April's club projects

Well, since it's mid-May, I guess I'd better post the April projects, lol!  Man, I've either been really busy or a terrible slacker!  Maybe a little of both!

Our technique this month was called Versa-Shadow.  I first saw this on Erin Gonzalez' blog and thought it was so clever and simple!  You just stamp your image onto dark paper and trace around it with the VersaMarker! Stop on by Erin's blog, Hand Stamped Style for some great inspiration!

Supplies Used:
Mixed Bunch Stamp Set
Sincere Salutations (Sentiment...this set is retiring!)
Blossom Punch
Basic Gray CS
Whisper White CS
Whisper White Craft Ink
Perfect Plum Ink
Designer Buttons
Versa Marker
Stampin Dimensionals
Glue Dots
Bakers Twine

Our next project was my version of Mary Fish's card.  Stop by her blog Stampin Pretty for some great ideas!

Supplies Used:
Mouthwatering Stamp Set
Fabulous Phrases Stamp Set (Retiring!)
DSP paper pack...Neutrals and Brights
Whisper White CS
Melon Mambo CS
Early Espresso Ink
Old Olive Stamp N Write Marker
Melon Mambo Stamp N Write Marker
Melon Mambo Dotted, Scalloped Ribbon
Brads
Stampin' Dimensionals
Cherry Scented Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
SNAIL Adhesive

Our last project was inspired by Chat's card here.  Stop by her blog Me My Stamps and I for some fun ideas! 

Products Used:
Apothecary Art Stamp Set
Island Indigo Ink and CS
Soft Suede CS
Whisper White CS
IN Color DSP paper pack
Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon
Mat Pack
Paper Piercer
Stampin Dimensionals
1" Circle Punch
1 1/4" Circle Punch
Framelits Labels Collection

March Project #3

Our last project is a really soft and pretty card for Easter!  I got the inspiration for this card from Lori Klug on Stampin' Connection.  If you're a demo, you can see that card here.  Now, you might say that my card is totally different from hers!  Nonetheless, that's where the idea came from!  :)  I just love the soft look of this card.  It didn't even bother me that you could see the glue dots on the corners!  If it really bothers you, you could always put a little flower over them, or even a little circle of cardstock.  But sometimes less is more, ya know?

Supplies Used:
Just Believe Stamp Set (Sentiment Inside: Some things have to be Believed to be seen)
Perfect Plum CS
Very Vanilla CS
Soft Suede CS and Ink
Certainly Celery CS
Pretty in Pink CS
Pink Pirouette CS
Perfect Plum CS
Concord Crush CS
Vellum CS
Sizzlet Doily Die
Big Shot Lattice Die
Bitty Punch (Flower)
Paper Snips
Bird Punch (leaves)
Tombo Mono Multi Adhesive
Mini Glue Dots
Spray Adhesive (SOB...some other brand!  It was just easier than waiting for a bunch of people to trace over each line, but you could easily use a Two Way Glue Pen if you're quick!)
Basic Pearls

March Project #2

Our next project was a very simple one, but cute.  It's a little bookmark using the Two Tags Die.  You just scootch your folded paper down below the cutting line on the die so your fold doesn't get cut.  I wanted to be able to show how to use blender pens without doing a huge project that took up a lot of time.  The gals had fun coloring.  Very therapeutic.  Not that I need therapy, ah-hem. 

Supplies Used:
Blessings from Heaven Stamp Set
Bordering on Romance Stamp Set
Basic Grey Ink
SU Watercolor Pencils
Blender Pens
Two Tags Die
Watercolor Paper

March Project #1

This month's first card was a CASE (copy and share everything) from Lee Ann Barrett's card on Stampin' Connection, the private SU Demo-only site.  If you are a demo, you can view her card here.  If you are not a demo, this is just one great reason to become one!  Such a wealth of information and examples for we fellow demos to share! 

I love the simplicity of this card.  I originally started out just going down the left side of the card with the butterflies as shown on the right.  But then I decided I needed a rebel little guy to take off in his own direction!  I arranged the butterflies on the right in the classic ROY G. BIV fashion.  Who is Roy G Biv?  Never heard of him?  Well, that is the colors of the rainbow in the correct order!   It's also the primary and secondary colors in the color spectrum, but why get technical about it?  Red, Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet.   You may notice I left out Violet.  Poor violet.  Anyway, moving on...

