2020 CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Hi Crafters!  It’s time for Christmas in July 2020!  Due to COVID-19, we will be limiting each day to 4 crafters with masks required.

WHEN:  The door opens on Thursday July 16 10AM – 5 PM, Friday July 17 10AM – 5PM, Saturday July 18 9AM – 4PM, Monday July 20 10AM – 5PM.  Come anytime during the listed hours on your pre-scheduled day.  I simply ask you be ready to leave at the ending time. 

WHERE: 533 Emerson Circle, Bolingbrook

WHY:  It’s time to start revving up your holiday creativity

HOW:  We will use social distancing, wear masks, wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently.  Each crafter will be given a micro crate for his/her tools.  No one will touch his/her tools except the crafter.  For sanitation reasons, I will run the Big Shot for each person.  Stamps, inks, Washi Tape, and blender pens will be wiped down between uses if I don’t have multiples.  Please bring your own beverage and snack.  There will be Christmas cookies (store bought) which I will be happy to serve with tongs.   Please be respectful of everyone.  Even though we will be in Phase 4, I remain extremely concerned about the Coronavirus.  I want this to be a fun, creative and safe time for all.

HOW MUCH:  Cards will be $2.50 each.  All supplies will be provided except Wink of Stella.  You can bring your own or add the Wink of Stella at home.  If you wish, you may purchase a new Wink of Stella for $6.95.  This will be yours to take home.  Hubby Norb wanted to add a 25% COVID-19 charge but I ignored him!  As the date nears, I may ask you to bring a few of your personal tools such as snips, bone folder, etc.  I will let you know.

NOW FOR THE FUN PART:  2020 Christmas in July

WASHI CHRISTMAS TREE comes to us from daughter Debbie.  She developed this card last year and I was very impressed.  I did choose to add a bit ribbon for texture and dimension.  There is lots of Washi Tape to choose from – reds, greens, golds, silvers.  This is a very simple but elegant card.  The tree is die cut with Woods Dies.  Softly Fallen is embossed on the die-cut top layer.  A tree form is used to adhere the Wash Tape to; the taped form is adhered inside the top layer.  Merry Christmas is pre-cut with the Scan’n Cut and can be adhered with half mini dimensionals or rolled glue dots.

The message layer is embellished with Washi Tape of your choice and several stars that match the star of your Washi Christmas Tree. 

The most difficult part of this card is determining what Washi Tape you want to use and deciding what order to adhere it.

BEARING GIFTS is from my retired Christmas stamp library.  The stamped image was enlarged and is pre-cut with the Scan’n Cut.  A black shadow is also pre-cut to frame the image.  Stampin’ Blends are used to color the image.  The card and coordinating envelope are 4 1/4 X 6 1/4, larger than the standard A2 size.  There are stars printed on the card, but I feel a few extra stars are needed.  The stamped sentiment is die-cut and embellished with a small twine bow.

The message layer consists of Cherry Cobbler cs layered with Whisper White.  I chose to fussy cut and adhere a bear and present.  This option is available to you.

CHRISTMAS BOUQUET is from the Wishing You Well stamp set which I was sad to see retire.  Although hard to see, this elegant card is embellished with silver glimmer paper to the right of the Springtime Foils strip, and also frames the art work.  A small silver metallic-edged bow ties the bouquet together.  There are several horizontal sentiments and dies that work well with this card.

The message layer is embellished with a simple image from Peace this Christmas stamped in Night of Navy to coordinate with the card front.

HOLIDAY BIRDS is the last card choice for 2020 Christmas in July.  This happy card features plaid DSP layered on Shaded Spruce, Cherry Cobbler or Night of Navy cs.  There are many plaids to choose from. The Whisper White layer is embossed in Woodland.  The long retired Bird Builder Punch is used to punch out the birds, wings and branches in your color choice.  Wings and branches can be punched in the plaid and/or gold glimmer card stocks; some will be pre-punched or you can punch your own.  A simple sentiment from Itty Bitty Christmas is stamped in matching ink, die cut and shadowed in gold glimmer cs.    A twine bow in your color choice embellishes the top layer. 

The message layer is embellished with an additional bird.  An additional wing can be added to each bird adhered behind the bird.  I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that when daughter Debbie and I did the samples.  I will have an additional sample showing the double wings for 2020 Christmas in July. 

