Happy New Year!

Hope all is happy with you all!

I am happily stamping and designing away in my stamp room. I'd be happier if it wasn't getting cold in here. That new window doesn't seem to be doing it's job tonight as the temperature dips below zero! Bubba and Don went on a trip. According to Don, they are living the high life! Ron and I are here. Ron made it all the way to 7:50 tonight. I am still going. How? --A Splitcoast Stampers Challenge Night!

Each hour a new challenge is posted. I am going to show you a few of what I accomplished. I am finding the challenges fun! My goal was to create samples for my upcoming retiring stamp camp, so I am going to show you those ideas...You may or may not see them in my upcoming events!

Here's my first one. Yeah, I know, not exactly me! It was for challenge SCSNYE04: The 7 P's. I was supposed to include these 7 P's: Piercing, Patterned Paper, Paper Piecing, Polka-Dot,Pink Punches, Pop-Dots.

Stamps: Take Three
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Bella Rose, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Microbeads, mini glue dot, ticket corner punch, paper piercing tool and template

I don't know if you can tell or not, but I added microbeads to the centers of the flowers for added fun.

My second challenge of the night was

This picture is really bad. The actual card is neater. If you look closely, you can see that I used a large heart in versamark on the black for a little texture. On my photo, it looks like areas of glare. This challenge was SCSNYE07 : A Black Tie Affair (challenges 05, 06 were with new stuff, so you can't see it yet). The challenge was to use Black, White, and Silver or Gold--black tie style. This was perfect for me as Bubba's Raider Fan-ness has made me grown fond of this color combination!

Stamps: A Happy Heart
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Large Oval Punch, Medium Oval Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Heat Tool, Silver Elastic Cord

I embossed the "I heart you", which made it so cool! I rarely emboss anymore, so this was a great reminder of all the stuff I do own!

The next challenge was really CHALLENGING:

Not the Stamping, but the challenge itself. SCSNYE08 was titled "1.1.2009" and was based on the numbers in the date: 1 inch of ribbon, 1 punch used, 2 brads, eyelets, or buttons, 0 glitter, 0 embossing, and 9 cardstock colors to choose from:Real Red, Pacific Point, Pixie Pink, Take with Teal, Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Sage Shadow. The planning took the longest. I started with my color choices and stamp set and went from there.

Stamps: Crab and Company
Paper: Taken with Teal, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Ink: Pacific Point, Basic Black
Accessories: Buttons, Pacific Point ribbon, arrow punch
Techniques: coloring with markers

The arrows and the ribbon aren't how I usually embellish cards and I'm not happy with it, but I wanted to live by the rules!

The final card I am going to show you is really a flashback. The idea was to create a tribute to a friend, "something that would make them smile."

This was one of the first stamps sets I ever bought. Remember, Bonnie? I rarely use it anymore because I have trouble determining what to do. This time, I used my watercolor wonder crayons. It was fun.

Stamps: Summer By the Sea, Warm Words, Canvas
Paper: Baja Breeze, Naturals Ivory, Barely Banana
Ink: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Almost Amethyst
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, 5/8 Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

By the way, the stamp sets I used tonight are retiring! If you want them get them by January 18th! The exception is a Happy Heart, which is in the Holiday Mini Catalog, available until January 31.

To close, I am following my hostess's lead...

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old times since ?

CHORUS:For auld lang syne,

my dear,for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

Happy New Year!

Love this Stamp Set and Punch!

On December 23, Stampin' Up! started a promotion called the Love You Much Bundle. It is so SUPERCOOL. I have had to hide my excitement due Christmas, etc, but WOWZER! This is a cool bundle.
These are swaps I participated in. With the upcoming holidays (when I first got my bundle on preorder), I knew I wouldn't have time to make a gazillion examples. I decided I needed to rely on the expertise and creativity of others. Did I get lucky or what! These are the best swaps. I am so inspired that I cleaned up my stamp room the past two days so I can play!

Here are the details of the promotion. You can also click here or on the side bar to see the flyer for yourself.

