Birthday Gift Set

Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday. It's hard to believe that eight years have already gone by! Naturally, being the true procrastinator that I am, I waited until the last minute to make a card, so I whipped together this gift set for her using a card that I demonstrated during a workshop last month as a guide. I used the Big Bold Birthday stamp set and Bella Designer Series Patterned Paper, along with some felt flowers, brads, and iridescent ice embossing powder for that extra girly touch.

I created a topper for a paper bag that I had leftover from Halloween. Then I used my Big Shot to cut an acetate pillow box, which I filled with Starburst, one of my daughter's favorite candies.

The Square Spring Card is not my original idea. I found an online tutorial by Sandy Hulsart and modified the dimensions to create a smaller card. To create your own Square Spring Card, you will need a piece of cardstock that measures 8.5"x4 1/4" (you can change the size - just make sure that the length is double the width).

1. Begin by scoring the long side at 4 1/4".

2. Next, fold the right end in to meet the score line in the middle. I used a bone folder to create a sharp crease.

3. Fold in along the score lines and flip over your cardstock.

4. Fold the top left corner down to meet the score line that you created in step 2.
5. Open your card and fold the bottom left down to meet the same score line.

Your cardstock should look like this when opened:

6. Find the centre point on the side opposite the one on which you created the score line and use a ruler to draw two lines from this point to the tips of the triangular score lines.

Your cardstock should now look like this:

7. Cut along your pencil line. Your card should now fold into a spring. I glued the bottom triangle piece to the base to make it more sturdy.

Peace Joy Love & Cheer Scrapbook Page

I finally sat down to make a scrapbook page. It's been far too long since I've added to the kids' albums (obviously, since this photo was taken for Christmas 2003)! I was inspired by a sketch I saw in this month's Scrapbooks Etc. and I went with it, giving myself permission to actually use all those cute little felt flurry snowflakes! I also thought it was about time to try out my "Join the Cheer" Big Shot Die since it hadn't been used yet.

Paper: Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss Cardstock, Ski Slope Designer Series Patterned Paper
Stamps: Snow Swirled, Every Day Flexible Phrases
Ink: Whisper White
Accessories: Felt Flurries, Designer Brads, Pretties Kit Brads, Library Clip, Chipboard

Christmas Reed Diffuser

First of all, I'm sorry that I haven't posted in such a long time. Most people become too busy to stamp during Summer, while that seems to be the only time I have time to stamp! My September was filled with getting back to work (up to 80% instead of the 40% I taught the last five years), getting the girls settled into a new routine (especially with my youngest starting Kindergarten), and taking a group of students to Prince Edward Island for a National Leadership Conference (which was a blast, even if it did leave me far behind in my marking!). Today, however, I set aside some time before cleaning my stampin' space for tomorrow's club night to make a simple project. Yesterday I found this reed diffuser on sale. My wheels have been turning since I saw something similar altered in one of my Stampin' UP! magazines, so I happily picked up a couple of them. This is what I had time for today.

Stamp: Season of Joy

Paper: Ski Slope Designer Series Patterned Paper

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Ribbon, rub-ons, Hodgepodge hardware

Purse Album

Let me begin by saying, I'm sorry for how long it has taken me to post these instructions. I am now in the swing of things at school and am getting used to the routine once again. Time is limited, but I am trying to squeeze in some stamping time in between marking time and family time! I had originally planned to post the instructions for this album as a step by step tutorial, but this post has been in draft mode for a long time now and it's just time to get it done! If you have any questions, or need additional images, please feel free to email me.

The design for this purse is loosely based on an album I've had in my stash for awhile combined with one my upline, Crystal, showed me. I like the fact that it holds nine 4x6 photos (although I cropped 1/4" off my photos). I made the original for my horse lovin' daughter several months ago using the now retired Rose Cottage Simply Scrappin' Kit and Cherished Memories Rub-ons.

To create your album:

• Cut one piece of textured cardstock to 12"x10.5"
• Score both of the long (12") sides of your cardstock at 2 3/8" and 2 7/8"
• Score one of the short (10.5") side of your cardstock at 2 3/8" and 2 7/8"
• Score the other short side of your cardstock at 2 7/8" and 3 3/8"
• Cut along the inside score lines to where they intersect the other inside score lines on all four sides of your cardstock.
• Round all the corners
• Fold the flaps in to create your purse.
• Punch two 1/2" circles
• Use a brad to attach one of the circles to the centre (close to the bottom) of your upper flap.
• Use another brad to attach the other circle to the middle of your bottom flap
• Tie a string around the brad on the underside of the circle and use this as a closure.
• Punch a hole on the very top of your purse about half an inch in on both sides. Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie knots on the inside of the purse to create your handle.

To create the inside pages:

• Cut two 12x6" pieces of cardstock
• Score both at 3", 6", and 9"
• Accordion fold both pieces and attach the two pieces together creating a five panelled strip.
• Glue one of the end panels to the inside of your purse.
• Embellish as desired.

I like to cover the backs of my brads with strips of patterned paper or stickers to keep them from scratching my top photo. My seven year old daughter joined us for Stamp Camp this year and made her very own purse album (pictured below). She was so proud!

Truffle Box Tutorial

I created the pattern for these truffle boxes to hold individual Ferrero Rocher Chocolates after being inspired by a cupcake box my daughter brought home from a birthday party. They're quick and easy to make and don't use up a lot of paper. I'm still waiting for my order of new catalogue goodies to arrive, so for this sample I used Pirouette Pink cardstock with Bella Rose Designer Series Paper and elements from the Pretties Kit.


Supplies:
One or two colors of cardstock
Scrap of Patterned Paper
1.75x1.75" piece of transparency or plastic
1 1/4" Circle Punch
1 3/8" Circle Punch
Scallop Punch


To create your own Truffle Box:

Cut a piece of cardstock to 8.5x5"
Score along the long side at 1.5"
Score along the short side at 1.5", 3.5", 5", and 7"
Cut along all the short score lines to where they intersect. These will be the flaps for your box.

Cut a piece of cardstock for your inside base 2 7/8"x2 7/8"
Score along all four sides at 1/2"
Cut out the squares formed by the score lines at each corner.


Punch a circle out of the centre of your base piece using the 1 1/4" punch.

Punch a 1 3/8" circle from a scrap piece of Designer Series Patterned Paper. Set aside this piece. Using the hole as a guide, line up your scallop circle punch and punch out a scallop. This piece will be used to embellish the top of your box.

Use the 1 3/8" circle you punched out to trace around in the middle of one of the inside (2x2") panels on your box. Cut this circle out using scissors, making sure to cut along the outside of the traced mark.

Glue your scallop piece to the outside lid of your box.

Flip the box over and glue the transparency to the inside lid of the box to create a window.

Glue the flaps of the bottom of your box together as shown.

Glue the flaps together on the lid of your box. Be sure to do this while the lid is on your box to make sure that the lid will fit over the base.

Fold along the score lines on your 2 7/8 x 2 7/8" piece of cardstock. Slip this inside your box as a stand to hold your truffle in place.

Embellish the outside of the box as desired.

WOW Flowers 3x3 Card Kit

I came back from the lake last night after Stamp Camp, but unfortunately I did not find any catalogues waiting. I called Stampin' UP this morning and my catalogues will be re-shipped and I should see them by the first week in September (or the end of next week if I'm really lucky, which so far I have not been!). As a small consolation to my customers who have been (not so) patiently waiting for their hard copies of the new catalogue, I have decided to post the instructions for our Stamp Camp projects here this year for everyone to enjoy instead of printing them off or emailing them only to Stamp Camp Participants. Catalogues or no catalogues, Stamp Camp was a blast. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make it such a great time!

I'll be posting a project a day this week, starting with the Wow Flowers Card Kit we made. The box fits three 3x3 cards and matching square envelopes.

Supplies:

• Inks & Cardstock: Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze
• Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch
• Whisper White Cardstock
• Rhinestone (removed from a rhinestone brad - more on that later this week)

To Create the box:

• Cut one 7" x 4.25" piece cardstock
• Score along the short side at 3.25" and 3.75"
• Cut along the short score lines to where they intersect and fold everything up into a box. Glue flaps in place.
• Squeeze the open ends together and punch a quarter circle out of both pieces
• Embellish as desired and add matching 3x3 cards and mini envelopes

While we were at the lake, I also checked in on a Bohemian Waxwing Nest I discovered last weekend. The nest is quite tucked away in the tree, so I reached in with my point & shoot expecting more shots of the eggs. I was quite surprised to find this:

The pictures aren't the best, but I didn't want to chance staying too long and mama bird was anxious to get back to her nest for obvious reasons! I hope we make it back before they fly away.

Scalloped Flower Tutorial

I'm still waiting for my boxes of catalogues, which means I'm still playing with my preordered stamps and bella rose paper while I wait. I do, however, have my demonstrator copy of the catalogue. I must say that Stampin' UP really did an amazing job with this catalogue. The ideas and samples are gorgeous!!! Today as I poured through my catalogue again, this time looking at all the little details, I came across a super cute flower on page 46 and started wondering, "how did they do that?" I figured it out quickly and adapted it slightly to create my own version. I was so happy with it that I incorporated it into a project for this weekend's Stamp Camp. Here's what I did:

Supplies:

6 - Scallops punched out of Designer Series Paper (here Bella Rose)

1- small circle (here 3/4")

1 - embellishment centre (here Designer Button)

Cut each scallop in half. You will need five halves for a five petal flower like mine.

Roll each half scallop into a cone shape and glue in place.

Add adhesive to one side of your punched circle. This will be the base to add your petals to. Flatten the pointed end of each flower slightly.

Attach each petal one at a time to the adhesive on your circle.

Once all five petals are added, attach your centre embellishment and add it to your card. For a puffier version (like the one in the Stampin' UP catalogue), use six petals and do not flatten them.

Bella Monkey

I'm still anxiously awaiting my boxes of catalogues! In the meantime I thought I'd share some of my creations from last week. I spent much of the week at the cabin - relaxing, reading, tubing, and even stamping! I brought my new sets, new papers, and minimal supplies (very difficult for me) and actually found a few moments here and there to use them. These cards are two of the several I created. I'll be heading back to the lake for my annual Stamp Camp at the Lake this weekend. I still have room to squeeze in one or two more, so if you live in the Saskatoon area and would like to join me for a full day of stamping, food, and fun, let me know!

Always Bella

Here's the card I made for my parent's 40th anniversary this week. Mom, if you see this before your anniversary, act surprised! I bought a set of blender pens to create my own in-color markers using the in-color ink refills. I love them! I also used an older sketch from Poetic Artistry's Mojo Monday.

Stamp: Always

Paper: Bella Rose Designer Series Patterned Paper, Riding Hood Red

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip

Bella Rose Altered Bulletin Board & Ribbon Holder

This Summer I decided to tackle the mess that is my scrap space. Over the years as a demonstrator, my stuff has spilled out of the office and now takes up more than half the basement. I finally decided that having rolls and rolls of ribbon scattered in every corner of my space was no longer working for me and I set about creating one space dedicated to ribbon. Did I mention that I have a weakness for ribbon? My system isn't complete yet. I need to clean out the drawer unit that my altered ribbon holder rests on, but when I am done, it will contain spools of less frequently used ribbon (which are now stacked in the dvd cases and arranged in the two black boxes you see on the stand. My current Stampin' UP ribbon will remain in the IKEA baskets under my punches, since I use them most often. My other favorites (at least the ones that will fit) will go on the altered Paper Towel Holder I found on sale at Michaels last year. This system will need changing again soon, since I know of at least two new punches that will be coming out in the new Fall Idea Book & Catalogue, and I need to squeeze in another IKEA rail to hold them!

Now on to the fun part! My brand new catalogue preorder items arrived a week ago and I was so busy cleaning, I had no time to play until now. For these projects, I used the brand new Bella Rose Designer Series Paper, two of the new in-colors, and a couple of the new stamps. I altered a paper towel holder that I found in a 90% off bin at Michaels last year. I think I paid about $3 for it. I laughed when I put it in the cart, knowing that I am probably the least likely person I know to have a "farm fresh eggs" sign with a hen on it in my house. I laughed again when I looked at it yesterday and started thinking that there will probably be people out there who will think it looked better before I altered it! Anyway, at least I'm much happier with it now. Here's the before & after:

The next thing I altered was a Bulletin Board I also found in a sale bin about a year ago. It wasn't ugly before I altered it, but it still wasn't me. I don't remember how much this one was, but I'm sure it wasn't more than the Paper Towel Holder. The top holds a 6x6 scrapbook page, which I attached with only a little adhesive so that I can pull it out and change it later if I want. This will hold sketches, photos, and other inspiration. I can see it from my computer desk when I work and it makes me smile.

Stamps: Dreams Du Jour, Heard from the Heart
Patterned Paper: Bella Rose Designer Series Paper
Cardstock & Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
Other: Pretties Kit, Scallop Border Punch

Mint Patty Purse Tutorial

Here is another project from last night's Retirement Party. I created these purses to hold mint patties, but they could also hold other individually wrapped chocolates or candies. They're quick and easy!

Supplies:
1 - 5.5"x2.25" piece of cardstock scored along the short side at 2", 2 3/8", 4 3/8", and 4.75"
1 - 6" length of ribbon for the handle
1 - 2.25"x0.75" piece of Designer Series Patterned Paper
1 - embellished scallop. I used Polka Dots & Paisley and Big Pieces and the 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" circle punches for mine.
1 - brad

Attach the patterned paper to the smallest section and round the two corners.
Mark the centre of the opposite flap and pierce through both the scallop and the centre of the flap. Do not pierce through the flap or glue your scallop to your purse.
Attach a mint patty to the inside middle section of your purse and glue dow the two ends of ribbon to create a handle.
Close your purse, tucking the flap inside the scallop to hold it shut. I'd love to see your creations. Leave a comment with a link or email me with a picture!