New Rem Arkable Blog Tour: Nov. 19-22

Hi All,

Here’s another new tour that kicked off yesterday.  Running for 4 days these talented ladies are offering Last Minute Gift, Decor, Packaging and of course Card ideas for the Holidays.  For a full list of tour participants check my Tour page at the top of the blog.

Tour begins here – http://remarkablycreated.com/2009/11/nov-19-change-me/ 

You will want to return each day to see the latest posted projects.

Enjoy! – Jean

For my own current posts scroll on down.

Tour de Freaks: November Tour

Time once again for another Freaks Tour!  Novembers theme is “Christmas Gifts”.  So hop on over and enjoy the inspiration of these amazing stampers.

This months tour begins here: http://pattystamps.com/pattys_stamping_spot/2009/11/control-freaks-blog-tour-.html

and….

Links to earlier tours can be found here – http://dostamping.typepad.com/dostamping_with_dawn/controlfreaks-tour-de-freak-blog-tours.html

 

Christmas Jingle Scrappin’ Kit cards: Part 3

Hi All,

Here’s the last in the series of 24 Christmas Jingle Scrappin’ Kit cards from a Stamp a Stack event last weekend.  Still working to get Friday’s Frugal post up.  To view the previous Jingle cards in this set scroll down to posts from earlier in the week.   Or you can view or download a PDF set of smaller images in my SCRIBD files accessible from a button in the right hand side bar.

 

 

 

 

Thats the last of them.  I’ll be back later (I hope) with the Friday post.

Hugs and blessings – Jean

Christmas Jingle Scrappin’ Kit cards: Part 2

Another Sandy lookalike (though much smaller – lol!) channeling my darling girl.  Also where she spends time when the thunder, lightening and wind get to be just a bit too much! 

**********

Hi All,

Due to a few days of seizures making research take just a bit longer Frugal Friday is going to be a tad late today so I thought I would go ahead and post some more of the Christmas Jingle pictures as a follow up to this (click on the this to see it) previous post.  Should give you something to look at in the meantime.   I’ll try to get the Frugal post up before evening but no promises.  It might end up running over into Saturday.  Sorry about that.

Coldness has seeped in everywhere so the warm colors in this set are appreciated no end.  Just looking at the bright reds is warming. 

Here’s more of Linda’s great designs from last Saturdays Jingle SAS.

I’ll be back another day with the final installment of card pictures from this event.   In the mean time I’ve posted a PDF with all the pictures in the SCRIBD download files in my sidebar.  Or you can click here to see them.

Take care, stay warm and enjoy the run up to the holidays.  Ands as always I’ll be happy to answer questions or help you place an order for your own holiday supplies.  

Hugs and Blessings – Jean

My Blog Picks and Posts from Here and There Around the Web #16

My Blog Picks and Posts from Here and There Around the Web #16

Hi All,

 Here’s my latest set of Blog Picks from here and there around the web.  Generally, you’ll see all SU here on my blog but here and there I find inspiration that is eminently CASEable with SU Product so will share that as well with suggestions for alternate stamps and paper.  Feel free to copy and paste this list and pass it around to fellow stampers or customers or whoever.   Keep in mind there is a lot of inspiration out there and these are just a few of what I’ve found that struck my fancy (so it’s very subjective).   If you are an SU demo or customer and would like to see a more extensive list I have newsletters for both groups (free for right now) with more details, FYI, video and tutorial links.  Email me if you are interested.   Now with that plug out of the way here’s this weeks list of links.

Tips & Techniques & Reviews

http://thestampingwell.blogspot.com/2009/09/try-new-technique_13.html - textured tinfoil

http://www.2stampis2b.com/2008/11/faux-dew-drops-and-blizzard.html - Faux dew drops

http://suideacorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/sponge-dauber-pastels-vs-inks.html

http://inkspelled.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-batch-of-homemade-buttons.html - hodgepodge hardware as clay template! – Here’s some of the how to basics – http://inkspelled.blogspot.com/2009/10/polymer-clay-play.html

http://www.addalittledazzle.com/my_weblog/2009/11/holiday-lounge-ornament-tutorial-and-more.html - free project tutorials – terrific ideas!

http://www.sandimaciver.com/sandi_maciver/2009/11/dasher-stamp-diva-coffee-break-design-challenge.html - embossing with classic ink

 http://stampingwithdeanna.blogspot.com/2009/10/delightful-decorations-with-shine.html - delightful decorations and ornament punch idea

CAS (clean & simple)

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1535181 - Punches & Fundamental Phrases

http://www.newenglandstamper.com/my_weblog/2009/11/butterfly-color-challenge.html - Butterfly die cuts

