Friday the 31st..and a full moon!!

TGIF!! Today is not only Friday...which the kids are happy about, but it's the last Friday of August...which means I have permission from the hubby to start decorating for Halloween!!

Oh..and it's a Blue Moon tonight~ super SPOOKY!!

Normally I get crazy during the middle of summer~ I know 'crazy' right?? It's my absolute favorite holiday...I love to make crafts, cards and gifts too!! In the past I have made a few spooky trees, this year my tree was quite a workout!! I ventured out on a bike ride with my son Aiden and while on a path through the woods I found 'THE ONE'. You know...how it just speaks to you? Just like picking the right Christmas tree. So the problem? It wasn't just a cute little branch..it was a tree!! I couldn't even break it into two pieces to bring it home!

I was SO determined (I mean..what if I had left it and came back for it with John's (hubby) truck and someone had the same thought that I did and took it...! So...I rested part of it on the handlebars and pedalled ALL the way home...probably looking somewhat like a freak!

Anyway...once home, John sawed it into two pieces and I spray painted them black (this time I used a satin black spraypaint).I bought an urn..some rocks and voila!

I loved Kimberly's ornaments she made one Halloween, so check out her tutorial here for the cones and here for the scallop square ornament. I used the new Howlstooth & Scaringbone DSP (126906) from the Holiday Mini Catalog for mostly all of the ornaments. They will be filled with some black tulle and treats for holiday...just can't fill them yet because the kids will eat em' all up!
Close up's:

This last one is the owl...turned upside down and the feet cut off...cute huh?? Spooky??

With the left over scallop pieces from the Perfect Pennant die, I made these cute little ornaments...these rosettes were made using the 2 3/8" scallop circle punch (118874).

Other supplies used: Bat punch (on the clearance rack!), Champagne glimmer paper (127885), spider web embossing folder (120889), First Edition DSP (121878), Simply Scored (122334), decorative label punch (120907), Timeless Type Alphabets (retired), Scallop Squares Duo (120903), extra-large oval punch (119859), clear embossing powder (109130), antique brads (117273), linen thread (104199), modern label punch (119849), owl punch (118074), scallop square punch (119884), jewelry tag punch (117190), 1/16" circle handheld punch (101227), vintage trinkets (118764), rhinestones (119246)...and lastly~EVERYTHING was sprayed with Champagne Shimmer mist!!

Yes...you guessed it~ the glue gun was this girls BFF over the last few days!!

Now...as you will see I used a few retired Halloween sets...and I was very proud of myself for doing so!! I loved them so much I felt bad that they were sitting in a box being neglected~ I was wishing I had ordered Toxic Treats (127898 c) but I was a good girl and didn't~ well not until the other day...when I just HAD to have it (you know how it is)! So when that baby is all inked up..I will share some goodies with it! Stay tuned!

Here using the same paper...I created a one-sided banner. The letters were created with the Serif Essentials die for the Big Shot...can't believe that it is retired..I still use it ALL the time!

 

 

 

Lastly here is a wreath that I made: don't you love the spider?? The rhinestones were colored black with a permanent Sharpie marker (only takes a minute or so to dry!) Here is the tutorial that I followed on making the wreath. Total sheets of the DSP that I used for all items (banner, ornaments AND wreath were 6 sheets!!) In her video she used 6 sheets on her wreath, you could add more and your end result would be that it is a 'fuller' wreath.

Here is a close-up:

 

 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!

Have a great spooky night!

 



MDS 2 is here at last!!

Do you enjoy paper crafting as much as I do?? Phew...I'm not the only one then!!
Perhaps we both need help! Just kidding...what you need is the latest in Digital Paper crafting..MDS 2 has arrived.
To learn more be sure to visit www.mydigitalstudio.net for the latest tips, inspiration and tutorials...it's FREE to join the site, and open to everyone!!
Check out this video:

 For those of you are already familiar to this program, MDS 2 can do even more!
Whether you already own MDS or are starting fresh, there is a MDS program just for you.
Click here to compare MDS programs.

But that's not all! For the entire month of August, select MDS digital downloads AND professional print services are 31% off!
Click here to start shopping everything MDS now!
Hope you have a great day, leave me a comment or contact me if you have any questions!!
-Erin
email: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

'Spooktacular' Project for FREE!!! Join today!

Isn't this too cute for words?? You can earn the supplies to create this beauty for FREE when you decide to join Stampin' Up! during the month of August. Join today!! https://ida.stampinup.com?demoid=70101

Buy the $99 Starter Kit in August (you get to choose $125 in product of your choice PLUS business supplies).
You will receive the kit to make this adorable project pictured above for FREE!

Kit Contents :
Your choice of either wood or clear mount Toxic Treat stamp set, a full package of rhinestones, a full package of Baker's twine, printer tray, buttons, DSP and ribbon!

You pay NO shipping, NO obligation to sell if you purchase the Starter Kit, and there are NO strings attached...this is NOT a 'trick' just a 'treat' for you to enjoy!!

