12 Weeks of Christmas – Week Three!!!

Gift Box Punch Board

This week’s project was made using the Stampin’ Up! Gift Box Punch Board. It’s a fun element to add to holiday packaging, creating containers just right for that special gift. Create boxes up to 4-inch square. The sizing chart and instructions are even printed on the board making it a sinch to use! View the video at the end of this post for a live demonstration of this nifty gadget!

Aren’t these gift boxes cute? They are the smallest measuring 1-3/4″ square. I used a 6 x 6-inch piece of Old Olive Cardstock for the box and a scrap of Red Glimmer Paper and Whisper White Cardstock for the tag. The Merry Christmas sentiment is from the Petite Pairs Stamp Set and was stamped using Cherry Cobbler Ink. The box is tied together using 1/8″ Taffeta Ribbon in Old Olive. I used the 1-1/4″ Scallop Circle Punch and the 1-3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch for the tag and used Stampin’ Dimensionals to assemble the tag and adhere it to the box. View the video below for a full tutorial on how I assembled the boxes using the Gift Box Punch Board.

Twelve Days of Christmas – Week Two!

Lovely As a Tree Card

This card is made with a classic Stampin’ Up! stamp set, Lovely As a Tree. Using the “stamp off” technique there appears to be a forest of trees. The simple technique adds a lot of depth to the card giving it a rich look. Extra drama was added with a sprinkling of Dazzling Diamonds on the tree branches giving the effect that they are frost covered. The video below includes all the dimensions and techniques used in the making of this card.

Products:

Stamps: Lovely As a Tree 128655 (w) 127793 (c), Bright & Beautiful 135056 (w) 135029 (c)

Cardstock: Whisper White 100730, Always Artichoke 105119

Ink: Always Artichoke 126972

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds 133751

Sweet Scarecrow Card & Memory Keeping Pages

My thanks to fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Diana Ball for her original design that I CASED for this cute scarecrow! I ended up making two of the darling faces and used one for a card and one for a scrapbook page layout:

Sweet Scarecrow Card

Sweet Scarecrow Double Page Scrapbook Layout

Directions:

The scarecrow’s face is a 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ square of Very Vanilla Cardstock that I embossed with the Chevron Embossing Folder then sponged the edges with Early Espresso Ink. The 1″ Circle Punch and the 3/4″ Circle Punch were used for her eyes and eyelids and the heart punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack for her rosy cheeks. I cut a triangle for her nose and used the Extra Large Oval Punch for her mouth. Her eyelids, nose and cheeks are adhered using Stampin’ Dimensionals. The “straw” surrounding her face was made with a 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ square of Crumb Cake and Early Espresso Cardstock that were fringed on the edges with Fringe Scissors. I glued the two pieces of “straw” squares together with Snail Adhesive then attached the face to the “straw” with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Introducing Twelve Weeks of Christmas!!!

Twelve Weeks of Christmas!!!

Today starts the beginning of twelve weeks of Christmas projects. If you’ve looked at your calendars you will see that I’m already a week behind! No worries, twelve total projects will be posted so stay tuned and look for a bonus post before jolly, old St. Nick arrives! Join my email list now to make sure you don’t miss a single one!

My first project in this series is this delightful little gift bag. I think it’s the perfect size for a small cellophane bag of bath salts, tea light or votive candles, a gift card and candies or, of course, cash!

Directions (view the video below for a complete tutorial):

The bag is made with All Is Calm Designer Series Paper. I used a 12″ x 6″ piece of the DSP and scored it in landscape mode at 1-3/4″, 5-1/2″, 7-1/4″ and 11″. Then, in portrait mode, I scored at 1-3/4″ and 5-1/2″. For the tag I used the Endless Wishes Stamp Set, stamping the snowflakes with Soft Sky Ink and the sentiment with Black StazOn Ink onto a 2″ circle punched from Whisper White Card Stock. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals I attached the stamped circle to a 2-3/8″ scallop circle punched from Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper. The circles were attached with Dimensionals to a 2″ x 4″ piece of Pear Pizzazz Card Stock that I flagged at one end. The tag is attached to the bag using Snail Adhesive. Finally, the bag is tied up cute with Pear Pizzazz Cotton Ribbon and sprinkled with Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

