Back to School

I admit it.  I'm a first class nerd!  I always loved those words, "Back to School!"  Knowing my love for papercrafts, I think half of the reason was I loved getting brand new school supplies! I still love going into an office supply store and lingering in the pencil crayon and marker aisle!

But as your little ones get ready to head back, I know not all of them will be as excited as I was for school to start up again.  And maybe you're not excited at the thought of busy schedules and homework fights and endless lunches to make.  Despite your feelings, why not Celebrate Back Into It!  Make it a big, fun deal with a new outfit for everyone, including you!  New backpacks for the kids and a new purse for you!  A special Labour Day dinner and traditional game or beach day or movie.  And why not give your child a hand up with a card cheering them on to loftier heights!  Here's an example:

I created this card for the MOJO Monday Challenge #308, Round or Square Week again!

• Chalk Talk seems like a perfect Back to School stamp set, as does the background set, Alphabetized.
• I used Basic Black, Basic White and Crushed Curry as my colour palette: white paper, black boards (although not many have those anymore) and school bus yellow!
• I created an envelope for my square card from a sheet of Eastern Elegance DSP and lined it with some Modern Medley DSP.
• The Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon and the Basic Black Candy Dots provide a little embellishment!

• I continued the Chalk Talk theme on the inside.  
• I used the Faux Chalkboard technique which involves inking the image in VersaMark ink and covering it in White Stampin' Emboss powder then heat setting it with a Heat Tool.  
• I then sponged on some white craft ink around the edges to simulate chalk dust.

If you want an easy way to create envelopes, here's a chart that I have right by my paper cutter and Simply Scored scoring tool, from Mary Fish, Stampin' Up demonstrator extraordinaire!  (If you don't follow her blog, you would really benefit from it.  She is very knowledgeable about stamping and shares many valuable tips.)  Stampin' Pretty Envelope Chart for Using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool & Diagonal Plate.

But starting September 1, you can order the Envelope Punch Board that will make creating envelopes a cinch!  And it's only $24.95!!  It will be in next year's catalogue so it's here to stay!

I hope you can come up with some traditions to ease your family back into fall and school and schedules. Let me know how your family does it!  I'll be back tomorrow with a gift for the teacher (or any one else who likes lists) using the Stampin' Up clear mount stamp cases.

Stamps:  Alphabetized (w130435; c130438); Chalk Talk (w130631; c130634)

Paper:  Crushed Curry (), Basic Black () and Whisper White (100730) cardstock

Ink:  StazOn Jet Black (101406); VersaMark (102283); Whisper White Craft Ink (101731)

Accessories:  3/4" Chevron Ribbon in Crushed Curry (130019); Stampin' Emboss Powder in White (109132); Neutrals Collection Candy Dots (130934)

Tools:  Chalk Talk Framelits (129983); Ovals Collection Framelits (129381); Heat Tool (129053); Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334) with the Diagonal Plate (125586)

Chalk Talk Stamp Set and Framelits

Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon

Eastern Elegance DSP

Heat Tool

Neutrals Candy Dots

Ovals Collection Framelits

Alphabetized Background Stamp

Simply Scored Scoring Tool

Modern Medley DSP