All About Dresses!!!

It’s Thursday and time for a new creation!  On Monday, a much anticipated package arrived – my Stampin’ Up! order with the “All Dressed Up” Stamp Set and  the “Dress Up” Framelits.  Though it’s been available since the release of the Spring Catalog, I was not sure that it was a set that I would utilize often or even enjoy using.  However after seeing what others have created, I decided to purchase the set and, oh, what fun I’ve had!!!  Remember the days of playing with paper dolls,  it’s like that again.  The only issue is the desire to barricade myself indoors and play all day, unfortunately, that’s not been possible.

Since several friends will be celebrating birthdays in May,  I decided to make birthday cards “All About Dresses”…below are the first of several cards being prepared. 

With the first card, Daffodil Delight card stock was used as the base and a second layer of Pacific Point card stock was used.  The mix of deep yellow and vibrant blue make a great color combination.  Whisper White card stock was used to showcase the dress and Adorning Accents Edgelits was used to to create the scalloped border.  The dress form was sponged onto the Whisper White card stock using the Basic Grey Classic Stampin’ Pad.  The stencil for the dress form was obtained by using the Dress Up Framelits to cut a piece of scrap card stock.  Removable tape held the stencil in place while carefully sponging the shape.  The dress was cut using the Dress Up Framelits and Pacific Point Designer Series Paper from the Designer Series Bright Paper Collection.  “A Round Array” stamp set was used with Pacific Point and Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pads to stamp onto scraps of Whisper White card stock.  Each was cut using the 7/8″ round scalloped punch.  Stampin’ Dimensionals were used to attach the dress and cut rounds to the card.  For a final touch, a “string of pearls” was added using Pearl Basic Jewels.

Now for another:

The card stock used for this card was Tangerine Tango for the base, Whisper White cut using the Framelits Label Collection for the second layer, Early Espresso for the dress form and Old Olive for the banner and the jacket.  The Perfect Polka Dots Folder was used to texture emboss the Whisper White card stock label.   The dress was cut using from Floral District DSP using the Dress Up Framelits.  Note: to create a jacket, a dress was cut using the Dress Up Framelits. 
Then using scissors, I cut off the lower portion of the dress to obtain
the jacket length desired and cut the jacket in half for the open
look.  The Framelits Bitty Banners and Itty Bitty Banners stamp set was used for the greeting.  The Tangerine Tango and Old Olive complement one another nicely!

Stay tuned…more dresses will be arriving soon.

I hope you’re feeling inspired to play dress up!  If so, click here to order the everything you’ll need!
Not to be missed is the release this week of the Bombs Away Birthday Photopolymer Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up! 
 
To order your set, click here.  
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check in next week
for “Monday Mishmash”! 
As always, contact me with any questions.
Have a great weekend…I’m off to design more dresses!!!

Gable Box Project

Hope you had a great weekend and that where ever you’re located, you’re experiencing nice weather.  The weekend weather was delightful  in Georgia and  it’s great to have warm, sunny days with the dogwood trees and azaleas blooming!   Lots of time was spent outdoors and little time crafting, so my Monday Mishmash is being posted a little later than usual.  Yesterday afternoon when starting to set-up my craft table, I decided the “creative chaos” needed to be organized before proceeding any further!  As is typical, the time seemed to fly by and it was time to move onto other chores…but the project plan was in place and ready to be prepared today.

The project is a Gable Box cut using my Silhouette Cameo, however, the Stampin’ Up! Mini Milk Carton Bigz L die for the Big Shot can be used in place of the gable box.  Later this week, I’ll be attending a luncheon for my friend’s 90 year old
mother and thought the box would be perfect packaging for her favorite Lindt 
Lindor Truffles!

After cutting the box using Daffodil Delight card stock (CS), Floral District Designer Series Paper (DSP) was used to create a band to encircle the box portion.  The band is held in place using SNAIL adhesive.  The phrase and butterfly from the Bloomin’ Marvelous Sale-A-Bration stamp set was stamped onto Whisper White CS using Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin’ Ink and cut using the Labels Collection Framelits with the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine.  Using the reverse side of the Floral District DSP, one butterfly was cut using the Elegant Butterfly Punch and the other using the Bitty Butterfly Punch.  The label and butterflies were attached using Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Whisper White 3/8″ Taffeta Ribbon was cut to loop through the holes in the gable section but in the photo it covered the butterflies so it was removed but will be used after filling the box with the candy.

 To purchase any of the materials used, click here and remember the April shopping reward! 
  Hooray!  The big brown truck just delivered a goodie box from Stampin’ Up so I’m off to see what arrived!!!  New projects await.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check in later this week for “Creation Thursday”.
Until then, have a good week!

FREE Shipping!!!

As mentioned in yesterday’s blog, Stampin’ Up! has had a busy week sending out updates and product changes!  Most exciting is they are offering FREE shipping  on
EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That’s right. There
are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer,
demonstrator, workshop, online).  Just confirming – that’s FREE shipping on everything!!!  It starts at 12:00 a.m. (MT) on April 6.  Contact me directly (margkni@gmail.com) or to shop now, click here.