You can sign-up now on my website by clicking here.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.  Either, leave me a comment, or send me an e-mail: stampingwitherin@yahoo.com

Stampin' hugs,
Erin

Punch Art Hula girl and Hawaiian Stamp-n-Lunch Photos

So my Stamp-n-Lunch was this past Sunday and it was AMAZING!! Thanks Marie, for hostessing!!
Marie has quite the talent in kitchen and as a 'thank-you' I ordered her a personalized stamp:
Here is her thank-you gift..

It's a personalized stamp that we now sell...great for the holidays!! (pg. 147 IBC). This one says 'From Marie's Kitchen'...and let me tell you she is QUITE the cook!!Check this out....

As beautiful as this is...this is NOTHING!!
This is the card made to go along with her gift, since the cards we made were all 'beachy' and the theme was Hawaiian...I needed something that looked like Hawaii!! I am laughing though because to me she looks like an 'asian' hula girl...nothing wrong with that right?? I'm actually jealous of her tan!

Here is the card that I made to go along with her card:

Close-up:

Hard to tell from the photo...but I used the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder (115964). This 'hula' punch art girl was inspired/CASED from Linda Aarhus click here for photo tutorial.
I wanted a matching box to hold the stamp..so I used a piece of DSP Patterns Stack (2012-2014 In Color)...asked the hubby to come up with some measurements and Voila~

Here all wrapped up and ready to go:

When it comes to decorations...along with our 'Hawaiian' theme...she leaves NOTHING out!!

The drinks were kept cool with frozen water balloons...clever huh??

Here were the treat bags for the guests:

They were made using the new Floral Frames Framelits (127012).

For the door prize I made a set of coasters..these are just 4x4 tumbled marble tiles...sold at your local hardware store. The shell images are from By the Seashore stamp set (126532 C), embossed with gold embossing powder/heat tool...or you could heat them in your oven.

On the back I applied cork shelf liner...EASY!! Peel and stick baby!!

Packaged up:

It was quite the afternoon!! When the ladies were finished with their card, they could choose their hunk and pose...what fun!!

Let me know if you have any questions on anything you have seen here, just leave me a comment!!
Shop 24/7 at www.erinsstampart.stampinup.net
~Stampin' hugs,
Erin

Redneck wine glass-take two!!

So...two more recent birthday celebrations~ one was for my friend Darlene...she likes fairies. She even has a cute little fairy tattooed on her shoulder. Well....when I bought this gift (see photo) I knew I had to make a card that matched right??

It is coolest thing ever~canning and mason jars are EVERYWHERE...it is the thing do do these days! In the next Holiday Mini (customers can order August 1st) there is the cutest canning stamp set with coordinting framelits...and matcing fabric!!!
In this jar the paper fairy is attached to a very thin wire and is battery operated, it interacts with you when you touch the lid...as you can see~I'm easily amused!!
So...I start looking through my retired stamp sets to find a fairy stamp. Of course I needed to make a 'fairy' card!!
Not a single fairy in this bin:

Not a single fairy in this bin either:

Now I am bummed~ I now know that I have to do the 'unthinkable'....yes I drove to 'my local craft store' and (shhhh!) bought a fairy stamp set...actually it's a pretty cute one too!! I know...I need serious help!
SO...here is what I made for her: (notice the way it opens?? cool huh?)

Note: The entire fairy piece was stamped in VersaMark and embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder..I have seen that this technique is called Dazzling Diamond Dust (aka 'fairy dust!).
Details:
Card Stock: Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
Stamp Set: non-SU! fairy set, Bring On the Cake (121958)
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, VersaMark
Access: Baja Breeze 1/2" seam binding ribbon (122331), Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (118772), antique brads (117273), retired embossing folder, apothecary accents framelits (127003), sticky strip (104294), heat tool (129053), Iridescent Ice EP (101930)

The next day was another friend/neighbors birthday (Jason)...so I needed to make another 'manly' card and I thought I would make another redneck wine glass....I love these things!! Since his name is 'J-ason' I had to cover up the 'M' on the 'mason jar...LOVE IT!!!

A few of my friends were asking me "Just how hard are these to make?" I would see them selling in stores here and there for $15-$20!!! I knew there was an easier/cheaper way...after my 'google' search I found this great little website. Here is a little video tutorial on how quick and easy these bad boys are to make...enjoy!!

It has been HOT here in Va..the past two days have hit 105-110 degrees with the heat index...this card just screams warmth...so sending 'warmest birthday wishes' seemed perfect! Trust me...I really don't mind sitting here in my air conditioned basement...the other day I was actually chilly...thought about turning on my space heater!

Here is the card I made to go along with his gift: (inspired/CASED from here)
Details:
Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Tangerine Tango
Stamp Set: Broadsheet Alphabet (120585 C), Blooming with Kindness (126422 C), Serene Silhouettes (127324 C)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black
Access: Stampin' Sponges (101610), 1 1/4" circle punch (119861),  1 3/8" circle punch (119860),  dimensionals (104430), black grosgrain ribbon (retired)
Here is the gift bag...all ready to be delivered!!

