Valentine Heart Pounches

Here is a finished pouch I made from a pattern from SU! demonstrator website. If you'd like the pattern email me and I will get  it to you.

You need to cut 2 hearts for each pouch. Two sided paper works best. Once cut out, score from the middle top to the middle bottom point on both front and back heart. Fold on the crease. Use strong adhesive tape on the lower edges (leave top open).

I stamped the heart images, punched them out, punched out the circle and scallop circle, punched more mini hearts, flowers, and Valentine verses.

Anytime you are making more than one project I always put them together assembly line style. It works great. Get all your things punched, stamped, and ready to go- the assembly will be quick.

I attached the scalloped circle with a pink rhinestone brad (no tape). Then, I glued Happy Valentine's Day verse at the bottom center. I attached I Love You to the side of the heart. I added 1/4 inch grosgrain red and pink ribbon to the front heart (only). I tied the ends of ribbon with a simple knot.

Viola! Here they are, so easy and awful cute. Truly perfect to put some sweets into and hang on the kids' bedroom doors. Co workers' doors, a chair, etc... I have used paper shreds to fill in space. You can toss some pencils, candy bars (full size), candies, stamps, or anything you want. What a perfect little gift.

Coupon Codes and Savings

Hey, just came across some deals and thought I'd share them with you. I don't know about you but, I love to shop. More than shopping I love to save money while shopping. Even better, I love FREE things. In the midst of getting ready for a scrapbooking retreat I go on in February, I processed 250 photograghs for 2010 and 2011. I got 50 of the photos FREE. Yeah! Along with this I also got a FREE 8x8 inch photo book, a FREE 5x7 inch photo card, and FREE shipping. Total savings was over $40.00. Hurray!!! I love it. Right now they are offering 20-50%  off Valentine merchandise, free shipping on orders over $25.00, and free photo cards. Here are a few of the codes to use during checkout:

FREE 8x8 photo book JNGK6EWWACCPNJGCGR
FREE (10) 5X7or 5X5  photo cards 4RFF9896F2MB7CZCUB
FREE (1) 5x7 photo card CARD4U
FREE shipping on orders $25 and over SHIP25 

Spend $50. at Archivers and earn 50 free 4x6 photo prints through Shutterfly

Here are some more deals I came across:

1. BORDERS.COM  offering 20% off list price of 3 items (exclusions apply). code BORD2327M. offer ends January 30, 2011.

2. 365HANGERS.COM  has  designer clothing already 70%  off and now are offering another 10%  off by 1-31-2011 use code allyou365

3. JUSTEYEWEAR.COM updating eyeglasses or sunglasses with 2011 styles at 15% off entire purchase by 1-31-2011 use code 4ALLYOUMAG

4. ORGANIZE.COM offering 20% off one item while working on your resolution for getting organized. They carry over 23,000 typesof home storage and organization cubbies. Code ALLYOU20. Offer ends January 31, 2011.

5. ALWAYSFIT.COM is offering 25% off gifts for a mom, sister or girlfriend that is just the right size. Code 25ALLYOU. Offer ends February 1, 2011

6. SPAWEEK.COM is offering e-certificates for spas around  the country. 25% starting january 1st. Offer runs through February 14, 2011. Code ALLYOU

7. JOCKEY.COM is offering 15% off the no panty line promise panty. Offer ends February 15, 2011. Code JKYLUXE

8. OMAHASTEAKS.COM 67% off the Celebration Collection plus 2 free gifts. Visit omahasteaks.com/AllYou to redeem, or dial 1 800 960 8400 and ask for coupon code 45609GTK

9. KIRDEVRIES.COM unusual gifts, hard to find gifts, crafted gifts. 15% off entire purchase plus free shipping. code kir957. Offer ends 3-20-2011

Happy Shopping... I'm sorry but I am having trouble getting each website to link.