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/2009/11/delightful-decorations-gold.html - Delightful Decorations – very elegant

 

General Cards & Projects

http://stampingstation.blogspot.com/2009/10/elegant-medallion.html - Medallion & Lattice die

http://www.thestamper.com/the_stamper/2009/08/wood-sheets-wows.html - Wood Sheets

http://suideacorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/sponge-dauber-pastels-vs-inks.html - Bird on a Branch

http://stampingleeyours.blogspot.com/2009/11/baby-boy-onesies.html - Forest Friends

http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/11/baroque-motifs—turns-into-the-colour-throwdown.html - Baroque Motif & Simple Friendship

Thanksgiving & Fall

http://www.newenglandstamper.com/my_weblog/2009/11/sweet-simple-saturday.html - Harvest Home

http://kjskorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgivingfall-holiday-hop.html - Wandering Words and Two Tags die make very cool place cards

http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2009/11/12/fall-lake-tutorial-279/ - Branch Out – breathtaking!!

http://polkadotsandpaper.typepad.com/polka-dots-and-paper/2009/11/giving-thanks.html - gifts of the Earth

http://butternutsagepapercuts.blogspot.com/2009/11/paper-cuts-basic-black-5-1-circles-very.html - Autumn Splendor and Autumn Days with all the dimensions

Holiday Mini

http://creationsbypatti.blogspot.com/2009/11/joy-sweet-treat-hanger.html - Sweet Treat Cup Card

http://olivestamps.blogspot.com/2009/11/peace-on-earth.html - Cold and Cuddly

 http://polkadotsandpaper.typepad.com/polka-dots-and-paper/2009/11/twas-the-night-before-christmas.html - Wandering Words and a free template!  Thanks Linda!

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/2009/11/3d-with-jaydee.html - Decor Blocks and Decor elements

Christmas/Winter/Hanukkah

http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/stamps_paper_scissors/2009/11/happy-monday.html - Friends 24-7

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1535207 & http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1535209?&si=SUO – Season of Joy – only demo forum members can view this one (sorry)

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1534915?&si=SUO - Holy Triptych & Medallion

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10284&ppuser=2562 - A Wish for Peace Gatefold card – http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10285&ppuser=2562 - interior of Wish for Peace Gatefold

http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/stamps_paper_scissors/2009/11/getting-out-of-that-rut.html - Holiday Best & Bella Toile and lots of bling

http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/stamps_paper_scissors/2009/10/freaks-rock-christmas.html - Holy Family and Scenic Season

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/2009/11/more-the-merrier-silver-snowmen.html - The More the Merrier

http://remarkablycreated.com/2009/11/joy-holiday-frame-with-vintage-ornaments-i-stencil/ - Vintage Ornaments stencil

Big Shot & 3-D & Punches

http://www.addalittledazzle.com/my_weblog/2009/11/tree-trimmings-sneek-peek-and-contest.html - Lattice die Ornament

http://inkspelled.blogspot.com/2009/08/life-is-good.html - Thanks embosslit

http://jackietopa.typepad.com/addicted_to_stamping/2009/11/santa-pillowbox.html - Pillowbox Santa ornament – great idea for workshops & craft fairs

http://remarkablycreated.com/2009/11/big-shot-pennant-die-angels/ - a different Pennant Die Angel w/tutorial & some more http://remarkablycreated.com/2009/11/shimmer-paint-from-stampin-up-my-new-love/

http://www.mychicnscratch.com/2009/11/quilting-with-the-top-note.html - Top Note Pin Cushion

http://jackietopa.typepad.com/addicted_to_stamping/2009/11/punch-art-puppy-card.html - Punch Art puppy and doghouse card

http://jackietopa.typepad.com/addicted_to_stamping/2009/11/snow-kids.html - snow kids with punches and a cool window treatment inside

http://jackiestamps4fun.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/thumbs-up-or-down/ - Rudolph behind a tree

http://buffycooper.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/11/sol.html - for the guitar player in your life

http://jill031070.blogspot.com/2009/10/on-nineth-day-of-christmas.html - different kind of tag box

http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/11/stampin-up-christmas-cocoa-3-d-items-caroleanne-style.html - The perfect office Gift set using the flocked paper – notebook, pencil holder, pencil and box for this matchbook gift card holder – http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/11/match-book-gift-card-holder-caroleanne-style-created-with-stampin-up-cocoa-paper.html

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/3d-items/holiday-lineup-snowman-soup/ - Treat package

http://www.mychicnscratch.com/2009/11/my-stamp-room.html - Dasher & Christmas Punch

http://jackiestamps4fun.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/practically-free/ - Dasher bags

http://butternutsagedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/11/are-you-ready-to-make-some-gift-items.html - Birds in Frame

