No Masking Fluid?

     Let me first apologize for the poor quality photos.  These pictures really don’t do these projects any justice :( 

     I have seen several crafters out in blogland using a product called masking fluid.  Now, I don’t own any masking fluid nor does Stampin’ Up! carry masking fluid (hence the reason I don’t own any).  However, I really like the effect that masking fluid has on the projects I’ve seen.  So, as not to be out done, I set my brain to figure out just what I can use to give us the same effect.  I came up with this… 

     The technique is basically an Emboss Resist Technique.  I wet an old toothbrush with plain water and then dipped it into a puddle of VersaMark Re-Inker.  I used my thumb to then flick the ink off the toothbrush onto the Whisper White card stock.  I stamped my trees from the Lovely As A Tree set (an all-time favorite) in Early Espresso and used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to offset more stamped trees, this time in VersaMark (the Shadow Technique).  Cover it all in Clear Embossing Powder, heat set with the Heat Tool and sponge on Marina Mist in the sky.  This reveals the “snow” that we flicked onto the card stock and the offset trees is the snow collecting on the branches.  Really, really awesome effect!! 

     This was a project that we did in my December Stamp Clubs.  The gals really enjoyed the technique.  I love that I came up with a Stampin’ Up! version to masking fluid.  :)  That makes me happy!

     I hope you’ve been inspired to use the products that you have on hand.  If you have any questions about this “technique”, feel free to contact me.  I love to share :)

Hugs,

Leslee

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here. 

Multiple Gift Cards Holder

         I know that the Christmas season is over and all the decorations are packed away (well, maybe) but I had to share with you this super simple Multiple Gift Cards Holder.  Let’s face it, we can give gift cards for ANY occasion…all throughout the year.  Simply change the paper/theme/wording.  This could hold up to four gift cards.  I only have three in mine and have used the last pocket area for signing.  Like I said, it is super simple.  If you’d like to learn how, just let me know. 

     Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to continue giving throughout the year :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Advent Bingo

     I’m so sorry.  I realize that I have been missing in action for quite some time now.  It was a much needed break.  My doctor said to put “NO” at the top of my vocabulary.  That really is a difficult word for me to say.  I still had plenty of commitments to keep and, unfortunately, blogging is one of those things to be put off by the wayside :(  It’s not as though I wasn’t crafting and I have tons to show.  Most of my crafting was holiday goodies and/or cards.  Seems a bit late to be showing you those now.  However, I will post the most significant projects.  Things I think you could do any time throughout the year…simply change up the theme :)  Or, you can tuck the idea away for next holiday season.  I miss blogging and I hope to get back into the swing of things quickly.  Enjoy!

     Every year since my oldest was old enough to understand (about 4…he’s 13 now), we have done an advent calendar to countdown the days until Christmas.  Every morning, he would call his grandmother and together they would open that day’s advent “window”.  It was fun to see just what picture was hidden and if they were the same…well, that was just special.  It was something my mom had started since she was missing her grandbabies…a way to get to talk to them every day.  As my youngest grew, he too got in on the fun.  We now include my sister who has moved away to yet another state.  You may remember, last year I made Peek-a-boo Frames advent calendars for everyone.  This year, was just a little different but, I have to tell you, so much fun!!  

     Being in the pinch that I was, I came up with this super-quick-to-make advent calendar.  We called it Advent Bingo.  Using the Jolly Bingo Bits set, I randomly stamped the images onto a bingo grid that I had done up on the computer.  The “free space” is the Merry Christmas stamp from the Mixed Medley hostess set that was in the Holiday Catalog.  Then, I randomly stamped on the numbers 1 – 24.  Again, I made four of these (one for each of my boys, one for my mom and one for my sister).  The rules were simple and printed on the back of each card: 

One number will be randomly drawn each day.

Phone calls will be made to see just what picture you get.

There are games within the countdown.

· First to get five in a row (BINGO)

· First to get a double bingo

· First to get four corners

· First to get an “X”

· First to get outside square

· First to get inside square

Of course, we all will completely cover our cards on the same day.

     We had SO much fun playing this each day!  The boys looked forward to “Bingo Time”!  We would three-way call so all of us could be on the line together.  We will do this again next Christmas.  Only, I think I will have to make a card for my husband, my dad and my brother-in-law too!  Oh…and I had little handmade prizes for each “winner” as well (I’ll leave those for another posting).  Truly, we are ALL winners!  We were able to spend quality time together…even though we are hundreds of miles apart.  I miss my family and this sure helped to bring us all close together every day even though it was only for a short while!  Adam said to me midway through the month, “Mom, I really like this game!”  Isn’t that “beast” coming from a 9 year old!

