in her pictures?? LOL! No, he only has ONE wife, but in a serendipity moment, we happened to be in San Diego at the same time the Stampin' Up! Getaway achievers were there enjoying a well-earned vacation, and my friend Carolyn (from Canada) brought her daughter Jenna with her, so we spent a day together exploring the area. My favorite picture is of Cody & I by the sandcastle on the beach, but my second favorite is Carolyn's photobomb captured by Jenna :)

Next year, I hope our Anniversary trip is funded by Stampin' Up!  Carolyn and I have made a goal to earn the Washington D.C. Trip together!

Now, I don't want to leave you out of the celebration, so here's a way for you to join the fun, starting on October 7th (and only for 14 days!!):

Come back on October 7th and join my family by clicking "Join Now" at the top of the blog!