Stamping with the Stars

Treats from the Crypt

 I was busy getting kits ready for a workshop tomorrow, so today's post will be short and sweet. Still, I think it's kind of cute.

You can find instructions for assembling the Bitty Box on my September 17th post here: My First Kiss Challenge, so I won't repeat them on this post.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp sets: From the Crypt, Pg. 21 #115460; Eat, Drink & Be Scary, Pg. 25 #111764

Paper:  Cast-A-Spell DSP, Pg. 161 #115677; Basic Black CS, Pg. 155 #102851; Old Olive CS, Pg. 156 #100702

Ink:  Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179

Accessories, Pg. Big Sho Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Extended Cutting Pads, pg. 194 #113478, Extended Premium Crease Pad, Pg. 194 #117630; Bitty Box & Envelope Die, Pg. 201 #115967; Circle Fire Rhinestones, Pg. 179 #109110; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Paper-Piercing Tool, Pg. 190 #116631

Follow the instructions on the earlier post to assemble the Bitty Box. (You may find it easier to attach the DSP pieces before assembling the box.)

Cut DSP 2" x 2" and stamp skull image for box cover.  Ink around the edges and attach to 2-1/8" x 2-1/8" Old Olive with Snail.  Use Paper-Piercing Tool to attach a rhinestone over the eye. Attach to the box cover with Stampin' dimensionals.

Cut DSP 2" x 2" and stamp inside image.  Ink around the edges and attach to inside cover.

Cut four pieces DSP 1/2" x 2-1/8".  Ink around the edges and attach to box sides with Snail.

Fill with candy and you're all done!

That's it for today. I guess it still counts as today, although it's ten minutes 'til midnight!

Thanks for stopping by.

Mickey

If  you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website.

Organizing Tips

I probably won't have time to do a tutorial today, so I thought I'd just share some organizing tips.

When I receive a new stamp set, it's added to an Excel spreadsheet that gives each stamp set a number.  Once the stamp set is added, the spreadsheet allows me to sort the list alphabetically so I have a handy cross-reference to keep in my craft room

Next, all of my Stampin' Up! stamp sets are numbered as shown in the photo.  The labels were all pre-printed on Avery 8195 labels and printed online here. 

I had to enter all of the numbers, but it was worth the effort.  Now it's super easy to grab the stamp set I need for my project.

Another organizing tip is to use Jet Black Staz-On, Pg. 190 #101406, to stamp a letter code on your inkpads.  Besides making the colors easier to locate, it also makes clean-up much quicker.

Finally, I found this great Stampin' Up! DSP Color Coordinating Chart pdf on Kris Kilcoyne's great site kween bee kreations.  This chart is great to use when you're looking for the perfect colors to use with every current designer paper.

That's all for today.  I hope this post was helpful. I'll be back tomorrow with another tutorial.  (I don't know what it's going to be yet, but I'll think of something.)

Mickey

From Our Patch to Yours

This is the "Thank You" card I'll be sending out to all of my customers this month.  This would be great attached to a loaf of pumpkin bread for your neighbor!

Here are the supplies I used:  (Click on the 2009-10 Idea Book & Catalog link on the right if you don't have one of your own. Better yet, book a workshop and you'll get a free catalog. Email me for details.) 

Stamp set:  Pumpkin Patch, Holiday Mini-Catalog Pg. 9 #116499 (Email me for your free copy of the Holiday Mini-Catalog.  You can also click on the link on the right for a PDF version)

Paper: Cast-A-Spell DSP, Pg. 161 #115677; Pumpkin Pie CS, Pg. 156 #105117; Old Olive CS, Pg. 156 #100702; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink:  Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179; Pumpkin Pie, Pg. 156 #105216; Old Olive, Pg. 156 #102277

Accessories:  Paper Cutter, Pg. 191 #104152; Paper Snips, Pg. 191 #103579; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892

First, I want to share a tip I learned from my upline Dawn Griffith.  When you first get your stamps, there's sort of a shiny surface on them.  This prevents you from getting a nice solid image until the stamp gets broken in a little.  To speed up this process, take your Sanding Block, Pg. 188 #103301, and very lightly sand the stamp.  You don't have to press hard, you just want to remove the shiny surface.

