Ribbon Bookmarks - Mini Tutorial & Thirty-One Products

 I was playing around the other day with some of my leftover ribbon pieces.   I had seen a similar bookmark in an Etsy Store a while back with a much larger paperclip.

The bookmarks are easy to make.  I took a larger paperclip, tied 4 different colors of ribbon (old olive, basic black, whisper white, and a Pink Pirouette.  I actually knotted the riboon twice, then pulled together using a decorative brad.

Be careful that you knot the ribbon on the correct end of the paperclip, otherwise it will not slide onto the book page to mark your spot.

Thought they would make great small gifts, stocking stuffers, or a just because gift.

You can find extra-large paperclips at most office supply stores in packs of 10 if you want a larger paperclip for the bookmark.

Thirty-One Products

A dear friend of mine, Lisa McBurney, is now a Thirty-One Representative.   If you would like to learn more about these products or make a purchase, please stop by her website:  

http://www.mythirtyone.com/220984/ 

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Halloween Treat Bags - Googly Ghouls And Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit

I made two treat bags last night using Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit, item #126914.   It comes:
20 printed double-sided tags - 10 each of 2 designs
10 glassine bags with die-cut edges:  ea 3" x 5" x 1 1/2"
50 adhesive-backed googly eyes (ea 5 mm)
10 pieces Pumpkin Pie/Whisper White Baker's twine ea 8" (color exclusive to this kit)

I embossed the glassine bags using the Big Shot and the Spider Web Embossing Folder, item #120889.   When I put it thru the Big Shot, I put the platform with 2 tabs up.   Gently open the bag after removing from the embossing folder.   I did accent the stamped label with a small brad.

Stamp Set: 
Googly Ghouls, item #128060 - Wood OR #128063 - Clear


Bundles:  Purchase the Googly Ghouls Stamp Set and Ghoulish Googlies Designer Printed Kit together. Priced to save you 15%!
Ghoulish Googlies Bundle ... item #129852 - Wood OR #129853 - Clear
IMPORTANT ... to get the discount you have to use the bundle item #.  If you use the individual item #s for the stamp set and then for the kit, you will be charged the regular pricing.

Bundle - Save 15%

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder by Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! now is offering Scented Stampin' Emboss Poser in five scents.   Emboss delightful scents into stamped images.   Simply stamp the image in the ink color you want, then emboss with a scent to match.   Embossed scent lasts up to 2 weeks.   Container is 1/2 oz and the powder is clear.

Scents Available from Stampin' Up!:

Vanilla scented, item #125590
Melon scented, item #127034
Cherry scented, item #127035
Sugar & Spice scented, item #127829
Peppermint Sticks scented, item #127830

This is how I would do the embossing:
1.  Stamp your stamp in a Versamark pad (item #102283), then in the color pad of your choice, then immediately stamp on your card stock.
2.  Completely cover the stamped image with the Scented Emboss Powder, brush off excess.
3.  Heat with Heat Tool (item #129053) until glossy, then let dry completely.

I really like the Stampin' Up! embossing powders.  I have not used the scented ones because of allergies to scents, but I have heard many great comments about them.   Just remember the scent only lasts up to 2 weeks, so don't make your project too far in advance if you want it to be scented.   Even with the scent gone tho, you will have a beautifully embossed card.


You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Daydream Medallions Stamp Set - Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! has so many wonderful coordinating stamps sets and paper punches/Big Shot products.   It's hard to pick a favorite.   Earlier this month, I showed you some of the Floral Frames Framelits that I had cut out.   I have the stamp set that goes with them, and can't wait to try it out.

 Floral Frames Framelits, item #127012

Five layering dies (largest: 5 1/4" wide).   Coordinates with Daydream Medallions Stamp Set on page 117 of the catalog.

Daydream Medallions Stamp Set, item #126465 - Wood OR #126467 - Clear

These combined will make beautiful layered embellishments for a card or scrapbook page.   Wouldn't they make wonderful layered flowers too.  Since I have both of these sets, you can be sure I will be posting samples on my blog of them very soon.