If you have any questions on anything at all..or just want to comment...please do!!
Take care, happy stampin' and STAY COOL!!
-Erin

In Color 2012-2014 meets By the Seashore

A couple days ago my Stampin' Up! order arrived..YIPPEE!!! I love playing with new stamps and accessories. Knowing that I had a Workshop coming up I needed to get my fingers dirty~ read on!!

My friend Marie has often held fabulous stamping events..and this year will be her 3rd Hawaiian Stamp-N-Lunch. It is always an amazing time of eating the most delicious num-nums and stamping!!

We make a total of 4 cards/envelopes with a Hawaiian/beachy theme and this year I am deciding to take a different approach, all of the cards will be using the same stamp set. It's called By the Seashore (W 126530, C 126532). I just couldn't put it down!!

I have also fallen head-over-heals about the new In Color line..not sure yet which one I like best but leaning towards Summer Starfruit...it's yummy!! How about you? What is your favorite??
So I also decided to use exclusively these beautiful colors: Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, and Summer Starfruit.

Here is my first one:

Here is  a technique called 'triple time stamping' I watched this video by Dawn Olchefske.

I basically cased her idea and several others that are on www.splitcoaststampers.com this stamp set is perfect for it~ (I also think this card is my favorite one of the 4!!) Shhh...don't tell the others!

Details:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (126532 C), Itty Bitty Banners (126257 C)
Ink: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse
Access: linen thread (104199), naturals designer buttons (127554), dimensionals (104430), glue dots (103683), bitty banners framelits (129267)

Then in order of my likings...
Second one:

Details:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Raspberry Ripple
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (126532 C), French Foliage (121166 C), Pursuit of Happiness (121970 C)
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso
Access: paper-piercing tool (126189), stampin' pierce mat (126199), paper-piercing pack (126187)
decorative label punch (120907),  glue dots (103683),  linen thread (104199), dimensionals (104430), vintage-faceted designer buttons (127555)

I think that the new paper-piercing pack (pg.181 IBC) is AMAZING!!! Hard to tell from the photo but the quote is punched out and raised with dimensionals. These buttons are WAY too cool too!!! Dump these beauties onto the palm of your hand and it's as if you are holding DIAMONDS!!

YES...I do think that if my hubby had proposed with one of these I would have still said "yes"!
They really are stunning in person and for only $5.95 (us) you get 24 buttons (8 ea. of 3 designs) (pg. 176 IBC).

Third one:

Details:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Gumball Green
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (duh), and retired Happy Greetings (123313)
Ink: Gumball Green, VersaMark (102283)
Access: linen thread, square lattice embossing folder (119976), gold embossing powder (109129), heat tool (129053)

Last but not least:

Details:
Card Stock: Midnight Muse, Brushed Gold, Very Vanilla
Stamp Set: By the Seashore (duh again), Itty Btty Banners
Ink: Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, VersaMark
Access: gold embossing powder, linen thread, heat tool, dimensionals, glue dots, naturals designer buttons, bitty banners framelits

There you have it~ hope she and the other attendees love them as much as I do!!
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!
Remember you can find the supplies listed above to puchase at my online store 24/7.

I am now heading back to the kitchen to pull out coasters out of the oven...wait until you see those beauties!!
See you tomorrow!!
Hugs, Erin

Redneck Wine Glass

Have you seen these?? I think they are hiliarios and VERY easy to make...click here for a quick tutorial. I mentioned in a previous post that we had two birthday parties to attend this last weekend. On Sunday we went to our friends farm...if you live in the Winchester or surrounding area..be sure to check out Skyview Acres. Fresh eggs, chicken and more!!

Anyway...I often have a difficult time making masculine cards...there are of course some stamp sets that 'scream' MAN...but you probably know what I mean. I also thought about what Greg (my friend) does for a living..he's a true farmer. So this is the card that I made:

It uses the stamp set called Countryside (120495 C). I stamped the image in Early Espresso ink and colored in with pastels. The background piece is a retired one called Chicken Wire...embossed with pewter embossing powder. Added some denim ribbon..distressed the edges and done!! Notice the tag on the wine glass?? That was made with the 4 YOU stamp from Tiny Tags (118592 C).

Q. How do you get a rooster to stop crowing on Sunday?

A. Eat him on Saturday!

Remember that July Stampin' Up! has a GREAT promotion called Reason to Smile.

Basically it means this:

Available July 1-31st 2012,  spend $50 and for only $5 you can have this exclusive Reason to Smile stamp set (choose wood or clear-mount). Click the above picture/link to see the images.

Get yours today by shopin in my online store.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!

Today I have my goodies coming from Stampin' Up! (I LOVE it when the man in brown comes to my door.) I have a workshop coming up for my friend Marie and I need to get CRACKIN'~ get it? My mind must still be on the eggs and chicken..going to have my breakfast now...have a great day!!