Saturday, August 31, 2013

Last Post and Mystery Hostess Winner



As the trumpet plays the last notes of lament, and the sun sets today, several good things must come to an end.





First this is my last post.... in August!  Ha! Got you going there didn't I?




The Pick a Free Project Promotion is over today, so you only have a few hours left to purchase the Starter Kit and get a free Project Kit from Stampin' Up as a further benefit!  Read here about all the reasons you might want to join my Stampin' Up team!




Secondly, the Paper Pumpkin Promo Code Deal ends today.  You have only those same few hours to sign up to subscribe to My Paper Pumpkin.  Read about it all here.


The Winner

Next, the August Mystery Hostess Contest has come to an end and I'm happy to announce that the winner is Polly Dale.  I will contact Polly and get her to choose her free products from any current Stampin' Up catalogue.  If you didn't win, don't worry!  There will be another opportunity at the end of September!

New Promotion from Stampin' Up:
If you like butterflies (and I'm not mentioning any names, Diane) here's a promotion from Stampin' Up, just for you:

Stampin' Up has bundled the Papillon Potpourri Stamp Set with the Bitty Butterfly Punch and has taken 15% off the price!!
Dates: August 29-September 30, 2013
Offer: Get 15 percent off when you buy this bundled butterfly stamp set and punch!
Bundle ItemPage in CatalogueDescriptionRetail Price15% Savings PriceAmount Saved!
13531190
183
Butterfly Bundle (Clear-Mount)
Papillion Potpourri Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Bitty Butterfly Punch
$39.90$33.92$5.98
13531290
183
Butterfly Bundle (Wood-Mount) 
Papillion Potpourri Wood-Mount Stamp Set
Bitty Butterfly Punch
$44.90$38.17$6.73

Here's a little Thank You mini card to share with you today:


  • The base is 3" x 6" scored at 3" and folded.  I used Bermuda Bay cardstock.
  • The Whisper White panel is 2 3/4" x 2 3/4".
  • I used the Regarding Dahlias Stamp Set for both the image, in Crushed Curry or Strawberry Slush, and the sentiment, in Bermuda Bay.
  • A Designer button in Bermuda Bay adorns the top right of the card.
Quick, easy and cute as a button!  You could totally do that!



Stamps:  Regarding Dahlias (w130324; c130327)
Paper:  Bermuda Bay (131197) and Whisper White (100730) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Crushed Curry (131173), Strawberry Slush (131178) and Bermuda Bay (131171)
Accessories:  Brights Collection Designer Buttons (130028)


Brights Collection Designer Buttons

Regarding Dahlias

Friday, August 30, 2013

"I Use Antlers in All My Decorating"

My poor hubby was the doting father of three girls and the only male in the house!  Even the pets were mostly all female except for possibly a guinea pig and a lizard!  You can imagine that he had to watch more than his share of chic flicks over the years - especially Disney princesses!  He found some entertainment, finally, in the person of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast!  And his favourite line in the song, Gaston, was "I use antlers in all of my decorating!" which he was fond of blurting out in the middle of any serious debate on home decor!


Imagine our amusement, then, when our oldest daughter and son-in-law actually did begin to use antlers in all their decorating!  It is the latest thing, they said, and could we ask our hunting friends if they had any to spare?


































So I wasn't as surprised as some when Stampin' Up had a stamp like a mounted deer head in their Holiday Mini catalogue.  And I ordered it, too, because I know on whose Christmas card I'm going to use it.  So here's a trial run:


  • I wanted to get some plaid in the design somewhere, because it gives that "Hunting Lodge" kind of look.  Here, I used the Crushed Curry plaid from Sweater Weather DSP.
  • I used some Soft Suede Core'dinations cardstock and embossed it with the Woodgrain Embossing folder. Then I lightly and gently sanded it to bring out the wood grain - another element of the "Hunting Lodge".  (Did you know that you can now get Core'dinations cardstock in EVERY colour of our collections?!!)
  • There's that Burlap Ribbon again!  Do I have to tell you again how much I like it?  No? Good, cause it's getting really boring to hear me go on and on about it!
  • The stamp of the deer head and the sentiment are both from the set Remembering Christmas.
  • The colours I'm using are Baked Brown Sugar for the base, Soft Suede for the wood and the deer as well as matting the Crushed Curry Plaid, and a little bit of Pool Party from another piece of Sweater Weather DSP.  I tried several different colours and designs before settling on this one.  It really seemed to complement all the other colours and designs.
  • There's an Antique Brad in there!!  Haven't used one in forever!
  • I also used the only antique-looking metal brads that we have left - Vintage Trinkets.  The fact that they look like little buttons will have to be ignored in this masculine design because it's my only choice in this case!
  • Cutting out the antlers by hand was truly a pain, but it looks so much better than not!
Overall, I'd say it made a great masculine Christmas card for all the Gastons in your life, and also for all the trendy decorators!  Hope you enjoyed it!  Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Remembering Christmas (w131760; c131763)
Paper:  Sweater Weather DSP (132184); Soft Suede Core'dinations cardstock (as part of the Neutrals Collection) (129956); Baked Brown Sugar (131296), Soft Suede (115318) and Very Vanilla (101650) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pad in Soft Suede (126978);  StazOn Jet Black (101406)
Accessories:  1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon (132140); Antique Brads (117273); Vintage Trinkets (118764)
Tools:  Woodgrain Embossing Folder (127821); Ovals Collection Framelits (129381); Stampin' Sanding Block (129367)
                                                                                                                                           
Remembering Christmas

Ovals Collection Framelits
Neutrals Collection Core'dinations Cardstock


Stampin' Sanding Block

StazOn Jet Black

Sweater Weather DSP
Antique Brads

Vintage Trinkets

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Teacher's Pet




As a retired teacher, I know that it is sometimes hard not to play favourites with the children, but for most of us, it was something we tried very hard not to do!  It was just too damaging to the other children and to the favourite as well.  That being said,  there were many children over the years that it was just such a treat to teach, and not just the quiet, well-behaved students either.  Some of my favourite students were the rascals!

Today, I have in mind a project for my Big Shot Club that could be a cool teacher present, just in case you want to bribe your child's teacher so they will look upon your child with favour (just kidding, lol) or a gift for anyone who needs a shopping list and coupon carrier all in one.  It is made from the Stampin' Up clear mount stamp cases that you can order empty.  I totally cased this one from Lynn Weiss from a project I found on Pinterest.  Here's what it looks like:


Here is the outside of the case.  Because there is a plastic sleeve on the outside, you can create a decorative liner with some DSP, ribbon and various die cuts.
  • I used three of the Epic Day DSP patterns to create this cover.  
  • The Gumball Green border was die cut using the Large Scallop Edgelit.
  • I used one of the Labels Collection Framelits to cut the Basic Gray shape and then embossed it with the oval Designer Frames Embossing Folder.
  • I die cut the letter using coaster board with the Typeset Alphabet BigZ die and covered it with Pool Party cardstock, also cut with the Typeset Alphabet die.
Here's the inside:

  • I got the note pad from Staples.  It was originally 5" x 8", but I got them to cut it for me to 4 1/2" x 7". I added a little swatch of the same DSP at the top and also in the clear body of the pen.
  • I created a little pocket for coupons or other small things, measuring 5" x 3 1/2", by cutting a piece of Epic Day DSP 5" x 7", scoring at 3 1/2" and closing both sides with Sticky Strip.  
  • I added a border of Calypso Coral, die cut with the Large Scallop Edgelit and embossed with one of the Delicate Designs Embossing Folders which coordinate with the Large Scallop Edgelit.  
  • Then I added some Pool Party Seam Binding Ribbon.  I used Sticky Strip to attach both the pocket, the notepad and the penholder to the case.
  • These colours are the same palette as the Epic Day Design Series Paper that I used.
  • No stamps were harmed (or used) in the making of this project!


And just a reminder to get your orders in for the Mystery Hostess Contest this week.  Any order will get your name in the draw, and orders of $50 or more will get one more entry for each $50 they spend.  The orders are coming in and there will be at lots of free product for the winner of the draw.  If you order on line, make sure you use the Hostess Code:  AWHCR4KJ in order to be included in the contest!  The deadline is Friday, August 30 at midnight!  Don't miss out!

Paper:  Epic Day DSP (130814); Gumball Green (126840) and Calypso Coral (122925) cardstock
Accessories:  1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon in Pool Party (125582); 3/4" Chevron Ribbon in Crushed Curry (130019); Coaster Board (129392); Sticky Strip (104294)
Tools:  Labels Collection Framelits (125598); Large Scallop Edgelit (127019); Designer Frames Embossing Folders (123130); Delicate Designs Embossing Folders (127023); Typeset Alphabet BigZ Dies (127553)


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Vintage Speed

Perception of speed is a relative thing.
To the lethargic sloth, a snail no doubt seems almost manic in it's movements,













while to the swift cheetah, a race horse is probably just out for a lazy stroll!











Our perception of speed has changed over the years as well!  Travelling by bicycle must have seemed speedy transportation to those accustomed to travelling by foot or cart horse.

When the motor car first made its appearance, twelve miles per hour was considered a "reckless speed!" The steam locomotive, meanwhile was reaching speeds only the brave would risk riding - 60 miles per hour!










And now, rockets travel at a minimum of 17,000 mph,  distances undreamed of just a scant 200 years ago. And I just read of a proposed Vacuum Tube Train, which without friction from air restricting it, could travel 4000 to 5000 mph, allowing you to travel from New York to Beijing in a little under 2 hours!  That seems frightening to me, but if it becomes reality, it wouldn't take long for our perceptions to change, I'm sure!

As I considered the sketch this week for The Paper Players Challenge #160, speed was what came to mind first.


But I was not thinking modern speed!  I wanted to use my Timeless Talk stamp set, which I've had for a while now but has not seen any ink!  This was what I came up with:



  • As soon as I saw the diagonal lines on the sketch, I immediately thought of Gorgeous Grunge (again!!)  The scratch lines always make me think of motion lines or speed lines in drawings. 
  • And while I was at it, I added a couple of splatter marks using the same stamp set.
  • I originally used Old Olive for the penny-farthing bicycle, but it needed a bit more "pop" to keep it the focal point, so I inked it up again in Real Red, cut it out and was very happy with that choice of colour.
  • I kept the Old Olive for the speech bubble!



  • The little chevrons are courtesy of the Circle Card Thinlits set which has been working overtime in my Craft Cave of late.
  • The Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine accentuates the diagonal lines.  If we had Real Red I would have used it, but the little accents on the twine are not large enough to create a major colour mismatch.
Thanks for dropping by my blog today!  Go out and enjoy your day, and if you're in your car at some point, don't speed.  Remember, you could have been riding a penny farthing bike or a cart horse and it would have seemed plenty fast!

Stamps:  Timeless Talk (w126605; c126607); Gorgeous Grunge (w130514; c130517)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650) and Pool Party (122924) cardstock
Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Real Red (126949), Crushed Curry (131173), Pool Party (126982) and Old Olive (126953)
Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (123125)
Tools:  Circle Card Thinlits (133480); Paper Snips (103579)
Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set

Timeless Talk Stamp Set
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Circle Card Thinlits