Vintage Fresh for Today’s Sudsol Blog Tour!

January 31, 2012 under 3D projects, Cards

SUDSOL Blog Tour, February 1st!
Hi everyone!  Today is the day for the big SUDSOL blog tour.  I love all the ideas you can find on a blog tour and hopefully my projects today will give you some new ideas to try at home.  For this tour, the focus is on the fun new things in the Occasion Mini and the Sale-a-Bration catalogs.  I decided to show you some of my favorites with 3 different projects; and since I have a lot to share…lets get this show on the road!

A Scallop Circle Mini Basket

So, for those of you not familiar with SUDSOL, it is a community and content website specifically for Stampin’ Up! demonstrators who are interested in really focusing on thinking about their stamping business as an actual business.  So, there are lots of great ideas, tips, and sharing of projects – including a library full of templates and project patterns with photos and instructions created by other demos (not a member? click the link above to sign-up for a 2 week FREE trial to check it out).

Anywho, I was browsing the library and found this totally novel idea for how to turn a Scallop Circle (from the Bigz Big Shot die) and turn it into a little box – or in my case, add a handle and make it a basket. See:

Seriously, I would have never thought to score and cut a scallop circle die cut to make a small rectangular box.  But isn’t it cute !!  I pulled out my coordinating Sale-a-Bration items: Fresh Vintage stamp set, Everyday Enchantment designer paper, and the Everyday Enchantment brads and ribbon pack; and went to town decorating!

So, I started by pulling out the pattern I liked from the designer paper and making a 1/2” band around the box.  I had a piece left over from cutting my band and so I cut that in half (making two 1/4” strips) to make my basket handle.  I didn’t like the seam where I glued them together at the top of the handle, so I pulled out the Lucky Limeade organza ribbon and wrapped it around the seam to hide it.

As you can see, I have chocolate in my basket (yum! chocolate!)  I actually have 2 undecorated Reese’s mini peanut butter cups in the bottom of the basket and 2 decorated ones on top.  I used the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch along with the Fresh Vintage stamp set to decorate my candy.

SU Demos – you can find the instructions for this box in the SUDSOL library here. 

A Fresh Vintage Thank You Card

Alright, so I had the chocolate and the basket, I needed a card to go with it.  So, I set out by pulling out my next favorite item – Framelits Labels collection!

I wanted to use the big flower image from the Vintage Fresh stamp set and was super excited to see that one of the labels seemed to have curves that exactly fit the shape of the flower’s flourish.  So, I started with that as my guide for the layout.  Then I wanted to use my current favorite ribbon – Pleated Satin Ribbon in Blushing Bride.  Yes, you heard right… they pre-pleat the ribbon for you!

Anyway, I knew I wanted to use the labels and the ribbon and so then I just fiddled with placement and papers until I thought it looked alright.  Here are a few touches that might be hard to see in the above picture:

Sponging of the Blushing Bride label and the Basic Grey cardbase with Blushing Bride ink.  Oh, and popping up the smallest label.

 

I stamped the repeating flourish pattern from the stamp set along the bottom of the card front with my stamp-a-ma-jig and then layered the ribbon along the top edge.

A Fresh Vintage Stand-Up Card

Alright, so I had been tasked to create 3 projects for this blog tour and I was now up to 2.  I decided to turn back to the SUDSOL pattern library to see if there was something that really pulled me in.  I ran across this stand-up card pattern and thought it was something I had never done before and it looked like fun.  So, I gave it a go and this is the results!

I love how this card style will actually lie flat for mailing in an envelope but stands up when you pull it out.  Cool, huh?

 

I tried to keep in theme by using the same color schemes (or at least more Blushing Bride and Pool Party), designer paper, and stamps. I decided to pull out one more new Occasion Mini product to play with for this project – Twitterpated designer buttons. I was inspired by some recent vintage-y scrapbook pages I had seen and wanted to try out lots of layers for the focal point and then have some sentiment that suited staring at me from a shelf. Thus – Beautiful Life.

SU Demos – you can find the instructions for this card style in the SUDSOL library here.

 

Whew! You made it!  I had so much fun creating these projects and I hope you enjoyed them as well.  I’d love to hear which was your favorite – please leave me a comment and let me know!

