Constantly Stamping

Valentine's Day-Artisan Facebook Gallery

The Artisans have their Valentine gallery featured today over on the Stampin' Up! Facebook gallery. I have two projects this time. Why? Well I didn't even think I would have time to make anything at all, but a few weeks ago I made this altered heart box. I liked how it turned out so I thought, hey, I can use this as my FB project.  So I photographed it and sent it in early. I used the Circle #2 die, some red felt, and the Loving Thoughts stamp set from the Occassions Mini catalog, 5/8 Black Satin Ribbon, and a glue gun. I was inspired by a pillow I saw while shopping and decided to see if I could get a similar look.

I was really pleased with how it turned out, but let me tell you a funny story. At the time I made this I was wearing hybrid gel nail polish (is like a cross between regular and acrylic polish). It was like the polish literally attracted the glue from the hot glue gun...I mean, almost like a magnet. It was not a good experience. So I have decided to save this type of manicure for special occassions and just not wear any polish most of the time...at least not when I am going to be using a hot glue gun. :)

So, now  I will finish my story about why I have two projects on the SU Artisan FB wall. Well, I was feeling a little guilty that the felt heart just didn't have much "paper crafting", so about a week after I had already sent SU photos of the other project, I got another burst of inspiration and created this project. When I sent in the pics of this one, they said, "we'll just use both projects if that's OK with you". As it turns out, participation was a little low this time, so there you have it.

I really wanted this altered box to have a vintage feel to it, so I embossed, sanded, and used tea stain distressing ink to achieve the effect. I love how it looks so romantic. The paper I used is from Sell-a-bration and the stamp sets are from the Occassions Mini catalog. These aren't your typical Valentine's Day colors, but I think they make a refreshing change to the popular reds and pinks you normally expect to see.

For the flower I used a combination of flowers from the Fun Flowers die (three layers) and the Blossom punch (3 layers). I embossed, sanded, distressed and curled each petal and then put the layers together using Stampin' Dimensionals. I even used one of the new large pearls from the mini catalog. I used lots of seam binding ribbon to create a big, beautiful bow and attached it all with a hot melt glue gun.

Well, that's all for today. Can you believe that both projects are really just $1 boxes of chocolate? I hope that you are inspired to create something special for your sweetie! It doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming, but you might want to buy more than one box, just in case you can't resist the tempation to quality test the chocolate! :)

SAB Fresh Vintage Petal Cone

Today's projects was one of my favorite samples for Leadership. I used the Petal Cone die to create a box out of Real Red CS. Then I stamped it all over with Real Red ink and the flourish stamp from the SAB set "Fresh Vintage".

I used Real Red, Daffodil Delight, and Always Artichoke Stamp-n-write markers to color the image on the flaps. This picture from the display shows the detail much better. Yes, it did require more time, but it was so worth the results! I created the tag using the Tiny Tags stamp set (#118592) and the Jewelery Tag punch (#117190).

Elegant Bird Bigz L Die

These are some projects that were on display last week at Leadership using the fun new Elegant Bird Bigz L die. I didn't make them, but I thought I would share them with you none-the-less. Isn't this just the cutest Birthday Bird card. (Disclaimer: I ihink they must have cut away a portion of the wings for this project.) I can just imagine how adorable this would be as a cake topper, on a gift bag, or even made into a banner...the possibilities are endless.

I've included a picture of the actual die so that you can get an idea of just how cute this die really is. Here is an adorable home decor project using this fun new die. I love they way they added the wings to the heart...that is so in-style with the trends right now.

I tried to get a picture of the project that was hanging above it, but it didn't turn out very well (sorry). They took a branch a dangled several birds from the branch (sort of like a mobile). You can click on the photos to get a closer look if you would like. This die is available in the Occassions Mini Catalog. I still have lots to share, so be sure to check back tomorrow.

Felted Christmast Stocking

If you have been visiting my blog, then you probably know that I enjoy felt projects...especially during the Fall and Winter months. So I decided to take that love of felt and make a fun and easy Christmas project using the Holiday Stocking die and the Circle #2 die along with felt to create a fun felted stocking. These are a fun project that you can do over the holidays. I even uploaded a video tutorial to show you how easy it is. The green on this stocking is really a pretty bright green but for some reason my camera has difficulty capturing "true greens".

Here's the video tutorial. Be sure to scroll down to see more stocking that I have made using this technique.

  

Here' are a few more "almost" finished pieces that I have been working on. I don't normally show things without the "finishing touches" on them, but if I waited any longer, I probably wouldn't have shown them at all. I will probably end up finishing them right at the last minute as I add them to packages and such, so I thought I had better get them posted today.

This stocking is almost exactly the same except I hand cut a little notch in the toe area to make it look more like an elf stocking.

White with black dots for the dalmation lover in the family.

A modern twist using charcoal felt with bright colored dots.

Red & White "Scandanivian-style" using the Snowflake Die.

Blue & White Snowflakes.

Holly Leaves and Berries using the Stocking Accents Die.

A "Merry" Christmas Card

Today I have another fun Christmas card to share. This card is sort of a tribute to Kristina Werner. I am always trying to be a better stamper/crafter, so I have been talking some classes over at Online Card Classes. This isn't really based on one particular card by Kristina, just the overall "feel" of her style. She uses alot of thick letters on ther cards and since I don't have any on hand, I made my own with the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet sizzlets dies. Since you can only cut DSP and card stock with the sizzlets, I built my letters by cutting four layers of Early Espresso card stock and then added the Cherry Cobbler layer to the very top...very cool technique! I omitted a portion of the Christmas stamp from the "Heard from the Heart" set by using a Cherry Cobbler marker and only coloring in the word "Christmas".

Even though this is a relatively simple layout, there are lots of details. The base of the card is covered with woodgrain DSP from the Frostwood Lodge collection(#124002). I die cut the tree with the Stocking Accents die (#124099) and embossed it with the Snow Burst folder (124096). I added some rhinestones that I colored with a Sharpie marker for a little needed bling. I couldn't complete a "Kristina-style" card without using a corner rounder so I gave a little chomp to the bottom corners. KW almost always uses faux stitching on her cards, but that really isn't my thing, so I left it off.

Well, that's all for today. I'm headed off to put up the Christmas Tree, so see you soon!

Merry & Type Joy Card

Hooray! I have another card to share with you today! I made a tag with the Two Tags die out of Crumb Cake card stock. I stamped it with Crumb Cake ink and the "deck the halls" stamp from the Merry & Type set. Then I stamped the ornaments from the same set once on the tag and then three additional times on Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, and Not Quite Navy card stock with Basic Black ink. I trimmed out the images and paper pieced it. I cut the letters out with the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies. (Hint: Since you can't cut chip board with Sizzlets, I cut out four Early Espresso and one Not Quite Navy of each letter and glued them together in a stack to form thicker letters.) You can probably tell from the picture that there was some major sponging going on with this card, but for the most part that is all there was to it.

BTW, the Artisans have another Stampin' Up! Facebook gallery coming soon. I will be sure to let you know when it goes live later in the week. This time we will feature holiday projects, so you definitely don't want to miss it. I know it is going to be fantastic! It is such a joy to know and work with the other Artisan Award winners. They are a very talented group of paper crafters/stampers! Each and every one of them are super nice, too!

Happy Fall Y'all!

 
I love autumn. I love the beautiful leaves as they change colors. I love the fact that the weather is beautiful. About the only thing I don't like is the ragweed...but that is another story...I am trying to stay positive here! Every year I decorate the china hutch in my kitchen. This year I decided to make a fun little plaque to hang in the center. I don't know about where you live, but here in the south this saying is appropriate. It's no secret that I have a little bit of a southern accent...I can see my friends from Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and even Canada grinning right now...but honestly, I don't really say "y'all" much...I just thought it would be a fun expression.

It all started with a cute little wooden crow that I found at the craft store. I disassembled it and traced it for a pattern. Basically, just about everything on this project is either current or retired Stampin' Up! product with exception of the wood plaque and the gingham fabric along the bottom. I used the Big Shot to complete most of the elements on this page...the lettering, flowers, and pumpkin were all done with dies. The background is from the Time Worn DSP collection as well as the woodgrain paper on the word "FALL". I am not going to go into great detail on this one, but if you have a specific question, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer.

 

My friend, Lorri Heiling, inspired me to organize my home, so that's exactly what I have been doing. I have also been crafting some, but I just don't have anything else finished to the point that I can share. But be patient! Good things come to those who wait!

 

Oh, one more thing. If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.* Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies**  to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash. In addition, the new-demonstrator Starter Kit--a steal at just $175--contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business.

There are so many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including

• A 20 percent product discount!
• A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
• Regular get-togethers to stamp!
• Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
• Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!

Don't miss this BIG deal! Contact me today to learn how you can join my team and take advantage of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!

*Or up to $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! products
**Big Shot dies sold separately

 

Holiday Mini Catalog Is Now Online!

  
 
Today is September 1st and you know what that means...the new Holiday Mini Catalog is here and it is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I personally think this is one of the best holiday catalogs ever! Stampin' Up! gives demonstrators the opportunity to purchase items one month in advance, and let me tell you, I had a difficult time restraining myself. I wanted practically one of everything and I know you will too, so be sure to check it out. You can download a pdf of the new catalog here.

 

I was recently asked to participate in a Holiday Mini swap and this is what I made. Aren't these little stocking adorable? They are made using the new Bigz L Holiday Stocking Die (#124098) and the Stocking Accents Die (124099). I used some Frostwood Lodge DSP (124002), some Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green card stock, and the new Snow Burst Texture Impressions Embossing Folder (#124096).

I turned the top of the card into a flap so that you can open it and insert a gift card (or money) and then close it. In order to keep it closed, I used a really cool new product from Scotch called Removable Clear Mounting Squares. They are much more attractive than velcro and they are tacky enough to keep the flap shut over and over. The tree embellishment is made with the Stocking Accents die. I embossed it and added some rhinestones that I colored with a red Sharpie marker.

I didn't have enough of any one paper to make all the stockings alike, so I used several different combinations of DSP and card stock. I love the gingham holly leaves on this one...so much fun. I sponged the edges of everything with Chocolate Chip ink to give it an aged, country Christmas feel. I even inked the bakers twine (#123125) with some Chocolate Chip ink. Get started on Christmas early this year. Head on over to my online store to get everything you need to make these fun gift card holders.

Stamp Sets: Tiny Tags; Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, & Whisper White CS; Frostwood Lodge DSP; Ink: Chocolate Chip & Cherry Cobbler; Accessories: Holiday Stocking & Stocking Accents Die, Snow Burst Embossing Folder, Rhinestones, Bakers Twine, Jewelry Tag & Scallop Edge Border Punch, Regals Designer Buttons, Dimensionals; Other: Scotch Removable Clear Mounting Squares , Red Sharpie Marker.

Artisan Award Swap Project

Well, the Artisan Award Blog Hop is now a memory and it's time to move on. Before the blog hop I was showing you some of the swaps that I received from the other Artisans, but some of them wanted to extend the blog hop to include their swap project so instead of me showing you their projects, you can check their blogs to see what they have to share. Here is the card that I made to swap with the other Artisans at convention.

This was almost one of my entries into the AA, but I was trying to focus more on stamping and less on paper crafting, so I decided to set it aside for another day. You can probably imagine that I used a ton of DSP and buttons in order to make 16 of these cards. (We made extra to make sure everyone at the dinner received one.) Thank goodness for the Big Shot and the Fun Flowers & Blossom Party dies. Even with that, they still took several hours to make.

