Stamp With LisaT

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a happy, peaceful and joyour New Year! I decided to participate in a Color Challenge issued by the group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators to which I belong - what a talented group of ladies! I think this is my first time participating! The challenge was to use Real Red, Basic Black and gold or silver.

I knew almost immediately what I was going to do, and other than the sentiment, there's no stamping! This card is almost exclusively made from Big Shot die cuts. I used the Top Note die, the Join in the Cheer die and the Birds & Blooms die set - I just love that little bird and his 3-D wing! All 3 of these dies are exclusive to Stampin' Up! - you can't get them anywhere else. I glued a tiny scrap of black cardstock under his head so his eye looked black - didn't want that red showing through. Here's a tip: the sharp tips of the paper snips are perfect for pushing out bits of paper after you've run it through the Big Shot: like the bird's eye and the centers of the letters "e" and "a" in the word Peace.

I snipped the edges of the red Top Note along the perforation - this is easier than you think - just stay close - you want to hear the paper "snapping" at each perforation. Then just use a sanding block to smooth out any rough spots and you're good to go!

To order your exclusive Big Shot dies (or the Big Shot itself!), you may place your order online anytime (even New Year's Day!) by following these simple steps:

• Visit my personal Stampin' Up! website
• Click the blue Shop Now button in the upper right corner
• Enter the provided item numbers

OR

Contact me via email or phone (973.227.9395) to place your order directly through me!

Happy Stamping!

Ingredients: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008)
Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Brushed Gold
Ink; Basic Black
Stamps: All Holidays
Accessories: Sizzix Big Shot, Top Note Bigz Die, XXXXX, Bird, sanding block

Love You Much - Valentine's Promotion

Stampin' Up! has a great Valentine's product bundle available now through January 31, and it features some brand new products that you normally wouldn't see until the new catalog comes out in mid-January. This "Love You Much" bundle includes a Valentine stamp set (Love You Much), a package of patterned paper (Candy Lane) and a brand new punch with 3 hearts (the punch coordinates with one of the stamps in the set - of course!). Until January 31, you can order all three of these products together as a bundle at a discounted price of $41.48 - that's a 20% discount. After the 31st, you can still order the products, just not as a bundle - you'll have to order the products individually (and let's face it: you'll be hard pressed to get your Valentines done in time!)

Click here to see the flyer with complete details. You can also find the flyer under the "What's up at Stampin' Up" section in my left sidebar for the duration of the promotion.

The Candy Lane Designer paper coordinates with Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette and Very Vanilla paper, ink and accessories.

Response to this promotion has been so great that the Candy Lane paper is VERY temporarily on backorder - that means that you can't order the bundle ONLINE, but I can order it for you. Email me or call me at 973.227.9395 and I'll be happy to place your order for you. I'll keep you posted as to when you can order it yourself online.

I posted some pictures of a few cards I with this bundle a while ago, then decided to pull them due to some unclear guidelines. I've now replaced the original photos of my samples, and you can see them here:

Brown, Pink & Red Card

Blue & Brown Card (my favorite!)

Red & Black Circle Heart Card

Yellow & Red Card - Shabby-Chic look

These are the samples I made when I first received the set. I'll be creating more samples with this versatile set, as well as announcing a Valentine class, so be sure to check back!

Stamping Class in Northwest NJ

Here's a sneak peek of a card we'll be making at an upcoming rubber stamping / card-making class. Start the New Year off well-prepared by stocking up on some greeting cards! We'll make 3 each of four different cards, and you'll be ready for most occasions! This class is appropriate for new and experienced stampers, and we'll try a variety of techniques and materials - lots of fun!

This card was made using the stamp set Always in My Thoughts. This set comes with a few different sentiments, and is well suited for sympathy, get well and thinking of you cards. Great to have a few of these on hand! The image was stamped with Stazon ink (it's waterproof!) and then watercolored. (Lynn, you'll be surprised how easy this is!)

This "Stock Up" class is being offered at 1 PM on Sunday, January 11 in Pine Brook, NJ. For those of you who haven't been able to make my evening classes, this one's for you! Pine Brook is in Morris County, with quick & easy access to routes 10, 46, 287, 80 and 280! Class fee is $25 (12 cards with envelopes), and all materials are supplied. Contact me to register, or pay now using the button below.