This is also a good time to take advantage of my April promotion as detailed on in the April Fools’ Day blog post.  Just a reminder:  During the month of April for each purchase over $50 (excluding
tax and shipping – it’s free this weekend), you will receive a “$5 off certificate” which you can
redeem on a future purchase.  The certificates will be sent
electronically or through US Mail, your option.  If your purchase is
over $100 (excluding tax and shipping), you will receive two
certificates, and so forth.   

Important Note:  To redeem and receive the discount, you must contact me directly.
(www.margkni@gmail.com) Certificates cannot be redeemed via online
ordering.  This offer is good only from April 1-30, however, you will
have until June 15, 2013 to redeem certificates.

Other news: 
Due to unforeseen problems with the supplier for Watercolor Wonder
Crayons and Watercolor Pencils, Stampin’ Up has decided to discontinue these two
products. Watercolor Pencils (item 101879) and Watercolor Wonder Crayons
Brights Collection (item 119804),  will no longer be available, effective
immediately.

Now for the good news! The remaining collections of the
Watercolor Wonder Crayons are available to order. The Subtles (item
119802), Neutrals (item 119805), and Regals (item 119803) Collections
are only available while supplies last. Get ’em before they’re gone!

To view all the Special Offers, click here.  Remember, place your order this weekend and take advantage of FREE shipping!!! and get receive your “$5 off certificate” from me for a future purchase.  It’s a win-win!!!

Have a great weekend and check back on Monday for the “Monday Mishmash” project!

Happy Thursday with a New Creation!

What a busy but wonderful week!  I participated in a two day golf tournament and am feeling a bit delayed. However, I have been able to take a few breaks and create a couple of cards.  The card created for “Creation Thursday” uses the Secret Garden Stamp and Framelit set.  This has become one of my favorite sets and I’ve enjoyed using it to create a variety of cards.  Below is this week’s creation and details on how you can create it.

Secret Garden: Melon Mambo Embossed

Materials:
Secret Garden Stamp Set
 Secret Garden Framelits
Friendly Phrases Stamp Set
Whisper White Card Stock (CS)
Melon Mambo DSP
VersaMark Ink
Emboss Powder: Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi
Edgelits: Adorning Accents
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Tools:
Paper Cutter
Scoring Tool and Bone Folder
Clear-Mount Blocks
Embossing Buddy
Heat Tool
Big Shot
Stampin’ Dimensionals
SNAIL Adhesive
Anywhere Glue Stick
Scotch Brand Removable Tape

Steps to create card:
  1. Cut Whisper White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″.  Score card at 4 1/4″, fold and score using bone folder to create card of  5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″.
  2. Cut Melon Mambo DSP: 5″ x 3 3/4″.  Using SNAIL Adhesive attach to Whisper White card base.  Set aside.
  3. With pieces of Whisper White CS, use VersaMark to stamp 3 medium flowers, 2 small flowers and 2 leaves using the Secret Garden Stamp Set.  Apply Melon Mambo to wet VersaMark and heat set using heat tool.
  4. Use Big Shot and matching dies from Secret Garden Framelit Set to cut flowers and leaves.
  5. Refer to photo for flowers and leaf placement.  Attach leaves using Anywhere Glue Stick, allowing leaves to “fall over” edge of card.  Turn card over and with scissors following card edge, trim excess from leaves.  Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, adhere the 3 large flowers first and as with leaves, allow one to “fall over” card edge and another to touch edge. Trim excess. Lastly, use Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach remaining small flowers, overlapping other flowers to create a bouquet effect.
  6. To create the label for the Friendly Phrase “you are simply wonderful”, take piece of Whisper White CS and place 2 of the Adorning Accents Edgelits together until the wave section of the framelit touches.  This creates an elongated oval shape.  Use removal tape to prevent the edgelits from separating and slipping.  NOTE:  this is easiest done by putting paper onto cutting pad of Big Shot and then placing edgelits.  Run through Big Shot to cut shape.  After cutting, take scissors and make straight cut to remove the extra edge piece.  Refer to photo of card to see the shape.  
  7. Use VersaMark and Melon Mambo to stamps and emboss phrase onto elongated oval. 
  8. Attach to card using SNAIL adhesive and on each elongated side, place a rhinestone basic jewel for a bit of “bling”.
  9. For an added touch, emboss a flower on the lower edge of the Whisper White Medium envelope.  When mailing with jewels, place a scrap piece of folded card stock over the raised area to prevent damage to the card and envelope from postal service machinery…I’ve found this seems to work.
To order any of the supplies used, click here.
   

To view other cards that I created this week, be sure to check under the Projects tab.
 
On going, is the “Best of 25 Years” celebration and with a new month, a new release.  This month’s stamp is “Best of Butterflies”, Item #133345 for $14.95.
   

Hang on to your 25-year proof of purchase sticker, and adhere it to your Stampin’ Up!® collectors card,which is included with each stamp.  For each 6 sets of the Best Of purchased, you can send in your collectors card for a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95.   Must be redeemed by April 30, 2014.
To order your set, click here.
This week has also been a busy week at Stampin’ Up! Headquarters.  Lots of announcements have been released and I’ll be posting the exciting information over the next couple of days…so stay tuned!!! 
 

