Stampersjoy

How about a box of eyeballs for Halloween?

Halloween is a time for trick or treat and surprising your favorite friends with a cute sweet treat.  Here is a cute idea.

                                                                                               

A Box of Eyeballs

Cut a piece of Basic Black cardstock to 5 ½” x 8 ½”. You will use this to cut out the take-out box die. You will need to cut out two, both will fit on the Basic Black Cardstock.

                                                                                             

To put the take-out box together use Tear and Tape. Start by taping the bottoms together. Then the sides.

                                                                                              

Then attach the handle, if you want one. The handle is made from a ½” by 7” Basic Black strip of cardstock. Attach the strip to the sides. Line it up so the strip goes across where the two openings connect. Use Tear and Tape to hold the handle to the box.

Next cut a piece of the Toil & Trouble Designer Series Paper to ¼” x 8 ¾”. Make sure the design you want is going the correct direction before cutting. Tape the strip to the box. Start by taping one end of the strip to the front. You will want to put Tear and Tape on the strip every ½”. The Designer Series Paper will not be completely flat since the box is not a perfect square. By putting Tear and Tape every ½” it helps it to stay where you want. End by taping the other end to the front where you started. The strip will be a little crooked, but that is ok. Since you are putting a circle piece over it.

                                                                                           

Now stamp the saying Trick or Treat with Black Memento Ink on to a scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock. Cut out with the Big Shot and the smallest Layering Circle Framelit. Then cut out a Pumpkin Pie Scallop out of the 2^nd smallest Scallop Layering Circle Framelit . Attach the Whisper White to the Pumpkin Pie. Then attach to the front of the take-out box.

Get some chocolate eye balls from the Dollar Tree and some mini silver forks. Fill the take-out box with the chocolate eyeballs and then place the fork inside it so it sticks out.

If you do not have the Take Out Framelit, you can use any taller box and just apply handles.

Supplies      

Cauldron Bubble Stamp Set          wood                                   147713          $29.00 

 clear                                      147710         $21.00

Cauldron Framelits Dies                                                               147914         $28.00

Cauldron Bubble Bundle stamps & framelits       wood        149930          $51.25           clear         149931         $44.00

Toil & Trouble Designer Series Paper                                       147531         $11.00

Pumpkin Pie Cardstock                                                                 105117         $8.50

Basic Black Cardstock                                                                   121045         $8.50

Whisper White Cardstock                                                            100730         $9.75

Memento Black Ink Pad                                                               132708         $6.00

Memento Black Reinker                                                               133456         $5.00

Takeout Thinlits                                                                              147927         $33.00

Takeout Treats stamp set & Takeout Thinlits Bundle Save 10%

Wood                         149989         $56.60         Clear                            149990         $49.50

Layering Circles Framelits                                                            141705         $35.00

Big Shot                                                                                             143263         $110.00

SNAIL Adhesive                                                                               104332         $7.00

Snail Refill                                                                                         104331         $4.50

Paper Snips                                                                                      103579         $10.00

Grid Mat                                                                                           130148         $11.75

Bone Folder                                                                                     102300         $7.00

Stampin’ Mist Stamp Cleaner       2fl.oz.                                  102394         $4.50

Stampin’Mist Refill Bottle               8fl. Oz                                 101022         $9.95

Stampin’ Scrub                                                                                126200         $17.00

 

 

 

These supplies can be purchased at my Stampn'Up Store.  Just click on Shop now and place your order.  It will be delivered at your door step.

 

Don't Sabotage Your Creativity

So often I hear, "I am not creative.  I wish I were."  Everyone one is creative in one way or another.  As a new stamper we often feel that we are not creative.  Don't sabotage your creativity.  Here are some ways we destroy our creativity.  Make a point to avoid doing these things.

Don’t demand your stamping to be perfect.  Handmade is not meant to always to be perfect.  If you demand yourself to be perfect you will not enjoy the wonderful creative process.  Don’t be afraid.  Try new ways to use the products you have.  After all, a piece of cardstock the size of a card does not cost over five cents; so, if you ruin it, you are not out that much and you will have had the fun of trying something new.  Cards do not have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Do not compare your work with others.  You have your own style.  Creativity is not about competing and comparing.  It is enjoying the process of creating.  It is alright to use other’s projects for inspiration, but do not compare your project with others.

Do not rush.  Avoid leaving things until the last minute.  Rushing kills the fun and enjoyment of being creativity.  It often leads to big mistakes such as ink smudges where they should not be.  Make time for yourself to stamp.  You are entitled to the joy of creativity.

