Day of Thanks

On this day of Thanksgiving in the U.S., I have many reasons to be thankful. I have wonderful family and friends, a home to shelter me, my faith to sustain me, and sweet freedom.

I also have a job that brings me pleasure and joy in that it focuses on building relationships and allows me to share what I love to do with others. This is the heart of Stampin' Up! and I am blessed to have my connection with you because of my involvement in this company.

Thank you for visiting me here each day and for allowing me to serve you!

Warmest regards,

Lisa Brown

Happy Thanksgiving!

Painting of "The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth" By Jennie A. Brownscombe. (1914)
Read all about the history of Thanksgiving here on Wikipedia.

Have a wonderful day!

Easy Does It Favor Box

For this week's " ...old,...new" post, I have a video with instructions to create a quick and easy box that would be really cute on your Thanksgiving table. You'll see that I added the ribbon after the video...Let me know if you have any questions!

Supplies:
Stamps: Day of Gratitude (wood) (clear)
Paper: Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock, Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Paper
Ink: Cajun Craze Classic
Accessories: 3/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Circle Punch (I used 1 3/4"), Scallop Circle( I used Bigz XL Pennant Die scallop circles), Stampin' Sponges

Super Saturday: Candy Countdown

Cute, cute idea from Stampin Up! for paper crafters this holiday season! Candy Countdown Christmas from the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog is great way to count down those days to Christmas with little ones (or the young at heart!)
The kit contains 25 fast-fold boxes, printed die cuts, ribbon,rope, and little clothespins to hang your treat boxes. These would make cute ornaments or party favors as well!
Other ideas...
TEACHERS: Turn the numbered die cuts over and use as a gift tag for each of your students' names!
MOMS: Fill with treats or trinkets as little gifts for your child's class!
OR, keep on hand at home filled with cookies or other baked goodies for holiday visitors, carolers, or neighbors!

You can call me with your order or order online HERE now!

Fabulous Friday: Fabulous Stampin' Up! Autumn Spice Specialty Designer

Here is another banner that I made to display along the mantle in our living room. It is fairly long so it was hard to get a good photo of it. The flags on this one were so easy to create with the BIGZ XL Pennant Die and the Big Shot. This beautiful Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Paper is so pretty!



Lots of glitter, buttons, and bows make it really easy to embellish. Next, I'll be working on creating holiday banners for each of my daughters! Are you making any gifts this holiday season?
Supplies:
Stamps: Day of Gratitude (wood) (clear)
Paper: Autumn Spice Specialty Designer Paper, Very Vanilla card stock
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers: Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Old Olive and VersaMark
Accessories: Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Deck the Halls Big Designer Buttons, Antique Brads, Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Big Shot, Bigz XL Pennant Die, Champagne Glass Glitter, Fine Cosmo Glitter

Trendy Thursday: Stampin' Up! Deck the Halls-Paper and Fabric

Love these coordinating designs from Stampin' Up! for card making. For this seasonal card, I've combined Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and Designer Fabric as well as a Deck the Halls Big Designer Button in Always Artichoke. The fabric touch adds a special warmth to the project, don't you think?

If you'd like to try some for yourself, visit the online store today!

Supplies for this project:
Stamps: Artistic Etchings(wood), (clear) Many Merry Messages
Paper: Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, Crumb Cake Card Stock
Ink: Crumb Cake Classic, VersaMark
Accessories: Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Deck the Halls Designer Fabric and Big Designer Buttons, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Corner Punch, Mini Glue Dots (for buttons), crochet thread

Something Old, Something New: The Banner

Last Wednesday, I posted a peek at a banner that I was working on using some new and some retired product. Thanks to Kelly Lunceford for her inspiration ...I am hooked! This project takes a little time but, to me, so worth the effort!



This banner was created for a charity auction that will be held December at a local hospital where my daughter is a nurse. Each department decorates a themed tree and I thought this banner made with the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper would be a perfect accessory for the tree she and her friends were putting together.

