Stamped Sophisticates

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Warm Halloween Wishes

Two Halloween cards
Free Big Shot (or $100 in free Stampin' Up! catalog merchandise) for new demonstrators
January 2012 Stampin' Up! events in San Antonio, TX

I woke up with a strong urge to play in my stamp room today. I just barely took time to make a steaming cup of coffee, grabbed my favorite mug, and headed to my craft loft. With the Big Shot promotion in full swing, I wanted to showcase some of the fun, Stampin' Up! dies you can use with your big shot.

Here are two fun card using the Big Shot Dies and Textured embossing folders.

This first card uses both dies and textured embossing folders with the Big Shot Die Cut Machine. I used the smaller circular die from the Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die as a background accent behind the owl. The Halloween owl is part of the hostess set from the Holiday Mini catalog. The stamp set, called Warmest Wishes, is a perfect set for fall holidays. It is available at a reduced hostess price for hosting a Holiday Workshop or free with your hostess dollars earned by being a hostess.

The Owl is punched with the Owl Builder Stamp punch(1180740), making this an easy and fast card to recreate. Other stamps in this set work with the Petite Pennants Builder punch (122361), The 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874) and the Decorative Label Punch (120907). The 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon in Basic Black add just the right touch of playfulness.

Hostess Set, Holiday Mini Catalot: Warmest of Wishes (122670-w; 122672-c)

Visit my Online Store to buy the supplies to make this project

Recipe:

Stamps: Warmest of Wishes (122670-c, 122672-c), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370-w)
Paper: Calypso Coral , Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), Calypso Coral (Stamp Write Marker)
Accessories: Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die (123126), Owl Builder Punch (118074), Word Window punch (119857), Modern Label punch (119849), Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120889), 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon (124145), 1-3/4" Circle Punch(119850), Big Shot Die Cut machine (113439)

The second card uses the other circular shape from the Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die. I can't stop using these two shapes on projects since this die were first introduced in the new July 2011-2012 Catalog. The rickrack on the top of this card was created using the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893) with the Big Shot. With four different trims included on this one die, I had a hard time choosing which to use on this card. The textured spider web background was created using the Big Shot and a textured embossing folder. The sentiment block uses the Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set embossed with Tangerine Tango embossing powder.

Visit my Online Store to buy the supplies to make this project

Recipe:

Stamps: Warmest of Wishes (122670-c, 122672-c), Spooky Bingo Bits (123944-w; 123946-c)

Paper: Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Jet Black StazOn (101406), VersaMark (102283), Calypso Coral (Stamp Write Marker)

Accessories: Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die (123126), Owl Builder Punch (118074), Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893).

Scallop Square Punch (119884) 1-3/4" Circle Punch(119850), 1" Square punch(124094), White gel pen (105021), Tangerine Tango Stampin' Emboss Powder (123106), Powder Pal (102197), Big Shot Die Cut machine (113439), Heat Tool (100005)

Join Stampin' Up Oct 1-31 and get a free Big Shot (or up to $100 in Free Products)

If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, this week is the perfect time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator. During October, you'll get a FREE big Shot die-cutting machine (or up to $100 in free Stampin' Up! products!)

Join as either a hobby demonstrator or make it a business or even a side business. Don't wait! Join today so you can begin offering the Free Big Shot to start growing a downline before this offer ends. With a downline you'll have even more opportunities to earn money before the holidays or for a warm weather vacation in the months ahead! Plus, you'll have access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot! And, free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists with over 160,000+ project samples so you're never at a loss for ideas.

Find out full details here. You can sign up on line immediately and start enjoying your 20% discount immediately this month for all your holiday projects. (AND an extra 10% discount on your first order!) Remember, when joining Stampin' Up! you can customize your starter kit with stamps of equal or lessor value, and select the paper and inck colors you want. The new-demonstrator Starter Kit--a steal at just $175--includes over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies. In addition, new demonstrators may substitute a Textured Impression Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see catalog pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Decor Element (p.233) that comes standard in the Starter Kit.

Note: Approximately one hour after completing your online demonstrator sign up, new demonstrators will be given access to a Promotional Product Bonus link on the Stampin' Up! order page (called OEX) via email. Here you will either enter the item number for the Big Shot (item 113439) or the item numbers for up to $100 in Stampin' Up! products. Products can be chosen from any current catalog and shipping is free!

Introduce others to Stampin' Up! so they can take advantage of this offer before it ends Oct 31.

One of the best benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator includes sneak peeks and early ordering of brand-new products. Plus invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events. For instance, two upcoming Stampin' Up! events in January:

This January, Stampin' Up! will be hosting their Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX, Jan 18- 20, 2012 for Supervisors and above. Join today, recruit others by offering the Free Big Shot promotion to friends you know love to stamp, and be ready to attend this fun event.
In addition, Stampin' Up! will also hold a 1-day regional event on Saturday, January 21 -- immediately after Leadership -- at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Fun with friends. Workshop WOWs presented in demonstrator booths, Mix and mingle, Make & Takes with Stampin' Up! providing all the Make & Take Supplies. Product sneak peeks, and swaps galore. All demonstrators may register on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct 26. If space permits, demonstrators may register guests on Nov. 2.

Sign up as a Demonstrator now and so you'll be able to register for these wonderful opportunities to learn from the best in the industry.

Well, my stomach is growling for something more than coffee...

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Gently Falling and Frostwood Lodge

I get a little thrill every time I work with the Frostwood Lodge designer series papers. This project pairs one of the wood looks from Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Papers with the Gently Falling two-step stamp set.

I stamped the leaves in Soft Suede using the leaf outline from the 2-step stamp set. Then I stamped with More Mustard as the second step of the Gently Falling stamp set. Then I used a sponge dauber and ink from the Cajun Craze ink pad around the edges of each leaf. I tried edging the leaf two different ways. First I sponged the edges before cutting out the leaf. Then I tried it where I cut out the leaf and then held the leaf in my hand to sponge the edges. Both worked equally well and gave about the same results. Then, after cutting out each leaf, I used my bone folders and slightly curled the edges of the leaf to give them even more dimension. It made the leaves look much more life-like, in my opinion. I added one of the Spice Cake designer Buttons in the fun jumbo size. There were so many sentiments that would look good on this card. "Grateful" form Always Thankful, or "Give Thanks" from Hand-Penned Holidays. I used Thank You from the Perfectly Penned sentiment set.
Here's the recipe for this card:

Visit my Online Store to buy the supplies to make this project.

Recipe:

Stamps: Gently Falling (123802 (w), 123804 (c)), Perfectly Penned (Sentiment) (122890 (w) 122892 (c))
Paper: Frostwood Lodge, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla,
Ink: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
Accessories: Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976), Sponge Daubers (102892); Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack, 105826),Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Glitter Brads - Brights (Pumpkin Pie (121006), Linen Thread (104199), Spice Cake Designer Buttons (124113 - Holiday Mini)

Additionally, This fun gift box uses the Kraft Gift Boxes from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Perfect for gift cards, or a few of the cookies made with the new Stampin' Up! Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. Decorate them in a seasonal theme, like mine, and you'll have the perfect hostess gift for your Thanksgiving Dinner hostess.

I used the Simply Scored Scoring Tool from the Holiday Mini Catalog and pleated my topper at 1/4". I grabbed 5 punches--including my largest circle punches and scalloped circle punches--and quickly formed the center base to showcase the Jumbo Spice Cake Designer Button.

On the sides of the box I layered Soft Suede, Pool Party and and Very Vanilla. I used more leaves from the Gently Falling stamp set and added a label and sentiment to the front of the boxes. These boxes are less that $1 each and come in a four-pack.
Visit my Online Store to buy the supplies to make this project.

Recipe:

Stamps: Gently Falling (123802 (w), 123804 (c)), Teeny Tiny Wishes (Sentiment) (115370 (w) )
Paper: Soft Suede, Pool Party, More Mustard, Spice Cake print, Very Vanilla,
Ink: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
Accessories: 2-1/2" Circle Punch (120906), 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (118874), 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Large Oval Punch (119855) Sponge Daubers (102892); Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Linen Thread (104199), Spice Cake Designer Buttons (124113 - Holiday Mini)

What a great gift set for Thanksgiving. Arrive for Thanksgiving with a hostess gift in the decorated craft box. And send the Thank-you card following the meal.

