Northwest Stamper

Category: Holiday Projects

  • Weekly Deals to Help You Get Ready for Gifting!

    When I saw the specials that Stampin’ Up! released today, all I could think about was cute gifts and packaging! 

    Nov 12-18 weekly deals

    What can you make with these?

    I mean, imagine how fast and cute this decorated gift box would be:

    1. Stamp some cute snowflake or other image on the Gift Box
    2. Create a cute belly band with the Burlap ribbon
    3. Cut out a coordinating bow with the Gift Bow die to stick on top…
    4. Done!

    image

    -OR-

    If you need teachers gifts or classroom treats, or something to put at the table for Thanksgiving:

    1. Get one of the Goodie Gear kits (Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving/fall, Real Red for Christmas)
    2. Add chocolate or nuts to the bags and tie closed
    3. Done!

    -OR-

    Create stocking stuffers or get started on a cute advent calendar with the Mini Muslin bags:

    1. Stamp numbers on the muslin bags (I would recommend the Morning Post numbers stamp set)
    2. Fill with one activity or treat per day
    3. Place in a cute bucket or hang from clothespins on a ribbon
    4. Done!

    image

    Fun right?

    These deals are only available for a week, so make sure to hop over to the online store or email me at jennifer@nwstamper.com to get in on this weeks group order!

     

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  • Another Great Idea for Gifts with Clearmount Stamp Cases

    In my last post, I shared an idea for using the half-height woodmount stamp cases to make Embellished Gift Sets.  So, I thought I would share another idea for you using stamp cases (I swear, I’ve been having too much fun with empty stamp cases lately!).

    Gift Idea #3 – Coordinated Journaling Sets

    This is a really fun way to create a pen and notebook set that you can take anywhere and toss in a purse or bag and not have to worry about crumbs in the pages or crinkled & torn pages.

    To get started, you want to grab:

    • Clearmount stamp cases
    • a mini composition notebook
    • a pen with a clear round barrel
    • a 12×12 piece of designer paper
    • Sticky strip
    • extra cardstock, stamps, ink, and embellishments as desired

    The outside is simply cutting a piece of designer paper to fit inside the plastic cover (like the movie cover on a DVD) and then embellishing it to fit your style and mood.

    Then on the inside, take a mini-composition notebook and using the extra scrap from the patterned paper from you cover, cut a piece that will fit over the front cover of the little notebook.  Decorate the notebook cover to coordinate with your box.

    We also found pens that we could unscrew the tip and fit a rolled up piece of the same designer paper around the ink barrel to make a coordinating set (we found ours in the dollar spot at Target with 2 pens for $1).  Fold your last bit of scrap into a hollow square to create a tube to hold your pen.

    Then adhere your notebook and the pen tube to the inside of the stamp case with Sticky Strip to ensure nothing will move – ever – and you have a great little notebook.  You even have room for a chapstick tube or a pack of gum if you need an emergency stash!

    We created a TON of these cases because they were so much fun to make and I have to say, I think this was my favorite:

    If you want to see more ideas and/or would like to buy one or more for gifts, I have all of extra inventory up on the blog so you can see the different ideas and purchase your favorites (or share with your family and friends and let them purchase your favorite for you Winking smile)

    See all the Journaling Kit designs & more Gift Boxes for sale here

    Between these blog posts and my 12 weeks of Christmas newsletter (you are on my mailing list and getting the email, right?  If not, you can fix that right now and get lots of great free project tutorials by signing up here!) its been holiday gift central!  But at least if you try to buy or make one of these now, you’ll be so ahead of the game!

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  • Merry Little Christmas for a Holiday Stamp-a-Stack

    Coming up on Thursday I have a Holiday Card stamp-a-stack planned where everyone is going to make up to 4 different designs of cards including this one: 

    I was going for something that was easy to make a lot of without taking a ton of time or wearing out your arm, and this is one of the designs that came about.

    I loved the snowy/foggy forest look I got by stamping with Basic Grey ink and then re-stamping the tree (of course, from the amazing Lovely as a Tree), before I inked again.  And by having the trees stamped on a separate piece of Very Vanilla cardstock, I didn’t have to worry about what happened to the bottoms of the trees!