The "old" : Hodgepodge Hardware tag, gold elastic cording

The "new":
Stamps: Bells and Boughs(clear), (wood)
Paper: Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper , Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla card stock, Waffle Paper Assortment 1
Ink: Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Simple Letters Bigz Dies, Big Designer Buttons -Deck the Halls, Antique Brads, Champagne Glass Glitter,Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, hot glue gun

I have another banner ready that I'll post soon. For now, I'll leave you with a question...if you decorate for the holidays, when do you start? Leave a post here in the comment section.

Man(ic) Monday: Winter Post

Need an idea for a holiday card for your spouse or significant other? Impress him with your card making and paper crafting technique skills with these watercolored skating sweethearts!

The Winter Post set from Stampin' Up! is so versatile for your holiday crafting. Appropriate for men, women, the young and young-at-heart! Take a look at the complete set HERE.

The Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die cut adds a nice border accent and an Antique Brad adds a nice finishing touch.

Need some watercoloring tips? One of my classes for my November Virtual Club features a project with watercoloring! Read more about my Virtual Club HERE. Join in on the fun for exclusive, online classes at your convenience!

Supplies for this project:
Stamps: Winter Post, Tiny Tags(clear); (wood)
Paper: Card Stock: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla; Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze Classic, Blush Blossom, Going Gray, Sahara Sand Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories:Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, Antique Brads, Linen Thread, Aqua Painter, Stampin' Sponges, 2 Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds

Super Saturday: Simple and Sparkly

Love the cheeriness of Stampin' Up!'s Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper. Perfect for your holiday card making and scrap booking this collection is whimsical and fun in traditional colors (Real Red, Garden Green, and Whisper White) with the frosty-ness of Baja Breeze added to the mix.

I cut the word Joy from a strip that I cut with my Big Shot and Join in the Cheer. I was totally out of Garden Green card stock so used Whisper White and colored the letters with my Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker. Chunky White Glitter from the Chunky Essentials collection adds a festive touch to the snowflakes and lettering. And, that rick rack...ah, yes...cut with the Tasteful Trim Die...LOVE it! Check out all the fun borders you can cut with this die in the Holiday Mini or click the link below to see it online!

Supplies:
Paper: Candy Cane Christmas, Real Red and Whisper White card stock
Ink: Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker
Accessories: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL, Sizzlits Merry Details, Decorative Strip Join in the Cheer, Signo White Gel Pen, Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon

Something Old, Something New: Holly Tag

Good day all!
Today, I wanted to share a peek of a Christmas banner that I am creating for a local charity auction. The tag element is what I'd like to point out.

The "old": Hodgepodge Hardware tag
The "new": Bells and Boughs w:120831, c: 121142, Basic Rhinestones-119246

This hardware piece was antique brass. I pressed my VersaMark ink pad along the edge and embossed with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder. I stamped the holly in Always Artichoke on Very Vanilla card stock then traced the hardware window onto the card stock and cut it out. The image is adhered to the back side of the tag with Tombow Mono Multi glue.

Next, the self-adhesive rhinestones were placed over the stamped berries then colored red with a permanent marker. :) Seam Binding Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler is attached on top.

Although this particular hardware is no longer available; our Styled Silver or Styled Vanilla Hardware has some beautiful pieces which you can also emboss in gold! Try it out and email or enter a comment here if you have questions!

Super Saturday: Super Candy Cane Christmas from Stampin' Up! Box

How about this super cool, tall box to fill with treats this holiday season? Found the directions on a stamping friend's blog, Sharon Johnson.
You’ll need 12 x 12 designer paper... full sheet for the box bottom and 1/2 sheet for the box top.

Box Bottom, using a full 12 x 12″ sheet:

Score at 2 3/4″, repeating at 2 3/4″ intervals. You will have four score lines with a 1" tab left to adhere the box together.

Turn the paper and score once at 2 3/4″.

Cut your slits as you would for any box, removing the narrow piece under the tab.

Fold and adhere box bottom and sides together using Sticky Strip.

Box Top, using a 6 x 12″ piece:

The box top needs to be slightly larger than the box bottom for a smooth fit. Score the box top at 2 7/8" intervals along the long side. Turn and score at 2 7/8" on the short side. Cut slits and adhere box top together.