If you're from the Houston, TX area, attend my class this Sunday, Oct 9, to make these and other wonderful fall projects and get a head start on the Holidays.

Reminder: Check the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack: A number of Holiday items were added Oct 1 at up to 60% off. But hurry! We've seen popular punches and other items disappear quickly. Look for bargins on Pumpkin Pie 5/8" Satin Ribbon (119749), Pumpkin Pie Corduroy Buttons (114342), 1/2" Raven Lace Trim (120988), and the Batty Bat Punch (119279) for Halloween cards and scrapbook pages.

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Free Big Shot when you join Stampin' Up! Oct 1-31, 2011

Join Stampin' Up Oct 1-31 and get a free Big Shot or up to $100 in Free Products

The Big Shot is a Big deal. During October, explore your creativity by becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrators and you'll get a FREE big Shot (or up to $100 in free Stampin' Up! products!

Find out full details here. You can sign up on line immediately and start enjoying your 20% discount immediately this month for all your holiday projects. (AND an extra 10% discount on your first order!)

Remember, when joining Stampin' Up! you can customize your starter kit with stamps of equal or lessor value, and the paper and ink colors you want.

The new-demonstrator Starter Kit--a steal at just $175--includes over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies.
New demonstrators may purchase the standard or Digital+ Starter Kit, and may add the stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio Software Add-On for the regular add-on price. In addition, new demonstrators may substitute a Textured Impression Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see catalog pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Decor Elements (p. 233) that comes standard int he Starter Kit.

Note: Approximately one hour after compling your online demonstrator sign up, new demonstrators will be given access to a Promotional Product Bonus link on the Stampin' Up! order page (called OEX) via email. Here you will either enter the item number for the Big Shot (item 113439) or the item numbers for up to $100 in Stampin' Up! products. Products can be chosen from any current catalog and shipping is free!

There's never been a better time to join Stampin' Up! if you're from Texas. This January, Stampin' Up! will be hosting their Leadership Conference in San Antonio Jan 18- 20, 2012 for Supervisors and above.

In addition, they will also be holding a 1-day regional event on Saturday, January 21 - immediately after leadership -- at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Fun with friends. Workshop WOWs presented in demonstator booths, Mix and mingle Make & Takes with Stampin' Up providing all the Make & Take Supplies. Product sneak peaks, and swaps galore. All demonstrators may register on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct 26. If space permits, demonstrators may register guests on Nov. 2. Sign up as a Demonstrator now and so you'll be able to sign up for this wonderful opportunity to learn from the best in the industry!

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Spice Cake Suite

Where have I been? Early this month our mom decided she wanted to move from her 3 bedroom home to a 2-bedroom senior apartments and give up the upkeep of a house and yard. Great decision for an 89 year old lady who still drives and gets around just fine. She had such fun picking out paint colors, new appliances, a new love seat for her den, and setting up her "thing" in her new home. My sisters and brothers all managed to coordinate schedules and between last weekend and this week end, we moved her to her new home and help her get most of it set up and livablewith furniture in place, and with phone, cable TV and computer networks working. (Hi mom!)

Today's project builds on the Fall/ Thanksgiving theme from the past few weeks. I made a simple topper using the Note card die. It works great as a place card on a Thanksgiving table or as a gift bag topper. Click for larger image.

Here's what it looks like as a tent card. You can use it for any fall occasion -- or add a sentiment and use it for a special holiday. On the reverse side add a punched or printed label and hand letter names of your guests. Or, if you are a My Digital Studio Software users, you can personalize labels for each of your guests and print them on your home printer. I just love the colors! I stamped the leaves from Gently Falling in Soft Suede. It is a two-step stamp. I stamped with inside of the leaf with More Mustard. Then I inked the edges of each leaf using a sponge dauber with Cajun Craze. I switched to another dauber inked with More Mustard and stamped a little more in the center of each leaf

Here's what it looks like as a bag topper. I used it for a small gift size of shower gel or hand and body lotion I picked up at a bath shop. I added a couple of brads to hold the topper to the cellophane bag. And I added a button with linen thread on the stems of the leaves for additional accents.

