Cupcake Yumminess!

Boy, where oh where does the time go? The holidays have been busy, but fun! I've been squeezing in stamping time between lots of holiday events - and even though it's been a great last couple of weeks, I'm really looking forward to getting my Christmas stuff put away - and getting back into the routine of things! Or maybe it's just time to myself that I'm looking forward to!

Anyway, this is one of the cards I made for a swap I'm doing with the new Occasions Mini Catalog. There are some really awesome new products coming out! Stampin' Up! never stops amazing me!!

So, in this card, there is new Baja Breeze Glass Glitter. It's on the top of the new Cupcake Punch (frosting!) piece. There is also new Baja Breeze Seam Binding! LOVE Baja Breeze!! :) To top off the cupcake is the one of the new Ribbon Roses. The set I used is the new Create a Cupcake. Lovin' it all!

Hope you're enjoying the holidays, and the end of 2010!


Julie

Merry Christmas!

So here's the full picture of my Christmas card this year! They ended up being more layers than I usually do, but I like how they came out!

And here's the inside. I like having a picture of us each year, but of course, the card always has to be hand-stamped!


Have a very Merry Christmas,


Julie

How do you Stuff a Stocking?

So I don't wrap anything that goes into the stockings, but I know a lot of people do! Wouldn't the Candy Wrapper die be a cute way to wrap little things for stockings though?

These are a few of the Candy Wrappers I made a while back. Kinda fun!

I like how you can "do up" the ends in lots of ways - tie 'em with ribbon, twist 'em with tinsel trim, punch 'em with brads, or even just twist and push 'em in with nothing!


Even after Christmas, these little Candy Wrappers are going to be so awesome for lots of little treats!! (And even when the Holiday Mini Catalog is gone, the Big Shot dies will still be available.)


Julie

More Filled with Love!

Just a quick post - another awesome card from my stampin' buddy Chari. Again, the set used is Filled with Love. I like the color combination she chose.

I hope you're ready for the holidays!


Julie

From Christmas to Valentines...

I LOVE this card made by my stampin' buddy Chari! It's a great example of using our Deck the Halls fabric and buttons (still available from the Holiday Mini), and our Filled with Love valentine set to make a beautiful card!

I always find myself with left-overs from one holiday, and feel bad that I didn't get to use them. So, this shows just how perfect the Deck the Halls pieces are for Valentines!! So don't stress if you don't get all those holiday projects done in time for Christmas, there's always Valentines!


Thanks for stopping by,


Julie

Valentine's Anyone??

OK, so call it crazy, we have one week until Christmas - and I'm asking you about Valentines? Well, Stampin' Up! has a cool bargain from now until January24th, called the Filled with Love Bundle. You will get the Filled with Love Stamp set (from the Holiday Mini Catalog), and an exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack, and a FREE pack of Bitty Buttons! All of these are used in making the card above (not made by me, but a Stampin' Up! artist!).

It's great because when I saw this set in the Holiday Mini, I was figuring it would go pretty unnoticed during the Fall. So now that it will be offered through most of January, and a FREE set of buttons is offered with it, I'm excited to make more things with it too (and, especially now, since my Christmas cards are off in the mail)!!


Julie

With Gratitude...

I'm on a little vacation with my family (and, yes my unfinished Christmas cards came too!). The vacation idea sounded good when I booked it back in the summertime, but once the dates got here, I realized that there's really a lot going on right now to be "vacationing." But now that most things are in place for Christmas, I hope to enjoy some time away!

Anyway, I did bring along my Christmas cards - and I'm enjoying just working on them! But I also brought pictures of a few of my favorite cards that I wanted to show you.

So this card is made by my awesome stampin' friend, Dena. I like it, because it uses the Day of Gratitude set, and it's done in colors that I wouldn't have thought to use! I guess because it seemed like a Thanksgiving kind of set, I would have used earth tones with it. But I really like the Marina and Pear she used. And, what a cute idea with the Decorative Label punch!