Digital

http://www.carlas-scraps.com/2009/11/holiday-hop-tour-showcasing-wandering.html  – MDS hybrid with punches and Wandering Words

 

 

Storage & Organization & Stamp Rooms:

http://www.mychicnscratch.com/2009/11/my-stamp-room.html - Angie Juda’s Chic’ n Scratch Shack

Non Stamping

http://www.sirius.com/marthastewartlivingradio - free download of Martha Stewart & Friends Thanksgiving Cookbook & notes on hotline show

http://makinmecrazy.blogspot.com/2009/11/yummotie-dye-fun.html - tie dye tastes good

 

I hope you enjoyed looking at these as much as I enjoyed combing the web to find them for you.    Time to hit the stamp room while the inspiration is flowing and the mojo is strong!

Hugs and blessings my stamping friends – Jean 

Mojo strikes at the most unexpected times with amazing results!   Could also be subtitled Ninja cat attacks! 

Christmas Jingle Scrappin’ Kit Cards: Part 1

Hi All,

Last Saturday was another SAS day.   This time using the contents of Stampin’ Up’s Christmas Jingle Scrappin’ Kit.  My friend and fellow demo Mary Director did a wonderful job of reviewing this kit and all its contents here on her blog.  Take a look and I’ll wait for you to come on back – LoL!

Many cardmakers tend to overlook the possibilities of our scrappin’ kits if they only do cards and don’t scrap.  These kits are however a wonderful source for unique materials that also lend themselves to making quantities of cards whether for yourself or for organizations that pass them on for a cause.   Kits are also the only place (generally) you will find stickers in the SU lineup.  And now with the release of My Digital Studio if there is a sticker or embellishment from this kit that you want more than one of, you can easily print more using your home computer and printer!!    The Christmas Jingle Scrappin Kit is one of the featured sets in MDS.  Another wonderful benefit to this is that you can play with your designs on screen before committing yourself to paper.  Several of the stamp sets we used for our event are also in MDS so it made planning our projects even easier.

For our stamp a stack participants received 1/2 a scrappin kit, extra cardstock, envelopes and a roll of taffeta ribbon.    With this they made 20 cards for $30.  They also received copies of the PDF I mention below.   Most went home with sufficient leftover materials to make about another 10 or so cards.  Not a bad days work.   We also provided stamp sets, embossing set up and a Big Shot, dies and Impressions folders for all to use at the event. 

In theory if you vary the layout, size of cards and add a bit extra cardstock for card bases etc. its possible to get 80 cards from a full one of these scrappin kits and still make some tags etc. with leftovers from that!  Simply Amazing.   One demo I’ve talked to told me that for about $60  she made 150 cards, plus tags and stocking stuffer bits and pieces using scrappin kits, envelopes, embellishments and a lot of imagination.   Given the price of store bought cards I thought that was quite an achievement.  I’m not sure but I think that $60 included a Dasher Stamp as well. 

For our event my marvelous SU partner Linda came up with 24 sample designs and we used these as the jumping off point for participants to get a few ideas and then jump in with their own.  In case you are looking for a little inspiration I’ve posted these designs in a 4 page PDF format you can download and print or just view online – to find it just click on the SCRIBD download button in my right hand side bar or click here.   As there are 24 cards I’ll be feeding them into the blog a bit at a time.  Click on the images to see larger versions.

 

I also thought you might like to see what a few other stampers and bloggers are doing with this kit.

Mary Director’s blog:

http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/2009/10/cards-made-using-simply-scrappin-kit.html -  Part 1 of 2

http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/2009/10/cards-made-using-simply-scrappin-kit_22.html - Part 2 of 2

http://www.stampwithjeanne.com/my_weblog/2009/07/christmas-jingle-stampastack.html - click on image to see close ups of cards

 http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=christmas+jingle+kit - Gallery on SCS with cards with Christmas Jingle elements.

Google Tip:  Use Google to find examples, samples and projects on blogs using the name of stamp set or scrappin kit or Big Shot die, etc.  Then add blogs or Stampin up at the end and watch the list scroll on and on and on….

For Example: 

Google:    Christmas Jingle simply scrappin kit blogs

results of that Google search can be found at this link:  http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=2h&oq=&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLJ_enUS237US239&q=christmas+jingle+simply+scrappin+kit+blogs

For the Google search you can substitute any scrappin kit, etc.  name.

And another:

Google:  One Sheet Wonder card maps and samples

results from Google search:  http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLJ_enUS237US239&q=one+sheet+wonder+card+maps+and+samples

 Lots of maps and samples for OSW card sets.   Talk about value for the money!

