A tisket, a tasket...a Wood Sheet Basket!!

As soon as I saw the birch Wood Sheets (116309) on pg 158 in the Idea Book & Catalog..I knew I had to have them!! Since I have now had them in my stash of un-opened goodies (shhh!!) I figured it was time to put them to use. I watched a tutorial at www.stampingschool.com where they were used to create a cute little square basket. I altered mine a bit into a rectangular shape, then to cover the inside I used some of the Bella Blue DSP (113974) and now it looks like a fabric lined basket!! The handles were made by taking a strip of 1/2" x 6" Close to Cocoa CS use either a bone folder (or scissors) and press your thumb over the CS against the bone folder and slide in an upward motion (as if you were curling ribbon). Do that to both sides and it will be break the fibers in the card stock. You then can pull it apart and ta-da...it's soft and fuzzy like suede. This techniques is also great for making projects look like flock..you can do this with any of our colors to match your project. Another tip: I colored (stained) the top wooden strip by using an Aqua Painter (103954) and here I used Soft Suede refill (115663) (but you can use any color). Squirt just a few drops into the lid and dip with the aqua pen. Hope that makes sense...be sure to check out the video and let me know if you have any questions!! Have a great day! ~Erin

8/28 Stamp Camp

I meant to post these projects earlier but with preparing the kids to go back to school and visiting with my mother time has slipped by much too quickly!!

Here are the projects we will be making this Friday 8/28/09 at my Stamp Camp (7-9 pm).

This card uses bleach on the Soft Suede CS...I love how the stamped image 'magically' turned into Crushed Curry!! I took two pictures because it was hard to see the image behind the sentiment that was stamped on vellum. Different layout too...not one of my norms or even what I had intended in the beginning!! Always funny how that happens!! I do like the finished product...and have since used this layout on some Christmas cards. When you open the card, in this case you would see the back of the Soft Suede CS..I will add a picture of the kids to send to their grandparents. Pictures of that soon...stay tuned!!

Directions for card: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" (just like a regular card) then cut off 2 1/2"..easy huh?? Then adhere the back piece (here I used 4 1/8" x 5 3/8") to the remaining front section of your card.

'Peek-A-Boo' Sweet Treat

This treat box was created using the Big Shot and the Movers & Shapers Die (114506) along with the Magnetic Movers & Shapers (115953) (love these!!) Be sure to check out http://www.dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/ for a great video tutorial...I love her ideas and she's not only inspirational but also SO uplifting..her voice and humor just crack me up!! This was so easy to make..and could easily be altered for any kind of party favor or holiday treat. Notice too how I went 'green' and used the punched out scalloped piece behind the stamped 'thank-you' from the Oval All stamp set (113790). What's that ribbon you ask?? Whisper White Organza ribbon (114319) that was stained to match the Melon Mambo CS using the Melon Mambo ink pad and stamping sponges (101610). I used velcro to seal it shut.

This last card uses the best stamp in the current catty..I call it 'da BOMB DIGGITY' of stamps!! The Medallion Stamp Set (115223) featured on page 133 in the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog is Stampin' Up!'s top selling stamp set and I now see why...there are so many samples on www.splitcoaststampers.com . It's even on the front cover of our catalog. I took two pictures to show the glossy image, first I stamped in Elegant Eggplant then using the Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) I re-stamped the image with the VersaMark pad (102283) and heat embossed using clear embossing powder. Pretty simple..just uses another step. This card we CASED from this one.

So..if you live locally be sure to contact me to attend an upcoming event..not only do we make great projects..but we have a blast! TFL and have a great day! ~Erin

First Day of School!!

Tomorrow is the first day back to school for the kids here in Frederick County, VA. I am sad that the summer is coming to an end...mostly because I LOVE the weather! If I wasn't so fair skinned and didn't burst into flames after being outside in the sun for over 10 minutes (LOL) I would be living in Miami, FL. The heat and humidity have never seemed to bother me...and I about cringe when I think of the cold weather and snow (YUCK!).

However...I do love all the holidays that will be here before you know it. The next Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog (issued Sept. 1) has gotten me even more excited to get started on upcoming fall projects and gifts for the holiday season. I have even started to make my Christmas cards!!

Here is a a treat box that I made for my childrens' teachers. It uses the Fancy Favor die (115965). I have always found inspiration on ww.splitcoaststampers.com for so many of the projects you have seen here, and this box was no exception. Be sure to check out this blog (where the idea originated from). I always like to give credit to those clever and creative stampin' souls out there. Aren't the scissors cute?? This was so easy to make..in just over an hour I made 3 of them!!! Contact me today if you have any questions on how to complete or be sure to click here to order 24/7 on my website. Hope you all have a great day!

