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

Are you getting the idea? The Jolly Jingle Stampin' Around Jumbo wheel can be used many ways. I haven't shown you how quick and easy it is to make your own designer wrapping paper and gift bags with this wheel. Imagine….red or green ink on brown wrapping paper and tied with Stampin' Up!'s 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon in Real Red. That would be such a cute present!

Speaking of cute…I think the cardinals in the Little Cardinals builder wheel are sooo darling! Look at this card using that wheel and the Jolly Jingle wheel in the background. I punched out the little cardinals with the 3/4" x 15/16" oval punch found in the Holiday Mini catalog. I also spritzed the background with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. I promise, I will move on to other stamps after this post. I have been surprised at how versatile the wheel has actually been. Thanks for stopping by. If you would like to make this card and do not have the supplies, I invite you to contact your personal demo or visit my online store.

Stamps: Season of Joy, Little Cardinals builder wheel, Jolly Jingle jumbo wheel

Card Stock: Shimmery White, Real Red, Garden Green

Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green

Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red, Garden Green, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Pacific Point

Other: Vanilla Shimmer Spritz, 3/4" x 15/16" oval punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Large Oval punch, Stampin' Around Handle, Stampin' Around Wheel Guide

I am a very traditional person and Christmas cards are supposed to be for the most part some shade of red, green, and white. Some of the wording on the Jolly Jingle Stampin' Around Jumbo wheel inspired me to make this icy blue card. It is definitely outside the box color-wise for me but I like it. The Elegant Soiree designer series paper is not Christmas themed either but the pattern and color lends itself well for this design. Thanks for coming by to visit. Let me know what you think of this color combination for Christmas. Do you like it or are you a traditionalist like me?

Happy Holiday Stamping,

Sue

  Stamp: Jolly Jingle Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel

Ink: Baja Breeze

Paper: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Elegant Soiree Designer Series paper

Other: Ornament punch, Silver cord (retired), sponge, Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle, Filigree Designer brad, Silver Glimmer Basics Brad

Here is another card using the Jolly Jingle Wheel from yesterday's post. I love the multiple layers of the Pinking Heart borders. Thanks for visiting today. I will have a couple more examples using this wheel before I move on to some Thanksgiving ideas so do come back to visit tomorrow. I love receiving comments so I know you have been here.

Blessings,

Sue

Stamps: Jolly Jingle Jumbo wheel, Season of Joy

Ink: Real Red

Card Stock: Shimmery White, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler

Other: Jumble Stampin' Around Handle, Pinking Hearts Border punch, Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon

Do you know how it is that you see a particular stamp that inspires you to make a specific card so you buy the stamp, make the card, and then don't use the stamp again? That is the case with the Jolly Jingles wheel I bought to make this card. Stay tuned as I am challenging myself to see how many different ways I can use this wheel in addition to this one card. Thanks for visiting today and do come back for the next installment of the Jolly Jingles Challenge tomorrow.

Blessings,

Sue

Stamp set:  Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel 120864
Card stock: Cherry Cobbler
            Crumb Cake
            Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Ink Pad
        Always Artichoke Stampin’ Write Marker
Other:  Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper 120810
    Decorative Label Extra-Large punch 120907
    Cherry Cobbler ½” Seam Binding 120992
    Champagne Glass Glitter 120997
    Crimper 101618
    Pinking Hearts Border punch 117649
    Snail Adhesive 104332
    Crystal Effects 101055
    Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint 116806

What denotes Halloween better than a haunted house? I have used the House of Haunts stamp set from Stampin' Up! to make you this Halloween card.

Once in a while the creative juices just flow and a project turns out even better than you had imagined. I think this is one of those times.

I utilized one of Michelle Zindorff's techniques of clear embossing the house image to protect it while I sponged Peach Parfait ink on the moon and Basic Gray ink on the rest of the background of the image. I also sponged streaks of Basic Gray across the moon with the edge of my sponge to simulate whispy clouds traveling across the moon. I clear embossed the greeting to give it a shiny finish and sponged Basic Gray around the edge of the tag. I hope you like this card. If you would like to make this card and need the supplies, visit my online store to purchase them. Thanks for visiting today and come back again soon.

Happy Haunting,

Sue

Stamp set: House of Haunts

Card Stock: Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Basic Black

Inks: Craft Basic Black, So Saffron, Basic Gray

Other: Wicked Fun Specialty Paper, So Saffron Stampin' Write marker, Blender Pen, 1/2" Lace Trim, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, sponge

If you like the projects you see on my blog, please sign up for my mailing list. The sign up box is on the left side bar. You will receive a monthly newsletter filled with projects, tips, announcements of specials and classes, and much more. Right now I am giving my mailing list subscribers a weekly Christmas project complete with a picture and directions. You won't want to miss out on these special projects so sign up right now. If you include your birthday and phone number when requested in the sign up process, I will send you an e-card during your birthday month.

