Happy birthday little one...

Last weekend was my youngest grandson's first birthday - and I missed it. Winter hit with a vengance dumping so much snow many of the highways were impassable. It wasn't safe to travel. I must admit I was torn - do I risk driving on a snow covered 401 or do I miss his birthday. I erred on the side of caution....I still feel torn. A special card had been made for him, and a gift bag to match. He likes fish - so I made him a card with a fish on the front, using the iris folding technique. Instead of handing him the card in person, Canada Post had to do the job for me.
A sad Grandma today...

What do you do with chipboard?

I have been asked that question so many times - especially since I used a snowflake to mount "Frosty on one of the cards displayed earlier in the week. Chipboard (Stampin' Up's "On Board") is such a popular item and so versatile. However, it is a blank slate and therefore often overlooked as a craft item.
Here are some suggestions to use chipboard creatively:
1. Rubbing: place card stock over a piece of chipboard and rub with a sanding block to get a faded, antique-looking image of the chipboard.
2. Embossing: Use the negative area of the chipboard to dry emboss the chipboard image on a piece of card stock.
3. Faux metal: heat-emboss chipboard with Gold or Silver Stampin' Up Emboss powder for a cool metallic finish.
4. Cover chipboard with the following: comic strips, ticket stubs and other paper memorabilia, wallpaper, maps, old Christmas cards, post cards, cute product packaging, wrapping paper, beads, buttons, Chunky Essentials or fine Cosmo Stampin' Glitter, fabric, foil, ribbon, or yarn. The possibilities are endless.
5. Stamp with images
6. Decorate them with the Hodgepodge Hardware (various metal accents seen on Pg. 185 of the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book and Catalogue.

Stampin' Up's On Board products range from alphabets and accents to clipboards and albums. It is acid-free and designed to coordinate with many of the stamp sets and accessories available from Stampin' Up.

I had a lot of fun decorating the snowfakes which were part of the "On Board Something Seasonal" set. On the six 9" by 9" sheets, there are 2 each of 2 designs and 1 each of 2 designs - more than 200 images - and all for $17.95 (taxes and shipping extra).

Buy an "On Board" product and have a chipboard party - and get covered in glitter.

Today was busy at the Craft Show

Previously I mentioned that I was doing a lot of Craft Shows. Today I was at Princess Gardens, a Retirement Residence. This was an event designed to allow the residents there to do their Christmas shopping without going out in the snow - not that we have much right now. The weather has been mild.
I have 3 more shows before Christmas. Stay tuned.

Noel...Noel...

Just got out my Christmas CD's so, of course, had to make a case for them. This is just one of the ones I made. Will post the other style later. In the meantime, enjoy the music.

Cardinal ornament

Ad the holiday season approaches, trees are being decorated, and what better way to decorate your tree than to make your own ornaments. There's something about cardinals and snow that reminds me of growing up in a small town in Ontario - going for walks in the snow with my sister, and later watching the cardinals at the bird feeder while visiting friends. They're all pleasant memories!! There's nothing as marvelous as that flash of red against the white glittery snow.
Another way to get glitter into your life!!

Christmas countdown -another gift

Create some designer mouse pads for your favourite friend or family member. To make this unique gift, I brought out my "Pick a Petal Stamp set" and "Stem sayings" and used the in color ink pad colours. Unfortunately - no glitter - probably wise as this item will be near the computer.

A Timely Gift...tick toc

Just in time for Christmas - a uniquely designed clock for the craft room, or any room in the house for that matter.
I got this idea at Stampfest 2008 in October. Using one of the Stampin' Up Scrapbooking kits, Julie Leblanc decorated a similar item as well as making many cards. I got an e-mail from another demonstrator who made 60 cards from one Scrapbooking kit. Now that's an economical way to make cards!! Order one of the Scrapbooking kits from my demonstrator website: http:mvanderform.stampinup.net.

Christmas gift ideas

Need some ideas for Christmas? Here are two ideas:

Stepping Boxes

Make this beautiful stepping box using one of the "In Colour" designer papers from Stampin' Up.






Sign up for a class, or order one of these boxes for $10.00 plus shipping and handling.





They're great not only for pieces of jewelry but for other small trinkets.



















Designer Date Planner:

Or, cover a date/planner book with one of the designer papers from Stampin' Up. Check my Demonstrator web site: http://mvanderform.stampinup.net. For your convenience there is an on-line catalogue and on-line ordering.

Frosty the Snowman DVD tin and tags

In this environmentally-conscious and budget-aware society, it is important not to waste anything.

I got this idea from one of the Stampin' Up demonstrators (if I knew this person's name I would give her/him credit). What a way to use scraps of paper!!


If you would like to have a class on this cute little covered DVD tin and tags, let me know. Or if you would like to purchase the set for $10.00 plus shipping and handling, e-mail me or contact me through this blog.

