Stamp With LisaT

Halloween Class Treats - Build A Bear Style

Here are the treats that I made for my son's 3 year-old nursery school class. Since the kids are so young, I used pretzels instead of candy. I put two bags of the Halloween pretzels inside a large cellophane bag and created a 'bag topper' of sorts to hold it together. The front is nothing special - I saved the fun part for the back!

 
 
I had a lot of fun decorating the back with the new Sizzix Stampin' Up! Bear (#117977) - the Build a Bear, as well as the  Kooky Spooky (#117979) dies. The pumpkins were easy. The witches took a little longer but were more fun. Kooky Spooky includes all of the Halloween accessories seen here - the pumpkins, witch's hat and broom. Using the dies is fun & easy - it's like paper piecing without the tedious cutting. Fun and seasonal, for treats, cards, scrapbook pages or other 3-D projects!

The teachers got their treats in some Frankenstein Backpacks that I had left over from last year. Click here for a tutorial.

Just have some teacher treats to make for my daughter's teachers & I'm all set! You can check back for them tomorrow.

What's coming after all of my Halloween treats? I've been playing with the Build a Bear dies and the new My Digital Studio - Stampin' Up!'s new digital papercrafting software. I've made fun cards, calendars, entire scrapbooks and individual pages. I even dabbled a little bit with multimedia projects (as much as my existing hardware & electronic gadgets will let me). There are a lot of very cool possibilities with this fun and (relatively) easy software. I just completed my certification requirements and will be sharing projects when I'm really happy with them - you probably won't be seeing my first attempts. Right now, one of my biggest obstacles is having enough related pictures to make a really nice themed album. I can see that I'll annoying my family by snapping lots more pictures!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Garden Green
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Big Shot, Build a Bear, Build a Bear Kooky Spooky, Tag Punch, Small Tag Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Large Cellophane Bags

Halloween Treat Pails

As promised, here are some of the other Halloween Treats that I worked on over the weekend. I picked up cute little tin pails that are about 3-4" tall. Filled some Medium Cellophane Bags (#102757) with candy, used stamps and punches, and embellished with Stampin' Up! ribbon. I made about 20 of them, and they're ready to go to school with my daughter on Friday!

Note: the cellophane bags work great for all types of things: treats, embellishments, etc. They'd also make a great "sleeve" to hold memorabilia on scrapbook pages. They come in 3 sizes: Small (3x5"), Medium (4x6") and Large (6x8"). They're easy to pass over in the catalog, but definitely worth checking out - see them on page 159.

I used Batty for You (#116576) for the stamped images in the scalloped circles, and my trusty Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370) for the sentiment. Pretty easy, but lots of punching! Glue dots hold the paper onto the pails like nobody's business - even though the sentiments are wrapped/bent along the curve of the pail, they're still holding strong, and it's been several days. Gotta love those Stampin' Up! glue dots!

If you're looking for more Halloween treat ideas, check out yesterday's post and be sure to come back tomorrow!

Recipe: (all supplies -except pails- Stampn' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green
Stamps: Batty for You, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Medium Cellophane Bags, Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/8 & 1 1/4" Circle Punches, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Glue Dots, Black & White Gingham Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Black Grosgrain Ribbon

 

Halloween Treats

Haven't posted for a while, but I've been a busy bee! Lots of Halloween treats to share with you. I stamped up a storm at my friend Stasia's house this past Sunday with a couple of other Stampin' Up! demonstrator friends of mine. Loved all of that creativity spread out on two tables in Stasia's stamping studio - but what a mess four stampers make when they really get going!

Here's one of the treats that I prepared while I was there. It's our turn to bring the treats to soccer on Saturday. Naturally, it's got to be a Halloween treat! Have you seen the Pringles Stix? I hadn't, until someone else brought them for soccer treats earlier in the season. Immediately, I knew that they'd work great with the Pillow Box die for the Big Shot! I cut out lots of Pillow Boxes, then cut off the "ends" of the boxes (the parts that are supposed to seal closed on either side). Voila - a perfect litte wrap for these fun Stix!

I borrowed Stasia's fun Tasty Sweet stamp set for the sentiment. The candy corn image from the same set added a touch of color. This is a really fun & inexpensive set and I'm sorry I overlooked it in the catalog (it's on page 24 if you'd like to check it out). Great for cards, treats & scrapbook layouts!

