Stamp Journey

Valentine's Day: It's A-Maze-ing!

Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up!'s founder, is a favorite presentor at demonstrator events.
At the Leadership Conference in San Antonio, she told us she was working on a Valentine treat bag for the kids in the Gardner family.

Shelli has now shared her completed Girl and Boy bags on her So Shelli blog.

This is such a special gift for children and grandchildren, complete with chocolate kisses and their very own A-Maze-ing Game.

Totally A-Maze-ing Stamp Set

The Totally A-Maze-ing stamp set is available in Wood (#125505) or Clear (#125507) and perfectly fits our 2-1/2" Circle punch (#120906).

 

Maze Game (set of 4)

The Maze Game (#124332) comes in a package of four for a very reasonable $2.50.

To order your A-Maze-ing supplies, go to my website now...or email or phone me to place an order. Remember that it is Sale-A-Bration, so you will receive an exclusive stamping gift with every $50 you order (before tax and shipping).

C'mon and Sale-A-Brate!

Cheers,
Kathleen

Kathleen Innes, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
678-467-1330 • maccreative@me.com

Online Extravaganza: Shop Today and Save Big!

Have we got deals for you in the Online Extravaganza! Starting today, shop online for crazy prices on some of Stampin' Up!'s most popular tools and digital downloads.

The Online Extravaganza kicks off with a 20% off, one-day sale today only on:

Simply Scored (#122334)

- Easily create 3-D projects and special fold cards with the best scoring tool in the market.
- Score tracks every 1/8 inch
- Two easy-to-read rulers
- Includes stylus and three markers

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (#125152)

- Create fun stamped cookies for any occasion
- Food-safe, easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe
- Includes 3 silicone stamps, handle, cookie recipes

 

These two items will be back to regular price at midnight TONIGHT so grab 'em while you can.

Then...
for the next ten days (through November 30) there are more hot deals to be had!

The Online Extravaganza includes:

• Digital Downloads for 25-40% off
• Exclusive Bundles at great savings
• A variety of holiday fabric, stamps and ink for 30-60% off

Click here to shop now, or call me at 678-467-1330 or email maccreative@me.com

Let the Online Extravaganza help you breeze through holiday preparations with ease AND terrific savings!

Cheers,
Kathleen

Kathleen Innes, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
678-467-1330 / maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com

48 Hour Warning: Free Treasure Box Ends Sunday

How did we get to the end of July???

I mean, really...didn't summer just start? While I'm ready to get past temperatures in the three digits, I don't know that I'm ready to dive into the back-to-school routine. On the other hand, it does mean that a certain 11-year-old boy will not be "bored" or begging to go do something "cool." (His cool is unlike my cool, evidently.)

The end of July also means the end of the great $99 startup special AND the bonus opportunity to receive a kit for the Keepsake Treasure Box pictured below.

 

What a terrific value -- the startup kit ($185 value) has the ingredients for you to cook up your very own business...and the Keepsake Box adds another $40 of value to the pot. All for $99! Learn more about the business opportunity here, or call or email me to chat.

I had a guest join us at our monthly team meeting tonight. She received valuable business coaching, gained creative skills and had so much fun she's decided to join my team of demonstrators. You can be part of our group, too, and enjoy the company of business owners who love what they do!

I'll post the projects we made at our meeting tomorrow...meanwhile, consider what difference paying off a few bills would make to your household. Stampin' Up! can be the way for you to do that and to build a business that could pay off a LOT of bills. Give me a call. Your budget will thank you.

These Shoes AREN'T Made For Walkin'

My favorite baby girl (Hi, Mackenzie!) is about to turn the big one year old. Her adorable little footsies will soon need to be clad in big girl shoes and I would love to find real shoes that look like these Make A Monster paper ones!

The Lucky Limeade color is one of our new In Colors -- makes me think of lime popsicles. It pairs beautifully with my fav neutral, Soft Suede. The Uni-Ball Signo white gel pen makes adding stitching details and highlights easy.