Thanks for stopping by and letting me brag on another fun event and talented SU partner (thanks Linda for doing the design work!).   One of these days I’m going to remember to not only bring my camera to an event but also remember once there to actually use it so you can see all the fun!   Granted you can’t taste the Chocolate truffles or Chicken soup through the pictures but it might inspire you to find some of your own and then start stamping!

Check back in tomorrow for another edition of Blog Picks and Posts.  Until then…..

Hugs and blessings – Jean

Tightwad Tuesday explores many holiday traditions

Happy Tightwad Tuesday to you all!

Oh my goodness I’m writing this Monday night and Tightwad Tuesday was almost blown right into Wednesday.  The winds are roaring through the valley like a freight train (sound effects and all) and I’m betting that what few leaves remain will all be gone by morning.  Hopefully the pine trees can hold onto at least a few of their needles and cones!  Amazing!  And just a tad scary.  The cats are hunkered down and waiting for it to all go away.  Myself I’m just praying the power stays on (when you have a well no power also equals no water and boy do I need a shower! – LoL!)

Today’s Tightwad Tuesday post is going to explore (exploit?) several different upcoming holiday traditions.   Some you may be familiar with and others you may have wondered what they are all about.   As always though the stamps featured are all from my Under $20 list and for the full listings you can see, print or download the documents from my righthand sidebar.  We’re on schedule to have completed the holiday portions of the list by the end of November thus hopefully giving you time to order materials and execute any project ideas these recent holiday themed posts have inspired.

For the holidays you may be less familiar with, I’ve provided some links I found through Google or through friends to information, recipes and general overview.  Please understand that I am not responsible for the information you will find there.  As with any tradition particularly religious and cultural ones different groups will have different perspectives.  The links are provided solely to provide you with some basic information that you might find helpful as you choose or not to celebrate or provide others celebrations with joy and creativity with your stamping craft.

General Information link for all three holidays represented in this post: http://edsitement.neh.gov/monthly_feature.asp?id=83

And a few more from Google searches:

Christmas:

Celebrated on December 25th.

Here’s a few links about traditions and celebrations around the world. 

http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html

http://www.history.com/content/christmas/world-traditions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn10FF-FQfs - excerpt from Charlie Brown Christmas video

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday—Celebration-Recipes/Christmas-Recipes - recipes

http://www.marthastewart.com/christmas - Martha Stewart recipes and crafts etc.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/christmas/results.do?fnSearchType=recipe - recipes from the FoodNetwork

*****

Hanukkah:

This year Hanukkah begins at Sunset on Dec. 11^th and continues until nightfall of Dec. 19^th 2009. 

Here’s a few links with general information:

http://judaism.about.com/od/chanukah/qt/when09han.htm

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm

http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm – Judaism 101 site

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/Hanukkah/Main.aspx – recipes

http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/454611/jewish/Chanukah-Recipes-Tips.htm – recipes

http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/delegate.do?fnSearchString=hanukkah&fnSearchType=site  – food network recipes

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/hanukkah/recipes  – recipes

*****

Kwanza(a):

Dates when celebrated: Dec. 26 through Jan. 1

Here’s a few links with information about the traditions and history of the holiday as well as suggestions for celebrating it:

http://www.novareinna.com/festive/kwanzaa.html

http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4773,00.html

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/kwanzaa/traditions/kwanzaa-history-traditions – some wonderful recipes in this one

http://www.theholidayspot.com/kwanzaa/kwanzaa_recipes.htm – recipes

http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/kwanza-traditions/1797.html – video

*****

Now on to the stamps!

                                          

Gifts of Christmas -

#115372, $18.95, pg. 37 IBC

3 stamps in set.

*****

By far the easiest of these stamp sets to find links for.   Dress it up or dress it down, glittered, shimmered or simple this stamp set can provide a wide range of cards for every stamper.  And omit the Christmas greeting it will be perfect for any number of other holidays, weddings, anniversaries etc.  Even Peace rallies for the activist stamper!  Perfect for a Noah’s Ark themed event at Church or for many Jewish Holidays that also have doves in their images.

While most of the cards you will see in the links use the main image with the dove there are other possibilities in this set.  The single branch with vine and flowers works in a number of ways and even the text image while relating to Christmas wishes could have just the capitalized Peace, hope and love portion inked and used.  And don’t forget that each of these three words are also of a perfect size to be used alone on a mini tag (see the small insert).

