4th of July Work of Art

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Were celebrating the 4th with a good old fashioned family cookout here in Clarkesville and it looks like the weather will be perfect for it. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting to meet new family members too. Some we haven’t seen in years, along with marriages and babies. What fun.

And since it is the fourth of July I thought it would be fun to do a little something for the kids. So I’ve put together this fun bucket of items for each family.

And created this cute little tag that I attached to it with our Metallic Silver Baker’s Twine (132142) that is part of our Weekly Deals this week.

What do you think? Cute? I’m hoping these will be a hit with everyone since it contains a little something fun for all ages that can be used all day and even until the fireworks!

What’s inside? Well I’ve got some bubbles, a beach ball for the pool, bug boxes for catching the fire flies, glow sticks, sparklers, poppers, and other goodies for the evening.

I’ve got the one done – now just to put the others together. LOL Larry’s got a big family!

Home improvements – oh my!

Today I thought I would also share with you what I’ve been doing lately with my free time. I think I’ve shared with you I’ve had the home improvement bug this spring, my love of painting trim….. and so the projects continued.

Larry and I have “discussed” painting the stairs for years, or should I say I have. He just didn’t think it was necessary and I thought it would be a big help to protect the pressboard and make cleaning easier too.

Well on June 3rd I decided I’d jump in. I’ve never painted stairs so I was a bit intimidated, but after reading up on it I figured what the heck – it couldn’t be that hard, right?

I tried stain first at the suggestion of my sister, unfortunately it didn’t cover up all the spots that had been created from spills over the years. And apparently my brain wasn’t functioning well either, because I didn’t think of solid color stain that the gal at Home Depot had recommended before I started to kilz. Oh, well. I guess paint was meant to be.

So here is the first picture I took – Seems I always forget to take the before photo – caulked, Kilzed, and first coat of trim.

I know it looks a little strange with only part of the stairs done to this point, but I figured I wanted to see how it went. And I wanted to get the color on the tread to see how I liked the color we chose to go with the wood landing. LOL – Like I’d have a choice once I started.

The biggest challenge was making the stairs usable since my guys are always up and down them and of course my classroom is downstairs too. I sure didn’t want to go long without getting to stamp!

So I learned if I started first thing in the morning they’d be dry enough for everyone to go up and down when they got home and the trash and dirt from their shoes would not stick. (It seemed to rain a lot so going around wasn’t really an option Johnathan wanted to deal with.) I also did every other step and added the green paper to keep things clean.

Here is the finished project now after I finished all the touch ups and door trim this week. Yea!

Painting the stairs really brightened up the space and I really love the look. They are so easy to clean now!

However, I am still thinking about stamping on the risers. I’ve had this great two step stamp set I’ve always wanted to use for that, but for now I’ve got other things on my list I want to do first.

Everyone who has been to my classroom before noticed the new look immediately and made my day by commenting about how great they looked. Thanks guys!

Funny thing is my husband, Larry asked me what took me so long to paint the stairs! (He’s a hoot.) They don’t squeak any more which is the part he loves. Of course that means my “alarm system” for the kids is gone since I always knew when someone was coming up the stairs. I’m not sure what made them stop creaking and squeaking, but I’m glad my husband likes the end result too. Now I’ve just got to get him to put trim up where the concrete and sheet rock meets. That little space drives me nuts. After all who knows what can live in that space – eek!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Work of Art (134111/134114), Fabulous Four (134171/134174), and Something to Say (134177/134180)

Inks: Pacific Point (126951), Real Red (126949), Melallic Silver Encore Ink (132142), and VersaMark (102283)

Paper: Pacific Point (111350), Real Red (102482), Basic Black (121045), and Whisper White (100730)

Accessories: Silver Baker’s Twine (132976), 1/8″ Handheld Circle Punch (134365), Black Embossing Powder (109133), and Heat Tool (129053)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code KGM3XHTJ

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, July 7th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Get your favorites Designer Series Paper in July – Sale ends July 31, 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Blendabilities are here – Click HERE to get yours today!

Flamingo Lingo SWAG Bag

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Today’s post wraps up the coverage of my Luau Catalog Launch Party last Saturday and this project is a little “SWAG” bag that I gave to those who attended. It was just a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone.

