"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

This stamp set, "Countryside," was one of the first that I added to my "must have" list when I saw Stampin' Up!'s current catalog.  I don't know what it is about this set, but it just calls to me.  To create my MISM card, I embossed the front of the Crumb Cake card with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  After stamping the image, I cut it into four squares, adhered them to Very Vanilla card stock, and then adhered that layer to Early Espresso.  On a separate piece of card stock, I stamped the apple, cut it out, and then topped it with Crystal Effects.  It has been adhered to the card with a Stampin' Dimensional.  The sentiment is from "Teeny Tiny Wishes" and shaped with the Word Window punch. Except for the drying time needed for the Crystal Effects, this card took 15 or 20 minutes to make.  I almost forgot to mention . . . I used an alcohol marker to color the three pearls on the bottom left of the stamped layer.

EASY PEASY HYBRID CARDS

Both of these cards were designed using Stampin' Up!'s "So Much to Sale-a-Brate Digital Content CD" (which is one of the FREE Sale-a-Bration product selections) and the My Digital Studio software.  I LOVE this CD!!!!  It contains digital images of ALL of the SAB products this year--what a value!  Digital images used to design the cards include Designer Label and Scallop Oval punches, "Ice Cream Parlor" designer paper and flower accents, and a sentiment from the "So Happy for You" stamp set, which has a subtle Pacific Point drop shadow.  After printing my design, I added the "Ice Cream Parlor" buttons and Old Olive ribbon.  On my second card, I used the Sizzix Scallop Square die to cut the printed design.  This was so easy to do because the die is clear, and I could see exactly where it would cut!  Anyone who decides to purchase My Digital Studio during Sale-a-Bration can earn the digital content CD FREE! 

Be sure to come back tomorrow for my snappy Monday project!

FUN STITCHES

When I first saw the "Sew Suite" stamp set in Stampin' Up!'s Occasions mini catalog, my first thought was that I had to have it.  Even though I don't sew, that "tomato" pin cushion reminded me of the one that my mother had (probably still has), and I believe my grandmother also had/has one.  I also really liked the idea of the assorted stitch images on the "In Stitches" jumbo wheel; however, my preference would have been individual stamps and not six assorted images on one wheel.  After some thought, I decided that I could remove the rubber from the wheel, cut the images apart, and use them unmounted or mount them on wood blocks.  I have a very large box FULL of retired stamp sets, so I raided the box and found the perfect set to destroy for the sake of harvesting the wood . . . "Both Way Blossoms" had four 6.25" x 1" blocks.  I removed the labels and stamps from those blocks and used Crystal Effects to adhere the six stitch images to them.  I had to trim each stamp just a bit (less than an inch) so they would fit on the wood.  Still, what a deal!!  $8.50 for six stamps!  Two of the blocks have a stamp on both sides, but they work just fine!  I used two of the stitch images on this card, as well as the new "Sew Suite" stamp set.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include "Teeny Tiny Wishes," So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Rose Red, and Whisper White card stock, aqua painter, Watercolor Pencils and markers, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and distressing tool.  Of course, I can see a few things that I would do different and can think of a few additions but, all in all, I actually am very pleased with the simplicity of this design.  FYI:  The blue dot that you see on one end of two blocks indicates which end of the block goes into the corner of the Stamp-a-ma-jig.

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS" FUN FOAM DEBOSSING

With her "Freestyle Fridays" post last week, Julie presented a new mission for me to use fun foam to create a project.  I knew instantly what I would do with the fun foam . . . I would heat it with the heat tool and then stamp into it to create a debossed impression.  The foam that I used was actually a pale yellow, but I sponged it with Early Espresso ink to get the color "just right" and to also make the debossed image more prominent.  This technique is perfect for projects that call for the look of stamped leather, and the color of foam is easily transformed with ink.  It's also very forgiving . . . if you heat the foam, stamp into it, and don't like the look, just re-heat the foam and the image you stamped will disappear, leaving you with the opportunity to do it all again.  Stampin'  Up! products used to create this project include:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, and Baja Breeze card stock, "Newsprint" designer paper, Baja Breeze seam binding, "Sense of Time" stamp set, Scallop Square die (to create the card), Scallop Circles #2 die, and antique brad.