This card made me realize how versatile this set really is! And it will only be offered in the Holiday Mini catalog until January 3rd.


Julie

Just a Peek... of Christmas!

I'm in the midst of mass production of my Christmas cards - finally! So I thought I'd give just a sneak peek of what I'm up to... Lots of layers and lots of smooching! Smooching is so hard to photograph! But it's so awesome in person, which makes it worth the time spent!

So, I'm using lots of stuff on my cards, but the stamps are the Christmas Collage background, the reindeer from Winter Post, and the Bells and Boughs set. And, lots of punches!!

I like how they turned out, just wish I was further along in getting them finished!


Julie

Let's Make a Deal...

Door Number 1...


Door Number 2...


Or Door Number 3...

OK, so really it will be all 3! I'm doing a class where each person will be making all three of these cones. It was my attempt at re-creating the cones in the Holiday Mini Catalog, times 20 sets of three!! Lots of prep, but I hope it will be lots of fun!

My favorite one is probably Door Number 1 - because I like the glittered edges on the Merry Christmas tag! We'll see how many people choose to add it - always love the look of glitter, but we'll see how much time they have.


Hope you're making time to do some Holiday crafting!!


Julie

And More Tags!

So, here are some more tags for Christmas gifts this year. They're getting to be the quicker versions already!

Probably, most of the people I'm giving gifts to won't even care or notice the tags so much; and, so for sake of time, and my patience, a couple stamps and a punch make quick and easy tags!

Oh, and to be quick and easy, I just tied a scrap of ribbon into a knot and Mini Glue dotted it on. Looks like a tied ribbon, but used up my scraps!! Yay!


Hope you had a great weekend,


Julie

Time for Tags!

I've actually done some wrapping the last few days, and I realized that I didn't have any "cheater" tags left over from last year! (Yes, cheater tags are the stick-on ones I bought at Target when I had about 45 gifts and couldn't bring myself to make anymore last year!)

So, with time on my hands (ha ha!), I decided to make all my tags this year! We'll see...

Both of these tags are made with the Two Tags Big Shot Die. I love how you can use whatever stamp inside the little 1 3/8" circle and then layer it with the scallop circle punch, add a to: from:, and tah dah!

And, my best kept secret - Use dimensionals for the back so they're just like the "cheater" stick-on tags!


Julie

Simple Santa Skinny Card!

This is the Super Simple Santa card we made at last Friday's class. Kind of hard to see, but his beard, mustache and hat brim are all dry embossed with a swirly print from our Texturz plates; and it's Smooch Sprayed! Love that Smooch Spray! And the card is a 3" x 6".

I'm always doing a million things and running up and down the stairs for things during class, but I remember now that I wanted to check and see if the envelope I included in the set (the small open-end envelope) was mailable. So, I checked the catalog, and the ones that aren't mailable have a note by them - and this one doesn't have the note!

So, I think this will go in the mail to my nephew for Christmas!


Julie

Bold and Mighty Fabric!

This Bitty Box, made with the Big Shot, turned out bold and mighty with the Candy Cane FABRIC to top it off! The Candy Cane paper is sold out, but the Fabric is just as super-cute! And how cute is this bow made with a "tear" of the fabric?!

This close up of the fabric shows how "shabby chic" it looks! And I LOVE it! Super easy and quick to do, maybe a video will be in the works. I haven't done one in a while, but it could be a quick show!

I can definitely see myself finding some cute uses for the fabric - and WAIT till you see the new fabrics coming out in January... :)


Julie

More Fun with Fabric!

At our last class we used fabric on a "plastic" ball ornament (those of you at class know why the quotation marks are around plastic!). It was quick and easy to do! But this ornament, not so quick - still easy, but a little time-consuming!

It starts out as a 3" styrofoam ball. I found a video on You Tube that shows how to make it - I think her name is angie janca. It was a perfect tutorial, especially with our three fabric patterns!

