A Triangle Treat Box Christmas Tree

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I have been in a bit of a funk the last few days.  My much anticipated new job ended up being one of those online job scams, but I was very lucky that my gut was telling me something wasn’t right and I did further due diligence which revealed the truth and I thus avoided becoming their next victim.  It is such a shame that there are these type of people in the world.  Imagine what they could accomplish if they applied their efforts towards honest endeavors.

Thanks to a demonstrator friend, Connie Stewart, I was inspired by her Facebook Live session yesterday where she featured triangular gift/treat boxes.  Her boxes were an elf hat and a Santa hat, both of which were super duper cute.  But here is what came to mind when I sat down to create one of these for myself:

I have to admit it took me many hours to cut out the pine branches (so many that I lost count) but I think the end result was well worth the effort.  I finished up with the “ornaments” and “tinsel” today.

This box was so much fun to make, I am going to definitely make more, including the elf and Santa hats!

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products used in the design of this project which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

I have not added any stamping elements to this project.  In her video Connie stamped a tag and hinged it to the side.  I still may do this, but I just need to decide which stamp set I want to use.

To make one of these projects, you will need a piece of cardstock that measures 4.25″ x 11.00″ and score at 5.50″.

On the 4.25″ sides, make a “tic” mark at 2-1/8″ (this will be the center).  Using your Stampin’ Trimmer, line up one of the tic marks with the cutting groove and move your piece of cardstock diagonally until the center score line is also lined up with the cutting groove, then score; repeat until your piece of cardstock is scored like the below:

Fold on all four score lines and burnish with your bone folder.  You then squeeze the sides together.  You will want to put a strong adhesive on the outer edges on the inside of the flaps that will be on the top.  Before you adhere the pieces, this is what you should see:

If you are going to make something other than a Christmas Tree (or if you are making a tree and don’t want to bother with all of the pine branches, you can run one side through your Big Shot with your choice of textured embossing folder.  Just make sure that you make those flaps the ones that go on the outside (top) when you close them up.

I used liquid glue to attached all of the pine branches so that I could move them if necessary before they set, starting at the bottom and working my way up.  Everything else is attached to the tree with mini glue dots.

There will be an opening at the top of the triangle which you can gently squeeze to pop open and drop small pieces of candy into your box.  If you are wanting to put something larger in there, i.e. a gift card, you will want to be sure to do so before you seal up both sides.  If you want to secure the opening you can use a small hand-held hole punch at the top and run some ribbon through the holes and tie a bow or use a longer piece of ribbon and hang it as an ornament on your tree.

The finished project measures 5.50″ x 4.25″.

If you have any other questions regarding this project, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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Oh Happy Day Card Kit & Amazing You

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I purchased the Oh Happy Day Card Kit back during my pre-order period for the Annual Catalog (May 2017).  While the cards that the kit makes are “cute”, they really are not my style so after I opened the kit when I received it, I have pretty much forgotten that I had it until it fell over and spilled in my craft room today while I was moving stuff around.  Lucky accident?  Perhaps.

On a second glance I still was not too keen on the cards as they were designed, but I liked the elements that were included as part of the kit (the card bases and embellishments).  Rather than use the card bases to make a whole card, I cut them in half and now have two pieces of pretty card stock for each one intended which now doubles the number of cards I can make.  I just need to add my own card bases.

This got me to thinking about one of the stamp sets we received at OnStage in early November which will be part of the Sale-A-Bration items — Amazing You.  I wanted this to be my stamp set and began my design process from there.  Here is what I came up with:

I used the new Stampin’ Blends to color in the stamped flower on the white panel.  I love these new alcohol markers and how easy they are to blend.  The best thing about them is that they are sold separately so you can pick and choose what colors you want to buy and can easily replace them once you have used up all the ink in them (coloring with these is so much fun they could be addicting!).

Here is a close-up of the stamp set that will be available for FREE with a $50 purchase (before tax and shipping) January 3, 2018 – March 31, 2018.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that were used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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One Great Year by Paper Pumpkin for 2018

Posted on November 26, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

In 2015 one of the Paper Pumpkin kits was a loose-leaf calendar.  I was not very good at putting my kits together back then so I still had the unopened and unassembled kit sitting on a shelf in my craft room.

