Yes Virginia, there really is December Stamp Camp

In case you were wondering, there IS December Stamp Camp this week on 12/3, 4 and 5.  Between switching to Comcast this past week, decorating for the holidays, Thanksgiving and getting ready for surgery, I fell WAY behind.  But we will be doing Christmas Tags and Gift Card Holders as noted in the calendar.  Let’s take a look at what is have planned.

These cute little packets hold 4 to 8 gift tags and make a perfect inexpensive gift for co-workers, neighbors and loved ones.  After all, who doesn’t need gift tags for the holidays.  The packets measure 8 1/2 X 6 3/4 and are scored X4.  2 small brads help form the 4 pockets.  I’ve added simple decorations at the bottom of each pocket and tied the package with ribbon.  Although I included 4 tags in my packets, you could easily slip 8 and perhaps 12 gift tags into the packet if you are using thinner cs.  I used DSP for all my tags.

Here you can see 3 of the tags I made.  I used 2 each of 2 different tags in each packet.  The tags are a breeze to make.  2 inch card stock slipped into a tag punch gives us our formed top.  Then we slip the bottom into the banner punch and voila – we have a tag!  I included a “to – from” on each tag and a small embellishment of some type.  These are fun to make and not difficult.  Wouldn’t a set of holiday owl tags or birds be cute?

Small envelopes for gift cards, checks or cash are a must in our household.  All the teenage grandchildren have asked for gift cards or the green stuff for Christmas.  I can understand as my taste is certainly far different from theirs.  I don’t think my granddaughters would treasure a pair of flannel ski pajamas the way I would.  These decorative envelopes are the perfect size for for gift cards or money.  The metal die cuts and scores the envelope.  The crafter simply needs to adhere the bottom and decorate.  As you can see here, my embellishments were quite simple.  The bottom 2 gift envelopes are DSP and are simply the reverse side of the other.  The top enclosure envelope is Night of Navy cs with some silver trim. 

The view to the right shows the flaps of the gift card enclosures.  The bottom 2 gift envelopes have small hearts adhered to the tip of the flap and can be closed with a Glue Dot.  The top envelope has a small silver glimmer circle adhered to the flap and can also be closed with a Glue Dot

 

 

 

 

Another very very simple gift tag idea is to use the larger metallic doilies with a 2 inch circle of DSP adhered to the center.  Although hard to tell, I added Crystal Stickles to the “fur” of Santa Claus.  Dots of red Stickles on the Christmas Tree tag add a bit of bling.  Note how the back of each tag has the “To and From”,  These tags are an absolute breeze to make and could even be hung on the tree of the recipient.  Note the top tag even has a die-cut red metallic ornament embellishment.

 

A Washi Tape ornament is another cute idea although I will admit my sample looks like it could be used for July 4th!  I think the navy with stars tape might have looked more appropriate with yellow tape – or a combination of 3 or 4 different patterned red Washi Tape strips.  I’ll have to give that a try!

 

Those of you who have been crafting with me for some time might remember these punch art tag samples from the past.  I am going to craft new samples and add a bit more bling.  Many embellishments are available now that weren’t around when these tags were crafted. 

 

 

 

 

Another craft from the past – paper stockings with lots of embellishments.  The Bigz Stocking Die is one that I treasure.  I have used glimmer paper, felt, die cut ornaments, snowflakes, alphabet letters and ribbon in the past.  A stocking I crafted for Park District display included embossed card stock, a doily and a fussy-cut double poinsettia.  These can be simple or elaborate.  They can feature Santa, reindeer, ornaments, owls, birds, or whatever you have in mind.

I hope you can come to the Christmas Tags and Gift Card Holders Stamp Camp.  There will be samples you can CASE or you can be creative and do your own thing.  The one thing I am asking my regular crafters is to please let me know if you will be attending – and what you are most interested in making.  I know many of you are busy busy with craft shows and other holiday plans.  It is very helpful for me to know who is coming and what the interest is – stockings, tag packets, gift tags, gift card envelopes, punch art tags, etc.  This allows me to have the correct materials out for each person and not over plan for a limited number of attendees.  The dates/times are Thursday, December 3 from 2 – 9 PM, Friday, December 4 from 2 – 9 PM, and Saturday, December 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM.  