CUSHION ABOVE, BUTTONS BELOW

Some time ago, I bought these cute little jars with the intention of filling them with buttons and topping them with a pin cushion, but I wasn't pleased with my first attempt.  Got a wild hair and decided tonight that I would try again.  This one turned out much better, although I'm having trouble getting the lid to stay on.  I wonder if it's supposed to.  Yes, I really did sew on that button but, to tell you the truth, it's likely that it will fall off in the near future because I didn't have enough thread at the end (or maybe the needle was too long--ha!) to make a knot.  I squeezed a dot of hot glue to lay the thread tails in, but do you have any idea how hot the glue really is?  Uh . . . yeah . . . couldn't find a single finger that I was willing to sacrifice to hold the thread to the glue, so it's just kind of floating around behind the button, probably trying to set it free.  The fabric and big buttons are from Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Cane" collection (2010 Holiday mini).

HAVE A HONEY OF A DAY!

At my class on Friday, the little "Candy Wrapper" box was one of our projects.  When you use the Candy Wrapper die to cut a box, you end up with eight diamond cuts, which aren't needed for the box but can be used as accents on the box or a card.  Stampin' Up! products used to create these projects include:  So Saffron, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, and Early Espresso card stock, "Just Buzzin' By" and "Puns from the Past" stamp sets, Framed Tulips embossing folder, Curly Label punch, Circle and Oval punches, linen thread, pearls, and "Botanical Gazette" designer paper.

REGINABERGER BASKETS . . . COULDN'T EVEN GIVE 'EM AWAY

Late last night, and I do mean "late," I decided that I would make a woven basket since the one I made three years ago (HERE) has become overstuffed.  I have loved that basket but, shortly after starting a new one, I realized that I had forgotten just how much I hated making the first one.  I was very proud of it (the first one) once I completed it, but I would not have bet money that I would still be using it three years later.  The basket pictured here is actually the second one that I started--the first one, which was to look like the first one, got cussed, squished, and tossed in the trash.  I think spit may have been involved, too!  I didn't want to give up, though, so I started this new basket using a less stressful method.  It was not without challenges and mess-ups (covered by the bands), and I had to walk away from it so I could get some rest, but I finished it this morning.  It shaped up to be a woven thing (more like a cup) and will hold a few things, so mission complete.  And now I know why my next basket, if there will ever be one, won't get started before 2014. 

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY" GIFT SACK

This week's snappy project is one of those ideas that you hope to remember when you realize that you need a really quick gift!  I used a mini lunch sack (from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday mini) and covered the front and back with "Love Letter" designer paper.  The monogram is from the "Lovely Letters" alphabet set, which I stamped with Real Red ink onto Crumb Cake card stock and layered onto Very Vanilla.  I tied Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon around the bag, and used a glimmer brad to hold the tag. 

"RAINBOOTS" SHAPED CARD

Last night, I started designing this card using the Gypsy and "Nate's ABC's" cartridge.  There are lots of layers adhered to the base card, which is blue.  For the rainboots, I used bright colored shiny card stock, which is characteristic of real rainboots.  I used Stampin' Up!'s Crystal Effects on the water puddle, which you can see better by clicking on the picture.

"SPRINGTIME VINTAGE" CANDY WRAPPER TRIO

One of my very favorite Sizzix box dies is Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Wrapper."  When I first got this die a couple of weeks ago, I kept cutting boxes because closing the ends is so much fun!  Since these three boxes coordinate with Stampin' Up!'s "Springtime Vintage" designer paper, I decided to join them together to create one little gift package, which turned out to be simply feminine.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this project include Rose Red, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, and Very Vanilla card stock, Vanilla satin ribbon, "Tiny Tags" stamp set, Jewelry tag punch, Vintage Flower Adornments (Baja Breeze), and linen thread.

