This is a gift bag we made at November's club meeting. It's pretty simple, obviously, but it's a great way to use Designer Series Paper you might otherwise hoard! We used the Holly Berry Bouquet paper, Cherry Cobbler cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin ribbon, and the Pines and Poinsettias stamp set.

This is a club technique card using Epsom salts. I know what you're thinking. lol But isn't it cool? Dissolve 1 cup of Epsom salts in 1 cup of boiling water. Paint on cardstock with a paint brush. Ta da! Be very sure your containers and brushes are clean before you use them, otherwise, the technique may not work. I love the Frosted Window look, and it was extremely easy to do!

I sort of took November off from blogging. Not sure very many read this blog anyway, so probably no one noticed! lol It was a crazy time, but I'm going to do a little better in December, I believe.

This was my club swap for November's hostess club. I used the Stocking Accents die to cut the trees, then textured them with the Big Shot and the Snowburst Embossing Folder. A little bit of Dazzling Details makes them stand out even more. The background is Designer Paper from the Holly Berry Bouquet series. It's been textured with the Stripes Folder, though it's hard to see in this photo. Quilted Satin Cherry Cobbler Ribbon and a Holly Berry Button complete the project.

How is your December going?

Handmade Holidays Sign Up Time!

Handmade Holidays!

Tuesday, November 15 6:30 pm

Local customers only--you must attend to make your own projects!

Early Bird RSVP by Nov 4
Late registration add $5 – availability may be limited

Click "add to cart" buttons to pay now with a debit or credit card.

Gold Snowflake Card                      $2 each or 10 for $15     

Number

Individual Card (add one for each card you order) $2.00 10 Cards $15.00

Pop Up Tree Card $2 each or 10 for $15

Number

Individual Card (add one for each card you order) $2.00 10 Cards $15.00

Ornament $4

Stocking Pins $3 each or 2 for $5

Number

Individual Pin $3.00 Set of two pins $5.00

Stocking Gift Box $6

Poinsettia Gift Box $4

Color Me Coasters $12 (set of 4)

Coaster Classics $12 (set of 4)

Mark your calendar and don't miss this chance to make all your teacher gifts, co-worker gifts, and cards for those special relatives and friends! 

It's a Big Shot Blog Hop!

This month, Stampin' Up is offering a free Big Shot (or $100 in merchandise) to anyone who signs up as a demonstrator. You can sign up on my Stampin' Up! website or contact me for more information.

In case you weren't sure if you needed a Big Shot (you DO, really!), my friends over at Stampin Addicts have been creating fabulous projects and ideas to convince you! Check them out by visiting these blogs:

1) Rhonda G: Designer Frames
2) Holly (catrules): Leaves #2
3) Sarah (Willsygirl): Fancy Favor Die
4) Yapha: Matchbox Die
5) Lisa (genesis): Box #2
6) Holly P. (HollyLogic): Petite Pocket Die
7) Sharon (createdbyu): Bitty Box and Envelope die
8) Paula (scrapshappen): Perfect Pennants
9) Betty (kittystamp): Blossom Box
10) Carmen: Candy Wrapper Die
11) Sara (lilyinkpad): Milk Carton Die
12) Debra (webdeb): Petal Cone Die
13) Shelley (Packer Fan): Beautiful Butterflies
14) Twila (tjdstampsalot): Two Tags Die
15) Tanya (tanya27): Buttons #5 die
16) Cindy E: Holiday Stocking Die
17) Adriana (escape2stamp): Stocking Accents Die 
18) Kim (s1itcher46): Peek A Boo Frames

We made this fun owl last night at our October hostess club meeting. Credit for the Pirate Owl goes to demonstrator Kirsty Brown. We used the Salted Background Technique for the background--it's so cool looking! All you need is glossy paper, a spray bottle of water, reinkers, aquapainters, and Kosher salt!

Chocolate under wraps

This is a project we made last week for my Fall Fun Class. You don't see these candy bar holders around much anymore--everyone does the wrapped, crimped kind now! But I've always loved this "pocket" full o' chocolate. The mummy on the front is from one of my favorite retired sets--Booglie Eyes.

We had lots of fun at class--keep your eyes open for the announcement of my Handmade Holidays buffet. Coming soon!

Win a FREE Big Shot!

Want a free Big Shot???? Who wouldn't! Join my Stampin' Up! team during the month of October and you can choose either a FREE Big Shot or $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! merchandise, along with your fabulous Starter Kit!