On a personal note, I will be having right rotator cuff surgery at Edward Hospital on Thursday December 17th.  Many think I am crazy to have this done the week before Christmas, but I need to get it over with and start the road to recovery.  We do not have Stamp Camp in January and I am hoping that by February, I will have the strength to stamp, or at least have learned to stamp with my left hand.  I can run the Big Shot with my left hand, so I know we will be ready for February Stamp Camp.

For those of you I will not see before year’s end, I wish you a very Blessed Christmas. 

Holiday Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630/759-3089 – (M)630/9651965 – paperrose01@aol.com

HOLIDAY VIEW FROM THE WINDOW

Which will you choose?  The Christmas view or the Thanksgiving?  The choice is yours.  Or perhaps you don’t want to do Christmas Cuties and would like to do both the Christmas and the Thanksgiving view cards.  Let me know by Monday, November 2nd which you would prefer.  If I don’t hear from you, I will cut your cs for the Christmas view. 

The Christmas View card uses the Happy Scenes Stamp Set and the Hearth & Home Thinlits Dies ($34.75 Bundle Price, P11 in the Holiday Catalog) as well as one of the Sleigh Ride Edgelits Dies ($19, P12 in the Holiday Catalog).  My “home brew” was misted on the white cs before running it thru the Big Shot and The Softly Falling Embossing Folder .  This gives the snow a glittery effect.  Dazzling Diamonds glitter provides a bit of snow on the trees and snowy foreground.  The horse and sleigh trot along in full view of the window.  Silver cording and a retired SU gem provide a shiny embellishment.  Note the use of the tree line image stamped on the inside layer.  This image was also repeated on the envelope front.

However, if you prefer a fall card that is perfect for Thanksgiving, perhaps this view from the window would be better suited for you.  The fall Happy Scene was sponged with a Soft Sky sky and Wild Wasabi grass.  The leaves and pumpkins were colored with Blendabilities and 2 trees from the Sleigh Ride Edgelits were added.  Small leaves were punched in fall colors and fell into the window box.  A bit of Pumpkin Pie cotton ribbon provides corner accents to the front layer. 

The inside layer of the Thanksgiving view card features a portion of the Happy Scenes image and a small fall leaf.  This image was also stamped on the envelope.

Now you have seen the 4 cards for November Stamp Camp – Christmas Cuties Panel Card, Every Blessing in embossed gold, Acorny Thanksgiving with the Kraft corrugated punched acorns, and  Holiday View from the Window.  Which 4 cards do YOU choose to do?  Let me know by Monday November 2nd which cards you want in your kit.  If you want to do both Holiday View from the Window cards as well as the other 3 cards, let me know and pay $14 instead of $12.  If I don’t hear from you, I will plan on the first 3 cards plus the Christmas View from the Window.

November Stamp Camp is Thursday, November 5 from 2 – 9 PM, Friday, November 6 from 2 – 9 PM, and Saturday, November 7 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  Please let me know if you think you might be stopping by.  This gives me a rough estimate as to how much card stock to cut. 

All samples for Stamp-A-Stack are finished.  I will be sending out an E-mail with a quick view of each card, and will follow up with a blog for each of the 5 cards.  As a reminder, Stamp-A-Stack is 15 cards – 3 cards each of 5 different styles.  You can pick your cards as long as you notify me by Monday, November 9 if you would prefer more of one card and less of another.  Stamp-A-Stack is November 12, 13, 14 and I do require notification that you will be attending.  The cost is $30 and includes 1 adhesive refill.  Should you need a second refill, I ask that you purchase it for $2.00.  I encourage your bringing a snack as Stamp-A-Stack is a longer endeavor.  Coming for a shorter period on 2 or all 3 days also might work best for you.

