Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Brations Available On-line Now

Great News! Stampin' Up! has just released the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog, Occasions Mini Catalog and Definitely Decorative Update on-line today. Why you ask? There may be a possible delay in the actual mailing of the Occasions Mini Catalog. Because of this, Stampin' Up! has opted to share the catalogs on-line early. However, the Sales Period Does Not Begin Until January 5th!

Please Click Here to Open the Occasions Mini

Please Click Here to Open the Sale-A-Bration Brochure

Please Click Here to Open the Definitely Decorative Update

I hope that you enjoy browsing these catalogs over the next few days. Remember to get your Wish List in order. Until next time...

Anything But a Card for the PPA

Happy New Year's Eve! Since it is Thursday, it's time to play @ PPA! This week, the Pals Paper Arts Design Team is sponsoring an "Anything But a Card" challenge. Since this is the most difficult of the challenges for me, I browsed Splitcoast looking for ideas. In my searching, I discovered the "5-in-1 Template Box". It is large enough to fill with candy and even cookies, making it a wonderful choice for Valentine's Day! However, I did not have a "5-in-1 Template". But where there's a will, there's a way! I present to you, the "5-in-1 Template Box made without the 5-in-1 Template!" I simply tweaked Beate's tutorial Located Here. If I can do it, you can do it! And isn't it fantastic with the Sending Love Designer Series Paper available in the new Occasions Mini? It's so quick and easy to make, that I know I will be making several more throughout the year!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Making reference to Beate's tutorial, I began with a 4" x 4" square. I then set a compass to 2" and added half-circles on all four edges of my square. (I re-cycled a piece of cardboard from a package of designer series paper to create this template!) I traced the template onto a piece of Sending Love Designer Series Paper and snipped it out.


• Pink Pizzaz! The scalloped corners were made using the Big Shot and the Scallop Circle die. A little "Pretty in Pink" ink accents the scallops, which have been pierced with a Paper Piercer. The rest of the tutorial is just as Beate wrote it. How easy is that!


• Flower Power! Make flowers in minutes with the Big Shot and Bigz XL Flower Fold die. Alternating pink and red patterns from Sending Love DSP coordinate perfectly to form the petals of the over-sized blossom which adorns the top of the box. The Boho Blossoms and 1-1/4" Circle Punches were used to create the center of the bloom.


• Glitz and Glam! A few snippets of 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon completes the package. Although it does not show up in the picture, many of the patterns in the Sending Love collection are pre-glittered, and so pretty! Extra glitz is not required!

Can't you just see this little box created in Halloween or Christmas paper? I do plan on creating several more for Valentine's Day and packing them full of goodies for my son. It's always fun to receive packages when you are away at college, and I know that he will thoroughly enjoy them!

If you have any questions about making this box, please do not hesitate to email me. Trust me...it is easy! And, don't forget to check out the other inspiration projects on the Pals Paper Arts web site. My Design Team Pals are always creative. And remember, your comments are important to me. Won't you please leave me a comment to let me know what you think about today's project? Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Ink: Pretty in Pink (101301); Designer Series Paper: Sending Love (117153); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Bigz XL Flower Folds Die (115970), Stampin' Up! Scallop Circle Die (113468), Boho Blossom Punch (110711), 1-1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Paper Piercer (116631), Mat Pack (105826); Glitz and Glam: Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon (114616)

Vintage Vogue in Pink

Recuperating from Christmas has made me a little slow in getting my Mojo going! However, I finally got the chance to use several of the new Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration products while creating a card using the sketch outlined in Mojo Monday. In total, I used eight new products in this design:

1. Sending Love Specialty Designer Paper
2. Scallop Trim Corner Punch
3. Scallop Trim Border Punch
4. Medium Jewelry Tag Punch
5. Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder
6. Vintage Vogue Stamp Set
7. Tiny Tags Stamp Set
8. Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Go for the Gold! To enhance the shabby elegance of this card, I stamped the "F" image from Vintage Vogue with VersaMark onto Brushed Gold card stock. It was then heat embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. Gold Encore ink was used to distress the edges of the "Flowers" from Vintage Vogue. And for more gold action, I created my own gold Half-Pearl, using a pearl selected from the Pretties Kit, VersaMark Ink, and Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. How cool is that?


• Did I mention dimension? "Pop" up certain elements of your card with Stampin' Dimensionals! The circles and flower elements are sporting Stampin' D's on the their backsides!


• Practice makes perfect...especially when it comes to using the new punches. The Chocolate Chip panel measured 2-7/8" wide before punching, which works well with the Scallop Trim Corner and Border punches. And don't give up! The result is well-worth the effort!


• It's all in the details! Distressing the edges with Soft Suede, using the Color Spritzer Tool, and adding texture with Perfect Polka Dots are quick and easy ways to add that "little something" extra! And what is more beautiful than the new Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon. Yummy!

