Christmas "JOY" Wall Hanging

Hello!  Sorry to have been so long in posting!  I've been out of town and returned home coming down with "something" so haven't been stamping!  Hope the meds kick in soon because there's a lot to be done before Christmas!

I did manage to finish my JOY wall hanging that I had almost finished before I left town.  I enjoyed the FALL wall hanging (here) so much that I wanted to do one for the Christmas holiday season also, so here it is.

Of course, my photography and lighting don't do it justice; the snowflakes are die cut from the Silver Glimmer Paper Cardstock (just stunningly sparkley!!) with the Big Shot and the #120901 Northern Frost Decorative Strip Die.  The ribbon is the 1-1/4" Riding Hood Red Striped Ribbon which was available previously on the Online Clearance Rack (I just checked and it's not there any longer... those are some great sale prices and some things sell out quickly!)  

I used the Scallop Square Clear Die to cut Riding Hood Red cardstock for each letter.  The background Designer Series Paper is Letters to Santa, which has a color scheme of Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Old Olive and Marina Mist; this is the Ornament Print.  This is a fun DSP, having mostly bold images on one side and lovely small plaids on the other!  Love it!  The letter "J" is die cut with the Serif Essentials Die set (#113464) from both Riding Hood Red and Early Espresso and layered to give depth; this is attached to a Scallop Circle of Old Olive embossed with the Houndstooth Embossing Folder and the Big Shot.

For the "O", I made a rosette (also called a lolly) using my SU Simply Scored tool and the Riding Hood Red pattern from the package and centered it with a super-sparkley snowflake of Silver Glitter Cardstock.  This was adhered to a scallop circle of Marina Mist (cut with the Scallop Circle Die) that is edged with Champagne Mist Glass Glitter (beautiful stuff, it is!)  The large print background is in Early Espresso and again one of the DSP patterns.

The "Y" is much like the "J" square but I used the Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096) from the Holiday Mini Catalog to texturize the Scallop Circle base.  The "stamps" pattern paper from the DSP is used as the background on the Scallop Scquare  Each letter has one of the sparkly Silver Glimmer Paper snowflakes on it and each square has a small Early Espresso Quilted Satin Ribbon bow at the bottom.

Thank you for visiting me today!  I hope you enjoyed the project.  I always love to hear from you, so if you willl take the time to say hello and leave a comment, it means a lot!

Have a great day!

Margaret

"FALL" Home Decor Wall Hanging

Today's share is a wall hanging celebrating Fall made almost entirely with the Big Shot and die cuts.  I love all the colors in these papers, and especially the not-so-common use of blue in the designer paper for a fall project! (I'm a lifelong fan of blues of any shade!)   : )

As you can see, almost everything on here was die cut with the Big Shot and the leaves were all texturized with the Big Shot and Embossing Folders.  Only the buttons and four small flowers were not die cut; however the flowers were punched out, so.... no hand cutting here!  That sure speeds up the construction!

Here is a close-up of the first square; this is die cut with the large Scallop Square Die that is about 4 3/8" square.  Designer Paper is the wonderful Well-Worn Designer Series Paper.  Every leaf was run through one of Stampin' Up!'s Embossing Folders to give it interesting texture.  The entire hanging is about 26" long from top to tip.  I'm enjoying it in my breakfast room this season!

Thanks for looking and visiting today!

Margaret

Ornament Punch Paper Roses

I've been making paper roses that are cut out with the Ornament Punch!  Who knew that punch would be so amazingly versatile as to make flowers! 

This rose is made from Stampin' Up!'s Whisper White cardstock; the leaves are Wild Wasabi (yay!  SU is bringing it back!!)  Each petal was sponged with Regal Rose ink before curling and attaching to a circle of Whisper White punched with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch.

The green Ornament punch-outs were marked down the center with a stylus the curled slightly and attached to the base of the rose.

There are many things you can do with these roses:  decorate gifts, boxes, bags and use in home decor also.  Wouldn't these look beautiful on a wreath or used to decorate a table for a luncheon, dinner or tea?  I'm sure you'll come up with lots of ideas yourself!

I tied some of our sumptuous Old Olive wide striped Grosgrain Ribbon around an old book then adhered my rose to the bow.  It's lovely enough to grace a table or dresser, and wouldn't this be a beautiful way to present a book as a gift?

I'll look up my sources for the "how-to" of these flowers and post it here soon.  In the meantime, google is your best bet!

Thanks for visiting today!  Happy stamping (or punching!)

Margaret

Classic Sketches Tile

I've always been drawn to classic styles so it was natural that I would be immediately drawn to the new set in the Stampin' Up! Spring/Summer Catalog, Classic Sketches; I knew right away it would be great to make some marble tile coasters for our family room.