Don’t forget the Przybylski Halloween Open House on Sunday, November 1, from 2 – 8 PM. Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630/759-3089 – (M)630/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

EVERY BLESSING

I love the Every Blessing set ($16, P 70 2015-2016 Annual Catalog) and find it to be perfect for Christmas.   The card above is done in Delightful Dijon, Basic Black and Whisper White with the images embossed in gold.  The two largest banners come from the gorgeous Winter Wonderland DSP and are die cut using the banner framelits.  The small banner was cut from gold satin ribbon.  I tried using a gold metallic ribbon, but felt it was too much bling for a silent night.  The rhinestone in the star center provides the added extra touch.  I chose to use the “Silent Night” image from the Wonderland set on the front layer.  I stamped the 2 messages that come with this set on the inside layer and added a gold star.  This card is quite simple, and you will zip thru making it.

A stamper shared with me that I had listed incorrect dates for the November Stamp Camp.  My brain must have been in la-la land when I typed the Christmas Cuties blog.  November Stamp Camp is Thursday, November 5 from 2 – 9 PM, Friday, November 6 from 2 – 9 PM, and Saturday, November 7 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  I find that these 3 days work best all. 

Don’t forget the Przybylski Halloween Open House from 2 – 8 PM on Sunday, November 1st.  You can view my hubby’s villages, decorate a Halloween treat bag, and have a bite to eat.  We would love to see you.

AND…Don’t forget the 2015 Stamp-a-Stack – 15 cards for $30.  3 of the 5 samples are done and I will be posting them as soon as the Stamp Camp cards are posted.

Keep warm and hope to see you on November 1st!

Blessings, Rosemary – (H)630/759-3089 – (C)630/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

 

CHRISTMAS CUTIES

It’s October 21st, and all my samples for the November Stamp Camp are DONE.  I am actually working on Stamp-A-Stack samples today.  This is a new record for me!  I must admit that I adore every card we are doing for this stamp camp.  I actually gave myself a pat on the back!!!

I absolutely love the Christmas Cuties stamp set ($17, P 19 in the Holiday Catalog).  The first time I saw this set with the 3 darling children, I immediately thought of a panel card with 1 child on 3 of the 4 panels. I have done 2 versions of this card.  One version has all 3 children, 1 message panel, and a bit of Stickles on each panel.  The second version features 2 children, 2 message panels and no Stickles.   As each child must be colored and fussy cut, I wanted to do a version that was not quite as detailed!  The card to the left features panels 1 and 3.  Note the use of the small gold doily for the angel’s halo.

The card to the right is the same card as seen above and features panels 2 and 4.  I used the Merry Moments DSP Stack ($8, P 27 in the Holiday Catalog) as the background paper.  Note how the Old Olive ornament DSP looks like snow!  As my Blendabilities are running out of ink and SU is no longer offering them, I decided to use my limited selection of Copic Sketch Markers to color my little people.  As I felt the color selection was too limited, I treated myself to an early birthday present and ordered more Copic Sketch Markers.  You should have a decent assortment to choose from for your coloring.  As the Christmas Cuties set comes with 3 short messages, I was able to include them on 3 of the panels. 

The card to your left is the simplified version featuring Christmas Cuties on panels 1 and 3, with the second panel limited to a ribbon and the message highlighted with a small silver doily.   My suggestion for Christmas Cuties on the simplified version is to use the angel and snowsuit boy.  The elf is the most difficult of the cuties to fussy cut.  Of course you may have your own idea as to how you wish to do your card and that is fine too.  I am quite fond of the “With loving wishes…” message from the Embellished Ornaments set ($20, P 15 in the Holiday Catalog) and chose to use that message on a banner for panel 4.    

There are 3 other beautiful cards we will be doing for the November Stamp Camp on 11/3 from 2 – 9 PM, 11/4 from 2 – 9 PM, and 11/5 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  I am working on pre-punching and pre-cutting many of the pieces for each card.  Please let me know by Monday, November 2 if you want your kit to have more of one card and none of another.  In other words, you can choose which 4 cards you want to do.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you want a kit as this involves a bit of extra work for me.  The cost for this Holiday Stamp Camp is $12 and as always, includes all your tools and supplies.  If you happen to know which day you might be attending, it’s helpful – but not required – if you can let me know.  Don’t forget the current 15% stamp set discount from SU + the 10% discount I give.  Any stamp except the Host Sets and the bundles as you already receive 15% on the bundle.  The 15% discount ends on Friday, 10/23.

