Tile Coasters

So every year for Christmas I make my family and Duane's family something "home-made". Some years this list has grown to include friends and co-workers, depending on the scope of the project. This year I decided I wanted to do something with stamping, and since I waited until the last minute (like the night of the 23rd - eek), it ended up only being family.

Since I have an 'in' in the tile business, I had Duane cut some larger pieces of limestone into 4x4 square which work out nicely to be a coaster. You can also purchase the tiles from Lowe's or Home Depot, just make sure you use the unglazed version, otherwise the ink won't stay.

I used Craft Ink which doesn't dry as fast, and works better on surfaces other than paper. Once I stamped the image, I coated them with a layer of clear embossing powder. Tap off the excess powder and then pop in the oven. Yep - you read right, the oven. Bake them at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes, or until all of the inked images appear shiny and embosseed.

Take them out of the oven, and allow to cool. Then I put a layer of cork on the back so that the coaster doesn't scratch the surface of whatever it happens to be sitting on. This cork I found at Hobby Lobby, and came in a large roll. I cut it to 3.5x3.5 so that they fit nicely on the back of the coaster.

Tie them all together with a pretty ribbon and you have a great home-made gift that is already packaged! I was really happy with the way they turned out, and was able to use my Stampin' Up! stuff in a 3-d practical way!

Let me know if you would be interested in doing a tile coaster class. Even without the monogram, they would make a great gift, and something that you could just have on hand if you needed a 'quick' gift for something!

Tile Recipe:

Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms (Retired)

Ink: CRAFT: Old Olive, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Carmel

Other: Limestone Tiles

Christmas Thank-yous!

Hello again! I'm going to get up on my soapbox for a paragraph, and then will show you my great thank-yous that I made the other night watching The Biggest Loser (one of my favorite shows). One of my all time pet peeves is not sending thank-you notes. I realize that during this time of electronics, e-mail, text messaging and instant messaging that the handwritten card is a thing of the past. I also think that with all those other 'easy' forms of communication, it should be easy to get a "Hey, thanks for the ________", even if it is electronic. I still like to send a handwritten card. My mom always made us sit down and write out our thank you cards before the holiday break was over. Even though I don't get holiday breaks anymore (what's up with that anyway), and it has been over for at least a week, I did get my thank-you's finished, and will be sent out tomorrow. Here they are:

They are super simple to make, and easy to reproduce many of - depending on how much thanks you need to send out! Although I used a retired stamp set, I think the sentiments are just great and seemed fitting for the occasion. I mixed it up a little using the same template, used different papers make them a little different.
Hope you enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Lots of Thoughts (retired)
Cardstock: Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Alpine Felt Ribbon, Dimensionals, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer, Ski Slope Designer paper

T

Blowout Sale and Retiring Accessories

Who doesn't love a sale?! Well, Stampin' Up! is putting on a great sale, with items up to 50% off! Now is the time and take a look to see if there is anything that is a must-have!!

Here is the think to check out the Blow-out Sale here. Some of the items on this list aren't in the current catalog - they are still trying to sell some retired items. A reminder of what those items are can be found here.

Retiring stamp sets can be found here in alphabetical order, and here in numerical order.

And now, onto the retired accessories. These items are going quickly, so if you are interested in purchasing anything, please let me know!!!

111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12
104188ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
Retiring Wheels
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER

Items in red are no longer available
*Items in blue are discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Let me know if you want to order anything before they are gone!

Christmas (a little late)

Okay, I know, I know, Christmas is over, but I never got my Christmas cards posted, so I wanted to do that real fast before we moved onto Valentine's! I decided to do 4 different styles of cards this year, for a couple of reasons. One, I didn't want to run out of supplies for any one project; Two, I couldn't decide on a single stamp set or design to go with, and Three, I love a little variety. So, real quick....

This is my old school card using the fabulous set in the Holiday Mini, Winter Post. I found myself using this set a lot, and just loved the classic-ness of it!

Pretty straightforward card, with a few layers. Sponged (of course) around the edge of the Baja Breeze layer and around the layer with the skaters on it. The torn Chocolate Chip gives the bottom of the card a little interest underneath the Ski Slope Designer Paper (that I just LOVE). Add some Chocolate Chip Grossgrain Ribbon and pop the sentiment up on dimensionals, and done!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Winter Post

Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grossgrain ribbon, Dimensionals, Ski Slope DSP

Techniques: Sponging, Tearing

The next three cards I used the Big on Christmas set. When I saw it in the last catalog, I just knew I would have to use it for my Christmas cards!