CONTINUE on the Blog Tour

                       

Adriana Benitez                            Annette Bogue

And after the tour I’d love to have you come back and visit here again; or for SUDSOL members, check out more of my projects in my gallery on the SUDSOL site.

To Order Stampin’ Up! Products Anytime, click here!

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A Few More Convention 2011 Highlights

July 20, 2011 under 3D projects, Convention 2011

So as I was sorting through my photos from convention, I ran across a few more pictures that I took of fun projects and inspiration to me that weren’t even officially part of convention.  :)   So, this post will be a bit photo heavy, but I wanted to share with you some of the amazing inspiration I found.  If you have any questions about how some of the projects were made, let me know and I’ll be happy to help share what I know so you can make them too!

The Home Office – Legacy Museum:

So, I’ve had the opportunity twice now to visit the Stampin’ Up! home office and one of my favorite stops while I’m there is the Legacy Museum.  It goes through the history of the company as well as has amazing displays using the products in a “home” setting.  It’s changed both times I’ve been there and this is some of what was there this year:

IMG_2638 IMG_2641 IMG_2644 stampin up inspiration desk  dsp wall art Flower punch art

Demonstrator Support – Desk Displays

Another cool thing about visiting the home office is you get to see demonstrator support in action.  Now, those of you who are not demos and so haven’t had the opportunity to interact with demo support , let me say that SU has amazing customer service provided by the most wonderful people called demo support.  If I ever have a problem or a questions, a 5 minute phone call has it resolved and everyone still smiling and having a great day.  A fun fact is that many of the folks on the other end of the phone are demos too.  So, as we walk by their desks we see projects they’ve made as well as received from other employees and demos from around the world.

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Memento Mall Displays

Ok, and finally, many of us wait in line for hours to get into Memento Mall (basically the gift shop of convention) and not only are we greeted by awesome products but super cute displays too!  Here are just a couple of the pretty elements scattered around the room:

IMG_6077 accordian flowers in momento mallIMG_6104IMG_6078 IMG_6085  

Whew!  I know that was a lot but that was only a fraction of what I took pictures of! :)   I hope you found something fun and different to inspire you in those photos. 

For those of you on my mailing list, be on the lookout for my newsletter coming out at the end of the week.  I’ll have some new project ideas and information about upcoming promotions and new products I learned about at convention.  If you aren’t on my mailing list, you can sign up here and I’ll make sure you get a copy!

Click here to shop online 24/7 and start earning your NW Stamper rewards!

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Last Day of the SU Convention 2011 – Notes and Projects!

July 18, 2011 under 3D projects, Cards, Convention 2011

You feel like you are doing so much while you are there at convention and then all of the sudden it is day 3!  There was so much to see and do and it all was fantastic!  I wanted to share some highlights from my last day with you.  And don’t worry, I’ll be posting more pictures over the next week or so of display boards, swaps, and more!

So, the day started off for me with more classes.  This year Stampin’ Up! changed how you register and take classes and while I wasn’t sure about it at first, turned out it was great!  They added the flexibility to pick from an assortment of options so I was able to take classes that focused on leadership at the same time my mom took classes on My Digital Studio and business tools.  Perfect for both of us!

Then it was on to lunch and our last chance to check out the displays.  

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Samples from a main stage presentation using new holiday mini products including new fabric patterns (like the flat bow), new designer series paper (in the star bow, treat bag – its glittery!, the little house, and in the center of the frame – birch tree patterns and silver glitter paper!).

Christmas Countdown Calendar

A Christmas countdown calendar that makes the window/door shapes using a new BigShot die!

Then it was back to the big convention hall room for the last General Session of the convention….sniff,, sniff.  But they saved some awesome projects to show us including this cute card using a new stamp set and punch!

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They also showed us some unique projects that I swear I wouldn’t have come up with on my own – but that is why I go to convention!

Like this so sweet little treat table.  I was shocked how easy it looks to make!  I’m going to try to make it myself using my notes and if it is as easy as it looks, I’ll share with you asap. :)

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And it was hilarious when Carrie showed us how she used the mustache stamp set.  Really makes lollipops more fun don’t you think?

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We also received an emotional presentation by the president of the Company that really showed that the company “gets it” and is focused on sharing experiences with others with the goal of helping others as people.  Lets just say there were a lot of tissues pulled out during his talk.  It really made me realize how great it truely is to be a part of this company.