Stamp-A-Stack is just around the corner!  15 cards for $30 – 3 each of 5 different cards.  These cards will NOT be as timely as those we did last year.  No embossing, No fancy bows!  Plus, my goal is to have all the punching and die cutting done for you.  If there is a card you don’t like, then do more of the cards you do like – you can choose the cards you want to do.  If you think you might be interested in Stamp-A-Stack, please let me know.  If there is no interest, I won’t pursue the challenge.  Right now, I’m finalizing a punch art card of Rudolph, singing his heart out!  It is very cute but quick and easy and would be perfect for Stamp-A-Stack!  The dates/times for Stamp-A-Stack are November 12th from 12 N – 9 AM, November 13th from 12 N – 9 AM, and November 14th from 8 AM – 4

Blessings to all and I hope to see you for November Stamp Camp!  Bring a friend!  Rosemary – (H) 630/759-3089 – (M) 630/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

Happy Halloween Scene

I absolutely love this card.  I will admit my brickwork is not very straight, but then I have no training in masonry (ha ha).  The Brick Wall embossing folder finally arrived in the mail this week after being on back order for 2 months. The Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad gently touches the raised brick of the embossing folder before the Pumpkin Pie cs is inserted and run thru the Big Shot.  The trick is inserting the cs inline with the bricks.  The sample you see here is my first.  The second sample is straight and has some minor changes, but the card is not complete at picture time.  I have pre-embossed several of the brick-work layers.

Note the partial black spider web doily ($4.50, page 47) in the right corner.  The window frame uses the Hearth and Home Framelits Dies on the wood grain Into the Woods DSP ($11, page 43).  The popped-up window box is stamped in black on Crumb Cake, sponged in Soft Suede and die cut with the matching framelit.  The window scene is part of the Happy Scenes stamp set ($21, page 11).  This is a great set featuring winter, spring, and fall scenes as well as assorted messages, spider web, snowflakes, and stars.  Blendabilities Pumpkin Pie and Wild Wasabi markers provide the color.  Please feel free to bring your own markers if you wish.  The little ghost figures scattered about are fussy cut from one of the Happy Haunting DSP patterns ($11, page 47). 

This card is the fourth of four for our October Stamp Camp.  We cover Christmas, leaves, and Halloween.  As a reminder, the dates/times are:  October 1 from 2-9 PM, October 2 from 2-9 PM, October 3 from 9 AM – 2 PM.  We meet in my family room-kitchen at 533 Emerson Circle, Bolingbrook 60440.  The cost is $12 and all supplies and tools are provided, as is water and soda.  Feel free to bring a snack.  Come when it is convenient and stay as long as you like.  If you wish to purchase a kit, please notify me by Tuesday September 29th.  If you wish to change your kit – do 2 of one card and 0 of another – please let me know by Tuesday September 29th.  If you happen to know which day/approximate time you are coming, it is helpful if you let me know, but not required.  Mark your calendars now for November Stamp Camp on November 5, 6 & 7 featuring Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Stamp-A-Stack will be on November 122, 13, 14. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  I look forward to seeing everyone.  Blessings,  Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

BOO!

Prepared to be frightened!  Halloween owl is here!!!!!

This cute card features the Joy Fold, meaning the card has flaps that open from both sides.  The new Howl-o-ween Treat set was used to create the spooky owl card ($20, page 49 in the holiday catalogue).  This is a great set and is even greater if you have the Boo To You Framelits Dies ($25, page 49 in the holiday catalogue).  The two items are also available as a bundle which saves you 15%.  The owl, hat, star and wand stamps are used against the Happy Haunting DSP ($11, page 47) and Spider Web Doily ($4.50, page 47) background.  The purple eyes are actually White Perfect Accents colored purple with a Sharpie.  See the tiny ghost in the corner?  He was cut from 

the DSP you can barely see on the left panel. The BOO is die cut from Black Glimmer Paper ($5, page 47). The purple glimmer paper came from a now-closed scrapbook store.