Frightful Wreath and DYI Wreath Stand

Frightful Wreath Simply Created Kit

We’re entering that Bootiful time of the year when I like to pull out my Halloween decorations. This wreath was assembled in about 30 minutes using Stampin’ Up!’s Frightful Wreath Simply Created Kit and the coordinating stamp set Frightful Wreath. I love the bling of the beaded spider – so cute! The 17″ wreath is perfect for hanging on a door, window or a mirror but I wanted to place it on my entry table and after seeing this pin on Pinterest I decided to get my power tool self on and assemble my own wreath stand.

The materials for the wreath stand are simple and inexpensive. I found everything I needed at Hobby Lobby or in our garage and probably invested less than $5 . Here are the materials needed:

5/8″ Dowel Rod

5″ x 5″ Wooden Base

1″ Wooden Doohickey for the top of the stand

Extra-Strength Adhesive

Small Flat Head Screw (not shown)

Small Cup Hook (not shown)

Flat Black Spray Paint (not shown)

First I cut the dowel rod 20-inches long using a small saw. Then I drilled a hole in the base to place the dowel rod. ( I would recommend a drill bit the same size as your dowel but since we didn’t have a 5/8″ bit mine was slightly larger than the rod.) Next I placed the adhesive into the drilled hole and set the dowel into it. The topper doohickey was glued on at this time as well. After letting the adhesive dry overnight, to give the stand a little more stability, I decided to drill a flat head screw through the bottom of the base. If your drill bit is the same diameter as your dowel this step is probably not necessary. After spray painting the stand flat black and letting it dry completely I added a small cup hook to hang the wreath on.

Without counting drying time it probably took me about an hour to assemble the wreath stand. I’m really happy with the results and it was so easy to make I’m thinking maybe a gold one for Christmas decorating is in order!

September My Paper Pumpkin, Weekly Deals and Clearance Rack

September My Paper Pumpkin

I know I say this every month, but this month’s My Paper Pumpkin Kit is AWESOME! It’s always a great day when that little orange box is waiting for me in the mailbox! Although we previewed the September kit at Convention this year I still had a lot of fun tearing open the box when it arrived!

Here are my completed treat bags. Aren’t they adorable? I’m one of those moms who still loves to surprise her adult children with Halloween treats so I will probably fill these with some candy and slip in a gift card.

If you are interested in My Paper Pumpkin there are two ways to subscribe:

MONTH-TO-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION: It’s convenient and low risk – you can put it on hold or cancel anytime. $19.95 a month (shipping included). For MONTH-TO-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION sign up today HERE.
PREPAID SUBSCRIPTION: Enjoy the fun every month – or give one for a gift! As low as $17.95 a month (shipping included). To purchase a prepaid subscription click on the desired length of subscription below:

This quick video from Stampin’ Up! demonstrates how to assemble the treat bags. Hope I can produce such quality video when I grow up – lol!!!

Weekly Deals September 23 thru September 29

To find out more information or to purchase any item on the Weekly Deal list click on the item below:

Eclectic Paper-Piercing Pack $7.95 5.96	Festive Paper-Piercing Pack $7.95 5.96	Gold Glitz Dazzling Details $2.50 1.88	Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack $7.95 5.96
Ovals Collection Framelits Dies $26.95 20.21	Party Pennants Bigz L Die $32.95 24.71	Hamburger Box Bigz Xl Die $42.95 32.21	Faces I Love Swatchbook Template – Digital Download $12.95 7.77

Clearance Items

Don’t forget to check out the Clearance Items List. There are some new items added to the list and some great prices.

Grateful Card

GRATEFUL CARD

Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back so it must be that time of year again! Don’t you love the colors of Fall? I’m drawn to the full, rich autumnal yellows, reds and oranges. I created this card with that in mind using the deep brown of Early Espresso as a base and layering with some of the new In-Colors; Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist and Mossy Meadow. The stamp set I used was Gratitude for Days from the Holiday Catalog. Here’s a video tutorial for the card:

Weekly Deals – September 16 thru September 22

Love the Stampin’ Up! Weekly Deals the last few weeks! I’ve added several punches to my collection already and will be ordering the Sweetheart Punch this week for sure. For more information about each Weekly Deal product click on the product image below.