Blessings,

Sue

Here is a special decoration you can make to add the Halloween spirit to your bathroom or window sill. It is easily made in an evening by using Stampin' Up!'s Fancy Favorite die and designer paper. You can make more for each season of the year by changing out the designer paper, inks, and stamps. Use a battery operated tea light for that special glow.

                                                                                                                                                    Stamp set: Dark and Dreary (120837 wood, 121151 clear mount)

Paper: Wicked Fun Specialty (117400), Paper Velum (101839), scrap of Basic Black card stock

Ink: Craft Basic Black (102192)

Other: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Fancy Favor die (115965), Bitty Bat Large punch (119279), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 2-Way Glue Pen(100425), Paper Cutter (104152) 

Directions:

1. Cut out the Fancy Favor box from a piece of the Wicked Fun Specialty paper. Trim the tab along the side of the box to 1/4" wide.
2. Cut a piece of scrap card stock 2 1/4" by 2 1/4" and a piece 1 1/2" x 2 1/4" to use as templates for the cutouts.
3. Lay the Fancy Favor die cut down on your work space with the scored side up. Center the 2 1/4" square piece of card stock between the score lines on one of the wide sides of the box and trace around it. Repeat on the other wide side. Center the 1 1/2" x 2 1/4" template on one of the narrow sides of the box and trace around it. Repeat on the other narrow side.
4. Use the paper cutter to cut out the traced shapes.
5. Cut two pieces of vellum 3" square and two pieces 2" x 3". Stamp desired images in center of each piece of vellum with Craft Basic Black ink. Allow ink to dry thoroughly.
6. Adhere vellum on inside of box centering the images and using 2-Way Glue Pen.
7. Fold the box on all score lines and crease with a bone folder. Use 2-Way Glue Pen on tab and glue the open side together. Fold in the two shorter tabs of the bottom. Put glue on both of the larger  tabs and fold them in pressing the bottom together by putting your fingers inside the box.
8. Punch out two Bitty Bats from Basic Black card stock and two from the designer paper. Adhere them to your luminary with Stampin' Dimensionals.
9. Add a flameless tea light inside the box and enjoy!  

I want to share this card with you today. I was asked to make a sympathy card for a former pastor of our church so made one that was an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of card stock folded in half. This would give more space for the members of the congregation to write messages. I created an oval mask by cutting out an oval scallop frame from card stock with the Sizzix Oval Scallop Frame die. Then I stuck post-it notes around the frame to mask off all but the center oval cut-out. I sponged More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, and Always Artichoke ink in the oval. Then I overstamped the grass image of Inspired by Nature with Basic Black ink. I stamped the saying on a piece of Crumb Cake card stock. I punched the corners of the saying, the Whisper White, and the Tempting Turquoise layers with the Scallop Trim Corner punch and layered them on the base of Crumb Cake. A bow of Black 5/8" satin ribbon finishes off the card. Thanks for visiting today. I'd love for you to leave a comment so I know you were here.

Blessings,

Sue

Stamp Sets: Inspired by Nature, Thoughts and Prayers

Inks: More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Basic Black

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Other: Scallop Trim Corner punch, Basic Black 5/8" satin ribbon, Big Shot, Oval Scallop frame die, post-it notes, Stamping Sponges

Some of you may already know this but for you who are newer to the rubber stamping craft, I have a great tip for you. You may have wished you could heat emboss a certain color ink with clear embossing powder to give your image a shine but you don't have craft ink in that color. Or you may have wanted to stamp an image and then brayer or sponge a background behind it but again don't have craft ink in the color you want to use. In this case you need to heat emboss the image with clear embossing powder to protect the image from being covered with the other color of ink.

What you can do is to first ink your stamp with Versamark ink and then with the desired color of classic ink. Then stamp on your paper, pour clear embossing powder over the image, and heat it with your heat tool. You must remember though to wash the stamp off before using the Versamark again or you will contaminate your Versamark pad. I hope this tip is helpful and sparks a burst of creative inspiration for you. Thanks for visiting my blog today and come back again soon.

Blessings,

Sue

Owning your own Stampin' Up! business as an independent demonstrator can help you reach your goals of extra cash for Christmas. Some of the benefits of this business are:

• ability to set your own business hours that work with your family commitments
• instant income when you place customer orders
• many tutorials available for training
• my guidance and support and strong support from Stampin' Up!
• you represent a company with a strong commitment to family values

If you have been thinking of taking advantage of this opportunity, now is the time to do it! You have less than one week to sign up and get the bonus of the FREE Greenhouse Gala Tote when you join. Contact me for more information.

Blessings,

Sue