"GREENHOUSE GALA" TEST TUBE CARD

Test tubes are such a fun container for treats, and there are a variety of ways to decorate them.  This particular project is a card which doubles as a holder for the 4" tube.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Daffodil Delight card stock, "Greenhouse Gala" designer paper, rhinestone jewels, and Butterfly punch. 

JULIE'S GLIMMERY VALENTINE

It's time for "Freestyle Fridays," and Julie has a cute, glimmery Valentine project to share today.  She has used some fun Stampin' Up! products to add great detailing to her project, and you really should visit her blog to see the whole thing!  You'll be surprised to learn for whom this Valentine was created!

SHABBY GATEFOLD

This little gatefold card was waiting today for the paper to arrive so I could create the shabby flower.  The card itself is 4.25" square and features the following Stampin' Up! products:  Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler card stock, Two-Step Bird punch, Word Window and Decorative Label punches, Scallop Circle punch (to create the flower), "Notably Ornate" stamp set, "Botanical Gazette" and "First Edition" designer papers, linen thread, glimmer brad, pearl jewels, Scallop Rectangle Clearlits die, Pinking Hearts Corner punch (to create the little hearts on the corners of the scallop rectangle), and Finial Press embossing folder.  At first glance, you don't really notice all of the small details, huh?  I added some color to the flower by sponging the layers with Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso ink.

"BOTANICAL GAZETTE" TISSUE HOLDER

On January 3rd, I posted a picture of this tissue holder to my blog, and I made the one pictured here to send to my friend, Laura.  This project features Stampin' Up!'s "Botanical Gazette" designer paper, pearl jewels, Large and Scallop Oval punches, Two-Step Bird punch, and Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, and Very Vanilla card stock.

I AM LION, HEAR ME . . . MELT YOUR HEART

Is this a cute little card or what?  I can say that because the idea for this card was not mine, and I am very sorry to say that I do not have the name of the person who came up with this clever punch art.  Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include the Sizzix Scallop Circle dies, red taffeta ribbon, white gel pen, Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, and Real Red card stock, Stampin' Pastels (for his blushing cheeks), and the following punches:  1-3/8" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle, 1" Circle, Itty Bitty Shapes (heart), and Wide Oval.  ETA:  Raise your hand if you think the title of this post should be, "I am MONKEY . . ." 

MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY

When I sat down to make this week's MISM card, I was determined that it wouldn't be Valentine-related, but I also was going to try to stay away from a vintage style.  I needed a birthday card but, somehow, I ended up with this vintage-y "thinking of you" card.  Just as my craze with Mellow Moss and Eggplant Envy phased out sometime ago, I suppose I'll just have to ride out my vintage craze.  To create this card, I used the following Stampin' Up! products:  Big Shot, Scallop Circle and Flower Folds dies, Elegant Lines embossing folder, clear button, "Cute as a Button" stamp set, Very Vanilla card stock, Springtime Vintage designer paper, linen thread, and Rose Red seam binding.  To give the die-cut flowers added dimension, I crumpled them before adhering them to the card.  BTW, I used Crystal Effects to adhere the stamped designer paper to the button and again to adhere the button to the center of the flower.  Have a wonderful week!

A BUTTERFLY, A BUG, AND A BOX

Sometime last year, I was able (via Facebook) to reconnect with a few of my friends from college.  One of them is having a birthday on Sunday, so I designed this butterfly card for her using my Gypsy and the "Serenade" cartridge. 

I'd like to also share this Valentine gable box that I created this evening.  For this project, I used the "Spring Holiday Cards" cartridge.

I don't know if I'll post any projects over the weekend, but be sure to come back on Monday for my "Make-It-Snappy" card! 