Stamps

Make A Monster (118742 Wood, 120606 Clear)

Paper

Lucky Limeade CS
So Saffron CS
Soft Suede CS

Ink

Jet Black Stazon

Accessories

1-3/4" Scallop Circle punch (119854)
Neutral Designer buttons (119743)
VersaMarker (100901)
Uni-Ball Signo gel pen (105021)

If you'd like the template and directions for this project, sign up for my free newsletter -- this will be one of the featured projects in the next edition, complete with a pdf template. The newsletter signup box is at the top left of this page...love to have you jump aboard!

 

Big Shot Die "Blossom Box"

The 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! catalog has a new Big Shot die that is bloomin' beautiful! 

You can easily create party favors and one-of-a-kind gift boxes with the new Blossom Box die. The sample here would make a lovely thank you for a friend's kindess.

Stamps

• Kindness Matters (122900 Wood; 122867 Clear)

Paper

• Crumb Cake CS
• Lucky Limeade CS
• Melon Mambo CS
• Whisper White CS
• Lucky Limeade Textured CS

Ink

• Lucky Limeade Classic
• Melon Mambo Classic
• Versamark pad

Accessories

• Linen Thread
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Extra-large Tag punch
• Fancy Flower punch
• 1/16" Circle punch
• Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
• Blossom Box Bigz Die

Want to see what other great new tools are in the new catalog? Call or email me with your full name, email address, phone number and mailing address. I'll be glad to send you a FREE catalog...yep, free! I'll even pay the postage. :-)

Convention 2010: 3Ds (Dreamy, Darling & Delightful)

One of the samples posted in Stampin' Up!'s Convention display section was this sweet, vintage scrapbook. (My apologies to the demonstrators who created the projects featured today for not being able to share their names. If you are one of these talented artisans, I'll be happy to add credits.)

Isn't this a wonderful example of a nostalgic and romantic treatment?

Your eyes are not deceiving you...some of the sections are upside down or sideways, as this is a fold-out scrapbook.

Here's a closeup of the cake in the center. Just beautiful work!

What a fabulous 3D item within a 3D project.

Here are some of my favorite 3D items: I loved this box...

And the platter sitting behind it.

I could certainly find the perfect spot for this decorated lamp at my house.

Here's a closeup of the decorative treatment.

Abigail, wherever you are, you are a fortunate girl to receive this charming quilted project...gotta love that Big Shot die cutting machine!

 

And last one for today...a pillow. Too fun!

Can you tell that several of the projects used Big Shot dies? I'm offering Big Shot classes in my Holiday Class Schedule so you can easily create wonderful handmade items of your very own for gift-giving.

The Holiday Class Schedule will be released at noon on Wednesday, August 11th right here on Stamp Journey...so make a note to c'mon back and check it out.

Plan to register Wednesday if you can -- holiday classes fill quickly!

Traditions: First Day of School

This is the first day of school in our county of Gwinnett, Georgia, despite temperatures that continue to hover from the mid-90s to three digits.

On this most eagerly-anticipated day (yes, I'm ready, even if the 10-year-old is not) I'd like to share with you one of our favorite family traditions.

Every year -- from Kindergarten through High School -- my freshly scrubbed and excited girls posed in their oh-so-new clothes on our doorstep, bookbags in hand, optimism shining in their eyes.

Note that I said girls...my experience with boy children for the first 30 years of marriage was limited to brief visits with nephews and cousins. Now that we are the surrogate parents of a 10-year-old boy, many tried-and-seemingly-sure traditions have been thoroughly XY-tested. Several have not survived.

But this first-day photo tradition has met with approval by those who will be women AND by those who will be men. The man child only needs to be coaxed a little bit.

I look forward to the day when I can present a mini album of First Day Photos to him; maybe at his high school graduation celebration. By that time, he'll be able to laugh at the cow-lick that threatened to defeat him this morning, the bookbag he loved last week but detests at this moment, and his plaintive complaint about being in a new class with "absolutely no one I know!" (Imagine the last said with a dramatic throwing up of 10-year-old's already-grubby-at-7-a.m. boy hands.)

As we start the new school year, I'm looking for ways to organize him, me, and our world. Here are some great ideas for using Décor Elements to sort out your entry, your schedule and (maybe) your sanity.

