Did you know that you can cut the cork sheets sold by Stampin' Up! with the Big Shot? Yep, cork and 49 other types of materials. I wanted a quick gift for our daughter-in-law's birthday that I could enclose in a card and made these cork coasters. I have shared the card before as a Stamping 411 sketch response but wanted to include the card along with the coasters as a set. I used the same Just Believe image on the card and the coasters. I cut out the coasters with the larger scalloped square of the Scalloped Squares Duo Bigz die. After stamping on the cork, I used my markers to darken the image. I am definitely going to make more of these coasters. Actually, I am going to teach a class on November 21st at 2 p.m. on quick gifts and gift wrapping. Watch for further information. You can order the materials for these coasters by visiting my online store. Thanks for visiting today. I love receiving happy mail so leave a coment if you like this gift idea.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamp Set: Just Believe (116948, wood; 120453, clear)

Curvy Verses (114948)

Ink: Concord Crush Classic Ink pad (119785)

Card Stock: Concord Crush (119792),

Pear Pizzazz (119795),

Blushing Bride 119796),

Very Vanilla (101650)

Other: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder (119277)

Scallop Squares Duo Bigz die (120903)

Big Shot machine113439)

Cork Sheets (119819)

Beautiful Wings Embosslit (118138)

Always Artichoke Stampin' Write marker (105113)

Concord Crush Stampin' Write marker (in 119801 set of 5 markers)

Very Vanilla 5/8" satin ribbon (117291)

Edited 11-6-10: I forgot to mention that I sealed the coasters with Krylon Matte Finish to protect the stamped images.

O.K. I hope you all don't get sick of these candy wrappers. They are soooo quick and easy to make and can be changed up for any occasion and look so entirely different just using different paper. This time I used the Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series paper and the Tags til Christmas stamp set. Thanks for taking time to visit today. As always, my online store is open 24/7 if you would like to order the supplies to make these little darling gift boxes.

Stamp Set: Tags til Christmas (120947, wood; 121169, clear mount)

Inks: Real Red Classic Stamp Pad (103133)

Paper: Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper (120809), Whisper White card stock (100730)

Other: Real Red 5/8" satin ribbon (117286),Decorative Label punch (120907), Candy Wrapper Bigz L die (120890) Big Shot Die-cutting Machine (113439), Sticky Tape (104294), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

I have been playing with a new toy, the Bigz L Candy Wrapper die sold in Stampin' Up!'s Holiday mini catalog. Oh my gosh does it make easy treat wrappers or wrapping for small gifts! I used my favorite holiday designer paper, Deck the Halls, to cut out the wrappers. One of these is one side of the sheet of paper and the other has the reverse side out. I cut out a couple of the poinsettia flowers from the same sheet of paper as embellishments and tied Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding around the wrapper to finish it off. What did I put inside??? Guess you will have to wait until Christmas to find out! Visit my online store to purchase the supplies to make these darling little wrappers. Thanks for stopping by and leave a comment so I know you were here.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamps: none

Inks: none

Paper: Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (120810, $9.95)

Other: Always Artichoke 1/2" Seam Binding (121000, $6.95); Bigz L Candy Wrapper die (120890, $32.95); Sticky Tape (104294, $6.95)

I shared my 1" x 1 1/4" Simply Adorned Charm (116798, $18.95) in an earlier post here. Today I want to share with you a couple of inserts I made for the 1 1/2" x 2" charm (116799, $21.95). This larger charm is perfect for using as an ornament or inserting a child's picture. Your creative possibilities are greater with the larger size as well.

Imagine the surprise when a loved one opens a present and inside finds this charm on a silk cord or the chain that is available from Stampin' Up! The most endearing part of the gift is the fact that you customized the inserts for this charm just for them. Consider making several inserts for the different seasons or an insert for each month. The possibilities and fun are endless! Don't wait any longer to order one of these charms! Christmas is almost here and this gift will be loved by many on your list. Visit my online store to place your order today. As always, I appreciate you visiting my blog today and invite you to leave a comment so I know you were here.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Stamps: Little Cardinals Builder Wheel

Inks: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, various Stampin' Write Markers

Paper: Shimmery White card stock, Deck the Halls Designer Series paper

Other: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, 3/4" x 15/16" oval punch

Are you a new stamper? If you are like me, I was overwhelmed with choices when I first wanted to try my hand at stamping! The first Stampin' Up! workshop I attended, there were so many stamps and supplies to choose from that I didn't buy a thing!