NOW I NEED YOUR HELP!  As this gathering is limited to 4 crafters per day for safety concerns, I need to know what day you would like to come.  If the day you choose is full, I will ask you to choose an alternate date.  Choosing your day is my #1 concern.  Then I need to know what cards you choose to create so I can plan a card rotation order.  And to have your kits ready to go on your scheduled day, I beg for as much time as possible.  

Healthy Blessings,

Rosemary – (h)630.759.3089 – (c)630.965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com 

FOREVER LOVELY (Cas’d from Patty Bennett)

Patty Bennett is one of the top 10 Stampin’ Up demonstrators.  She is located in the San Francisco area and I admire many of her creations.  Generally when I CAS a card, I make many changes.  However, this is an exact copy of Patty’s card although our measurements may differ slightly.  I must mention, that this is NOT a 5-minute card – patience is a must. 

This card is truly Forever Lovely.  Done in Lovely Lipstick, Whisper White and Flirty Flamingo, it is the perfect card not only for Valentine’s Day but also for a birthday or a wonderful pick-me-up.  How would you feel if you received this card from a friend?  The card features the Forever Lovely Suite shown here in the new Occasions Catalog.  We start with a 4 X 2 piece of Lovely Lipstick and die cut the Edgelit of the roses and leaves. The challenging part it to make sure your edgelit is on straight.  I use bits of Washi Tape to insure my die does not move.

After the Lovely Lipstick is cut, I place it up against the Whisper White top layer and after insuring the white layer is straight, I use Washi Tape to hold the die of roses and leaves in place making sure it matches the cut Lovely Lipstick Edgelit.  The Precision Base Plate is used to die cut this image.  Although hard to see, the die also embosses some floral images.  The Lovely Lipstick image is adhered to the Whisper White layer and “All My Love” DSP is tucked into the end.  You have two choices of the DSP to choose from. White trimmed Lovely Lipstick 1/2” ribbon is knotted either around the white layer or around the entire card front.  Two Heart Epoxy Droplets are colored with Lovely Lipstick Stampin’ Blends, allowed to dry, and then placed on the card front. 

As a reminder, February Stamp Camp is Thursday February 7th from 12 noon to 6 pm, Friday February 8th from 2 to 6 pm, and Saturday February 9th from 9 am to 4 pm.  If these times don’t work for you, please let me know and we can rearrange the schedule.

In case you missed my previous e-mail and blog posts, I have made the hard decision to increase the price of Stamp Camp to $14.  I have kept the $12 price for years but with everything creeping up in price, I am forced to increase to $14. 

Remember it’s Sale-A-Bration time.  Through  March 31, for every $50 in product you purchase from Stampin’ Up, you can choose something free from the Sale-A-Bration Brochure.  There is foil, ribbon, and stamps to choose from.  There are 2 more detailed items available if you purchase $100 in product.  Check it out here at Sale-A-Bration.

To help you choose something free from Sale-A-Bration, I am discounting all Stampin’ Up card stock, DSP, specialty papers, etc. by an extra 10% for the month of February. As this is a Paper Rose discount, orders will need to come through me.  This is the time to stock up on those basics you use throughout the year!

I am very excited about our March Stamp Camp – “Bunches of Butterflies!”  We will see butterflies, butterflies, and more butterflies!.  The dates for March Stamp Camp are March 7, 8 and 9.  I am working on the 2019 calendar and will soon have it done.

Hope to see you next month!

Blessings, Rosemary – (home)630.759.3089 – (cell)630.965.1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

TIMELESS TIDING TAGS

I think a gift is much more personal if it includes a handmade gift tag.  Daughter Debbie and I had fun creating these and now you can make them for your gifts.

 

We have precut assorted colors of card stock to 5 X 2”.  This size fits the Banner Triple Punch and the 3 topper punches.  In this image, you can see 2 of the topper punches I have.  You can cut a different color slightly smaller piece of cs as I have done with the white here.  The second color is 4 7/8 X 3 3/4 – 4” and is finished with an edging punch.

The Cookie Cutter gingerbread people are some of my favorites and they make such a cute tag! The stamps are available for several hats, hat trim, bow ties, and buttons.  A small circular sentiment was added and the “To and From” message is on the back side of the tag.

I must admit that this is my favorite gift tag.  It is from the Many Blessings stamp set.  The images were stamped with Memento black and colored with Stampin’ Blends.  The “MERRY Christmas” stamp is included in the set.  I tried to choose the available Baker’s Twine to coordinate with some aspect of the card.  The Baker’s Twine can also be colored with Stampin’ Blends.  The “To and From” sentiment is on the back of these tags.