 The latest My Digital Studio Downloads are HERE.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Elegant Butterfly Paper Punch

As most of you are aware, I absolutely LOVE paper punches and Big Shot Dies.   When I saw the new Elegant Butterfly Paper Punch, I knew it was a must have item for my collection.  I just realized this weekend that there is a matching stamp set to use with it which is called "Papillon Potpourri".

Elegant Butterfly Paper Punch, item #127526.   

Butterfly is approximately 1 5/8" wide by 1" high.  It is beautiful punched out on solid color card stock or with our Designer Series Paper.

Papillon Potpourri, item #123757- Wood OR #123759 - Clear

This stamp set coordinates with the paper punch.  Oh my gosh, this is on my "NEED" list now.   Think of all of the colors of ink I could use along with different colors of cards stock to create some truly amazing butterflies. 

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Floral Frames Framelits

Floral Frames Framelits Dies, item #127012
"See what you're cutting with Framelits dies. Use with the Big Shot, Standard Cutting Pads, and the Multipurpose Platform. Floral Frames Framelit Dies coordinate with the Daydream Medallions Stamp Set. 5 layering dies (largest: 5-1/4" wide). Cuts a single sheet of paper." The framelits are one of my favorite products that we now carry.   I love the design, the difference in the sizes that can be used for layering or alone.   Smaller design can be put inside of a larger design to cut out a frame ... that's what I did below: Thought it might look cute to stamp an image and then place the flower frame around it.   Will have to play with it this weekend.  Looking forward to showing you some of my new projects next week.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

My Package of New Stampin' Up! Products Arrived!!!!

Oh happy day!!!!!!!   The UPS man delivered my package from Stampin' Up! yesterday, it even arrived hours earlier than normal.   He must of known just how excited I was to received this package.    I've been so busy playing with the new products that I didn't make a card or project.  Know you will understand as long as I share some photos of some of the new things.

I'm a major fan of the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.  I had to purchase some of the new items with this order.   Embosslits and Textured Impressions Embossing Folders were top on my list.   I took random pieces of card stock and ran them thru the Big Shot.   Here's my photos:

Argyle Folder ...  new larger size:   4 1/4" x 6 3/8"

Item #127750

Coordinates with Patio Party Suite (pg 42-43) 

Fancy Fan Folder ... new larger size:  4 1/4" x 6 3/8"

Item #127751

Coordinates with International Bazaar Suite (pg 96-97)

Chevron Folder ... new larger size:   4 1/4" x 6 3/8"

Item #127749

 

(Note ... this is an edge style embossing folder.  I cut the scallop area out with scissors to make it an add on piece for a card.) 

 (Note:  this is an center design or edge style embossing folder.  I cut both sides with scissors to make the scallops on the edges.)

The two designs above are from:

Delicate Designs Folder

2 folders to emboss card edges (ea: 6 1/2" x 2 5/16")

Item #127023

Coordinates with Large Scallop Edgelits Die (Pg 190)

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Petite Purse BigZ L Die - Five Samples

 Here's the 5 petite purses I made to share with you.  You may view a larger image by clicking on the photos.

 Concord Crush, item #119792 (retiring color)

Itty Bitty Shapes Paper Punch Pack, item #118309

Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, item #125409

Small Heart Paper Punch, item #117193

Blushing Bride Card Stock, item #119796 (retiring color)

Poppy Parade Card Stock, item #119793 (retiring color)

Jewels - Large Pearl Basic Jewels, item #125577

Embossed Purse

Poppy Parade Card Stock, item #119793 (retiring color)

Perfect Polka Dots Textured Embossing Folder, item #117335

Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads, item #125589 (only available this month)

Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, item #125409

Boho Blossoms Paper Punch, item #11958

 

This card stock is retired.   But isn't the petite purse cute with the little owls.