Ok, enough mushy stuff.  They mentioned the incentive trip – Fiji!, how they are planning on holding lots of full and now half-day regional events across the US and Canada (check my FB page for the cities they announced), and told us that next year’s convention has the goal to be even better than this year and it will be July 18-21.  I know I’ll be there and would love to have you join me! 

And if you aren’t a demo right now, have you imagined what it would be like to part of the Stampin’ Up! family?  To come to convention and be a part of the excitement?  I’d love to share with you what it is really like!  Just send me  note to jennifer@nwstamper.com and we can chit chat. 

So, I’ll leave you with one last photo.  They had the Christmas Box that is part of the $99 starter kit special this month in July.  It was bigger than I expected and so much snazzier than I expected. 

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Click here to shop online 24/7 and start earning your NW Stamper rewards!

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Playing with the Petal Cone Big Shot Die

April 11, 2011 under 3D projects, Big Shot

Every catalog since Stampin’ Up! started offering the Big Shot, they have offered new dies in all kinds of shapes and sizes.  This time around, the Occasion Mini catalog offered the Petal Cone Bigz die.  My mom ended up getting it and so I had to play with it myself.   

The die itself actually punches out two sides of the cone (with attached half circle flaps), one half-scallop circle, and a banner like strip.  So, I decided to experiment.  I created the cone out of your basic Melon Mambo cardstock and then decided to use the Love Letter designer series paper for the half-scallop circles, which I attached underneath the flaps. 

Tip – if you are going to use the scallop circles under the flaps, you will want to trim the last scallop or two off each side.  Otherwise your flaps will not lie flat as the scallops get in each others way.

I wrapped some Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon around the rim of the cone and then added some pearls for an extra fun touch.  Finally, I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with the banner, so I took two of them and glued them together to make the strap for the cone!  Since I didn’t want a seam to show, I cut out a couple flowers and added them to the strap for a pretty way to finish it off.

So, this was a start but I’ve seen a lot of other cute projects with this die including baskets (made by folding in the pointed ends of the cone before you glue them together) and carrots for holding Easter candy! 

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Birthday Card Kit and Organizer

April 6, 2011 under 3D projects, classes

Can I share with you this project that we are making in my Birthday Card Kit and Organizer class this weekend?  Isn’t it such a fun and cheery birthday collection?

I had so much fun when I made this sample and I loved all the fun but simple ideas that we use on the different cards.  What you are seeing above is a fun desktop organizer with two storage compartments.  The front compartment is perfect for holding gift tags and 3×3 cards.  The top compartment is exactly right for holding standard sized cards and envelopes.  There is even a special spot for storing a coordinating pen!

All of the pieces of this project use the fun Create a Cupcake stamp set and the Build a Cupcake punch.  In the class we’ll be making the box, the matching pen, 2 full sized cards (with envelopes), 4 3×3 cards (with envelopes), and 4 gift tags using this punch set, some of the chunky glitter, ribbon, and some extra punches.  I’m so looking forward to it because even though I know it is a lot, I know folks will enjoy and love having so many items ready for last minute birthday gifts and parties.

If you are in the Bay Area and would like to come join us on Sunday afternoon for this class, let me know and I’d love to add you to the rsvp list!  Email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com.

But, I know many of you are from all over the country and even around the world and I thought you might like to make one of these projects yourself.  So, I’m creating kits for you as well! These class kits include:

  • All the cardstock and designer paper precut and scored for the cards, pen, and box
  • Punched out pieces to complete all of the projects
  • Ribbon and fibers required for the projects
  • 2 standard sized envelopes and 4 small square envelopes
  • A pen ready for customizing
  • Instruction sheets for all included projects (so you can make them over and over and over again)
  • Shipping is included
  • All for only $25 shipped!  And let me tell you, you will be getting lots of pieces for these fun projects


 

You just need some adhesive, glitter, and stamps as desired.  Due to Stampin’ Up! policy, I can’t prestamp any images for you but to help you out with that, if you get the kit and contact me to order any of the items not included in the kit, I will give you 10% off those items!  So, for example, you could get the stamp set and/or the chunky glitter at a discount!  I loved working on this project and I hope you do too!