Here's a side view with the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding covering around the center!


Thanks for stopping by,


Julie

A Sweet Sixteen Party!

Tonight my son is going to a Sweet Sixteen party - and he even let me make the card! He did say that just Happy Birthday on the front was enough. Oh well, he should know better! I did pull out some of my retired papers because he said she is kind of a pink and girly girl type. So I liked the Kaleidoscope papers and decided to use them! I also found a 1 and a 6 in my stash of retired chipboard pieces - what luck! And even the Celebrate comes from a retired set.

And, the idea? Well, I was inspired by a card I actually made over a year ago for my nephew's 2nd birthday (it had a big chipboard 2 on it - kinda same layout). This card is 5" x 7" though. I kinda needed the space for the big numbers!

And here's the inside, with a Scallop Envelope for the $$. Now I just have to figure out what's the going amount for a sweet sixteen birthday??


Have a great weekend,


Julie

Just Couldn't Resist...

...yet another form of the Owl Punch!! He's a little bit cute and a little bit dorky! But I do like him, and I hope you do recognize him as Rudolf! I've seen him all over Stampin' Connection and finally just had to make one.

And if you're wondering where the saying comes from (or even if you're not wondering!), it's the Jumbo Wheel Jolly Jingles. It's one of my 19 stamps (after unassembling the wheel); they're coming in pretty handy!


Thanks for stopping by,

Julie

Pretty Ornaments Made Easy!

These are the ornaments we'll be making in class this Friday! They are super quick and easy to make. Of course, the Big Shot, along with the Tasteful Trim die, some Designer Fabric and some Multipurpose Adhesive make the fabric a snap to put on!

And, one of my favorite parts is the scrunchy ribbon around the ornament - One of my favorite ways to use ribbon lately! And, you can't really see, but the bottom of the ornament has a coordinating button and a rhinestone!

I got the idea for this from my awesome stampin' buddy Liz! Thanks Liz!


Thanks for stopping by,

Julie

Joy for Christmas

This is a super awesome tag made by my Stampin' Friend Chari. She had some inspiration from the Holiday Mini - but I just LOVE this!!

And here's a close up of the details - I really like how the Scallop Circle is wrapped around from the back. And I love the whole color scheme, based on the Deck the Halls Designer Papers. It's vintage, but elegant!

I wish I had a bunch more to decorate my whole Christmas tree! Guess I could make them!!


Julie

A Fun Christmas Treat!

I made these fun little Christmas treats today. I used the Sparkly & Bright set with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch and the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch. They each sandwich a Reeses peanut butter cup!

Then I had to get a little creative for the topper. I wanted a punch for the saying (that also comes form the same set), so I used the Wide Oval Punch. And to layer it, I used a coordinating oval from the Oval Big Shot die, and the larger scallop circle (folded in half) from the Scallop Circles #2 Big Shot die.

I did buy the cello bags from an online store (not Stampin' Up!).


Julie

More Candy Cane Christmas!? Not for Long...

Here's another card I made with Candy Cane Christmas Designer Papers. I guess I'm not the only one who is liking these papers - it has definitely been a popular pattern! So popular that it will be running out soon!!

Stampin Up! is anticipating that the Candy Cane Christmas Papers will run out sometime in the next week. They've said that once their stock is depleted they will not re-order. So, if you were interested in getting it - Now is the time!!

Here's a small picture of the papers, and they're found in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Julie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here I am working on crafty things, when I have lots of cooking and setting up to do! I have 20 people for Thanksgiving tomorrow!!

But I guess this counts for getting ready - just maybe not top priority. I made these cones and filled them with a baggie of caramel corn. I'm going to set one on each place setting at the dinner table.

And, yes, I actually used retired Designer Paper. I figured that my family won't know (except maybe my mom!), and why not use my older supplies of paper!

I was inspired to make these from Carrie Gaskin - she's an awesome stamper! She made these for Thanksgiving also, but she's in Canada, where Thanksgiving is in October.