     I’ll leave you with words from my little one, “Is it bingo time yet?!”  I hope you’ve been inspired to create some fun.  Perhaps start a new tradition in your family.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

CASED Christmas

      Isn’t this a beautiful layout?  I thought so too :)  This card was CASED direct from the uber talented Jan Tinklenberg (Stamps, Paper, Scissors).  You can see her card here.  Obviously, even the uber talented Jan Tink (as she’s affectionately known) needs a little outside influence every once in awhile too :)  Isn’t it great to know that even the upper echelon needs a kick in the pants gentle encouragement from time to time?  No…it doesn’t bother me in the least to learn that even the great Jan Tink can be influenced by outside forces.  Golly…if anything at all, it shows that she is…well…human (dare I say it).   

     Anyway, enough about Jan…let’s get back to my card :)  I changed up the card to fit what I wanted to show my stamp clubs.  The new Cherry Cobbler Core’dinations Paper, Snow Flurry BigZ Die, Silver Glimmer Paper and just one use of the Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Tulle Ribbon.  It really was a great way to show so many different products on one gorgeous card.

     Thanks for stopping by today.  Stop on over at Jan’s blog and leave her some love too.  And, just so you know, I’ve been secretly blog stalking Jan for years now :)  I’ll admit it!  I love Jan, her work, her witty blog posts…she makes me laugh (maybe because I can relate on so many levels).  I think she’ll inspire you as well.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Cute Little Gift Card Holders

  

     I am as guilty as the next guy in waiting until the last minute to buy a gift.  So, if you are like me, gift cards are the go-to-gift of choice.  I like gift cards because they mail so easily and the recipient can then get what they want.  Gift cards, however, are not very “fun” to open and the little envelopes they offer at the store aren’t very …well, let’s just say they aren’t much to look at.  So, I’ve created a quick stash of gift card holders.  These are much more “fun” to receive and you can never go wrong with a handmade touch!  Unfortunately, I didn’t photograph the inside of the holder but you can see it in this post, Simply Soft Card Holder.

     These are super easy to create!  I used my Simply Scored Tool to mass produce this bunch for a vendor fair.

     Here’s how I did it…

1. Score 4 ¼” x 11” pc. of card stock at 3”, 5 ½” and 8”.
2. Fold in half at 5 ½” score mark.
3. Fold outer score lines back.
4. Use sticky strip to adhere center folds together. This creates a pocket for gift card. Only adhere outer three sides.
5. Mark length of gift card on inside center fold and punch using Word Window punch about ¼” into fold and just longer than length of gift card.
6. Punch a half circle using the ½” circle punch in center of slot.
7. Wrap ribbon around card and secure to back of card with sticky strip or SNAIL. Tie ribbon to securely close card.
8. Stamp and embellish card for any theme or occasion as desired.

     Like I said, these are super easy and quick to create.  Thanks for stopping in today.  I so glad you did.  I hope you’ve been inspired to present your next gift card really pretty :)  Remember, it’s not what you give, it’s all in the presentation :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Jr. Legal Pad Folder

     I had said in my previous post that I would show another use for these cute and crafty Pentel® RSVP pens.  While they are still “stuffed” with a strip of DSP, I’ve added them to a Jr. Legal Notepad Folder.  This is such a nice way to tote around a legal pad for taking notes.  Who wouldn’t want to show off one of these? 

     Now, I can’t take credit for the folder design.  I found a great tutorial on Melissa Stout’s blog, The Stamp Doc.  You can find that tutorial here.  Melissa gives fabulous directions and these are extremely easy to put together.  The most difficult (and most fun) part about these is deciding how to decorate them.  And you must not forget the inside too :)    

     Here are a few of the designs I had made for the vendor fair.

 

      I made a few mini ones as well.  I had found a package of mini gel pens in the discount bin for .50 cents and just had to try.  I had to reconfigure the folder dimensions but that wasn’t difficult.  These were super easy because there isn’t a lot of room for decorating.  A simple punched Elegant Butterfly and some Jewel Basic Pearls and it’s done!   

     These would make lovely teachers gifts, hostess gifts, or just about anything you can think of.  Occasions and themes can be easily changed simply by the DSP and images you use.  Gotta love versatility!  Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to make one (or more) of these for your next giving occasion.  Of course, you don’t REALLY need an occasion to make someone’s day :) 

Hugs,

Leslee

  

 

Dryer Sheet Christmas

     This is the final card made with the one used dryer sheet.  I really had so much fun with this technique.  I just “had” to have a go at using up the entire dryer sheet.  You can see the other two projects in these previous posts…Cool Scene (this has the how to) and Sparkly Snowflakes.