 

What a fun way to check off chores.

Love the things to do list!

These chalkboard elements are just great. Kids love to use them, too.

You can download the Definitely Decorative offerings here, or if you'd like a brochure sent to you just send an email to maccreative@me.com with your full name, mailing address and phone number. I'll be happy to mail it out for you.

If you're a Halloween fan, you've got to see the spooky Décor Elements in this brochure.

Spooky, indeed! This one is sure to meet with boy approval. What boy doesn't love bats???

Convention 2010: More Candy Is More Dandy

My inbox is full of happy mail.

That's messages from readers gushing over the fabulous samples I posted from the Candy Shoppe featured at the Stampin' Up! convention.

Kudos to Stampin' Up!'s talented staff designers.

So, due to popular demand....here's more!

If you want to see remarkable projects like this IN PERSON, you're invited! Join my team of demonstrators and we can go to the next Convention together. It's a blast!

As much as I love Convention, I love what I do the rest of the year even more. Wouldn't you like to chat about the possibilities of doing what I do? I'd love to speak with you about it -- give me a call to arrange a time for us to talk it over.

Convention 2010: Candy Is Dandy

There is so much eye candy at Convention with swaps, samples and demonstrations that one can become a little jaded...like [YAWN], oh yes, there's another incredible 3D box with designer papers, pearls and distressed details that is...you know...just [YAWN] amazing...

You get the idea.

So when I first went to the Gathering Place to see what the displays were like, I expected the usual outstanding work. Just like every year. YAWN.

Oh, my. No yawns here.

Imagine an old-fashioned candy store with each section of treats sporting its own coordinated colors. Imagine bins of suckers, cupcakes, and rolled candy sitting in front of shelves of sparkling rolls, glitzy twists and yummy-looking candies. You got it? It's a dentist's nightmare, right?

Unless it's made of paper. Uh-huh. Really. Impossible to adequately describe, so let's go to the pictures.

Roll 'em!

 

 

   

 

 

No, thank YOU. These photos (and the other 200 I haven't shown you yet) are of the Candy Shoppe created by Stampin' Up! designers. I will post some more soon and I'm constructing an album just of the Candy Shoppe delights, so be sure to check back.

The overall color balance was a treat in itself, but the creativity blew me away.

Now I hear you saying, "But I'm not creative." To which I politely -- but firmly -- reply....HAH!

Anyone can be creative with guidance. So if you'd like to awaken your creative bones, I"m ready to be your guide. Email or call me today to host a party for your pals. I'm booking workshops in the Atlanta area for late August and the month of October; and in the Washington, D.C. area in mid to late September. I do the work and supply the creativity; you supply a snack and drinks; your friends supply the ooohs and aaaahs.

Available dates are limited, so don't wait -- let's party!

Convention 2010: Princes & Princesses

What princess would not LOVE this crown? Heck, I'm WAY past Princess-age and I love it!

 

 

While I may not have the accessories of a Princess, I am treated as royalty by my Prince.

Below is a picture of my husband, Jim, patiently embossing backgrounds for me for some of my swap cards...isn't that sweet? It's the first year that he's offered -- yes offered -- to help me get ready for Convention. The poor man stamped, sponged and embossed for an entire weekend!

I wonder if the golf game on t.v. had anything to do with his extraordinary patience....nah, he's just one of the good guys.

 

I met another special spouse at Convention. This smiling man was standing all by himself, swap cards in hand. He was not a demonstrator, which I guessed from his t-shirt, which reads "My wife scrapbooks, therefore...I am broke!"

When I talked with him, he said his wife was taking a break while he was patiently swapping for her. How about that for a prince!

And you won't believe how many swap cards he had to swap -- 3,000! That's the most I have ever heard of for any convention attendee...and considering there were 2,800 attendees this year, I think maybe Prince Spouse went home with some cards unswapped.

Still, kudos to him for being so supportive.

I certainly have found that spouses are increasingly supportive as the profits from a Stampin' Up! business increase...funny how that works! Perhaps your spouse would be interested in supporting you in a business that brings extra money into the household. I'd love to explore that very real possibility with you, so email or call me to arrange a time where we can chat about it.