Peace, hope, and love–couldn’t we all use a little more? Spread these three gifts to all your loved ones this holiday season.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=17463

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3159

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9831

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/challenges/gifts-of-christmas-ssc123/

http://www.stampthat.com/blog/change-up-a-card-design  

http://www.sharonburkert.com/as_the_ink_dries/2009/10/gifts-of-christmas.html

http://www.stampwithjeanne.com/my_weblog/2009/07/stamp-camp-july-2009-gifts-of-christmas.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1541327

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1537236?&cat=17463

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1539252?&cat=17463

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1535395?&cat=17463  – CAS

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2009/10/gifts-of-christmas.html

http://www.sharonburkert.com/as_the_ink_dries/2009/10/gifts-of-christmas-1.html

http://www.mystamplady.com/my_stamp_lady/2009/11/beautiful-gifts-of-christmas.html

http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/10/gifts-of-christmas-meet-lns-challenge-43-and-sc251-sketch.html

http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/a-gift-of-christmas  – non dove gifts of Christmas

http://www.sandystamper.com/2009/09/an-elegant-christmas-card-from-gifts-of-christmas.html

http://ca-es.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=188243065408

http://stampwithtami.com/blog/2009/11/christmas-cards-stampin-up/ - this link has another link showing how to create the unembossed ovals so popular with the users of this stamp set.

http://www.stmprdee.com/2009/08/christmas-card-greeting.html – 3D mini tag album

http://thequeensscene.blogspot.com/2009/11/sssc44-christmas-wishes.html

http://ustamp4fun.com/classic-christmas-card – Text stamp only

http://www.createwithpaper.com/createwithpaper/2009/10/canadian-crafters.html – another non dove

http://kimevans.typepad.com/stamping_with_kim/2009/11/christmas-wishes.html

http://stampercamper.com/home/cardpost/october_-_tour_de_freaks – Dove and non dove samples

http://321stamp.typepad.com/321_stamp_launching_creat/2009/11/gifts-of-christmas.html

*****

Shalom Sayings – #111686, $15.95, pg. 39 IBC

One in a series of stamp sets geared to Jewish holidays this set has many practical uses in celebrating the traditions and holidays in the Jewish life.  For those of us who appreciate those holidays but who are not of this faith I would still recommend this set for use with craft fairs, friends of this faith and even more importantly these days to provide cards for soldiers serving overseas who’s traditions may easily be overlooked.

What SU has to say about the set:

Express the sincerest Bar Mitzvah congratulations or the warmest holiday wishes with the timeless Jewish symbols of the menorah and the Star of David. The exclusive Jewish-themed stamp set Shalom Sayings helps you say it all.

Set Quantity: 4

More than just Hanukkah can be celebrated with this set.  And many stampers combine these images with the Menorah and Star from the Holiday Blitz stamp set found on pg. 44    All the images are especially gorgeous when silver or gold embossed (silver being the more traditional).  And for a twist markers can be used to create candles or other features in multiple colors.     I have to say that I’m a sucker for any stamp set with a menorah or Star of David.   I’ve long appreciated and celebrated many Jewish holidays as an addition to my Catholic faith.  Growing up with many Orthodox friends probably also had an influence.   When I think of candles I think of Sabbath prayers and Menorahs as well as the light of Christ’s love.  And it all seems good to me.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=14657

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=935 

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1053649?&cat=14657 - This one made the Stampin Up demo showcase last year and has been a favorite of mine for some time now.

http://shaunacards.blogspot.com/2009/10/303-hanukkah-card.html – CAS

http://inkbig.typepad.com/inkbig/2008/12/stampin-ups-shalom-sayings.html

http://www.patriciastamps.com/2008/11/12-days-of-christmas-samples—day-6.html

http://stampingnscrapping.blogspot.com/2009/10/411-hanukkah.html

http://alliohran.blogspot.com/2009/01/lots-of-holiday.html

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/traditional-hanukkah

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/embossed-hanukkah-card

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/hanukkah-sketch-challenge

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/hanukkah-gift-tags

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2008/11/30/faux-metal-tags

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/another-hanukkah-card

*****

Let There Be Light – #116533, $7.95, pg. 31 in the Holiday Mini.

This fun and frugally priced stamp is one of the single stamps introduced in this years 2009 Holiday Mini.  While basically a Menorah the candles designs remind me of African designs I’ve come across in my weaving so initially I also thought of Kwanzaa until I learned there was a difference in the number of Candles used (7 as opposed to the 9 of the menorah).  Also flavors of Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting and other modern artists from the 1960’s like Sister Corita Kent. 

So since the mini ends January 4th if it appeals you’d best grab it before it disappears!  