 

 

If you are into punch art, this is the tag for you!  Santa faces are created from assorted punches, glimmer paper, and googley eyes.  We trimmed this tag to make it a bit shorter.  The Santa face could be moved lower and the “To and From” sentiment could be placed on the front or the back. 

 

 

 

Snowmen also make cute gift tags.  These are also punch art creations, but are a bit simpler to punch and make than the Santa faces.  The Snowman smile is actually punched from small circle punches and/or balloon punches.  The hat is formed from a small square punch and the word window punch.

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to make a fast tag or two – choose the reindeer.  This is a very simple gift tag.  Simply punch out the reindeer and star either in glimmer or metallic cs or a mixture of the two.  A simple “To and From” punched and layered on coordinating glimmer cs and you are almost done.  I added 3 strands of 6” copper cording to the left image and 2 strands of 8” Baker’s Twine to the right image. 

 

 

 

I will admit I was “fooling” around with these 2 tags.  The tree tag is pretty simple.  The Washi tape was colored with the Shaded Spruce Stampin Blend to coordinate. The penguin tag has a very busy Washi Tape background.  I took a basic tag and I punched the banner and topper.  I then took a second basic tag, punched it to match and adhered the two together.  This way the tag was neat and the messy Washi tape backing was hidden. 

The snowflake tag is our final idea.  These are retired wood or plastic snowflakes that are adhered to a double tag.  The Wood Textures DSP is perfect for this wintry tag.  It is backed with a regular cs tag to provide the weight to handle to heavier snowflakes.  This is a very quick and easy tag!  The “To and From” message is on the back. 

These tags are ideas from Daughter Debbie and me.  There are other punches that can be used and lots of paper.  Try to think “out of the box” and see what you can come up with.  Debbie went thru my miscellaneous drawer and pulled lots of embellishments you can use to make tags with, in addition to our ideas. 

You can do all tags, all calendars, do all stained glass window cards – the choice is yours.  I just ask that you let me know when you may be coming and if you wish to do the stained glass window cards – how many of which one.  As a reminder, December Stamp Camp is being held on Thursday November 29th from 12 Noon to 7 PM, Friday November 30 from 2 – 7 PM, and Saturday December 1st from 9 AM – 4 PM.  The cost is $12 and covers whatever you choose to make.  Soda and water and some type of goodies will be provided for your enjoyment. 

I have decided to take the month of January off from Stamp Camp.  The craft room needs a major overhaul and I HATE the cold weather.  So, our next Stamp Camp will be on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, February 7, 8 and 9.  We will have a Valentine plus everyday theme.  I will be putting out a 2019 calendar in January and will keep you advised of Stampin’Up specials.  Your new Occasions Catalog and Stampin’Up Sale-A-Brations brochure will be arriving in December.

Have a wonderful Christmas!  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

BEAUTIFUL YOU!!!

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to get this blog to you.  When I finally sat down and fired up the computer, I couldn’t connect to the internet.  This led to a detailed phone call with my personal computer tech Larry.  He walked me thru the process of reconnecting and now I’m good to go!

Beautiful You is a gorgeous stamp set.  I concentrated on just one stamp of the beautiful 3 women.  I did 2 birthday samples and 2 for Valentine’s Day.

This was my first Beautiful You card.  We needed a birthday card for a very dear friend and this was a breeze to make.  Red and black are a natural color combo.  The woman was stamped in Black Memento on Whisper White cs and re-stamped on a scrap of red and white DSP.  I fussy cut the DSP hat and dress, added a touch of adhesive and voila – I had Beautiful You.  I am not a big fan of fussy cutting, but with the bold black lines of the stamp, cutting was truly a breeze.  The cards I made with this stamp set all feature multiple layers and a bold stripe or dotted designer paper from my archive of recent, recently retired, and old and retired DSP.  Rhinestones add a bit of bling to this stylish gal. 

I love the messages that come with this set.  The message used on the card front reads “Happy Birthday Gorgeous” and the sentiment reads:  “Life looks beautiful on you.” A squiggle of Real Red was stamped under the sentiment.  The new candle border punch adds instant layering and contrast. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sample is very similar to the one above, but has a Valentine’s Day theme.  The DSP used for the dress and hat is white with tiny red hearts.  Although hard to see, white glitter washi tape was cut to match the width of the white stripes in the black and white diagonal DSP and adhered in a 2 on – 1 off pattern.  Pearls added a bit of chic style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spectrum Noir markers were used to color the dress and hat of this Beautiful You woman.  The challenge of using non-SU markers is finding cs that matches, blends, or contrasts.  My card stock archive had some retired Hello Honey that worked well in this instance.  Black and white dotted DSP was used for the background.  Several white glimmer flowers were punched and adhered.  Pearls embellish the hat and the neckline.  A black glimmer flower with pearl center added a finishing touch to the message banner.