Whether you join just for the discount and free product, or you'd like to start your own small business, now is a great time to check out all Stampin' Up! has to offer. Maybe you even know a crafty friend you think would be a great demonstrator! I'm not usually one to stick with a hobby for long, but I've been a demonstrator for more than 5 years now. I started out just needing a creative outlet that I could finish in a short period of time. Now, it's not only about the creativity, it's about the wonderful people being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator has brought to my life.

Sign up now online at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/amybell/jointhefun or contact me by email for more details.

Hey there, cupcake!

Another project from Convention that I re-made for my club! I love cupcake images--they're so fun to color and decorate, AND they're calorie free! This card uses the Stampin' Up! Notecards and Envelopes.

*********************************
Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo textured
Ink: Melon Mambo, StazOn Black, Markers: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, and POol Party
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Word Window Punch, Itty Bitty PUnch Pack, Rhinestones, Dazzling Details

Sending Love

This is my take on a Convention project using the stamp set Easy Events. I wanted to use this set for my hostess club in September, because the images are so versatile! Notice the score lines, too--Simply Scored is my favorite new tool! and I've had other scoring boards for years. I'm really happiest with Simply Scored.

*******************
Stamps: Easy Events
Paper: Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Naturals White
Ink: Black StazOn, Wild Wasabit Pool Party, Melon Mambo
Accessories: 1 1/4" Melon Mambo Ribbon, Simply Scored, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, White Baker's Twine, 2 1/2" circle punch, Blender Pens

Make a wish!

This card is one I made just for fun! I almost never just do that, unfortunately. But I had a picture in my head of this card, and I needed to get it made! The pennant is from the Big Shot Perfect Pennants die, and it opens up. You could put a fun message in there, or even money--which is always the best surprise! 

Hope all your wishes come true today!

*********************
Stamps: Pennant Parade
Paper: Whisper White, Concord Crush, In Color DSP Stack (Wisteria), Brights DSP Stack (Daffodil)
Ink: White gel pen, Concord Crush
Accessories: Rhinestones, 1/8" Daffodil ribbon, 1 1/4" circle punch, Top Note Die, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Perfect Pennants Die

Fall Fun Class!

Fall Fun Class

Tuesday, September 27, 7 pm

RSVP by Sept 19 -- your pre-payment guarantees your spot

Cork Board: $15

Your choice of my Stampin Up fabrics (first come, first served). Includes

3 customized push pins. Could be a great hostess gift or birthday gift.

Spooky Pennant: $12

Brighten up your desk, mantle, window or door with this fun pennant! 

Autumn Card: $2

Send your thanks or Thanksgiving greeting in style.

Halloween Card: $2

Send a little Halloween greeting fun! 

Halloween Candy Bar Cover: $2 (includes candy bar)

Makes a great gift for co-workers, teachers, and friends! 

Pumpkin Basket : $1.50

Cute party favor or place marker. 

Please let me know what you'd like to make. See you soon! 

Butterflies in fall colors

This was my swap for September's club. The theme was butterflies, but I'm feeling *SO* happy fall is making an appearance! I used Pool Party (ok, not that fall-ish), More Mustard, and Calypso Coral. Isn't it fascinating how a color combination can change the entire feel of a card?

Is it fall yet where you are?

Falling into fall

The new Holiday Mini Catalog is now live! There are so many GREAT new stamps and products, I hardly know where to start. This is a swap I made with the set Gently Falling. I used the gorgeous new DSP, Spice Cake, and brayered Cherry cobbler over the vanilla pattern in the middle. The ribbon is also new to the mini catalog--Quilted Early Espresso Satin Ribbon in 3/8" width. The background is stamped with the outline images from this set, but each one has a matching "filler" image. I love sets like this, and I hope to have many more samples to show you this fall! If you have not received a copy of the Holiday Mini, you can click HERE to view it online.

Holiday Mini Blog Hop!

Check out what my creative friends at Stampin Addicts have done! The Holiday Mini Catalog will be available for your orders beginning September 1! 