I hope that you enjoyed today's multiple sneak peeks! For those of you thinking about making purchases during Sale-a-bration, which is rapidly approaching on January 5th, I would definitely add Vintage Vogue to my "Wish List". It will prove to be as versatile as it is beautiful! Of course, the new punches with their improved design need to be added to that list as well. I can vouch that the satin ribbon is stunning in every color, so I would definitely place that on my list, too. And you can never have too many Textured Impressions Folders, so that's another possible purchase. Oh...What am I saying! If you have not seen the new Occasions Mini catalog, you are going to want it all!

As always, if you have any questions about today's card or the techniques which were used, please do not hesitate to email me. I love responding to your questions and sharing my creativity. And of course, your comments are always appreciated, and I truly look forward to them! So please, leave me a comment before you head on your way! Until next time...



Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue (W 117690, C 118598---Occasions Mini), Tiny Tags (W 118091, C 118592---Occasions Mini); Inks: Gold Encore (101017), Chocolate Chip (100908), Close to Cocoa (103139), Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (116329---Set of 6 In-Colors), VersaMark (102283); Designer Paper: Sending Love (117153---Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Pretty in Pink (100459), Always Artichoke (105119), Chocolate Chip (102128), Brushed Gold (102935); Tools: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-A-Bration), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870---Occasions Mini), Medium Jewelry Tag Punch (117190---Occasions Mini), Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335), Sponge Dauber (102892), Heat Tool (100005), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Glamour and Glitz: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117287---Occasions Mini), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129), Pretties Kit (109114)

Guess the Stamp Sets

What a fun time I had designing this card! Minimal layers and three neutral inks make this card a snap to create! Just select the appropriate sentiment, and you will have a card for any occasion. And speaking of fun, are you ready for a little fun on this day after Christmas? Let's test your knowledge of Stampin' Up! stamp sets? Name the five sets that were used to make this card. Come on...you can do it! The answers will be revealed during my tips!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Get noticed with neutrals! Pull out the Basic Black, Basic Gray and Sahara Sand inks. Whisper White and Basic Black card stock form the over-sized (5" wide x 7" long) card base of this simple and classy card!




• Ink the Medallion stamp with Sahara Sand, and position the image in the lower right hand corner. Ink the center of the stamp again with Basic Black and stamp onto Whisper White. Punch out with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch and pop it onto the original with a Stampin' Dimensional.




• Flourishes, flourishes, flourishes! Ink the "Floral Flourish" image from the Wedding Sweet set with Basic Gray and stamp into the upper left hand corner. Ink the "Brocade Flourish" from Friends 24 -7 with Basic Gray and stamp in the lower left hand corner and upper right side. Ink the "Flourish" from Wings of Friendship with Sahara Sand and randomly stamp. Make certain to stamp a few off the edges of the paper!




• Sneak a peek! The "Large Flower" from Vintage Vogue was inked and stamped onto Whisper White twice, once with Sahara Sand and a second time with Basic Black. They were then snipped out using Paper Snips and adhered onto the card base. For contrast, the Sahara Sand image was adhered first, and the Basic Black was popped up with a Stampin' Dimensional. Likewise, the sentiment is also from Vintage Vogue.

I hope that you had fun with this little "Guess the Stamp Sets" challenge. Once again, here are the five sets that were used: Medallion, Wings of Friendship, Sweet Wedding, Friends 24-7 and Vintage Vogue. How did you do? Did you guess them all? By now, I know that you have seen several cards created with the Vintage Vogue set. But, sometimes it is fun to see how a set can be incorporated with other sets that you may already have. The same holds true with Wedding Sweet. I selected this set simply because I loved the "Floral Flourish"! And, as you can see, it's not just for wedding cards!

Have you participated in this week'sPals Paper Arts challenge? Pal Margaret Moody has prepared a wonderful sketch for us. I do love seeing what you create. Plus, challenges help us grow as paper artists! Who knows...You could be the next Pals Artist Pick"! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue (W 117690; C 118598---Occasions Mini), Wings of Friendship (114308---Hostess Level 2), Wedding Sweet (115466), Friends 24-7 (113218), Medallion (115223); Inks: Sahara Sand (105208), Basic Black (101179), Basic Gray (109120); Paper: Basic Black (102851), Whisper White (100730); Tools: Paper Snips (103579), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Peace on Earth for the PPA

On this snowy eve of Christmas, I could not help but share one more holiday card. It was created for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge, a sketch designed by our own Margaret Moody. The "Dove" image is from the Gifts of Christmas set, while the sentiment, "Peace on Earth", is from Four the Holidays. I created this card especially for you, my readers, and for my fellow Pals Design Team members, past and present. It is not a card that can be created in a matter of minutes, but it is a card that was created from my heart. May each and every one of you have a blessed holiday, filled with joy and happiness!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• "Dynamic Duo"! Bravo Burgundy and Brushed Gold card stock provide the foundation for this card, while Bridesmaid Designer Series Paper form the panels. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to selecting your designer papers!