Click here to shop online 24/7

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Something Different – A Baby Accordion Album

March 1, 2011 under 3D projects, scrapbooking

I often make cards because they are fast projects where I can experiment with colors and techniques – and fast is what I need with a very active 13 month old trying to pull all my catalogs and BigShot dies off the shelves. :)   But sometimes it is fun to do something different and I was fortunate enough to get together with a local group where a fun lady named Nancie taught us how to make a great accordion album. 

 

I have to admit that I’m a bit spoiled by my BigShot and all the box dies so I’m not used to doing a lot of cutting.  And this project requires you to hand cut the paper into a series of triangular peaks and valleys that are woven together to create the base album.  Its not hard, just way more cutting than I’m used to. :)  

I made inserts for the pockets that creates by cutting cardstock (I think it was 3.5” x 3.25”) and then added pulls for each of the pages.  Finally, I used some extra chipboard pieces that I covered in cardstock to make the front and back cover.

 

I used an old Simply Scrappin’ kit so I knew that I would have coordinating DSP, Cardstock, and Accents.  But you can make this with whatever you have on hand. 

Tip:  When you go to add your spine to your book, make sure you leave extra space for the photos and embellishments you are going to add to your pages.  Otherwise your album will bow out and not stay closed.  In my case, I just placed extra pieces of paper in my pockets to simulate photos while adhering my spine.

If you have any questions, just send me an email at jennifer@nwstamper.com.  This is a great project to use up scraps and extra sheets of paper because you can take the basic idea and adjust it for whatever works for your supplies. 

I apologize for the lack of instructions.  I originally had posted more details but I received an email from a woman telling me that this album was her original design and she had a copyrighted tutorial for a fee for it.  As such, it was requested that I remove the detailed information.  I was unaware of her tutorial and have not seen the tutorial myself, but her site is here if you wish to contact her.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Get Inspired With This Great Video

February 17, 2011 under 3D projects, Cards

So, today was going to be a post sharing a project I did recently; but then Stampin’ Up! released a video by Shelli Gardner talking about creativity and Stampin’ Up! and almost the entire video is the camera panning around some AMAZING sample rooms.  Yes, rooms! 

See, in the home office, they have this area that is kind of like a museum where they have set up different spaces like rooms in a house.  Then, they have decorated the walls, the furniture, the surfaces, etc with décor and projects made using Stampin’ Up! materials.  So, there will be Décor Elements (vinyl) on the walls and cards on the desk.  Wall hangings and organization containers…you name it, they probably have it and have it looking like the showroom in a Pottery Barn type catalog.

When I was in town for convention a couple years ago, I got to wander through and it was awesome!  Here is are a couple pictures of what it looked like at the time:

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As you can see, lots of inspiration to be found!  So, after watching this video from Shelli, I found even more inspiration and I knew I had to share it with you.

  I’m going to watch it again and write down more things to try.  First up is the pinwheel card that I really want to make.  So, check it out and let me know what projects and ideas caught your eye. 

 

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A Pretty Card Purse Hostess Gift

February 8, 2011 under 3D projects

This last friday I had a fun workshop with some ladies I met recently.  I wanted to make something nice for the hostess who organized the evening and so I decided to make her a purse with a variety of cards inside.  I knew she loved purple and I remembered the awesome purples in the Lap of Luxury Designer Paper.  I swear, the first time I saw this pattern I said,”it looks like velvet!”.  It really does look luxurious in person!

hostess luxury purse front view

So, to go with the luxury theme, I used black (more posh, don’t you think?) and made the handles out of Black Satin ribbon (I love this stuff!!).  The inside opens up and I put in four cards with envelopes, oh, and some yummy chocolates, but it could hold a ton more. 

hostess luxury purse open

This purse is actually remarkably easy to make and only uses 1 sheet of designer paper and 1/2 a sheet of cardstock!  I may have to make a few more for extra gifts. Smile 

hostess luxury purse side view

Thanks for visiting! 

Luxury Card Purse Recipe:
Paper:  Lap of Luxury DSP, Basic Black CS
Accessories:  Basic Black satin ribbon, Round Tab punch, Kraft corduroy buttons (clearance rack item), Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Crop-a-Dile, Sticky Strip, Velcro circles, Corner Rounder punch

Want to make your own purse?  Get the supplies now in my Online Store!

