CALENDARS FOR 2018

2018 is right around the corner and I thought this would be a great time for us to make calendars for the upcoming year.  We can do an upright desk-type calendar or one with an adhesive back that is perfect for the fridge door or a metal filing cabinet.

This was the first calendar I made.  I used Daffodil Delight cs for the actual calendar form and added a piece of Delightful Daisy DSP.  The calendar is mounted on a small piece of retired mint cs.  I stamped 2 daisies – one in Daffodil Delight and the other in Calypso Coral.  The daisies were punched out, layered and adhered to the calendar front with a punched green leaf stem.  I used quite a bit of liquid adhesive as this calendar needs to last a full year and I don’t want it falling apart.  I also tried to use neutral colors that would fit in most settings.

 

 

The calendar on the left uses Daffodil Delight DSP.  A So Saffron and a retired peach cs butterfly were die cut.  After applying Wink of Stella to the butterflies, they were adhered to the calendar front.  The calendar on the right was done in navy, red, and Wood Textures DSP.  Wood Words provides the art piece on the calendar.  As you can see, there are many possibilities.

But what if you don’t want a calendar sitting on your counter or desk or nightstand or sitting anywhere?  Then magnets to the rescue!!!  The calendar on the left is flat with a 1 X 3 1/2” strip of HEAVY magnet on the back.  An extra contrasting piece of cs adds stability to the calendar.  Thus the DSP is 1/4” smaller.  The bird I stamped, colored and adhered is rather lost with the colorful DSP background.  Perhaps a flower would have been a better art piece!

You will be given several calendars – I’m not sure how many until I do a count.  You can make all of them at Stamp Camp, or take them home to make – totally your choice.  You will choose the DSP of your choice and then the coordinating card stocks.  Your art piece can be butterflies, daisies, Nola the Cat, a bird, an owl, a flower, or whatever we can come up with.  This is a fun project. 

This is our last stamp camp of the year.  We will start up again in February, 2018 just in time for Valentine’s Day.  In the meantime, I will keep you updated on any specials SU  might be having. 

Currently, the Online Extravaganza is going on.  2 products I have not mentioned are the new Stamparatus and the Stampin’ Blends.  The Stampin’ Blends are new markers from Stampin’ Up.  As many of you know, SU had Blendabilities on the market several years ago but stopped the production due to marker issues.  I wanted to try the Stampin’ Blends before I mentioned them to my favorite crafters.  I have them and you are welcome to try them if you are interested in markers that blend nicely.  The Stamparatus is the SU answer to the Misti.  The Stamparatus has several features that the Misti does not. The cost is $49 which is reasonable.  If you are interested in purchasing the Stamparatus, you can reserve one December 5–30, 2017 for mid March delivery, or January 15–30, 2018 for mid April delivery.  The challenge at hand is that for the first reservation period earlier this week, the allotted number sold out in 10 minutes.  This is a highly desired product and will be available in the 2018-2019 catalog.  I’m not sure how quickly the December or January reservations might sell out. You do have to provide a credit card number when you place your reservation.  Please see if me you are interested in the Stamparatus. If you are considering purchasing the Misti, you may want to hold off and purchase the Stamparatus instead due to the additional features. 

Don’t forget – December Stamp Camp is November 30 12N – 6 PM, December 1st 12 N – 6 PM, and December 2nd 9 AM – 4 PM.

Sending Thanksgiving Blessings,

Rosemary – (h)630/759-3089 – (c)630/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

NOEL Eclipse Cards

I know several of you have wondered what an eclipse card looks like, so we are going to make 2 during December Stamp Camp.  Eclipse cards are also referred to as shadow cards.  The cards are created by stamping your background and then cutting out your image.  The background layer is then adhered to a dark card front. The cut pieces are adhered over the negative space with an adhesive that elevates the cut pieces.