MINI TAG BASKETS WITH TEMPLATE

 Here are a couple mini cards with baskets that I made from the Filled With LOVE promotion (see previous post and link to see more). The baskets measure 3.5" wide x3.5" deep x4.5" high. The template to create this can be found here. http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/IBC10_pg55gotTreats.pdf
It really is simple  to make. If you tweak the size of the template you can make large enough to hold 4 mini milk cartons  made using the SU! exclusive Sizzix Bigz L Die # 117310 seen here: http://www.sizzix.com/product/1916 . Any questions or orders feel free to contact me through my email or order directly through stampinup.com here:
http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=503 or page 209 in the Idea Book and Catalog.
Material:  Love Patterns DSP #124156, Ridinghood Red cs #111348, Pretty In Pink cs #100459, Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder #117335, 1.5" Scallop Edge Square Punch #119884, Full Heart Punch #119883, and pink tulle.

FILLED WITH LOVE CARD SAMPLES

Here are a couple cards I made using the FILLED WITH LOVE SU! Promotion containing; stamp set, papers, and free buttons. This stamp set contains many solid image stamps and some cute verses. I feel solid images work best on clean line card layouts. I tried to keep both the cards simple and sleek.

Material: Pink and red polka dot pattern from Love Patterns DSP #124156, Filled With Love clear mount stamp set #121154, Pretty In Pink CS # 100459, Ridinghood Red CS #111348, Whisper White CS #100730, Pretty In Pink Classic Ink #101301, Ridinghood Red Classic Ink #111836, Wild Wasabi Classic Ink #109014, 1" Circle Punch #119868, Bitty Buttons #118761,  Itty Bitty Shapes Punch #118309, Scallop edge Border #119882, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch #119854, Pretty In Pink 1/4 Grosgrain Ribbon #109032, Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon #109052, and  misc. Red and White baker's Twine.

Keep checking back this week, I have other samples of various things I have created using this stamp set, misc sizzix die cuts, rub-ons, box and pouch templates. All using this fabulous SU! DS papers and coordinating cs. I guess you can say I've been "in the mood for love"  

Filled With Love Bundle

Just a reminder that the Filled With Love Bundle Promotion ends January 24, 2011. You can choose wood or clear mount Filled with Love stamp set, Love patterns paper (only available right now, not in catalog), and get a package of Bitty buttons #118761 ($4.95 value) for FREE.

#124380 Wood Mount Stamp Set, Love Patterns Paper, Bitty Buttons $32.90
#124381 Clear Mount Stamp Set, Love Patterns Paper, Bitty Buttons $26.90
#124156 Extra Love Patterns Paper $9.95

Vintage Valentine with Paper Rosette Tutorial

Here is the project I instructed this past weekend at a Stamp Club. The ATC (Artist Trading Card) incorporates a couple techniques that I like to use on Vintage-style projects. I have given a small tutorial for the rosette below.

I used the set GREETING CARD KIDS  item #120633 from the Idea Book and Catalog. This and the WINTER POST set are my favorite Holiday sets from the current catalog. Here is a link to see the Greeting Card Kids set:  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=120633 Now time for the tutorial.

Cut a strip of 2-sided designer paper 1"x 8.5". You can make these larger (if you make the depth larger then you have to make the length larger). I think the 1" x 8.5" is great size for card fronts, scrapbook pages, and ATC embellishments.

You will need a scoring frame. There are a couple different makers for these frames. The one I used is a new release and does 1/8" increments- It is awesome! I feel it is better than the other score frame that has been out for a few years simply because it does closer increments. Email me if you'd like to know more about this specific frame, sorry it is not an SU! product. I wouldn't doubt that they come out with something similar, they do well keeping up with the latest and greatest papercraftiong trends and competitors. 

*For this rosette I scored at 1/4" increments the entire length of the strip.  

Once the strip is scored entirely, you fold it accordian style. It should fold easily.  

Glue ends together. I like using a hot glue gun, it holds the best.

Punch a 1 1/2 or 1 3/8" circle for base. Place glue in center of circle, place paper rosette on top, press the center down and hold until glue sets. You do not see the circle it just provides stability for the rosette.

Viola! Now you can attach another rosette, button, punched shape, or a stamped image on top. You will

love making these, they are kinda addictive. hahaha

Here is a glimpse of another Vintage Valentine that I made for the gals in the stamp club. I love distressing and making things look old.

Materials:

  SU! FULL HEART punch #119883

Colored pencils for coloring

Distressed edges with SOFT SUEDE #115657

I used the LOVE LETTER #117162 DSP

 Retired pink paper used

* The Love Letter DSP works fantastic for vintage style cards. SU! also sell a coordinating 12 x 12" scrapbook #119809 (red polka dots on cream-just like the paper strip above).

Thanks for stopping by, hope this tutorial is helpful and that you can create fantastic Vintage inspired  projects.

ARTISTS PRINTER TRAY- PHOTO DISPLAY

I visisted a popular Craft store before Christmas and came across these cool trays that function as home decor- photo displays. They sold kits that were left over from a class/ workshop they conducted. I bought some trays and one kit for guidance, and constructed some unique/ personal Christmas gifts.

I followed a template from the original kit for the first but,  then tweaked the other trays to make them more my own style and designs. The empty spots (kraft color panels) are meant for photos. I am still gathering photos to put in here. Each section on this tray (they sell many different sizes) are 2.5x 3.5 also same size as and ATC (Artist Trading Card). Love the idea that you can make the sections permanent or temporary. You can switch the panels out for each holiday, season, room, theme, etc... I have seen some fantastic Christmas themed displays. I am working on a Valentine theme right now. I'm sure I will share photos of this later. Thanks for stopping by, I have a workshop to teach, we are making Vintage Valentine ATCs. So fun...

January Recipe- Spaghetti with Crab Meat

I am going to try and post 1 recipe each month. I love to cook, eat, and entertain but I do work outside the home and I don't have time to make everything from scratch. I consider myself a SEMI- HOMEMADE kind of cook. I love quick and easy recipes that have few ingredients, especially on week nights.

Here is the printed recipe card. I changed the pasta from Angel Hair to Spaghetti, used canned tomatoes instead of fresh (due to not having them on hand),Parmesan cheese from jar,  and dried herbs instead of fresh (due to not having them on hand).

Get all your things gathered, prepped, chopped while the water for the pasta is boiling. It really is an easy recipe that can be prepared in 30 minutes. Once water is boiling you can start your sauce. The crab (fully cooked) is added at the end just to get warm.

Garnish the entire dish with Parsley and Parmesan cheese. It truly is delicious. Everyone will ask for seconds, I promise.

TO SERVE: I like to serve my pasta in a large pasta bowl. I found the greatest Pasta serving set on QVC. Its a 6 piece set that contains a large serving bowl that  fits on a black iron footed stand, and four wide pasta bowls. If you are interested in the bowl set that I have,  here is the link.  They are clearanced, less than $30.00 for the set.

 http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K25810.desc.Temptations-Old-World-5piece-Bowl-Set

Christmas Thank Yous

Finally got around to making some Christmas Thank You cards. I found these chipboard circle phrases at a local craft store last year for 25 cents for 6. I made a New Years resolution to start using some of the stuff I have sitting around here (I hope I can do well with this).

The circle phrases are non traditional Christmas colors (brown, pink, green) and that made them hard for me to use. They colors worked out nice for thank- yous, especially now that the holidays are over. The verses fit perfectly in the center of SU punched ornament. I combined all three colors on all the cards. I used SU! poinsettia embossing folder on the choc. chip portion on the bottom. I found  paisely papers (misc) that contained all the colors and attached to the top. I used  SU! canvas (celery) ribbon near center. I placed decorative clear tape on top of the ribbon. Stamped 'thank you' on 1/2 a white decorative label punchie. Viola. Nothing too elaborate- simple and sweet.

Happy New Year 2011

I apologize for my long absence from the blog world. The holidays were very crazy and I am glad they are over.  Although, I did not post I did do some stamping/ crafting. I did not take pictures of everything (I don't know why). I made some really cute boxes filled with various homemade items like earrings, frames, journals, cards, magnets,  and clips for 3 young "tween girls". I also made various gift tags and magnetic picture frames for all my family members. My Christmas cards were a hit...

 I sent out quite a few cards so I did them in an assembly line fashion. It took me quite a few weekends to finish from the stage in the above picture. I printed all the B & W photos myself (3x3) then tinted all of them using distress ink (Vintage Photo). I made equal amounts of  cards in Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler .

 Here is a close up of the finished project. I used 4 spools of red/ green ribbon from SU! by the time they were all done. I found these adorable mini candy canes at a local craft store in the miniature/ doll house section. You can really find some adorable things in that section. This photo does not show the distressing of the photo too well.

Here is a side view of the card. I had to explain to many people (non stampers) that is was an easel card. Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year!