Recipe: (images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008)
Paper: So Saffron, Alway Artichoke, watercolor
Ink: Black Stazon, Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Bordering Blue, More Mustard
Stamps: Always in My Thoughts
Accessories: Scalloped Edge Punch, Scalloped Circle, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Always Artichoke grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Tutorial for Photography Light Tent

Yesterday, in this post, I jokingly mentioned that I'd better hurry up and add a photography light box to my Christmas list. I was searching for something suitable and came across a great tutorial for how to make one yourself. If you're a crafter, you probably have most of the necessary items on hand - or you can easily pick them up the next time you're in a craft store! I'll bet sticky strip will work much better than the recommended masking tape (what do these photographer-types know about sticking things together, after all?).

I came across this tutorial on the blog portion of Digital Photography School.com. This is a great site, and I've shared some photography tips from this site (with full credit and links, of course!) to my newsletter subscribers in the past. Without further ado, here's the link for how to create your own photography light box. As soon as the right-sized box crosses my path, I'm gonna give it a try! If you get to it before me, share a picture of your creation!

Top Note Box

You wouldn't know it from my lack posts lately, but I have been busy crafting. Just no time to photograph and post! A little while ago, I made this great Top Note box. I've seen them all over the place, with lots of variations, but I think that Angie Tieman is the originator of this great idea. I made this using the Sizzix Big Shot Top Note die and the Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper. I just love the rich colors in this paper, and find myself wanting to hoard it instead of use it. Go figure! Have to fight that urge . . .

 

An inside view:

These boxes are great for holding a few pieces of candy, a small trinket, or a gift card. I've got another half-made one on my craft table on which I'm using Haiku Designer Series Paper and the Fabulous Flowers stamp set. I'm so sad to see that on the Retiring List - I love to cut and layer the large flower. I started making that one before the Retiring List came out, so I'd better hurry up and finish it so that I can share it before it's gone!

What've I been busy with? I always get a holiday photo of my kids and turn it into one of those Christmas cards with our names printed on them. I've got such a long Christmas card list, that just seems like the most practical thing to do. Well, this year I forgot to take a photo in time to have the cards made! So I've been busy making cards to send to everyone on my list. Since I didn't plan this ahead of time, I'm making a variety with what I have on hand. I'm even using retired paper from last season, but I'm loving it all over again. I'll try and snap a few photos later to share (but it's a dreary day here again in northern NJ, so the lighting's not too conducive for photography. Maybe I'd better put a photo/lighting box on my Christmas wish list before it's too late!

As my blogging friend Dragana would say, "Blog you later!"

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, Holiday Treasures DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Stamps: Best Yet (Hostess Level1) love this set, and you won't be able to get it anymore :-(
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Sticky Strip, Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Jumbo Eyelets, Crop A Dile, Choc Chip Grosgrain ribbon

Thank You Card Kit

I know you haven't received your holiday gifts yet, but it's not too soon to start thinking about your Thank You cards! What better way to express your thanks than with some lovely handmade cards? For those of you who are too far away to attend classes in my Morris County, New Jersey home, this is the class kit for you!

This kit will allow you to make 6 each of two different cards, both pictured above. Best of all, these cards feature DIE CUTS made with the Sizzix Big Shot and the Birds & Blooms set (a Stampin' Up! exclusive die set). If you haven't taken the plunge with the Big Shot yet, and would like to get a feel for using the images on your cards, this is the kit for you! Your kit will contain all necessary paper, cut (and die cut) for you, instructions with color photos, brads, ribbon and envelopes.

  Alternate Card w/addition of Filigree Brads

These cards feature the stamp set Thank You Kindly, #111700, $13.95, which must be purchased separately. The cards as shown feature silver brads, which are included in the kit. However, you may want to consider the addition of the Filigree Assortment Designer Brads, #112577, $5.95. Did you see the alternate photo above? The Filigree brad adds so much!

   

Thank You Kindly Set                                                      Filigree Brads

Stampin' Up! is currently offering three great promotions, which you may want to consider when placing your order for the stamp set (and optionally, the Filigree Brads):

•  Retiring Stamp sets are available at a 10% discount until December 23rd
• Free Shipping on orders over $70 until December 23rd (that's 10% savings!)
• a purchase of $20 will qualify you for a 20% discount on a stamp set from the Catalog Sampler until January 18 (Thank You Kindly is in the Sampler, so a $20 purchase can save you money on the set!)