Anyway, I liked the idea of laying these on the plates. And, I really like how the little tag set hangs down from it.

Well, better get some priority things in place - like food!


Happy Thanksgiving,

Julie

Sending Thanksgiving Wishes...

I made a few of these cards to send out. One will go to my brother, who moved two years ago, and I haven't seen since! We've talked, but he hasn't been home, and I haven't been out to see him. Phone calls and handmade cards are the next best thing I guess.

I love this saying from the Seasonal Sentiments set in the Holiday Mini. I added some Big Shot leaves and used the Finial Press Embossing Folder for some texture. It all works well for me - I'm always thinking about what to add to a card that I know I will mail, trying to not make it too thick or lumpy. The Impressions Folders really help do the trick!


Hope you are getting ready for an enjoyable Thanksgiving!


Julie

Candy Cane Birthday!

This is a CASE of a birthday card from somewhere on Stampin' Connection! I made it when I was making Christmas samples for the Sacramento Expo. I had thought, Hey - some people do have Christmastime birthdays - so why not?!

I used the Perfect Punches set and the Tasteful Trim Big Shot die with the Candy Cane Christmas Designer Paper.

Kind of simple, but I like it! A LOT!!


Julie

It's a Nice Day for a White Wedding!

I hope it does turn out to be a nice day for a white wedding (cause it's pretty cold out right now!). And, sorry Liz, I know that after you read the title of the post you're now going to be singing like Billy Idol! :)

I haven't been to many weddings lately, but I was waiting to make this card. I saw this version made by Sabriena Satchwell, and I knew that the next wedding I went to, they'd be getting this card!

It's a pattern made by Lynn Pratt originally. And typically, I would not trace and cut out a pattern!! Just not my thing, but I loved this card - and thought it was worth it. Also, I only had to make one!! I couldn't imagine tracing and cutting out a lot of them! So, the dress is embossed with the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, and other than that it's tracing and cutting!

And, it's a tri-fold card! I did break out my Level 3 Hostess set for the words inside, and I think the swirlys are from the Priceless set!


Thanks for stopping by,


Julie

Super Cute Gift Card Idea!

A couple weeks ago I found this gift card idea - and I HAD to CASE it! I think it's super cute! I love the Candy Cane papers on it, but I especially love the little bow on top made with the oval punches!

Here's the inside to slide the gift card into.

Super cute, and fun details! The saying is from the set Four the Holidays.


Julie

Big On Christmas!

This is a card that was inspired from the catalog. If you check out the card on page 32, I decided to make that card - but in a mailable version! And, I didn't have a whole jar of glitter to spare for each card! :) If you've seen the card in the catalog you'll see what I mean!

Anyway, I was pretty happy with how this turned out! I have a tendency to mainly use new sets when I'm creating lately. And I really love some of our sets that aren't brand new, it's just that they get set aside and forgotten about. So it was fun to take this out and stamp him up again - and give him a little body and arms!!


Julie

Demonstrator Kit Special!

Ever thought about being a demonstrator? Maybe you want to have stamp parties? Maybe just get the discount on products? Well, now might be the time!!

The demonstrator kit (items listed and pictured on page 8 of the catalog) is 50% off! So, that's $87.50 for more than $310 worth of products. And, you can choose the Standard Starter Kit or the Digital+ Starter Kit.

Don't wait too long though - the offer ends on November 30th!


Call or email me if you want more information,

Julie

Design A House for $5.95!

Sure the economy is down, but $5.95 for a house? OK, so even if it is just a cute home decor item - Yes, it is a great bargain at $5.95!

I used a tutorial from another Stampin' Up! demonstrator to decorate this cute little Candy Cane Christmas house. It's a little more colorful than I probably would have done it, but I like how it turned out! All the little details make it fun.

You'll have to see it in person to really appreciate it!