Lucky for me Paper Pumpkin put out an updated printable PDF of the calendars for 2018.  After finally buying new ink cartridges for my color printer I printed the new calendars off on some Whisper White cardstock, trimmed them down with my paper trimmer and then fussy cut them with my paper snips to get a close and clean cutout.  And today I finally assembled my kit:

I added some embellishments to a few of the calendar pages — black rhinestones, basic rhinestones and gold faceted gems.  I omitted the baker’s twine that was to be included on some of the cards.

The kit included a gold-toned plate holder like stand for displaying your calendar.  You could easily substitute a small to medium art easel if you want to make some of these for yourself or to give as gifts this holiday season.  Below are the measurements of the designer series paper cards and my suggestions on making yourself a similar calendar.

The DSP measures 4.00″ x 6.00″.  This means you could get six months out of one piece of DSP.  However, since DSP is thin (unless it is a specialty DSP), I would recommend that you attach the DSP to a piece of Whisper White card stock of the same size to add sturdiness.

All of the calendar pieces are attached to the pieces of DSP with dimensionals.  Each calendar piece measures approximately 2.25″ x 3.25″ after cutting and will print with the month number, not the name.  The names on mine are from the stamp set that was part of the kit.  Unfortunately there is not a comparative stamp set currently available to suggest as a substitute, but it would be just as cute without the stamped month name if you do not already own such a set.

Here are some Stampin’ Up! products that I would suggest as comparable substitutes if you want to give this project a try on your own:

Keep in mind that if you order these on Monday, November 27, before 11:59 PM (MT), shipping is FREE!!!

If you have any other questions regarding the design elements of this project, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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FREE Shipping for Cyber Monday!

Posted on November 25, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

For our next act, we’re offering free shipping on Cyber Monday! That’s right — on November 27, shipping is FREE for an entire day on every Stampin’ Up! order placed. With free shipping you get a great deal on EVERY product you purchase during this 24-hour period.

Free shipping runs from November 27 12:00 AM to November 27 11:59 PM (MT).

So how much do you save with FREE shipping? Shipping is 10% of your total purchase (including sales tax) or $6.95, whichever is greater. This means if you have a few small items you need and your order is less than $70.00, you will save the $6.95 in shipping costs.

So now is the perfect time to do an inventory check and stock up on those papers, inks and embellishments that are getting low.

GIFT FROM ME WITH PURCHASE:

If you place an online order with me and use HOSTESS CODE NKBAYCPD I will send you 10 handmade cards from me with all orders $50.00 or more. (Do not use the Hostess Code with orders of $150.00 or more so that you can receive the hostess rewards; however, don’t worry, you will still receive the cards from me!)

If you have any questions or if you need help placing an online order, please contact me.

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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Lovely as a Tree with Star of Light Faux Leather

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I still have a few faux leather elements left over from my experiment earlier in the week and I thought I could make one of them into a Christmas card.  I’m not sure it was a success, but this is what came out of my designer brain after eating turkey earlier today.

First I have to say – yes, I used a retired framelit to cut my piece of fun foam (Apothecary Accents) and I used a retired paper-piercing template that coordinates with the framelit.  When I cut my piece of fun foam I did not allow for a large enough piece to cut with any of the oval framelits.  I would either lose some trees off the ends or the arcs of the ovals at the top and bottom.  As my Grandpa Chapman would say – one should “measure twice, cut once”!

I added clear Wink of Stella to the trees.  I used one of the silver foil snowflakes which I cut in half and attached with liquid glue to the top left and bottom right corners.  The faux leather element is attached to the card front with dimensionals.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

If you have any questions regarding any other design elements of this card, just ask.  I would be happy to be of assistance.

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA

Don’t forget to visit my online store and check out the Stampin’ Up! products that are discounted 10-40% until November 26, or simply check out my blog post here which includes thumbnails with links to allow you to quickly add the items to your shopping cart!  (NOTE:  the stamp sets were on sale on November 20th only.)