Pear Pizzaz Card Stock, item #119795 (retiring color)

Jewels - Large Pearl Basic Jewels, item #125577

Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen - White, item #105021 (for stitch marks)

All of the above purses used:

Petite Purse BigZ L Die, Item #125606*

*NOTE:   This die is available this month only.  Cannot be purchased in May.  However, it will be back in our main catalog in June 2012.   

I think this die is absolutely perfect for a small gift item, for a birthday, a bridal shower, a wedding favor and so much more.   I gave one as an Easter gift filled with wrapped lifesavers.   You could be chocolate sqaures or individually wrapped chocolates in it.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Birthday Celebration

Last week I celebrated my 60th birthday!!!  Not sure how I got to be this old, because I certainly don't feel it.   We had a few friends over on Saturday night to help me celebrate.  We had such a good time.   The cake is from Saturday.   It was so delicious.  I love the rainbow on it.   I think we all need LOTS of rainbows in our lives.

I received many birthday cards too.   A few were handmade.

This photo is of the handmade ones I received.  If you look closely you will see quite a bit of Stampin' Up! products that were used.

Cake & ice cream over, time for a group photo.

My wonderful husband (Hal) and me.

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes via phone, e-mail and in person.  It was a great birthday, and I know it will be a great year too.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Petite Purse BigZ Die

I must admit when I first heard about this die, I had decided not to purchase it.   Then I saw more and more of these "cute" purses on other blogs and before I knew, I had to have the die too.   The purse is larger than I expected.  Measurements are:

4" high with handle
2" high without handle
1 1/4" deep
2 3/4" wide at the base

It's perfect for a little girl's birthday party, a bridal shower, or even a Miche Bag party.  I'm sure you can think of many more ideas.    The one above is made with Wisteria Wonder Card Stock.

Petite Purse BigZ Die, item #125606
Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads, item #125589

This die will definitely get a lot of use.  I am so glad I decided to purchase it.  This purse was filled with lifesavers and given to our neighbor's little girl.   She was thrilled with it.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Punch Art Bears Tutorial With Matching Envelopes

Had such a great time teaching classes on Friday and Saturday.   This is one of the two projects we did.

Stampin’ Up! Products Used:

Framelits ~ Hearts Collection #125599 – largest scalloped one

Early Espresso card stock #119686 – 5 ½ “ x 5 ½” (for head of bear)

Peach Parfait, #119794

    Card Base - 5 ¼” x 10 ½”– scored at 5 ¼”

    Envelope – 8 ½” x 8 ½” – scored at 3 7/8” all sides

1/2" Circle punch #119869 -  Real Red card stock (tongue) – Punch 1

3/4" Circle punch #119873 - Black card stock (eyes) – Punch 2

1" Circle punch #119868

    Whisper White card stock (eyes) – Punch 2

    Crumb Cake (eye lids) – Punch 1, cut in 1/2

    Blushing Bride card stock (inside ears) – Punch 2

    Black (nose) – Punch 1

1 3/4" Circle punch # 119850

    Early Espresso card stock (2 Ears) – Punch 2

Extra Large Oval punch #119859

    Crumb Cake  (Mouth area) – Punch 2

Black Stampin Write marker #100082

White Gel pen #105021

Colors of card stock used:

    Basic Black # 121045 – used for nose & eyes

    Blushing Bride #119796 – used for ears

    Crumb Cake # 120953 – used for mouth area & eyelids

    Early Espresso #119686 – used for ears & bear face

   Peach Parfait, #119794   - used for envelope and card base

    Real Red #102482 – used for tongue

    Whisper White #100730 – used for eyes

Sticky Strip, item #104294

Multipurpose Liquid glue, #110755

SNAIL Adhesive, #104332

Directions:

1.       Envelope … Peach Parfait Card Stock (8 ½” square)  … Score at 3 7/8” on all four sides.  Assemble envelope using Sticky Strip.