• "Love the Dove"! The Dove image was inked with VersaMark and stamped onto White Vellum. It was then heat embossed using Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. The image was inked a second time with VersaMark and stamped onto Brushed Gold card stock. It was also heat embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. Using Paper Snips, I carefully trimmed around the image embossed on the vellum. Next, I snipped out the Brushed Gold Dove, and popped it onto its vellum counterpart using Stampin' Dimensionals.


• "Mat Magic"! To create the rectangular mat, Whisper White card stock was passed through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder. To enhance the flowers, Gold Encore was applied using a Brayer. After rounding the corners, the edges were distressed with a Sponge Dauber and Bravo Burgundy ink.


• "Oval Ovations"! The Very Vanilla and Brushed Gold ovals were cut in a snap by zipping the Ovals Originals Die through the Big Shot.


• "Bring the Bling"! Because I try to use Stampin' Up! products exclusively in my designs, I had to make my own gold pearls that adorn the Peace on Earth banner. I simply coated three Half-Pearls from the Pretties Kit with VersaMark ink, dipped them into Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder and heated with the Heat Tool! Mini-Glue Dots are the perfect adhesive for attaching my new "Gold Pearls". A few snippets of Bravo Burgundy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and a Brushed Gold Jumbo Snowflake complete the look.

Thank you so much for stopping by The Stampin' Schach today! At this busy time of year, it is so nice to have friends drop in. Since you can't be here in person, let me share a virtual cup of hot tea or chocolate, and a cookie or two, with you before you head over to the Pals Paper Arts blog. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7

Stamp Sets: Gifts of Christmas (115372), Four the Holidays (116921---Holiday Mini); Inks: VersaMark (102283), Bravo Burgundy (105214), Gold Encore (101017); Designer Series Paper: Bridesmaid (116479); Card Stock: Bravo Burgundy (105123), Brushed Gold (102935), Very Vanilla (101650), Whisper White (100730), White Vellum (101839); Tools: Heat Tool (100005), Paper Snips (103579), Big Shot (113439), Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (116824---Holiday Mini), Ovals Originals Die (114525), Brayer (102395), Sponge Dauber (102892); Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), Corner Rounder (109047); Glitz and Glam: Bravo Burgundy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109028), Pretties Kit (109114), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (109129)

PPA Sneak Peek

Take a quick break this morning from all of your holiday preparations and grab a sneak peek of this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge card that I created. This card will be unveiled in its entirety Thursday morning at 5:00 AM CST. Join me then as the PPA hosts a sketch challenge designed by the creative Margaret Moody.

And please join me in congratulating my son, Brady, on a job well done! Brady, a trumpet performance major, was named to the Dean's List at Western Illinois University for the Fall Term. This is one of the best presents a mother could ask for!

I won't keep you long today, as I know that we all have a ton of last minute things to take care of! I still have not made a card for my husband or son, and neither has Missy the Boxer...lazy dog! So, I guess we had better take up our card making positions...me in my chair, and Missy at my feet! Until next time...

Sweet Season

When I first saw this "sweet" saying, I knew that I had to have the "Sweet Season" set! I loved its country appeal. However, I am sad to say that this is the first time that I have inked it up. Have any of you ever done this same thing...want a stamp set so badly, then never use it? Thank goodness I finally used it before Christmas! Since this card is heavily layered, I will hand deliver it to the lucky recipient. And, did you notice my first attempt at making a Scallop Trim Border Punch square? It really isn't as difficult as one might think if the proportions are correct. (Luckily for all of us, Gretchen Barron calculated these proportions for us. Please Click Here for Gretchen's excellent tutorial! Plus I have included directions below.) Working on this card made me hungry for gingerbread. I just love it with home-made chocolate sauce and a dollop of whipped cream! Mmmm! Guess what I will be baking tomorrow!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• It's hip to be square! To create the Scallop Trim square, I began with a 3-13/16" square of Ruby Red card stock. First, I punched all four corners using the Scallop Trim Corner Punch, making certain that the card stock was lined up with the edge of the cutting blade. This is trickier than one might think, and is best achieved while using the punch upside down in order to view what you are doing. After punching the corners, I lined up two of the scallop corners over the printed guide on the Scallop Trim Border Punch, and simply punched away! I repeated this step for each of the four sides.


• Layers, layers and more layers! The scalloped image from Sweet Season was stamped in Always Artichoke onto Always Artichoke card stock and punched out with the Scallop Circle Punch. It was then stamped a second time in Ruby Red onto Very Vanilla card stock and punched out with a 1-1/4" Circle Punch. This was layered onto a 1-3/8" Circle of Ruby Red. The edges of each element were distressed with a Sponge Dauber and Close to Cocoa ink prior to layering with Stampin' Dimensionals.