As always, I am here to help you so here is my list of beginning stamper's must haves:

• Colored Card Stock – Stampin' Up! card stock is recognized in the paper crafting industry as being the best quality. The color goes through all layers of paper. We offer a Getting Started Collection of 2 sheets of each of the basic colors (120954) for only $6.95. This will give you an idea of which colors you like to use. Then you can reorder those colors in larger quantities.
• Very Vanilla (101650, $8.50/40 sheets) or Whisper White (100730, $8.50/40 sheets) Card Stock – Choose either an ivory toned basic color or white on which to stamp your images.
• Inks – Basic Black Classic Stamp Pad (101179, $5.95) for stamping images you will be coloring
• Brights Collection Stampin' Write Markers (119702, $28.95) to color in images and for coloring directly onto the rubber stamp for stamping an image in a color other than black
• Paper Cutter (104152, $24.95) While you can measure, draw a line and cut along the line with scissors to get a straight line, you will find this paper cutter to make the job much easier and more consistent! Generally the 8 1/2" x 11" card stock is cut in half to make a piece 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". This is then folded in half to make the base for your card.
• Whisper White (107301, $6.50/40) or Very Vanilla (107300, $6.50/40) Medium Envelopes – After taking the time to hand make that special card, you will want to send it in one of our fine quality envelopes. Choose Whisper White or Very Vanilla depending on which basic white card stock you chose.
• Stamp set of your choice
• Adhesive of your choice

There are many embellishments you can choose to add like ribbon, glitter, self-adhesive pearls or crystals, and brads, but the above list gives you everything you need to start stamping.

Are you not quite sure you want to dive into stamping with both feet? Do you want to just test the waters? Then I suggest you purchase one of our single stamps shown on pages 18-20 of our 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog, the Whisper White card stock, your favorite color ink pad, the envelopes, and the adhesive of your choice. You can use a ruler and scissors you probably already have to cut your card stock.

If you are ready to give rubber stamping a hand, either email me with your order or visit my online store to place your order. I am always available to help you get started and answer any questions you might have. Don't hesitate to ask!

Happy Stamping,

Sue Erickson

Thanks to all of you who stop by my blog frequently to visit. I am grateful that readership of my blog is increasing so nicely and appreciate all who take time to post a comment. Therefore, this card today is for you!

I just recently purchased the French Foliage stamp set and now I wonder why I waited so long. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! After inking some of the leaves up with a base color, I sponged on a second color around the edges of the stamp. I love the resulting bicolor effect. I purchased the Grateful Greetings stamp set just for this particular greeting. I whole-heartedly agree with the sentiment! The sketch for this card is this past Saturday's Stamping 411 sketch. I just changed the position of the ribbon and the sentiment.

Thanks for coming by to visit. Please do leave a comment so I know you were here.

Stamp Sets: French Foliage, Grateful Greetings

Card Stock: Cajun Craze, Basic Black, Old Olive, Confetti White

Inks: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, More Mustard Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake

Other: Wicked Fun Specialty paper, Sizzix Top Note die, Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Sponge Dauber

Thank you if you have signed up for my The Soggy Stamper Newsletter. If you haven't. look what you are missing!

• Monthly Newsletter full of projects, tips, and latest updates from Stampin' Up!
• The weekly project from the 12 Weeks of Christmas campaign
•  Notices of upcoming classes
• and much more

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But…there is a subscribe to this blog sign-up there too! Sign up to have my blog posts automatically arrive directly to your inbox:

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Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Periodically, I will post a question and answer. Here is today's:

Question:

How can I organize my card stock and designer paper scraps so that I can find them again when I need just a small piece?

Answer:

There are two ways I store my scraps. The main way I use is I have 8 1/2"x 11" Craft Keepers (104182, $6.95/set of 3) in which I store my scraps by some general categories – Yellow/Orange, Reds, Blues, Purples, Pinks, Greens, Black/Brown, Printed/Stamped, Very Vanilla/Shimmery White, Whisper White/Glossy White/Confetti White, Metallics, and Designer Paper Scraps. I think I also have one labeled backgrounds. I keep these Craft Keepers standing upright in a plastic crate under my stamping table.

The other way I store scraps is to return Designer Series Paper scraps to the packaging with the full sheets.

I hope these tips will give you an idea in organizing your stamp/craft room. If you need a supply of craft keepers, visit my online store to order them.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Dina and I are having a huge stamping and crafting garage sale this Saturday, October 30, starting at 9 am. It will be held at Dina's garage, 509 Cedar in Craig. You won't want to miss this sale! It is one day only!

Those of you who don't live on Prince of Wales Island, check my retired stamp link on the sidebar. I will be updating that page soon.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

Here are the inserts for the 1" x 1 1/2" charm that I received back from a swap Michelle Deslandes hosted. Unfortunately, the insert from Mei Ling Stevens mysteriously disappeared as I was preparing to take a picture of all the inserts. I guess it is camera shy…LOL! It is driving me crazy because I can't find it! I am going ahead and posting the rest of the inserts anyway. When I find Mei Ling's, I will share it on a separate post.There are a couple inserts that arrived without names. If either of them is your's, please post a comment so I can thank you for participating.