• Gold 1/8″ Ribbon $3.71
• Happy Hour $22.46
• Label Card Thinlits Die $24.71
• Sweetheart Punch $11.96
• Tangerine Tango Baker’s Twine $2.21
• Essentials Wooden Elements $3.71
• Write Stuff II Digital Kit – Digital Download $5.97
• Yippee-Skippee! Wood-mount Stamp Set $14.21

Memory Keeping with Stampin’ Up!

MEMORY KEEPING

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family . . . (drum roll). . . Ladies and Gentlemen please meet my newest grandson, Riley!

Isn’t he about the cutest little thing you every did see! I am now the proud Grandma to two adorable boys and it is the best ever! Here’s my other little favorite guy, Sam.

Love these two! Each visit with these precious boys along with their parents is sweet and leaves fond memories. Of course we take tons of photos when we’re together but those photos rarely get printed and into an album to enjoy.

In comes Jenny! Jenny is a new gal to my Stampin’ Style classes who wanted to make traditional scrapbook pages instead of cards. I had so much fun making these samples for her to create! The process has helped me to determine (again!) to record our family memories. I’ve already uploaded and ordered photos from Riley’s first day in the world to put on these pages – perfect timing. Thanks Jenny!

(Thanks to fellow Demonstrator Kay Kalthoff for her layout that I borrowed and made my own.)

Another, quicker memory keeping method which I will probably turn to for help in catching up on those piles of photos, is Project Life by Stampin’ Up! I started an album when Project Life by Stampin’ Up! debuted this Spring. See that blog post HERE. I’m working with the Everyday Adventure Project Life Card Collection right now but can’t wait to start using the Seasonal Snapshot Card Collection for the holidays. And, shhh, don’t tell anyone, but there is a certain daughter and daughter-in-law who will be receiving the Little Moments Project Life Card Collection and Playground Project Life Card Collection for Christmas!

Here’s a video showing just how quick and easy Project Life by Stampin’ Up! is to use. The video showcases the Love Story Project Life Card Collection and Accessory Pack. Gotta Love It!!!!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalog!

We just celebrated Labor Day which to some is the official end of Summer. No better way to get over the end-of-summer blues than to start planning for the next season! Although it was EXTREMELY hot here in Kansas City this weekend, I started pulling out all my fun Fall decorations and putting them out. That process got me motivated to do a bit of freshening up and deep cleaning. No more worrying about the “pop in” because, for today at least, my house is guest ready!

Another reason to smile about the loss of Summer? The 2014 Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalog went live on August 28th! It is chock full of great stuff to make your holiday gatherings, greetings and decorating awesome! Follow the link in the side bar of this post to view a full-color PDF copy of the catalog. If you would like to get your hands on a paper copy I would be happy to send you one. Just email your request to me: Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com.

Click on the Weekly Deals photo above to shop for this week’s specials!

BACK TO SCHOOL ENSEMBLE – DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Price: ~~$17.95~~ $10.77

BUTTONS & BLOSSOMS SIMPLY PRESSED MOLDS
Price: ~~$7.95~~ $5.96

ISLAND INDIGO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ INK REFILL
Price: ~~$2.95~~ $2.21

POOL PARTY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ INK REFILL
Price: ~~$2.95~~ $2.21

SOFT SKY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ INK REFILL
Price: ~~$2.95~~ $2.21

STRAWBERRY SLUSH CLASSIC IN COLOR STAMPIN’ INK REFILL
Price: ~~$2.95~~ $2.21

WHITE SIMPLY PRESSED CLAY
Price: ~~$6.95~~ $5.21

Short and Sweet!

Take your passion for paper, stamps and ink to a new level! If you’ve been waiting to join Stampin’ Up!, wait no longer! When you join between August 21–28 you will receive $150 worth of products in your Starter Kits for just $99! Talk about a sweet deal! Contact me today to learn how you can get in on this great offer, but hurry—it’s only here for a short time!

You can enjoy all Stampin’ Up! discounts and benefits! – here are just a few highlights!

