Stamping With Blue Moon Creations

February 2012 Class in an Instant-Create and Keep Simply Sent Kit

 

Click here to order February Class in an Instant-Create and Keep Simply Sent Kit

When you want the personal touch of handmade cards, but don’t have a lot of time you’ll love what you can create with the Create & Keep Simply Sent Card Kits. The set includes 10 all-occasion cards and a coordinating box with dividers that you can quickly create an organized stash of cards to have on hand. Your friends and family don’t even have to know how easy it was to create this set as a thoughtful gift. This project is also an ideal take-along craft. The all-inclusive set includes pre-cut, printed, and scored cards and self-adhesive die cut images. With the addition of just a few basic supplies, you’ll have everything you need to create 10 beautiful cards, and keep them organized in style!

 

With this tutorial, you will learn to make:

• 10 cards
• 1 coordinating card box with dividers
• Simply Sent 101

• Bonus ideas and samples for creating alternate projects using different color combinations, themes and stamp sets for many personal styles
• a complete list of supplies, along with the opportunity to purchase the featured products for these projects at a 15% discount

 

This set showcases the Create & Keep Simply Sent Card Kit with its trendy floral silhouette die cuts and richly patterned printed cards. The cards have a simple elegance that stands on its own or can be stepped-up with the optional addition of stamping, embellishments, and ribbon.   

With the purchase of February 2012 Class in an Instant, you may purchase the following product at a 15% discount through February 10, 2012 . Regular shipping (minimum $6.95) and taxes apply.  This discount cannot be combined with any other offers, stamp clubs or workshops.  Product will deliver direct to US customers only via UPS. Please Email or call (719-784-2275) me to place this special order.

122380 Create and Keep Simply Sent Card Kit, regular price $14.95, discounted price $12.70

Click here to order February Class in an Instant-Create and Keep Simply Sent Kit

Mittens!

After some fairly warm days here in Southern Colorado, we are expecting another round of snow storms.  Time to get out the mittens again!  Because of that, I thought I'd share the paper mittens I sent to my Downline as Christmas cards last year.  They are so easy to make and are a great way to use up scraps of paper.  The mitten pattern was shared by Stampin' Up! and can be found here.

Here is the inside with the greeting "Warm Winter Wishes."

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Pines and Poinsettias

Ink: Early Espresso, Garden Green, Real Red markers

Paper: Holly Berry Bouquet, Red Glimmer, assorted scraps

Accessories: Mitten pattern,Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, 1 3/8" circle and scallop circle punches, Crop-A-Dile, assorted ribbon, My Digital Studio for greeting

It's Time to Sale-A-Brate! January 24-March 31, 2012

Receive FREE Product During Sale-A-Bration!

This year's offering includes exclusive stamp sets, and accessories as well as a selection of catalog stamp sets, digital content CDs, designer fabric and buttons, and even embossing folders!  Now more than ever, there is something for everyone!

 

 

For every $50.00 spent, you'll be able to choose a FREE gift out of the Sale-A-Bration brochure.

 

 

 

If you spend $150.00, you'll receive 3 SAB gifts, $25.00 to spend in Hostess Dollars, plus receive this beautiful FREE tote!

 

 

 

Host a $400.00 workhop and you will receive $65.00 is Hostess Dollars, the free tote bag and the ability to purchase 1 full-priced item at a 50% discount. Plus you will receive the Hostess Bundle found on pages 6-7 of the Sale-A-Bration brochure.  The Hostess Bundle includes

• Fresh Vintage stamp set (wood- or clear-mount)
• Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper
• Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack

 

Join the Stampin' Up! family during Sale-A-Bration and receive your Starter Kit for only $125.00 (discounted 50% and valued at 300.00.)  You will also receive:

• FREE package of Designer Series Paper ($10.95 or less) or digital download (any price) begins the month after the new demonstrator joins Stampin' Up! 
• New demonstrator may alternate between Designer Series Paper and digital download each month.   
• Free paper or digital download does not include tax or shipping.

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch 239-Everyday Enchantment

Here's this week's Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch.

And here's my contribution.  I had cut out several small Pool Party hearts using the new Hearts Collection Framelit Dies to use on another project, and I was left with a strip of "stencil" hearts.  Of course, nothing ever gets thrown away, and this sketch was perfect for using this scrap. I popped up the strip of hearts using Dimensionals over a piece of Everyday Enchantment DSP.  The larger hearts were also cut out of Everyday Enchantment using the Hearts Framelits.  I love the color combinations found in the paper.  I have become a big fan of Poppy Parade!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Sweet Cake

Ink: Poppy Parade

Paper: Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

Accesseries: Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelit Dies, Dimensionals

Tips for Using the Paper Doily Die

This was my first attempt at using the new Paper Doily Die from Stampin' Up! I won't lie to you, I was a little frustrated with it at first because it didn't cut all the way through the first time out.  I know that each Big Shot is different, and some may need shims to get the die to cut as was the case with mine.  I have played around with different shims and "sandwiches", and have finally figured out what works best with my Big Shot. 

 Here is what I have learned.

 1. Each Big Shot is calibrated differently.  Depending on your Big Shot, you may need to use a shim as part of your cutting "sandwich".  First, try running it through your Big Shot using the regular "sandwich": cutting platform on tab 1, lower clear cutting plate, die face up, paper, upper clear cutting plate.   If it does not cut all the way through, add a shim layer of a plain piece of copy paper under the lower cutting plate.  If it still doesn't cut all the way through, keep adding thicker shims; a piece of card stock or piece of cardboard.  Remember, do not force anything through your Big Shot.  If the sandwich is too thick, remove a layer.

2. Again, depending on your Big Shot, not all of the little pieces in the die pattern will pop out immediately.  To remove pieces, roll the die cut piece over a pencil.  Roll it several directions to remove as many as possible. For any remaining stragglers, use something like a stylus, paper piercer, or end of a paper clip to pop the pieces out.  I actually think it is good that not all the pieces pop out immediately.  This way, you can decide how intricate you want the finished piece to be.

3. Other suggestions have been:

-slowly run the die through the Big Shot

-slowly run the die forward through the Big Shot, then run it through the machine again backwards, then forward again.  Be careful, as the paper may slip on the die and you may get a shadow or double cut.

-place the die upside down on the paper-I found that this did not work for me at all.

-use newer cutting plates.  I think this is the best tip yet!  I have been using the original cutting plates that came with the Big Shot many years ago.  I had ordered a new set a few months back, and decided it was time to use them.  My old ones were pretty warped.  Once I started using the new cutting plates, the die immediately made a cleaner cut.  Be sure to rotate the plates around after each use to prevent the warping.

5. Little  pieces of card stock may get caught into the design on the die itself.  You can pick these out using something like a paper piercing tool or paper clip.  Stampin' Up! recommends that these pieces be picked out before using the die again.

6. To avoid the smaller pices sticking in the die, you may add a piece of packing tape over the front of the die.  Once you do this, you may have to add more shim to the sandwich to make the cut.  Also, once you have packing tape over the front of the die, you will not be able to remove it without taking the felt off the front of the die with it. 

I have learned from experience: I had trouble with card stock sticking into my die and added the packing tape.  But, then had to add a another shim so it would cut.  At first, I was unhappy with myself for adding the packing tape, but now that I have figured out the best "sandwich" for my Big Shot, I am pleased that I don't have to pick out little pieces of paper from the die.  I guess what I am saying is, experiment with the shims and platforms before adding the packing tape.  Again, once it is on the die, it won't come off without damaging the front of the die.

I think this die is beautiful.  Take your time and figure out what works best for your Big Shot.  It will be well worth the effort!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Delicate Doilies, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Baja Breeze, Calypso Coral

Paper: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Doily die, Adorning Accents Textured Embossing Folder, 1 3/8" circle punch, Word Window and Modern Label punches, paper piercing tool and mat, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad

 

 

Pleated Fold-Simply Scored Scoring Tool

I gave this card to a friend who recently slipped on ice here in Wetmore and broke her hip and wrist.  I used this great quote from Eeyore of Winnie the Pooh fame. I thought it was appropriate and brought a smile to my friend.

"They are funny things, Accidents. 
You never have them until you are having them." 

To create the pleated fold, take a piece of card stock or DSP measuring 7 1/2" x 5 1/2" Score at   1", 1 1/2", 2 1/2", 3", 4 1/2", 5 1/2", 6 1/2" and 7".  Then  accordion fold (1 1/2", 3", 5 1/2" and 7" score lines will be the "mountain" folds.)  Wrap ribbon around the edges and tie a bow to complete.

Supplies Used:
Paper: Twitterpated, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Ticket Corner punch,1/8" Lucky Limeade Organdy ribbon, computer for greeting

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 238-Fresh Vintage

A new sketch challenge has been added to Stamping 411! 