Have I enticed you to buy the Simply Adorned chain and a charm yet? I love mine and get so many nice comments about it. You know you need one! Place your order here. Thanks for coming by to visit. Do come back again soon.

Of course as soon as I uploaded the above picture of all the swap inserts, I found Mei Ling's insert lying on the kitchen floor! How it got there is a mystery to me. So here it is:

Do you have a supply of small envelopes that are too small to send through the postal service? Here is a new way to use some of them.

This fall, I participated in a swap of inserts for my Simply Adorned 1" x 1 1/4" charm from Stampin' Up! and needed a way to store them so they wouldn't get lost. Several demonstrators have shared little files they have made to hold the Simply Adorned Charm inserts so the basic idea for this insert file is not originally mine. However, this particular file and the directions are my own.

Click the link for the directions to make this little file. Download Simply Adorned Expanding insert file

Come back again tomorrow when I post all the wonderful inserts I received from a swap this fall.

Thanks for visiting. I'd love for you to leave a comment or ask questions about the directions.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

If you are like me, I sometimes struggle to find a gift that has special meaning for my daughters. I don't have to search anymore nor do you!

Stampin' Up! has introduced a line of jewelry which perfectly combines paper crafting and jewelry. The Simply Adorned line has high quality charms in a variety of sizes and shapes that open up so you can put your specially crafted inserts into them. Add these charms to a chain for a necklace, to a bracelet, or to use in home decor as ornaments or mini photo frames.

116799 Simply Adorned 1 1/2" x 2" Charm $21.95    117342 Simply Adorned Bracelet 8"  $7.95

116798 Simply Adorned 1" x 1 1/4" Charm  $18.95    116800 Simply Adorned Chain 24" $10.95

116707 Simply Adorned 1" x 1" Charm         $17.95    116853 Simply Adorned Chain 34" $12.95

118476 Simply Adorned 5/8" Square Charm  $  8.95   121011 Black Crystal 5/8"             $ 3.95

117349 Simply Adorned 5/8" Circle Charm    $  8.95   121012 Clear Crystal 5/8"             $ 3.95

121012 Pink Crystal 5/8"                                $  3.95   121014 Vanilla Pearl 1/2"              $  3.95

Here are pictures of the front and back of my 1" x 1 1/4" charm on my 24" necklace with some of the Simply Adorned Baubles.

Front:                                                                                 Back:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Lovely Letters Alphabet

Inks: Regal Rose, Always Artichoke

Paper: Very Vanilla

Other: Basic Rhinestones

Imagine the surprise and delight your daughter or mother will have when they open a present from you and see a beautiful charm that you created just for them! Visit my online store to purchase the supplies needed to make this project.

Thanks for stopping by to visit. Tomorrow I will be sharing a file I created to hold my inserts so come by again tomorrow!

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

One of my all-time favorite films is "Dave" starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. Dave works for a non-profit organization finding jobs for people. The slogan of this organization is "Everyone Works on Mondays."

So…today is Monday! Are you one of those who has suffered a job loss due to the poor economy? Are you someone who would like to work but also wants to stay home with your children? Or are you one of those children who needs to stay home to care for their elderly parents?

Here is your answer! I am offering you a great opportunity to own your own business for very little investment. The initial expense is under $200 and you do not have to carry any inventory. You determine the hours you work which is ideal if you need to juggle work and family responsibilities.

I love being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator because I work with a company that puts family values and employee relationships at the top of their priorities. Yet they stay on the cutting edge of the crafting trends and do their best to make wise business decisions. The training I get to run my own business is extensive and the company recognizes my hard work.

If you are intrigued by this opportunity to own your own business and have fun going to work, contact me for more information. Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope I will hear from you soon.

Blessings,

Sue

Have you checked out the Stamping 411 blog yet? It is a great place to find challenges and share your artwork without being solicited to purchase product. Each weekend the operators at Stamping 411 post a sketch and then share what card they have made based on this sketch.

This is this weekend's sketch                  and             here is my version of the sketch

Stamp Sets: Just Believe, Curvy Verses

Ink: Concord Crush

Card Stock: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla

Other: Elegant Lines Embossing folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Very Vanilla 5/8" satin ribbon, Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker, Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker

Looking for a way to purchase all the gifts on your Christmas gift list? Wondering how you are going to pay for everything? Consider making as many of those gifts as you possibly can. A part of you and your love is included when you give someone a gift made by your own hands.

To help you stretch your budget even more, Stampin' Up! is offering Christmas Bundles of products that are 20% off. Visit my online store to take advantage of this great savings and email me for ideas on how to use these products.

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue