Kraftin with Kathy

Valentine's birthday

2012-02-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

My brother's birthday is on Valentine's day, so had to do something different than red and hearts. He loves to snowboard so I used a retired stamp called snowboarder and lovely as a tree. I cased Brenda Westcom's card from stampin connection and changed out DSP to well worn.

sale-a-bration celebration

2012-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year, getting FREE stuff from Stampin up with every $50 you spend.
I used an exclusive SAB set called outline occasions. And of course you know I love using designer paper to get my color palette from. So, I used SAB designer series paper Every day enchanted elegance. I came up with simple easy card adding a little bit of pool party bakers twine.

quick but elegant sympathy card

2012-02-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I needed sympathy card for a friend who's father passed away. Inspired by Mocha morning speciality paper- which is raised velvet... it was a great base to keep it to a simple card. I used the designer frames embossing folder and just cut out the raised oval frame and stamped sentiment and used my extra large oval punch and done.

smooch spritz fun

2012-01-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is one of the cards we will be making at my upcoming open house SAB-occasion mini kick off.
I used an SAB set called sprinkled expressions that I embossed in white and then used the new blushing bride smooch spritz like emboss resist technique. I also used the new embossing folders adorning accent for the bottom border

a little penquin love

2012-01-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

This is a card I made for a swap I am in. The card is a case from Julie Davison, if you haven't checked out her blog you should she gives great tips every week.

The penquin is made from the owl punch and then I used fashionable hearts embosslits die in the new Occasion mini catalog and a saying from a SAB set called sprinkled expressions.

Sale-a-bration sneak peek

2012-01-13T04:43:00.000-08:00

Let's face the most cards we use are birthdays. So, love new sets to inspire me to make other cards. I got inspiration from a lot of exclusive Sale-a-bration 2012 sets from Stampin Up. The stamp set is called elementary elegance. I also got my color combo from SAB designer series paper called- everyday enchantment and everyday enchantment ribbon and brad pack. All things you can earn with every $50 spent during sale-a-bration January 24-March 31st.

Sympathy card class

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Her is a peek at cards we will be doing for upcoming Sympathy card class on February 10th.

Most cards are cased in some form, sympathy cards are tough. We always seem to need them and it always seems like more than one at a time, so good to have a stash on hand. RSVP by 2/3 if you are interested in attending. Two sessions 11:00 am and 7:30 pm

Occasion mini starts today!

2012-01-04T13:07:00.001-08:00

I added a link to view new Occasion mini catalog on my sidebar.

Love new stuff!!!

I'm back with some altered gift ideas

2011-12-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow, where has the time gone. With holidays fast approaching here are two fun ideas.

1) K cup holder. This pattern I bought from Lauren Meader (she is super talented) with great ideas.

I just printed pattern and then used some simply scrapping pieces to decorate.

2) I took some trident gum and copied the box pattern to make a santa suit.

creative elements stamp set round 2

2011-11-18T04:41:00.000-08:00

This is another card I made with Stampin Up's creative elements stamp set. And yes, lots more embossing. I admit, I am a little addicted.

For top note, I embossed in clear and them brayered over it with crumb cake ink. I embossed the sentiment area in new pewter embossing powder and then embossed the butterflies with cherry cobbler and melon mambo embossing powders. Love new colors of embossing powder!

card for Shelli

2011-11-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

Shelli Gardner founder of Stampin Up, had a birthday last month so they tried to get all the demos to send her cards. This the card I sent using stamp set creative elements and first edition speciality dsp. I love embossing so I did it for everything almost using some new embossing powders.

this is inside of card!

Holiday Stamp-a-stack

2011-11-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of cards we are doing for my upcoming Holiday Stamp-a-Stack on Sunday November 13th.

Getting ready for Craft fair

2011-10-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am doing a craft fair at the Barn- Holliston Historical Society 547 Washington St from 9:30 am-3 pm. There will be almost 20 crafters there, so get a jump on your holidays and shop!

Grab bag snowman

2011-10-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Back in the spring- SU had some grab bag deals- for $5 or $15. It was some simply scrappin kits and precut cardstock, ribbon, etc... I got this precut card stock and figured it worked well with Christmas theme. It almost was like "chopped" for stamping- here are your ingredients come up with a card.

Luckily, the snow much fun stamp set image fit pretty close in the white. I used this card for a recent stamp a stack. I wanted to showcase some new Holiday mini products:
1) punched out "snowball" in silver glimmer paper
2) used dazzling details around snowman body

morning cup tea-riffic

2011-10-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

I love the designer series paper in Stampin Up's Holiday mini catalog called "spice cake". I used it for my inspiration for this card using stamp set called Morning cup. I water colored the images using markers and did a little paper piercing. Fall weather just makes you want more warm beverages.

sweet pressed cookies

2011-10-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

I ordered these sweet pressed cookies- and so much fun- stamping and baking. Kids would love this.

You make your favorite sugar or short bread cookie recipe from scratch or box and chill dough. Then rolls into 1.5 inch balls and them press the the cookie press with your choice of design into the dough. (kids would love this)

So this was after I pressed them out.

This was after they were baked, they come out huge! And in words of Rachel Ray "yumm-o".

get well soup holders

2011-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

A quick share of one of the items I am making for upcoming craft fair on October 29th. I used kidoodles stamp set and RMDH stamp set turtle and Co.

Super simple to do, directions:

Card stock measures 9.25 x 4.25
score at 3.25 and 3.75 inches
use brads to secure.

It would be great for hot cocoa packet too.

Birthday stamp a stack shares

2011-10-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today some of my fellow demo friends were suppose to have a SU yard sale, but of course the weather did not cooperate with us. We are also doing a craft fair in Holliston October 29th, so I have been busy preparing for both of those events. I will post some of my craft fair creations for you next week.

Today, I thought I share some easy simple birthday cards I did for a recent birthday stamp a stack the local school asked me to help out with for all the teachers birthdays. I am sure I cased more than one of them, so I apologize for not giving credit if I did.

1) using RMDH stamp set-"Turtle & Co". The dsp is retired, I was using up a lot of my retired items, as it was for a school I only charged $1 per card to cover my supply cost.

2) crazy for cupcakes stamp set and some dsp from SAB this year- to get my color palette

3) Baroque motifs and white gel pen, bad photo though, the main cardbase is razzleberry and it looks more like burgundy.

4) Lovely as a tree- my go to stamp set for masculine cards

5) Trendy trees and big shot top note

Ruffled leaves

2011-09-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

I just got my stamper's success magazine and had to try out the ruffled paper technique. I use Stampin Up's designer paper for my color inspiration most of the time. I love the idea of using it as place or instead of ribbon.

It really is just free forming it- I use some snail on back of 1/2 inch strip and just keep folding it or "ruffle it" to continue it down the cardstock. It did take longer than a 12" strip, so I needed an extra piece of dsp to finish it off.

I also tried out another technique of emboss resist using first edition speciality designer series paper and french foliage stamp set. I used some retired copper and new pewter embossing powder and then sponged on more mustard, old olive and bravo burgundy inks. I used splitcoast challenge #351 from this week.

Happy Fall!

Been out of stamping mode, call 411

2011-09-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't been stamping as much over the summer, now that we have power and kids are back at school I needed some inspiration for stamping. I went to a great website http://stamping411.blogspot.com and did their sketch challenge this week.

This is a new fun set from Stampin Up called "kidoodles" and the designer series paper is "let them eat cake" from Stampin Up too. I used the designed series paper for my color choices: wild wasabi, baja breeze and peach parfait.

Hurricane updates and delays- New Holiday mini

2011-09-02T12:05:00.001-07:00

I apologize for downtime, Hurricane Irene knocked out our power for 5 days just getting back in the swing of things and will be posting again soon. Plus it delayed kids going to school, which cuts into my stamping time.
Happy Labor day weekend.

New Holiday mini is out and love it, check out my sidebar link to view all the fun new things!

Frog Fun

2011-08-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit I took a vacation from blogging. We had vacations and then too much fun stuff to do with kids out of school to stamp and post.

However, with the release of new catalog new fun toys to play with. Today I am showing off a swap I did using RMDH stamp set ($2 of each set goes to Ronald McDonald house charities) called: Turtle & Co from Stampin Up. It has other cute images like a snail, turtle and birthday accessories.

The designer series paper I used is Stampin up's "beyond garden".

Two more weeks until school starts, so hoping to have more time to stamp and share!

I got inspiration from the catalog using a card design on page 202. Don't forget the catalog is called idea book and catalog so always a great place to get inspiration, color schemes and sketches.

New Catalog starts today!

2011-07-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

click on side bar to view new catalog!

teacher cards- breaking out an unused set

2011-06-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I got this stamp set Apple blossoms on a preorder last July 2010. I had the best intentions to make teacher cards etc... and I never used it! As my pre-order came for the new catalog starting on July 1st, I figured I better break out the ink.

I think I lacked some inspiration and direction on what to do with it. So I cased a card on stampin connection from Michelle Reynolds. I added the owl punch but loved her design!

Now that we are down with all the end of year activities and events and a clean stamp room- I hope to be posting more often with new cattie and my back log of scrapbooking I need to accomplish!

Love embossing!

2011-06-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Embossing has to be my favorite technique. So I was psyched to see new embossing powders in new summer mini catalog from Stampin Up.

Love the new bright color embossing powders in the summer mini- melon mambo, tangerine tango and wild wasabi. I cased the one on black from stampin connection- just to play around, I apologize I don't remember who. It is so stunning and really pops. The embossed white one, also uses embossing dot folder for the big shot. That is the card I came up with for card party too.

Summer mini shares

2011-06-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone, too many school events and commitments. I finally got back in my stamp room to come up with some cards for a card party I did last Friday. Get ready for summer and swimming!

So here is the first share using Stampin Up's summer splash and markers to color in the images, great way to get multi-colored look. I tried to make it universal for male or female.

clean and simple

2011-05-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Allison had a birthday this week and we are doing a girls night out for her this week. So, I thought using Stampin Up's Cheers to you stamp set was in order. I also just got the matching wheel "cheers" that coordinates with stamp set.

I used clean & simple sketch this week and added a little crystal effects to glass.

here is a close up of crystal effects:

Birthday card for my son

2011-05-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today is my son Quinton's 14th birthday. I needed a card for him, so I decided to use Stamping 411, sketch challenge this week. He has been playing guitar for over 5 years now, so I used grunge rock stamp set and embossing.

I also did a version with gold embossing and metallic gold paper. Sorry for blurry photo:

I hope your day rocks too!

trying to get mojo back

2011-05-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much motivation to go stamp lately, but having gotten my recent stampin success magazine I wanted to try double embossing technique and play with my new blossom bouquet triple layer punch. Having lost my mojo, I decided to do a sketch challenge. I used this weeks sketch challenge on Splitcoast Stampers- sc333.

The double embossing technique is fun.

Quick tutorial:

step one: run your paper or card stock through embossing folder and big shot

step two: ink up embossed or raised image with versa mark and then dump on clear embossing powder on and heat. (note to self make sure you clean out your embossing trays better- as I have flecks of glitter and black embossing powder mixed in)

Here is what it looks like close up:

more scrapbooking with kids shares

2011-05-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more, no photos in these ones.

Okay more retired stamps used again (12 - nine year old girls, they get to use my retired stash)

This one uses Stampin Up "Vintage Vogue" stamp set. The designer paper is retired but with some current colors. For the kids, they will use coordinating wheel at the bottom vs. border stamp- too hard to line up.

This is a retired simply scrappin birthday kit I still had tons left over. I can never seem to use the entire kid up, they are such a great value. Anyways, I made this for the birthday girl to add to her album to remember her party.

Scrapbooking with kids

2011-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am doing a scrapbooking birthday party for a 9 y.o. girl this Friday. We choose to do 8 x 8 size and I tried to keep designs simple for the kids and for them to be able to get 4 designs done in reasonable amount of time. Here are the first two to show with photos:

This one I used a retired stamp set from Stampin Up called "Cold Play". I still can't pass it up making all the snowman parts. I used dazzling diamonds on the torn piece of whisper white to look like snow.

This one uses "Medallion" stamp for background and another retired set called "Enjoy everything". My original intention was to make it a fall page and use leaf die for big shot but kept it simple with just the photos.

Happy Mother's day

2011-05-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

I awoke to breakfast in bed this morning and my son Dylan went into my craft room and came out with this card for me:

The best part were the thoughts written inside:

Now here is my card I made for my husband for his mom:

Too all the moms out there, I wish you Happy Mother's Day!

glittery surf's up

2011-05-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

The new summer mini catalog started on May1st. This is a set called Summer Splash, I actually won it at Regionals last month. In a recent Stampin Success magazine they showed embossing with multiple layers by using a piece of paper to block out or mask different sections. I decided to do something similar with cosmo glitter and heat and stick powder.

I used Stamping 411 sketch this week and it worked for Late night stampers challenge of using 3's. I used 3 rhinestone brads (I cut of fastners with scissors and used glue dots) and used 3 ribbons.

It makes me want the warm weather and summer to get here soon!

first communion

2011-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

It is First Communion time of year. The kids always look so cute and angelic dressed in white.
Here are some simple cards I came up with using Crosses of Hope stamp set embossed in gold and embossing folders for the big shot. I could really dress them up with some taffeta ribbon and pearls.

more punch art shares

2011-04-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have some more swap card shares for you... These are great versions of flowers you can make with punches!

punch card swap shares

2011-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's spring vacation this week, so with kids home I have not had much free stamping time. I thought I would share with you a punch swap I recently participated in.

This is my card using punches to make a mouse, I sponged with white craft for shading:

Here are two more fun ones (sorry don't have names on them, but they all did not provide names)

Love the use of heart punches for bride and groom card!

And a frog punch art!

I love designer series paper

2011-04-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Playing around with some more new stuff, as it the title says- I love designer series paper. This paper called Paisley petals is so pretty, but I cut into and let the be more of the main image. I also used four frames a new stamp set. The rest came out my scrap box of left over projects from stamp a stacks and workshops.

The design is this weeks sketch challenge over at splitcoast stampers, SC328.

2 challenges in one

2011-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Late night stampers challenge this week was to use flowers and I also used Stamping 411 sketch challenge this week. It is a rainy day, so I decided to play with my new stamps that will come up in Summer mini. The stamp set is fabulous flowers and the designer paper is called "beyond the garden". Love the bright happy colors.

I also did one for my blue mood of the weather using same stamps and paper:

Sail away Stampin Up style

2011-04-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is a sneak peek at upcoming stamp set in the summer mini catalog called "sail away". It is a single stamp for $9.95. I totally cased the card out of the mini catalog because I loved the colors and design. I even got to break out my color spritzer tool that I haven't had a chance to use it. Fun, fun, fun!

birthday card buffet

2011-04-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

Here is another card we will be doing at upcoming card buffet this week. The stamp set is "on a pedastel". I was inspired by the designer series paper sweet & sour speciality paper color combo of pumpkin pie and rose red.

Big shot birthday fun

2011-04-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is a card I came up with for upcoming birthday card buffet. There is no stamping on this card! I used the sizzlet Big bold Birthday and then used the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. The paper is from a retired Simply scrappin kit which I always never am able to use up the whole kit.

More Hope and strength shares

2011-03-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

This card I cased out of the back of new summer mini, but changed up color scheme to using pink and regal rose. The stamp set is Stampin Up's hope and strength set, that benefits breast cancer research.
I had this tinsel I had bought out of winter mini catalog and (gasp) never used it. So I added some champagne mist shimmer paint with sponge dauber around the edge of tag.

clean and simple hope

2011-03-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today, I was inspired to use a new set I got on pre-order for an upcoming campaign to benefit Breast Cancer. Personally, I lost my mom to this terrible disease over 16 years ago so I always try to support any research causes in this area.

I used the clean and simple sketch . I love this site as clean and simple is a great way to showcase the stamps.

Campaign Dates: May 1-August 31, 2011

As part of our Making a Difference program, Stampin' Up! is proud to partner with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the Strength & Hope Campaign.

Throughout the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog sales period, Stampin' Up! will donate $2* from the sale of each Strength & Hope set and Strength & Hope digital kit to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)

Get corky with it- bulletin boards

2011-03-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am doing a craft fair this Saturday at the Islamic school of Rhode Island in Warwick RI. As it is a school I wanted to have some more things kids might want to buy, so I made some bulletin boards out of cork sheets I had and backed them with 12 x 12 paper that I glued to the cardboard backing in the designer paper for stability.

I added some jumbo eyelets, big shot letters and some either sizzlets or stamped images to attach to tacks.

Sporty one for the boys...

more regional shares

2011-03-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

These were some of my sideline friends at Regionals last Saturday.

This is one of display board samples of Shannon West's presentation of doing embossed water colors and pop art.

It can get crazy around card display boards, these were samples of swaps done at Hartford Regionals. I just take a grouping as you can always zoom in, but good to get some ideas.

using fabric on your cards!

Oh, I won a stamp set- Love prize patrol. I can't show it as it is a stamp set out Summer mini catalog.

regional swap part 2

2011-03-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

Usually you need to bring at least 2 dozen swaps, as I get bored with just doing one card I came up with one more inlaid embossing. This one I used create a cupcake punch and I was inspired to use my red glimmer paper and came up with bright color scheme based off that.

Regional swap card

2011-03-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am psyched because Stampin Up regionals is coming close to me, so I will be attending Regionals in Hartford, CT on Saturday. It always is fun to learn new things, see great ideas and of course Swapping!

I decided to focus on a technique so I did two different cards using inlaid embossing using my big shot embossing folders and punches. Super easy- just punch out images and then adhere to your cardstock base and run through big shot in an embossing folders.

Here is one of my rejects, as I caught an edge. Don't you hate that???

Easter skinny treat bags

2011-03-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

My friend Robin gave some skinny treat bags so I made up some treats to sell at craft fair. I filled some with M & M's, skittles and glitter pencil/pixie stick combo.

Stamp sets used (all Stampin Up):
1) picnic parade
2) flower for all seasons
3) a good egg

angry bird case

2011-03-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been MIA- with going away for vacation, trying to catch up and doing the craft fair = no time for blogging.

I created of few of these for craft fair. I cased this idea off of stampin connection, the idea is by Sara Christ.

My son needed a item to submit for Art show. I showed him how to make them and he came up with this in 8.5 x 11 size:

Lots of legal pads

2011-02-26T05:58:00.000-08:00

here are a few shares of some jr. legal pad holders I made for upcoming craft fair too! Using up a lot of my retired designer series papers!

Purse gift card holders

2011-02-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

I love my topnote die for my bigshot. These are super simple purse gift card holders that I made for upcoming craft fair at Walpole VFW on March 5th.

Here is the inside, I just cut down a cello bag to hold gift card.

It's tea time

2011-02-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

I made a few of these for upcoming craft fair I am doing at Walpole VFW on March 5th. It is a teabag holder and the stamp set I used is Stampin up's morning cup.

Really easy to make:

dimensions for cs are: 3.5 x 9.75
score at 3.25 and 6.5
then cut on outside flap on diagonal to make pocket.

I love Coffee!

2011-02-17T04:06:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some cards I made with left overs in my scrapbox. I am a huge coffee fan, okay along with stamps... I am also addicted to coffee.

I used chocolate chip craft ink and then put clear embossing powder over and heat set. Much easier to watercolor embossed images. I used my favorite method of watercoloring with markers. You just scribble markers onto stamp case and pick up color with aquapainter. I like to use this method to color in images while at my boys activities to keep me busy.

I haven't figured out a sentiment to use, but makes a nice little stationary set gift. The stamp set is from Stampin Up's occasion mini and is level 1 hostess set called "slice of life".

extreme snowboarder and no valentine

2011-02-14T04:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day! I have no hearts or valentine card to show today, but today is also my brother's birthday. So I am sharing the card I made him using extreme snowboarder stamp which you can get for FREE during sale-a-bration. I used sponging with torn paper to get the effects of snow and mountains and embossed the snowboarder in black.

Birthday cards just in "case"

2011-02-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

I was in a birthday card swap and this one done by my friend and fellow demo Robin Johnson.

As I was inspired by her card I came up with two cards using the same color palette but different stamp set. I used "a slice of life" stamp set which is a hostess set in the Occasion mini catalog.

Post it note "bliss"

2011-02-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

So sorry have not been able to post anything for a week. We have been hit with snowstorms every week and I am the one to have to clear it all and stay on top of ice dams. I have a craft fair coming up on March 5th at Walpole VFW from 10 am- 3 pm. So, also have been crafting for that to get things done to sell.

My share today is one of the items I am making for craft fair- post it note holders with a pen. I used a great sale-a-bration stamp set called Bliss. Dawn Griffith did a great video tutorial on how to make them- super easy using up some of my scraps.

Need some school valentine ideas?

2011-01-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to admit I have always made my kids valentines for school. I would figure something to use card stock and candy. My youngest is finally in his last year of elementary school, and this is my last round of doing it. I might be crazy because I could just buy something at the store, and do they really care about the work it takes. No, but it is what I do!

So, this year we are making chocolate lollipops- so this is a lollipop or sucker cover to share.

Treat Box Card for Valentines

2011-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have seen my blog friend Kim Jenkins, do a couple of these Treat box cards and she shared the link to the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. You can find it here. If you are like me you have those "to do" list of things I want to try out. So, I am challenging myself to get started and try to do one a week- very do-able.

Punch Bunch present gift card holder

2011-01-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

If you can stand to see more, I have another punch bunch sample to show you. I saw around Christmas time a bunch of presents that were gift card holders. I decided to make a birthday one for an upcoming mother daughter class. It also used ice cream parlor dsp pack which also has some die cut stickers which I added for ribbon embellishment and flowers inside.
You can find directions on Marie Shaughnessy's blog.

and the inside to hold gift card:

more punch bunch samples

2011-01-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, two more samples to share. First is a baby card and I used the idea book and catalog on page 45 for inspiration. Love that- it was a Christmas card sample but I changed it up to use design for a baby card, using Stampin Up's sale-a-bration stamp set = punch bunch

The next one I was just having some fun with the googlie eyes and my 2 step owl punch and sale-a-bration designer paper ice cream parlor.

Sale-a-bration is coming, Sale-a-bration is coming!

2011-01-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

Okay from the Boston area, so had to go with the take on "the British are coming..." But who can't get excited about Sale-a-bration time with Stampin Up. FREE STAMPS!!!! enough said.

So, I only pre-ordered some designer paper called "ice cream parlor", with a name like that you know you need it! and a stamp set called "punch bunch". I plan to get the rest by earning them for FREE with $50 purchase.

So, I am sharing 2 using the same stamp from the set (you get 5). But always need birthday cards.

I was inspired by February's Stampin Success.

cleaning up craft room

2011-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

okay, I should be cleaning up my craft room. In much need of putting things in order, instead I got side tracked on extra card stock I had cut and left over for stamp-a-stacks I had in December. So I decided I should use some it up for other projects before putting away. Stamping is so much more fun than cleaning anyways....

I needed a thank you card for some of my swim lesson students for Christmas gifts. I used Stampin Up's Something Sweet stamp set. I even used left over scrap to make the waves using my 1" punch by just going in half in to card stock.

Seriously what kid does not love goldfish?

The next card I did was using Stampin Up's Vintage Vogue stamp set- for some of the teacher's birthday cards. (I am sunshine gal at son's school, and do all the teacher birthday cards, I usually pick one card for the month and mass produce those)

I apologize for blurry image- I would re-take but there is that issue of cleaning my craft room.....

clean and simple

2011-01-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of you!

Still catching up after the holidays, decided best to do an easy 10 minute card to get some stamping in! I was inspired by clean & simple blog today. I took her card and used a much neglected Stampin Up set on my shelf- circle circus.

sympathy in crush

2010-12-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

We are snowed in here, so after cleaning up the house post holidays... I decided to head up to my craft room to do some stamping. In need of inspiration, I went to Mojo Monday, to get some inspiration. I did not pre-order too many stamps, saving $$$ for Sale-a-bration time coming January 25th. I used one I did pre-order out of new Occasion mini catalog that starts on January 4th, called "thanks for caring".

My color is one of the in-color's concord crush.

Occasions mini sneak peek

2010-12-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I haven't had time to post or create. However, I wanted to share a swap card I did for new Occasions Mini catalog. I used new set called "thanks for caring" from Stampin Up. I got to also use two new accessories in mini catalog (what girl does not love her accessories?)-1/2 " seam binding in crumb cake (also in 8 colors now!) and textured impression embossing folder for big shot.

I love this new stamp set because also has a saying for inside the card as well- "May you find peace and comfort in this difficult time and know you are loved". Sympathy cards are always the easiest cards to do, but unfortunately always are needed.

covered journals

2010-12-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

I made a bunch of these for craft fairs at some local schools. The girls still love the skull and cross bones. This is one items I sold out at both school fairs.

I was using up some retired papers and rub ons.

This one I used no designer paper but card stock and featured extreme elements for the boys.

more valentines to share-sneak peek

2010-12-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

I had a open class today, so I was playing with some new stamps. This is a sneak peek of a new stamp set called filled with love that will be part of a promo with some designer series paper. I was making a few more valentines to send out From our hearts organization. I used stamping 411 sketch this week. I apologize for blurry photo.

Same Sketch different card.

I copied Connie Babbet's card from Stamping 411 a little bit. Bad photo again- I stamped"love" on bottom right corner of card. But lighting and tone on tone it did not show up.

call out for valentines

2010-12-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

I used Stamping 411's sketch this week to make some valentine cards with my retired stash of papers. Gretchen Barron issued this challenge, to donate valentine cards to from Our Hearts organization. She is even offering a prize drawing if you can make 5 valentines and send by December 20th. If you never heard them- it is a great organization that Martie Shea has run out of her house for the past few years. They send cards over to the troops for them to use for their personal use to send home to family and friends. We all have cards we make or swaps that can be put to good use. They are also moving to a new location, bigger space and are in the need of cash donations for office supplies and to help cover the postage to send overseas.

So in the spirit of Christmas send out some valentines to show you care. Such and easy and small thing to do that will mean so much to those who serve our country everyday.

MDS christmas card

2010-12-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting the hang of using MDS. This will be our card this year, as the printing prices came down and I ran out of time with craft fairs to make our own this year. I love that I can use Stampin Up images and artwork to create.

The boys got a chance to go on Fenway park field, see the "green monster" up close. As baseball players, it was a dream come true. I thought it would be perfect to use those pics for our card this year.

snowman candy bar wrapper

2010-12-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

I found this idea on splitcoaststampers. Okay, no stampin up involved. Laurie Furnell had this template on her blog. Super cute idea!
I was doing a vendor fair and found large hershey and cadbury bars on-sale. I was trying to come up with something to do with them and this was a super easy fix. My friend Holly sewed up the fleece tub for me, my machine was not working for me. But you just need to cut fleece tube and add a rubber band to the top, and snip the fleece above rubber band to look like fringe.

Calendar using My digital Studio from Stampin Up

2010-11-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

Sharing some of the calendar I did using my digital studio (MDS). This was for September and my son playing football.

I love how this one came out using Athletic department and extreme element brushes for my other son's baseball pictures.

I love this one too! From years of scrapbooking, my boys have gotten tired of the "posed" photo ops for mom. Sometimes, it is good to just get them in the moment enjoying what they are doing without having to see their faces and smiles.

I still like the traditional method of scrapbooking, but MDS makes it so easy to get pages done. Plus you get all the exclusive artwork, colors and papers of Stampin Up. However, it really made it quick work to get a calendar together for grandparents Christmas gift.

gift card giving

2010-11-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

Gift cards are so easy and appreciated at the holidays. Do you want to show the person who is receiving the gift card an extra special touch? Make the a gift card holder, there are so many fun and easy ones to make and adds that wow factor.

These are peek-a-boo gift card holders, when they pull the inside card it reveals a gift card holder inside.

I love my big shot- I used the large scallop die and cut the card stock and designer paper together. Then I just cut dsp in half and snailed on bottom edge to card stock. Using label punch and some cording= simple ornament gift card holder.

light up luminaries

2010-11-22T10:21:00.001-08:00

I have one more craft fair event next week, so I decided to do some luminaries. The Stampin Success magazine had this in last months issue. Super fun and easy to do and add a cute home decor touch.

Chicks and Chocolate!

2010-11-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

It is a known fact that chocolate and stamping go together. Well, chocolate is good anytime. I am running a mother-daughter stamp camp tomorrow and I thought I share some of the projects we are doing. And, a disclaimer- I am sure I copied them from somewhere or version of someone else's great idea.

We are also doing the snowman cocoa packet I showed here.

Close up of reindeer candy jar:

I cut the cork out with my big shot and circles die. I forgot to order the the glimmer brads- so I used some retired SU red glitter and sticky strip around some regular brads from office store. The little jars were a score at Christmas tree shops for $.50 a piece. Love those bargins.

Others have made these simple with dsp and scallop and circle punches. I used my 1-3/8, I think he needs a smaller head but still stinkin cute.

Autumn frame for home decor

2010-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

I went to a stamp camp this weekend. This is one of the projects we made using Autumn Spice Designer paper from Stampin Up's holiday mini catalog and stamp set "Autumn Harvest".

Cards and Cocktails

2010-11-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

During the booking blitz, my friend Fran said she would host a party for me. As some are intimated by stamping or the "home party" to purchase things. We are doing a cards and cocktails night where they make 3 cards for $5, if they purchase something then the card fee is waived.