     On this card, I used the single tree in the Lovely As A Tree set.  I markered directly onto the stamp with Old Olive and Early Espresso.  VersaMark, Heat & Stick, Dryer Sheet and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, yada yada.  I used the new template in the Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack to pierce around the sentiment circle.  By the way, the sentiment is from an old retired favorite set, Fancy Flexible Phrases. 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I really enjoyed this dryer sheet technique.  I hope you’ve been inspired to try it for yourself.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Sparkly Snowflakes

     This is card number two from my one used dryer sheet.  It’s a fun technique with lots of sparkle…perfect for some frosty snowflakes!  This would be great for a one sheet, massed produced project (you know, Christmas is in less than 5 months).

     I used the Snow Swirled set on this card.  My colors are Bashful Blue, Marina Mist and Midnight Muse on Whisper White.  I think that I will use a lighter blue for the big snowflake next time around.  I think that it would make the overall card softer looking.  Still, I’m loving how it all shimmers!  You can see just how I did the dryer sheet technique in my previous post, Cool Scene.  Or head on over to SplitCoastStampers for a great tutorial.

     Thanks for drifting in today.  Be inspired!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.

Snowflake Gift Card Holder

 

      I give a lot of gift cards and love making gift card holders.  I am always looking for something a little more than a simple envelope.  I want the recipient to be able to “open” a gift as well :)  I found this design awhile back (see this post).  Of course, you can always change out the papers/theme to suit any occasion.  That’s the beauty of paper crafting and stamping. 

     This was made for a friend and customer of mine.  Her husband called and asked me if I do gift certificates.  Of course I do…and I’ll even package it up real pretty.  Wasn’t that sweet of him?  It certainly surprised me but I knew immediately what I’d create.  I know she loves snowflakes and this was pretty easy to put together :)  Naturally, she loved it and can’t wait to spend her gift card :)  And with Sale-A-Bration right around the corner…she can pick one FREE goodie too :)  Now that’s what I call an awesome gift!!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up!   -   DSP, silver cord and Soft Sky card stock are retired :(

Textured Snowflake

 

     I did not immediately fall in love with this particular card.  I ran the Cherry Cobbler card base, three strips of Frostwood DSP and the large die cut Snowflake #2, all adhered together, through the Big Shot using the Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  It came out all textured and stuck together…duh!  What was I thinking?  I hated it!  I tried to lift the snowflake off to no avail.  I only managed to pull up the edges…it was stuck good!  Oh well.  I tossed it aside, still in sight, move on (I was designing for my One Sheet Wonder Card Class).  I stared at that card, all stuck together, for four days…what to do?  Well, it grew on me and I began to actually like the look.  Then it hit me…add a punched snowflake, un-embossed (is that a word?), set on a Dimensional.  Tie a bit of Linen Thread and some mini jingle bells to the center and wah-lah!  I don’t just like the look…I love it!  This card REALLY grew on me!  I guess I’m trying to say that, even though it isn’t what you had pictured originally, don’t give up.  It will either grow on you or you’ll figure out just what it is missing…or both!

     Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to give your “what-was-I-thinking” pile of card parts a second look.  You never know what beauty may be lurking in the shadows.

Hugs,

Leslee

Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.

Frosty Thank You’s

     I enjoy throwing a little something in with customer orders.  Just a small “thank you”.  These cuties have found their way into several Stampin’ Up! bags in the past month.  So easy to make…and easy is exactly what I need with the busy season that is upon us ;) 

     Made with the Big Shot and Top Note die (head and hat).  A 1” x 5” strip of Basic Black with the corners rounded (Corner Rounder punch) for the hat brim.  Real Red grosgrain ribbon for the hat band.  The holly leaves are from the new Stocking Accents die.  I used my stylus to add some veining.  The Red Glimmer Paper berries and the eyes are a 1/2” circle punch.  His nose if a petal cute from the 5-Petal Flower punch.  The mouth is a handheld hole punch.  I simply wrote my note of thanks on the back…postcard style.  However, you could easily cut your Whisper White to have a fold in it and create a card or even a gift card holder :)  However you make him, have some frosty fun!!

Hugs,

Leslee

Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.

Cannot Resist the Flakes :)

 

     I love snowflakes!  It doesn’t snow too much here in southeast Virginia.  We might get one, maybe two good snowfalls a year.  I’m from up north though and snowfalls, snowflakes and snowmen will always hold a special place in my heart :)  So, if I can’t get the real thing, I’ll just have to create me some snowy crafts!  This card is perfect and makes me very happy! 