The second sample is not as scary.  This orange-eyed owl is out for a night of trick-or-treating and has his pumpkin shaped basket in hand.  Note the small spider hanging from the white Baker’s Twine.  A few purple glimmer stars are added for color.  Make sure you spot the small ghost in the corner.

The angle of this picture shows the right front layer of this joy fold card.

 

This view shows the left front panel and features ghosts.

   

This center picture shows how the cards overlap with flaps that open from both sides.  The black card stock actually forms the base of the card while the white card stock adds the inside message space and the right flap.  This may sound crazy – but its easy to make.

So we’ve seen 3 cards – each one very seasonal.  Only 1 is left to view and I guarantee you will love it.  Check back tomorrow and don’t forget to put the October Stamp Camp on your calendar – October 1, 2, and 3.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630-759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Fall Leaves

As the fall season is upon us, the October Stamp Camp is a great place to celebrate the beautiful fall foliage.   This Olive Green and Delightful Dijon card features a different cut on the card front that allows you to see part of the inside.  The Vintage Leaves were stamped on watercolor paper in an assortment of colors and Aqua Painters are used to blend in other colors. 

A bit of Gorgeous Grunge is stamped on the top layer background while the watercolor paper is drying.  Then the  Leaflets Framelits Dies cut the leaves to perfection.  The leaves are gently wrapped around a pencil or stick to give them dimension.  Finally the leaves are gathered together on the top layer and visually held in place with a thick twine bow.  The die-cut Tangelo Twist is adhered to any vacant corner and completes the card.  Doesn’t this look like a fun card to make?  I know I had with these 2.  The Vintage Leaves set and matching dies include more leave shapes than shown here so your card might look quite different.

Are you starting to feel a bit like fall?  Wait until you see the next 2 cards with spider webs and lots of orange and black! 

Don’t forget – October Stamp Camp is Thursday, October 1 from 2 to 9 PM, on Friday, October 2 from 2 to 9 PM, and on Saturday, October 3 from 2 to 9 PM.  If you can, let me know if you might be coming as this helps me insure the correct number of stamp camp kits are cut.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630-759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Delicate Ornaments

Oh my!  Three months from today ( just 91 days) is Christmas.  Our first October Stamp Camp card is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season.

This fun but elegant holiday card incorporates several new products and is copied from page 14 in the Holiday Catalogue.  The white-on-white background is embossed using the new Softly Falling Embossing Folder ($8.50, page 24 in the holiday catalogue), the wonderful Delicate Ornament Thinlits Dies ($29, page 15 in the holiday catalogue), the Precision Base Plate ($25, page 14 in the holiday catalogue), and the vibrant Red Foil Sheets ($4, page 26 in the holiday catalogue.

The embossing folder for this card has the snowflakes falling gently at the top and heavy at the bottom.  The card below has the snow falling heavily at the top and lightly at the bottom.  The thinlits give a crisp cut.  Note that the set includes the top of the ornament, the hanger, and the poinsettia dies as well as three dies I did not use. The smaller ornament is cut from Red Foil and the larger ornament cut from Cucumber Crush with a red glittery poinsettia and red rhinestone.  Silver glimmer paper is used for the ornament top and hook.

The second sample is sponged in Real Red, and as I mentioned previously, features heavily falling snowflakes at the top of the card. The larger ornament is cut from Old Olive with a silver glittery poinsettia embellishment and red rhinestone. 

The new Precision Base Plate was used to cut out all the ornaments.  The base plate gives a slightly crisper cut, but it is quite difficult to tell the difference between those ornaments cut with the precision base plate, and those cut with the standard plates.