Before I wrap up for today, here's one of the cards I was swapping at Convention -- this is the design that Jim embossed for me.

 

 

Stamp Sets
Because I Care, #118384 (wood) or #120118 (clear)
Tiny Tags, #118091 (wood) or #118592 (clear)

Paper
Baja Breeze
Pear Pizazz
Very Vanilla

Ink
Baja Breeze Classic Ink
Pear Pizazz Classic Ink
Versamark

Accessories
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
Sponges
Jewelry Tag Punch
Dimensionals

I'm working on this month's newsletter and it's going to be a wowser. Make sure you're on my mailing list -- if not, sign up now in the box at the top left of this page.

Free Tutorial: Desk Caddy

Some of you have emailed to let me know the link to download my free Desk Caddy tutorial did not work for you. It is working for many people, but to make sure I've redone the link on my post of November 3, 2009 and am posting it here today. 

Click here to download Desk Caddy pdf.

Enjoy!

A Sweet Gift

My friend and downline, Debbie Elliott, made this lovely gift for me, using A Happy Heart stamp set (item #111758).

 

Sparkly little notes and sweet chocolate...yum!

 

This is a gift that could easily be adapted for a birthday, a new neighbor or any holiday celebration.

I'm working on a St. Patrick's Day version of this project and will have free directions in my March newsletter. Don't miss it -- sign up for my newsletter now at the top left of this page.

Hope your Valentine's was as sweet as mine!

Big Shot Die Cut Machine: Sweet Hearts

Did you know you could create a 3D heart from Stampin' Up!'s Petal Die?

Start by die cutting a petal using the Big Shot die cut machine. Crease two adjacent tabs as shown above.

Turn the petal over and place sticky strip on the two tabs.

Stamp a greeting as shown and punch out a heart from designer paper. I used Real Red ink for the stamping and the so sparkly paper is from the Sending Love Specialty paper in the Occasions mini catalog (item #117153). I attached the heart with a dimensional to lift it off the piece. The greeting is in the Holiday Best hostess stamp set you can earn free when you host a Stampin' Up! party. Give me a call to find out how easy it is to be a hostess!

Strip off the red liner and fold back the two bottom tabs along the crease line. Position the heart on a base measuring 5-1/2" x 4-14" inches.

I punched the base using the new Pinking Hearts Border punch before I placed the heart on it. The heart tag was made by printing onto Very Vanilla card stock and punching out with the Heart punch.

Here's a view from the side. You can see how the box is formed by sticking down the tabs.

I filled the heart with treats, then slipped it into one of our Medium Flat Cellophane bags. A little SNAIL adhesive on the back closes the bag.

 
The finished bag. Now I only have 21 to go! LOL!

I made these treats for my daughter Mikelle's Kindergarten class. Mikelle is a gifted teacher who teaches in Athens, GA.

Teaching runs in the family -- two of my daughters are teachers and I love teaching paper arts! Check out my class schedule here.

Valentine: Treat Gifts

Tell me, does the boss of your company blog about making Valentine treats for grandkids?

Mine does!

Stampin' Up!'s CEO, Shelli Gardner has a blog called So Shelli. She blogged yesterday about these adorable treat bags. Don't you love the clear windows in them?

I've been working on treat gifts for one of my daughter's Kindergarten class. Check back tomorrow for a peek at them.

Sale-A-Bratin'

Oh, what fun we had on Saturday at Joy's workshop!

The girls loved the new Clear Mount stamp sets and all our new great punches.

Here are the projects.

Lots of 3D items...you know they're my favorite.

Joy was especially excited about the adorable birdhouse.

Both the milk carton and birdhouse use the new Mini Milk Carton Bigz die from Stampin' Up! This die is item #117310 and can be found on page 23 of the Occasions mini catalog.

The milk carton (above left) was made in Old Olive and the stamp set is one of the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets, Good Neighbors. You can earn that stamp set FREE with just a $50 order. Gotta love Sale-A-Bration time!

