StampingPurrfection

Something for Summer weddings perhaps...

Or, maybe it would be the perfect purse to go with a prom dress or graduation?  I think these little purses would be wonderful to hold a little gift ~ earrings, a bracelet, chocolate or (gasp!) ~ money for the bride and groom!  Or, as a favor for a wedding shower?  I haven't made one yet that would be perfect for a baby shower.  Would any of you like to try one and email me the results?  I would be HAPPY to post it as your creation ~ YOU could be the guest artist!  See what you can do with Stampin' Up!'s Petite Purse Die, it is really a fun crafting tool to use with the Big Shot!  Susan Elise

31? No, Stampin' Up!

I know that purses are all the rage and that you have been invited to a 31 PARTY, right?  Well, this little evening purse is not part of the 31 line but it is from Stampin' Up!  Isn't it too cute?  I saw a similar one on a post from another demonstrator last week and knew that I had to make one for myself and my friends.  It is Basic Black card stock, cut out using the Petite Purse Bigz L Die (#125606) from Stampin' Up's SUMMER SMOOCHES Promotion ~ a line of lively products that includes a stamp set, Bright Blossoms, DSP, Fabric, Brads and lovely Daffodil Delight seam binding. 

I scored the box using Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored Diagonal Plate (#125586) a must for making your own fabulous envelopes and quick and easy boxes.  To complete this elegant evening purse I added the pearls from the Idea Book & Catalog ~ Basic Pearls (#119247) ~ you get 150 of three sizes of pearls.  The adhesive is on the back of the pearls so that you can easily transfer them to your project.  One more cute little purse tomorrow ~ see you then!  se

Petite Purse Die

The new Petite Purse Die is so cool.  You can really make some great little purses for any occasion.  You won't believe how quick and easy it is! 

The Die is available during the special Summer Smooches this month.  It's item number 125606 and you can order it through my online store.  Just click on the link in the upper right hand corner of the blog.

Bunny Box for Easter Treats ~

Stampin' Up!'s Party Favor die (#115965 on page 221 in the IB&C) is so versatile!  I thought you might like an idea to hold your Easter treats,  Here are the punches that I used for Miss Bunny ~

Bunny Body:  2  1/2" Circle Punch, #120906

Bunny Tail:  Scallop Oval Punch, #119856

Bunny Head:  Extra-Large Oval Punch, #119859

Bunny Ears:  Large Oval, # 119855 (the pink inside the ears is a retired punch, sorry, you can use the large oval, fold it in half and trim it to create the smaller oval)

Bunny eyes, cheeks and nose:  Owl Builder Punch, #118074

I sponged the body shapes lightly with Stampin' Up!'s Basic Gray classic stamp pad, #109120.  Thanks for stopping by!

Spring Flowers

One of my fabulous team members, Marion Swaim, made the smaller flowers for me using the Layering Punches.  Stampin' Up! has two different ones ~ the Doily Triple Layer (#122465) and the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer (#122464).  These punches give you three coordinating punch images in just one punch! 

 

The gorgeous flower in the front of the flower pot was made with a Bigz Die, Daisies #2 (#114520) and the Big Shot.

Of course the flowers could be made in any color to go with your home decor or on a pretty tea table.  Speaking of tea tables, I hope you will join me on the afternoon of Sunday, March 25, for my Tea Party Open House.  Join me any time between 2 and 4 in the Cat/Art Studio for some fun stamping, goodies and a cup of tea (please bring your tea cup!).  The supply fee for the open house is $5.

Elementary Elegance and Third Thursday Class

This is an early third Thursday (since March 1st was a Thursday) or at least it seems that way.  Tonight is my THIRD THURSDAY CLASS and the theme is Easter/Spring.  The class is $15 or FREE if you place an order of $25 at the class this evening.  It starts at 6:30 PM and is in the Cat/Art Studio.  If you are interested please give me a call (587-1548) so that I will have your supplies ready for you.  You will be making 6 cards, 2 each of 3 designs.

Here's another Shelli Card using the stamp set Elementary Elegance on page 15 of Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration brochure.  She loves layering!!!  Isn't it gorgeous???

Stampin' Success

Stampin' Success is a monthly magazine sent to all Stampin' Up! Demonstrators.  It includes projects with new and old products, contests,scrapbook ideas ~ traditional and digital, Q & A, business ideas and a list of monthly promotions.  None of us would want to be without it! 

In the March issue there is an article entitled ACRYLIC DISTRESS, this is a picture of the magazine article and several different colored samples that I made....

The technique includes using embossing folders and the Big Shot.  A thin coat of acrylic paint (any color) is applied to card stock and, when it is dry, placed in a textured impressions embossing folder and run through the Big Shot.  Next, you sand the embossed image using sanding blocks to create a weathered distressed look.

You can also sponge ink over the top after sanding using a Sponge Dauber.  This is the card I created using this technique.

Shelli in Columbus, Ohio...

Stampin' Up! has regional meetings for their Demonstrators to get together.  These 'Regionals' are held all over the US and Canada and in different locations each year.  Last weekend, the Regional was in Columbus, Ohio.  Shelli Gardner is usually in attendance and, if she is, she is on stage presenting her current favorite project.  Last weekend she presented the favor boxes above that she is working on for her daughter's baby shower.  I thought you would like to see them.  If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Tips and Tricks ~ SU's new Doily Die

Stampin' Up!'s new DOILY DIE, #125592, creates a lovely background and I know you will love using it.  But, first a couple of tips to make it easier for you ~

1.  You may need to use a shim (such as a piece of card stock) when you send it through the Big Shot.  Particularly when you are using Designer Series Paper like the sample above.  The DSP is Mocha Morning Specialty Paper, #122366.

2.  Because of its' intricate design, the negative pieces will not all come out automatically when you cut the die.  It will help if you run it through the Big Shot several times ~ back and forth.  Also, roll your doily around a pencil or pen to 'pop' the pieces.  Roll it back the other way so that more of the small pieces will fall out.

3.  Push the pieces out using the Paper Piercing Tool, #116631, or the small end of the Simply Scored Stylus, #125624.

There is a little more effort required when using this die but the results are definitely worth the effort!

    

Fresh Vintage

Shelli is my Guest Artist today and she is using the stamp set, Fresh Vintage, from the Sale-a-bration brochure.  This is a FREE stamp set with the purchase of $50 in product from any of Stampin' Up!'s catalogs.

 

She definitely is a Vintage style person ~ and she creates lovely Vintage style projects like the favor above using the Big Shot and the Pillow Box die (#113466 on page 223, IB&C) along with the Fresh Vintage stamp set and pretty ribbon from the SAB catty!

Tomorrow I will show you the cards from my THIRD THURSDAY CLASS last night ~ we concentrated on Vintage last night and it was so much fun!  Next month the theme of my THIRD THURSDAY CLASS will be Spring/Easter.  Let me know if you would like to join me for that class.  We make six cards, two each of three designs, for $15.  Or, the class is FREE with a $25 order the night of the class.  So, put the date of March 15 on your calendar now.