The Bundle includes A BRAND NEW PUNCH! See it in the back? This is an amazing punch and it coordinates with the stamp set! Get ready for Valentine's Day with the exclusive Love You Much Bundle (item 115405). The Love You Much Bundle includes the following: Love You Much stamp set, Candy Lane Designer Series paper (Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla), Heart To Heart punch, all for $41.48. This is 20% off the retail value of $51.85!

This is a set of cards that show how versatile the set is... you don't have to use just the Candy Lane Designer Series Paper that comes with it! I love these colors for Valentine's Day!

By the way, I am offering two classes for anyone who buys the bundle from me: 1) a 25 card Make-Your-Valentine's class and 2) Make a Gift Set class. Each Class is free with your purchased of the bundle. We will be using materials from your bundle with a few add-ons! Classes will be in late January and early February (dates to be determined). Register and prepayment is key. I can ship your bundle to you directly or you can order by January 15th and I will place the order for arrival here in time for the classes.

Thanks for letting me share!

Merrry Christmas Me!

Yeah, I know. It's the season of giving, blah, blah, blah. This post is to celebrate what I got. You see, my wish list was small. We just had wedding reception, my husband is shopper, and the only thing I really need is time in my stamp room! So, my family had to suffer through another short list. But, yet again, they came through!

Bubba and the guys got me a Pottery Barn blanket that is knitted like a cable knit sweater! Oh my golly! It's wonderful for lying on the couch and potatoing out. Not on my wish list, but a great find! That's where I was yesterday after a start to re-organizing my stamp room. It was so bad in there, I needed to spend hours cleaning instead of stamping! Ug. Not good for the creative juices!

My mom, dad, and sister came through for my Monday morning commute with Star Buck's gift cards. I prefer to go local, but at 5:00 Starbucks is the only game in town on my way to work. I should be driving fully caffienated for a while!

Finally, a highlight was something my dad cooked up. Well, after a phone call of measurements, my mom's punches as guides, and some pics via email! Wait, you don't know what it is yet! Here it is:

Awesome! All of my punches fit on it. I filled it up right away. Opps. But, they are handy and organized. Even Mr.Organization Bubba was impressed! I had one for ribbon, but never owned enough ribbon to fill it up. I discovered it's greatness for punches. The ribbon got in the way, so my dad also made me one just for ribbon:
See the cool handle at the top? They are portable! Yippeeee!!! Heavy, but doable!

Thanks to my entire family for all they do for me!

Wishing you had a wonderful holiday, also!

Busy Weekend Results!

I have been busy stamping, if not posting! This weekend was the last push before the big day-Christmas. I'm pretty careful about shopping all year and getting it done early. I never worry about cards until I am off for vacation, so this weekend is usually, chaotic. Not this year. I decided to be "chill" about it.

Then, Sunday, I realized I wanted to make some stuff for folks at work. A few hours later, I had this basketful: I used my Big Shot and the Bigz Top Note die to make the toppers. I rollered the Real Red paper with the Bold Snowflakes Jumbo roller in Real Red ink. I added a snowflake from Snow Burst in Whisper White Craft Ink. I mixed Iridescent Ice embossing powder and White embossing powder. This gives the white a little shine! Super easy! I stamped "warm thoughts" from Holidays and Wishes in Basic Black for the sentiment. I made them in groups of 4, each set a little different than the rest. It was a nice way to spend a windy, cold, and snowy Sunday.

This weekend, I also decided on presents for my cousins and aunt. Each year we exchange something small and homemade. We started this when we were young and continue to do this day. I cannot reveal what is inside, but I will show you the neat boxes I made for them!


This idea came from a box I saw at my upline Connie's Christmas Party. I think the idea has been around, but I don't know exactly who started it. These were pretty easy and used my Big Shot. The envelope die and I have not been creative together that much, but this idea is perfect for this cute little cut-out. Four envelopes cut out of an old white Christmas box, (How Green of ME!)put together with sticky strip using the tabs! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Here's the bottom, so you can make your own:

Oh yeah, I added snippets of ribbon, and used the Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit to accent each box. Each one is an original, like the gift inside.

Wishing you a Happy Last Few Days Before Christmas!

Make Your Own Gift Box!