So these are the 3 cards I came up with- I cased two of them!
1) Cheers to you card was inspired by cocktail theme and uses crystal effects on the glass and color combo inspired by SU's great designer paper

2) Cute for Christmas- was cased from Sandy MacIver's 10 minute challenge card. I added some smooch pearlized accent ink on the center of embossed snowflakes to jazz it up

3) grunge rock- great set for boy or girl, so went with gender neutral wild wasabi. This is a case of my blog roll friend, Marilyn Goodrich's card. Mine is less layers than her original.

Blog Winner

2010-11-09T06:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting my castle during Royal Blog tour.
Based on Random.org the winner was:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

81

Congrats to Latricia Nelson winner of "Grunge rock" cling mount set

Royal Blog tour

2010-11-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my castle stop, my name is Kathy White and my stamp set I am showcasing is Season of Joy.
It's been been around in catalog awhile so I wanted to think outside the box beyond cards!

Candy jar: I used circle scissor plus to make topper to this mason jar and then added a tag using 2 tag die with big shot. Great idea for upcoming holiday gift giving.

Christmas countdown: Using a chipboard clipboard, I combined Season of Joy stamp set for embellishments with Deck the halls dsp from holiday mini. I cut the numbers using die for big shot. I embossed the trees in gold and used crystal effects on poinsetta flower.

Wine topper with charms: I love making these quick little toppers great way to dress up a bottle of wine for hostess gifts this holiday season. I even made the wine charms by stamping the snowflake from season of joy stamp in craft ink on shrink plastic, punch a hole with CAD and then melt with heat gun- way too fun!

And finally I needed to do a Christmas card, I decided to not use traditional holiday colors red & green.

I used baja breeze and early expresso for color combo and got to love the new glass glitter! Of course I had to emboss because it is my favorite!

Thanks for stopping by on my tour. Before you go leave a comment with your name and email and you will have a chance to win blog candy!

I am giving away clear mount Stamp set grunge rock!

Only open to US residents (sorry)

Santa gum

2010-11-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

This was a cased idea, I am sorry I can't recall where I saw it. But super easy to do- I just took the trident holder and used it as a template for the card stock to make santa suit.

Fabulous Fall tiles and wine charms

2010-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

I used "French Foliage" stamp set from Stampin Up Holiday mini to stamp on tiles with craft ink.

Here is a clear shot of tile. I decided to keep it clean and simple, with some rock and roll technique to get multiple colors for leaf.

I have showed these wine bottle toppers before. I used the same "french foliage" stamp set to stamp on shrink plastic to make wine charms. So fun I just stamped in craft ink and cut around image, punched with CAD- then used my heat gun to melt them.

get well 411 style

2010-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

A friend just had surgery and I wanted to send her a card. I am really digging this "blueberry crisp" dsp from Stampin Up, I used that and Stamping 411 sketch this week. The stamp set is Pun Fun, I used Stampin Up's markers to watercolor him on watercolor paper.

hiding out in craft room

2010-10-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

One week to go until craft fair, so I apologize that I have not been regularly posting. But as title says I have been bunkered down trying to get projects completed to sell. Not to mention- what a complete mess! I will have to take some photos of my creations.

This is a quick and easy coaster tile I did. I used Christmas Cardinal with black stazon and colored in with chalk pastels and then set it with some acrylic spray.

I have some cool fall -Thanksgiving things to show too! Okay, back to the mess....

crafting some soup holders

2010-10-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

It is officially Fall like weather, with a little frost out this morning. Good Soup weather!
Dawn Griffith, shared this tutorial for cup of soup holders. Something else I have been making for upcoming craft fair.

quick and simple cards

2010-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

I have some quick and simple cards to share today. Who doesn't love that? These cards take under 10 minutes to make, quicker then heading out to buy one.

I made this card last week for one of my son's team mates who got taken off the field via ambulance (always scary as a parent). Thankfully he was alright but will be out of practice for awhile, I had the players sign it to cheer him up.

I make all the teacher birthday cards at my son's school. I got this idea from somebody (I can't recall)- to use the birthday hat from sock monkey set and put it on two-punch owl.

more craft fair item to share-Snowman crimped envelope

2010-10-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Still busy crafting- even though you never know what might sell. Craft fairs can be hit or miss, my plan is to keep most items under $5 to lure some buyers in.
This is a crimped envelope holder, which I am putting in some cocoa mix. The tutorial is from splitcoasters here. I just chose to add a punched snowman for the face.

tooth fairy tins

2010-10-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here's another item I made for upcoming craft fair. Stampin Up has these great a la carte stamps under $10. I got the "tooth fairy" for $7.95 added extra- large scallop punch and a little bling with rhinestone half back jewels.

Masculine birthday card

2010-10-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my F.I.L birthday. Of course my husband asks me at last minute if I have a card for him. So using Stamping 411 sketch this week and a retired set from Stampin Up called "Sporting goods" I came up with this card. Tough to tell but all the sports balls are cut out and on dimensionals.