For Stamp Camp, our adhesive will be the Foam Adhesive Strips (page 203 in the 2017-2018 catalog).  Mini Dimensionals would work but would not elevate the cut portion as high as the adhesive strips do unless the dimensionals are stacked.  When using a standard A2 size card, you are limited to 3-4 of the SU large letter framelits.  Of course, you are not limited to letters but NOEL or even JOY are perfect for this time of year.  The Night in Bethlehem card is a bit challenging as we are trying to stamp a light city background with Joseph, Mary and the Shepherd stamped over the city.  The Holly Berry Happiness card is much easier.  I love the texture provided by the Softly Falling embossing folder.  We will make 1 of each eclipse card.

Have you checked out the SU Online Extravaganza.  I’ve found 2 stamp sets I am going to order – Garden Girl Clear and More than Chocolate.  If you go to www.paperrose01@stampinup.net and click on shop, in the left hand column, you will see HOME.  Under HOME, you will see ONLINE EXTRAVANGAZA.  Click on the extravaganza to see all the specials.  You can order right there, or let me know and I will order for you.  Looking forward to seeing you at December Stamp Camp! (November 30, December 1, December 2)

Thanksgiving Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630/759-3089 – (c)630/965-1965

BE MERRY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Making one of the Be Merry Christmas Ornaments from the Be Merry Kit is fun – or at least I think so.  You can see the kit on page 32 of the holiday catalog.  The kit makes 12 ornaments and the only things you need to have on hand are adhesive and a decent pair of tweezers.

Isn’t this just too cute.  Several years ago we made rosettes (also called medallions) from scratch and let me tell you – these are SO MUCH EASIER!!!!!  You can mix the red and the green – do all red or all green or mix the colors as I have done here.  We see red with green ribbon and script here and the green with red ribbon and red script below.

 

 

 

 

The rosettes are made from a very sturdy paper and are all scored with the adhesive in place.  All you have to do is open them, pull off the adhesive covering and adhere the 2 ends – bingo, you have a rosette.  Although the kit instructions call for a heat gun, I didn’t want to chance burning my fingers so I made my ornaments entirely with glue dots and the Fine Tip Glue.  I will have my glue gun out for those of you who are skilled at using it, but we also have the glue dots and Fine Tip Glue Pen option.  Several layers are also popped up with dimensionals – I used a combination of regular size and mini dimensionals.  I love how the tree and candy cane glimmer and sparkle and the pre – die cut “merry” is so cute!

At our December Stamp Camp, we will make a Be Merry Christmas Ornament AND we will make the clear acetate box to slip the ornament into.  We can even emboss the acetate box with the Winter Wonder Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (page 37 in the holiday catalog).  This makes a darling, inexpensive gift for a co-worker, friend or neighbor.  The acetate card boxes (page 13 in the holiday catalog) are also perfect for gifting several handmade cards.  I recently donated 4 boxes for a fund raiser each with 5 cards.  As my cards had several embellishments, 5 cards was a tight squeeze in the box .  I added ribbon and the boxed cards were very attractive.

December St;amp Camp will be held on November 30, December 1 and December 2.  Times are 12N – 6 PM on the 30th and 1st, and 9AM – 4 PM on the 2nd.  We will be making a Christmas ornament as seen above including the acetate box, 2 eclipse cards and 2018 calendars.  In case you are wondering why Stamp Camp is not the normal December 7, 8, 9, it is because hubby and I are going to Wisconsin for December 8, 9, 10. Check back soon for the next blog.  Oh yes, if you can let me know what day you are coming, it would be helpful. 

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

NOVEMBER STAMP CAMP

Hi Crafters – As I explained in a recent email, November Stamp Camp will offer the same cards originally scheduled for the Christmas Stamp-a-Stack.  These 4 cards are shown below and will allow you to pick and choose for November Stamp Camp which will be held November 2 from 12 N to 8 PM, November 3 from 12 N to 8 PM, and November 4 from 8 AM to 4 PM.  Note that I have increased the hours. 

