"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" . . . SMALL SCALE RIBBON STORAGE

For today's MISM project, I have a really quick ribbon storage option.  Granted, if you have too much ribbon (now, that's just crazy talk) like I do, this is a solution for one little family of ribbon snippets . . . and by "snippets", I mean a few little yards or less. 

I used a Crop-a-Dile to punch holes in the front of this Decorative Window Gift Box from Stampin' Up!, and I wound the seam binding and wrinkle ribbon onto empty spools and placed them inside the box.

There's still room for one more spool (maybe two) and, even though the spools can move around, I hope that having the ribbon wrapped around the spools will keep it from becoming a jumbled mess.

THANKSGIVING DECOR TRIO

These Thanksgiving Home Décor projects are easy to make and will be a nice addition to your home this fall.  In this tutorial you will learn how to make a woodland wreath accentuated with die-cut leaves and a burlap bow to hang on your door or wall.  You are sure to have fun making these quick and easy décor projects.  

This project was designed by Carrie Rhoades, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

"GORGEOUS GRUNGE" CARD SET

Have you been wondering how you can use the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set? Not sure what exactly to do with it? This project is for you! This fun, grungy box includes five different card designs and five envelopes all using the Gorgeous Grunge and Chalk Talk stamp sets! It’s time to put your Gorgeous Grunge stamp set to use to make this bright and fun cards and box set!

This project was designed by Amanda, and her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

With her gorgeous multi-layer project last week, Julie issued a mission for me to create something with a minimum of three layers.  It just so happened that I was in a crunch for a card idea the other night, and it was quite nice to have a goal . . . a mission that needed to be accomplished.  I've mentioned aunt Betty in the past, and she's the one for whom this card was created.  She fell this week--gave herself quite a scare--but she's okay.  Very, very sore, but okay.

If you're like me, Easter egg was your first thought upon glancing at this card.  With this being almost Fall and almost October, I can assure you that I was not trying to create any kind of egg, but let it be known that when you throw a few oval layers on an oval-shaped card, particularly when one of those layers features a floral image (colored nicely and looking like Spring), you will probably end up with a lovely egg imposter.  What matters most is that aunt Betty will appreciate the card.  She told me recently that whenever she's not feeling well or just feeling blue, a card will come in the mail from me.  I try to send cards on a somewhat regular basis, but it makes me feel great to know that some of them arrive just when she needs a pick-me-up.  That's just one of the great things about sending cards.  It's so easy these days to send an email or a text, but I believe that neither can brighten a day as much as a greeting card and when I take the time to make it myself, it just has to be even more special, right?

Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include Wisteria Wonder, Very Vanilla, and Pear Pizzazz card stock, Best of Flowers and A Dozen Thoughts stamp sets, Oval Framelits, Beautifully Baroque embossing folder, and Baker's twine.

ACCORDION MEMORY KEEPER

I have a gorgeous project to share with you today that is a perfect gift for a friend or loved one. It consists of an Accordion Memory Keeper where you can personalize with messages and/or add photos, four thank you note cards, and a one-of-a-kind flower pen. 

This delightful ensemble was designed by Gayle, and her complete tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

INKERBELLES' SWAPS

Each month, I have a stampin' class that's known as the Inkerbelles' Class.  On occasion, we have had a monthly swap theme but, when I had to cancel classes earlier this year, the swapping fell by the wayside but got started again this month.  There were only four of us who participated in the swap, and our theme was "Anything Goes"--each participant could make whatever she wanted to make.

Debbie's "Box in a Bag"

Tracy's pretty floral-embossed birthday card

Jane's beautifully-colored leaf (she used chalks and a blender pen) on a buffet/place marker.