    Add some stitched grosgrain ribbon around the Very Vanilla layer for a pop of color and color in the sentiment with markers and you get just the right balance of color and snowy day. Smile 

    Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used
    Stamps – Lovely as a Tree, Merry Little Christmas
    Ink – Basic Grey, Basic Black marker, Real Red marker, Gumball Green marker
    Paper – Very Vanilla, Basic Black
    Accessories – Real Red stitched grosgrain ribbon

    Want to make some Christmas cards?

    Join me on Thursday (10/24/2013) for a night of stamping in Redmond, WA.  We’ll be making these cards plus one more super cute snowflake sparkle card!

    RSVP for the Holiday Stamp-a-Stack here

    Can’t make it in person, I offer kits as well!  Email me at jennifer@nwstamper and I’ll get you all set up!

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  • Getting Creative with the Christmas Star Stamp

    Woo hoo!  Today is the day that I’m heading to Utah for Founder’s Circle and I don’t think I could be any more excited!  5 days to relax, stamp, explore, and socialize with some amazing stampers and demonstrators – what could be a better vacation? 

    I’ll be blogging from my trip in Utah as well as offering a Founder Circle special while I’m away!  So, be sure to stop back by the blog to catch all the excitement.

    But, while I’m traveling, I wanted to make sure to share with you some new project ideas using the Christmas Star holiday single stamp. 

    This stamp is an elegant way to decorate or create for the holidays.  And the coolest part is that it is super easy to make it pop-out into a 3D star!  But more on that in a minute. Smile 

    Now, first thing, I’ll warn you – this stamp is bigger than you think.  I ordered the stamp and didn’t really pay attention to what clear block the flyer listed that was required for it.  I assumed one of my medium blocks would work – NOPE!  It takes the biggest block (block F).

    Yup.  That is a 4.25” x 5.5” card base and the Christmas Star next to it!

    Now, you may be wondering what can I do with a stamp that big? 

    Why, make cute cards and home décor projects, of course!  Smile The first thing I did was make a Christmas card with the star.

    I decided to go for a more vintage-y feel and so I stamped on Crumb Cake paper with my Cherry Cobbler ink.  Sponge the edges with Crumb Cake ink and then add a touch of sparkle with some Silver Glimmer paper.  Pretty, no?

    Then I wanted to play with the fact that you could make the star into a 3D star.

    How do you make the Christmas Star pop up?
    1. Stamp your Christmas Star image on a piece of white cardstock
    2. Cut out the star (yes, you need to hand cut this, but it isn’t as bad as you think)
    3. Fold the star in half using the white lines that radiate out from the center of the star as guidelines.
    4. Use your bone folder to press each fold line (you should fold in half 5 times)
    5. Set your star on a table or flat surface and then gently squeeze the sides in to cause the center of the star to push up off the table. 
    6. Your star should stay dimensional and you can now add it to your projects!

    Once I made my star, I knew I had to put in on something, so I made this rosette ornament.

    I cut two strips of 1.75” x 11” pieces of Wild Wasabi cardstock and then scored it at 1/4” increments.  Then I could fold my paper back and forth to create the accordian look. 

    Glue the ends of each strip together to make one big circle and then push the center down flat to make my rosette.  Now, I haven’t made many rosettes before, and I’m a complete newbie to my hot glue gun…. so, when I had to hot glue the middle of my rosette together so it would stay flat, it got a bit messy!  But it works, and I covered it up, so you’d never know!

    Then I just added a circle of Silver Glimmer paper (adhering with hot glue again) and then added my star (adhering with glue dots) to the top.  Punch a hole in the rosette and run some of the new Silver 1/8” taffeta ribbon from the holiday catalog and you have yourself an ornament!

    Oh, and the rhinestone!  Don’t forget the rhinestone in the center of the star!

    So see, there are lots of cute things you can do with this stamp – even if it is big!

    Founders Circle Special – Double Rewards All Weekend Long!

    Since I can’t take you all with me to Founder’s Circle this weekend, I thought I would try to do something special to celebrate anyway.

    So, from 9/18–9/22, receive DOUBLE your reward punches for each purchase!

    That is right! For every $40 you order, you will receive two punches on your punch card and be that much closer to receiving a free stamp set of your choice!

    See how Northwest Stamper Reward Punches work

    and as an extra thank you,

    Everyone who places an order between now and 9/22 will be entered to win a free Christmas Star stamp and Rhinestones!

    So, have a great weekend and I’ll see you back on here soon!