I think everyone enjoyed the new 2014-2016 In Color cards for their color rings and stamps that were included.

These little SWAG bags were so easy to make since I started with our new Polka Dot Tag a Bag Gift bags found on page 201 of the catalog. I simply stamped the flower image from the Flamingo Lingo stamp set onto the bag using my StazOn White Pad and then decorated.

Isn’t the little flamingo from the set precious? I stamped this little guy in Strawberry Slush so I could use our new yummy Thick Baker’s Twine.

Here is a close up of the little bag.

I just love using our new Thick Baker’s Twine that comes in all of the 2013-2015 In Colors!

And here are the last of the pictures of my classroom that I took while it was set up for the Luau Catalog Launch Party.

This first one is of the Make ‘n Take table. Ready for my guests to stamp.

Everyone had one of my little Beach Bag Post it Note Holders waiting for them. (You can see more about the Beach Bags HERE).

And here are a couple of the girls stamping their projects – we have such a good time together!

And the classroom itself

some close ups of the displays

Project Life

My Classes and Club options (click here to see more about my club option)

My “Punch Bowl” – everyone could scoop to their hearts content.

And last but not least – my Caring with Cards station where everyone was able to make a card to be donated to the cause of their choice – Hospice birthdays, Ronald McDonald House, Operation Write Home, and Holiday for Heros. My goal this year is 100 cards for each group!

And of course the snack table

along with a picture of the Tropical Cucumber Salad which seemed to be a hit. It’s also the recipe that I’ll be sharing with you today since several of you asked me for it. It swap super easy to make.

Tropical Cucumber Salad

3 tsp. fish sauce

1 tsp. freshly grated lime zest, plus more for garnish

2 tbsp. lime juice

1 tbsp. canola oil

2 tsp. light brown sugar

1 tsp. rice vinegar

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

1 medium English cucumber, cut into ¾” dice

1 avocado, cut into ¾” dice

1 mango, cut into ¾” dice

¼ c. chopped fresh cilantro

Whisk fish sauce to taste, lime zest, lime juice, oil, brown sugar, vinegar and crushed red pepper in a large bowl until combine. Add cucumber, avocado, mango, and cilantro. Gently toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate up to one hour. Serve garnished with lime zest, if desired.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Flamingo Lingo (134303/134306)

Inks: StazOn White Pad and refill (106960), Strawberry Slush (131178), Pear Pizzazz (131180), and Crushed Curry (131173)

Paper: Flowerpot Designer Series Paper (133698), Pear Pizzazz (131201), and Whisper White (100730)

Accessories: Polka Dot Tag a Bag Gift Bags (135503), Strawberry Slush Thick Baker’s Twine (135637), Mini Metalic Cothespins (133320), Petite Curly Label Punch (133519), Banner Punch (133519), and stapler

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code BRXTH4XS

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, June 30th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Beach Bag Post it Note Holder

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Today’s project is the little gift everyone received who attended my Luau Catalog Launch Party – it was my was of saying thank you. After all I appreciate each and everyone of you!

I had a lot of fun making these little beach bags. As I mentioned yesterday I just love anything nautical and so the Maritime Designer Series Paper was perfect for this project.

My little Pool Party sticky notes came from my local dollar store. I squeeled when I found these little pads since they were just the right color LOL.

Do you ever see Stampin’ Up! colors while you are shopping and looking at things? My daughter is always rolling her eyes at me when I say it is such and such color.

The sticky notes are about 1/2 the thickness of the typical stack of post it notes – so you can just use 1/2 of pad of the name band ones if you’d like.

Want to know how I made these? Well here is my latest video tutorial for you so you can make them too. It’s a little longer than normal since I’ve got some helpful tips along the way.

Enjoy!

Beach Bag Post it Note Holders Video Tutorial:

Update: please note that the measurements shown on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool are correct – not what I’m saying. Measurements have been added to the description on the video and should be 3 1/4″, 3 1/2″, 6 3/4″ and 7″. Sorry 🙂

Stop back by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing some more pictures and another recipe from the Luau with you.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Sea Street (133985/133988)

Inks: Night of Navy (126970)

Paper: Maritime Designer Series Paper (133696), Real Red (102482), Night of Navy (101889), and Coastal Cabana Card Stock (131297)

Accessories: Real Red 1/4″ Cotton Ribbon (134563), Antique Brads (117273), 1/2″ Circle Punch (119869), Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199) and Paper Piercer (126189), Stampin’ Trimmer (126889), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Sticky Strip (104294), and Fast Fuse (129026)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code BRXTH4XS

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, June 30th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Something for Baby Treat Sack

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Are you ready for my first video tutorial using the NEW 2014-2015 Annual Catalog items? Well it’s here and in it I’ll be sharing with you the cute little treat sack that they showed us how to make during the Catalog Premiere along with the set I won during prize patrol. They are quick and easy to make.