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog, Techniques | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Let’s Gather Together & Give Thanks

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Happy Thanksgiving!  I have so many things to be grateful for in my life.  First and foremost is my family, of course.  Somewhere on my gratitude list is the discovery of Stampin’ Up! and I have my friend Katherine to thank for that – she invited me to my very first party back in 2005 and I have been hooked ever since.

I received another reason to be grateful on Wednesday.  I was offered and accepted a full-time job – and it allows me to work from home!  I report for duty on Friday at 8:00 AM.

Last but not least, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my handmade creations with you, my stamping friends.  Today’s project will be my final Thanksgiving card of the season and it is sent in appreciation for each and every one of you.

As you can see I included another one of my faux leather elements.  This one had just about the best impression into the fun foam from the stamp than any of those I have attempted.  It seems that in addition to being trimmed close to the design, it helps if the stamp image is smallish in size.

To create the background I used the smallest square framelit from the Stitched Shapes set which cuts 1.25″ squares.  I cheated and used my retired 1″ square punch to cut the scraps of designer series paper so that they were exactly 1″.  I first attached the 1.25″ squares to the front of the card base, starting at the bottom middle, then to each side, and worked my way up to the top.  I then alternated the four patterns of 1″ squares and attached them to the 1.25″ squares with mini dimensionals.

The faux leather element and the sentiment are attached to the card with dimensionals.  I created the bow from the burlap ribbon (I pulled out four strands and separated them into single strands).  The bow is attached to the corner of the faux leather element with a mini glue dot.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

If you have any other questions regarding any of the design elements of this card, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends!

Linda

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Back in Plaid – November 2017 Paper Pumpkin

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I got a sneak peek at the November 2o17 Paper Pumpkin kit while at OnStage earlier this month so I was not at all surprised when my black and white plaid box filled with the materials for this month’s kit arrived in my mailbox.  That being said, I was just as excited as ever to receive my box in the mail!

October’s kit made 10 shaker cards with a color scheme of Old Olive and Basic Black.  We were told that the November kit would coordinate with the October kit and there were many subscribers who were trying to guess what the projects might be.  Are you ready to see for yourself?

Okay, here they are …

10 muslin stockings!  They are super cute and easy to put together (once you turn them right side out that is).  And they are a good size as well — measuring 4.5″ from cuff to heel and the same from toe to heel.  If you check YouTube for “Paper Pumpkin November 2017 Alternative Projects” you might find other ideas, such as turn one upside down, add a large pretzel stick, some red ribbon to create a harness and reigns, create some ears, eyes and a nose and you have a miniature hobby horse!  (I’ve seen it and it is a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e!)

Here is a link to the official Paper Pumpkin video for a quick “how to” assembly instruction:

This kit was so popular they are needing to make more to meet the subscription demands for November (due to new subscribers and current subscribers increasing their number of kits).  Unfortunately, there likely will not be any extras or a refill kit available for purchase later this month.

If you would like to avoid the moment of disappointment of not having the next great kit for yourself, become a subscriber to Paper Pumpkin.  Ask me how.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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Lovely as a Tree in Faux Leather

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Being the perfectionist that I am, I am determined to master the faux leather technique.  I stamped several other images on the fun foam yesterday using the Lovely as a Tree stamp set (which just happens to be the oldest stamp set that is still offered in the Annual Catalog — my stamp set is dated 2001!).  As you can imagine I have used this stamp set many many times since I purchased it in approximately 2009, when I first discovered Stampin’ Up!

I chose one of the four pieces that I had stamped and found a framelit that would cut it out nicely and went to work with the Big Shot.  Here is what I came up with:

Doesn’t that oval remind you of those embroidery hoops your Grandmother use to have among her Christmas decorations?!?  I love it when a plan comes together unexpectedly.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this card which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

I did use a retired product — the Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack — which was a set of templates including ovals that allowed me to add the holes around the oval to resemble stitches.

To create this card I followed the steps outlined in my post from yesterday.  After allowing the stamped image to dry overnight I carefully cut it out with the Oval framelit and taped it to the bottom of the piercing template so that it stayed in place when punching the holes.