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  • Getting Out of a Crafting Slump w/ a Holiday Catalog Hop!

    I know me, and once I let life overwhelm me and I set my crafting aside because I’m busy trying to deal with the house, family, etc; I find myself getting into a crafting slump.  You know, that time when you look at your craft supplies, get so excited to create something cute (or find yourself needing that last minute birthday card) and you sit down at your table….. and just stare at your supplies.

    That was me.  I saw so many great ideas at convention, had some cool topics for blog posts, but was having the hardest time finding the mojo to get started.

    But – that is why I said YES! when I was invited to join the Stylin’ Stampin’ Squad and their monthly blog hops.  Because I know me and to get me out of my slump, I needed a theme to focus on and a deadline that I had to get it done by. Smile  And it worked for me!  I sat down with a few ideas, started pulling out some paper and by the time I was done with my first card I had ideas for a few more and couldn’t wait to have time to play more!

    August Blog Hop – Holiday Catalog Projects

    Card 1 – A Stenciled Halloween

    When I first checked out the Holiday Catalog, I wasn’t too excited by the Build-a-Banner kits.  But then I saw all the fun projects created with them at convention and I had a major change of heart.  I love the banners and can’t wait to make my first one, but I was even MORE excited by the stencils!  I know, I know, there isn’t anything new about stencils, but –hey- they are new to me! Smile 

    And for my first attempt with them, I figured why not try to do some heat embossing while I’m at it?  I don’t own any current halloween stamps but I loved the fact that I could still do spooky without even needing a stamp at all!

    So to make the “boo” on my cardfront, I tapped and smeared VersaMark ink over the stenciled opening (starting with the “b”) and quickly picked up the stencil, sprinkled white embossing powder, and heated with my heat gun.  Then repeat for each letter as you go through the word.

     how to heat emboss with stencils

    The rest of the card came together quickly as well because I used the new Witches Brew designer paper which had those cool orange spiders in the perfect spacing for me.  Sponge the edge with some White craft ink and layer over a Basic Gray cardbase and you are done! 

    Card 2 – Bow Tie Celebration!

    But one card just wasn’t enough for me.  I told you, when I was done I had more ideas I wanted to play with.  Well, this next card was using the new Gift Bow Bigz Die.  I had seen a card by Ronda Wade that had a more flat looking bow and I wanted to try to create one myself.  Ta-da!

    The neat thing about this bow is that all the pieces for it is cut out of 1-sheet of designer paper from the new Season of Style designer series stack (you know, those paper stacks that are 4.5” x 6.5”?)

    See, check it out

    gift bow cut outs

    Then all you have to do is cut that top die cut shape in half to make your two flat bow “loops”.  I found that if you lined up a flat edge at 2” you will cut straight down the middle too.

    cutting to make a flat bow

     

    I glued my bow together with sticky strip and Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered it over some of the new Burlap Ribbon.  Finally, I stamped my sentiment from Seasonal Sayings but thought it needed some extra pop so I coated it with Crystal Effects.  Makes it feel more like a celebration to me. Smile 

    And with that, I even created one more card for tomorrow’s blog post and I’m back in the groove!

    So if you are in a mojo slump, here is my challenge to you!

    1. Visit the incredibly talented stampers participating in this month’s blog hop (see the full list below)
    2. Find 30 minutes this week and head to your craft room
    3. Pick an item you were excited to purchase, but haven’t even used it yet! 
    4. Create something, anything, even if you have no idea what to make, start cutting and stamping using the item you picked.  Copy a project you’ve seen on the hop or visit one of the many great challenge blogs and inspiration blogs out there to help get you started if you need it.
    5. Finish and share your project by 8/16! 
      Show it to a friend, post it on Facebook, or come back and leave a comment that you’ve completed the challenge and share it with me!  Feel free to link to your project too so we can see what creative project you’ve created.

    Ready to be inspired?

    Check out all of the great talent in this month’s line up!

    Blog Hop Participants:

    Enjoy and have fun creating!

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  • Adorable Easter Class Projects, Punch Art, & a Blog Hop!

    It’s the first Thursday of the month and that means the Stylin’ Stampin’ Squad blog hop.  I lucked out because this month the theme is Easter/Spring and I just so happen to have my Everything Easter class coming up this weekend on Sunday!