This little project uses one of our NEW Bundles from the Catalog – Something for Baby (page 74) and the coordinating Baby’s First Framelits (136790/136791). I love the bundles we offer, since not only do you save 15%, but it makes cutting things out a snap for this project!

And this little treat sack is created using just one piece of 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ Designer Series Paper from the Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack (133701). How great is that just pull one from the stack? No waste and tons of patterns to choose from since we have two new stacks to choose from in the new catalog!

Want to see how I did it? Well here is my Something for Baby Treat Sack Video Tutorial

While I’ve made this little treat sack with a baby theme in mind – I think it is a great little item for all kinds of occasions.

What do you think? easy?

Thanks for taking the time to leave me comments. They are really encouraging to me.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Something for Baby (134027/134030)

Inks: Hello Honey (133643)

Paper: Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack (133701), Lost Lagoon (133679), and Whisper White Card Stock (100730)

Accessories: Baby’s First Framelits (133735), Lost Lagoon Stitched Satin Ribbon (133672), 1 3/8″ Circle Punch (119860), 1 3/4″ Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Stampin’ Trimmer (126889) and Rotary Addition (129407), Small Scallop Stampin’ Trimmer Rotary Cutting Blade (129410), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189) and Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 2JBGG6Z4

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, June 9th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Peachy Keen & On Film Framelits

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Did you know that the Occasions Catalog is ending on Sunday, June 1st? Well it does, and so today I thought share with you some projects that I made using the bundle (135224/135225) of products along with some of the other items you’ll find in the Occasions Catalog.

This first project is a 3d box that I made and filled with some chocolates for a friend as a thank you. The little gable box holds quite a bit of chocolate too which is always a plus when it comes to chocolate LOL.

To create the focal point on this box I first stamped my heart image from the Peachy Keen stamp set (133110/133113) in Real Red (126949) and then used my VersaMark Pad (102283) and the Pool Party Embossing Powder (129398). The polka dot pattern came from the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack (132996).

This next card is one of my Shoebox Swaps

I really love the little bow we made using the 1 1/4″ Burlap Ribbon (132140). All I did was cut one end to expose the thread and pulled a couple off to use for this project. Cool, huh?

And this last card was also made with the On Film Framelits (132969) along with the Happy Watercolor stamp set (133188/133191). I stamped my image onto Very Vanilla Card Stock (101650) and placed my photo frame cut from Pear Pizzazz card stock (131201) on top. Added a bit of our Watercolor Wonder Designer Washi Tape (133000), a Very Vintage Designer Button (129327) and a piece of Gold Bakers Twine (132975) that I placed through the button and tied a knot in.

I really love the little pop of color that our Brights Candy Dots (130931) added the Banner Punch (133519) pieces too.

Stop by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing some cards made with the Hello, Sailor stamp set.

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code 2JBGG6Z4

Click Here to learn more about using the Hostess Code

RETIREMENT STAMP LIST (Pdf)

RETIREMENT ACCESSORY LIST (pdf)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, June 2nd 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Betsy’s Blossoms Pop Up Post It Note Holder

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Yesterday I held my annual Retirement Party and I gave everyone a little gift who attended, a little Pop Up Post It Note Holder that I made using the Betsy’s Blossoms Stamp Set. They were such a hit I thought that today I would share with you how I made them.

They are so easy to make and I really love the way the top pops up and is displayed when you set them on your desk. And can you see the little sentiment? It’s from the Fabulous Phrases Stamp Set (128577/120501) which is retiring. This set gives you so many choices to choose from to create just the right phrase that you’re looking for.

Betsy’s Blossoms is one of the fun sets that is retiring from the 2013 Catalog on June 4th. I’m going to miss this set with it’s bold images. If you’d like to see all the items on the Retirement List CLICK HERE.