 

 

 

This Valentine’s card uses a monochromatic color scheme of Melon Mambo and retired Pretty in Pink.  The Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder  provides lots of visual interest.  Instead of ovals, the DSP, stamped image and frame are die cut with Lots of Labels Framelits.  The dress is quickly colored with the dress image squiggle stamped in Melon Mambo.  Swirls of silver cording and a silver sparkly embellishment add lots of interest and bling.

We will be seeing this stamp set again in May when we honor the women in our lives.  A different Beautiful You image will be paired with the Serene Scenery DSP. 

Our third project for February stamp Camp uses the Lift Me Up Stamp Set and coordinating thinlits dies.  Samples include a birthday version and one for Valentines Day.  This is a colorful card and will be the topic of my next blog post.

Don’t forget to let me know which cards you wish to do for February Stamp Camp.  $12 for any 4 cards and $2 for additional cards.  I will be giving away the Hey, Chick Stamp Set featured in the Sale-A-Brations brochure so stick some extra good luck in your pocket before you come.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

Blessings, Rosemary – (h)630/759-3089 – (c)30/965-1965 – paperrose01@aol.com

CELEBRATING THE MEN IN OUR LIVES

Well Crafters, it is almost June!  Where does the time go?  For our June Stamp Camp, we are going to make “manly” cards.  So many times, we make our celebratory cards with flowers and lots of pretty images.  My stereotypical masculine card tends to be bold with darker colors.  This first card is definitely “manly.”

I’ve entitled this card “Going Places.”  There is a strip of the Going Places DSP stack on the front cover.  The Early Espresso card has a Crumb Cake front  embossed with the new World Traveler Embossing Folder and sponged with either Crumb Cake ink or a retired brown chalk.  The Happy Father’s Day card was sponged with ink and the Happy Birthday version received chalk.  The chalk can be erased but the Crumb Cake sponging gives a richer color.  You can choose either method.  The compass image is from the Going Global set and is stamped with Jet Black StazOn, die cut and centered on a die cut Basic Black circle.  The compass centers feature a small glittery star or a Crumb Cake Candy Dot.  The sentiment is stamped in black on Very Vanilla, die cut , sponged with Crumb Cake and layered on a 3/8” ribbon.

The message layer of the birthday card is stamped in black and embellished with candy dots.  Washi tape in black with tiny beige dots provides texture and a border to this layer.  Other messages are available for Father’s Day. 

To me, this is a great “manly” card and one of four we will be making at our June Stamp Camp.  Dates and times for  the June Camp:  Thursday, June 2 from 12 Noon to 9 PM; Friday, June 3 from 2 – 9 PM; and Saturday, June 4 from 9 AM to 4 PM.  You can come when it is convenient for your schedule.  The cost remains $12 and covers all supplies.  Water and soda pop are always available as a dehydrated crafter is a sad crafter!  All you need to provide is yourself!

The 2016-17 Stampin Up Catalogs have arrived and you can pick up yours when you come.  The catalogs are provided at no charge.  Don’t forget to check the list of retiring items as some are marked down as low as 50%.  When these items are gone – they won’t return.  Check out the retiring items at Retiring SU Products. 

Check back soon for another “manly” blog.  I hope to see you for June Stamp Camp.  It is helpful if you can let me know if you plan on coming or would like a kit, but this is not required.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.

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

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

From the Garden

Finally! For our final May Stamp Camp card, we will be using the Irresistibly Yours Specialty Designer Series Paper that many of you chose as a free Sale-A-Bration item.  I’ve entitled this card “From the Garden”.