Christmas Pines is a delightful card done in Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White and a touch of Garden Green in the pine greenery.  The warm and cozy Cable Knit embossing folder provides lots of depth and interest.  There are dies for the circles, pine cones and greenery.  Wink of Stella adds lots of glimmer to the pinecones and greenery.

 

I adore the Christmas Quilt card. There are many different patterns you can choose from in the Quilted Christmas 6” X 6” DSP Stack and many different ways you can arrange the patterns.   I am partial to the multi-colored patterns but the red and green patterns are also nice.  Although you can’t tell from this image, the quilted piece is “stitched” which is an option.  The new Quilt Top Textured Impressions Embossing Folder provides lots of texture.

A special embellishment for the message layer of the Christmas Quilt card is the addition of a stitched felt embellishment (p. 5 in the 2017 holiday catalog).  Every card will include a red felt star, a holly embellishment as seen here, or a green felt tree.  I added a glimmer star to the tree on a card I did.  You can also stamp a tree if you prefer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Framed Snowflakes was created from a similar card I saw done with leaves.  The foil frames are die cut with the Layering Square Framelits.  The metallic foil snowflakes are from the wonderful Seasonal Layers Thinlits.  Copper metallic foil was used on this card.  Gold and Champagne foils are also available.  The Softly Falling Textured Embossing Folder provides the perfect background.  The “christmas” sentiment is from Sizzix.  Pearls embellish the snowflake centers and serve as the “dot” over the “I” in “christmas.”

Night in Bethlehem was a favorite of many of those at October Stamp Camp.  This navy and silver card depicts Bethlehem stamped in Smoky Slate and then 2 different views die cut in metallic silver foil and adhered.  The trick to the card is keeping glue smudges and indentations off the foil.  The bottom die cut Bethlehem layer is “padded” with dimensionals on the upper middle buildings.  The circle is then trimmed with snips and overlaid with a navy circular frame.  I used a retired slanted embossing folder to give texture but not detract from the picture.  Mary and Joseph are stamped in navy, die cut and adhered to the Bethlehem image.  A silver glimmer star is elevated jubilantly in the sky.  A bit of silver Washi tape embellishes 2 corners of the front layer.

These are the 4 cards for November Stamp Camp.  The cost is $12 for the first 4 and $2 for each card thereafter.  12 cards would be $28.  For anyone who is a glutton for punishment and wants to do 16, the cost would be $34.  So pick and choose but please please please let me know early what cards you want and want day(s) you plan to be here.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

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

SPOOKY NIGHT!!!

This Spooky Night card is all about the Designer Series Paper (DSP).  The Spooky Night DSP features 32 – 3 X 3 scenes of a spooky black tree against the moon and Pumpkin Pie sky.  The owl is from the Spooky Cat stamp set and was stamped in black on Very Vanilla cs, and fussy cut.  After adhering the owl to the branch, a cute hat is fussy cut from another sheet of DSP and placed atop the owl’s head.  This art scene is adhered to a black cs layer which is then adhered to the DSP decorated front layer.  Black rhinestone jewels embellish the right side of the card and the owl’s hat. 

 

BUT – if you have the Nola the Cat Punch, you can punch black or orange cats right from the DSP!  In this image, a black cat is punched from the DSP, adhered to the black branch, and finished the same as the card above.  A bow of 1/4” grosgrain or cotton ribbon embellishes the upper corner. 

 

 

 

Feel like a fall card instead of a spooky cat or owl?  Then rest awhile in a Cajun Craze lawn chair festooned with fall leaves in copper foil and other colors.  Create a special colored leaf using the baby wipe technique and Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie inks.  The chair and leaves are from the Seasonal Layers Framelits Dies.  The card is finished with a perky orange bow and the Black Rhinestone Jewels.

Well, this is our final October Stamp Camp post.  I hope you like several of these creations and will come to October Stamp to paper craft your heart away!!!!  Remember – I need to know by Monday October 2nd which cards you wish to do.