For my swaps, I used the Envelope Punch Board to create a file folder card from "Winter Frost" designer paper, Expressions Thinlits (for the die-cut "merry"), and "Wishing You" stamp set.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY" & THE WINNER OF THE CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL SUBSCRIPTION

In the Stampin' Up! world, the Envelope Punch Board is all the rage.  While this tool isn't brand new to the general paper craft market, its added value has been brought to light recently by some creative Stampin' Up! demonstrators who have shared some genius projects [created with the tool] that are even more exciting than the custom envelopes for which it was designed.  One such project is a tabbed card shaped like a file folder.  The card that I'm sharing today began as a regular A2 card--shaped like a file folder with one tab--and I used the Envelope Punch Board to create the tab.  I had planned to adhere the oval layers in the other direction to be oriented with the stamped sentiment but, at the last minute, I decided that my card would be a gift card holder.  I ended up cutting some length off the bottom of the card and gluing the two sides together to form a pocket.  The gift card would need some kind of tab/pull mechanism so the recipient would know that it was there, so I used the Word Window punch to create the tab and then decorated it with a punched heart (Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack) and a rhinestone jewel.  Other Stampin' Up! products used to complete this gift card holder include Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, and Whisper White card stock, Wetlands stamp set, Tea Lace Doily, Ovals Collection Framelits, and Beautifully Baroque embossing folder.  The photo below shows the opening for the gift card holder and the decorative tab to pull it from the pocket.

WINNER!  WINNER!  WINNER!  With this blog post, I announced that I would draw the name of a lucky person who would receive a FREE subscription to the September tutorials at Craft Project Central.  I really appreciate those who took the time to leave a comment!  The winner of the free subscription is . . . (drum roll) . . . Jane McAulay, who wrote, "Regina, I just love these esp the color combinations and designs. Well done!!!"  Congratulations, Jane! 

HARVEST PARTY DECOR

Today at Craft Project Central, Jen has this to say about her Harvest Party Decor:  "Decorating my house with Fall décor is one of my favorite things to do!  I love all of the rich, warm colors.  This month I’ve created some simple, new ways to jazz up my home--and yours--for a Harvest Party.  A festive banner can hang from your mantel or window; refresh your cake stands with some die-cut leaves; create gratitude and treat jars, and give those pumpkins a facelift with glitter. You’ll be ready in no time to celebrate the Harvest Season."

This is such a festive looking ensemble!  If you would like to make these projects for your home, the tutorial is available at Craft Project Central.

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

Hello, Friday . . . Hello, YOU!  It's Julie Beaulieu's turn to share an inspiring project for this edition of Freestyle Fridays, and I do believe she has used some favorites of mine . . . love that image with the birds, Cloudy Day (I think) embossing folder, Rich Razzleberry, and just look at all of those layers--with rounded corners!  By now you know the drill . . . to see the whole project and read all about it, let's hop on over to Julie's blog.  And since Old Man Winter is trying to steal the last days of Julie's summer (and because she deserves a little comment love), let's take a couple of seconds and leave a few kind words.

"BEST OF HALLOWEEN" TREATS

I enjoy being a designer for Craft Project Central, and it's time to share the Halloween project that I designed this month.  Soon it will be time to create treats for those special little goblins in your life and, surely, one of these will suffice.  You might just need a festive card or a small test tube, but the decked out bag or box in this ensemble will hold plenty of goodies!  You’ll love the fact that any or all of these festive packages will leave you with plenty of time to select the perfect treats to put in them!

My project tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.  Would you like to win a FREE subscription to this month's tutorials?  I would love to draw the name of a lucky winner but, in order to do that, you'll need to visit Craft Project Central and leave a comment under the blog post where my project ensemble is pictured.  It will be the blog post dated 9-19-13.  On Monday, September 23, I will announce the winner of the FREE subscription.

PERFECT RIBBON FOR "PERFECT BLEND"

Who says you have to be a coffee drinker to appreciate Stampin' Up!'s Perfect Blend stamp set?  When I first saw this set, I loved the size of that cup!  I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a coordinating die but, thankfully, it's a very easy cup to cut out with scissors.  I stamped the cup three times--once on Sweater Weather designer paper, once on Very Vanilla card stock that I embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder, and again on Whisper White card stock so I could cut out the lid and adhere it with Stampin' Dimensionals.  Even before I owned the stamp set, I was so excited to find that awesome ribbon.  It sat patiently on top of a cabinet in my stamp room until I finally got the stamp set, and now I just need to create more projects.  Stampin' Up! products featured on this card that I haven't already mentioned include:  Scallop Trim Border punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (heart), pearl jewel, Baker's twine, Stripes embossing folder, and Very Vanilla, Tangerine Tango, and Early Espresso card stock.

Guess what day it is . . . Guess. What. Day. It. Is.

 Whoop . . .Whooooooooooop!!!!!

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project is a card that I made recently for a Cricut Artbooking cartridge contest, and all of the images are from that cartridge.  I love the hugs Polaroid-looking frame, and I added the palm tree and grass border to decorate it.  That layer, being the focal point, was adhered with dimensional adhesive.  The hearts banner was cut two times using brown and red card stock, and I used some of the tiny heart cut-outs as a border along the bottom of the card.  I wasn't sure if the card needed ribbon, but a little gingham couldn't hurt.  I had hoped there would be a lot of contest entries so I could gain more ideas and inspiration for the cartridge, but I was happy to win a prize.

HALLOWEEN PARTY ENSEMBLE

Get ready for a spooky Halloween party with this fun set! Complete with invitation, food labels for your treats table, party favor bag, luminary, and a decorated jar full of treats. You will be all set to surprise and scare your guests! Also, you’ll learn fun new ways to use the Card Base Pop’n Cuts die to make these projects!

 This fun ensemble was designed by Amanda, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

MIXED MEDIA FOR "FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

So Julie issued a mission last week for me to create a mixed media project for this edition of Freestyle Fridays.  I'm a big fan of mixed media and have just enough supplies in my arsenal to, most of the time, leave me scratching my head in wonder of how to narrow down what to use.  That's pretty much how things went on Tuesday while I was working on the mission . . . until . . . I had an idea.  Unfortunately, it would be impossible to backtrack and reveal (step by step) how this project arrived at completion.  I can, however, list the supplies that I used:  assorted Dylusions ink sprays, assorted Tim Holtz Distress Stains and alcohol inks, assorted Claudine Hellmuth acrylic paints, light spritzes of Mister Huey's Color Mists, Dylusions Say It How It Is stamp set, a strip of burlap trim, and a few swipes of Faber Castell Gelatos--all of this on a larger-than-needed piece of watercolor paper, which was eventually cut to size for the card.  Although barely visible, I used a die-cut of Stampin' Up!'s Lattice die as a stencil with some of the ink sprays.  Other Stampin' Up! products featured on this project include the Dress Up Framelits die which was adorned with a pieced pleated skirt from Sycamore Street (retired) designer paper, pearl jewels, rhinestone brad (retired) holding the butterfly metal accent, Very Vanilla and Basic Black card stock, and crochet trim.  All in all . . . this was a very fun project to put together!  I don't know how she does it, but Julie Beaulieu always comes up with really fun missions!  Thank you, Julie!

GIVE THANKS WREATH

This wreath is fun to make, uses recycled materials. and can be customized to any color scheme!  Highlighting the wonderful Sweater Weather designer paper, it is a mix of naturals, subtle, and bright colors--perfect for Autumn.

I love the pretty colors in this wreath, which was designed by Lauri.  Her tutorial, complete with photos, is available at Craft Project Central.

A MINION FOR COLTON

My great-nephew will celebrate a birthday on Friday, and he loves minions.  The funny thing is that his love for minions totally suits his personality.  Right off the bat, I knew that I had selected the wrong yellow, but I didn't expect my first attempt to please me.  When it did, I just had to go with it.  My son said that minions don't wear suspenders (slight undersight on my part), and I hope that Colton won't pay too much attention to that little detail.  Then again, maybe he'll like this style of dress code for his subordinate.

Stampin' Up! products used to create this card include:  Memorable Moments stamp set, Summer Smooches (retired) designer paper, Island Indigo, So Saffron, Basic Black, Brushed Silver, and Whisper White card stock, and assorted circle and oval punches.  

Happy Birthday, Colton!

 I hope you like your little minion!

Remembering 9/11.  I still have this magnet on my refrigerator.  The original post is HERE.

 

FOR THE BOOK WORM IN YOUR LIFE

This Book Worm Set is the perfect gift for that special little someone in your life who loves to read! This set features an altered can bookmark holder, four book worm bookmarks, a book list book, a book worm pencil, and a fun card for presenting this set as a gift!  Any one of these projects, individually, would make for a wonderful creative session for you and your little one!  

Reading is one of those things that I sometimes have to force on myself, but I want to pick up a book to start reading and give those adorable bookmarks a job!  Michelle Wecksler designed this project, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

"MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Two Monday's in one week is too much.  From the time I opened my eyes yesterday until I slept, I had to keep reminding myself that it was Sunday.  I was disappointed when the mail didn't run.  Around 2:30, as I was looking for UPS, I was disappointed to remember that I'd have one more sleep before that happened.  As my husband left for a business trip (which hardly ever happens on a Sunday), I told him that my son and I would be watching "Under the Dome", and I continued looking forward to that until around midnight when I remembered that the show hadn't even been DVR'd yet. Why???  Because it wasn't MONDAY!  I've had my days mixed up before, but I can't remember the last time it was as confusing as yesterday.  So . . . Happy 2nd Monday!

For today's MISM project, I chose this superdeeduper easy box.  During my Monday-on-Sunday, I was making some cuts with the Silhouette and, since the area surrounding the machine was clear, I decided to cut this Cake Box.  I've had the cut file for a while, but I hadn't tried it.  The one-piece box kind of folds itself into the closure, which is comprised of two tab pieces with slits that slip over two circle tabs that meet the slit tabs in the center.  I wish the camera and lighting had picked up on the shimmery glitter in the paper, but you'll just have to trust me that it is, indeed, shimmery.  To create the tag, I used the following Stampin' Up! products:  Apothecary Accents Framelits, Oval punches (Large, Scallop, and Wide), Pear Pizzazz and Crisp Cantaloupe ink, crochet trim, and Layered Labels stamp set.

I'm so excited!  The mail will run today, UPS will deliver a package of Stampin' Up! goodies, and I'll get to watch "Under the Dome"!!!!!  Woohoo!!!!!

CARD BOX & POST-IT HOLDER

This darling card box will easily hold 4-6 cards and envelopes.   The card box and coordinating Post it Note Holder make a beautiful set for any desk.  Make several sets to give as gifts this coming holiday season!  

Don't you think this pretty project has a nostalgic feel to it?  I don't know if it's the soft colors, the frilly scalloped edges on the mat layers, or what.  Laurie designed this project, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

"FREESTYLE FRIDAYS"

[whish, whish, whish]  That's how fast it seems that the Fridays are coming around!  Happy Friday to you, and thanks for visiting my blog today!  It's Julie's turn to share a work of art for this edition of Freestyle Fridays, and I think I'm going to love it when I see the whole project.  From the sneak peek photo, it literally screams vintage.  I already love the color combo, the stamped twill (or whatever that fabric-y/ribbon-y stuff is), and those flowers . . . oh, my goodness.  Love!  To see the whole project and read all about it, let's visit Julie's blog--and don't forget to leave a little comment!  Bloggers love to hear from their visitors!  Have a fabulous weekend!!!

SKETCH CHALLENGE #27 AT CRAFT PROJECT CENTRAL

Each month, a new sketch challenge is posted at Craft Project Central, and I followed the latest sketch to create this card, with the exception of using a file folder design for the card base.  UPS delivered my Envelope Punch Board today, and I used it to create the "tabs" for my card and to round the corners.  I think we (the tool and I) are going to be good friends.  I was also excited to use two other Stampin' Up! products that were still new and untouched . . . the Snow Day stamp set and Winter Frost designer paper.  I'd be lying if I said you wouldn't need the Stamp-a-ma-jig with this stamp set but, believe it or not, this cute little fella was just my second attempt at a perfect snowman!  Additional Stampin' Up! products used to complete this card include Northern Flurry embossing folder, Modern Label punch, 1/2" Circle and 1" Circle punches, silver glimmer paper, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Island Indigo, and Pool Party card stock, rhinestone jewels, and Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.  Why don't you create something for Card Challenge #27, and you might win a FREE one-month subscription to some awesome project tutorials!  You'll find the sketch and all of the details at Creating Pretty Cards - Sketch Challenge #27.

ACTION WOBBLE "SHAKE YOUR GRASS"

Sharing today a very quick card . . . all I had to do was stamp the images, color (what's not to love about coloring), and decide where/how to add a few pops of color and interest with layers.  This particular stamp set calls for the use of a wobble mechanism that makes it a really fun card.  I made a few of these cards and almost wish that I could be present to see the recipients open them.  The snippet of ribbon and glimmer brad are from Stampin' Up!, as is the sentiment (A Dozen Thoughts stamp set).  My card stock colors are Very Vanilla, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black, and Pear Pizzazz, and I used the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch to create the Tangerine Tango scallop edging.

It's hard to capture motion with still photography, but the top layer of the grass skirt has a spring-like motion to it.  Fun!!!

TEACHER APPRECIATION FLOWERS & FRAME

Send flowers to the teacher that will last all year!  Create an adorable vase and floral bouquet with a coordinating frame for a class photo, and let your children’s teachers know how much you appreciate them.

Aren't those flowers simply gorgeous?  This ensemble was designed and created by Buffy Cooper, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

LABEL CARD THINLITS FEATURED ON "MAKE-IT-SNAPPY-MONDAY"

Today's MISM project features Stampin' Up!'s new Label Card Thinlits dies, which can be purchased HERE.  Additional Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include:  Fancy Fan embossing folder, Very Vanilla and Pistachio Pudding card stock, Word Window and 1-1/4" Circle punches, rhinestone jewel, and the following stamp sets:  Postage Collection, A Dozen Thoughts, Happy Day, and Blooming with Kindness.  I apologize for the crappy photos but, out of about 50 photos, these two were the best.  :-(  Regarding the dies, just look at all that comes with this set:

This large die (resting sideways for storage on the magnet sheet) creates the swing card.

These are the accessories and sentiments.

I have to admit that I didn't initially plan to purchase these dies because I have a couple of Sizzix Flip-Its dies, but I am really glad that I ordered this set.  Notice the frame die on the bottom left?  The smallest die in the Labels Collection Framelits set layers nicely on top of it!  The banners, which cut and score for a dimensional wavy ribbon, are going to be very handy for small words/sentiments, and I know that I'll be using the "hi" sentiment often.  As a matter of fact, here are two quick (and I mean quick) cards that I threw together to show how easy and fun a card can be with that one little word--one card uses the die-cut word, the other card uses the negative:

To create the burlap flower, I twisted and wrapped Burlap ribbon onto a Jumbo Sticky Round. 

Stampin' Up! products can be ordered through my web site or you can click the shopping bag at the top of the right sidebar. 

"WITCHES BREW" HALLOWEEN HOME DECOR

This trio of canvases makes for a fun and festive wall hanging for the upcoming Halloween happenings! It’s a great project to make for your own Halloween décor, but don’t forget to make a second one, along with the coordinating card, and give it as a gift!   

Julie Beltramo designed this awesome and festive decor, and her tutorial can be found at Craft Project Central.

STAMPIN' UP!'S ENVELOPE PUNCH BOARD

We'll use this new tool at my September class, but you can learn all about it here.  It's available for purchase on my web site.