1. Rhonda (rhondag): Warmest Wishes
2. Heidi (hlw966): Out on a Limb
3. Sara M-B (lilyinkpad): Gently Falling
4. Adriana (escape2stamp): Spice Cake fabric
5. Holly K (catrules): Always Thankful
6. Cindy (CindyE): Pines & Poinsettias
7. Shelley (Packer Fan): The Sounding Joy
8. Carmen: stocking die
9. Sarah W (willsygirl): Christmas Lane Simply Scrappin
10. Kim (s1itcher46): Frostwood Lodge DSP
11. Tanya (tanya27): Christmas Lodge
12. Jennifer (jentimko): Bright Hopes
13. Lisa (genesis): Stitched Stockings
14. Holly P (Hollylogic): Stocking Builder Punch
15. Betty (kittstamp): Peek-a-boo frame die
16. Paula (scrapshappen): 25 & Counting
17. Trina (pepesmom): Festive and Fun
18. Yapha: Digital Downloads
19. Debra (WebDeb): Leaves of a Tree

Simply Adorned Charms

These are some charms I made for my Simply Adorned necklace. The canvas is so small, it's quick to do! I made the pinwheels by cutting a 1 inch square from In Color DSP Stack. Just cut in close to the center from each corner, put a tiny glue dot in the middle and fold down the cuts. Add a brad to complete. The floral image is from the Beau Chateau DSP. I added a few pearls to the flower centers for fun.

What have you put in your Simply Adorned charms???

Kindness matters

I really liked this set on my first look through the 2011-2012 catalog. It just *called* to me! It's simple and small, but I love the butterflies! (Kindness Matters p 121, $8.95 clear)

I added a print from the yummy Beau Chateau DSP, as well as Victoria Lace, Pink Pirouette Taffeta, and a teeny Vintage Trinkets pin. Which you can't see behind the little ribbon knot. lol

Anyway, don't overlook the smallest sets in the catalog! They can be charming and really easy to use!

A little giftie

This is one of my little gifties for my Convention roommates--I don't know if they'll use the hair pins, but they were fun to give! The packaging is what I wanted to show you. The base is a Top Note cut from First Edition DSP, then folded over. The black pennant and the Wisteria circle come from the new Pennant die--it's so fun to use! The Vanilla and black flowers come from the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch. It's easy to fun gift packaging with our dies, punches, and Designer Series Papers! 

Monkeyin' Around

Inspired by an adorable swap I received from my good friend, Stacy McCain, at Regionals in March. And of course the doodling is inspired by my brilliant friend, Brandi Wiggins. I made this for my club swap in August--the theme was "animals." I think it would make a great baby card or child's birthday card. It features the new Big Top Birthday DSP as well as the new Scallop Dots Chocolate Chip Ribbon.

The summer has roared past, and it seems like the days just get busier. We're drying cherries today, and soon it will be time for the all-day peach canning marathon! Hope your summer is filled with sweet things!

Perfect Pennants

Another August club project to show today. The new Pennant Builder punch is so fun to use! And I {heart} the Big Top Birthday DSP! So versatile! We used the Itty Bitty Punch Pack to make the little flowers, and then added rhinestones for fun. Make it a "banner day" with the pennant products!

**********************
Stamps: Pennant Parade
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, and Real Red, Big Top Birthday DSP
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Big Shot, Polka Dot emb folder, Rhinestone Jewels (p 198), Early Espresso/White Baker’s Twine, Cropadile, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (p 210), Petite Pennants Punch (p 213)

Bow WOW!

I got the idea for this punch art from SoShelli.com--isn't that puppy cute? I added the Houndstooth embossing folder texture to the face because I thought it made him look furry, and the word "hounds"tooth had nothing to do with it. lol I was so happy when I found the sentiment in my new set, Friendly Phrases. It works so perfectly with an added "bow."

This was my club swap for August--the theme was "animals." I don't usually do a lot of punch art, but I knew the hostess (and a few other club members) were dog lovers, and this card came together so quickly! You could change the look of the dog by changing cardstock colors. What's your favorite dog breed?

*********************
Stamps: Friendly Phrases 126151 (p 162)
Paper: Marina Mist, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade DSP (In Color Stack p 186) Ink: Soft Suede, Black Marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Houndstooth Emb Folder 123134 (p 218), Word Window Punch (p 209), 1 ¾” circle punch (p 212), Extra Large Oval punch (p 212),  Mat Pack (p 207), Paper Piercing tool (p 207), Metallic brads (p 199)

Buy 3, Get One FREE!

Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Blog Hop!

Be sure to check out the great ideas from my friends at Stampin' Addicts! My wishlist is bound to grow!

The blog hop information is available here.