Stop back by tomorrow and I’ll share the make ‘n take everyone made.

Winners were announced at yesterday’s party and those who were not able to attend will be contacted by email later today! Thank you to all those who participated and Congratulations to all those who won!!

And remember today is the last day to take advantage of the current Weekly Deals

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Betsy’s Blossoms (126006/131955), Fabulous Phrases (128577/120501)

Inks: Bermuda Bay (131171), and Pacific Point (126951)

Paper: Bermuda Bay (131197), and Pacific Point (111350), Daffodil Delight (119683), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: Circle Collection Framelits (130911), 1 ¾” Circle Punch (119850), 1 ¾” Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code WXAUDJ3F

Another Thank You & New Endless Birthday Wishes Photopolymer Set

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Have you tried our Photopolymer stamps? Well if you haven’t yet, you should give them a try they are so easy to work with. They are really sticky, so just place them on your block and go. And Stampin’ Up! has stepped up our Photopolymer line by including them in the NEW 2014 Catalog. There are a lot of new sets too, yipppie!

And now not only can you find Another Thank You (136835) in the 2014 Catalog (available June 2nd), but they come in our Clear Mount Stamp Cases just like our other sets and have a wonderful new scent too – Chocolate! Gone is that chemical smell of Photopolymers. No airing out your sets – Yippie!

I showed you a gift that I gave for graduation the other day for one of the twins and today’s project is the gift set I made with Another Thank You for the other twin.

These note cards are also done in the NEW 2014-2016 In Colors that will be available on June 2nd. Along with a little note pad, pen, and clip using the yummy NEW Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stacks (133701).

Although the gifts used a different stamp set I did end up packaging them the same way.

Would you believe this plastic bag is from some Playtex bras that my Aunt bought while she was visiting! LOL. Shhhh……Don’t tell the boys! Recycle and Reuse – think out of the box and you’ll be amazed what you can come up with. These little plastic bags were perfect for this set of note cards and stationary items.

Leave a comment and I’ll email you a PDF to make this great set of gift cards for FREE! It’s my way of saying thank you to you for following my blog!

NEW Endless Birthday Wishes

You’re going to LOVE this new Photopolymer Stamp Set, Endless Birthday Wishes (137553)! And I think it won’t last long with all the great choices that this set allows you! The sentiments are done in a great font and are fun and trendy.

Check out some great projects and the flyer HERE

It’s another Giveaway!

Leave me a comment below and get your name entered in my Retirement Party Giveaway #2 for a spool of retiring ribbon! And everyone is a winner with my FREE Tutorial! Then watch for my YouTube post for Retirement Party Giveaway #3 tomorrow!!

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code WXAUDJ3F

RETIREMENT STAMP LIST (Pdf)

RETIREMENT ACCESSORY LIST (pdf)

RSVP today for Sunday! Retirement Party – FREE Event

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, May 19th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Work of Art 2014 Catalog Sneak Peek

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Last week I showed you one of the graduation cards that I made for the weekend’s graduation party. Would you like to see the small graduation gift that I put together for one of the twins to go with their cards? I always like tuck a check into the card, but wanted to include something special too and think this little gift was a hit.

For this set I used the Work of Art stamp set (134111/134114) which I received during the Catalog Premier last month and used the NEW 2014 -2016 In Colors that I got in my box (squeal of delight!).

I made a set of 10 Note Cards & Envelopes (131527), 2 each of Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, and Tangelo Twist. Aren’t the colors yummy?

I also covered a pad of paper, extra large binder clip, and pen to coordinate for them using the NEW Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack (133701). I tucked everything, including a book of stamps into a little pouch that I had laying around and tied it up with some Summer Starfruit 1 1/4″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (132980) from the Occasions Catalog which ends June 1st and a little piece of Whisper White Baker’s Twine (124262).

Want to see the more about this project? Why not stop by my Facebook page, Stamp with Jini, where I’ll be sharing individual photos. And while you’re there why not Like my page too so you can see additional projects as they post too?