Fear.  Do not be afraid to give away a hand-made card.  It may not be perfect in your eyes, but it is a gift from the heart.  Also, don’t be afraid to try new techniques and products.  Frankly, it does not matter what others think as long as you enjoyed yourself.  You have nothing to fear, but, fear itself.  Play and enjoy your crafting experience.

Don’t be afraid to CASE.  CASE does mean Copy and Share Everything.  When you copy a project, it is a compliment to the person that made the card.  Casing helps you come up with ideas of your own.  Share your own ideas with others.

These five simple things can destroy your love of creating, so learn to relax and love your time to be creative.  Always take time to play with new products, ideas, and techniques.  Enjoy your creative time.

Love My Big Shot

Love My Big Shot

There are countless number of machines on the market for cutting out shapes and many are very expensive.  Frankly, when it comes to things that are mechanical, I am a complete idiot.  I do well to turn my computer on and off.  Most of these machines are out of my bracket in both cost and skills to use them.  That is why I love my Big Shot.  All I have to do is put the correct cutting pads in and crank the handle.  I can manage the correct pads because they have pictures on them.

Now that is settled, I love my Big Shot because even I can use it without a “Guide for Dummies” book.

What do I do with this machine?  I can cut out all kinds of shapes, depending on the chosen die that I use.  This provides extra interest to my card by using different shapes.  Many of my stamp sets have matching dies, so I do not have to do a lot of fancy cutting.

I can add texture with my embossing folders.  These make beautiful backgrounds for my cut-out shapes or stamped images to create exciting, simple cards.

My Big Shot will cut almost a hundred different materials if I use the correct dies.  This also adds wonderful texture for cards and altered canvases.  In fact, my Big Shot was paid for by making and selling pins to wear from colorful drink cans.  At $10 a pin, it is soon paid off.

Did I mention that the Big Shot is very inexpensive in comparison to other cutting machines?  Plus it is light weigh and easy to transport from one area to another.

The selections of different backgrounds and shapes help me create great scrapbook pages.

When you are babysitting grandchildren, you can keep them busy with your Big Shot.  They love cutting out shapes and coloring them to create their own pictures.

When you buy one from Stampin’Up, there is a three-year guarantee.  If it would break, and I have had mine ten years with no problem and with many people using it, Stampin’Up will send you a new one and have UPS pick up the broken one at no cost to you.  I have sold at least thirty if not more since SU started carrying them; and, have only had one customer that needed to send one back and it was over two years old.

Yes, this is why I love thee so.

Have you tried the kit of the month, Paper Pumpkin?

If you have not tried the Stampin'Up kit of the month, you do not know what you are missing.  Everything to make the project is included in the kit other than the adhesives.

Now is the perfect time to give this great kit a try, but you must sign up using the code today, October 9 or tomorrow October the 10th;  Then stick around for the great November Holiday kit!

When you join, please put me down as your demonstrator, Joyce Pacer, Huntington, WV 25702  

MAKE SURE YOU USE THE CODE TO GET THIS SPECIAL PRICE

Happy Stamping, Joyce

A Stamp Set to use Year Around

 

Country Lanes is a stamp set that you can use year around.

                                                                      

Country Lane Suite

Create the feel of country comfort wherever you live with the Country Lane Suite! It’s so hard to pick a favorite from this suite. From the scrumptious designer series paper to the galvanized metallic paper, or the chicken wire elements to the tin tile textured impressions embossing folder, I love all of it. But I must say, the milk jug image in the Country Home stamp set is what first caught my eye. Probably because I have a vintage rusty milk can sitting outside my front door J

My card today showcases a rusty milk can in honor of that bit of garden décor. I hope the rust inspires you as well.

Supplies:

Stamps
Country Home Stamp Set 147678

Ink

Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin’ Pad 147097

Mango Melody Classic Stampin’ Pad 147093

Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad 147115

Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad 147114

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pad 147086

Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Write Marker 144033

Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker147155

Coastal Cabana Stampin’ Write Marker 147157

 

Paper

Watercolor Paper 122959, 5 3/8” x 4 1/8”

Blueberry Bushel Cardstock 146968, 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼” on the long side

Thick Whisper White Cardstock (CS) 140272, scraps

Accessories

Aqua Painter 103954

Brusho Crystal Colour 144101

Blender Pen 102845

Versa mark 102283

White Embossing Powder 109132

Heat Tool 129053

3/16” Braided Linen Trim 147808

Dimensionals 104430

Mini Glue Dots 103683

SNAIL 104332

Instructions:

1. Using the Watercolor Paper, wet the middle section using the Aqua Painter. Squeeze the Coastal Cabana ink pad to transfer some ink to the inside of the lid. Load the Aqua Painter with the ink and create a watercolor wash on the wet portion of the Watercolor Paper.
2. Sprinkle some Prussian Blue Brusho crystals onto the still-wet paper. Blend a little bit with the Aqua Painter. Set aside to dry.
3. Stamp the milk jug image in Mango Melody on the Thick Whisper White CS. Stamp again with Soft Suede.
4. Squeeze the Mango Melody ink pad to transfer some ink to the inside of the lid, pick it up with a Blender Pen, and color in a layer on the milk jug. Switch to Pumpkin Pie ink and add another layer, leaving white portions to add dimension. Fussy cut, add two Dimensionals to the back and set aside.
5. Stamp the cotton ball image in Early Espresso ink onto a scrap of Thick Whisper White Cs. Using the markers, color in the leaves, the flower and the seed heads as shown in the sample. Fussy cut and add two Dimensionals to the back. Set aside.
6. On the watercolor wash piece, stamp the tile image three times as shown using Versa mark ink. Sprinkle with White Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.
7. Cut a 1” piece of the Braided Linen Trim and fray one end. Secure the other end to the back of the cotton ball cutout with a Glue Dot.
8. Assemble the card as shown.
9. OPTIONAL: Stamp sentiment in Versa mark Ink inside card and heat emboss with White Embossing Powder and Heat Tool.

Have fun creating this card and using your own touch.  

You can find all of the materials that you do not already have at my Stampin'Up store by clicking on, Shop Now.

Happy Stamping

Love Background Techniques?

If you love background techniques, this is one for you.  It is beautiful when added to your cards.

                                                                                                   

FAUX MOTHER OF PEARL

Materials Needed:

- Neutral cardstock

- Frost White shimmer paint

- Plastic wrap

- Small dish for paint

- Light ink that coordinates with the cardstock,

- Sponge

- Paper towel

1. Ink the small image and stamp off with the coordinating cardstock and stamp all over the cardstock.
2. Pour a little of the shimmer paint in the dish and scrunch up the plastic wrap, dip into the ink, and dab around the stamped cardstock. Some areas need to be left open.
3. Let this dry. You can speed up the drying by using the heat tool.  Do not hold the tool close to the ink.
4. When dry, apply the light ink by sponging randomly around the cardstock.
5. Decorate as desired.

This is so easy to do and can be done in any color.  All you need is the color of cardstock you want and the matching ink.  That is the wonderful thing about Stampin'Up cardstock and inks.  Every color of cardstock has a matching ink!  So, how easy is that to have Faux Mother of Pearl in any color you want.

Check the beautiful selection of inks, cardstock, markers, and even Designer Series papers in your favorite colors in the Stampin'Up catalog.  If you do not have a catalog click on the catalog button on the right and you can view those now.  If you need a catalog, go to my Stampin'Up website and send me your information.

Happy Stamping, Joyce

Something we all need to know how to make!

Ever need a little bag for a gift at the last minute and could not find one around the house?  Now your needs are answered.  You can make one of these faster than you can go out and buy one.

Create a Bag-a-Lope

Have some old envelopes hanging around?  Try making a Bag-a-Lope (an envelope made into a gift bag).  These are so much fun – quick and easy to make, and very versatile!  You can make them large or small, depending on the size of your envelope.

                                                                                                   

To begin, seal your envelope closed.  (I usually glue all around the edges of the flap, just to make sure there are no gaps.) 

Second, score ½” from three edges of the envelope.  On the fourth side – this will be the top of the bag – cut about 1/8” from the edge.

                                                                                                    

Finally, fold back and forth on the score lines a few times and then open out the bag.  There will be some “dog ear” flaps on each end at the bottom.  Simply fold those over and glue to the bottom of the bag.  If you want to reinforce the bottom of the bag, cut a piece of card stock the width and depth of the bag and insert in bottom of bag.

YOU’RE FINISHED!!!  Now you’re ready to embellish to your heart’s desire!  How quick and easy was this?!

                                                                                                      

NOTE:  You can make different sizes and shapes, depending on the size of your envelope.  Also, you can make the bag deeper by scoring further away from the edges – just make sure that you us the same measurement for all three sides.  Experiment with some of your envelopes to get just the right size for your small gift.