In the first post for October Stamp Camp, I reminded everyone that Christmas Stamp-A-Stack will be October 19 and 21 – 12 person limit each day.  I also said that my plan for 4 each of 3 cards was subject to change.   Well,change is upon us as I did come up with a 4th card that is beautifully elegant and simple.  SO… you will have the option of 3 each of 4 cards (12 total) for $28 or 4 each of 4 cards (16 cards) for $34.  All cards will have layers and embellishments, and will be as simple as we can make them.  The sooner I know whether you prefer the 12 or 16 package, the more I can prep for you.  I will have samples for you to view at October Stamp Camp. I promise NO MORE CHANGES! 

Let me know if you have any questions!  See you at October Stamp Camp!  Rosemary – (h)630/759-3089 – (c)30/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

NOLA THE CAT

Meet my friend Nola the cat.  I realize you may be a dog person, and not a cat person, but she is so cute.  Nola was named by Stampin’ Up demonstrator Connie Wakefield and I think the name fits this cat!  Here’s what we are going to do with Nola the Cat:

The Spooky Cat stamp set gives us the face for Nola as well as an owl, a hat for a witch, a mouse, cute messages and a few other spooky images.  Nola the Cat is actually a punch and is a basic that can be used 12 months per year ($18 – page 53 in the current SU holiday catalog.)  The card base is 8 1/2 X 4 1/4 scored at 4 1/4.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) measures 4” square and can be flipped to the other side which features bats with orange and black polka dots.  Nola is punched in Pumpkin Pie with the face stamped in black.  She is adhered to a circle layer of white on stitched black.  The new leaf punch ($18 – page 49 in the current SU catalog) provides a place for Nola to hide behind.  The sentiment is trimmed in Vintage Crochet Trim and embellished with an Iced Rhinestone.  Black Glimmer paper is also available for punching the cat.

But I don’t want to do a Halloween card, you say.  That is the beauty of Nola the Cat punch.  Here she is punched in retired Crisp Cantaloupe but still layered on the white and black circles.  The soft DSP is from the Delightful Daisy series, but any DSP could be used.  This would make a darling Christmas card with Nola wearing a red bow, green leaves and holiday DSP.  The sentiment used here is from the Pretty Kitty stamp set and is great for a birthday, thinking of you, or just because card.  The same black trim and black leaves are used which picks up the black from the card and circle.  So you can choose to do a Halloween or an everyday Nola the Cat card – or one of each.

As a reminder, October Stamp Camp is on Thursday October 5th from 12 N – 8 PM, Friday October 6th from 12 N – 6 PM, and Saturday October 7th from 9 AM – 4 PM. We will be doing 2 Christmas and 2 Halloween or 2 similar but everyday cards. I realize several of you do not acknowledge Halloween so I always try to offer an alternative. Please let me know by Monday, October 2nd to let me know which cards you wish to do.  Pricing remains the same – $12 for 4 and $2 for each card thereafter.

Our next blog post is entitled “Spooky Night” and will be posted shortly.  Make sure to check back. 

Fall Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630/759-3089 – (c)630/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

CHRISTMAS SWEATERS

Christmas Sweaters is such a fun card!  This is designed as a Z card and uses the retired Warmth and Cheer Designer Series Paper (DSP).  I chose my favorite sweaters that were fun to color and not to difficult to fussy cut.  There are several DSP designs to choose from as well as assorted Textured Embossing Folders.  In this image, the argyle folder was used.  The sentiment tag comes from the retired Stitched With Cheer stamp set.  The sentiment is layered on matching colored cs and is held together with Multi-colored Cotton Yarn from Hobby Lobby.  The message layer features a fourth sweater.