I tied a piece of "retired" Stampin' Up! ribbon around the top and created a tag with the Two Tags Die embellished with the snowflake stamp from Winter Post and a Big Designer Button in Real Red.

This would be a great box to give filled with votive candles or wrapped candies. Create yours now and be ready for the season of giving!

Supplies:

Stamps: Winter Post

Paper: Candy Cane Christmas Specialty, Real Red 12 x 12, Baja Breeze

Ink: VersaMark

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Signo White Gel Pen, Two Tags Die, Big Shot, 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, crochet thread

Trendy Thursday: Stampin' Up! Christmas Greetings with Tiny Damask

If you are familiar with current card making and scrapbooking trends, I'm sure you've seen damask everywhere. I used my Stampin' Up! Tiny Tags stamp to create a trendy, repetitive pattern for a background for the holiday Greeting Cards Kids scene.


Isn't she precious? She is stamped in Black Stazon on Watercolor Paper and I added color with my Stampin' Write Markers and blended with an Aqua Painter. I surrounded the image with a bit of color from my Sahara Sand marker to give it some depth. Blush Blossom marker is perfect for the skin tone and Dazzling Diamonds adds a festive touch. Greeting is from Many Merry Messages.
Watercoloring is so much fun...give it a try on your next project!


Supplies:
Stamps: Many Merry Messages, Greeting Cards Kids, Tiny Tags
Paper: Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler card stock, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Black Stazon, Stampin' Write Markers: Blush Blossom, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, So Saffron, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Two Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Aqua Painter

Something Old, Something New: Stampin' Up! Vintage Flurry

I was really excited when I found this big Felt Flurry (the "old") in my card making embellishment stash!
I combined it with the new and currently available Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Paper from Stampin' Up!, along with the Presto Patterns Specialty Paper and a beautiful Vintage Brad.
The Presto Patterns piece was sponged with Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, and Early Espresso to make the designs pop! I even sponged the flurry a bit. :)
Love the snowflake?...other current options for you... the new Northern Frost Decorative Strip(120901) is gorgeous and the Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder creates a beautiful impression on our card stock!
These and other Stampin' Up! products are available in the online store.

Supplies for this project:
Stamps: Many Merry Messages-116586
Paper: Soft Suede-115318 card stock, Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Paper-120809, Presto Patterns Specialty Paper-117175
Ink: Soft Suede-115657, Early Espresso-119670, Baja Breeze-111833 Classic Inks
Accessories: Antique Brads-117273, Stampin' Sponges-101610

Fabulous Friday: Fabulous Ideas from Stampin' Up!

As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I never have to worry about inspiration or project ideas for card making or scrapbooking. Luckily, there are plenty of 3D project ideas available as well. Samples on the website and in our monthly publication are awesome! This little project was in this publication and I was able to recreate it to share it with you today.
If you are interested in learning more about what I do and the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I'd love to speak with you about it. Read more about it here and call me!

Supplies:
Stamps: Autumn Days-115542, Tiny Tags-w:118091,c:118592
Paper: Very Vanilla and Always Artichoke card stock, Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper-120810
Ink: Soft Suede and Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Big Shot-113439, Pillow Box Bigz Die-113466, Matchbox Bigz XL Die (for tag)-114890, Sticky Strip-104294, Linen Thread-104199, Jewelry Tag Punch-117190, Paper Piercing Tool-116631

Trendy Thursday: Sweet, Sheet Music

Today's featured trend in paper crafting was inspired by a card in the current issue of Paper Crafts magazine using Sheet Music Prints. Stampin' Up!, in keeping up with the latest and greatest, has included such a print in the Newsprint Designer Series Paper collection perfect for card making and scrapbooking.
I recruited my Big Shot to help with this project. The Table Setting Bigz XL Die provided the spiral for the flower and the NEW Tasteful Trim Bigz XL in the Holiday Mini created the scallop borders. Gotta love that! I used the beautiful Top Note Bigz Die to show off this music print. Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding and a Big Designer Button add a wow factor and a simple "merry" from Tiny Tags adds the finishing touch.