• Ink your stamps the "Write" way! Because I wanted to accent the different words of the sentiment in different colors, I simply used Stampin' Write Markers! Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red and Always Artichoke were my colors of choice.


• Accentuate the positive! An Always Artichoke "Fresh Favorites II" button, complete with a Linen Thread bow, is the perfect accent for the scalloped image and adds to the country charm of this card. The Chocolate Chip 1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon compliments the Chocolate Chip stripes of the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper.


• Piercing adds pzazz! Stampin' Up!s Paper Piercer is perfect for embellishing any card, while the Mat Pack Template makes placement fool-proof!

Practice makes perfect when it comes to punching the Scallop Trim squares. I am still trying to master the new punches, but what an impact they make on a card! Plus, I love the new flat, locking punch design. What a space saver! I am confident that you will love the new punches, too!

Just a reminder before I sign off for today. Don't forget that there is still time to participate in the Pals Paper Arts "Winter Wonderland" challenge. I will be spending time tomorrow looking at more of your wonderful creations, and leaving my comments. And speaking of comments, won't you please let me know what you think of today's creation? Your comments and questions are very important to me! Remember that if you ever have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use, I am only an email away! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Sweet Season (116471); Inks: Always Artichoke (105219), Ruby Red (102259), Close to Cocoa (103139); Designer Series Paper: Merry Moments (115672); Card Stock: Ruby Red textured (108697 Earth Elements assorted), Always Artichoke (105119), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: 1-1/4" Circle Punch (104403), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-a-Bration Available January 5th), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870---Occasions Mini Available January 5th), Paper Piercer (116631), Mat Pack (105826), Sponge Dauber (102892), Stampin' Write Markers: Chocolate Chip (100071), Ruby Red (100075), Always Artichoke (105113); Glitz and Glam: Linen Thread (104199), Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (111849), Fresh Favorites II Buttons (107422)

Blog Candy Winner

Yippee Skippee! We have a winner of this round of Stampin' Schach Blog Candy! But first, I would like to thank all of you for your comments on my recent posts. I know that I have said it many times, but the stamping community is so supportive of each other! The number of virtual friends that I have made is simply amazing! And now for the lucky winner...

#141. Regina (The Stampin' Bean)

If Regina would please email me her address, I will be sending this candy her way, first thing Monday morning. Congratulations, Regina!

Busy day today! Winter break begins, so now I will be busy with those last minute holiday preparations. There are presents to wrap and cookies to bake. Plus, Brady comes home from college this evening! But, over the next few days, I do have a few special cards that I plan on creating, and I am anxious to share them with you! Until next time...

A PPA Winter Wonderland

Welcome to the "Winter Wonderland" edition of the Pals Paper Arts Challenge! Holiday and winter themed projects are the focus for PPA21. When I hear the words "Winter Wonderland", I always think of the lyrics to the song. I have visions of a beautiful meadow, with its glistening snow and frosty trees. This seemed like the perfect time to ink up "Lovely as a Tree", and to use the new Sale-a-bration stamp set, "Whimsical Words". I hope that you enjoy the sneak peak at this delightful little set!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• This challenge has me "singin' the blues"! The image was stamped with Whisper White ink onto Night of Navy card stock. This was matted onto Brushed Silver followed by Night of Navy again. The card base is Brocade Blue.


• Mask it! Don't want to use the entire sentiment? Mask off what you do not want to use. The entire sentiment from Whimsical Words actually says "small Wonder". This was an extremely small "small" located above the "o" and "n" in Wonder, so I covered it with tape custom cut to fit. After inking the stamp with Whisper White, I removed the mask.


• Balancing Act! The sentiment is balanced with the "Snowflake" from Sweet Seasons. Punched out with the 1-1/4" Circle Punch, it adds a little something to the upper left corner of the card.


• Glitz and Glam! Dazzling Diamonds, a Clear Rhinestone Brad, and Brushed Silver card enhance the snowy, frosty effect I was trying to achieve. It is so "shimmery" in person!

Have fun creating your own "Winter Wonderland"! Remember that any newly created winter or holiday themed card is perfect for this challenge! So, hurry on over to the Pals Paper Arts website to see what the other Design Team Pals have created! Oh, but wait...have you forgotten about my Blog Candy? Don't forget to leave a comment on today's card. In case you would like to take another look at the goodies I am giving away Click Here for a picture and details! Have you left your comment? Good...now you can scurry on over to the Pals Challenge and be inspired! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree (115026), Whimsical Words (W 118386, C 119119---SAB); Ink: Whisper White (101731); Paper: Night of Navy (100867), Brushed Silver (100712), Brocade Blue (101166); Tools: 1-1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Heat Tool (100005); Glitz and Glam: Dazzling Diamonds (102023), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144)

PPA Preview

During the holiday season it's always fun to sneak a little peak! I remember checking out every present under the tree when I was growing up and trying to guess what was inside. Along those same lines, a few weeks ago my Design Team Pals at the Pals Paper Arts challenge blog decided that we could offer sneak peaks of our inspiration cards. So today you are getting a tiny glimpse of my card for this week's challenge. The full card will be unveiled Thursday morning at 5:00 AM CST. It will feature a sentiment from the Sale-A-Bration set, "Whimsical Words". This set is just too cute, and I am anxious for you to see it!