From the Garden features stamps from the “Mother’s Love” stamp set.  After much debate, Deb and I decided to use a color scheme of Crumb Cake, Pear Pizazz, Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral and Tangerine Tango.  The 5 X 3 3/4 Irresistibly Yours DSP is sponged in Crisp Cantaloupe as you can see from the different shades.  I find it easiest to ink my sponge and start twirling my sponge around in circles just off the DSP and then gradually move across the DSP surface.  Needless to say, the harder you press, the darker the shade.  You actually could use all 3 orange colors, on your background, but I found I preferred just the Cantaloupe.  I used the Tag Topper to punch out the 2” wide tag and stamped my 2-step flowers in Tangerine Tango and Calypso Coral.  The 2-step leaves are stamped in Pear Pizazz but I think I will use Garden Green and Pear Pizazz on my next sample.  The message is stamped in Pear Pizazz and layered on scallop-punched DSP that I sponged in Calypso Coral and adhered with dimensionals. Sahara Sand 7/8” lace trim and Washi Tape finish off the card.

There you have it – 4 Buds and Blooms cards for our May Stamp Camp.  All or none of the cards can be used for Mother’s Day or any occasion.  The cost for this stamp camp is the normal $12 and includes everything you will need.  If you prefer, I can prepare a kit for the same price and you can do your cards at home.  Just let me know what works for you.

As a reminder – we don’t meet in July.  However, please keep June Stamp Camp marked on your calendar as we will be doing manly cards.  Everyone who notifies me by May 20th that they will be attending the June Stamp Camp (June 4,5,6) or wish to purchase the kit, will receive the Adventure Bound DSP Stack with 48 2-sided sheets of 6 1/2 X 4 1/2 masculine DSP.  You can find this stack on page 40 of your current Occasions Catalog good thru June 2, 2015 – or you can view it here Adventure Bound DSP Stack.  I will be in California visiting my almost 97-year young Mother and will need to place my order prior to leaving.  So keep the May 20th date in the back of your mind!  This paper stack will give you masculine cards for this year and possibly next. 

Keep on truckin’ craftin’, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com

2014 Stamp-A-Stack

The 2914 Christmas Stamp-A-Stack marathon is almost here.  Deb has been furiously cutting paper and stuffing the envelopes.  I’ve ordered a few extra acrylic blocks to insure each set is pre-mounted for you.  Today we are going to organize a box for each crafter that will include scissors, adhesive eraser, liquid adhesive, a box of glue dots, a roll of sticky strip, a sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals, a bone folder, a pen or pencil, tweezers, and a silicone sheet.  if you are also purchasing adhesive for your crafting, your box will include 2 adhesive refills.  Our goal is to have everything you need at your fingertips.  Our Stamp-A-Stack cards:

Christmas Cheer is our first card stamped with the “Christmas Cheer” set.  This gatefold card is done in Real Red, Whisper White  and Garden Green, and uses Nordic Noel DSP.  Deb cleverly designed this card using the new Filigree Frame embossing folder only on 1 side of the gate.  One of the 4 ornament images is stamped, trimmed by hand, and attached to the main image with gold cording.  Finally, a few rhinestones are adhered to add a touch of bling.

 

The second card comes from “The Newborn King” stamp set.  This elegant card is done in Mossy Meadow, gold, and Very Vanilla.  The Filigree Frame embossing folder is used again, this time for the frame around the image.  The image is embossed in gold on brushed gold card stock and framed with Mossy Meadow .  A bit of Mossy Meadow stitched satin ribbon provides the finishing touch to this very elegant card.  You may wish to consider gold-embossing the message  and star that come in the set.  I also embossed a single gold star on the envelope.  The added gold embossing carries the elegance from the envelope thru the entire presentation.

 

The “Visions of Santa” stamp set is one of my favorites this year and gives us a touch of humor.  There are actually 5 options for this card.  You can stamp the moose in his underwear as shown here, or or stamp 1, 2 or 3 of the 4 Santa images.  Of course all of the Santas are in their underwear also!  See the next picture for 3 of the Santas.  This stamp set is done in Old Olive, Real Red, and Early Espresso.  The moose and Santas are stamped on a white tag that is layered on an espresso tag, and colored with Blendabilities.  The moose, Santa images and tag are then embellished with silver sequins, white snowflakes, and pearls.  Santa & Co. DSP is added in angled strips on the Real Red layer that is embossed with the new On Point embossing folder.  Finally, the natural and Old Olive super chunky trim is pulled thru the hold in the tag.  These cards are just too cute!

The elegant and Christmassy “Wondrous Wreath” is done in Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, and Very Vanilla.  The embossed Stylish Stripes background sets off the  cobbler and vanilla banners which pop  up with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Several loops of slender gold  ribbon are the perfect background for the stamped and die-cut wreath.  The “Joy” and “Noel” messages are easily die cut on gold foil card stock.