Supplies Used:

Loving Thoughts Stamp Set

Embosslits Beautiful Wings Die

Basic Black CS and Ink

Real Red CS

Pumpkin Pie CS

Daffodil Delight CS

Garden Green CS

Night of Navy CS

Elegant Eggplant CS

Whisper White CS

Black Stampin Write Marker

SNAIL adhesive

Tombo Mono Multi Adhesive

March 2012 Stamp Club Schedule

Our March Stamp Club meeting will be on Wednesday March 14th at 11AM  for the day time club
and Weds, March 14th at 5:30pm for the night time club.  I have also added a Ten Dollar Tuesday option.  If you are not sure you want to join a club just yet, but want to make the projects, please come to the March Ten Dollar Tuesday meeting on Tuesday, March 13th at 5:30pm.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend!  If you are a member of the club or in my downline, there is absolutely no charge to you to make the projects.  If you are a non-member thinking of joining, I always give one FREE try-it-on-for-size class.  You are welcome to come and make the projects with us at no charge, no pressure, no strings attached.  This will give you an idea of what we do and will let you decide if you want to join without having to commit beforehand. All I ask for is an RSVP at least three days ahead of time!

Those who have already taken the free class, but aren't sure they want to commit may attend, but you will be charged a $10 materials fee each time.  However, you will not be eligible for any of the great Hostess Benefits our club members enjoy unless you commit to join.  Just one more reason to join our fun club!

What benefits do my club members receive?

• A FREE Idea Book and Catalog (A $10 value). 
• FREE mini catalogs and Sale-A-Bration Brochures throughout the year
• A FREE Technique and Idea Book.  This book has mini examples of the technique we learned that month.  It also has the instructions so you can recreate it for yourself later.
• FREE projects each month.  NO materials fees.  Just come and create 2 to 3 make and take projects!  Occasionally, 4!
• You get to use my materials, my punches, my ink, ribbon, etc....  You only have to bring your own adhesives, scissors and catalog to each meeting.
• Learn a new technique each month!
• Learn to use a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine and make some awesome 3D projects!
• Rotating Hostess Benefits!  When it's your turn to hostess, you will receive a minimum of $25 in free product!  The more members we have, the more you earn!  This is a good reason for you to join and bring a friend!  You will know ahead of time when it's your turn, so you can bring a friend or two, or collect outside orders to boost your sales! 
• Earn a spot on my 50/50 board.  For every $50 you spend (each month), you will get a spot on my 50/50 board!  When it's filled up, I will pick one lucky winner who will earn a $50 Gift Certificate!  Note: $50 winnings cannot be added to orders in order to earn free hostess products/hostess sets.  Anything over $50 is paid by winner)
• A FREE Classic stamp pad of your choice if you as a club member bring a friend along who joins hostess club!
• Flexibility. Can't make it to club?  There are two to choose from and you may attend either!  Can't make either one?  I'll make the projects for you!  (Update:  Now that I have the Ten Dollar Tuesday meeting, you are welcome to attend this if you cannot make your regular club day. We make the same great projects!)
• Friendship!  There's something about crafting that brings all women together!  We have fun in our club!  We have a nice group of people who all get along well.  I think you'll really like us!
• Snacks!  Each month, the hostess of the month brings snacks for everyone to enjoy! 
• Free Gifts! Occasionally, I make presents for my club members only!  My members are appreciated and they know it!
• An afternoon/evening of friendship, relaxation and fun!  Get away from the kids and relax!  Best of all...it's always at my smoke-free, 90% clean home, so you don't have to stress over cleaning yours! So, leave the cat hair on the couch and come on over!

We are looking forward to having you join us!  If you would like to attend, please contact me to RSVP so I have enough materials cut for everyone!  RSVP's are open until 3 days before the actual meeting.  Click on the 'contact me' button or the Meetup button at the right!  Thank you!

February Club Project #3

Our last project is our technique card!  This is called a Suspension Card!  It's really hard to explain, so if you want a detailed tutorial, you can either come to club this Tuesday or look at this YouTube video.
See the cute little Cherub suspended in the cut-out circle?

Well, when you open the card, the little guy SPINS and this is what is on the opposite side!  Pretty cool, huh?