I know that it is a busy time of the year, but I hope that you will join us for this week's challenge! I really do look forward to viewing your creations. Every week I am amazed by the talent and the creativity!

And, don't forget that it is Blog Candy time here at The Stampin' Schach! I have prepared a delicious selection of Stampin' Up! goodies for you. For more details and a picture, please Click Here! Until next time...

Snowstar

Every once in awhile, certain ideas come along that are just too good to pass by! Such is the case of this card. After seeing the initial idea on fellow Pals Paper Arts Design Team member Denise January's site, Sassy Stampin' , I had to try my hand at it! Of course, I changed it by using a different sentiment, different punches, different Designer Series Paper, different colors, embossing, and distressing. Isn't that the way things usually go? We all add those simple little touches which make our creations uniquely ours! Whether you think of this as a Snowflake or as a Star, this "Snowstar" is a treat to make using the sweet little stamp set, "Tree Trimmings".

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Be the "Embossing Boss"! Before running Very Vanilla card stock through the Big Shot with the Top Note die, I embossed it with the Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate. The "Quilted" side adds a pretty background that adds visual interest but does not compete with the ornaments.


• Color 101: Use color to tie together the layers of your card! Since Real Red predominates in the foreground, I selected the Real Red "Vintage Ornament" paper from Merry Moments Designer Series Paper to layer onto the Very Vanilla card base. Likewise, the Very Vanilla card base anchors the Very Vanilla Top Note.


• Don't forget the compliments! Accent colors should compliment the design, not compete with it! A snippet of Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon and a Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button, as well as the Designer Label and Top Note mat, are the perfect touches for the richness of the Real Red and the creamy Very Vanilla. And, let's face it...isn't everything better with chocolate?


• Do sweat the little things...when it comes to your design! Rounding the corners of the card layers with the Corner Rounder pulls together the roundness of the ornaments, the round button, the round edges of the Top Note die, and the roundess of both the Modern Label and the Designer Label.


• Add dimension with "Dimensionals"! Adhering the ornaments to the card with Stampin' Dimensionals adds depth and interest.


• And, oh! It was important to me that the ribs of the corduroy button were aligned vertically. Why? Because of the grain of the ribbon. I know...I know! There are names for this kind of behavior!

Originally the edges of this card were not distressed. However, it was difficult for me to get a good photograph of it. So, out came the Sponge Dauber and the Chocolate Chip ink! You know me! Although this card may look difficult to make, it really isn't. Just make certain that you use Paper Snips to cut out the ornaments, and arrange them so that their "tummies" touch!

Remember that there is still time to take advantage of Stampin' Up!'s wonderful Twelve Days of Holiday Sale. Click Here to see what Stampin' Up! is offering at huge discounts! And, don't forget to take advantage of my delicious "no-calorie" Blog Candy!

One lucky reader will receive the following goodies:

• 101 6" x 6" sheets of retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers tied up with Brocade Blue 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon


• "Congrats" stamp set


• 20 yards of Certainly Celery Ribbon from SAB 2009 Ribbon Bundle


• Basic Gray Corduroy Buttons (new)


• Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Ink Re-Inker (new)


• A Sponge Dauber (so you can distress)


• Plus non-SU! brads and ribbon

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on the posts that I will be making beginning with the December 13th post through Friday, December 18th at 9:00 PM CST. One winner will be selected randomly, and will be announced on this blog Saturday, December 20th! The winner will then need to email shipping information to me. So, get ready for comments. And, oh, by the way, today's card will be included in with the Blog Candy. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Tree Trimmings (116722), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370); Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Real Red (103133); Designer Series Paper: Merry Moments (115672); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Real Red (102482); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate (115962), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114645), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590), Corner Rounder (109047), Paper Snips (103579); Glitz and Glam: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Corduroy Ribbon (111367), Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button (114339)

Holiday Blog Candy

Christmas is my favorite holiday! I love the hustle and bustle! The candy making and cookie baking! 'Tis the season for giving and for friendships! I love creating and sharing with you, and I love the feedback and encouragement that you have given me. Even though the vast majority of us have never met face to face, there is still a bond that has formed because of our mutual love of stamping and card making. In appreciation of this, my holiday gift to you is a healthy serving of Blog Candy!