Stamp Sets: Just Believe; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red/Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Subtles/Regals/Brights Patterns DSP; Ink: Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Fun Flowers Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, 5-Petal Punch, Build A Blossom Punch; Designer Buttons; Hemp Twine, Linen Thread, Dimensionals.

 

2011 Artisan Award-Winning Blog Hop - Day 10

Can you believe that we have made it all the way to the final day of our blog hop? I have to tell you that when we post our projects each day that we really don't know what the other Artisans are going to share. Yesterday I was totally blown away by every single project and I anticipate that today will be the same way. Sure, I saw them on display at convention, but not up close like this. AMAZING! I would like to take just a moment to say "thank you" to all of you who have left so many wonderful comments. Your words of encouragement have meant so much to me and I am certain that all the other Artisans feel exactly the same way. Our statement of the heart is, "To love what we do and share what we love as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwile accomplishments...in this we make a difference!"

Just like every other day for the past nine days, if you are blog hopping in order, then you should have just arrived from Heather Summers blog. Of course it doesn't matter what order you view the projects. So, are you ready to kick-off the final day of our blog hop? Let's do it!

 
This project is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, hands-down my very favorite Artisan Award entry. I can't even begin to tell you the amazing feeling I had as I was decorating this basket and making the goodies to go along with it.

I purchased the basket from the craft store, but it was oh so plain. I dressed up the lid with a wood sheet, lattice die, and the Big Shot. After I cut the wood, I thought how amazing it would be to stain it in three different colors. I carefully took each piece out and placed it so I could remember where it went when I needed it. I stained everything with stain markers and then put it all back together. Then the rest of the basket looked a little neglected, so I decided to stain the entire thing to match. It sat that way for several months. I knew full-well that it was going to be one of my 3D projects for the Artisan contest but I also knew it was going to need something else to make it a winner...but I wasn't sure exactly what. Enter the Spring Mini Catalog. Oh My Goodness! I immediately fell in love with the Springtime Vintage fabric and accessories. I made an elastic garter from some of the fabric to place around the basket. I had to remove the handle, attach the garter, and then re-attach the handle. I used hot glue to make sure that the garter stayed in place. I added a button, some stick pins, and some ribbon and the basket was finished.

Most people would have probably stopped there, but since I was determined that this was going to be my year to win, I pushed the boundaries even further. I decided to make some things to go with the basket. Every sewing basket needs a pin cushion, so I used some fabric from the same collection and the scallop circle die to make one. I also made a stick pin card to go along with it. I wasn't sure which one to include, so I did both. I figured, too much was better than not enough!

Well that's all. I am so sad that our blog hop has come to an end. It has been an amazing journey. Some of us are entending our hop one extra day and sharing our swaps from convention. So check back tomorrow to see those. The time has come to see what Sandra Farrell has to share with you today. As always, here's a little guide to help you along the way. And don't worry, these projects will remain on our blogs indefintely, so if you missed something or just want to refer back to a card, scrapbook page, or 3D project, they will be right here where you can find them. Right now the links to the blogs are generic and won't take you directly to the Artisan Award Blog Hop. You will have look in the archives on each blog under August 2011. In a few days I will try to go back and ammend the links so that they will take you to the final day of the hop.

1. Connie Collins (that's me)  
2. Sandra Farrell
3. Heidi King  
4. Heather Klump   
5. Cheryl LeFore   
6. Laura Mellinger
7. Jennifer Picard    
8. Heather Stevens       
9. Summer Stone    
10. Heather Summers   

Recipe: Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric; Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons; 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon-Rose Red; Big Shot Machine; Lattice Die; Perfect Wood Sheets; Polka Dots Embossing Folder; Card Stock: Rose Red, Certainly Celery; Linen Thread; Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads; Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets. Other: Wooden Basket, Elastic, Wood Stain, Stick Pins (Dritz), Hot Glue Gun, Sewing Machine, Thread, Polyester Fiberfill.