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Last week, with her "Freestyle Fridays" blog post, Julie presented a mission for me to complete a 4" x 9" card featuring the Faux Mother of Pearl technique using Stampin' Up!'s Frost White shimmer paint.  After two attempts with which I wasn't pleased, I decided to stamp and color the image first and then proceed with the technique, and this worked much better for me.  Having the image under the shimmer paint actually lends an aged effect, similar to cracked glass.  Maybe I discovered a Twisted Faux Mother of Pearl technique!  Anyway . . . I used an A2 size of glossy card stock, stamped the image with black StazOn ink, and then colored it with a blender pen and Stampin' Pastels.  In a paint palette, I poured a nickle-sized "dollop" of Frost White shimmer paint and then used a crumpled piece of Saran Wrap to dip into the paint and lightly dab (randomly) onto the card stock.  When the paint was dry (lickety-split), I used a sponge to apply Early Espresso ink and then gently tissued off the excess ink.  I used the Scallop Framed Oval die to cut the finished piece, along with a cut of Early Espresso card stock so the scallop frame would be a different color.  For the layered labels, I used one of the "Lots of Tags" Sizzlits dies and one of the labels on the "Matchbox" die.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include:  "Newsprint" designer paper, Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice embossing folders, glimmer brads, Eyelet Border punch, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and Rose Red card stock, "Clearly for You" and "Tiny Tags" stamp sets, Vanilla taffeta ribbon, and shimmer mist created from a mix of water and Champagne Mist shimmer paint.

GYPSY DRESS CARD

Today's card is the end result of my very first Gypsy design, and I'm quite excited about it!  I wondered if I even "needed" a Gypsy, but every paper-craft-gadget ho must have gadgets!  The solid orange background is just that . . . a foundation for the die-cut/shaped card which opens at the "shoulders."  The only finishing touches to this card are a bit of Stickles glitter glue on the sentiment and the Stampin' Up! pearl accents.

MAKE-IT-SNAPPY MONDAY

Today's MISM project is a transparency card, which can be a bit tricky to photograph.  Making the card is easy, though!  Stampin' Up! recently gave demonstrators one sheet of the "Love Impressions" rub-ons (from the Occasions mini catalog), so I chose to use a few of the images on my card.  The clouds and heart-shaped balloon were placed on the front of the transparent card, as was the bottom border of Real Red and Whisper White card stock.  On the back panel of the inside of the card, I used mini glue dots to adhere a folded 3" x 6" piece of Brushed Silver card stock, which will be used to hide the message and signature of the sender.  On the front of the silver card stock, I placed the XOXO rub-ons.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include the Pinking Hearts Border punch and Basic Gray satin ribbon.  Be sure to click on the photo for a larger view.  Let me know what you think about the MISM logo that my son designed for me!  I love it . . . thanks Chad!!!

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD

Today has been an exciting one for me because my blog received its FIRST EVER award by the talented Lorraine Castellon-Rowe.  To accept this award, I have to tell you eight things about myself that you might not know, and then I get to present (pay it forward) the award to eight other blogs that I enjoy.  First, I will tell you a few things about myself:

1.  I have been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for almost 7 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it!  The best part of being a demonstrator is the friendships that I have made along the way.

2.  I have been a Scentsy consultant for almost one year. 

3.  It's unusual for me to not be found in my stamp room on a daily basis, which is why this room is hardly ever tidy.  I put things in their place prior to classes, and my customers would be shocked if they could see the huge mess that I make when I am creating.  I'm not very disciplined when it comes to immediately putting things away.

4.  I'm addicted to the Investigation Discovery channel.  LMN is also a favorite, but ID seems to be swiftly moving into first place.

5.  Since the time I got my drivers' license, I've had six different cars (two of which are now considered classics . . . '65 Mustang and '72 Camaro).  Four of those vehicles have been involved in accidents . . . one head-on collision, two hit-and-run (I wasn't the hitter), one hydroplane, and two rear-end collisions (I was the one who was hit).  My husband enjoys bringing this up whenever I try to tell him how to drive, but I'm convinced that I have knowledge to offer.