Purchase any of these products on my Stampin' Up! website in the online store.

Supplies:
Stamps: Tiny Tags-w:118091, c:118592
Paper: Basic Black-121045 and Crumb Cake-120953 card stock, Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper-120810, Newsprint Designer Series Paper-117166
Ink: Basic Black Classic-101179
Accessories: Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding-121000, Big Designer Buttons:Deck the Halls-121002, Big Shot-113439, Table Setting Bigz XL Die-116819, NEW Tasteful Trim Bigz XL-120893, Top Note Bigz Die-113463, Jewelry Tag Punch-117190, crochet thread

Stampin' Up! Holiday Bundles-Save 20%

This news was just so fantastic that I had to share it as a bonus post today!

Beginning TODAY, October 19th, and continuing through December 16th, choose from several different Holiday Bundles containing gorgeous Stampin' Up! products, perfect for greeting cards, gift packaging, and gifts---all at 20% off!

Take a look at these great offers!

Details:

• When ordering, you must use the bundle number as listed in the promotion to receive the 20% discount. The discount will not be applied if the item numbers of the products included in the bundle are listed separately.
• Additional products from the current Idea Book and Catalog, Holiday Mini, and Definitely Decorative Catalog may be purchased on the same order.
• There is no minimum purchase required to receive the discount.
• Order online by December 16th!

Check back later today for your Tuesday Tip and a video tutorial!

"Attend" a stampin' class at your convenience! Join ink and inspirations Virtual Club!

Super Saturday: Candy Cane Christmas Mini Box

The Candy Cane Specialty Designer Paper in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini lends a whimsical feel to your holiday projects.
How about a super simple card and mini box for a tiny treat?

The card went together easily; I let the paper do the work and added a little Dazzling Diamonds for sparkle. The "Merry Christmas" sentiment is from my go-to holiday set words, Many Merry Messages. Yummy Real Red Satin Ribbon completes the look.
Love the Tinsel Trim as a handle for my tiny box also from the Holiday Mini. The tinsel comes in Silver and Clear...the silver is "wired" so you can bend into your desired shape. Really fun! I'll try to get a video up soon on the box. You'll want to make these for any holiday.
Check the supply list for what you'll need and let me know if you have questions.
Supplies:
Stamps: Many Merry Messages-116586
Paper: Real Red-102482 and Whisper White-100730 card stock, Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Paper- 120809
Ink: Real Red Classic-103133
Accessories: Tinsel Trim Silver-120994, Dazzling Diamonds-102023, Two Way Glue Pen-100425, Paper Piercing Tool, 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon-117286

Classes for you at your convenience...join the ink and inspirations Virtual Club!

Trendy Thursday: The Env(y) of "Mini"

The other day, I saw some mini envelopes with a tiny card tucked inside to attach to a gift. I thought these would also be really cute tucked in a lunch sack, under a pillow, or even as a Christmas Countdown with phrases of holiday cheer, scripture verses, or a cute stamped image so I decided to give it a go and creating one.
And, how about another little trinket pin?

Supplies:
Stamps: Tiny Tags-wood:11809, clear: 118592
Paper: Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper-120810, Crumb Cake-120953 and Very Vanilla-101650 card stock
Ink: Cherry Cobbler-119669 and Always Artichoke-105219 Classic
Accessories: Vintage Trinkets-118764, Big Shot-113439, Merry Details Sizzlit-116823, Jewelry Tag Punch-117190, Always Artichoke Seam Binding-121000, Crystal Effects-101055, Dazzling Diamonds-102023.
If you'd like, I'll post a video on how to make the mini envies next week. ??? Let me know...