The finished bag was made with a Stampin’ Up! Crumb Cake regular A2 size envelope.  The embellishments were leftovers from a recent card class in my craft room – Copper Foil Sheets; Glossy White card stock; Early Espresso card stock; Wood Words stamp set; Seasonal Layers Thinlits and Wood Crate Framelits dies; ¼” Copper Trim.  The multi-colored leaves were made by wetting a cotton ball with alcohol ink, adding a few drops of Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, and So Saffron refill ink, and then daubing on the Glossy White card stock.

I hope you enjoyed this mini-tutorial and will make a bunch of these for your friends and to have on hand for your own gift giving.

Happy Stamping, Joyce

Finding Inspiration

FINDING INSPIRATION

Do you ever feel like your mojo is hiding from you?  You sit down to create and……nothing!  Here are a few tips for finding inspiration.

1. Look at the catalog. There are hundreds of beautiful samples in the Stampin’ Up! catalog.  Find one you love and switch up the colors and/or stamp set to make it your own.
2. Check out your own stash. Find a card you’ve already made that you really liked and recreate it using different stamps and colors.
3. Look at Pinterest. There are literally thousands of card samples on Pinterest.  And, if you know which stamp set you want to use, did you know you can search by stamp set name?  Find something you like and tweak it to make it your own.  If you do decide to copy a design exactly, and you’re posting it online, it’s always nice to give the original creator credit for the design.
4. Keep an inspiration journal. I have a book where I jot down ideas for projects, with a quick drawing of the layout for future use.  Then, when I’m stumped, I can refer to that for ideas.
5. Keep a photo journal. Now that everyone has a camera on their phone, it’s so easy to snap a photo of something that inspires you. 

When I was at IKEA last weekend, I took a photo of this framed print.

And, here’s the card it inspired. 

Is it an exact copy?  No!  But, that’s the beauty; it doesn’t have to be.  The photo was just for inspiration, so it did its job.  I created something!

When you see something that really strikes your interest, take a photo of it and keep it in your files.  The next time you want to create and just can not know what to do, look at your saved images.  When something hits your interest, grab it and start creating.

Fast and Easy Halloween Treat Holder

Halloween Treat Idea

For a quick & easy, special treat idea, take a small box of candy – such as a box of raisins or junior mints and wrap a piece of Halloween themed Designer Series paper around it. Create a fun tag and attach to treat with a ribbon and bow.

Recipe for this treat:
Stamp sets:  Cauldron Bubble & Takeout Treats
Ink: Tuxedo Black Ink

This same concept can be used for a candy bar.

All of these materials can be found on my Stampin'Up website, just click on Shop Now

Create Your Christmas Cards Now

Create your Christmas Cards now before the holiday rush begins.  On of my favorite bundles this year is Dashing Deer Stamp Set and the Detailed Deer Thinlits.

 

DASHING DEER STAMP SET& DETAILED DEER THINLITS

These are some of the tools you will need to make this cute Christmas card I have designed for you. 

Tools

Dashing Deer Bundle

Layering Ovals

Soft Suede Ink Pad

Poppy Parade Marker

Lemon Lime Twist Marker

Lemon Lime Twist CS

Very Vanilla CS

Poppy Parade CS

Crumb Cake CS

Santa’s Workshop Specialty DSP

Wink Of Stella – Clear

Dimensionals

Fine-Tip Glue Pen

Basic Jewels – Red Rhinestones

Instructions - Cut

Poppy Parade CS is cut at 5 ½” x 4 1/4”

Lemon Lime Twist is cut at 5 ¼” x 4”

Santa’s Workshop DSP (Poppy Parade Polka Dots) is cut at 5” x 3 ¾”

Stamping& Finishes

Always stamp first and cut second to ensure centering of sentiments and crisp cuts.  Stamp the deer on the Crumb Cake CS using the Soft Suede Ink Pad. Using the Poppy Parade Marker stamp “Happiest Christmas Wishes” on the Very Vanilla oval.  The Fine –tip Glue pen is best to glue the decorative corners on the DSP.One red rhinestonefor the eye of the large deer.   Wink of Stella goes on the decorative corners and the deer antlers.  Assemble card as indicated in the picture.

Big Shot Cutting

Using the Layering Ovals cut one medium oval from Very Vanilla CS.  Using Detailed Deer Thinlets cut one of each of the small deer and the large deer that is not jumping from the Crumb Cake CS.  Cut three decorative corners from Lemon Lime Twist CS.  Cut one corner in half for the bottom of the oval sentiment.

This is a fast and easy card to reproduce.  Make several and change the colors and nobody will know the difference!

You can find the materials at my Stampin'Up store.  Just click on Shop Now.