6.  I'm a serious night owl!  Try as I may, I can't seem to find my bed before 3:30 a.m. 

7.  I have one son who will be 20 y/o in June, and he's my absolute best buddy!!!!  He has a wonderful sense of humor!  He reminds me a lot of Doug on "King of Queens."

8.  I have a deficit of patience, but I love life!  I feel that I have been blessed, and I enjoy doing thoughtful things for others.

And now . . . to "pay it forward" and present this award to eight other bloggers, I choose:

My sweet friend, Laura:  http://www.smileslaura.blogspot.com/

My Canadian demo friend with a wonderful sense of humor:  http://www.designedwithyouinmind101.blogspot.com/

Elaine Byrne, whose blog I recently found:  http://lainee-mycreations.blogspot.com/

Sandi Dailey, who has some amazing vintage layouts:  http://www.anotherchancetostamp.blogspot.com/

Shawnie Bartron:  http://www.cardsbyshawnie.blogspot.com/

http://www.thunderbirdlindybydesign.blogspot.com/

Diane Simpers:  http://www.backporchstamper.blogspot.com/

Joy Sikes:  http://www.joy-purttypaperz.blogspot.com/

"DIE-TRICKING" THE CANDY WRAPPER DIE

Let me just tell you from the start . . . I *LOVE* Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Wrapper" die!!!!!!!!  I cannot believe I actually thought I didn't need this one, but my sweet friend, Laura, totally made me fall in love with it.  What do I love about it, you ask?  For one thing, it requires ONLY ONE STRIP of adhesive and, for another thing, it's a very nice size to hold all kinds of treats or small gifts, but my very favorite thing about this box is the way the ends close.  Seriously . . . I think I could twist/push the ends of these boxes all day long!  Today, I fell in love with this die all over again when I successfully "tricked" it to create a longer box than it was designed to make.  As you can see from the picture, the short Rose Red box is the size that the die was designed to cut, and the longer box is a result of my "die tricking."  I posted the Rose Red box to my blog on 12/29/10, and you can read about it HERE.  For the longer box, I used the following Stampin' Up! products:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, and Pumpkin Pie card stock, Greenhouse Gala designer paper, Old Olive satin ribbon, tiny pearls, Square Lattice embossing folder, and the Beautiful Wings Embosslits die.  Even though the Candy Wrapper die (#120890) was first featured in the now-expired Holiday mini catalog, it is still available.  You can order one for yourself NOW by going to my web site http://www.regina.stampinup.net/ and clicking the "Shop Now" link in the top right corner.  Believe me . . . you will thank yourself! 

ANOTHER "100% FABULOUS" CARD

This is actually the first "100% Fabulous" card that I designed using Cricut's "Graphically Speaking" cartridge.  The butterflies were also cut from that cartridge, and I used Stampin' Up!'s rhinestone jewels to embellish them. 

100% FABULOUS

I needed two thank you cards a couple of days ago, and this is one of the cards that I made. I had to make the envelope, too, for the oversized card.  The images on the card are from Cricut's "Graphically Speaking" cartridge.

JULIE'S BACK WITH "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Julie is back with Feminine Fridays, but there's a new name . . . Freestyle Fridays!  I like the new name better for two reasons . . . (1) it is a good description of the kind of projects we share and doesn't limit us to only girly projects, and (2) it won't remind you that you need to add certain (feminine) products to your shopping list.  :-)  I have a sneak peek photo of Julie's project shown here, but you can see it in full on her blog.  AND . . . she tells us all about a fun technique!  I will be trying it for my Freestyle Fridays project to share next Friday, and you might want to try it, too! 