It’s April Fools’ Day…

Hope that you’ve not fallen prey to the pranksters today!   Instead of pulling pranks, I have decided to offer rewards!!!  During the month of April for each purchase over $50 (excluding tax and shipping), you will receive a “$5 off certificate” which you can redeem on a future purchase.  The certificates will be sent electronically or through US Mail, your option.  If your purchase is over $100 (excluding tax and shipping), you will receive two certificates, and so forth.   

Important Note:  To redeem and receive the discount, you must contact me directly. (www.margkni@gmail.com) Certificates cannot be redeemed via online ordering.  This offer is good only from April 1-30, however, you will have until June 15, 2013 to redeem certificates.  Click on the “Shop Now” tab to start shopping!

This week for “Monday Mishmash”, I had planned to show you a card using a combination of traditional stamping and MDS2.  However, the April Fools’ Gremlins have been playing havoc with my printer so instead I’ve created a Gift Card Holder using a Medium Envelope.

Gift card holder made from Stampin’ Up Medium Envelope

Materials and Tools: 
Very Vanilla Medium Envelope
Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla CS
Midnight Muse Stampin’ Write Marker
Best of Birthdays Stamp Set
Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set
Stampin’ Dimensionals
SNAIL Adhesive
Clear Block
3/16″ Corner Punch
Bone Folder
Tabletop Paper Cutter
  1. Cut 2 pieces of Midnight Muse CS: 4 5/8″ x 3″ and 1 3/4″ x 2 1/4″ (use corner punch to clip edges of this piece.)
  2. Fold medium envelope in half and crease using bone folder.  Open and cut a “V” shape in the flap.  Seal the left size of the envelope flap. See photos below:

  3. Use Midnight Muse Stampin’ Write Marker to color stamps.  Stamp images onto envelope and “Happy Birthday to You” on a scrap piece of Very Vanilla CS.  
  4. Use scissors to trim the birthday greeting from the cardstock and use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere to the Midnight Muse CS.  Adhere this tag to stamped envelope base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  5. Attach the folded envelope to the 4 5/8″ x 3″ Midnight Muse CS using SNAIL adhesive.  
  6. Insert gift card!  It is not shown but you may also use a hole punch  to create small opening to run ribbon through.  Tie closed after inserting gift card.
  To purchase any of the materials used, click here and remember the April shopping reward! 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check in later this week for “Creation Thursday”.
Until then, have a good week!

psst…it’s a Secret Garden

This week’s “Creation Thursday” is a card prepared for the Freebee Friday incentive drawing being offered by my Stampin’ Up! team leader.  The challenge is to prepare a card featuring an item from either the Spring Catalog, the Best of Monthly Stamp Series or any current Stampin’ Up! special offer.

Since Spring has arrived and despite the unseasonably cool weather, buds are opening and peeks of early bloomers are starting to show.  These snippets of Spring were the inspiration for using the Secret Garden Stamp and Framelits to create this card.

 Perfect for a quick note to a dear friend!
  
Materials:
Secret Garden Stamp Set
 Secret Garden Framelits
“hey there friend” Stamp from Paper Pumpkin
Whisper White Card Stock (CS)
Emboss Powder:  Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo and Tangerine Tango
Inks:  Marina Mist, StazOn Jet Black, and VersaMark
Tools:
Paper Cutter
Scoring Tool and Bone Folder
Clear-Mount Blocks
Embossing Buddy
Heat Tool
3/16″ Corner Rounder
Stamping Sponge
Stampin’ Dimensionals
SNAIL Adhesive
Scotch Brand Removable Tape

Steps to create card:
  1. Cut Whisper White CS – card base: 4 1/4″ x 11″ and card layer:  3 3/4″ x 5″
  2. Score card base at 5 1/2″, fold in half and use bone folder to create card of 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″. 
  3. Use corner round to soften the front and back card non-folded edges.  Set card base aside. 
  4. On card layer, stamp leaves using VersaMark and emboss using Wild Wasabi Emboss Powder.  Refer to photo for placement.
  5. Stamp “hey there friend” onto card layer using StazOn Jet Black.  Refer to photo for placement.
  6. On a scrap piece of Whisper White CS, use VersaMark to stamp 3 flowers from Secret Garden stamp set (two of one flower style and one from another). Emboss one with Melon Mambo and the other two with Tangerine Tango. 
  7. With stamping sponge and Marina Mist ink, use a circular motion to apply a light blue background to the entire card layer. 
  8. Attach card layer to card base using SNAIL adhesive.
  9. Cut embossed flowers using Secret Garden Framelits and Big Shot.  Hint:  use removable tape to secure framelit on cutting board of Big Shot.
  10. Attach flowers to card layer using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

To purchase any of the items used in the project, click here.

While on the subject of gardens and flowers, have you checked out the Best of 25 Years Stamps Collection for March?  It’s “Best of Flowers” and perfect to use for all your paper crafting needs.
    Click here for more information!
    Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check in next week
    for “Monday Mishmash”!
    Until then, have a good weekend and Happy Easter!