Our fifth and final card for our 2014 Stamp-A-Stack is “Bright and Beautiful” which is sized to fit the stars framelits.  This simple card is done in Soft Sky and Lost Lagoon with a panel of All is Calm DSP.  Two cards for each crafter will have the Soft Sky and White DSP and one card with the silver and white DSP shown below.  The new Lucky Stars embossing folder adds dimension and texture to the Lost Lagoon.  Three stars are stamped and die cut – one in Lost Lagoon, one wet-embossed in silver, and one in Soft Sky.  The small Soft Sky star is embellished with a single All Is Calm snowflake embellished and a blue rhinestone.  The stars are popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals and a small silver ribbon decorates the upper corner.  The card to the left is an example of the same card with the silver and white All is Calm DSP.

The two samples indicate two different centers that could be used.  Both include All is Calm Washi Tape.  The center to the right shows a beautiful message that comes with the set.  We have stamped it in Lost Lagoon on a die-cut banner and added a Soft Sky star.  The banner must be placed carefully to keep it from interfering with the front view of the card.  The other inside message for Bright and Beautiful includes the Season’s Greetings message from the set, and a die-cut star.  Both centers are attractive and you can choose the ones that you prefer, or choose something totally different.  Each sample gives ideas for the center of the card and the envelope.

For those of you who are not attending the Christmas Stamp-A-Stack, I hope these samples give some ideas for your holiday card creations.  Give me a call, or send an E-mail if you have any questions.

December Stamp Camp will be lots of fun as we craft a holiday pop-up box, holiday tags, and have the opportunity to stamp the new Gentle Peace stamp set on vellum for a very special card.  We will have all the accessories for the card ready to go so you can stamp your vellum, and if you prefer, take it home to color and put together.  I know how busy the month of December, but this new stamp is so special, that I want you to be able to have the image. 

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

Give Thanks for All Things

Halloween has passed and the fall time change has taken place.  My Grandkids were over today jumping in leaves that my sweet husband had raked into piles.  Such fun!  I remember jumping into piles of leaves when I was a child in California.  I’m afraid if I tried to do that today, I would break another ankle or not be able to get out of the leaves!  Fall leaves remind me of Thanksgiving which is fast approaching.  Our Thanksgiving card for November Stamp Camp comes from the “For All Things” stamp set.   

Our colorful Thanksgiving card has a color scheme of Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Mossy Meadow, Soft Suede and Whisper White.  We stamped and die cut the leaves with the Fun Fall Framelits Dies.  A wooden chestnut was pressed into the Soft Suede ink pad and presto – a brown chestnut appeared!  Twine was gathered into loops and adds a light touch.  A small strip of Color Me Autumn DSP extends from the inside of the card carrying thru the Cajun Craze hue.  This is a card you will be proud to send to a best friend or relative.

 

 

Inside the card, Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape has been adhered to the top and bottom of the white card stock.  The message “Grateful For You” is stamped and layered to coordinate with the message on the card front.  We will be lining the envelopes for this card with the Color Me Autumn DSP.  A classy touch to a classy card!

We will also be creating 3 Christmas cards at our November Stamp Camp.  I apologize for not posting the samples sooner.  I have been busy busy busy preparing for our Przybylski Halloween Open House and working on the samples for our Stamp-A-Stack so they can also be posted and viewed at the November Stamp Camp.  As a reminder, the November Stamp Camp is Thursday, Friday, Saturday – November 6th, 7th, and 8th.  Times on Thursday and Friday are from 2 – 9 PM; and 9 AM – 4 PM on Saturday.  Cost is $12.00 and includes all supplies as well as drinks and fresh fruit.

Stamp-A-Stack will be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – November 13th, 14th, and 15th.  The times will be the same as normal Stamp Camp and I will let you know if we decide to start earlier.  You are welcome to come 1, 2, or all 3 days and spread out your crafting.  We have 5 stamp sets and you can choose to make 3 or 4 of the 5.  For those of us who are math challenged – that means you can make 15 or 20 cards.  More to come. 

I hope you can come to our November Stamp Camp as we will be using the Ornamental Pine stamp set to create a card with an overlay of a dryer sheet and glitter.  You will go home sparkling!  We will also be making a card with the Cardinal from Beauty of the Season and a cute card with the Bearing Gifts stamp set.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Blessings, Rosemary – 630/759-3089 – paperrose01@aol.com