My father in law or "Pa" as my boys call him, has always been great to come watch all the boys sporting events, so I thought this card was fitting to show that.

birthday build a bear

2010-10-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

I did a birthday for a 6 year old girl today and these were the projects we made using build a bear die for big shot and Stampin up magnetic sheets. The dvd tin holds a mini gel pen and pad of paper.

They did an awesome job!

craft fair share

2010-09-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

I am participating in craft fair at end of October at Holliston barn. I have been making acrylic post it calendar frames.

This is snowman kisses or tick tac holder. This idea was Rochelle Wick's, she has a template on her blog if you want to check it out.

I go many more items to craft for sale!

Birthday cards just in "case"

2010-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

This is a card I used for September teacher birthdays and for recent stamp a stack. The design is a case from stampin connection that Jill George did. You know I love sketches to get mojo started, but casing someone's work is also a great place to get started. As long as you give credit where credit is due! The catalog is another great place to case from. This card uses a Stampin Up hostess set Birthday Bakery.

I needed a quick card for a birthday party for my son's friend Scott. He loves football so I wanted to use Stampin Up's Just football (retired). I again went to Stampin Connection for ideas and cased this card from Julie Marshall.

I needed a cupcake, quick call 411

2010-09-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

I needed to send a birthday card to a friend and as always- I look to a sketch for inspiration or starting point. This was Stamping 411 sketch challenge this week. I used Stampin Up's on a pedastel stamp set. Hard to see but I used crystal effects on frosting part. The sentiment is from Hostess set-Birthday bakery.

autumn mojo

2010-09-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

I combined two challenges this week- Late night stampers fall challenge with mojo monday sketch.

I love this Autumn Harvest stamp set from Stampin up, love the sketch design to it- so fun to watercolor.

one layer card

2010-09-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Late night stampers challenge this week was to do one layer card. In the midst of cleaning through some boxes stored away in my stamp room, I found some spellbinders nestabilities that I forgot I had- so that was my inspiration. I needed some more thank you cards, this time for my son's birthday. They are all family, so they can get simple cards at this point. More important is that he actually write his thank you note!
Stamp set= Fast and fun notes (another under used set)

Stamping 411- I am back

2010-09-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

Goodness me, I can't believe it is the middle of September already. Where did the summer go??? The craziness start of school and sports, has me behind in blogging.

I did a workshop this past weekend, and needed some customer thank you's to send out. So, needing some inspiration- I checked out Stamping 411, sketch this week.

Stamp set: A flower for all season from Stampin Up,which I water colored with markers.
background paper: Blueberry Crisp dsp

shoebox swap shares

2010-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Robin hosted a shoebox swap a few weeks back and I wanted to share some of the fun projects we did. This was Robin's card using some new in-colors peach parfait and pear pizzaz twill ribbon. The stamp set is Stampin up's printed petals.

This was done by Colleen Cole, she always does fun 3-D items. A cute little frame using the new two-step owl punch.

Holiday mini starts today-French Foliage share

2010-09-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

This is a swap card I made using new set out of Holiday Mini catalog which starts today! The set from Stampin up called French Foliage. I used the rock and roll technique stamping technique. Also, this is the first time I used garden green, I must say it is growing on me. I also used a new embossing folder in Idea book and catalog called elegant lines. I love the fall season, but a little sad summer is ending.

Are you ready for some Football?

2010-08-28T04:36:00.000-07:00

This is a layout I did last month. I finally got around to scrapping some photos from last year, considering my son started his new season in beginning of August. Simple layout, I used a retired Stampin Up set called Just Football and billboard sissix strip letters for Big shot.

Teacher gift

2010-08-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Latenight stampers challenge this week was "back to school". I still had some Stampendous pails in my stash so I thought I would make a teacher survival kit. I did most of this with my big shot from Stampin Up. I used billboard sizzlet strip and simple flower embosslit die. I also broke out my new two step owl punch.

Here are some close ups of poem and lid top:

Mojo Monday goes tropical

2010-08-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

I used to coach swimming, but my own kids got older and busy with their sport schedules and I had to stop coaching. One of my former swimmer just made US Nationals so I wanted to send her a card to say congrats! I used Mojo Monday sketch as, I needed some inspiration and mojo to get started.

I used items from Stampin Up's summer mini catalog- only available until August 31st! Tropical party designer stamp and Island Oasis designer series paper.

Crazy for cupcakes and sweet and sour DSP

2010-08-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to play along with Stamping 411 sketch this week. My inspiration was this great new designer paper from Stampin Up called sweet and sour speciality. It is tough to see but it is embossed around the circles. I also learned from Angela McKay aka Northshorestamper.com, about matting when your image is bigger than your punches. Just cut 2 of punched pieces in half- (1) long way and (2) short way. Use those four pieces to matt behind your punched image.

stamps: wordplay and crazy for cupcakes
ink: pumpkin pie, rose red, regal rose, pretty in pink
cs: sweet and sour speciality dsp, very vanilla, rose red, stazon black
access: scallop oval extra large, scallop edge border punch, oval extra larger