The first card's base is Kraft with a layer of Chocolate Chip that has been stamped with a snowflake (from Winter Post) with Versamark to give it a little dimension, and a little sponging. I scalloped the bottom of this layer with the Scallop Edge Punch. If you have not yet bought this punch - it is a must have! Makes scalloping SO SO much easier. I colored in the message with the Stamp and Write Markers, added a little Blue Bayou ribbon (retired) and using the Photo Corner Punch and dimensionals made the center section pop!

I just love the little snowman face, and with all the snow we have had around here, this card defintely says it right!

Recipe:

Stamp Set: Winter Post, Big on Christmas

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Only Orange, Basic Black, Real Red, Glorious Green, Versamark

Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou

Accessories: Blue Bayou Ribbon, Dimensionals, Photo Corner Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Paper Piercer

Techniques: Sponging

The next card uses the Big on Christmas set with one of the other sentiments. This one has a much brighter color scheme, and I think turned out real modern. The Designer Paper is Winter Brights and is now retired, but makes wonderful winter colors!

The edge of the sentiment is again sponged (I think I must have been on a kick!). Not sure if you can tell in the photo, but I stamped the sentiment in Versamark and then used Silver Emobossing Powder to edge the words, and then colored them in with my Stamp and Write Markers to match the Designer Paper which is layered behind. The sentiment is also propped up on dimensionals, which I like to call "up on blocks". Makes me laugh everytime! :) Can you believe I didn't use ribbon? Me neither.....

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Big on Christmas

Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink

Cardstock: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Whisper White

Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Techniques: Embossing

The last one turned out a little fuzzy in the picture (my bad), but overall turned out pretty cute.

This is the last sentiment in the Big on Christmas set, and also happens to be the name of one of my good friend's son! And, come to think of it, I don't even think I sent her this one.....You can check out here blog here if you want!

Back to the card. The sentiment is again colored with the Stamp and Write Markers and "up on blocks" in addition to sponging (did I sponge on EVERY card...geesh!) the bottom layer is on Real Rust and I used the big background stamp Sanded to give it a little texture. On the piece of Ruby Red on the side, the ornaments are Versamarked on there, with some (non-SU) eyelets. There is also some Very Vanilla Ribbon that runs behind the sentiment.

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Big on Christmas, Sanded

Ink: Really Rust, Versamark, Old Olive, Ruby Red, More Mustard

Cardstock: Ruby Red, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive

Accessories: Very Vanilla Ribbon, Dimensionals, (non-SU) eyelets

Techniques: Sponging

And lastly, here is a photo of all 40 that I made:

Banana Bread, anyone?

My favorite bread recipe in the whole world is my banana bread recipe, and usually disappears very quickly. I typically make it in my bundt pan, and even though it makes an awful lot of banana bread, when I take it to work, it is usually gone by 10!


So, I needed a couple of hostess gifts this week and saw these disposable loaf pans at Wal-Mart and thought if I split the batter up, would make great hostess gifts. With a little help from my kitchen gu-ru, I was able to adjust the cooking time for the 3 loafs.


I put some Cardstock, Designer Paper and ribbon around it with a little embellisment, and wa-la....a perfect hostess gift!


Recipe:
Cardstock: Old Olive, Chocolate chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Stamp Set: Winter Post
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Felt Ribbon, Naturals Twine, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" punch, 1 1/4" punch

Post-it Note Gift

Well, I have finally finished the gifts for all the 'girls' at work. Last year I made them scarves (which some of them actually still wear....warms my heart!), and I really had a hard time coming up with something to make them this year. What could I make that I would be able to duplicate (times 12) that was relatively easy to do, and I could do so without spending a lot of money? I found these little post-it holders online, and just knew that they would be the perfect gift!!

The base of the post-it holder are 2 3.5" square coasters. Where would I find such an item, you ask? I found them online 'somewhere'....I'm sure I could do it again if requested. :) The paper that I used is all the retired stuff from last year Afternoon Tea, Wild Wasabi and Groovy Guava. I cut out the flowers using my Cricuit which is a great little (okay, not so little) tool that Duane bought me. Funny story around that....we were snowmobiling in West Yellowstone, saw an infomercial on tv about the Cricuit and ended up picking one up in Bozeman on the way back home.

I digress.....Here is the photo of the inside of the holder. Did I do a good job of matching the post-it notes with the paper? I don't think Groovy Guava is quite the same as the bright orange, but it works!! They were very simple to make, but I do have a word of advice if you are thinking of making them yourselves....the designer paper doesn't like to stick very well folded around the edge of the coaster, and I will reccomend Sticky Strip to make sure the job gets done. Otherwise, the paper seems to 'jump' off the coaster, and you will find yourself with a strangely non-functioning accordian. Trust me, I speak from experience!

Hope none of you work girls happen upon this before I had them out next week at work....

Recipe:
Stamps: None!
Ink: None!
CardStock: Groovy Guava
Accessories: Afternoon Tea DSP, Wild Wasabi Ribbon, Rub-ons, Dimensionals, non-SU brad

December Stamp Club

Can you believe 2 posts in one day?! I am on a roll, I tell you! I'm trying to be better about posting, I promise.

Tonight is December's Stamp Club, and we are making some fantastic Christmas items. If you are interested in joining my Stamp Club, contact me. We would love to have you. We meet once a month at my house, make 3 make and takes, place an order and have a great time. Here are the great things are are making tonight.

The first one is a gift card holder. What is an easier gift that giving someone a gift card? And this is super easy to whip up if you are in a crunch or great to have on hand for those last minute parties! The great thing about this card is that it is made from an envelope folded in half, and then embellished as you desire. The envelope forms a pocket for your card!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: (retired)

Ink: Real Red
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Dimensionals, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" punc, 1 3/8" punch, Alpine ribbon, Ski Slope Designer Paper, Naturals Ivory Standard Envelope

The next card we will be making is a spinner card! Have you ever made a spinner card? They are super fun, and I would love to show you how! The "spinner" part in this one is the snowflake, which is covered in dazzling diamonds glitter, of course! By using dimensionals and a few pennies, this makes quite the "action" card!

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Snow Burst and (retired)

Ink: Basic Black, Bashful Blue

Cardstock: Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Accessories: Dimensionals, Word Window Punch, DSP (retired)

The last card we will be making is a great pocket card. The pocket makes a great place to put a photo, a note, a newspaper clipping, money, whatever it suits your fancy! I just love the Winter Post set that is in the Holiday Mini this year. I can't get enough, which is probably why I use it for the majority of the holiday cards I have made. I also just love the Felt Flurries cuz they bring an extra level of fun to the card!

Here is a shot of the inside "postcard". You could easily adhere a photo to the back of this and treat it like a true postcard for your holiday card. How fun would that be? We decided that with as little as we did this year because of being busy with work and building the new house, we have very few pictures of the two of us. So, no picture this year!

Recipe:

Stamp Set: Winter Post

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Baja Breeze

CardStock: Kraft, Real Red, Whisper White, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Real Red Ribbon, Felt Flurries, Baja Breeze Ribbon, Jumbo Eyelet, Dimensionals, Round Tab Punch, Designer Label Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Natural Hemp Twine

Techniques: Sponging

Sorry that I can't think of the names of the 2 retired sets I used (sorry about using retired sets too!). I am at work and since I can't remember them from my head and don't have access to the stamp sets, I will add these later!

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to make these tonight!

T

Stampin' Up!'s Current specials

Could you think of anything better than getting your shipping for free? Well, that is one of Stampin' Up!'s Christmas gifts to us! Its like getting a 10% discount on everything you order. So, between now and December 23, there is free shipping on all orders over $70!! FREE SHIPPING!! What a perfect reason to buy those last minute gifts, as well as a little something for yourself!

In addition to this great offer of FREE SHIPPING, I have another great offer to share with you! Stampin' Up! has also released the list of retiring stamps. Where do they go when they retire, do you ask? Well, I like to think they go to the Carribbean, but it looks as if this year they are all going golfing...? See what I mean....

Click here to view the retired list in alphabetical list order by stamp name.


Click here to view the retired list in numerical order by page number.

See something you like on the retired lists? The great news is that between now and December 23, you can get 10% off all the retiring stamp sets. See the sale prices here. That is like getting 20% off those stamp sets! You simply MUST check them out!!!

The last sale that I have to tell you about is the last promotion from the Winter Sampler. Spend $20 in regular merchandise, and receive any stamp set in the Sampler for 20% off!

Contact me if you have questions or place an order. You can also visit my SU webiste here.

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack

First let me aplologize for not being a more faithful blogger. My intentions were good and I just found that I wasn't making the time for it. So here goes again. Probably not the best timing now that it is December - what the heck.

It is the first snowfall of the year today - if you don't count the crazy 21 inches we got in October. So here I sit - at 6:52 STILL sitting in traffic on my way home from work. I can only hope that the snowy commute will be better in the new house. So I am blogging on my blackberry - don't you just love technology?

Well tomorrow is my first stamp-a-stack and it is for Christmas. Of course - that is the most fun holiday to make and send cards for. And it my most favorite holiday. We are making 4 cards of each of 4 designs. 16 is a great start to anyone's list of Christmas card list right? It will be a small turnout for my first stamp-a-stack but that's okay.

The first card is using my favorite color - pink. I know that may come as a surprise to some. :). Just wait until you see my new crafting room in the new house. I LOVE to emboss (thanks Lyns)!! The base of the card is in Basic Gray which I think looks great with the pinks!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Christmas Chatter Wheel

Ink: VersaMark
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate (retired), Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Dimensionals, Pink Pirouette Ribbon, Silver Embossing Powder
Tools: Embossing

The next one is using the Big on Christmas set which is a great and versatile set! Check out the other sentiments for great Christmas cards - this is a must have set!

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Big on Christmas
Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive marker, Real Red marker

Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Real Red, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Dimensionals, Old Olive Ribbon, Silver Brad, Silver Eyelet, Photo corner punch, Ski Slope Designer Paper

The third card uses the super duper cute reindeer from the Winter Post set that can be found in the holiday mini. I think this set is wonderful and classic, and I just can't get enough of the reindeer. The snowflake that is stamped in VersaMark is also from the same set, and I think is my favorite snowflake! The Designer paper is again from the Ski Slope pack, topped off with Real Red Ribbon. The sentiment on the bottom is from the Hostess set, Best Yet. A little paper piercing (how therapeutic!!) and sponging (one of my favorite techniques) and you have a great card!

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Best Yet (Hostess), Winter Post (Holiday mini)

Ink: VersaMark, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Dimensionals, Real Red Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Punch

Tools: Sponging

And lastly, but certainly not least - this is my favorite one to make! Take an entire piece of the Whisper White cardstock and stamp your snowflakes on it - go crazy! Then cut the paper into the size you need for the front of your card - makes it seem more 'random' that way. Then a piece of vellum cut to the same size goes over the top of the stamped cardstock to mute the colors a bit. Secure with the brads and ribbon at top - easy peasy!!

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Best Yet (hostess), Snow Burst
Ink: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black

Cardstock: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Vellum

Accessories: Baja Breeze Ribbon, Silver Brad

So - there ya have it. If you are wondering if I am still in my car typing this on my blackberry - breathe a sigh of relief! I typed up everything for the first 2 cards, then came home, uploaded the pictures, and finished the post. It was 7:30 by the time I got to Wal-Mart, though. A ridiculous amount of time, if you ask me! I'm off to bed. Thanks for coming by!

T

Welcome!

Hello all! I am going to try this blogging thing. I am fortunate enough to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and want to be able to share my business with you. Stampin' Up! offers their own website (which I am now trying free for 2 months), but can't see spending money to show you my samples when I can show them to you for free here!

So, here goes. Come back as often as you would like, I will try to post items a few times a week as inspiration - that will be my goal.
My first post is my Halloween card that I sent to my family, which I think turned out really well! I used a retired set (sorry!), but just love the mummy!

Hope you enjoy the mummy, "I love my Mummy" hehe - that's what I put on the inside of my mom's card. Note: if you send cards in the clear envelopes, they will charge your recipient an extra 20 cents....so you might want to add that on! :) (Sorry Sherry and Jody)

Thanks for stopping by!

T

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Booglie Eyes

Ink: Basic Black, Creamy Carmel

Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Creamy Carmel

Accessories: Dimensionals, Googlie Eyes

Tools: Sponging, tearing