    So I thought I would share some of the projects we’ll be doing in the class and give you some inspiration for what you could do for your own Easter baskets!

     

    Not-so-tiny Treat Pouch!

    I had been looking at some past projects and saw some old treat pouches that were made with a Big Shot die that retired a few years back.  It reminded me of the fun and easy idea of a no-sided bag that holds a pouch of treats in the middle.  Did that make any sense at all?  I bet not, so here – how about a picture to show you what I mean?

     

    Does that make more sense now?

    Ok, so this is really easy to make and you can change it up for any event or holiday.

    In this case, I took a 4”x12” piece of Certainly Celery cardstock and scored at 5” and 7”.  Then I used my new Ovals Framelits to cut out a piece of Pool Party core’dinations cardstock to make my top flap!  I then embossed the top flap and sanded down the dots for a subtle, textured effect.

    The stamped flowers are from the Madison Avenue stamp set that is only available as a free stamp set with a $50 order.  The flowers are separate from the leaves and it makes for some great stamping options.

    Tip:

    • Use Sticky Strip (red line tape) to attach the scallop oval flap to the back of your pouch.  This helps hold up with multiple openings of the pouch.
    • Use a slim velcro dot to keep your flap closed on the front of your pouch – this allows for easy reuse later.
    • Secure a clear envelope or card sleeve to the front-inside panel of your base cardstock.  (So in my picture, behind where my stamped flowers are).  This helps with the stability of the pouch and keeps the candy from getting away. Smile 

    Punch Art Easter Duck / Chick

    I’ll admit I don’t have many Easter stamps.  But that is usually ok because there are so many adorable punch art options that are perfect for Easter!

    Like take this duck punch art for example …  isn’t he CUTE!

    I just love this little guy and knew I had to share him with my friends for the class.  I tried to use as few punches as necessary but ended up with 6 punches used:

    • Ornament Punch
    • 1 3/4” Circle Punch
    • 1 3/4” Scallop Circle Punch
    • 1 1/4” Scallop Circle Punch
    • Large Oval Punch
    • Circle from Itty Bitty Punch Pack

    The funny thing about this sample card is that this duck was my “figure it out” version and then I made a “nice sample” version where I sponged the edges of the different body parts, made sure everything was on straight, etc.  But when I was putting together the card, I grabbed a duck….glued…. and then realized I had used my messy version instead of the “nice” one.  Smile  I guess it didn’t turn out too bad, huh?

    I have two more projects for the Everything Easter class on Sunday – a card and an awesome punch art bunny treat box!  Sadly, I didn’t get them photographed in time for today, but I’ll try to share them soon.

    Until then, if you want more inspiration for your Easter and Spring projects, check out the other talented stampers who are sharing their great ideas on our blog hop!  Click the “Next Blog” image or your favorite link below:

    1. Shellie G. of Craft Smashup
    2. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
    3. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
    4. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
    5. Tonya B. of Stampin’ with Tonya
    6. Dawn S. of Dawn’s Creative Chalet
    7. Darcy J. of DJ’s Stampin’ Place
    8. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
    9. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
    10. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin’
    11. Jennifer B of NW Stamper  <—YOU ARE HERE!
    12. Bree of Craft-somnia
    13. Diana E of Stampin’ Fun with Diana

    I hope you enjoyed my projects I shared today!

    I’d love to hear what you think – please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

     

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  • Hershey’s Nugget Treat Box with Hearts a Flutter

    Ok, ok, I know Valentine’s Day was yesterday but I got behind on my blogging and still had some cute projects that I wanted to share.  So Pin these projects or save the pictures so you can remember them for next year – or change up the colors and stamps and make cute little goodies for Easter or Mother’s Day!

    First up – a cute little box for holding Hershey’s nuggets and a matching card!

    I grabbed some of the Love Impressions Specialty Paper – now found on the clearance rack for only $4.79 a pack! – and got to work decorating.

    I used my Heart punch and the Hearts a Flutter stamp set and framelits to create the decoration on the front of the card.

    Then I used more of the paper to wrap my nuggets so they look cute when you slide the box out of the sleeve.  The nugget wraps were 1” x 3.5” if you are going to do this at home.  So you can get a TON out of one sheet of pattern paper.

    Then I made a matching 4” x 4” card to go with the box.  Here is a close up of the “fun” part of the card!