Note: the phrase can be inked alone and used in various projects and can also be omitted from the stamp with clever inking.  A perfect stamp image to get out your watercolor pencils or markers.  And also lends itself to embossing and other fun techniques.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=17836

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.phpcat=3254 

http://kraftinwithkathy.blogspot.com/2009/10/let-there-be-light.html

http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/2009/08/sneak-peak-iii-holiday-mini-catalog.html

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/fun-funky-hanukkah

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/thank-you-to-our-veterans

http://yaphastamps.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/time-for-the-hanukkah-cards

*****

Happy Kwanza – #111640, $15.95, pg. 39 IBC

SU says:

Joyous Kwanzaa! Celebrate the proud and storied contribution of African-American culture to the vibrant holiday season with the exclusive images and greeting from the Happy Kwanzaa stamp set. 

The cup, the corn and the candles (with text omitted) can all be used in many settings so that makes this not only a frugally priced set but a practical one as well with more than a single occasion use.  The stylized images have a natural weight and feel about them.   Try embossing them in white, black, brown or gold and then filling in the spaces with color!   Whether you go bold or neutral this set will add a new dimension to your cards and projects.  I only wish I could have found more links to inspire you to see beyond the single holiday emphasis of this set.  Hmm…going to have to see if I can get my hands on it and experiment!   If any of you have this set how about posting your work to the online galleries so we can all be inspired….pretty please??

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=14647

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: none

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1025955?&cat=14647

http://www.patriciastamps.com/2008/11/12-days-of-christmas-samples—day-7.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1097000?&cat=14647

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1151726?&cat=14647

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1151725?&cat=14647

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1151727?&cat=14647

*****

Note about another thrifty set that will work as an adjunct to many of todays sets:  Holiday Blitz though priced at $38.95 has a cost per stamp ratio (28 stamps at a cost of approx. $1.39 each) that does make it a thrifty choice for frugalistas and with the wide range of symbols and images pretty much every holiday or event is covered including the three holidays featured in todays post.  And with the smaller size of images its perfect for creating those inchie projects you know I’m crazy about.  Coordinates well with punches too!   Here’s a shot of all the images and another day I’ll provide you some links and a larger discussion about why price is not always the determining factor in what’s a tightwad/frugal deal.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the dive into the holiday info and the stamps and I’ll see you back here for another Frugal edition on Friday as well as Thursdays Blog Picks and Posts.

Hugs and blessings – Jean

November Playtime Continued….

Hi All,

Happy Monday!  As promised here’s another peek inside my recent play day.  Perhaps this should have been titled – Got Punch…got card!   Especially since my Scallop Circle Punch got such a workout.   My Big Shot is sulking in the corner and the Punch is muttering things like…Big Shot…Who needs a stinkin’ Big Shot…and…now who’s the Big Shot huh??  

Have to say the Frugal side of me is cheering the $15.95 punch versus the $99 big black machine but the creative side says…nope… I love all my children…uhm..tools…equally but my Big Shot just keeps stealing my heart with its versatility and range.  Sorry Punch but until you can cut 5+ sheets at a time, emboss on a dime and still crush a bottle cap… I’m afraid the Big guy wins.  But don’t despair we’ll be getting together for some intensive ornament making time really, really soon…okay?

*****

Remember these Card Candy flowers I showed you all a while ago here.

…well now I’ve used one!  This feels like a Sesame Street or cognition quiz…which one is least like the others!  Yep…that’s the one I used!  Hah!  No surprise there!

As you can see in this last photo I created a window for my flower using the Scallop Circle Punch.  Since we don’t yet have this shape in a Mover’s & Shapers die my placement choices are a tad limited.  You’ll also notice that in the inside shot I still don’t have the placement for the stem and leaves image from True Friend quite down. 

The placement for the flower so it works with the window is a bit tricky and I didn’t quite estimate it’s size correctly when I stamped the base.  I did however highlight the leaves etc I stamped with Soft Suede with the gel pen so it stands out a bit better than it otherwise might.   I also used Versamark to create the watermark image background with the flourish stamp image from Season of Joy.   I haven’t quite decided what sentiment to add to the inside so will wait for inspiration or the right occasion.   The rest is, I think, pretty self explanatory.

Tip:  To add emphasis, interest and contrast that will make any image stand out from the background consider highlighting or filling in portions or your image with our white gel pen.  The white really glows against darker colors of cardstock and ink and adds a bit of dimensionality to any image.

Supply List:

Stamps: True Friend, Season of Joy

Inks: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Versamark

Papers: Bermuda Bay, Real Red (textured), Naturals White, Soft Suede

Other: Gold Brad, Dimensional, Boho Flower Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 5/8″ Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Red Gingham ribbon, White Gel Pen

*****

I hope your week is starting off well…Saturday’s Christmas Jingle SAS event when off wonderfully  though sadly without me (gotta love having partners who don’t panic if seizures keep me away).   I’ll hopefully have some pictures to share of Saturdays cards that my partner Linda created later this week.

Find some time to stamp this week and the week will fly by assuming you like time travel .  Thanks once again for stopping by my corner of blogland.