One lucky reader will receive the following goodies:

• 101 6" x 6" sheets of retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers tied up with Brocade Blue 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
• "Congrats" stamp set
• 20 yards of Certainly Celery Ribbon from SAB 2009 Ribbon Bundle
• Basic Gray Corduroy Buttons (new)
• Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Ink Re-Inker (new)
• A Sponge Dauber (so you can distress)
• Plus non-SU! brads and ribbon

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on the posts that I will be making beginning with this post through Friday, December 18th at 9:00 PM CST. One winner will be selected randomly, and will be announced on this blog Saturday, December 20th! The winner will then need to email shipping information to me.

So, get ready for comments. And, oh, by the way, Tuesday's card posting will be included in with the Blog Candy. It is simply my take on the popular "Tree Trimmings" Star card, done up in Real Red and Chocolate Chip. The Design Tips will be included in my next post. Until next time...

Snowman Kisses

The Crazy 4 Challenges challenge was a simple one this week. With the focus on snow, the challenge was to incorporate snowflakes and/or snowmen into the project. I opted for both in this card that requires no stamping! Punches, punches and more punches make quick work of this sweet little card, featuring a "snowmom" and her "snowbabe" touching their carrot noses in what I have entitled a "Snowman Kiss".

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Feeling a little punchy? The "Snowmom's" curves are provided by the 1-3/4", 1-3/8" and 1" Circle Punches. The "Snowtot" is formed from the 1", 3/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches. The buttons and Mom's eye were formed with the Crop-A-Dile, and Baby's eye and Mom's mouth were formed from the 1/16" Punch. Tombow Adhesive did the trick in adhering these small pieces!
• Even "snowmoms" need a little make-up! Her "blush" and Baby's rosy cheeks were achieved with a Blender Pen and Pretty in Pink Stampin' Pastels.
• Free-style once in awhile! The snowhills were cut free-handed from Very Vanilla card stock and distressed with Soft Suede. The carrot noses were snipped from Dusty Durango, and lined with a Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker.
• Double your pleasure, double your fun! The Designer Labels were punched from Old Olive and Real Red card stock. The Real Red label was cut horizontally and layered behind the Old Olive one.
• Rub-a-dub-dub! The "Winter Wishes" sentiment is courtesy of Chit Chat Rub-Ons! How easy is that?
• Sneak -a-peek! Did you notice the adorable Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brad? It will be available in the Occasion Mini on January 5th!

I hope that everyone's holiday preparations are going smoothly! I have only a few more presents to purchase...and most of them are for Missy the Boxer! She loves "Charlie Bear" snacks, and unfortunately I cannot purchase them locally. So I will be ordering on-line. Which reminds me, have you taken advantage of Stampin' Up!s Twelve Days of Holiday Sales? If not, please Click Here for details about this fantastic sale and my special offer! Well, I'm off to search for the best price on Charlie Bears. In the meantime, let me know what you think about today's card. And remember...if you have any questions about today's card or the techniques that I used, don't hesitate to email me! And remember, Blog Candy is right around the corner! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: None; Ink: Soft Suede (115657): Designer Paper: Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' (115696); Card Stock: Old Olive (100702), Chocolate Chip (102128), Real Red (102482), Very Vanilla (101650), Dusty Durango (115321); Tools: Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Punch (107590), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (112004), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), 1/16" Punch (101227), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Blender Pens (102845), Stampin' Pastels (105542), Sponge Dauber (102892), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (100071), Tombow Adhesive (110755); Glitz and Glam: Sleigh Bells Ribbon (116795---Holiday Mini), Old Olive 1/2" Striped Ribbon (113883); Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads (117272---Occasions Mini available January 5th); Other: Chit Chat Rub-Ons (111804)

Big Shot Dies on Sale Just in Time for the Holidays

Can you believe that Stampin' Up! is kicking off a "Twelve Days of Holiday Sales" promotion just in time for Christmas? Now is the time to "stuff those stockings" with one of those special Big Shot dies that you have been wanting. I have put a little bug in my husband's ear about the Basket and Blooms die. Which one have you been "die-ing" to buy? At 15 - 25% off, why not buy several? But hurry...orders must be placed by December 15th for arrival by Christmas! However, the sale does run until Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 11:50 P.M. MT!
Check out this list:

(Item Number) 114515
Flower Burst Embosslits Die
Regularly $11.95 Discounted Price $8.96

114516
Cherry Blossom Embosslits die
Regularly $11.95 Discounted Price $8.96

115957
Thanks Embosslits die
Regularly $11.95 Discounted Price $8.96

114513
Sweetest Stem Embosslits die
Regularly $11.95 Discounted Price $8.96

115952
Hi Embosslits die
Regularly $11.95 Discounted Price $8.96

115951
Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die
Regularly $74.95 Discounted Price $59.96

113446
Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $16.96

114509
Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die
Regularly $21.95 Discounted Price $18.66