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Ice Cream Parlor Quick Accents Card and Card Purse

January 26, 2011 under 3D projects, Cards, Sale-a-Bration

In a flurry of excitement, Sale-a-Bration has officially begun!  Of course you can earn free stamps, but I love that you get options for other items like the Ice Cream Parlor Designer Paper and Quick Accents.  I had gotten this paper pack during the preorder and the more I use it, the more I’ve now decided that I NEED the matching Ice Cream Parlor buttons and ribbon pack!

In the meantime, I thought I’d share a couple projects I’ve made using this paper and cardstock stickers.  First up, a super quick birthday card:

For this card, the striped designer paper, the Daffodil Delight scalloped border cardstock sticker, and the Peach Parfeit designer paper – all come as part of the Ice Cream Parlor DSP And Quick Accents Sale-a-Bration pack.  I just added some Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, cardstock, and a staple to finish out the card.  Seriously, this is a 5 minute card!

Next, I created a purse sized to hold a set of standard 4.25” x 5.5” cards and matching envelopes:

If you are on my mailing list, you should have received the full tutorial for this purse in your inbox yesterday.  If you didn’t, let me know!

Not on my mailing list yet? Sign up here.  I’ll even resend the copy of my email with this tutorial in it to folks who sign up in the next couple of days.

Over the next week I’ll be sharing more Sale-a-Bration creations, so I hope you stop by again and check them out!  Until then, happy stamping!

Make a Wish card recipe:
Stamps: Birthday Bliss
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink, Marina Mist Classic Ink, Daffodil Delight Classic Ink
Paper: Pacific Point CS, Whisper White CS, Daffodil Delight CS, Ice Cream Parlor DSP
Accessories: Ice Cream Parlor Quick Accents, Early Espresso 1/8” taffeta ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Small Tag punch, Large Tag punch, Blender Pen, Crystal Effects, stapler

Wonderful Friend card purse recipe:
Stamps: Wonderful Favorites
Ink: Marina Mist Classic Ink, Early Espresso Classic Ink
Paper: Marina Mist CS, Melon Mambo CS, Whisper White CS, Daffodil Delight CS, Ice Cream Parlor DSP
Accessories: Ice Cream Parlor DSP, Ticket Corner Punch, Subtles Family brads, Round Tab punch, Paper Piercing tool, Mat Pack, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Bone Folder

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Cute New My Digital Studio Downloads and Projects

December 10, 2010 under 3D projects, My Digital Studio, scrapbooking

It seems like Stampin’ Up! has started rolling out My Digital Studio downloads like crazy!  But I have to say, I love all the new stuff coming out because I keep seeing so many cute things to do with My Digital Studio.  Here are some pictures of the latest downloads that have come out – some new photo cards and a calendar kit.

The calendar kit is what really caught my eye as its filled with TONS of brand new papers, predesigned layouts, and brush sets.  Plus, I didn’t realize you could get these calendars that come on an easel like in the picture above.  Its too cute!  Plus at only $19.95 to print one of those calendars, I think that is way better than those calendars of kittens or beaches that you get at Target or Office Depot right now!

Did you Know?
You can not only print cards, calendars, photo books, and scrapbook pages through the professional printing service, but you can do custom JOURNALS!  Like I said, so much has been coming out I totally missed this option!  I’ve altered journal books before, but I like the idea of the custom covers, especially for gifts.  Guess I have some playing to do with My Digital Studio now!

Check out all the latest downloads for My Digital Studio here.

Curious about professional printing services?
Well, if you own My Digital Studio, you have the option right from the program.

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You can select the type of printing format you want, select how many pages of your project you want to print, how many copies you want, and then send them off to the printer!  You don’t have to worry about saving the file in the right format, getting uploaded onto another website or taking it in to the store.  However, you can do that too! 

One nice thing of the professional printing, aside from the ease of printing, is that they have worked with Stampin’ Up! to ensure the colors on the printers exactly match Stampin’ Up’s colors.  So, if you are going to add paper, ribbon, buttons, etc to your project, you will be sure that the colors will match wonderfully!

Want to see all the different printing options and pricing?  Check them all out here.

Ready to get started on your own project?
Shop my Online Store to get your copy of My Digital Studio and/or your favorite digital downloads to make a project that is just your style!

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