Here is my take on the sketch.  I used scraps of Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper found in the upcoming Sale-A-Bration catalog.  The sketch shows a ribbon with a tied bow.  I am not good at tying bows and struggled to make a decent one using the 1/8" organdy ribbon found in the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad pack.  After several tries, I gave up and added a brad from the same assortment.  These brads make me smile!  And I used the Postage Stamp punch, my all-time favorite!

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Fresh Vintage (SAB)

Ink: Poppy Parade

Paper: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB)

Accessories: Postage Stamp punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, 1/8" Lucky Limade Organdy ribbon (SAB), paper piercing tool and mat, Everyday Enchantment brad (SAB), Dimesionals

Mark the Date! SUDSOL Blog Tour February 1st!

I am very excited about participating in the upcoming SUDSOL Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration Blog Tour. 

Stampin' Up! Demonstrators from all over the country will be participting and sharing ideas featuring new product available in the 2012 Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration catalogs.

The Tour starts here at my blog site, so please check back on February 1st!

 

 

Hello Bottle Cap Card

Here's another card I created using the red hand bottle cap found on Stranger American Pale Ale beer from Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, CO. What a great way to recycle!

Stamp Set: Sweet Shapes (retired)

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Real Red, Newsprint DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, large oval and scallop oval punches, Dimensionals, bottle cap, paper clip

 

Hi There Bottle Cap Card

My husband recently discovered Stranger American Pale Ale Beer locally brewed by the Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, CO.  Although I didn't have much interest in the beer itself, I was immediately intrigued by the bottle cap.  I could see all kinds of crafting possibilities using this red left hand, extended as if to say "Hello".

 

I love the color combination of red, black and vanilla.  It is so clean and crisp looking. 

I used my word processing program to create the "Hi There..." greeting, printed it on a sheet of card stock, then cut and scored the card stock in half to create a regular sized 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 greeting card.

Here is an up close view of the bottle cap.  It is is a little bent and scratched from the bottle opener.  I think it adds a little character.

 

 

Supplies Used:

Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Real Red, Newsprint DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, 1 3/8" circle punch, glue, computer/printer, word processing program

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 237-Button Buddies

A new sketch has been added, and I thought I'd play along with the ladies over at Stamping 411.

 Here is the sketch:

 

And here is my contribution:

I wanted to use a stamp set that I haven't used in awhile.  Button Buddies always makes me smile, and I particularly like the vase image.  It is sunny and fairly warm today which will help melt off the 70+ inches of snow we've received so far this winter.  Snow is in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow, so you can imagine how a vase filled with bright button flowers would make my day!

The sketch used a banner piece.  I tried clipping the ends of the So Saffron card stock and just didn't like the way it looked. 

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Paper: Marina Mist, So Saffron, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Big Shot, Polka Dots Embossing Folder, ticket corner punch, assorted buttons, hemp twine, Mini Glue Dots

Triple Scoop-Stamping 411 Color Inspiration #166

I love the In Colors used in this morning's Stamping 411 Color Inspiration.  It's been a cold and snowy winter here in southern Colorado, and these colors are like a touch of spring! 

 

 

Here's my card using these colors.

Who can resist a triple scoop of ice cream?

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Mouthwatering

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Chocolate Chip, Everyday Enchantment DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals

Well Worn Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge 236

This is my first posting of 2012!  My New Year's resolution is to participate in at least one sketch challenge a week.  Whew!  One of my favorite sketch sites is Stamping 411.  Some of my favorite Stampin' Up! demonstrators participate in the weekly sketches on this site, including my fabulous Upline, Tammy Fite.

So here goes....

Here is the sketch:

And here is my submission for the challenge:

I wanted to use Well Worn, one of my favorite Designer Series Paper. 

I didn't have any ribbon that I thought coordinated well with the colors in the Well Worn DSP, so I took a piece of Whisper White 1/8" Taffeta ribbon and dyed it Cajun Craze!   Very simple to do.  Place the ribbon in a baggie with a drop of Cajun Craze reinker and a little bit of water.  Seal the baggie and "smoosh" around the ribbon so it absorbs the ink.  Remove and let dry.  It wasn't quite dark enough for me, so after it dried, I rubbed my Cajun Craze ink pad over it. Perfect!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Cajun Craze

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Well Worn DSP

Accessories: Whisper White 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Cajun Craze reinker, Doily Triple Layer punch, paper piercing tool and mat, Cajun Craze brad

 

Happy 2012!

Here's to a Bright and Creative 2012!

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Sweets for the Sweet,  Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Old OIive

Paper: Basic Black, Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

Accessories: Big Shot, Petal Cone die, paper piercing tool and mat, brads

Merry Christmas!