     I used the emboss resist technique for this.  On Naturals White card stock, I stamped the snowflakes from the Serene Snowflakes set in various blues (Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point) and utilized the generation stamping technique as well.  I stamped the large Medallion in VersaMark and heat embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  I then started sponging on Bashful Blue, starting in the center of the medallion and working my way outwards changing blue inks, getting darker as I go.  I sponged some Marina Mist onto the punched snowflake to make it stand out on top of the medallion.  I love the mini jingle bells hanging from the White Baker’s Twine :)  A leftover strip of punched Lace Ribbon Border is tucked behind the image panel and layered onto a layer of Naturals White.  A gathered piece of White Taffeta Ribbon hides the seam of the punched border.  I think that the Pacific Point base really makes the image pop!  I love this card!  Easy to do, fun and gorgeous to look at :)

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to create a little snow in your neck of the woods or, at very least, give the emboss technique a try.

Hugs,

Leslee

Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.

Center Step Card CASE

      This is one of the projects that we completed at my monthly Stamp Club.  It looks intimidating but it really is quite simple.  You can find easy-to-follow directions at SplitCoast at this link, Center Step Card.  I actually cased this card right out of our monthly demonstrator’s magazine, Stampin’ Success (November 2011 issue).  Created by the fabulous Becky Roberts (Inking Idaho), I just had to give it a try for myself.  I changed up the DSP and the stamp sets as I don’t have exactly what Becky used.  I used the lovely Frostwood Lodge DSP and the Snow Swirled stamp set for the tree.  The Jewel Basic – Pearls were colored using various permanent markers.  The oval frame from the Designer Frames Textured Impressions folders set is the perfect backdrop for the tree.  The wide oval punch fits right inside the frame :)  Gotta love coordination!!  Of course, I had to make the inside of this gorgeous card as lovely as the outside! :) 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  If you’ve never tried a center step card, I highly recommend you do so.  The end result is stunning!  I hope you’ve been inspired.

Hugs,

Leslee

Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here.

Stamps: Snow Swirled, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Frostwood Lodge DSP, Whisper White, Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green

Accessories:  Jewel Basic – Pearls, Designer Frames Textured Impressions folders set, Modern Label punch, Wide Oval punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon

Peekaboo Frames Advent

      As soon as I saw the project on page 36 of the Holiday Mini catalog, I knew I had to make one…uh…four!  You see, Jesse (my oldest) and his grandmother (my mom) started this tradition years ago.  I think Jess was about 4 when it began.  Each has his/her own advent calendar and, starting on December 1st, each will begin the count down to Christmas by lifting one window each day.  The boys will call their grandmother and each will tell what picture is revealed.  It has become a ‘game’ to see if they get the same picture.  My parents live hundreds of miles away and we don’t get to see each other often enough.  It’s been a great way for the boys to keep in touch and they ALL look forward to the morning reveal and phone call!  Especially my mom! 

 

     The advents turned out even more beautiful than I had imagined!  They went together quite easily too.  It was just as easy to do four at once as it would have been to do just one.  I pretty much cased the project in the mini catalog.  However, I don’t have all the supplies they used and I wanted ALL my windows to lift.  The Peekaboo Frames die is awesome for this!  I used the new 25 & Counting stamp set on the outside of the windows and the Jolly Bingo Bits are on the inside waiting to be revealed.  I used several other punches and lots of little embellishments for details.  I used some of the Frostwood Lodge DSP and coordinating card stocks.  My Big Shot got tons of use with this project!  I found the 12” x 12” frames at my local craft store and put the glass behind the advent.  Love, love, love it!  And lots of love went into the making of each one of these advents! 

 

     The boys each wanted their calendar arranged so that they would have to search for the next number.  Turns out, I could do that! :)  Such a great feeling to be able to make it yourself…and the end result is heart-warming satisfaction!!  Love that I can contribute to this fun family tradition!

     This year, we included my sister who lives in yet another state.  However, the boys will have to call her after school as she is two hours behind us.  I don’t think she will want a daily 5AM phone call…I know I wouldn’t :)

     Grandma loved her advent!  We surprised her with it and she received it a couple of days ago.  Auntie hasn’t received hers yet.  It is due to arrive later today.  I’m sure she will love it too! 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to start new family traditions…or simply keep the old ones alive :)  I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas season!

Hugs,

Leslee

All Stampin’ Up! supplies can be purchased here. 