Here's a shot of all of the Stix in their pumpkin basket, ready to go on Saturday. Crossing my fingers for nice weather - they played the first part of their tournament in the POURING rain last Saturday! I've got two more sets of treats to share, so check back tomorrow!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie
Stamps: Tasty Sweet
Accessories: Big Shot, Pillow Box die, Tombow glue, Corner Rounder Punch

Covering Up a Mistake

Let's face it: we all make mistakes. Only with our paper crafting, mind you, but we do it! The best thing is that it's usually easy to fix, and there's no need to toss things out. There are two golden rules to follow:

1. Turn it over. Yup - card stock has two sides. Turn it over & stamp again. If that doesn't work, proceed to #2.
2. Cover it up! We really don't need an excuse to embellish, but this is a good one!

Here's an example: I was making a medallion ornament for my Halloween tree (which I'll be sharing soon!). See my Accordion Flower tutorial for instructions on how to make these medallion ornaments (same concept as the flowers - just larger!). See the 'smushed' part? I purposely put it at the top so that I could . . . .

add a bow & cover it up! No more mistake!

Hope you enjoy today's helpful hint!

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Ghostly Greetings DSP (yes, I'm using up my stash from last year!)
Ink: Basic Black & Pumpkin Pie markers
Stamps: Batty for You
Accessories: Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle Punches, 1/4" Black Grosgrain ribbon

Silk Scarf Boxed Gift Set

Quick announcement before I start this post: My 12 Weeks of Christmas program starts THIS WEEK! This is my free gift to my newsletter subscribers: twelve fantastic ideas to help make the season brighter, delivered to your Inbox once a week - sign up here!

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This past Saturday I attended Fall Fest - a gathering of almost 100 Stampin' Up! Demonstrators in my collective downline group. It was such a great day, filled with tons of inspiration & fun! There were lots of sample boards with some of the most creative ideas! I've got so many fun things to share with you over the next several days. I feel like my creativity is finally flowing again after the stomping it took this summer!

I mentioned in my previous post that I was participating in a "WOW" swap - some sort of 3-D item that's supposed to make you say "Wow!". I was a little nervous about participating, especially as the whole swap came together pretty much at the last minute and I had about 2 days to come up with multiples of the same project using what I had on hand. Thanks to my friend Pauline who lent me some ribbon that was far prettier than what I had!

I decided to stamp on silk scarves - a technique that I learned at this same event a few years ago. However, a stamped scarf (no matter how pretty) didn't quite have the WOW factor I was going for. I decided to make my swap just as much about the packaging as the contents!

I made a box with a clear acetate lid. This box is the same box that I used in this tutorial. It was intended to hold A2-sized cards, but worked for the scarf as well. I prettied the whole thing up by using the gorgeous Organza Ribbon. I even got a little fussy with the tag, trying to "wow" it up. I'm so happy with this project that I plan on offering it as a class. If you're in the northern NJ area and would like to make one of these for someone on your gift list, drop me a line to request that you receive updates about my upcoming classes!

Be sure to check back in here at stampwithlisat.com over the next few days, as I'll be sharing the WOW swaps that I received, some of the fun ideas I picked up and my make & take projects - some following personal instruction by Karen Barber & Michelle Zindorf - what a great opportunity that was!

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Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Regal Rose craft inks for the scarf; same colors in markers for the tag
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Christmas Punch
Accessories: Silk Scarves, clear window sheets, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip, Scalloped Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch, Silver Elastic Cord, Whisper White Organza Ribbon

Top Note Die Box with Tassel for Graduation

Are you tired of seeing my Top Note Die Boxes? I hope not - I'm having too much fun! This one has a Graduation theme! It's intended to become a keepsake box for a graduate to store their tassel in. It was inspired by some Karen Foster adhesive cork 'paper' I found in a local craft store. The cork is pretty thin, and has a liner on the back that you peel off to reveal an adhesive backing. Very cool!

 

Here's a view from the side:

I cut the cork to 4x5", peeled the liner off and adhered it to a lightweight piece of cardboard. I then used the Anywhere Glue Stick to adhere a piece of Night of Navy card stock to the other side. I passed this through the Big Shot with the Top Note die and it cut beautifully! Remember to put what will be the 'finished' side of your project against the die - see a picture that shows why here.

Next, I assembled the Top Note die box as described here in my tutorial. I used my retired Tassel Time stamp set (which I will never part with!). The part I'm most excited about? I made a tassel to use as an embellishment! I pulled out my unused DMC embroidery floss and made my own tassel! It was pretty easy, and I can't even remember where I learned how to make these - probably at some point in my childhood.