Here's the tent card coordinated with cards I've posted earlier. Turn one of the cards into an invitation to a fall event -- a birthday party or for Thanksgiving -- and coordinate your table with these cute tent card name places, use the back to label the food you're serving, or turn them into bag toppers for a small gift in cellophane bags at each place setting.

Visit my Online Store to buy the supplies to make this project
Recipe:

Stamps: Gently Falling (123802 (w), 123804 (c)), Teeny Tiny Wishes (Sentiment) (115370 (w))
Paper: Pool Party, Very Vanilla, More Mustard
Ink: Soft Suede, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
Accessories: Top Note Bigz Die (113463), Big Shot Die Cut machine (113439), Modern Label Punch (119849), Word Window Punch (119857), Sponge Daubers (102892); Regals Designer Buttons (119744), Linen Thread (104199), Regals Brads - More Mustard (119737), glue dots to hold the button in place

It is always such a special time when family gets together. We're spread across the country from California to Texas to Minnesota.

Mom Esterling surrounded by part of her immediate family. She grew up in a family of 13 children. She married an only-child who lived kitty-corner on the same block, and they had over 60 wonderful years together! She's blessed with great health and wonderful friends.

All my brothers and sisters were unable to all be together at one time over the past 10 days, but we did manage to see each other during different times of the week.

Enjoy, and thanks for indulging my pride in family!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Grateful to local firefighters and police

Today's post is dedicated to the brave firefighters and service personnel who served during 9/11. It is also a thank you to our local firefighters and police force who have been watching over our homes here in Houston as forest fires rage through our area because of the long drought we have experienced this summer.

Not only am I grateful for the human lives and homes that were saved by our local firefighters, I also wish there were a way to invite all the displaced animals to share the forest behind our home, which, up until now, has been untouched by the devastation of the fires.

For the past few days I've been fortunate to peacefully sit and watch the wildlife behind out home as I work on projects in my Craft Loft. Click photos for larger view.

If you have some time today to remember, here is a link to the 102 Minutes that changed America with an interactive map of eye witness accounts of 8/11 on History.com. Feel free to share this with your Facebook friends and family. Look for the Share link in the left hand side on my web site.

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs - including the Summer mini catalog

Friday, September 09, 2011

Holloween Favor Baskets

Spooky Bingo Bits Treat Baskets
Pick Your Poison Quick Accents

Although it is still 95 degrees during the day in Texas, the evenings are beginning to cool down and I'm really getting into the mood for fall projects.

Here are two Halloween treat baskets using Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set. The treat baskets were cut using the Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die in the Big Shot, The handle was punched using the Ribbon punch. Click photo for a larger image.

Visit my Online Store to buy the supplies to make this project

Recipe:

Stamps: Spooky Bingo Bits (123944 w, 123946 c), Delicate Doilies (122590-w; 122592-c)
Paper: Calypso Coral Texture cardstock, Wisteria Wonder Textured cardstock, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: VersaMark, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder
Accessories: Lace Ribbon Border Punch (122362),Perfect Pennants Bigz L Die (123126), Scallop Square Punch (119884) 1-3/4" Circle Punch(119850), 1" Square punch(124094), Black Embossing Powder (109133), Powder Pal (102197), Big Shot Die Cut machine (113439), Heat Tool (100005)

Earlier this week I showed you samples of Halloween accent bottles using the Pick Your Poison Quick accents. Great for Halloween decorating! Look how well they coordinate with these little treat baskets. Wouldn't they make great favors baskets for a Halloween party, for trick-or-treaters, or to fill with treats for your co-workers? The Pick Your Poison self-adhesive Quick Accent labels apply quickly to bottles and jars turning them into great accents for the setting up a Halloween theme. Click the photo for a closer look.

The Pick Your Poison Halloween Quick Accents are also available as a digital Download (125614) for use with My Digital Studio software , which means you can easily make multiples of the same label if you want to use them on your baskets, rather than a stamped image. I love that Stampin' Up! makes it so easy to switch up how we use the wonderful design elements created by the Stampin' Up! artists. I've said it before, but I believe the images get better every year!

If you're in the Houston, TX area, check out my upcoming class using these products from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Let me know if you have any questions about any of these cards.

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

SU Demonstrator Web Site: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/