Most stampers or scrapbookers know the importance of a good stash. I love projects that make me feel frugal and that I am using up my stash.

This is one of those kind of projects. I needed to wrap an ornament and what better stuff to use than my scrapbook paper. Plus, the way this box is made, it allows the recipient to still USE THE PAPER!



Remember this? I showed it to you earlier this week. I made some of these kinds of boxes from a tutorial on www.splitcoaststampers.com, but I created my own tutorial , based on a size I created. Click here for a pdf tutorial or read on for photos.

Supplies:
Scoring Tool (Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade or ruler and Bone folder)
2 12x12 sheets of Double Sided Designer Series Paper
Paper Snips
Rub-ons of your choice
Ribbon of your choice (about a yard)

Directions:
1. Using your scoring tool, score the base of your box on all sides at 3".

2. Fold the corner tips inward by creating creases along the diagonal and then the edges of the corner squares. Fold along the bottom edges of the base. This will create the box effect. You will need no tape! Clear as mud right? This picture might help you visualize:



3. Use your scoring tool to score the top of your box at 1 1/4” and 2 7/8” from all sides. Score the diagonals of the four squares on each corner.

4. Use your Paper Snips to cut the corner out to the second score line. Cut on the other score line to create tabs. It is easier to make tabs along the right and left columns instead of all 4 columns. (If that last sentence doesn't make sense, see this picture:)



5. Fold along the innermost score lines to create sides. Fold the tabs inward like in this photo:



6. Turn over the outside rectangle edges to create sides. The tabs will fall into place. (see above).

7. Fold the tabs inward, while folding the remaining side over the tabs to secure. Repeat on the other side. Here's a photo of what it looks like when it's done, in case you are a big picture kind of learner.



8. Place the lid on your box. It will hold the bottom sides in! When opened, your recipient can resuse the paper!

9. Carefully apply a white rub-on to the box corner.

10. Tie a ribbon around the box, leaving the corner exposed.

11. I used my crimper and a scrap to add a festive touch as well as my oval punch and another rub-on for the tag!

Happy Box-making!

A Party, A Party!

Yipeee! Wednesday night, I attended an upline's meeting/celebration in Wausau. Fun. Fun. Fun. Connie had three fun parts to the party. 1) a Cookie Exchange. Now, we really don't need cookies around here, but I couldn't resist. I made caramels and Snowballs. But, I didn't just want to put them on a paper plate in a bag. This was a Stampin' event after, all. Here's what I did.

Ok. I've deleted the picture and added this cute one. When I find it, I'll repost.

I'm quite proud. I had these little buckets since October or early November, from the Target dollar spot. I'm lucky that Bubba does most of the shopping, as that dollar spot gets me every time. I wanted to use them for a craft fair project, but alas, this was better. I added a candy cane, Baja Breeze ribbon, felt flurries with brads, and a tag using the Ski Slope paper. I used two small tag punches out of Whisper White to write the name and ingredients, in case someone was allergic to nuts or coconut. I love the Ski Slope paper! The Holiday Mini products are no longer available after December 31, so stock up if you are interested!


Second, was an ornament exchange. I needed a good idea, so I looked around and was inspired by my recent swaps. I don't know who made it, but I used the idea from this photo. My mom had the Christmas Cardinal. Yippee! I stamped it in Black Stazon on vellum paper. I used my Marvelous Markers to color in the image. I wanted to make the colors pop. I used my coluzzle to cut it out and place it inside. I added some striped real red 5/8 ribbon. I layered Always Artichoke 1/4 grosgrain on top. The colors come from my coloring. The big surprise...what to fill it with. I first tried tissue paper, but that didn't look right. We opened up the inspiration one, to discover ripped plastic bags! I grabbed a white bag, cut off the image on the front, and then bunched it up. I used my scissors to cut and stuffed the ornament. How cool is that! I was green and stampy!


To wrap it, I didn't want to run downstairs to find paper. Who knows where it is. I thought, duh! and made my own box. I hope to make a tutorial, so stay tuned.



Finally, we had a hand-stamped present exchange. I don't have a picture yet, but I am very proud. I'll leave you hanging and post about it later. Here's the packaging I made.