Supplies Used:
P.S. I Love You Stamp Set (NEW!)
Very Vanilla CS
Basic Black CS and Ink
Cherry Cobbler CS and Ink
First Edition DSP
Scallop Trim Border Punch
2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch
2 1/2" Circle Punch
1 3/4" Circle Punch
Circles #2 Die
Baker's Twine
Sticky Strip
SNAIL Adhesive
Design Inspiration: Arlene Yee on Stampin Connection (Private SU Demo Site)

February Club Project #2

Our 2nd project was inspired by Badabing Crafting's sketch card.  I didn't have the same colors she did, so I just made my own version of it.  If you get a chance, stop on by her blog and check it out. 

No, we don't have any colored gems yet, but I'll tell you a quick little trick to get them to match.  Just quickly go over them with a Sharpie marker that is closest in color to your project and voila!  (Almost) matching gemstones!  Yay!  It has to be a permanent marker or it will not work.  Sadly, our Stamp N Write markers do not work for this.  Boo hoo.  Here's a close-up of our little colored beauties.

Supplies Used:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (NEW! Earn this set for FREE during SAB!)
Lucky Limeade CS
Peach Parfait CS
Poppy Parade CS and Ink
Very Vanilla CS
Everyday Enchantment DSP (NEW! Earn this set for FREE during SAB!)
Adorning Accents Edgelits Die
Adorning Accents Embossing Folders
Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
Stampin Dimensionals
Basic Gems
SNAIL Adhesive

February Club Project #1

This first project is a cute little dragon fly my friend Mary at Mary's Craft Room forwarded to me.  I just love it!  It's so cute! And it's made using a clothes pin!  The original designer is Connie at Inkspired Treasures.  Stop by both of their blogs for some fantastic ideas!

I started out making my own DSP using the Mixed Bunch stamp set.  Here's a picture before I cut it into strips. Just randomly stamp all over your paper, then cut into 3/8" strips and glue to your clothes pin.  Cut off any excess.  Your clothes pin may vary in size, so just measure it beforehand. I used SNAIL to adhere.

Fill your little cello bag with M&M's, eat 83, curse yourself for breaking your diet, then tape it shut.  I tied the center shut with Baker's Twine so it would look more like wings.  Then I pinched it in between the clamps of the pin.  Here's a side view of my little buggie.

I used the Mixed Bunch stamp set and Blossom Punch to create the body/wings of the bug, then cut away two small portions.  I left enough to make antennae, which were colored in with a Basic Black Stampin Write marker.  Glue wings down to clothes pin with a glue dot. Circle punches make the body, then the eyes are just the smallest Basic Pearls.

Supplies Used:

Mixed Bunch Stamp Set (NEW!)

Whisper White CS

Pretting in Pink Ink

Basic Black CS and Ink

Pretty In Pink Ink

Melon Mambo CS and Ink

Real Red Ink

Regal Rose Ink

Blossom Punch (NEW!)

3 x 5 Cellophane Bags

1/2" Circle Punch

Itty Bitty Shapes Circle Punch

Basic Pearls

Glue Dots

Paper Snips

SNAIL Adhesive

Black Stampin Write Marker

Clothes Pin

M&M's

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LEGO Box and Card for Otto

My son Tommy got invited to his friend Otto's birthday party at the last minute.  He wasn't an afterthought...the mom just didn't get the invites out until 3 days prior, lol!  So, being in a hurry, I whipped  up a super quick card that any little guy would love!   Being too lazy to go to our storage area and dig through bins to find a gift bag, I put together this simple little 'Lego' box in no time.  I just took the box of Legos we bought as a gift and placed it in the center of a piece of cardstock and scored around it.  Then I just folded the sides down, glued together and cut off any overhang.  I did the same for the top of the box.  Otto was so happy to see his gift 'wrapped' this way and his mom was happy because she's going to reuse it!  This whole project took me maybe 15 minutes...card included!

Supplies Used for Card:

Red CS and Ink

Stampin Sponges

1" Circle Punch

Stampin Dimensionals

Simply Scored Scoring Board

Supplies Used for Box:

Daffodil Delight CS

More Mustard Ink

1 3/8" Circle Punch

Stampin Dimensionals

Simply Scored Scoring Board

Tombow Mono Multi Adhesive