Hugs and Blessings – Jean

Sunday’s ramble and pictures from my other crafting life.

Hi All,

I thought you might like to see what I do in my other life when I’m not stamping.  As those of you who’ve read my mini bio on the About page may remember I’m also a spinner and weaver.  As I was organizing my photo files I came across some pictures of various projects over the last few years so thought I would share.   The shawl pictures are from a group wedding gift to a fellow weaver in my guild.   All the members of our Weekly spinning circle contributed some handspun alpaca, llama, camel, yak and a few bits of plain old sheep!  Whatever we had that was of the softest and generally natural colors that would work together.  Then a few bits were dyed blue to add a  hint of color (not to mention match Ruthies lovely eyes)  and yours truly got the honor of weaving them all together on my Rigid Heddle loom. 

Might look complicated but trust me if you can knit then you can learn to warp and weave on one of these looms in an afternoon.  Nothing complicated as long as you can count to 100 or so.  After teaching a few such workshops trust me its doable and easy to create projects up to 10 feet in a day….unless of course you are working with over a dozen different spinners handspun product!   Different tensions, strengths not to mention lengths make for an interesting problem in weaving.   It was at last achieved though and I think the result was lovely if I do say so myself.   A pity you can’t feel the softness and warmth of the fibers.  Drapes like melted butter and silk (now that’s a strange image I’ll admit but the one that came to mind – lol!).    I just realized those are my toes in the background of the first picture!  Don’t think I ever noticed they were there when I looked through the camera lens.  

It occurs to me that the middle picture might make for an interesting card element someday.  I might also add that the fringe looks a bit rough as it’s my practice to leave fringe at the lengths it comes off the loom so the recipient can cut to their preferred length.

*****

This scarf is one I created for my Mother in Law – Hi Mom!  And is silk and Ramie and ribbon all rolled up into one.  Rolling being the operative word.  Did you know that silk and linen and other fine fibers should really be rolled and not folded to protect the fibers and keep your lovely textiles around for years to come?  Yep.  They should.  Silk is a tad more forgiving but linen is very, very important not to fold or if you must to cushion the folds with puffs of paper or other material that prevents sharp creases from forming.  It’s the creases that do the damage as plant based fibers tend to break and crack in the creasing. 

In the closeup you can see some of the metallic thread interspersed throughout the weave.

*****

And lastly is one of the many linen and wool table runners I love to weave.   One of a series I created for a series of Church Lenten Suppers one year to first decorate the tables and then later be auctioned off to participants to raise money for charity.   Rather like some of the scarves I love to knit….these take almost no thought and can be completed in under 5 hours each generally.

Hope you enjoyed this peek into my “other” life.  And yes for those of you wondering I do sell my spinning and weaving work – if you are interested in discussing a project drop me a line.

I’ll leave you today with a rare siting of a phenomenon known in our house as quilted kitty lump. 

Hugs and blessings my friends – Jean

Can’t see me….I’m invisible……and uh… don’t sit on the corner of the bed, okay??

Rats….Somehow Mom’s anti-invisible kitty cloaking vision foiled me again! (Sorry about that Sandy – Love,  Mom)

November Playtime and Prototypes – Season of Simple Grace

Hi All,

Yep!  I’ve been playing once again and once again I’ll share the fun even before the designs are perfected (warts and all).

My friend and fabulous upline Cheryl (hi sweetie) loaned me her set of Season of Simple Grace to play with.  This set was originally featured in last years Holiday mini and made it into this years catalog as a new addition.    A while back I saw some Nativity  type dioramas and it got me thinking….and then my eye lit once again on the Curly Label Movers and Shapers die and I was off to the races as they say to create my own prototypes. 

My version of what I call a flap diorama card (standard A2 size) that creates a 3D crèche perfect for a holiday gift especially for those with limited space or in hospitals, nursing homes or in foreign lands serving in the military with a need to keep things simple.

And here it is folded flat for mailing:

 I cut a partial oval from a template of sorts then scored and folded in to create the floor of the crèche.  Eventually the plan is to use the Scalloped Oval Frame Big Shot die to create a frame for the opening and if I can find my Coluzzle I’ll be able to cut a neater opening.  For now though my theory is that cave openings and rough wood shelters (scholars are still debating which it was) are just that rough…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it – LoL!   I then cut a slit across the back of the card to fit the folded flap into to keep the card upright and open.  A slit in the floor allowed me to insert the family grouping that was cut with an extension piece sticking out from the main image.  All images except the star were stamped and then cut out. Card will fold flat for mailing.  I used a gel pen to highlight the star image and a sponge to darken the “floor” flap, cave opening and card edges.  I considered gluing down some raffia in place of straw but decided I wanted to keep things simple and less messy since invariable some would fall off.