This is card one of the cards we will be making at the October Stamp Camp on October 1, 2, 3.  The times are from 2-9 PM on the 1st and 2nd, and from 9 am – 4 pm on the 3rd.  I hope you can make it.  This card is so festive and will help Christmas come into your heart.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Birthday Blossoms Scallop Square Swing Card

The die for this fun swing card is one of my recent Zulilly online purchases.  The only caveat I discovered after receiving the die, was that it is a 5” square card and would not fit in the standard A2 envelope.  I resolved that issue by folding the longer side of the card back 1” so that the card easily fits the standard card envelope.  The Pretty Petals DSP Stack has the vibrant butterfly DSP that is used on this card.  The tiny butterflies are in Old Olive, Mint Macaroon (new), Pacific Point, and Calypso Coral.  The flowers featured on the scallop square that swings to the front are from the Birthday Blossoms set , stamped in Calypso Coral, punched out with the pansy punch, and sponged heavily in Calypso Coral.

The fussy cut leaves are stamped in Old Olive on Mint Macaroon.  Assorted embellishments are available to use in flower centers.  Although Candy Dots are shown in the view above, the other sample features the White Perfect Accents that I colored blue with a Sharpie.  Rhinestones would also look great!  Happy Birthday is one of 3 messages that can be die cut in Pacific Point and adhered to the front.

The scallop square that swings to the back carries our message stamped in either Pacific Point or Old Olive on Mint Macaroon.  Several tiny flowers are stamped in Calypso Coral and fussy cut.  Assorted butterflies are precut from the Embosslits Beautiful Wings and adhered to carry the butterfly theme from front to back.  Although not shown in these images, the back 1” flap features the multi-colored butterfly DSP.

As I look back on the 4 cards we will be doing for September Stamp Camp, I realize there are NO BOWS!!!!!  Two of the cards utilize ribbon in a simple straight line.  I’m sure several of you are happy about the “bow-less” cards.  As a reminder, September Stamp Camp is 2-9 PM on the 3rd and 4th, and 9 AM – 4 PM on the 5th.  The cost for the 4 cards is $12.00.  If you are unable to attend and would prefer picking up a kit, please give me advance notice. I want you to enjoy crafting – have fun, be creative, and relax!  If you know what day you will be attending, it’s helpful if you give me a heads-up, but certainly  not required.

Looking ahead, the October Stamp Camp will be held October 1, 2, and 3 and will feature Leaves, Ghosts, & Christmas.  I am quite excited as we will be doing some super cards.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

Flower Pedals

The third project for our September Stamp Camp features a field of wild flowers and a bicycle.  The outer message reads “As you pedal down the busy highway of life, take time to enjoy the flowers.”

I pulled retired Barely Banana cs out of my archives for this card and paired it with the new Watermelon Wonder.  I haven’t decided exactly where Watermelon Wonder falls – is it a red?  is it an orange?  On this card, it certainly looks orange!  The borders are punched with the eyelet scallop border punch – one of the retired punches hidden deep in one of my punch drawers.  I thought a bicycle would be appropriate for the wildflowers as we tend to rush rush rush through life and often ignore the beauty around us.  The DSP came from a big box store and the “On the Go” stamps and thinlits are from Hero Arts.  Although it is hard to see in this picture, there is a shiny purple seat and handlebars – the result of Elegant Eggplant cs and Crystal Effects. 

 

The inside area of the card is limited for the message.  I chose a message that could be easily be used for a birthday or thinking of you.  The set also includes a simple message that reads “Have a Great Day.” 

This is the third of the four cards we will be making at our September Stamp Camp.  I fashioned this card to show what you can do when you don’t have a full 8 1/2” for the standard 8 1/2 X 5 1/2” card.  Before the border punch, the cs measured 7 1/2 X 5 1/2.  Sometimes you just need to think out of the box when you discover your cs is not quite the size you need, or you can’t find the embellishment you really want to use. 

I hope you can make it to our September Stamp Camp.  If a kit works better for you than coming to make all the cards, just give me a jingle ahead of time.  As always, I provide all your supplies.  The cost is $12 and the days and times are our normal:  2-9 PM on the 3rd and 4th, and 9 AM – 4 PM on the 5th.  Check back later today to see the last card – a swing card.  Give me a call if you have any questions.

Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com