    TIPS:

    • Grab the hearts embossing folder from the Adorning Accents embossing folder set.  These are not at wide as your standard embossing folder, but are perfect for adding a fun trim to your cards.
    • Stamp your sentiment on a rectangle of whisper white cardstock and sponge the edge with Pink Pirouette ink for a subtle pop to your saying.
    • Get the cute scallop trim by cutting out 2 of the scallop tags from the Hearts a Flutter framelits and adhere them to the back of your rectangle!

    image

     

    If you want to make your own nugget box, I found this great post on SplitcoastStampers where a wonderful stamper named Chris posted templates for pretty much every size and shape of nugget box.  I used the Nugget_Box_6_short template.

    So, make and enjoy!

    In the Seattle area and want to try out some fun technique ideas?

    Join me for my upcoming Terrific Techniques class on Monday Feb 18th!  This is my monthly class where we play around with different techniques and ideas for using our crafting tools in new and creative ways!  This month we will be focusing on masking & misting.

    Check out the details and make sure to RSVP right away to guarantee your seat!

     

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

    Are you earning your Northwest Stamper Rewards?

    Every order gets you closer to your FREE stamp set!  Click here to learn more!

     

    Valentine Nugget Treat Box Recipe:
    Stamps:      Delightful Dozen, Hearts a Flutter
    Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Markers: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Real Red
    Paper: Love Impressions designer paper, Whisper White cs, Chocolate Chip cs, Pink Pirouette cs, Real Red cs
    Accessories:  Sticky Strip, Heart punch, Hearts a Flutter framelits, Adorning Accents embossing folder, Big Shot, Scallop Dotted ribbon (chocolate chip), Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers, Stampin’ Trimmer, Bone Folder

  • Holiday Blog Hop with the Stylin’ Stampin’ Squad!

    Last month I was honored to be asked to join a group of very talented guys and gals for a monthly blog hop showcasing fresh ideas using Stampin’ Up! goodies.  Given how it feels like the last couple months have been crazy busy, I figured having a deadline and a theme to work with would be fun to try, so I had to say yes!

    First up, I was asked to show a 3D item and since I had recently bought this alterable kit for a Christmas countdown, I thought it would be a fun place to start.

    I LOVE the Christmas season and it is the one time of year that I for sure pull out decorations and try to get in to the season.  So, when I saw this kit for a wood Christmas countdown tree, I couldn’t wait to get it and take it home to decorate!

    This is what it looked like when I got it home (well, after I cut apart the number tags):

    raw christmas countdown tree

    I do have to say, this project got me well over my fear of Exacto knives!  I used mine A LOT in cutting apart the tags and trimming my paper to my cut out shape.  Now if only Stampin’ Up! still sold those big grid self healing mats that I see 10 yr+ demos using, I would be set!

    Anyway, I used a few of my holiday catalog toys to decorate my tree this year.

    Candlelight Christmas dsp sampleI used pattern paper from the elegant Candlelight Christmas specialty designer paper for my tree and some Chocolate chip cardstock for the base (and you can kind of tell in the picture, but I grabbed my trusty sponge daubers and inked up the edges of the wood so it would blend in a bit better – like the Chocolate Chip ink on the piece that is pointed at the camera).

    I used a different pattern from the same pack to cover my numbers tags which hang from hooks on the front of the tree.

    After all the paper was stuck to the wood, I went ahead and mod podged the whole thing.  I figured that if I coated the paper layer, then if I wanted to change up the decorations over the years, I could do that and the base tree would still look nice.  We’ll see if that is how it works in practice though over the next few years!

    Then, to decorate, merry minis punch pack sampleI strung some Rhinestone strands and punched out lights using the cute Merry Minis punch pack.  I also used the star from this punch pack to make the star for the top of my tree.  I punched the star out of the Champagne Glimmer paper (such AWESOME paper) and then put it on a 3/4” circle which was then placed in a 1 1/4” scallop circle – also new from the Holiday catalog. Smile

    The circle ornaments are actually just punched designs from the same Candlelight Christmas paper pack and then sponged around the edges for some definition.

    Finally, one of the rules of the blog hop was to use current Stampin’ Up! products only.  And while I cheated a little because I accidentally used a retired Big Shot alphabet set for the numbers on my countdown tags (it was Timeless Type for those of you that are interested), I needed to figure out what to do for my “title” on my tree.