113448
Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $16.96

113457
Tulipe Bigz die
Regularly $21.95 Discounted Price $16.46

115954
Two Tags Bigz die
Regularly $21.95 Discounted Price $18.66

114524
Fringed Flower Bigz die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $15.96

114523
Decorative Accents Bigz die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $15.96

114534
Flower Bigz Clear die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $15.96

113473
5-Point 3D Star Bigz die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $16.96

113472
Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $16.96

113470
Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $16.96

113465
Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die
Regularly $19.95 Discounted Price $16.96

115961
Perfect Setting Bigz XL die
Regularly $42.95 Discounted Price $32.21

113483
Pennant Bigz XL die
Regularly $39.95 Discounted Price $29.96

113484
Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die
Regularly $39.95 Discounted Price $31.96

116760
Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die
Regularly $39.95 Discounted Price $29.96

116759
Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die
Regularly $39.95 Discounted Price $29.96

114890
Matchbox Bigz XL Die
Regularly $42.95 Discounted Price $36.56

113458
Flower Layers Originals Die
Regularly $15.95 Discounted Price $13.56

What's that you say? You don't have a Big Shot? You can't take advantage of this fabulous sale? Order your Big Shot from me today (Item Number 113439, $99.95) and receive your choice of any Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Elegant Bouquet, Finial Press, Manhattan Flower) as my gift to you. These items are found on Page 195 of the Idea Book and Catalog. After placing your online order for the Big Shot, simply email me the item of your choice, and I will order it for you. Your free item will ship separately from your Stampin' Up! order, and will arrive mid-January! This offer ends December 22! (US orders only, please!)

Coming Soon: Blog Candy! Stay tuned as I celebrate my 300th post! Until next time...

Crushed Olive Suede for the PPA

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the PPA's delightful! And delightful it truly is! This week, Pals Paper Arts is hosting a color challenge. Plus, one lucky participant will be randomly selected as our blog candy winner! I will be the first to admit that Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Soft Suede did present a challenge to me. This was because I was bound and determined to create a Christmas card using these three "fall" colors! And you know what..Dasher looks pretty dapper decked out in Soft Suede. Plus, don't you love the Perfect Polka Dots embossing on the Old Olive card stock? This new Textured Impressions Folder should be at the top of everyone's "Wish List"! Of course, you know me...I love my border punches. The new Scallop Trim Border Punch has already worked its way to the top of my "go-to" list!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Dasher is the star of today's card! Inked in Soft Suede and stamped onto Very Vanilla, he is sporting a spritzing of Soft Suede, courtesy of the Color Spritzer Tool and a Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker! Opposite rounded corners on the matting enhance the swirls of his antler's. No matter how you look at it...Dasher is one dapper deer!


• Create "card chemistry"! Tie together the design elements of your creations. The polka dots of the Soft Suede Grosgrain Ribbon mesh perfectly with the Perfect Polka Dots embossed background.


• Dare to be different! Instead of just layering the Jumbo Snowflakes, interweave their extensions. Although the Crushed Curry snowflake serves as the second layer, its "arms" are brought to the forefront for color balance. The Greetings sentiment is notched at one end for variety. Of course, distressing and matting are the finishing touches!


• MacGyver it! Just like the extremely resourceful television hero of the late '80's, if you don't have what you need, create it yourself. Although I did not use a Swiss army knife and duct tape, I did pry up the prongs of a Circle Fire Brad to release the rhinestone which graces the snowflake. And the "Greetings" sentiment actually comes from the "Season's Greetings" stamp from Four the Holidays. I have really great luck inking up the entire sentiment then taping off the section that I do not want to use! That's almost like using duct tape, isn't it?


• Embrace the new! Notice the Crushed Curry border. The new Scallop Trim Border Punch, featured in the Sale-a-bration brochure is a "keeper", in my book. It imparts a delicate look without going over the top!

I was skeptical that I could pull off a Crushed Curry-Old Olive-Soft Suede Christmas card. But that is part of the fun, and charm, of a challenge! I will be anxious to see what wonderful cards you create! Please be sure to check out the other inspiration cards and Blog Candy at Pals Paper Arts . Of course, I am anxious to read what you think about today's card. So please, leave me a comment. And remember, if you have a question about the cards that I create, or the techniques that I use, please email me. Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!
Stamp Sets: Dasher (116816), Four the Holidays (116921); Ink: Soft Suede (115657); Paper: Very Vanilla (101650), Crushed Curry (115319), Soft Suede (115318), Old Olive (100702), Brushed Gold (102935); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini: available January 5th), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---Sale-a-bration: available January 5th), Corner Rounder (109047), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628); Glitz and Glam: Circle Fire Brad (109110), Soft Suede Grosgrain Ribbon (115612)

Mojo Gifts of Christmas

Amidst the Iowa blizzard today, I stayed warm and comfy, with Missy the Boxer at my feet. Our mission was to create our Mojo Monday card. Since I love the holidays, I opted to create yet another holiday card, this time using Bridesmaid Specialty Paper. Yes...you read me right...Bridesmaid Specialty Paper! Its Vanilla and Pearl foil were the perfect backdrop for Brushed Gold and Bravo Burgundy, resulting in an elegant card with no extra fuss! What could be easier?