May the wonderful blessing of Christmas remain yours throughout the year.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Anne

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Garden Breen, Cherry Cobbler

Paper: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Marina Mist,  Garden Green, Early Espresso 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Ticket Corner punch, sponge, staples

Button Buddies Season's Greetings

This little guy makes me smile!

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets: Button Buddies, Four the Holidays

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Big Shot, Polka Dots Embossing Folder, 1 1/3" circle punch, Doily Triple Layer punch, button, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dot, brad, Paper Piercing Tool and mat, Dimensionals

Patterned Pines Season's Greetings

 This is one of my all-time favorite cards.  Since I like to use non-traditional Christmas colors and my favorite color is purple, this combination of deep purple, crisp white and light blue is right up my alley!  Plus this card is so appropriate for the winter scene I have been seeing out of my windows for the last few weeks.  We have received over 40" of snow in our little part of Southern Colorado since the end of November! 

Supplies Used: Patterned Pines (retired), Four the Holidays

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Bashful Blue

Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: Big Shot, Polka Dots embossing Folder, 1 3/8" circle punch, Doily Triple Layer punch, brad, Paper Piercing Tool and mat, Dimensionals

I used the retired stamp set Patterned Pines for the trees because I did not want to come up with a tree template or cut them freehand.  I'm not a great cutter outer, so it made it so much easier for me to stamp the images and then cut them out along the stamped edges.

 

Circles Christmas Cards!

Here is another great idea for using paper scraps in your crafting.  Punch circles out of scrap paper using various sized circle punches.  Add smaller punched circles using coordinating card stock, then add brads and or buttons to the centers.  Very quick and easy.

 

 

Supplies Used:

Stamp Set: Four the Holidays, Kind Thanks

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper

Accessories: 1 1/4", 1" and 3/4" circle punches, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, assorted brads and buttons, paper piercing tool and mat, Mini Glue Dots

Circles Christmas Tree Card

What a great way to use paper scraps!  Punch 15 circles out of paper scraps using a 3/4" circle punch to form a Christmas tree.  The tree stand is a rectangle piece of red glimmer paper with a piece of ribbon tied around it.  How simple is that?

Supplies Used:

Paper: Crumb Cake, scraps of Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Paper for 15 circles, red glimmer

Accessories: 3/4" circle punch, Whisper White 1/8" taffeta ribbon

Let it Snow Window Sheet Card

I have always loved using window or transparency sheets in my crafting.  They bring such a bright and cheery feel to any project.  For this card, I used clear address labels attached to the window sheet after I printed out the Let It Snow greeting from my computer and stamped snowflakes.  I think this card is really different and that's why I like it!  Directions are below.

Here's a close up of the clear address labels attached to the window sheet

Here's the back side of the window sheet. Use Mini Glue Dots at the 4 corners to attach the front of the window sheet to the back side of the cut out.

Stamp Sets: Serene Snowflakes, Circle Circus, Four the Holidays

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer 

Option: change the card base color to Night of Navy or Not Quite Navy.  On the Night of Navy card, stamp the greeting on the front using Whisper White Craft ink.

Accessories: Window or transparency sheet, computer, 1 x 2 5/8 clear address labels, Doily Triple Layer punch, assorted brads, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

1. Make card base out Marina Mist card stock.  Cut out opening measuring 4 ½ x 2 ¾ using a personal paper trimmer or craft knife.  I created a template, centered it on the card base and traced around it with a pencil before cutting.
2. With My Digital Studio or a word processing program, type “Let it Snow” repeatedly in text box.  Rotate the text box so that the text is read vertically.  Print on clear address labels.  To create the text box, I used My Digital Studio.  The font used is Tempus Sans ITC.    I alternated the font color using Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist and Bashful Blue.
3. Stamp snowflake and circle images onto address labels.  Stamp the whole sheet so you can make multiple cards; a One Sheet Wonder technique.
4. Cut a piece of window or transparency sheet 5 x 3 ¾.  Attach Mini Glue Dots to the 4 corners and top and bottom middle of one side of the window Sheet.  This will be the front side.  Attach the window Sheet to the inside of the cut out on the card base.
5. Peel and attach 4 printed and stamped address labels to the front of the window Sheet, centering as needed.
6. Stamp greeting using Night of Navy ink.
7. Attach 4 ¾ x 3 ¼ piece of Whisper White card stock on the inside of the card for your personal greeting or sentiment.
8. Punch out a "snowflake" out of silver glimmer paper using the Doily Triple Layer punch.  Insert a brad in the center and attach to the front of the carding using 1/2 of a Dimensional.