You will need the following supplies: (note that if you don't have the Circle Punches, an alternative layout will be provided using square/diamond shapes)

• SNAIL #104332 or other adhesive
• Mini Glue Dots - # 103683
• 1/16" Handheld Punch #101227 (or other tool to pierce holes in flower centers)
• 1 3/8" Circle Punch - # 104401
• 1 1/4" Cicle Punch - #104403
• Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad - #100908

Order your Thank You Card Kit now by clicking the link below. The kits are available for $17, with $5 for S&H. My local customers can save shipping fees by picking the kit up at my home: look for the local kit option in the drop down box below. The stamp set and remainder of your product order will be delivered to you from Stampin' Up!; I'll begin shipping the 'ingredients' portion of the kit in about a week and a half.

Thank You Card Kit - Choose Shipping Option

with Shipping $22.00Local - You Pick Up $17.00

Product orders may be placed online by following these simple steps:

• Visit my personal Stampin' Up! website
• Click the blue Shop Now button in the upper right corner
• Enter the provided item numbers

OR

Contact me via email or phone (973.227.9395) to place your order directly through me!

Cupcake Birthday Card

I've got the cutest birthday card to share with you! I recently reconnected with an old friend and realized her birthday is in a few days. I broke out Crazy for Cupcakes and got busy! Happy Birthday, Susan!

My favorite part of this card is the shine! After stamping and coloring in the image, I smooshed my Versamark pad all over the stamped image panel and heat embossed it with Iridescent Ice. I just love the sparkle and shine. TIP: if you don't have the embossing supplies or Iridescent Ice, try it on Shimmery White card stock.

I based this card on a layout of a similar card I received as a swap from a fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator. The original card was designed by Terri Ransom. I changed the color scheme and used a stamped and punched flower instead of the stamped flower that Terri used (if you don't have the same thing, improvise!). But the sparkly image panel is all Terri's idea - thanks for the inspiration! Sharing ideas and creativity is what Stampin' Up!'s all about. I love it!

I'm planning several classes for early in the year, and may do a similar card. What's in the works? Classes to get you off on the right foot in the new year: one to stock up on greeting cards (variety of occasions), one to stock up on birthday cards, an opportunity to scrapbook your holiday pictures, and of course a Valentine class! I'll be finalizing my schedule over the next few days, so stay tuned or sign up for my monthly newsletter! My stamping, scrapbooking and card making classes are held in my Morris county, New Jersey home, with easy access to routes 80, 46, 10 & 287.

Recipe:(all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008)
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Apricot Appeal, Basic Black, Versamark: Stampin' Write Markers: Regal Rose, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Real Red
Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, One of a Kind
Accessories: Scalloped Edge Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 5/8" Certainly Celery Grosgrain, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, heat tool, dimensionals

12 Projects of Christmas - Day 12 - Tins

Today is the last day of my 12 Projects of Christmas. I hope I was able to inspire you. Gifts and decorations that are homemade are always from the heart! Even though these 12 days of projects are over, I hope I can continue to inspire you - you can subscribe to my blog (left sidebar) or sign up for my monthly newsletter (upper left sidebar). If you're local to me - please join me for a class! My classes will resume in January. If you're not local, I try to offer some of my classes "to go"!

Many thanks to the talented ladies who pooled their talents with me to provide so many fun and easy projects!

Today's project is altered tins - these can be used for many things, the examples provided are for candy holders and notecards. Thanks to Barbara Lash!

Ordering information can be found at the bottom of this post - I'm moving it down because you all know how these 12 Projects work now, and let's just get to the good stuff - the pictures and ideas!

 

To see another tin, this one used to contain miniature notecards, click here.

If you're on my mailing list, you'll receive these 12 Projects of Christmas ideas in your Inbox. If you're not currently on my mailing list, you can sign up using the box at the top of my left sidebar.

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NOTE: Since Stampin' Up! announced it's retiring list today at a 10% discount, and also announced FREE SHIPPING for orders over $70 until December 23rd, I'm extending the 'deadline' for my raffle of the FREE STAMP SET until Friday, December 12. Mull over my 12 Holiday Projects, the Retired List, and place your order by Friday! Don't forget that an order of $20 will also qualify you for a stamp set from the Catalog Sampler at 20% off!
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If you order supplies for any of my "12 Days" projects, your name will be entered in a random drawing for a free brand new stamp set from my stash. I'll draw a name at the end of the 12 Days, notify the winner and send them a list of stamp sets from which they can choose.