These are the 4 x 4" Bottichino tumbled marble tile available at Home Depot. They are not glazed and are really quite easy to do. First I clean my tile with rubbing alcohol to remove oil from fingerprints and marble dust. Second, stamp my chosen images with CRAFT ink. This is different from the Classic ink in that it has pigment in it and is opaque. I used Close to Cocoa Craft Ink on these tiles. I also used a Stampin' Sponge wedge to softly sponge more Craft ink on the sides to enhance the aged look. Third, bake them in a 350 degree over for 15 minutes to set the Craft ink. Let them cool (they will be very hot, and hold the heat!), adhere rubber or felt feet to the back and enjoy!

If you wish, you can spray the tile with a sealer once they are cool, but be aware that your tile won't be as absorbent if you seal them. If you use any water-soluble media such as chalks, watercolor crayons or pencils, etc., to add color to your tile, they will definitely require sealing. I have also used Staz-On Ink for stamping on marble tiles. Since I wanted brown for these, I chose to use the Craft ink which works quite well.

In addition to the Classic Sketches, I used a couple of images from a new Occasions Mini Catalog set, Sense of Time, which also has an antique/vintage look. Customers may begin ordering from the Occasions Mini on April 1st (no joke!), except for the three sets which I posted here earlier (which have the cutest images for Easter) which may be ordered now. One of the perks of being a demonstrator is that you have opportunities for pre-ordering from the catalogs!

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend! Thanks for dropping by!

Margaret

Life is Good

Have you tried any of the Decor Elements yet? They are so easy to use it's amazing! I'm in the process of making another Decor Element project (not on a wall) right now but wanted to show you one that I have done recently. I applied this one over a little shelf in the hall bath. The lighting isn't the best for photos there so please overlook that. : ) I was somewhat apprehensive before starting the application but I had no problems and was happily surprised how easy it was to do!

This one, Life is Good, comes in either Chocolate or White, and in two sizes. I chose the smaller size, 6" x 13" for my space. It is part of the Phase I introduction of Decor Elements with Phase II being introduced at Convention and now available for order. Phase II added more variety of designs as well a quite a number of colors too! There are now designs for nursery or childrens' rooms and holiday decorating as well. The holiday decor can be applied to surfaces such as boards or canvas so they can be taken down and saved after the holidays. 

Decor Elements can be used on a wide variety of surfaces; my walls have some texture on them and yet it applied beautifully, making me happy! Another great feature is that when you wish to change decor, you just peel these off! This does not in any way harm your paint or walls either! Perfect!

Happy Tuesday and have fun stampin'!
Margaret

updated:  Decor Elements are no longer available from Stampin' Up!

Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit

Create a warm and inviting Christmas home for your family and friends with Stampin' Up!'s Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit. This kit has everything you need to enjoy creating beautiful handcrafted ornaments and great memories to last a lifetime.

The Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit includes the following products:

• Holiday Collection stamp set (six stamps)
• Four 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut chipboard
• Eight 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 4 double-sided designs)
• Four 12" x 12" sheets of Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 2 double-sided designs)
• Two 12" x 12" sheets of Whisper White card stock
• 25 yds. Silver Metallic cord
• 10 yds. 3/8" Whisper White taffeta ribbon
• Pretties Kit brads (20)
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (1/2 oz.)
• Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive
• Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Spot
• Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot
• Uninked Stampin' Spot
• Whisper White Craft Ink refill

You may order the Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit (#114447, $49.95) online here. Just click on "Shop Now" in the upper right-hand corner, use your credit card and it will be shipped directly to you via UPS.

Please feel free to email me with any questions here. Thanks!

Margaret

Welcome for a Cabin

And yet another name frame; are you tired of these yet? I hope not. : ) I made this one as a gift for a friend who has a cabin in the mountains. Her color scheme is this green and she really likes the bear theme also so that little bear just had to be in the picture. Pine cones are naturally a part of her decor so they were stamped on the background and also one was embossed and cut out. Buttons, ribbon, Antique HodgePodge Hardware and even a leather strip complete the look.

There is so much we can do with our stamping! It's fun to explore new ways to share our craft and also use it to show our love and appreciation for others.

Have a wonderful Sunday!
Margaret

Ella's Name Frame

Here's a Name Frame I made for a new baby girl, Ella Grace. I used a picture of her layette as my inspiration and was happily able to match the color scheme and motifs in her bedding closely. I purchased a cherry wood frame which just matched her crib but sent it ahead with her grandmother because I didn't want to mail the glass. Sadly I didn't get to see it in the frame but the mom and grandmom said it matched perfectly and they loved it.

Sets: Unfroggetable, Small Sayings, Flannel and other background stamps, Warm Words II.

Inks: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Markers.

Paper: Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Very Vanilla cardstock

Accessories: Spring flower punch, Blender pen, buttons, assorted ribbons.

All products Stampin' Up!

I wish I still had the picture of the layette to show you , but alas, I don't. It was fun to match the layette and was glad it turned out so well. What a great way to use your stamping and make personalized gifts, meaningful to the recipients.

Have a great weekend! Hope you get to stamp a little! (or a lot!)

Margaret

Welcome Frame Art

Making a Name Frame is a wonderful way to use your stamping skills, to decorate your home as well as make special gifts. I made this name frame over a year ago and taught three or four name frame classes. Several ladies made a number of them for Christmas gifts, and they were reportedly well received. I enjoy making these for gifts because they are personal and the creative process in making them is fun and satisfying. Another great use for your creativity, stamping and those supplies you've purchased! : )

This frame uses a couple of retired items: Recollections Designer Paper and Cranberry ink and ribbon. However, it could be easily modified to use current colors and ribbons. This size frame accommodates a 12" x 5" piece of paper, approximately.

Stamps: Well-Worn Alphabet, a variety of background stamps behind the letters
Inks: Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Cranberry
Paper: Recollections DP, Mellow Moss, Very VanillaAccessories: Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware (retiring in Aug.), Cranberry stitched ribbon, olive organdy and moss grosgrain ribbons, large Oval Punch.

I've been requested to have another class so I'll be teaching one in the future. Hope you can come! Email me at funstampin @ cox. net (remove the spaces when putting the addy in the email) if you would be interested in attending.

I'll post another one tomorrow. Have a great day... it's FRIDAY!
Margaret

"Kind" Wall Art

Simon Uppercase On Board Chipboard letters were embossed with Chocolate Chip Craft Ink for this piece of wall art. The plaque is MDF; a piece of Bali Breeze Designer Paper was applied with Glue Stick then the letters were applied with Mini Glue Dots. The plaque was embellished with punched out flowers, corners and circles in coordinating colors. Moss Taffeta Ribbon and a Rhinestone brad are the final touches.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Always, Define Your Life, So Many Scallops (SAB).
Inks: Rose Red, Real Red, Old Olive, Certainly Celery Classic; Chocolate Chip Craft
Papers: Bali Breeze DSP; Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Old Olive, Certainly Celery cardstock
Accessories: BoHo Blossoms, 1 3/8" circle, 1/2" circle, Photo Corner, Scallop Punches; Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Fire Rhinestone Brad, Clear ep, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Glue Stick. All products Stampin' Up!

I designed this project for the Spring Retreat last weekend.

Thanks for coming by!
Margaret

Powder Room Perk-Ups

Home decor is currently a big trend in papercrafting. For retreat, our planning team did a display table with items for decorating and "pretty-ing"up one's home. This trio is for the powder room and includes a fragrant candle, a bottle for cotton tips and a decorated spare roll of tissue.

The glass candle holder is embellished with the Chocolate Rub-Ons from the Sale-A-Bration set and a touch of chocolate poly twill ribbon. The jar and tissue have a band of Chocolate Chip cardstock and Afternoon Tea Designer Paper. The Designer Paper was wheeled with the Swirly Jumbo Wheel before applying. The same chocolate ribbon is tied around each. The top of the jar is layered with Chocolate Chip Cardstock and Afternoon Tea DP and a half-back pearl from the Pretties Kit.

Any ideas how you can use your stamping talent and supplies to spiffy up a small area in your home? It can be quick, easy and inexpensive using what you may already have on hand!

Thanks for dropping by! Happy Saturday!
Margaret

Die Cut Blooms

One of Stampin' Up!'s new products for your creative ventures, Die-cut Blooms, is found in the current Occasions Mini Catalog. The package contains four 12" x 12" sheets of beautiful textured cardstock die-cut into numerous shapes and sizes of flowers and centers! Each sheet is a different color: Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and Old Olive, and these can be quickly punched out, mixed and matched with each other or combined with the coordinating A Perfect Day Rub-Ons (also in the Occasions Mini)! These can easily be used to put together scrapbook pages, cards, tags or home decor items!

I saw these little 4" x 4" frames at a local store and felt they would work well for this project using the die-cut blooms. I took the glass out, applied a piece of Old Olive cardstock that had been stamped with the Canvas background to the backing then layered my die-cut flowers. In the center is a blue Rhinestone Ice circle brad for a finishing accent. I slightly curled some of the red and olive petals between my thumb and finger to give some dimension to the piece.

The frame came with a white ribbon hanger which I replaced with SU's Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon to complement the blooms (not seen in picture). Viola! Done!

The ladies at my workshop last night enjoyed seeing a simple easy way these die-cut blooms could be used. I hope you do too!

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!