Can you tell what my 3 favorite sweaters are????  This sample is done in Cherry Cobbler.  Note how the ribbon coordinates with the card.  The multi-colored yard allows you to cut into it to find the color you are looking for.   Although hard to tell, the striped sweaters feature a rhinestone in the snowflake center.  The Santa card features a rhinestone at the end of his hat.  I found larger rhinestones which we will be using for stamp camp.  The gingerbread sweater is highlighted with a yellow star embellishment and small candy dots on several of the stamped candies.  Wink of Stella was also used to add a bit of glimmer.  Beware the Wink picking up the SU marker color.  I cleaned my SU brush frequently.  The Copic markers did not have that issue.  Aren’t these cute cards.  If you are concerned about the time it takes to color and cut them out, you can always make the card and complete the sweaters at home during your leisure time. 

Although I rarely mention Paper Pumpkin, I do want you to be aware of a SU Paper Pumpkin offering:  To give you more of what you love, during October and November SU is offering two straight months of perfectly coordinated Christmas cardmaking and gifting projects.  Two coordinating kits means that 1) you will have everything you need to complete unique holiday cards and gifts, 2) you will have more creative options, and 3) you can get that handmade holiday touch without the fuss.  A one-month subscription is $20.  Sign up at Paper Pumpkin and please don’t forget to list me as your demonstrator.

• To receive October’s kit, you must subscribe at paperpumpkin.com by 11:50 PM (MT) on October 10.
• To receive November’s kit, you must subscribe at paperpumpkin.com by 11:50 PM (MT) on November 10.

Two more Blog posts for October Stamp Camp.  Will you choose spooky – or not.  Check back soon!  Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630/759-3089 – (c)630/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

SNOWFLAKE SENTIMENTS

With this unseasonable heat, it’s hard to believe it is fall and Christmas is fast approaching!  Perhaps Snowflake Sentiments will help put us in the holiday spirit!

Last month, our sparkling Christmas card was done in Cherry Cobbler and silver.  This month, our card is gold and white.  The top shimmery white layer features a gold metallic foil snowflake that is 3 3/8 X 3 3/8 in size.  In this image, the foil snowflake is layered with a gold glimmer snowflake, a gold foil snowflake, and a large pearl.  Other assorted snowflakes are die cut in gold glimmer and gold metallic foil and gently “cascade” down the front layer.  Pearls embellish each snowflake.  Rhinestones were considered, but there is enough bling without rhinestones.  Year of Cheer Specialty Washi Tape highlights 2 corners of the top layer and the sentiment “Christmas” is die cut in gold metallic foil.  

The second sample is very similar to the first with “peace” used as the sentiment.  Gold 1/8” ribbon is used to highlight the 2 corners.  The top layer of this card was run thru the Big Shot with the Gently Falling Textured Embossing Folder.  This $8.50 embossing folder (page 211 in the 2017-2018 SU catalog) is one I recommend everyone have in their embossing folder library.  Although you cannot see the added clear droplets in either sample, I dropped dots of glue from the Fine Tip Glue Pen in several spots on the top layer and allowed them to dry.  These clear droplets add dimension and interest to the card.

October Stamp Camp is on Thursday October 5th from 12 N – 8 PM, Friday October 6th from 12 N – 6 PM, and Saturday October 7th from 9 AM – 4 PM.  We will be doing 2 Christmas and 2 Halloween or Fall cards.  I realize several of you do not acknowledge Halloween so I always try to offer an alternative. 

As a reminder, Christmas Stamp-A-Stack will be October 19 and 21.  You will have the option of doing 4 each of 3 cards (12 total) or 5 each of 3 cards (15 cards).  This is, of course, subject to change as I may come up with 4 different cards instead of 3.  However, my current plan is 3 different cards.  Cost is $28 for 12 cards, or $33 for 15 cards. I’m waiting for a SU shipment so I can finish these cards and post them on the blog.  I will have samples  for you to view at October Stamp Camp. 

My 20% off product discount for SU ends September 30.  Let me know if there are any SU items you wish to add to your crafting bonanza.

My next post will be Christmas Sweaters.  Make sure you check back to see it.  Please let me know by Monday October 2 which cards you wish to do.  4 cards for $12 and each additional card is $2.