Just a quick post today to show a card I recently made for a friend's birthday. I needed something 'quick and easy' that ended up looking like there was WAY more involved!! With the Sizzix Big Shot...almost any project becomes quick and easy, all you need is a little imagination! Be sure to check my SU! website for this month's promotion that I am offering on the Big Shot..it is my own 'Starter Kit' (a deal way too good to pass up!!)

Recipe

Stamp Set: Stem Sayings

Card stock: basic black, mellow moss, pretty in pink, pixie pink and Tea Party DSP

Ink: basic black

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Beautiful Butterflies Die, glue dots, double rectangle punch, grosgrain ribbon, sticky cuts sweet, green duo beads, pink duo beads

Thanks for looking and hope you have a great day!

~Erin

Happy August!!

Click image on the right for more information on a promotion that will be going on (August 1- September 30, 2009) Book your kid-friendly workshop today: whether it's a Mom & Me Workshop, or a Workshop with kid friendly projects and ideas for you to use for school projects or gift ideas. Or how about a Workshop with your friends and family where we will act like 'kids' ourselves and get ink on our fingers and glitter in our hair! Contact me today!!

Wings of Friendship Sampler

This is a sampler made with one of the new level 2 hostess stamp sets called Wings of Friendship (114308). I was inspired to use the colors shown since I knew I wanted to use some new DSP called Razzleberry Lemonade (115675). The card shown here to the right uses a flower from the Pretties Kit (109114). I used two sponge daubers (102892) to color the flower and then embossed entire flower with the Versamark pad (102283) and covered with Glassy Glaze Enamel (100477). Tip: while heating I put the center of the flower over the paper piercing tool (116631) so you don't burn your fingers. Does that make sense?? Let me know if you have any questions!!

I must add that I also used the Big Shot for this card...it's hard not to stamp and use Mr. Big!! This card uses the Scallop Envelope Die (113462). Stay tuned for a special I will be having during the month of August for purchasing the Stampin' Up! Big Shot (113439)....it will be worth the wait (I promise!!)

This card was made by coloring the leaves with the Creamy Caramel stampin' write marker then stamp another time using the Rich Razzleberry then again with the Crushed Curry...a pain right?? Well...Stampin' Up! has answered our prayers and now we have markers for the new 2009-2010 In Color line...now you ask why didn't I use them?? I forgot to order them!! Oops!! That will be on my next order I promise!! This card also uses the Scallop Edge punch (112091) which is part of the 'Deal of the Week' promotion. Okay...enough already...you are free to blog hop somewhere else...be inspired and stamp something today...I dare you! ~Erin

Let the 'Summer Fun' begin!!

FINALLY!!! I have been waiting for this day for awhile now..ever since I saw the preorder goodies demonstrators could order for the new catalog. (Honestly it seems like forever!!) Well...July 1st has arrived and I have been busy putting together some events, classes, kits, clubs SWAPS and so much more. Be sure to check my calendar for scheduled events.

There's a lot of fun in store for you this summer! Today the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog goes live! You're gonna love it. It has been put together beautifully with so many details to help you create so many treasured projects. Beginning today at noon mountain time you will be able to place orders through me or online from the new catalog. Just send me an e-mail if you have any questions about what you see.

I have received my stash of new catalogs and let me know if you would like to stop by to pick one up (if you live locally) or I would be happy to mail you one, just let me know!!

But wait.....there's more! During the month of July, Stampin' Up! will be offering a "Deal of the Week." Purchase the Scallop Border Punch for $10.95 (Item #112091, retail $15.95) Isn’t this exciting??? The deal is only good from July 1st – 5th! You can order online through my website or email me. Don’t miss out on this FANTASTIC punch!

Last but not least...

Have you been thinking of becoming a demonstrator?? Beginning July 15th-August 31st you can sign up with a Mini-Starter Kit for only $85. Click here to see contents of the mini kit. You can still sign up with the standard $199 starter kit and as an added incentive you will receive in addition to all the goodies seen here you will get all 6 of the new In Color classic ink pads AND one pack of 8 1/2" x 11" In Color assortment. Isn't that great?? I would love to have you join our group of demontrators, you can sign-up online. You will need my password : STAMPIN' WITH ERIN. Contact me anytime if you have any questions or if you need additional information.