Holiday Extravanganza Sale at Stampin' Up

From Nov. 26 to December 1, get 50% off select Stampin' Up products - a perfect gift for stampers and paper crafters in your life - or stock up yourself.
If you are interested, e-mail me and I will send you the flyer. It doesn't want to download to this site.

Snowflake DVD tin and tags

As I mentioned previously, I love glitter, so couldn't resist making some snowflakes and covering them with glitter. I didn't make these chipboard snowflakes, but you can make them with the Stampin' Up Big Shot or order them from Stampin' Up.
If you would like to do a class on this, let me know. Or is you would like to purchase this set, the cost is $25.00 plus shipping and handling.
I'm covered in glitter - again!!

Maria

Cardinals

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Cardinals

Some days are more creative than others - and some days I don't sleep much. I don't
know why I jumped from "Frosty" to
"Cardinals", but out came my "Cardinal"

Stamping on tile is something new I do this year. The "Cardinal" stamp looks stunning on tile, so I made a "trivet" and matching "coasters". These are stone tiles usually put on floors or backsplashes of kitchens. What a wonderful gift idea - and so unique!!

Let me know if you want a class on stamping on tiles.

Remember, there are only 4 Wednesday evening classes left until Christmas.

"Frosty the snowman....."

4 weeks to the big day.....
The jingle "Frosty the Snowman" was going through my head when I pulled out my "Frosty" stamp and started stamping. Earlier in the day I decided to challenge myself to see the variety of cards I could make using one stamp. And, oh, did I have fun!
I have been asked many times what I looked for in a stamp - and my reply was "versatility" - a stamp you can use in a variety of ways and for a variety of occasions. Well, "Frosty" has proven to be just that.
I used a variety of techniques and media- from Tombo pens, gel pens, and chalk - and different embellishments.







If you haven't guessed yet, I love glitter, glitter, glitter. Unfortunately, it gets everywhere, but it's so worth it.
Supplies you need include:
.cardstock cut to 5.5 by 8.5" and scored at 4.25 (you select the colour)
.cordinating cardstock (various sizes) - but you'll need at least 1 sheet of 8.5 by 11 (or 12 by 12)












.Frosty stamp
.Christmas greeting stamp (ro rub-on or peel off sticker)
snowflake stamp
.black and blue ink pads
.embellishments and ribbon of your choice
.snowflake punches/chipboard
.tombo pens, gel pens, chalk or watercolour pencils (your choice)
.double sided tape, and pop up dots, glue pen
.glue dots
.and GLITTER

I'll provide you with materials and instructions for each card when you sign up for a class.

Just to show you how versatile this stamp is, I decided a lonely bag sitting in the corner of my "play area" needed decorating. I couldn't resist ---doesn't the bag look better now? My bag happened to be green, but you could do it in any colour. Check out what design papers are available, and coordinate the colours of "Frosty" to match. Use left over paper to make your tag.

As I pointed out, it's only 4 weeks to Christmas, so get stamping......

Covered in glitter (as usual)
Maria

F

Hello everyone:
This if my first attempt at blogging, so bear with me if I fumble along for a while.
I have 2 cats, and one of them insists on sitting on my lap as soon as I get near the computer, so I am typing with a BIG black cat in my lap. I'm sure cat lovers out there can identify with the situation.

Follow this blog as I bring you into the world of making cards.....
For many people, collecting the mail is just another routine task in a busy day. But imagine leafing through the bills, advertisements, and credit-card solicitations only to find a white envelope (or a coloured one). Your name is handwritten on it, and there's a postage stamp in the upper right hand corner. "Wow, someone sent me a card" !!
Sending a card is almost as nice as receiving one. I used to wonder if my family and friends really appreciated my hand made cards. But the few times I've sent store-bought cards, they've been quick to ask if everything is okay, as if getting an ordinary card from me means something is wrong.
Many have told me that they have saved all of the cards I have every sent them, and have even framed some of them.
This year I have sent Christmas cards to our Canadian men and women serving overseas in Afghanistan. An e-mail of appreciation from the unit commander brought tears to my eyes.
A hand made card is really, really appreciated...and they're not hard to make. Instead of going to the grocery store, or other stores that sell cards, learn how to make your own. If you already make your own cards, learn a new technique.
Many materials are available in the craft stores- from paper products, and embellishments including ribbons and beads, to stickers and rubber stamps.
Many card making techniques are also available.
How do you sort this all out? Where do you begin? How do you know what to buy?
That's where this blog comes in. Each week I will address a technique , or a product I find interesting. If there is a particular product or technique you would like me to address please let me know.
Classes are also available but I'm only doing a few as I am busy doing craft shows until Dec. 7 Classes are also available on Wednesday evenings, from 6-8 p.m at Crop Circles in Peterborough Square.
I have two businesses - Simply Cards Stampin' Up.
The focus of this blog will be on Simply Cards, although I will mention Stampin' Up products/sales etc, and you will see Stampin' Up products being used.
Enjoy.