To create the lace border I used two doilies.  I put Tear & Tape around the sides of the oval on the back.  I cut one of the doilies almost in half (stopping just before the ruffle area, and then made small slits like you would on a pattern to allow fabric to curve as needed.  I then carefully placed the doilies along the edges of the oval, sometimes needing to gather it a bit to shape it around the curve.  Depending on how tight you made your ruffles, you may only need 1/2 of the other doily to finish off your edge.  The oval piece is attached to the card front with dimensionals.

If you have any other questions regarding the design elements of this card, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

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Deck the Halls with Faux Leather

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Well as promised I tried a new technique called “faux leather”.  Instead of stamping your image (or sentiment as I attempted on my card) on paper, you stamp on a piece of “fun foam” which you can find at any craft store.  First I will show you my card and then explain the technique to you and what didn’t work exactly as it should have on my card.

  • You will cut a piece of the fun foam larger than you need when you will be cutting it out with a framelit (larger because it shrinks during the technique process).
  • Pre-ink the stamp you plan on using (rubber stamps that are closely trimmed will get the best results).
  • With a heat tool heat the piece of fun foam on both sides until the edges begin to curl.
  • While the piece of fun foam is still warm stamp your image and press down extremely hard so that the stamp will create an impression down into the fun foam in addition to transferring the ink.
  • Set the stamp image aside to allow ink to dry.  Depending on what type of ink you used, this could take several hours or more.  Allow ink to dry completely before you attempt to cut the stamped fun foam with a framelit, otherwise the ink will smear and transfer to your cutting plates.

Ok, now what is wrong with my card?  (1) My rubber stamp was not closely trimmed and as such the “halo” around the stamp prevent me from getting an impression of the “Deck the Halls” down into the fun foam.   (2) Others who have created faux leather pieces have sponged the foam piece to age it; however, even though I stamped mine on Saturday in Early Espresso ink, it is still not completely dry (it will transfer to my finger when touched).  So I carefully sponged the edges only.  I would suggest using an archival ink and test it with a finger tap after allowing to dry for an hour or so.  I’m not sure if spraying it with an acrylic spray (or aerosol hair spray) would help set the ink, but I may try this and if it helps I will update this post.

Here are the Stampin’ Up! products that I used in the design of this card, which can quickly be added to your shopping cart by clicking on the thumbnails below:

If you have any other questions regarding the design elements of this card, do not hesitate to ask.

Online Extravaganza is Underway!!!

Save 20% on these stamps sets on Monday, November 20, 2018 until 11:59 PM (MT).

Save 10% off the following products through November 26, 2017 until 11:59 PM (MT):

Save 20-30% off the following products through November 26, 2017 until 11:59 PM (MT):

Save 40% off the following products through November 26, 2017 until 11:59 PM (MT):

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamp to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog, Techniques | Tagged , | 1 Comment

#OnStage2017 – Gifts & Swaps

Posted on November 18, 2017 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Before I start working on my next project I wanted to share the team gifts and cards I received in our team swap last week while at OnStage.

First, here are the team gifts:

This gift from Leslie contained lots of shiny things — Metallic Foil Doilies, 1/8″ Silver Ribbon and Metallic Enamel Shapes!

This gift from Jann concealed a package of Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals!

This gift from Amy contained delicious chocolates (I assume they are delicious — I have not eaten them yet)!

I got this bonus gift from Amy (lucky for me she had extras left over from a treat tubes swap!).  The treat tube contains Jelly Bellies!

And now for the cards.  We had the choice of making a Christmas, Valentines or Any Occasions card.

We have a very talented group of demonstrators from Texas, Oklahoma and now Colorado since Jann moved on to her dream house.  We have such a fun time whenever we get together.  Our next opportunity will be in April 2018 when OnStage Local will take place in Fort Worth, Texas!  If you would like to join us, ask me how.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you leave here inspired to put stamps to ink to paper.  Until next time, stamp on my friends.

Linda

Posted in 3-D Projects, Any Occassion, Cards, Christmas, OnStage | Tagged | Leave a comment