The birdhouse base is made from Close to Cocoa card stock and the roof is Pretty in Pink. We used three different punches:

• Pinking Hearts Border punch, #117649
  Occasions mini catalog, pg. 10
• 1-3/8 Circle punch, #104401
  Catalog, pg. 186
• Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch, #117191
  Occasions mini catalog, pg. 10

We also used the Perfect Details Texture Plate (#115962) on the birdhouse roof. A little sponging with Pretty in Pink ink really popped the tile look.

I'll post details on the other projects this week.

Call or email me today to choose your Sale-A-Bration party or private class date...but hurry! Limited dates are still open in late February and March. Earn special Sale-A-Bration benefits on top of our alreadygenerous hostess rewards. I'd love to present special projects to your friends and family and help you earn FREE products of your own!

Merry & Bright

Here's a project that should be on all of our lists -- a journal to help make the holidays merry and bright!

With all the details we need to keep track of in our holiday preparations, a handy journal will help you track those Christmas gifts, the holiday parties, To Do list, menu ideas and even coupons and gift receipts. How will you possibly get through your holiday prep without one?

Stamps
Merriment Stamp set

Paper
Shimmery White
So Saffron
Bride Specialty paper

Ink
Old Olive marker
Real Red marker

Accessories
On Board 5” x5” Art Journal
Old Olive 5/8” grosgrain ribbon
Linen thread
Metallic eyelets
Scallop Edge punch
Small Tag punch
Spiral punch
Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Decor Elements

Make your holiday gift dollars stretch. Save 30% - 50% on bundled Stampin' Up! products.

Click here to check it out. Sale ends Monday!

Big Shot: Flower Folds Die

The founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! is a skilled crafter. Shelli Gardner loves to demonstrate creative projects at company events and she does it in great style.

One of the projects Shelli demonstrated at our annual Convention was so popular that she posted directions on her blog.

The flower brooch uses the Flower Folds die with the Big Shot die-cutting machine.

For step-by-step instructions, go to Shelli's Flower Folds blog post.

Wouldn't these make great gifts for Christmas? Imagine these pins in holiday fabrics! They'd make too cute hairbows...or how about as a very special package decoration?

The Flower Folds die is item #115970 and this die is a Stampin' Up! exclusive. To order it now, go to my website and click on Shop Now.

 

Christmas Jingle Trifold Shutter

This card uses the Simply Scrappin' kit, Christmas Jingle.

It looks complex, but really isn't. No, really!

Start with a piece of cardstock 5-1/2" x 12". Place it in landscape position and score at 2", 4", 8" and 10".

Turn a quarter turn and place the piece in portrait position in a Stampin' Up! paper trimmer at 1-1/2" from the left side, and cut ONLY from the first score line to the last score line (that is, from the 2" mark to the 10" mark).

Now place the piece in the trimmer at 1-1/2" from the right side and cut from the 2" score ine all the way down to the 10" score line. Fold all the creases with a bone folder, then push in the middle section so it sits as shown above.

Decorate as you wish.

A "Christmas Blessing" would be a great Black Friday promotion for Stampin' Up! products, wouldn't it? Check back on Monday for a surprise that will have you giving out a hearty, "Ho, Ho, Ho!"

Thanksgiving Treat Box Tutorial

 

Not going to be at your own home for Thanksgiving? Take along this treat box as a gift for your dinner hosts.

Or make several and have them as take-away favors for YOUR Thanksgiving dinner guests.

In Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Old Olive, this treat box has its own handle and can hold anything from chocolate to socks.

 

Supplies List

- 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock, decorated
- Two eyelets
- Narrow ribbon
- Top Note diecut & Big Shot machine
- Sticky strip
- Build-A-Brad
- Designer paper

I have a full step-by-step tutorial with photos here.

This has been such a popular project in my classes and clubs this month. If you'd like to learn more about my stamping, scrapbooking or 3-D clubs give me a call at 678-467-1330, email maccreative@me.com or click here for details.

Thanksgiving Feast Box

There's football and relatives and grateful blessings, but let's face it...it's all about the food.

This autumn box is a great accent for your Thanksgiving table.

Put some after-dinner mints, a towelette and a small roll of Tums inside for those after-turkey moments. Or write each person's name on the top and use as placecards. Or place a note inside describing the blessings that person has brought into your life.