• Customize! Choose up to $150 worth of any Stampin’ Up! products for $99!
• A 30 percent discount on your first order (minimum $150 order placed within 45 days) . . . Imagine getting 30% off all the new goodies!
• A 20 percent discount on all your orders.
• The starter kit ships FREE (another 10% savings).
• Although you’re going to want to there’s no obligation to host workshops or purchase anything further.

Hobby Stampers Are Welcome Here!

READY TO GET STARTED?

Hello Card

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. After a couple weeks of not feeling very well I finally broke down and went to the doctor yesterday. Two prescriptions later I am feeling a little better this morning. Do you ever keep waiting to feel better and then forget how better feels – lol! I think that is where I was at when it dawned on me yesterday that I was tired of feeling sick and tired and maybe there was something I could do about it.

Even though I have been pretty sluggish this week I was able to do a little creating. Here is a card that I made for a Stampin’ Up! Group Meeting I’m attending on Saturday.

Not knowing how it would turn out I wasn’t too thrilled about this card at first. When I finished it however it became one of my new favorite cards! I love how all the elements when put together make this a WOW card! The colors used are the new Stampin’ Up! In-Colors – can’t get enough of them! Also, the more I use the Hardwood stamp the more I like it. The stamp really adds a lot of depth to this card. The tag, which takes center stage, is a Framelit from the Chalk Talk Framlit Dies. Stampin’ Up! is currently running a promotion for the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine. If you’re interested see all the details HERE.

I would be happy to share the Project PDF for this card with you. Just sign up for my e-mail list. If you are already on my list send me a quick email requesting the “Hello” card PDF. My email is Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

What’s the BIG Deal?

Big Shot and Bundles

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love when BIG opportunities come your way. And the Big Shot is a big deal Stampin’ Up! is offering for the entire month of August!

With a purchase of a Big Shot in August, you will receive one of five free stamp set/framelits bundles below, your choice! Not only that, but if you already own a Big Shot, you can still purchase these designated bundles at an amazing 15% off! This is one deal you won’t want to miss-only available from August 1-31-as these bundles are one-time only exclusives.

Two Choices:

1) Buy a Big Shot, Item #113439 and get a free bundle below.

and/or

2) Buy a discounted bundle below at a 15% discount.

Bundles Item # Stamp Set Framelits Price

Sumthin’ w/Bubbly Words (C) 138920 Sumthin’ Sumthin’ Word Bubbles $31.25

Sumthin’ w/Bubbly Words (W) 138923 Sumthin’ Sumthin’ Word Bubbles $33.75

Decorative Goodies (C) 138921 Oh My Goodies Deco Labels $35.95

Decorative Goodies (W) 138924 Oh My Goodies Deco Labels $42.25

Celebrating Chalk Talk (C) 138922 Day of Celebration Chalk Talk $37.25

Celebrating Chalk Talk (W) 138925 Day of Celebration Chalk Talk $43.25

Flowery Daydream (C) 138910 Daydream Medallions Floral Collection $45.75

Flowery Daydream (W) 138911 Daydream Medallions Floral Collection $54.25

Bright & Beautiful Stars* 138200 Bright & Beautiful Star $43.95

Bright & Beautiful Stars* 138644 Bright & Beautiful Star $50.75

*From Holiday Catalog

Queen Bee Girls Night Out and FREE Shipping!

Last night I had the opportunity to participate in the Queen Bee Girls Night Out event at the Zona Rosa Town Center in my community. Such a fun evening full of music, food and shopping! Here is a photo of me with my table. I apologize for the quality of the photo but the lighting was not the best. The table appears to be a hot mess but up close and personal I think it was presentable – lol!

Guests who stopped by the table were able to make this cute little tag. We used a stamp from the Work of Art stamp set creating an ombre effect by using the stamping off technique (a fancy term for stamping off on scratch paper before stamping onto project – lol!). I absolutely love the Work of Art stamp set and use it a lot!

What Girls Night Out is complete without prizes?! Each vendor supplied a gift to be raffled off. There are so many beautiful products in the Stampin’ Up! Catalog I just couldn’t decide so my donation to the event was the catalog along with a gift certificate. I’m so excited to see what the winner chooses!

As a show special I am offering FREE shipping for all orders placed by Monday, August 4, 2014 at 10 AM. To receive FREE shipping you must place your order with me directly. For FREE shipping email your order to Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com with your contact information. If you have any questions or need help with your order please do not hesitate to email me with your contact information. My email is leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

Can I Have Fries With That?

I took an extra early flight out to Convention last week so that I could attend an optional class. We created this adorable favor using the Fry Box Bigz L Die. Isn’t it cute? This project convinced me that I had to order the die. It will be perfect for creating all sorts of fun for the upcoming Fall and Holiday gatherings coming up!

The box was made using the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine along with the Fry Box Bigz L Die. The lid was made using the Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die. The box clasp was made using a Mini Brad with a Pearl Basic Jewel attached. Hint: Attach the brad “loose” by slipping the edge of your paper snips between the brad base and box.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to purchase a Big Shot, that time is August! When you buy a Big Shot during the month of August, you’ll receive your choice of one of five FREE exclusive stamp set and Framelits bundles (that’s up to a $60 US value absolutely free!). If you already own a Big Shot, we’re also offering a 15-percent discount on these select bundles. Check back on August 1 to get all of the details!

Supplies:

Cardstock: All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stacks 133703, Island Indigo 122923, Daffodil Delight 119683, Whisper White 100730

Stamps: Tag Talk 134249 (W), 134252 (C)

Ink: Island Indigo 126986

Accessories: Fry Box Bigz L Die 132966, Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die 127005, 1-3/4″ Circle Punch 119850, Label Bracket Punch 132153, 1/8″ Circle Paper Punch 134365, 1/8″ Mini Brads 122941, Pearl Basic Jewels 119247, Mini Metallic Clothespins 133320, 1/8″ Gold Ribbon 134583, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine 113439

A Little Kindness

I just returned from five days of jam packed Stampin’ Up! fun! The 2014 Inspire. Create. Share. Stampin’ Up! Convention was full of learning, celebrating and meeting new friends (along with eating way too much!). The cards above were created using one of the stamps sets we received at registration. Kinda Eclectic is going to be one of those sets I will turn to time and time again. So many elements to be layered as I did on the cards above or used solo. Notice how the card on the left is a simpler version while extra elements were added to the card on the right to take it up a notch? Either way I think they are beautiful!

SUPPLIES:

Stamps: Kinda Eclectic 135347 (W) 135350 (C)
Ink: Hello Honey 133643, Mossy Meadow 133645, Tangelo Twist 133646
Cardstock: Whisper White 100730, Crumb Cake 126975, Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack 133701
Accessories: Whisper White Medium Envelopes 107301, Honeycomb Embossing Folder 129378, Elegant Butterfly Punch 127526, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack 133787, Linen Thread 104199, Basics Hodgepodge Clips 133765

Here are a few photos from 2014 Inspire. Create. Share. Stampin’ Up! Convention. So much fun I can’t wait until next year!

First morning waiting for the doors to open with my awesome Upline, Angie. (Please don’t mention the huge bags under my eyes – lol)

Stampin’ Up! Cofounder & CEO Shelli Gardner

Inspire. Create. Share. Celebration!

WEEKLY DEALS!

Here are the Weekly Deals for this week:

Calypso Coral Celebration Add-On Kit Item # 133431
Regular Price: $9.95
Discounted Price: $7.46
Celebration Basics Kit Item # 133007
Regular Price: $14.95
Discounted Price: $11.21
Curly Label Punch Item # 119851
Regular Price: $16.95
Discounted Price: $12.71
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch Item # 119275
Regular Price: $15.95
Discounted Price: $11.96
Pumpkin Pie 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon Item # 130015
Regular Price: $8.95
Discounted Price: $6.71
Crushed Curry 3/4″ Chevron Ribbon Item # 130019
Regular Price: $8.95
Discounted Price: $6.71
Bitty Banners Big Shot Die Framelits Item # 129267
Regular Price: $14.95
Discounted Price: $11.21
Summer Happiness Kit – Digital Download Item # 130076
Regular Price: $9.95
Discounted Price: $5.97

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