Here's a closeup of how I attached the tassel to the graduation cap that I cut out from Brocade Blue card stock: I spread apart the prongs of a black brad and placed the floss in between before squeezing the prongs back together to insert them into a punched hole in the cap.

I made another tassel and took pictures along the way so that I could write a tutorial - these would make great embellishments for cards or scrapbook pages! It's simple to customize these by changing the color or varying the size. It was tough to photograph, as it was small and I used black floss. I'll try to re-photograph, maybe while making a larger tassel or using different colors - I'd like for the detail to really show up in the pictures so that I can treat you to a tassel making tutorial. Make sure to check back within the next few days for that!

Recipe: (supplies Stampin' Up! except where noted; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009)
Paper: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, adhesive cork by Karen Foster
Ink: Basic Black
Stamps: Tassel Time
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Vintage Brads, 1/8" handheld punch, Sticky Strip, dimensionals

Masculine Top Note Box

There's something about the Top Note die that just seems feminine to me - maybe it's graceful curves or something. Anyway, after making so many Top Note Die Boxes and writing a tutorial, I was wondering if it would be possible to make a masculine-looking box from the Top Note die. Rather than use patterned paper, I decided to give it a try with chipboard. I used the Long Board (#114320)from the On Board Book Basics group. This sturdy chipboard is sized perfectly to fit through the Big Shot!

 

I stamped on the die-cut chipboard with Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke and Old Olive inks, and sponged the edges with Always Artichoke. I'm really pleased with how it came out, and I don't think it looks feminine at all! This is perfect for Father's Day - use it to present a gift card, cuff links, money clip or any small gift! This could easily be adapted for the graduate with a change of stamp set & accessories.

I'd love to see what you come up with - if you create any boxes, leave a comment here with a link so we can check them out!

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Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!; images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009):
Paper: Always Artichoke
Stamps: Branch Out
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Old Olive
Accessories: On Board Chipboard, Stamp-a-ma-Jig, Big Shot, Top Note die

Tutorial - Top Note Die Box

You asked, and here it is! So many of you wanted to know how to make the Top Note box  that I shared in this post. I made it recently at a Stampin' Up! demonstrator event I attended.I took some time over the weekend to adjust the measurements for the box so that it could comfortably hold a gift card, made a new one and snapped some photos along the way.

To get started you'll need:

• Big Shot & Top Note Die

• 2 - 4x5" pieces of thin cardboard (like the white cardboard that comes in the Designer Series Paper packs - a manilla file folder would make a good substitute)
• 2 - 8.5x11 pieces of cardstock for the lid & bottom (Top Note pieces)
• 1 - 8.5x11 piece of cardstock for the box top & bottom
• a 4x5" piece of patterned paper
• sticky strip
• adhesive (I recommended Anywhere Glue Stick)
• glue dots
• ribbon if desired, about 5.5"
• embellishment for top such as flower, die cut, punched or stamped image
• dimensionals

Cut the 2 sheets of card stock for the top & bottom (Top Note shape) into four 4x5" pieces

Adhere these four pieces of card stock to the top & bottom of both pieces of the thin cardboard. The Anwhere Glue Stick is perfect for this, as you can cover the whole piece of paper without warping. You'll also be able to slide the paper into the perfect position before the glue starts to set. Set the covered cardboard aside to let the glue set up for a few minutes.

Run the 4x5" piece of patterned paper through the Big Shot with the Top Note die. Be sure to place the side of the paper that you want to show on the top of your box against the die - there's a definite 'right' and 'wrong' side to the image after it's been cut.

Trim the edges from this patterned paper Top Note shape by carefully cutting along the perforation. If desired, smooth any rough edges with a sanding block.

If you're using ribbon, place it across the patterned, trimmed Top Note and adhere the ends to the back side using Glue Dots.

Place a piece of the thin cardboard (covered front & back with cardstock) on the Top Note die and run it through the Big Shot. It will be tight, but it'll go through. Repeat with the second piece.

Adhere the patterned paper trimmed Top Note to one of the Top Note pieces that's been covered in card stock (Anywhere Glue Stick recommended).

Now for the box:  from the single piece of 8.5x11" card stock, cut one 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" piece. Cut another piece to 4 3/8 x 5 5/8". Score both pieces at 1" from the edge on all four sides. Sharpen the creases with a bone folder. Cut along the creases where indicated in the picture. The straight lines are score lines; the squiggly lines are where you cut.