 

This is a project designed by Stampin' Up! artists and is just one of the projects you'll find on my Stampin' Up! website at www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net.

The Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard and Very Vanilla color combination could kickstart the decor for your Thanksgiving table this year.

To see the list of supplies and shop online for them, go to this page at my website.

My Digital Studio is The Answer!

 

Beth D was the first person to guess that I used My Digital Studio to create this card.

Beth wins a free Christmas Gift Set tutorial.

In fact, y'all played so well that I'll send a free tutorial to everyone who commented from Nov. 5th through Nov. 8th.

And if you'd like to receive the step-by-step tutorial to make this slider Christmas Gift Tag Set, simply place an online order this week at my website before Friday.

Email or phone me to learn how you can get
My Digital Studio half-price!

Desk Caddy Tutorial

This project is easy to put together. Use it to store photos, desk items, small gift items....fill it with post-its, a calendar and notepads. Give as a gift or make a couple just for you.

Add photos to personalize the gift as a keepsake for Grandma, Dad or scrapbooking enthusiasts!

The sample shown above uses Nouveau Designer paper.

 
This sample uses the Petal Party Simply Scrappin' Kit.

The desk caddy project was featured in my July newsletter, but I've recently had requests to post it here. So here is the pdf file tutorial...just click here to download the file, and enjoy!

I'd love to see your versions -- send me a photo of your finished project and I'll feature it on Stamp Journey.

Email your full name and jpg photo to maccreative@me.com.

Happy crafting!

Yvonne Brannen's Candlebox

My pal Yvonne is a talented, generous and resourceful woman. Despite suffering from the aftereffects of a severe asthma attack that landed her in the emergency room earlier this week, she managed to locate and send me directions for this too-cute candlebox gift.

Thanks, Yvonne! Call me if you need me to bring over over chicken soup. :-)

Supplies:
11-7/8” X 8- 3/4" Cardstock
Designer paper
Snowflake punch
Simple Snowflake stamp (catalog #115554)
Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Old Olive 5/8” grosgrain ribbon
Real Red 5/8” grosgrain ribbon
2-way Glue Pen
Dazzling Diamonds
Small silver bells
Crystal Effects
Votive candle in glass holder

Directions for box:

1. Trim a piece of 12x12 cardstock to 11-7/8” x 8-3/4”. Place the 8-3/4” side at the top and score at 2-7/8” and 5-7/8”.

2. Turn cardstock so that 11-7/8” side is at the top and score at 1-1/2” and 4-1/2". Then score at 2-1/2" ONLY from the top edge to the first score line and from the second score line to the bottom. THE MIDDLE SECTION SHOULD BE SKIPPED. Turn the cardstock around and repeat the scoring.

3. Cut on the 2-1/2” vertical score line down to the first horizontal score line. Do this on each of the four corners. On that horizontal scored line, cut from the 1-1/2” score line over to the 4-1/2” vertical score line. It looks like a T when cut properly.

4. Fold these “panels” upward. Bring the center sections in together and overlap the sides. Glue them in place. This forms the base of the box.

5. Bring the sides in and glue the flaps to make the box sides.

6. Cut three 3” squares of designer paper and glue in the bottom of the three sections of the box.

7. Stamp four snowflakes in Real Red ink and punch. Line each snowflake with 2-way glue and sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds. Glue one on each side of the box, see picture above.

8. Center a piece of 20” Real Real 5/8” ribbon on the bottom of the box, fold the box closed and tie at the top. Glue remaining snowflakes on each side covering the ribbon. Using Crystal Effects, glue a silver bell in the center of these snowflakes.

Directions for candle cover:
1. Wrap the glass votive holder with decorative paper.

2. Wrap with Old Olive 5/8” ribbon and glue, Wrap with 1/4” Real Red ribbon and tie a bow. Glue a bell in the center of the bow.

I'll be putting together a video soon if you need additional help.

A Butterfly on Your Blouse

Here's a remarkable brooch created and worn by a convention-goer.

It's a good sample of some of the wonderful dies available for the Big Shot.