2.      Card Base … Peach Parfait Card Stock (5 ¼” x 10 ½” ) … Score at 5 ¼” and crisply fold.

3.      Bear:

a.      Punch out all items above

b.      Using Big Shot and the Scallop Heart Framelits,  create the head. 

c.       Assemble and attach ears.  Then using SNAIL attach to card base.

d.      Bear Face:

                                                              i.      Attach tongue using Multipurpose Glue.

                                                            ii.      Attach mouth area, overlapping in the center.

                                                          iii.      Attach nose, make sure the top is a bit above the mouth area.

                                                           iv.      Assemble eyes, then attach to bear head.

                                                             v.      Using white gel pen, accent eyes and nose.

                                                           vi.      Using black Stampin’ Write Marker or black pen, dot the mouth area.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

"You Suit Me to A Tea" Card

This is the 2nd card we will make at class this weekend.   I will have more information on it after my classes.   The inspiration for this card came from Lisa Lange (StampingLisa.com).   Thanks Lisa. 

I stamped the teacup image, then cut it out and glued it carefully just on the edges so that the tea bag could be fit into the cup.  I like the texture of the embossed background behind the teacup and the addition of the pleated ribbon. Thought this would make a great gift idea too.   My Mom and Grandmother would of loved this as a Mother's Day card too.  I can see it as a Get Well card also, just would switch out the sentiment.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Double Rainbows above our home yesterday.

What a day we had today.   The weather was so strange.   We had rain, then hail, then rain.   We drove to the mall and when we came back out the cars looked like they had been in the snow.   It had hailed so much that it had accumulated on the cars giving the impression of snow.  We had thunder and then we had torrents of rain.  A one point we peeked out the window and realized we had a gorgeous rainbow up over our home.   I was working on card projects, so the camera was out and ready to go.   We grabbed jackets and an umbrella (to protect the camera) and I took the photos above.

I think this is the first time in my life that I have personally seen a double rainbow.   It was an amazing experience that I just had to share with all of you.  Hope you enjoy the photos.  May your life be blessed with many rainbows too.

Card photo tomorrow.  I can "bearly" wait to show you ...

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Flip Flop Card Using Framelits - Sneak Peek Summer Smooches

Card Closed  - Outside

Card Open - Inside

 Card Open and Standing

I had never seen directions for a Flip Flop Card before.  I want to thank Cristy Butzen for her directions and inspiration.  The design of this card was my own idea, but the scoring and use of the framelit for the Flip Flop came from her directions.

Sneak Peek Summer Smooches Items Used:  (Stampin' Up!) - Available April 1 - 30, 2012

Daffodil Delight 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, item #125583

Summer Smooches Fabric Designer Brads, item #125589

Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper, item #125409

The flowers were accented with rhinestones that I had dyed using Sharpie Markers.  I have a mini-tutorial from last year if you would like to see it.

I love the versatility and uniqueness of this card.  Hope you do too.  

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Hearts, Shamrock, 4 Leaf Clover, and Balloons - Mini Tutorial

Let's start with 4 hearts.   Perfect for a Valentine, Anniversary, I love You and so much more.

Take 3 of the hearts and by simply placing them as above and adding in a stem with a Stampin' Write Marker, you've created a shamrock perfect for an Irish Blessing, St. Patrick's Day and more.

 

With the 4 hearts placed as above and a stem added using a Stampin' Write Marker, you have created a 4 Leaf Clover perfect for wishing someone "Good Luck" or for St. Patrick's Day.

Wait, there's more ... LOL

Add a line to each heart and create a bouquet of balloons perfect for a birthday, anniversary, I Love You, and more.

Hearts are not just for Valentine's Day and can be made in many different colors.  They come in so many sizes too from tiny to quite large from Stampin' Up!  The hearts could be embossed or stamped images to add texture and effect.  What would you make with a heart(s)???  Any ideas????

Stampin' Up! Hearts:

Framelits Dies - Hearts Collection, item #125599

Embosslits Dies - calloped Heart of Hearts, item #117332

Full Heart Paper Punch, item #119883

Heart to Heart Paper Punch, item #119881

Small Heart Paper Punch, item #117193

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)