    I knew I wanted it to says “days til Christmas” but I didn’t have a stamp that said that and I was too lazy to go upstairs to my computer to find something I liked on My Digital Studio. Smile So, I improvised from the stamps in my craft room and replicated the tiny letter stickers you see in scrapbooking stores.

    IMG_1707

    I grabbed my Made for You stamp set and got to work inking it up with my marker and stamping a million times to get the letters I wanted.  Then I just cut them out and pieced them together at the bottom of my tree.  The “Christmas” sentiment was from a different stamp set – Petite Pairs – and again, was just inking up part of the stamp and cutting it out.

    made for you

    I thought it was kind of clever! Smile

    Alright, and I think I’m supposed to share a card as well… and I know this post is getting super long, so I’ll try to be fast!

    Ok, so this card was put together using the Christmas tree countdown as inspiration.  I used the same colors and elements to create a quick 4.25” x 4.25” holiday card.  Just layer a few punches and you are good to go!

    So, I hope you enjoyed the projects I have to share with you today and if you want even more ideas, hop along and check out the other great stuff my “Stylin’ Squad” buddies have in store for you!  Since I’m the last person on the tour, click the button below to head to the start of the tour and hop away.

     

    Blog Hop Participants:

    1. Shellie G. of Creative Electica
    2. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
    3. Pam S. of Stampin’ in the Sun!
    4. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
    5. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
    6. Tonya B. of Stampin’ with Tonya
    7. Dawn S. of Dawn’s Creative Chalet
    8. Darcy J. of DJ’s Stampin’ Place
    9. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
    10. Terry B. of Goin’ Over the Edge
    11. Justin K. of JK Cards
    12. Heidi B. of Stuck on Stampin’
    13. Jennifer B. of Northwest Stamper – that’s me!

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

    Its INK-REDIBLE December!
    Get a FREE set of 10 ink pads with a qualifying order or party; or get them free when you join the Stampin’ Up! family! Learn more

    Are you earning your Northwest Stamper Rewards?
    Every order gets you closer to your FREE stamp set! Click here to learn more!

  • Ornamental Elegance Kit — While Supplies Last!

    If you are on Facebook, you probably saw about this limited edition kit that Stampin’ Up! is offering to help you quickly make the ornament that is seen on the cover of the Holiday catalog.  You know, this one:

     

    If you bought the Ornamental Keepsake stamp set and matching framelits, you can make a number of cute variations of ornament type and color (for example, Blue and Silver look AMAZING!!)  But you can make other types like this cute gift tag made with one of the medium ornament images and die:

    tag designed by Kathy Thisted

    But if you don’t have the stamps and dies yet, this is a SUPER deal!  You get all of the images you need to make 10 full ornaments and all you have to do is pop them out of the cardstock sheet.  Plus you get linen thread, Cherry Cobbler Tulle, Faceted buttons, and Jumbo Pearls to make it complete!  You just need to provide the glue and the man-power to put it together. 🙂  All for only $14.95!  Didn’t I tell you this was a great deal??

    When I talked to demonstrator support yesterday because I was trying to put together a class with the kits and needed to know how soon to order them and learned that they started with 5,000 kits available but that they were going fast.  I was advised not to wait long to put in my order.  So if you like this idea, you may not want to wait either!

    Come to my Ornament Kit Class on Dec 16th!

    Want to join me in making these ornaments?  I’ll be holding a class on Dec 16th to make some of these ornaments in a group.

    You’ll get 1/2 a kit – so enough to make 5 ornaments – and I’ll provide the hot glue, adhesive, and tools you need to turn your die cuts into the cool ornament above.  Plus you get the fun atmosphere of crafting with some cool gals.  We’ll each make 1-2 of the ornaments in the kit and then you can take home the remaining supplies to make the rest of the ornaments or use them for other holiday projects and crafts!

    The class fee is only $15 or if you want a full kit – so you can make 10 ornaments – is only $23.

    Please rsvp to jennifer@nwstamper.com as soon as possible so I can make sure to order enough kits.

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

    Its INK-REDIBLE December!
    Get a FREE set of 10 ink pads with a qualifying order or party; or get them free when you join the Stampin’ Up! family! Learn more

    Are you earning your Northwest Stamper Rewards?
    Every order gets you closer to your FREE stamp set! Click here to learn more!