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

PEACE ON EARTH

As time is running short until September Stamp Camp, I decided to CAS this lovely card by Jari Francis from Card-iology by Jari.

The Carols of Christmas bundle from the new holiday catalog brings the Christmas card for September Stamp Camp.  The Peace on Earth was stamped in Cherry Cobbler onto a Whisper White stitched circle.  This sentiment circle was framed with a scalloped Silver Glimmer circle.  A narrow strip of the Be Merry DSP was adhered to a layer of Cherry Cobbler and then to a larger panel of Silver Glimmer Paper.  Trees were die cut using the Card Front Builder Thinlets Dies and adhered to the card front.  3/8” ribbon was wrapped around the top layer and a bow was added.  The sentiment circle and the single tree were added with dimensionals and the whole art panel was then adhered to a Whisper White card base.  The inside layer was finished with a thin strip of the same Be Merry DSP as used on the card front.  This is a very glittery – but elegant card and will put you in the Christmas spirit.

This is the final post for September Stamp Camp.  Remember to let me know by Tuesday September 5th which cards you choose to do.  As a reminder, stamp camp is Thursday and Friday – September 7 and 8 from 12 N to 6 PM, and on Saturday September 9 from 9 AM to 4 PM.  Bring a friend and introduce them to the creative art of paper crafting.  See you next week!

Don’t forget the 20% off SU product sale for the month of September – this is a personal discount offering.

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

BIRTHDAY MEMORIES

This next card is a bit different as the Designer Series Paper does most of the work for the crafter. 

This cheerful birthday card features the Birthday Memories DSP.  A first for Stampin-Up is designing the paper to match the framelits.  Or would that be designing the framelits to match the paper?  Either way, you can die cut birthday characters, balloons, cakes, hats, presents directly from the DSP.  However, I was so in love with Mr. Turtle that I fussy cut him with my snips. 

The background is sponged on glossy white card stock.  Last month we used this fantastic card stock for our watercolor wash.  I started with some Daffodil Delight in the upper left corner and swirled on a sun.  The remaining sky was sponged in Marina Mist.  I tend to gravitate toward Soft Sky for my background, but wanted something with less green for this sky.  One warning with the glossy card stock – you cannot erase glue mishaps without marring the shiny finish.  Also, the liquid glue leaves an imprint you can see if you hold the card in the light. 

I die cut a Garden Green hill and added a few tufts of grass before adhering it to the watercolored layer and then to the Pacific Point card.

Deciding which birthday characters to use was the difficult part.  I love the fox, the poodle, the darling girl, and everything else but you can only fit so much on a greeting card!  You can see in my two samples what I chose for my two samples.  Most of the die cuts were popped up with dimensionals.  Thick twine was used for the balloon strings and a bit of Wink of Stella was used to add some glitter.

I encountered a challenge with my second sample as seen to my right.  I was ready to mount the completed layer to the card front and discovered the layer was 5 X 4 instead of 5 1/4 X 4. After debating how to handle my “lemon,” I decided to add a second layer of grass to give the extra 1/4”.  I’m sure I will be the only one who is aware of this error.  Remember the adage – measure twice, cut once?  Perhaps I should pay attention to those words!

There will be a banner, fox, poodle, cute girl, cake, present, balloons, party hats available for each card. Additional characters can be fussy cut. 

I  chose to add die cut characters to my message layer.  I adhered a gift to the paw of the fox and added him to the layer.  For another message layer, I added a cute die cut birthday cake.

I hope you can come to September Stamp Camp on September 7 and 8 from 12 N – 6 PM, and September 9 from 9 AM – 4 PM.  Please let me know by September 5th which cards you wish to do. 

Reminders:  You can order now from the Holiday Catalog – 20% product discount for the month of September – Christmas Stamp-a-Stack on October 19 and 21 with a limit of 12 stampers per day.

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