Here is a before and after picture.  See how much nicer the image looks after you sand the stamp?

Cut Pumpkin Pie CS 3" x 6" and score at 3" to form the card base.  Cut Old Olive CS 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" and ink around the edges with Old Olive. Set aside. 

Now choose the pumpkin you want to be in front and stamp it on Whisper White with Pumpkin Pie ink.  Then use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to add the stem and face.  Notice that I stamped all of the images from this stamp set onto Vellum CS so I could use the template over and over. (Another tip I learned from my upline.)

Cut out the image with paper snips and set aside. 

Cut Whisper White CS 2-1/2"x 2-1/2" and ink around the edges.  Cut DSP 2-1/2" x 3/4" and ink around the edges.  Attach the DSP to the bottom of the Whisper White.  Now use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp two pumpkins, stems and grass.  There's no need to add a face because we're going to cover them up.  Add a sentiment to the bottom.  Note:  I added the Old Olive sponging to the Whisper White after I took this photo.

I used the "cheater method" for adding the bow because I needed to make a bunch of these cards.  To do this wrap a piece of ribbon around the Whisper White CS covering the seam.  Tape in back as shown.

Now flip it over, tie a short piece in a knot on the front and trim as shown. 

Attach to the 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" Old Olive and attach this piece to the card base.

Use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the pumpkin cut-out to the front.

Here is what a dozen looks like!

I hope you found something useful in this blog today.  Thanks for stopping by!

Mickey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If  you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website

Turkey Treats

How cute would this look on your Thanksgiving table?  And the really good news is I created a little secret opening on the back of the Sweet Treat holder so your guests won't have to ruin the card to get them out.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Falling Leaves, Pg. 27 #115368

Paper: Autumn Traditions DSP, Pg. 160 #115668; Chocolate Chip CS, Pg. 156 #102128; YoYo Yellow CS, Pg. 156 #102824; Only Orange CS, Pg. 156 #107107; More Mustard CS, Pg. 156 #100946; Ruby Red, Pg. 156 #102259

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pg. 156 #100908; Elegant Eggplant, Pg. 105210

Accessories:  Sweet Centers Treat Cups, Pg. 7 Holiday Mini-Catalog #116802; Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Scallop Circle#2 Die, Pg. 199 #113469; 1-3/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #112004; 3/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #107217; 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104403; Small Oval Punch, Pg. 186 #107304; My Way Punch, Pg. 186 #110709; Slit Punch, Pg. 186 #104388; 1" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #109046; Paper Cutter, Pg. 191 #104152; Paper Snips, Pg. 191 #103579; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Dotto Temporary Adhesive, Pg. 192 #103305; Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294; Black Stamin' Write Marker, Pg. 155 #100082'Googly Eyes' from craft store.

Cut Chocolate Chip CS 3" x 6" and score at 3" to form card base.  Punch a 1-3/4" circe about 1/4" up from the bottom of the card front.  Note:  After posting this blog it was noted by Tanya that I cut it a little close, so you may want to punch 3/8" from the bottom.  Thanks, Tanya! 

Cut DSP 2-1/4" x 2-1/4" and ink around the edges and attach to the card front with Snail.  Turn the card over and punch over the 1-3/4" circle opening. 

Cut a second piece of DSP 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" and ink around the edges.  Use Dotto temporary adhesive to attach to the inside of the card, covering the opening.  Punch a 3/4" circle in the middle of the opening as shown.

Stamp the 'happy thanksgiving' image from Falling Leaves onto More Mustard CS with Elegant Eggplant ink.  Now use the Slit Punch to create a tab at the top of the acorn circle.

Punch the image out with the 1-1/4" Circle Punch and ink around the edges with Elegant Eggplant.

Fill the Sweet Centers Treat Cup and insert into the card. I find it easiest to hold the card up so the treat cup is flat against the card, then center the inside DSP as show.  Now your guests can used the slit opening above the acorn to get at their treats.

Punch Small Ovals from YoYo Yellow and Ruby Red CS.  Punch a 1" Circle from Chocolate Chip CS.

Use Dotto to temporarily attach the Real Red oval to scrap paper.  Insert the Small Oval punch as shown to create a smaller oval.

Attach the YoYo Yellow oval to scrap paper and use the My Way Punch to create the 'beak'.

Make two lines on the beak as shown with the black Stampin' Write marker.  Assemble the head as shown.

Use the Scallop Circle #2 die to cut four scallop circles.  The photo only shows three, but I decided after I assembled my turkey that he needed another row of feathers.

 Cut the Only Orange circle down to 1-1/2 inches.

Using Dotto, layer the Only Orange circle on top of the Chocolate Chip circle, leaving about 1/8" Chocolate Chip at the top.  Trim the bottom even as shown.  Layer this piece on top of the YoYo Yellow circle and trim.

Ink around the edges of the three scallop circle pieces, then use Paper Snips to snip about 1/2" down between the scallops as shown.

Now you can assemble your turkey.  Again, this is where I decided to add another row of feathers.  I just cut the YoYo Yellow scallop circle down to 1-1/4" and layered as shown.

I hope this will inspire you to find more creative uses for the Sweet Treat Cups.  I'm already working on a Christmas version!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Mickey

If  you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website

Christmas Bag with Shrinky Tag

I think this is my first Christmas project this year. I just couldn't resist making one more Shrinky Dink tag.

You can find the tutorial for the Bag w/Scallops on yesterday's post, Bag w/Scallops, so I'll just list the supplies I used.  The envelope was made with the Bitty Box & Envelope die. You can find a tutorial for assembling the envelope here: My First Kiss Challenge.

Stamp sets: Gifts of Christmas, Pg. 37 #115372; Autumn Days, Pg. 92 #115452; Teeny Tiny Wishes, Pg. 145 #115370

Paper:  Merry Moments, Pg. 160 #115672; Kraft CS, Pg. 159 #107070; Very Vanilla Natural, Pg. 159 #106530

Ink: Old Olive, Pg. 156 #102277; Chocolate Chip, Pg. 156 #100908; Forest Green Staz-On from a local craft store.

Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Extended Cutting Pads, Pg. 194 #113478; Extended Premium Crease Pad, Pg. 194 #117630; Bitty Box & Envelope Die, Pg. 201 #115967; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294; Bone Folder, Pg. 188 #102300; Gold Elastic Cord, Pg. 27, Holiday Mini-Catalog #109867; Red 1" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pg. 182 #115607; Red Gingham Ribbon, Pg. 183 #104827; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Vanilla Shrinky Dink Plastic

Since I really don't need to write a tutorial today, I thought I'd share a tip instead

If you've followed my blog, you know that I use Sponge Daubers for almost every project.  I used to keep them all in a basket and would sort through them to find the color I needed.  Besides wasting a lot of time, I also wasted daubers, because I would have 2-3 of the same color. To organize them I used the 3/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #107217, to punch white circles and ran them through a Xyron Sticker Maker.  Then I sponged a circle in the center for each color I used and attached the circle to the dauber.  I covered the circle with Scotch tape to protect it.

Each row in the case is for a color group, Earth Elements, Soft Subtles, etc. This seems like such a little thing, but it has been a real time-saver. 

Now I'm off to help with another fundraiser.  I sort of promised to make a bunch of Halloween Treat Holders. (It seemed like a good idea at the time.....)

I hope you found something useful here today.  Thanks for stopping by!

Mickey

If  you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website.

 

Bag w/Scallops and Shrinky Dink Tag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was so much fun to make.  I got the idea to use Shrinky Dinks from Tracy at Inky Dinks.  (How cool is that name?)  I just love the way stampers share all of their great ideas.

This is my entry in the Pals Paper Arts Picture Perfect Inspiration  This is also the first time I used the Bag w/Scallops die since I bought it about 5 months ago. 

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Upsy Daisy, Pg. 95 #111710

Paper:  Autumn Meadows, Pg.13 Holiday Mini-Catalog #116769; Kraft CS, Pg. 159 #107070

Ink:  Brown Staz-On

Accessories:  Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Pg. 194 #113439; Extended Cutting Pads, Pg. 194 #113478; Extended Premium Crease Pad, Pg. 194 #117630; Pretties Kit, Pg. 17 #109114; Sticky Strip, Pg. 192 #104294; Chocolate Chip 1" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pg. 182 #111849; Shrinky Dink Plastic; Optional:  Xyron 900 Creative Station.

Run a sheet of Shrinky Dink through the Big Shot, then punch a 1/4" hole in the corner as shown.

Using brown Staz-On, stamp the image onto Shrinky Dink plastic. Sponge around the edges as shown.  Follow the instructions on your Shrinky Dink package.  I used a toaster oven set at 325^o.

Before die-cutting the Bag w/Scallops, I ran a 6" x 12" piece of Autumn Meadows DSP through the Xyron and attached it to a piece of Kraft CS. 

Run the CS through the Big Shot, then fold the creases and attach Sticky Strip as shown.

Start the assembly by attaching one of the side pieces.  The fold up the front and back pieces.  I can believe how easy it was.  If I had known, I wouldn't have put off trying it for so long.

Wrap the ribbon around the bag and tie in the front.  Now you can dress it up with the Pretties or other embellishments and attach the tag.

 

I hope you enjoyed this project.  Thanks for reading my blog today!

Mickey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If  you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website

Double Challenge

This is my first entry in the Splitcoaststampers color challenge Splitcoaststampers Challenge .  It really was a challenge, too,  because I never would have put these colors together otherwise.  The colors this week are Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry and Basic Black.  Yeah, I know, very weird.  I also had a hard time figuring out how to use the Mojo Monday Sketch with all of those circle at the bottom. 

It did turn out pretty good, though.  It's got kind of a Phantom of the Opera feel to it.  Maybe because the circle at the bottom kind of look like the curtains at an old-time opera. (Not that I've ever been to one.)

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  From the Crypt, Pg. 21 #115460

Paper: Rich Razzleberry DSP, Pg. 161 #115685; Cast-A-Spell DSP, Pg. 161 #115677; Rich Razzleberry CS, Pg. 155 #115316; Crushed Curry CS, Pg. 155 #115319

Ink:  Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179; Crushed Curry, Pg. 155 #115659; Rich Razzleberry, Pg. 155 #1156558

Accessories:  1-1/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104403; VersaMark Pad, Pg. 190 #102283; Clear Embossing Powder, Pg. 188 #109130; Heat Tool, Pg. 188 #100005; Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pg. 191 #101049; Brayer, Pg. 192 #102395; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102862; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; 5/8" Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Pg. 183 #115605

Cut Crushed Curry 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" and score to create the card base. Using VersaMark, stamp a watermark pattern on the card front.  Ink around the edges with Rich Razzleberry.

Cut Cast-A-Spell DSP 4" x 5-1/4".

Cut two of the lighter patterns from the Rich Razzleberry DSP about 3" x 6" and use the brayer to ink over the piece with Crushed Curry.

Score about 3/4" from the long edges.  Use the score line as a guide to punch four or five half-circles from each pattern.

Ink around the edges with Rich Razzleberry.

Now use a ruler to line up the first row of half-circles and attach to the 4" x 5-1/4" DSP as shown.

Repeat for the top row of half-circles and trim the sides.

Tear the DSP along the bottom row of half-circles, leaving about 1/8" of white paper showing.  Ink over the white with Crushed Curry.  Layer this over Rich Razzleberry and tear again.  Ink the bottom edges with Basic Black.

Wrap 5/8" Black Grosgrain Ribbon around the layered piece, covering the top edge of the circles and tape in back.  Attach to the card front with Snail.

Cut Crushed Curry CS 2-1/2" x 2-1/2".  Use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to center the image on an angle.

Load up the stamp with VersaMark and then Rich Razzleberry.  Heat emboss the image and ink around the edges with Rich Razzleberry.

Attach to the card front with Stampin' Dimensionals.

We're all done.  Two challenges in one card!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Mickey

If  you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here:  Mickey's Stampin' Up! Website

 

More Matchbooks

I had so much fun making the Halloween Matchbook treat holders yesterday, I just couldn't stop.  So I decided to make some to hold these yummy autumn teas I found at the grocery store.  They go together so quickly, I think I might make some of both for a fundaiser this Saturday.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamp set:  Falling Leaves, Pg. 27 #115368

Paper:  Autumn Traditions, Pg. 160 #115668; More Mustard CS, Pg. 156 #100946; Always Artichoke CS, Pg. 157 #105119; Soft Suede CS, Pg. 155 #115318

Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Pg. 157 #105210; Always Artichoke, Pg. 157 #105219; Soft Suede, Pg. 155 #115657

Accessories:  Scallop Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #109043; 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104401; 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104403; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192 #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430

The matchbook base is cut 2-3/4" x 7" and scored at 3/4" and 4". (Note:  I inked around all of the edges except the matchbook base.)

Cut three pieces of designer paper as follows: 2-1/2" x 3", 2-1/2" x 2-3/4" and 2-1/2" x 1/2".  Attach these pieces to the matchbook with Snail as shown.

Fold the matchbook as shown in the top photo and staple about 1/4" from the bottom to form a pocket.  Insert the tea packet and tuck the front in the pocket.

Now cut a constrasting designer piece 1" x 6-1/4". Wrap around the matchbook and fasten in the front.

Use the punches to create the embellishment as shown.  Hint:  To center the image, I attach a dimensional to the back and stick it on the tip of my Paper Piercing Tool, Pg. 191 #116631.  That makes it easier to center on the mat. Attach to the front of the matchbook, covering the seam.

That's it for today.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my followers who found me at the new site!

Mickey

If you'd like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Matchbook HalloweenTreats

I'm still bummed out about my missing followers today.  They're still here, but they're not showing up on my blog for some reason.  Of course, it's going to drive me nuts until they get it fixed.  Also, the 'really cool' project I had planned didn't quite work out the way I wanted it to, so I'll have to put it off until another day.  Anyway, I think this project is pretty cute, too.

Matchbook treat holders have been around for awhile, but I did add the "belly-band" to make it sort of my own.  These are super-easy to make and would be a great Halloween party treat.  If you need to make lots, you could staple the treat to the matchbook and leave off the belly-band.

Here are the supplies I used: 

Stamp set:  Batty for You, Pg. 23 #116576

Paper:  Cast-A-Spell DSP, Pg. 161 #115677; Basic Black CS, Pg. 155 #102851; Whisper White CS, Pg. 155 #100730

Ink:  Basic Black, Pg. 155 #101179; Pumpkin Pie, Pg. 156 #105216; Old Olive, Pg. 156 #102277

Accessories:  Scallop Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #109043; 1-3/8" Circl Punch, Pg. 186 104401; 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Pg. 186 #104403; Sponge Daubers, Pg. 192 #102892; Snail Adhesive, Pg. 192  #104332; Stampin' Dimensionals, Pg. 192 #104430; Stapler; Fun Size M & Ms

Cut Basic Black CS 8-11/2" x 3".  Score the on the long side at 3/4" and 4-3/4".

Cut two pieces of Cast-A-Spell DSP; one each 3-1/2" x 2-3/4" and 3-3/4" x 2-3/4".  Ink around the edges with Basic Black and attach to the outside of the matchbox.  Fold the match box with the 3/4" sectionCut contrasting DSP 2-3/4" x 1/2".  Ink around the edges and and attach to the short flap on the front as shown.

Fold the short flap up and staple about 1/4" from bottom.  Insert the M & Ms and tuck the long flap in.  Cut another contrasting DSP 1" x 7".  Ink on the long edges.  Wrap around the matchbook and attach in front with Snail.  Punch a Scallop Circle and 1-3/8" Circle in contrasting CS, ink around the edges.  Apply Snail to the belly band in front and attach the Scallop Circle, then 1-3/8" Circle.  Stamp the Batty for You image on Whisper White.  Ink around the edges and attach to front with dimensionals.

That's it for today.  Thanks for checking in and I'll keep working on that 'really cool' project for you!

Mickey

If you’d like to purchase the supplies to make this project, you can find them here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/iheartstampin/

Yikes!

I lost some of my followers.  I've been told that it happens when Blogger does an update and not because I added a 3rd column.  They should show up again in a few hours.  I'll be heartbroken if they're lost forever.  Just know that I didn't delete them!

In  the meantime, I'm working on a really cool project but it's going to take some time, so check back later in the day.

Thanks.

Mickey