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code WXAUDJ3F

RETIREMENT STAMP LIST (Pdf)

RETIREMENT ACCESSORY LIST (pdf)

Retirement Party – FREE Event

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, May 12th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Saying Goodbye to the Pop ‘n Cuts Dies & More

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

I was sad to see some of my favorite Big Shot Accessories were on the Retirement list this spring. One of my favorites is the Card Base Pop ‘n Cuts Die (130099). I have had so much fun creating cards and gift items with this collection of dies and framelits and I’ve created a number of different video tutorials using them.

So today here are some of my favorite projects made with Big Shot Dies and Framelits along with some of our retiring stamp sets.

I made this recently for Easter and holds a Ghirardelli chocolate. This little gift has an accompanying video tutorial and you can click HERE to see my original post.

This little gift box was created using the Oh, Hello (131931/130733) and the Fabulous Phrases Stamp Sets (128577/120501) both are on the Retirement List too. Click HERE to see my original post.

These are gift card holders and you can click HERE, HERE and HERE to see details and a video on how to make them.

Here is a fun birthday card made with the Dress Form Pop ‘n Cuts Die (130100) and Dress Up Framelits ( 130101) that coordinate with the Pop ‘n Cuts die collection.

I created a fun and flirty skirt for this one with our Tea Lace Paper Doilies (129399). Click HERE to see my original post.

And here are some cards just with the Dress Up Framelits (130101) that are also on the Retirement List.

And if you love butterflies here is a card that my friend made me last year using our soon to be retired Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die (114507)

This one was one I created for my Hostess Appreciation Brunch – I did a technique using our Window Sheets (114323) and Classic Stampin’ Ink Refills.

This one uses another of our retiring items the Gingham Garden Washi Tape (129314)

And this last card is made with our Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die (124587) and the Blast Off Stamp Set (131958/125946).

Open the hatch and you get a little surprise!

Want to see the Retirement Lists? I’ve got them in a printable form for you below or if you prefer you can click HERE and see everything in my Online Store.

STAMP RETIREMENT LIST (pdf)

ACCESSORIES RETIREMENT LIST (pdf)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Place an order with me during the month of April and get this FREE tutorial to create this wonderful card set! Just use my Hostess Code JZT4F3FZ when ordering Online

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, April 8th 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Eggstra Spectacular Easter Basket

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Stamp with Jini

Check out this cute little Easter basket I made to put some goodies in for friends this Sunday. Isn’t the little bunny image too stinking cute?

I think it turned out nicely and it will hold quite a bit. I’ve got some cute little note pads and pens to place inside along with a little bit of chocolate.

I used the Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper to create the little “basket” along with the Eggstra Spectacular Stamp Set. I used my Blender Pen and colored the bunny with Smoky Slate and a little Calypso Coral to highlight the dotted lines. (Blender Pens (102845) and your Classic Ink Pads are a quick and easy way to add color to any image.)

I wanted a little more color so I sponged the outside of the circle with Daffodil Delight. Popped it up with Stampin’ Dimensionals and then added it to my scallop circle that I had already paper-pierced.

I didn’t have the color ribbon on hand that I originally wanted to use, so instead I added color to the ribbon that I had, the 7/8″ Cotton Ribbon. I think it turned out rather cool using the coloring technique that I used, Faux Dipped Die.

Want to see more about the Faux Dipped Die Technique? Check out this video it’s got all kinds of great ideas for you to try.

Easter is this Sunday, so stop by tomorrow when I’ll be sharing with you several quick and easy cards for you to make and give for Easter along with some exciting news!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Eggstra Spectacular (133068/133071)

Inks: Smoky Slate 131179), Calypso Coral (126983), Daffodil Delight (126944), and StazOn Jet Black Ink Pad (101406)

Paper: Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper (132994), Calypso Coral (122925), and Whisper White Card stock (100730)

Accessories: 7/8″ Cotton Ribbon (127844), assorted Stampin’ Write Markers and Aqua Painter (103954), 2 3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1 3/4″ Circle Punch (119850), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), and Stamping Pierce Mat (126199), Envelope Punch Board (133774)

Click here to order your Stampin’ Up! Products online 24/7! (US only)

Hostess code JZT4F3FZ

Place an order with me during the month of April and get this FREE tutorial to create this wonderful card set! Just use my Hostess Code JZT4F3FZ when ordering Online

Clearance Rack (while supplies last)

Weekly Deals (Special ends Monday, April 21st 2014 at 11:50 p.m. (MT)