Just a note... the candy making took about 2 hours and the decorating the tins about 30 minutes. Not bad for a half a dozen home-made gifts. The ornament took about 20 minutes, and the other gift about 40 minutes (cuz, I had to plan. the next one, 10 minutes).

Happy Present-Making!

Retiring Stamps List is Out!

Oh my golly! It's fun to be jolly!
On a snow day, that is!

Ok. That's all the poetry I can come up with right now. My excitement is overwhelming. I awoke today to find out that the 5-10 inches of snow falling down 1) really did fall down, and 2) forced my superintendent to call a SNOW DAY! Just like a kid, I get excited. I am sitting in the living room watching the snow fall down over the Wolf River, with a cup of coffee and roaring fireplace. Life is good. Thanks, Carmen! (It's her house I stay in during the school week so I can keep my job, which is 1 1/2 hours away from my house with my husband).

Then, I remember---It's December 9th. The retirement list is here! There are some good ones on the list-- Crab and Company, Take Three, Kind Thoughts, A Tree for all Seasons, Summer by the Sea.

It gets even better- December 9-23, 2008, you can get these sets for 10% off! This is the first time I have ever seen Stampin' Up! give a discount on retiring stamps.

It gets even better- FREE shipping on orders over $70 from December 9th-23. This rocks!

So, contact me today if you want to place an order, or visit www.lilyinkpad.stampinup.net and click Shop Now to place an order from the comfort of your own couch!

Snowman Spirit

I love snow. I love shoveling. I love skiing. I love snow. Winter makes me happy.

My sister and mom came over Saturday for a stamping day. We all had projects that we needed to get done. My mom designed cards. I worked on an ornament (to be revealed later). My sister worked on some secret projects and I helped her work on a Secret Santa gift. We had a good day. Our to do lists are shorter, but still have items on them!

Here is Snowman Jar, I helped design:

I used my Seasonal Icons Hostess Simply Scrappin' Kit for the paper and inspiration. We wanted a central snowman image, but AMAZINGLY, I HAVE NO SNOWMAN STAMPS! My mom had this one. My sister stamped and colored it. (Her favorite part). I forgot the set, sorry. I added 1/4 inch white grosgrain ribbon to the belly band and lid. I also added a bow made of Baja Breeze double stitched ribbon. The tag was stamped in pretty in pink using Snow Burst snowflakes. I then printed a poem on the tag. I punched the corners with the ticket corner punch and added brads on each corner. I then layered the back with Baja Breeze and attached using elastic silver cord.

Here's a better view of the rub-ons. I love how they blend right in. They will really POP when the jar is filled with peanut butter M&M's! Yum. Yum.

Here's a picture of the tag. We really liked this poem and wanted to include it. If you can't read it, here it is:

Advice from a Snowman

Be a Jolly, Happy Soul.

Spend Time Outdoors.

Stay Cool.

It’s Okay to be a
Little Bottom Heavy.

Avoid Meltdowns.

Be Well-rounded.

Live Well. Life is Short.

-Ilan Shamir

Happy Snow!

O Christmas Tree!

Happy December!

Last night I planned to post on my blog, but put the Christmas tree up and got our house in the holiday spirit. The stockings were hung, and St. Nick appeared, bringing movies and candy to "the Guys."

In that spirit, I want to share photos from a swap I participated in dealing with ORNAMENTS! In my family, the tree is a very important tradition. My mom is a crafter and has given me at least one homemade ornament a year. She has a holiday boutique each November called Homespun Holidays and each year, we pick out a "homespun" ornament. Plus, she usually adds one of her own. My aunt and cousins, grandmother, everyone makes ornaments. My tree (pre-Bubba) had only handmade or given from love ornaments. Now, it's a mix of us all-- Raiders, Star Wars, my handmade stuff, horses, cowboys, Bears, Elvis, cars!

Here are some ideas for your own handmade ornaments this year:

This next ornament is a box, with a scrapbook inside!

Finally, my favorite for easiness, but cute. I can imagine a whole tree of these! This was made using tin and the Bigz Snowflake #2 die.

Happy weekend! I am off for a day of stamping!