Up in the air

We made this waterfall card at July's club meeting. This style card has a lot of steps, but it isn't very hard! I think Dawn Griffith has my favorite tutorial for them here, if you'd like to check it out. Basically, here's what you need:


4 Whisper White squares 1 7/8 x 1 7/8
4 Real Red squares 2 x 2
1 Real Red strip 9 x 2 (score @ 2, 2 ¾, 3 ½, and 4 ¼)
1 strip ¾ x 4


1-Stamp your images. Adhere finished balloon squares to red squares.
2- Add Turquoise Strip about one third up from the bottom. USE ONLY BRADS TO ADHERE. Put sticky strip (about 1.5 inches) in center of Turquoise strip.
3-Fold red scored strip on score lines. Slide unscored end under Turquoise strip. Decide where you want the red scored strip to be positioned. Adhere SCORED END to Sticky Strip. Pull bottom of strip to make sure it works.
4-Adhere stamped squares to red strip at score lines—begin with the bottom one first.
5-Pull out strip and stamp a greeting. Adhere ribbon with stapler and punch a half circle for “pulling.” Adhere patterned paper to card base.

******************************


Stamps: Up, Up & Away
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Brights DSP Stack, Big Top Birthday DSP
Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso
Accessories: Jumbo Brads 5/16, Tempting Turquoise ¼” grosgrain, Sticky Strip, 1” Circle Punch, Tempting Turquoise Marker, Real Red Marker

So sweet!

We made this sweet card last week at our hostess club meeting. It was super simple to make (which was good, because the other card was a little more time consuming! more on that later), and candy makes everything more fun, right?

Hard to see in this photo, but the card base is embossed with the new Stripes Embossing folder--so fun! Then we stamped the background images and sentiment in Melon Mambo and added the candies. The "candy covers" are stamped in Wisteria Wonder, Wild Wasabi, and Pumpkin Pie. We punched them out with the 1 1/4" circle punch, then added a brad at the center. Glue dots made the rest easy!

*******************************************************
Stamps: Sweets for the Sweet
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Melon Mambo
Ink: Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Wisteria Wonder, Pumpkin Pie,
Accessories: 1 ¼” Circle Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots, Big Shot, Stripes Embossing Folder, Melon Mambo Scallop Dots ribbon, dimensionals

Ice Cream, Ice Cream

This card was my swap at the Stampin' Addicts Meet & Greet at Convention, as well as my club swap for July! I dabbed White Shimmer Paint on my In Color cardstock, then punched it out with the Cupcake punch. The "cones" are from the Pennant Parade set (NEW!) and the Pennant punch (NEW!). It also features new Wisteria Ruffled Ribbon and the adorable Polka Dot In color brads!

Now, let's go get some ice cream!

***********************
Stamps: Pennant Parade, Friendly Phrases
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, River Rock, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder
Ink: Wisteria Wonder
Accessories: Wisteria Ruffled Ribbon, In Color Polka Dot brads, Pennant Punch, Cupcake punch, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Polka Dot embossing folder, White Shimmer Paint

Ever thought about becoming a demonstrator???

I had the most amazing time at Convention 2011! Friends, stamping, swaps, free stuff, and SO MUCH energy! If you've ever thought of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, now is a GREAT time! During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit—valued at $185—comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

In addition, you will receive a free Christmas Keepsake Project Kit, a $40 value!--which we can work on together! This is a limited time offer--good just through July 1. Contact me now or check out my Stampin' Up! Website at http://amybell.stampinup.net

Flirtatious Bookmarks

More swaps/gifts for Convention. These were fun to make and they are super fun to use! Instructions are at Skip to my Lou. I found that I just needed a very lightweight interfacing, but you may want something different!

Watermelon!

 

This is my beautiful Emily, modeling a scarf I made as a Convention gift! Tonite (Wednesday) we are attending the Stampin' Up! Convention Kickoff, and the theme is a garden party! So I made watermelon scarves. Actually, it's purely a coincidence, but I fell in love with the material (seersucker), and it's great that it worked out for the theme! I made the scarves from instructions at MADE.

Whoooo is going to Convention????

All these precious little owls somehow made it into my luggage! They will be gifts and swaps for my stampin friends. I made them using Stampin' Up's Designer Fabrics, available in so many pretty new patterns and colors. I found a pattern somewhere on the internet, which I unfortunately can't find again! Then I altered the size and shape a bit. If you know where the pattern is, please let me know! I'd love to give credit.

I hand-stitched all the features on (tummy, wings, eyes, nose), then machine stitched the front and back together. Here is a close up of the owls: