Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my U.S. friends!

From Wikipedia, we learn:

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S. and on the second Monday of October in Canada

Fixing the date of the holiday

The reason for the earlier Thanksgiving celebrations in Canada has often been attributed to the earlier onset of winter in the north, which ends the harvest season earlier. 
Thanksgiving in Canada did not have a fixed date until the late 19th century. The first official Canadian Thanksgiving occurred on April 15, 1872, when the nation was celebrating the Prince of Wales' recovery from a serious illness. 
By the end of the 19th century, Thanksgiving Day was normally celebrated on November 6. However, when Word War I ended, the Armistice Day holiday was usually held during the same week. To prevent the two holidays from clashing with one another, in 1957 the Canadian Parliament proclaimed Thanksgiving to be observed on its present date on the second Monday of October. 
Much as in Canada, Thanksgiving in the United States was observed on various dates throughout history. From the time of the Founding Fathers until the time of Lincoln, the date Thanksgiving was observed varied from state to state. 
The final Thursday in November had become the customary date in most U.S. states by the beginning of the 19th century. Thanksgiving was first celebrated on the same date by all states in 1863 by a presidential proclamation of Abraham Lincoln.  
Influenced by the campaigning of author Sarah Josepha Hale, who wrote letters to politicians for around 40 years trying to make it an official holiday, Lincoln proclaimed the date to be the final Thursday in November in an attempt to foster a sense of American unity between the Northern and Southern states.
On December 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress changing the national Thanksgiving Day from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday. 
Hope you have a wonderful day.
hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Love that One-Sheet Wonder

I used this One-Sheet Wonder template to make eight (8) cards and the adorable Tag A Bag Gift Box!  And one of the coolest things about this One-Sheet Wonder is that it uses an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of paper.
The One Sheet Wonder technique is always a favorite. The simple genius comes from using a single stamped sheet of cardstock, cut into multiple pieces, to create a whole set of cards, 3-D projects, or scrapbook pages.  
I made detailed cards with accents and embellishments that make each card unique.  They're something I'm proud to send and are going to make fantastic Christmas presents. Yes, I'm making them for presents this year.  
Want more details?  Just contact me.  I'm happy to share.  I just love how these cards and box turned out.

Stamps:  Four You, Daydream Medallions
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Pistachio Pudding
One Sheet Wonder pieces -
1   1” x 4-1/4” – Card 5 on layout above
1   3/4” x 4-1/4” – Card 5 on layout above
1   1/2” x 4-1/4” – Card 5 on layout above
1   Die-cut Baked Brown Sugar 1” flower – Card 5
Very Vanilla Cardstock
1   4” x 5-1/4” – Cards 5
Baked Brown Sugar Cardstock
1   3-7/8” x 5-1/8” – Card 5
Coastal Cabana Cardstock
1   4-1/4” x 11” – Card 5
Other
In Color Boutique Details in Coastal Cabana
3/8” Coastal Cabana Ruffle Stretch Trim (1”)
Stamping Sponge
Stamp-a-ma-jig (optional)
Adhesives:  SNAIL (18”) & Glue Dots & Stampin’ Dimensionals

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Great to Give Decorative Gift Boxes

I am crazy over Decorative Gift Boxes!  I love how easy they are to decorate and then give to someone special.

I worked on these this evening for some people I work closely with every day.

And you can see that I even have one for an event that I'm doing in early December on the far right.
Here's a closer view of the Christmas style.
See the Hershey Kiss candies inside the box?

And then just a slight switch-a-roo or two . . . .

Tah Dah!  All ready for Thanksgiving giving.
The rosette fills in the window of the box perfectly.
And just another quick change of ribbon gives you this pretty box.

We put together a video for this.  I'll post it as soon as we're done with the editing.

What was used to create the Thanksgiving boxes:

Decorative Window Gift Boxes (132146)
Card Stock - Whisper White (100730)
Stamp Set - Tags 4 ______ - drawing a blank here!
Designer Series paper - Season of Style (132181)
Ink - Baked Brown Sugar (131174)
Punch - Label Bracket (132153)
Bigz XL Designer Rosette (125594)
Ribbons - 7/16" Trim (129287) and 5/8" Crochet Trim - Victoria (118481)
Silicone Craft Sheet (127853)

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Make It Easy - Tag a Bag Boxes

I love the Tag a Bag Gift Boxes.  Know why?  
Well, it's simple.

How do you create a unique gift box without any cutting, measuring, or adhesive? You start with a package of Tag a Bag Gift Boxes and just add your imagination! 

A perfect box for wrapping that 'something special'
Paper crafters love to give special, small, handmade gifts. A set of tags or a sweet treat are common gifts that become uncommon when gifted in beautiful packaging. 

And with the Tag a Bag Gift Boxes it's so easy to quickly create unique boxes. 

In fact, the die-cut box has pre-scored lines and assembles without any adhesive. Really! 

The acetate sleeve is the unique touch that cinches the deal. No assembly here either. Just fold the sleeve open and slip the open-topped box in. Add a bit of ribbon, a tag, and you have a gift box that looks like an expensive boutique find, even if it's only chocolates from the grocery store!

More ways to gift with Tag a Bag Gift Boxes:
• Cookies
• Candy
• Baby onsie and rattle for a baby shower
• Small toys
• Jewelry
• Pens, small sticky notes, paper clips, etc. for teachers or co-workers
• Spa goodies like bath salts, special soap and lotion
• …and more!

We all need small gifts and the Tag a Bag Gift Boxes are a unique and fun option - even for those quick last-minute gifts! Keeping a few on hand is making my life so much easier!
Tip: Stamp the acetate sleeve with Jet Black or White StazOn ink for a quick and elegant look.

What I used:
Stamps
• Daydream Medallions (#131976 wood, #126467 clear)

Ink
• Baked Brown Sugar (#131174)
• Coastal Cabana (#131175)
• Crisp Cantaloupe (#131176)
• Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad (#131178)

Paper
• Very Vanilla (#101650)
• Coastal Cabana (#131297) 
• Crisp Cantaloupe (#131298)
• Strawberry Slush (#131295)

Adhesives
• SNAIL Refill (#104331)
• Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430) 
• Glue Dots (#103683)  

Accessories
• In Color Boutique Details (#130938)
• Basic Pearl Jewels (#119247) 
• Coastal Cabana 3/8" Ruffled Stretch Trim (#130024) 
• Baked Brown Sugar 3/8" Ruffled Stretch Trim (#130022) 
• Tag a Bag Gift Boxes (#130927) - 1/set

Tools
• Big Shot w/ Multipurpose Platform (#113439)
• Floral Frames Collection Framelits (#127012)
• Big Shot Magnetic Platform (#130658) 
• Stamping Sponges (#101610)
• Sponge Daubers (#102892)

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Just Because You'll Love It

Once Upon A Time . . . when I first began to stamp, I never would have thought it would end up like this.  

I stamp today for the same reason I began - because I love it.  You'll love it, too.

It's so relaxing to just sit with paper and ink and create.  And today, it's easier than ever because you can go online and get ideas galore for springboards.
Case in point:  this layout is from the Freshly Made Sketches.
It's clean.  It's simple.  And there's so much you can do with it.  

We had a lot going on last night with 4-H, and I didn't get home until late.  So ... I also wanted some colors given to me to use.  I found that at ColourQ.
For card stocks, I used Crumb Cake (120953), which is the same thing as Kraft, Soft Sky (131203) on the inside of the card, and Whisper White (100730).
See the Soft Sky peeking out from the inside there?
The inks I used are Pumpkin Pie (126945), Crumb Cake (121030), Crushed Curry (131173) - since I don't have More Mustard anymore - and Soft Sky (131181).
I always recommend making multiples of cards, since you're cutting one out anyway.  That way, if you're like so many people I know, you can keep one and then send out the other.  Since I keep a blog, I send out both.  I can always refer to the blog if I want to see what I've made and re-create a card or two.

The stamp sets I used are Gorgeous Grunge (130517) - I think I'm addicted to this set - so incredibly versatile!, and A Dozen Thoughts (131056).

Be sure to check out the other fabulous cards on these challenges, and I hope you have a great day doing something you love.

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Video Tutorial - Fall Thank You Card

Woo Hoo!  It's actually Video Time!  My younger son and I created this video over the weekend.  It's a great card that I posted right here.

Enjoy!

I had such a bad migraine that I went to bed super early last night.  Here's to hoping today is better!

May your day be filled with creative goodness.

What I used -
Stamp set:  Truly Grateful (#131733)
Card Stock:  Sahara Sand (#121043)
Designer Series Paper:  Sweater Weather (#132184)
Ink - Early Espresso (#126974)
Extras:  1" Square Punch; Stampin' Sponges (#101610)Burlap (#132140), SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Paper Pumpkin - Holiday

My Paper Pumpkin arrived last week.  I peeked inside and squealed like a little girl when I saw an adorable little star garland inside!  ~~ So pretty ~~

And after a day full of fixing meals, doing dishes, changing laundry, and taking out the trash, I was more than ready for a little escape . . . 
The ink is a Real Red and was used for stamping the "Wishing You a Merry Christmas" sentiment and the little star tucked away inside the "O" of "Noel".

The cursive sentiment is really nice.  It's super easy to stamp on straight and centered.  I didn't even try.
What a cute garland of stars.  I wrapped it around the center card stock three times.  Quite a bit of the garland came in the package.  I had two little packages full of garlands.  I adhered them using glue dots.  Quick and easy.
As with all the Paper Pumpkin kits involving cards, there is enough of everything to create four of them, including envelopes - I had to decorate the envelope, too!  No naked envelopes here.

So cute and fun.

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Easy, Colorful, For You

It's just For You.
And it's from me.

Yep.  When I got home from work today, I could hardly wait to get down to my cozy crafting space and have fun with some paper and ink.  
I managed to create a couple of cards to send out tomorrow using several challenges.

What a relief to have a little time to myself and just enjoy the creative process - even if it was only for about half an hour.
With the ColourQ, it was the colors - Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie (the ink 126945), Rich Razzleberry (card stock 115316 and ink 126950), Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon (130019) and Whisper White card stock (100730).  I substituted Cherry Cobbler (ink 126966) for the Bravo Burgundy color because I don't have that one anymore.

For the Paper Players challenge, I managed to have leaves in the Pumpkin Pie stamped image used from the Chalk Talk (#130634) stamp set.

And the clean and simple layout is from the CAS(E) this Sketch!
And this post today is For You.  Hope you enjoyed it!

Other fun stuff that was used to make the cards:
Framelits - Chalk Talk (120093); Circles Collection (130911)
Adhesives - Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) and SNAIL (104331)

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Thankful For . . .

What are you thankful for?
This is a card I created using the Retrosketch #90 (shown below).  So I would say I'm grateful for Retrosketch and their great ideas that they share.
Great Sketch!  I was asked to make cards with our Youth Group for the shut-ins of our church, so I cut enough of this for the youth to make for all the shut-ins.  It's gonna be great!  
Just fantastic for an all-occasion card - and we all need those!
And the beauty is . . . I can use up all those scraps on my craft table.  Love it when that happens.

What I used -
Stamp set:  Truly Grateful (#131733)
Card Stock:  Sahara Sand (#121043)
Designer Series Paper:  Sweater Weather (#132184)
Ink - Early Espresso (#126974)
Extras:  1" Square Punch; Stampin' Sponges (#101610), Burlap (#132140), SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store
Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Cool Tool - Floral Frames Framelits

If you love die cutting with your Big Shot, then you'll want to get your hands on the Floral Frames Collection Framelits (#127012)! - Floral images have always been favorites in fashion and décor. 
Well, you know what?  Stampers are no different. 

Many of our favorite stamps and Designer Series Papers feature flowers and floral patterns. 

Now, with the Floral Frames Collection Framelits we have the perfect tool to die cut timeless floral shapes! 

Die cut and layer the flower shapes on cards, scrapbook pages, home décor items, and for techniques like Faux Fabric Flowers. The set includes 2 larger dies with a pointed petal design and 3 smaller dies with rounded petal designs.
The combination of designs give you even more creative options and still manage to nest and layer together perfectly. 
Add in the coordinating Daydream Medallions stamp set and you'll have a great time creating all kinds of floral projects!

Tip: Use 1-3/4" Circle Punch to create a frame or wreath by punching the center of 3" flower die cut.

What I used:

Stamps
• Daydream Medallions (#131976 wood, #126467 clear)
• Four You (#130535 wood, #130538 clear)

Ink
• Baked Brown Sugar (#131174)
• Coastal Cabana (#131175)
• Crisp Cantaloupe (#131176)
• Pistachio Pudding (#131177)
• Strawberry Slush (#131178)

Card Stock
• Very Vanilla (#101650) 
• Baked Brown Sugar (#131296) 
• Coastal Cabana (#131297) 
• Crisp Cantaloupe (#131298) 
• Pistachio Pudding (#131294) 
• Strawberry Slush (#131295)

Adhesives
• SNAIL (#104331) 
• Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430) 
• Glue Dots (#103683) 

Accessories
• Basic Pearl Jewels (#119247) - 19/set

Tools
• Big Shot w/ Multipurpose Platform (#113439)
• Floral Frames Collection Framelits (#127012)
• Big Shot Magnetic Platform (#130658)
• Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334) 
• Paper Snips (#103579)
• Paper Trimmer (#126889)
• Stamping Sponges (#101610)
• Sponge Daubers (#102892)


hang out with me on facebook
stay inspired with my newsletter - get a free PDF tutorial
save time and money at my online store

Thanks for stopping by ~~ Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!