The larger piece will be the lid. If desired, cut a little half circles on each of the short ends using a slot punch or a small circle punch.

Turn the creased card stock upside down (you can now see where the bottom of the box will be - you want this side up). Use Sticky Strip or another strong adhesive as indicated in the picture. Remove the lining from the short cut ends ONLY & adhere these to the inside of the long edges of the box. Make sure to rub briskly after adhering the card stock (if you're not sure why, see this post with a great adhesive tip).

 

Repeat with the other piece of the box.

Determine which box piece is smaller - this will be the bottom of the box. Remove the liner from the Sticky Strip in the box center & carefully place the box in the center of the wrong side of the card stock-covered Top Note. (The 'wrong' side will be slightly rough where the perforations were cut through; the 'right' side will have a crisper, cleaner look). Rub briskly to set the adhesive.

Place the lid on the box. Remove the Sticky Strip liner, and carefully line up the Top Note with the patterned paper on top, making sure that the edges of the top & bottom Top Notes line up nicely. Press the Top Note onto the box lid. Remove the lid & place it upside down. Rub briskly to set the adhesive.

Add any desired embellishments to your box, such as flowers, die cuts, or stamped / punched images.

Here's my finished box. Have fun!

 

 

 

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Top Note Die Box

This is the last day to enter my blog candy giveaway! Details can be found at the top of my blog!

The Top Note Die for the Sizzix Big Shot has got to be my all-time favorite accessory! It's perfect for cards, scrapbooking and 3-D projects also. Today I'm sharing a box made with the Top Note die (this die is exclusive to Stampin' Up!). I made this box (designed by my upline, Jen Peel) at a demonstrator-only class that I attended recently.

We used the Raspberry Tart (#113975) paper for this box. When I first saw this patterned paper, it didn't really appeal to me, but I have to tell you that it's gorgeous in person! We topped it off with Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla ribbon and a little flower/stem made with the Sweetest Stem embosslit (another SU! exclusive for the Big Shot). This box can hold a gift card (barely), but the next time I make one, I'll tweak the measurements a bit to make the box slightly larger (and yes, I'll share!).

There are TONS of gift-giving occasions coming up soon, and this box is perfect and so easily adaptable. Stay tuned to my blog, because I'll be posting a tutorial for this box and lots of samples to inspire you. Don't want to miss out? Check out the top left corner of my blog - you can have my blog posts delivered to your inbox or you can subscribe via a blog reader!

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Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!):
Paper: Tart & Tangy, Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Sweetest Stem embosslit, Big Shot, dimensionals, glue stick, Sticky Strip

An Egg-cellent Easter Treat Holder

I made this treat holder as a sample for an upcoming Treat Containers Class that I'm having on Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30 PM. If you're in the Morris County, New Jersey area, please join us! We'll be making a couple different treats that can be adapted for Easter, Mother's Day, baby showers - a variety of upcoming occasions!

I used the brand new An Egg-cellent Easter stamp set, which is in the Occasions Mini Catalog. This catalog's not 'current' or valid until April 1, but there are a couple of Easter-themed sets that you can order now, and An Egg-cellent Easter is one of them! To see the others, click on the cover of the Occasions Mini Catalog in the left sidebar.

I had so much fun using my new stamp set and the lovely Tea Party designer paper to make this fun and easy treat - can't wait to show you how! Sign up for my class (by March 22) by using the PayPal link below.

If you're not local to me and can't make the class, I've got a special offer for you: place an online order through my Stampin' Up! web site between now and Easter (April 12). If your order includes An Egg-cellent Easter (#113196) and Tea Party (#113992), I'll email you step by step instructions (with photos) to show you how to make this great treat holder! In addition to the stamp set and the designer paper, there are a few more items you'll need, such as coordinationg cardstock, something to color the images with and a few punches. As most papercrafters have some or all of these items, you don't need to order them to qualify for the free instructions. If your order totals $50 in product, you'll qualify for a free Sale-A-Bration item. Email me if you need help finalizing your order. Everything I used can be found in the Recipe below. To place your online order, follow these simple steps:

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

Recipe: (all supplies Stampin' Up!, images copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2009)
Paper: Textured Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, So Saffron
Stamps: An Egg-cellent Easter
Accessories: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Scalloped Border Punch, blender pen, Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, small cello bags