Here's more samples of 3D items from convention...can you spot the ones made with Big Shot dies?

 

There are brand new Big Shot dies in the Mini Holiday catalog, which is on its way to you right now.

If you're not sure if you are on my catalog mailing list, send me an email with your full name, mailing address, phone number and best time to call. I'll be happy to get one right out to you!

Anything But A Card

I was going through some of my Convention photos today, and was reminded of how many displays there were of non-card projects.

Calendars, purses, banners, books, tins, frames and more!

You can be sure that some of these projects will make an appearance at my Stamp club meetings.

 

It's not too early to start Halloween projects, right?

My 3D club will especially love these!

And I'd love to have YOU attend one of my club gatherings. Whether your passion is cardmaking, scrapbooking or 3D gift items you'll enjoy meeting with others every month to chat and create.

Just click here to learn more about my club program.

What's On Your Desk?

Dawn Marie looks pretty pleased with the desk caddy she made at a recent downline group meeting.

The pattern and measurements for this easy-to-make project will be included in my July newsletter next week, so if you'd like the instructions make sure you're signed up for my email newsletter. (There's a signup box on the upper left of this page.)

The pattern comes from my pal, Joy Jones, who is a lover-of-all-things-3D. It uses one sheet of 12 x 12 cardstock, two sheets of designer paper, eight eyelets and some ribbon. This is a great little caddy to sit on your desk – fill it with photos ready to be scrapbooked, or scraps, or just about anything you like. Make it really special by attaching photos of loved ones (the human or the animal variety) to the outside panels. Wouldn't it be fun to add some Big Shot die cuts?

More samples and variations will be featured in the Stamp Journey newsletter. Are you on my mailing list?

Dreamin' Bella Bleu

This looks like an ordinary box, but…

…the inside may surprise you!

Inside is a stationery holder, complete with a calendar, envelopes, matching pen, sticky notes and a place to keep your stamps.

 

It's portable and makes a terrific gift. You could customize it in any number of ways, changing the items you include in the box.

 

My 3D club members made this project at our last meeting. We'd love to have you join us as a guest or as a new member! Enjoy three projects every month – journals, mini scrapbooks, tile coasters, scarves, stationery holders and more. Call me to sign up for the May gathering, or to arrange for a 3D private stamp class with your own friends.

Sign up for my newsletter (top left of this page) to get the free directions for making a stationery box of your own.

Notecard Pizza Box Tutorial

This tutorial shows how to make the mini pizza box in this post.

We start with a piece of So Saffron cardstock measuring 5 1/2" x 10".

Score 1 inch from each edge on all four sides

 

Placing the paper in landscape position, score at 4 1/2" and again at 5 1/2".

Place the paper in portrait position and cut the four vertical short lines shown below.

 

Now cut the middle of the piece to create the top lid. Cut in horizontally from each side and then vertically. Stop when you reach the next score line. (Both are short cuts.)

 

Crease all the fold lines. Here's how it should look when you've finished snipping and creasing.

Flip the sheet over and place sticky strip as shown below on the four corners.

Now is a great time to apply any decorative paper elements on the inside or outside of your box. Sure, you can add them later after it's constructed, but it's easiest to do it now. I wait to add any trim to the rim of the box until it's put together, though.

When you flip the paper back over from our previous step, you'll see the sticky strip pieces are at the top as you fold the piece together.

Remove the liner from the sticky strip.

Here's a tip for those pesky plastic liner pieces that insist on clinging to you, your clothes, the dog, etc. Keep a moistened paper towel nearby. You just have to lightly brush the paper towel and the liner comes off your fingers and clings to the towel. Easy peasey!

 

Form the box bottom by adhering the sticky tabs to the front flap.

 

Do the same with the other end to end up with this:

 

Now you can add any trim to the edge of the lid, and notch the front edge with a circle punch.

If you love 3D projects as much as I do, you'll love my 3D Stamp Club. This club meets on the third Tuesday afternoon and the third Thursday evening of each month through June. Come as a guest to try it out or just jump right in. Call or email me to learn how you can make cute 3D projects, earn free product, build your supplies and have a great time doing it!