Julie

Tags Til Christmas Ornament

I made this card as part of all my Candy Cane Christmas samples for the Expo. It uses the Tags til Christmas ornament stamp, along with the Ornament punch (which is still on the 20% off bundle special).

And for the merry & bright saying I used one of my 19 sayings from the Jolly Jingles wheel (see my previous post of how to make 19 stamps from one wheel).


And my favorite part of the card is the rhinestone bling on the ornament!


Julie

It's Cold enough for Sledding!

OK, so maybe it only snows in Hollister once every 15 years or so, but it sure feels cold enough to me! And the one time it snowed since I've lived here, it was like a thin layer of shaved ice on the ground!! But, anyway, I was inspired to make this card from Stampin Connection - and I thought it was pretty cute. It uses stamps from the Merry Crittermas set. And, of course, what would snow be without Dazzling Diamonds glitter!?


Thanks for stopping by,


Julie

Candy Cane Christmas Gift package card

This is such a great, easy idea for a Christmas card! I made one in more traditional colors for Christmas a while back, but I like this non-traditional color combo too! The Designer Paper is the Candy Cane Christmas pack.

Using your favorite Holiday Designer Paper (cut it 3" x 4" - so you get 12 from one sheet!). Then layer that onto a 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" piece (you get 6 of those from a 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock). Wrap some coordinating ribbon with a "gift tag" and stick it to a card - Wah Lah, A Cute Christmas card!!


Julie

Welcome Home, Christmas!

I saw this card on Sherri Barron's website, another Stampin' Up! demonstrator! She does nice clean stamping. - And I Loved this card!! An easy idea, a little sponging - and Merry Christmas! The panel pieces on the door are 1 1/2" square and 1 1/2" x 2 1/2".

The wreath is from the Welcome Christmas set, and the Merry is from the Tiny Tags set. I added the little Colored Rhinestones on the wreath! - Love it!


Julie

Jolly Old Saint Nick!

Doesn't this Santa just make you want to smile?! And the glitter on his hat brim and hat ball topper are super cute in real life! This card was kind of a CASE from the Mini Catalog cover; I just changed up the colors a bit! I wasn't so sure I wanted this set at first, but I really like this Santa (and the set has a super cute snowman in it too), and the background snowflakes and the saying are awesome! So now I'm lovin' it!

Wouldn't he make a great kids' Christmas card? Actually, he'd be cute for anybody!


Julie

Candy Cane Christmas Trees!

Here's a simple idea to make a cute and quick Christmas card! I made three triangles from Candy Cane Christmas Designer Papers. I tore some Whisper White for snowy hills, and added some glitter! And, the saying and snowflakes are from the Jolly Old Saint Nick set.

The red glitter brad tops it all off!


Julie

MANY Christmas Card Choices!!

So... finally, here are the choices for making Christmas Cards at my house on November 19th (morning or evening times). I'm such a terrible decision-maker, so even now I'm still thinking there are a couple more choices I wanted to add, but you gotta stop somewhere!!

So above is 1a - Welcome Christmas family

1b - Welcome Christmas - sledding kids (same card materials as above - different focal stamp. So you can mix these two up... make a couple of each just by changing the stamp)

2 - Comfort and Joy


3 - Welcome Christmas JOY


4 - Gift Package Merry Christmas


5 - Peace on Earth

6 - Seasonal Sentiments Cherry (you can request this one in Not Quite Navy - check out yesterday's post to see it)

7 - Snow Swirled Snowflakes

8 - Sparkly and Bright Rudolf


9 - Season's Greetings embossed frame

So, there are the choices!! Thanks to the sharing of so many demonstrators on Stampin' Connection for the ideas and inspiration.


If you're coming to tomorrow's Technique Class, I'll have these cards out for you to check out in real life (sometimes that makes a big difference seeing them in person!). Otherwise, email me to let me know which cards you'd like to make, and how many of each. Remember to order in groups of 4. If you need more information about the cards or class, send me an email about that too!


Hope you'll join me and have some fun making our Christmas cards together!!


Julie