  • Quick Holiday Gift Idea w/ the Candy Wrapper Die

    When I first saw the candy wrapper die, all the projects I saw with it were halloween projects and ever since then I seemed to be stuck thinking about it as a halloween thing or even birthday treats…

    See this is what you see when you look at it in the catalog or online:

    image           image

    But then I saw this super cute idea and thought it was awesome to see other seasons with the die – in this case Christmas.

    The nice thing about the die is that that it is super fast to put together because the die does all the cutting and scoring for you.  You just have to fold the sides together, slide in your treat, twists the ends, and EMBELLISH!

     

    In this case, this sample was made with:

    • Designer Series Paper (a retired Christmas pattern from a couple years ago)
    • Cherry Cobbler seam binding
    • Tags Til Christmas stamp set
    • Scallop Square punch
    • Dazzling Details glitter glue

    Plus, check out some of these fun touches!

    I love how the outline of the scallop square is colored with a Cherry Cobbler marker.  I always use Sponge Daubers to edge my shapes, but I love how precise you can get with the marker on a bumpy image like the scallop punch.

    Plus, the added bling you get with the Dazzling Details glitter glue on the dots is so small but it adds A LOT when you see it in person.

    So, there you have it!  A quick idea for some little gifts for co-workers, friends, or stocking stuffers. 🙂

     

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    Tags Til Christmas Stamp set (#120847)
    Tags til Christmas Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up!

  • Happy Halloween! Plus some tips for your Artist’s Tray

    Halloween is finally here and while I didn’t get all of the projects I meant to get done for Halloween, I did have some fun this weekend getting ready with the kids.  I love the fun crafts and activities that go with the holiday season.  In this case, carving pumpkins, painting little pumpkins,IMAG0631

     

    or in Caitlin’s case, trying to eat the paint for painting pumpkins! 🙂

    IMAG0630

     

    But I also thought I would share my Halloween craft project, too.  This is the Halloween Artist’s Tray project that Stampin’ Up! offered as part of a promotion when you joined Stampin’ Up! (or had someone join your group during the promo period).  It was way cuter in person than I expected and I got some friends together to make it.

    Halloween Printer's Tray

     

    Artist Tray Tips:

    I thought I would share some tips that I discovered while making the tray, in case you have this project at home still to make or you want to make something similar!

    • I adhered all of my inserts to my tray using slim velcro dots.  This was to make it easier to pull out and replace the inserts with a different holiday or design so I can use this tray year round.  Then I can reuse the inserts each year. In this picture, I took a slim velcro dot and cut it in half so it would hold the top and the bottom of the paper down.  The easiest way to apply your velcro is to stick both sides of the velcro together and put them into the tray.  You’ll have adhesive exposed, and then you can just press your paper into the space and know your velcro will be lined up.


      Halloween Printer's Tray close up

    • Use a stamp-a-ma-jig and grid paper if you care about precision in lining up your images (like the gravestone images in the bottom left space).  I positioned my paper in the center of the grid paper, so my paper was always lined up the same way and used the stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure I was stamping the same depth in each time.
    • When making your rosettes, use hot glue to hold them together.  If you use the silicone mat, it is SUPER EASY and NO MESS!!  I’m serious, I was a little afraid of my hot glue gun but the mat made it so easy and I LOVE it! 
    • And one more rosette tip, if you have to make a half rosette (like the orange one in the bottom right), you will have to hold it in a half circle shape and add lots of glue.  Make sure you squeeze the center together tightly!  I didn’t and my rosette was too big. Oops!
    • The project called for a bow in the Striped Satin ribbon near the polka dot designer series paper.  Normally I don’t have a problem with bows…. um, this time…. I couldn’t make a nice bow no matter what I did!  So, if it doesn’t work for you, chuck it!  You don’t need a bow for a cute project. 🙂
    • Ok, last tip – When you hang your banners from the top of the tray handle and adhere to the back of the tray, your banners may or may not hang how you like.  I ended up using a glue dot to hold the middle banner in place on one of the tray lips so I knew it would hang how I like.

    Alright, so those are my tips for now.  I’ll be making more inserts and can’t wait to share them with you in the future.  If there is interest, I’ll put together some kits for you to make your own as well!

     

    But until, then, have a very Happy and Safe Halloween!  From me and my monsters, to you. 🙂

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