Here’s the undecorated inside that shows the flap, the slit in the back and the underside of the flap with the nativity cut out piece’s tab placed through the small slit and glued down with sticky strip:

I haven’t quite decided how I’ll decorate the inside.  Any suggestions?  Tricky since the slits and flaps can’t be covered up as they have to be moveable.

Supplies List:

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace

Inks: Soft Suede

Papers: Kraft, Naturals White

Other: Craft Knife, Paper Snips, Stamping Sponge, Uni Ball Gel Pen, Sticky Strip

*****

Next window variation using the same Season of Simple Grace used the Movers and Shapers Curly Label die to cut, score and create a window card all in one step.  Of course if you don’t have the M&S die you could approximate this with the Curly Label punch.   A template (see this post) created from another Movers and Shaper (Holiday Collection) was used for the sponge daubed framing. Hard to tell that a Curly Label die was used for the original window if you don’t see the back side opening.  Our SU white gel pen was used to add interest to the star image as well as the stencil area

Curly label shape shows best from the back

inside of the card - keeping it simple

The plainer Scalloped Border Punch would probably fit the simplicity of the image better but the eyelet was the only current border punch I have at the moment.  This card is going out to several of my weaving and Carmelite nun buddies come Christmas.  I realized the other day that our new Soft Suede in color is the exact same shade of my Carmelite friends habits.   Wonder how SU knew .

Supplies List:

Stamps: Season of Simple Grace, Many Merry Messages

Inks: Soft Suede

Papers: Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Naturals White

Other: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Curly Label Movers & Shapers die, Holiday Collection Movers & Shaper die, Plastic template material (to create stencil), Eyelet Border Punch, Paper Snips, Sponge Dauber, Uni Ball Gel Pen, glue dots

*****

In between bouts of Simple Grace I also came up with another Stair step card to send a recently bereaved friend.  As a widow of 12 years I find myself putting extra thought into Sympathy cards and I have to say from my own experience that the cards that spoke to me the most were those that reminded me of the love my husband and I had shared and the memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life as well as the healing power of God in all things.   Some of those cards and notes I still read from time to time so when I set out to create a 3D stair step card that could potentially be out for a bit I wanted to focus on the positive and wanted to avoid words like sympathy that, seen everyday, would be a reminder more of loss than of love lived.  And  one of my favorite sayings that “There is no sorrow on earth that Heaven cannot heal” was also somewhere in the back of my mind.  And the blurry camera strikes again…now if only the pictures had turned out as well as the card seems to in real life (at least to me) you might be able to see what I was aiming at.   And does anyone elses camera not take the picture you see through the view finder.  For some reason I have to guess at what angle the lens is going to use and multiple takes to get both sides of the project in the picture.  The trials of an 11 year old digital camera I guess…it must be losing it’s programming or something.

I used Friends 24-7 and God’s Blessings once again (love those two sets with a passion) as well as a retired set Wonderful Words for the Love sentiment – what on earth was SU thinking when they retired that set will someone please explain??!   Since I joined SU too late to purchase that one Cheryl was good enough to lend me that one too.   I really have to start trolling for that set somewhere here online as I’m quite sure I’ll never pry that set out of Cheryl’s hands…it’s just too good to part with!

I used markers to color in the flower image though for the leaves I used the thinner pen end of the marker for a different more stylized look.  Got out the piercing tool as well.  I wanted to keep it simple so passed on using any kind of background on the card base itself though I’ve been considering doing some kind of texturing or wheeling on the next one.  I did use texture paper for the punch flowers to add another layer of interest.  And of course my favorite gold brads I seem to be addicted to lately.

Supplies List:

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Wonderful Words

Inks: Real Red, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede (text) classic Pads – Real Red and Always Artichoke Markers

Papers: Kraft, Soft Suede, Real Red (textured), Very Vanilla

Other: Gold Brads, Boho Flower Punch, Paper snips (slit the flowers), Paper Piercing tool and Mat Pack, Paper Trimmer

*****

Hope you enjoyed this peek into my latest playtime.  These same images have also been posted to my Stampin’ Addicts Gallery.  I’ll be back another day with a few more projects from this same crazy stamping day.  Here’s a hint:  I finally used some of the card candy flowers I created and showed you a while ago.  If you would like to learn how to create some of these for your own I’d be happy to schedule a workshop or class for you and a few of your friends.  I’m also creating a PDF tutorial that will be available for purchase using PayPal.   And as always I’ll be happy to help you order any of the materials used here so you can create your own flap fold diorama.

Hugs and blessings – Jean

Just a reminder:

Playtime supervisor is watching you!!!