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• It's Tool Time! Using the right tools always makes the job easier. The Circle Scissors Plus is a "must-have" when creating circular layouts such as this! To create perfect circles with no waste, cut your circles while standing, and use a little SNAIL adhesive to hold your paper in place. I always set my size, then cut a sample out of newspaper first, just to make certain I have the right fit! To perfectly place the "Dove" image from the Gifts of Christmas stamp set, the Stamp-a-ma-jig does the trick!


• Encore! Encore! What is better for distressing the edges of an elegant card than Gold Encore? The edges of the Bravo Burgundy circles were distressed with gold, while the Very Vanilla circles were distressed with both Gold Encore and Bravo Burgundy.


• Sometimes bigger is better! In this case, an over-sized Bravo Burgundy bow made from 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon adds a decadent touch!


• Bring the bling! A misting of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint is the perfect finishing touch! However, be careful when misting stamped images, as they could blur! Easy bling is achieved with Brushed Gold card stock. Why didn't I buy this sooner?

Missy and I hope that you enjoyed our Mojo card. It probably took us a little longer than usual to create. First, we got sidetracked by a Lifetime movie. Then we needed a snack. Then we had to check our email and blog-hop for awhile. Then we needed another snack. Then we got sidetracked by another movie. Then we had to check our email again. Then we had to snack...Oh, you get the picture! I had better be back in school tomorrow...I probably gained ten pounds today! So, if you have any questions about today's card, don't hesitate to email me! And, of course, your comments are always appreciated! Coming up tomorrow: The Pals Paper Arts Challenge! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Set: Gifts of Christmas (115372); Inks: Gold Encore (101017), Bravo Burgundy (105214); Paper: Bridesmaid Specialty Paper (116479), Very Vanilla (101650), Bravo Burgundy (105123), Brushed Gold (102935); Tools: Circle Scissors Plus (112530), Glass Mat (112531), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335---Occasions Mini available January 5), Sponge Daubers (102892); Blitz and Bling: Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806---Holiday Mini), Bravo Burgundy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109053)

Wandering Words and Punch Peek

"The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the lustre of midday to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. " Just like visions of sugarplums, this phrase from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas was dancing through my head. Featuring the Wandering Words stamp set, the sky of this card was sponged in Night of Navy and Bordering Blue, gradually fading toward the horizon in order to give the illusion of moonlight reflecting from the surface of snow. Dazzling Diamonds add further shimmer to this relatively simple-to-create card. Plus, did you notice the Brushed Silver border? It's the new Scallop Trim Border Punch which will be available for purchase January 5th! Don't you just love it? I know that it is going to be one of my favorites!

The Stampin' Schach Tips:

• Masks are not just for Halloween! The large Very Vanilla moon was created by punching a 1-3/4" Circle from a sticky note. This was placed where I wanted the moon to be, and then the sponging began right over the top of it. When the sponging was complete, the mask was easily removed to reveal the moon.
• Dark to light, makes it right! In creating my sky, I began sponging with Night of Navy at the top of the card, switching to Bordering Blue about one-third of the way down. The color gradually fades away to just Very Vanilla card stock.
• Don't be afraid of the water! After sponging color, dampen your sponge slightly and re-sponge. The result will be a subdued water-color effect.
• Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to perfectly place Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen!
• "Stamp off " to create the illusion of depth. The "Grove of Trees" image from Lovely as a Tree was inked in Night of Navy, stamped off onto scratch paper, and then stamped onto the sponged paper. The foreground trees were stamped normally.
• Dazzling Diamonds add shimmer and shine! I apply mine with Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive for a quick "bling" fix. Brushed Silver card stock adds even more shine, and pairs perfectly with the Night of Navy card stock to create a "frosty" feel!

It's hard to believe that we are less than three weeks from Christmas! If you are like me, your calendar is filled to the brim! However, I hope that you have time to play in the Pals Paper Arts challenge. There is still time to participate in last week's inspiration challenge, while this Thursday the Pals will unveil a color challenge and Blog Candy!

If you have any questions about the technique used in today's card, or if you have any questions in general, please don't hesitate to email me. And, please leave a comment to let me know what you think of today's card. Your comments and questions are important to me! Until next time...

Please Click Here to Order Stampin' Up! 24/7!

Stamp Sets: Wandering Words (116507), Lovely as a Tree (115026); Ink: Night of Navy (102977), Bordering Blue (102265), Basic Black (101179); Paper: Night of Navy textured (108696---Rich Regals assorted), Brushed Silver (100712), Very Vanilla (101650); Tools: Sponges (101610), Tombow Adhesive (110755), Corner Rounder (109047), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402---SAB); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (112004); Blitz and Bling: Dazzling Diamonds (102023)