Orders may be placed online by following these simple steps:

• Visit my personal Stampin' Up! website
• Click the blue Shop Now button in the upper right corner
• Enter the provided item numbers

OR

Contact me via email or phone (973.227.9395) to place your order directly through me!

Happy Stamping!

Retired List is Out - 10% Discount 'til Dec. 23rd & Free Shipping on Qualifying Orders

Stampin' Up! has released the list of stamp sets that will be retiring when the new catalog comes out in January. And there's an unprecedented discount! Until December 23rd, any retiring sets are available at a 10% off. Take a look at the retiring list, and if there's something that's been on your wish list, now's the time to get it!

Better yet, combine this offer with another one just announced today - until December 23rd, you get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $70! That's an additional 10%!

And don't forget about the 20% offer - if you spend $20, you can select any stamp set from the Catalog Sampler for 20% off. No limits!

Catalog Sampler Sets for 20%:

Item #	Description	Retail	20% Off
111564	Flight of the Butterfly	$31.95	$25.56
112911	Vuelo de la mariposa (Spanish Flight of the Butterfly)	$31.95	$25.56
111676	Puns from the Past	$27.95	$22.36
111660	Just Jawing	$25.95	$20.76
111624	Dreams du Juor	$18.95	$15.16
111700	Thank You Kindly	$13.95	$11.16
111714	Wow Flowers	$12.95	$10.36
112955	Flores llamativas (Spanish Wow Flowers)	$12.95	$10.36
111600	Bella’s Bloom	$12.95	$10.36

Combine these 3 offers for some unbelievable shopping! You can order directly online yourself or contact me to place your order for you.

Orders may be placed online by following these simple steps:

• Visit my personal Stampin' Up! website
• Click the blue Shop Now button in the upper right corner

OR

Contact me via email or phone (973.227.9395) to place your order directly through me!

Happy Stamping!

12 Projects of Christmas - Day 11 - Treat Boxes

Today's project makes a great hostess or remembrance gift  - during the holidays or at any time of the year - Peppermint Patty treat boxes! Welcome to Day 11 of my 12 Projects of Christmas - 12 days of free project ideas designed to get you inspired for the holidays! Most of these projects come with a couple different variations, so you can see how making a couple quick changes can adapt many of these ideas to a variety of occasions. I hope these projects that I'm sharing give you lots of great ideas for decorating your home or making gifts!

I created these treat boxes based on a template provided by Andrea Walford. They're perfect for a small thoughtful gift, and can be easily adapted to a wide variety of occasions.

Ordering information can be found at the bottom of this post - I'm moving it down because you all know how these 12 Projects work now, and let's just get to the good stuff - the pictures and ideas!

 

And here's a view of one of the individual patties:

 

To see several variations on this project, click here - there's more Christmas, a Thanksgiving and a Birthday set!

If you're on my mailing list, you'll receive these 12 Projects of Christmas ideas in your Inbox. If you're not currently on my mailing list, you can sign up using the box at the top of my left sidebar.

If you order supplies for any of my "12 Days" projects, your name will be entered in a random drawing for a free brand new stamp set from my stash. I'll draw a name at the end of the 12 Days, notify the winner and send them a list of stamp sets from which they can choose.

Orders may be placed online by following these simple steps:

• Visit my personal Stampin' Up! website
• Click the blue Shop Now button in the upper right corner
• Enter the provided item numbers

OR

Contact me via email or phone (973.227.9395) to place your order directly through me!

Happy Stamping!

Supply List:
Stamps:
Spotlight on Christmas - 111694
Best Yet (Hostess Level 1) - 111604
Paper:
Real Red 8 1/2 x 11 - 102482
Old Olive 8 1/2 x 11 - 100702
Whisper White 8 1/2 x 11 - 100730
Ink:
Stampin' Write Marker Real Red - 100052
Stampin' Write Marker Old Olive - 100079
Accessories:
Scalloped Circle Punch - 109043
1 3/8" Circle Punch - 104401
1 1/4" Circle Punch - 104403
5 Petal Flower Punch - 109041
Gold Elastic Cord - 109867
Sticky Strip - 104294
Mini Glue Dots - 103683
1/16" Circle Handheld Punch (for tag) - 101227
Bone Folder - 102300
transparency / acetate