Something Old, Something New: Delightful Decorations

Like bright and sparkly for your holiday cards? Here's a cute one using that "new" fantabulous Specialty Designer Paper from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog, Candy Cane Christmas, along with the "old" dotted red grosgrain ribbon that coordinates really well with this project.
Delightful Decorations and the corresponding ornament punch sets the stage here for a bright and joyful greeting. I created the background with a little "burst" from the same set and placed a tiny Jewels Basic Rhinestone in the center of each as well as on each ornament. Dazzling Diamonds adds more shine and the ribbon is tied and attached with a couple of Mini Glue Dots. Fun.
Planning your holiday cards? Get your supplies now and get a head start!
Supplies:
Stamps: Delightful Decorations-116517
Paper: Baja Breeze-111352 and Whisper White-100730 card stock,
Candy Cane Christmas-120809
Ink: Blushing Bride-119786, Garden Green-102272, Real Red-103133, Baja Breeze -111833Classic
Accessories: Ornament Punch-119847, Jewels Basic Rhinestones-119246, Mini Glue Dots-103683, Two Way Glue Pen-100425, Dazzling Diamonds-102023

Virtual Club? Online classes and special gifts!
Check it out HERE!

Fabulous Friday: Holiday Neutrals

Have you started thinking about your holiday cards? What color? What set? Traditional colors? Religious theme?
So many options...so little time! Well, not if you start now!
I love to play around with my sets and accessories before I actually decide which I'll duplicate. By that time, I have 20 or so one-of-a- kind cards I can send also. Love that!
This one is with my current color scheme fave...the neutrals. Growing up, I was a turquoise, pink, and purple girl, but now I have developed a very meaningful relationship with the neutrals. Ahhh...so calming. And, mind you, I know these aren't everyone's fancy so I PROMISE to give you a variety as we head into the season.

Lots of fun accessories used here with my Lovely as a Tree-Glimmer Brads, Champagne Glass Glitter, Espresso Taffeta Ribbon...Yum!

Inklings:
Paper lace next to ribbon made with Eyelet Border Punch and fibers broken down with Bone Folder. Scrap piece cut from Eyelet Border piece ( I trimmed excess) and ruffled behind oval sentiment.

Need supplies? Visit the online store or give me a call.

Supplies:
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree-115026, Bells and Boughs-wood: 120831, clear: 121142
Paper: Soft Suede-115318, Crumb Cake-120953, and Early Espresso-119686, Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper-120810
Ink: Early Espresso-119670 and Crumb Cake-121030 Classic
Accessories: Big Shot-113439, Petals a Plenty Textured Impressions Folder-116284, Early Espresso 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon-119964, Glimmer Brads Basics-121003, Champagne Glass Glitter-120997, 2 x 1 3/8" Oval Punch-119859, Eyelet Border Punch-119853

Super Saturday: Stampin' Up! Nite Owl Designer Paper

A super cute project for you today...
I created this Halloween Bingo Game from the Nite Owl Designer Series Paper from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog!
I'm sure that most of you, like me, have a youngster in your life that would love a special little treat like this. It was so easy to put together!
This pack of designer paper has 2 sheets each of 6 designs so I cut the four "bingo"cards from one of the sheets and mounted onto Basic Black card stock. From the other identical sheet, I cut the number squares from one of the bingo cards and punched 1 1/4 " Basic Black squares for mounting these. Then, I used my Big Shot XL Bigz Box #2 and created a little Tangerine Tango box to hold the number squares. I cut the lid off the box for easy access and embellished the front with the little ghostess from Batty for You and a fan fold flower from another print in the designer paper pack.
I found the individually wrapped gumballs at a dollar store and thought these would be perfect for markers. The empty drink bottle was gussied up with more designer paper and ribbon.
Try making a set like this to treat a special young one in your life ...or maybe even for the kid in you!-----Have a great day!
Supplies:
Stamps: Batty for You-116576
Paper: Nite Owl Designer Series Paper-123012, Basic Black card stock-121045
Ink: Basic Black -100082 and Pear Pizzazz (In Color Set of 5- 119801)-Stampin' Write Markers
Accessories: Scallop Edge Border Punch-119882, Scallop Circle Punch-119854, 1 1/4- 119861 and 1 3/8 Circle-119860 Punches, Paper Piercing Tool-116831, Basic Black 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon-115605, Cutter Kit-106958, Big Shot-113439, Extended Cutting Pads-113478, Box #2 Bigz XL Die-114518