2011 Holiday OSW Card #12

 

     This is the twelfth and final card of the One Sheet Wonder class.  Love the snowman from the Snow Much Fun set.  He’s just so happy!  I love the clean and simple look of this card.  It makes me happy!  The snowflake in Cherry Cobbler with the Mini Silver Brad is happy.  It’s just an all around happy card :D 

     It’s a bit difficult to see but I spritzed on more happy with the Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz.  It certainly is an easy way to add some sparkle to your cards and projects. 

     I so hope you have enjoyed all the OSW cards.  I hope you’ve found something to be inspired by.  It has inspired me to do another OSW card class in November.  This time, it’s all about Snowmen & Snowflakes…because they make me happy!  If you need more information about any of the OSW cards or think you would like the template or to join me at the next OSW class, don’t hesitate to contact me.  Thanks for stopping by today.

Happy hugs to you,

Leslee

Stampin’ Up! ® supplies can be purchased here.

2011 Holiday OSW Card #11

     I love the darling Dasher!  It’s such an easy set to use.  I love to bling his swirly antlers.  On this card, I’ve used the Dazzling Details Glitter Glue to add that sparkling touch.  I have threaded a length of White Baker’s Twine through the punched Lattice Ribbon Border, placing Mini Jingle Bells at equal intervals.  This is probably my least favorite card of the OSW set.  I think it just needs a sentiment to complete it.  I’ll throw one on before I send it off :)

 

     Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you’ve been inspired to use the fun Mini Jingle Bells on your next project :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up!® and can be purchased here.   

2011 Holiday OSW Card #10

 

     This is a super quick card to create and a great one to mass produce.  Perfect for a handmade holiday greeting card.

     I won’t bore you with every detail.  I will say that I stamped the sentiment (from Hand-Penned Holidays) before I ran the Whisper White card base through the Big Shot using the Northern Flurry Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  If you try to stamp it after adding the texture, you won’t get a good, clean image.  I’ve added Jewel Basic Rhinestones to the snowflakes.  Such a nice touch. 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to add blinged up snowflakes to your next project.  :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are Stampin’ Up!® and available for purchase here.

2011 Holiday OSW Card #9

 

     This is another of my favorite cards.  There really are so many of them. (smile)  It is that scrappy look that I really enjoy doing.  Everything coordinates and is arranged in a way that is pleasing to the eye.  The Ornament punch is perfect!  The ornament images were from Delightful Decorations and Tags til Christmas.  I love that there are so many different sets that coordinate with the one punch.  The Garden Green ornament has a Jewel Basic Rhinestone in the center while the Cherry Cobbler ornament has the Jewel Basic Pearls.  It’s a really classy way to dress up the card.  The sentiment is from Word Play.  I lightly sponged the edge of the Whisper White layer with Garden Green just to set it apart a bit better.  Sometimes, it’s the smallest of details that packs a huge punch! 

     Thanks for stopping in today.  I hope you’ve been enjoying the OSW cards.  They really were such fun to make!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies are available for purchase here.

2011 Holiday OSW Card #8

     For this OSW card, I used an Early Espresso base.  I had a difficult time working in the Espresso but this seemed to fit.  The DSP was textured with the Square Lattice Texture Folder and the Big Shot.  It gives a whole new look to the DSP!  Very cool effect!  The sentiment is from the beautiful new Hand-Penned Holidays found in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  You can find the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set in there too.  I stamped the pinecones in Early Espresso and then added White Gel Pen to highlight them.

     I hope you’ve been inspired to texture your DSP for an all new look!  You’ll like it!  Thanks for stopping in today.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

2011 Holiday OSW Card #7

 

     This is another of my favorites from the OSW cards.  I LOVE snowflakes!  So I layered up this flake with the large Snowflake #2 and a small Sizzlits Die – Snowflakes Set #2.  This color combo is perfect for the Serene Snowflakes stamped randomly on the Marina Mist card base.  I used both VersaMark ink and Marina Mist ink.  The button is tied on with a bit of White Baker’s Twine.  The sentiment is from the Christmas Greetings set.  What’s not to love?  Super simple…done!!  I may just make up a bunch of these for my greeting cards this year :)

     Thanks for slipping by today.  This one is for my sis.  The season’s first snowfall in Denver, CO has her snowed in today.  Just Monday, she had temps in the high 70’s.  Now, she has 8 inches of heavy, wet snow.  My son, Adam, called her with this…what do you call the last snowflake to hit the ground?  Give up?  A slow flake!  Hehe haha!  I hope you enjoy your day…no matter what it’s looking like outside your window :)

Hugs,

Leslee

All supplies are Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here.