MY FIRST GRUNGE TAG

My husband's birthday is this Saturday, and this is the card that I made for him.  Last night, I decided to made a grunge tag (for the first time EVER), and it was quite an experience!  I've had my grunge paper for months and had never opened the package.  This stuff feels and smells like leather--it's quite interesting!  I actually made two tags because I made a real mess out of the first one, but it wasn't a total waste . . . I punched my stamped sentiments (from Stampin' Up!'s "FYI" stamp set) from the messy tag.  The other stamped images on the tag are from the "Friends 24-7" stamp set, which were stamped with alcohol ink and then brushed with Pearl Ex.  Let me tell you . . . I had quite a hodgepodge of mixed media at my fingertips!  The burgundy/red color that runs along the edges of the tag is actually a shimmery Radiant Pearls paint (another product that I had never done anything with--surprisingly, it wasn't dried up), and I sponged Stampin' Up!'s Champagne Mist shimmer paint along the edges of the tag and along the embossed left side of the designer paper on the card.  All in all, the making of this card (the tag) was a learning experience and, overall, it was fun!  Other Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Pear Pizzazz card stock, Modern Label and Word Window punches, and Cherry Cobbler seam binding.

MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY

I have decided to put a little pressure on myself by starting a weekly series called Make-It-Snappy-Monday.  I will feature projects that are quick and easy to make, and I'll bet there will be a lot of square cards in this series.  This being the first Monday of a brand new year, I'm sharing with you the first MISM project . . . a card featuring the following Stampin' Up! products:  Very Vanilla and Bravo Burgundy card stock, "Botanical Gazette" designer paper, "FYI" stamp set, pearl jewel, Vanilla taffeta ribbon, linen thread, Two-Step Bird, Heart to Heart, and Jewelry Tag punches.  The bird and his wing have been sponged with Early Espresso ink, and I used Chocolate Chip and Always Artichoke markers to color the punched branch.  Have a great week, and I hope you'll visit me again next Monday (or sooner)!

VINTAGE-Y TISSUE HOLDER

Looking for a little desk or table decoration to give to someone?  This might be it!  Everyone can use tissues at this time of year!  For my project, I used the following Stampin' Up! products:  Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Very Vanilla, and Always Artichoke card stock, Build a Blossom and oval punches, "Clearly for You" stamp set (LOVE this set), "Because I Care" stamp set, antique brad, Champagne Mist shimmer paint, crochet trim, Finial Press embossing folder, and "Springtime Vintage" designer paper.  The flower and leaves were created from the Build a Blossom punch, which is one of the "Occasions" mini products that will be available as of January 4th.  This tissue holder project was shared on one of the demo groups by, I believe, Elizabeth Wright, and I loved it so much that I had to see if I could design one of my own. 

CUT-IN-CUT TECHNIQUE

I love learning and experimenting with techniques, and I think this is one that I'll teach at my class this month.  I have been having the most fun with Stampin' Up!'s brand new "Clearly for You" stamp set.  I love it even more than I thought I would!  The three birds are from that set, and the small tag image is from "Tiny Tags."  I have to admit that, at a glance, this card reminds me of the "Bonanza" TV show and how the show began with fire burning a hole through a map.  If the link works, you can see the Bonanza theme song HERE.  I used to love that show--I'm not sure if it's because my daddy was in charge of the TV and it was the only show to watch or if I truly enjoyed it.  Other Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include "Newsprint" designer paper, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, and Basic Black card stock, Early Espresso ribbon, linen thread, Square Lattice embossing folder, and oval punches. 

2011 CALENDAR COVER

I was pleased to find the exact calendar that I wanted this year (maybe because I didn't wait until the middle of January), but it didn't have the year printed anywhere on the cover.  That wouldn't confuse me, of course, but it would annoy me to continuously open the calendar at the back instead of the front.  So . . . I designed this simple cut file using Cricut's Design Studio, which I cut from Stampin' Up!'s Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, and So Saffron vinyl.  The jewels that I added to the design are also from Stampin' Up!  Appropriately, I finished with this cover at 12:01 a.m.!