When you need a Tag: Day Four

I loved this reindeer when it was introduced last year, and was delighted when it returned in the Annual Catalog this year. I especially love that it has a coordinating set of framelits, because I fussy cut way too many things as it is.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Santa's Sleigh

  • Stamps: Santa’s Sleigh
  • Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Real Red, Garden Green
  • Accessories:  Big Shot, Santa’s Sleigh Framelits, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Merry Music Specialty DSP, Adhesive Sheets, Real Red 1/8″ Ribbon, Wink of Stella 

There’s a little Wink on those antlers and hooves! I layered the Merry Music Specialty DSP with a Thick Whisper White tag using the Adhesive Sheets. The DSP is on the thin side, and I like to be able to write on the back of the tag! The Adhesive Sheets are perfect for that job.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Santa's Sleigh

This was my first version, and I guess you could call it the quick-and-easy tag.Merry Wishes is from Oh What Fun, another fabulous returning set from last year’s Holiday Catalog.

I created a simple mask to allow the wreath to sit on the reindeer’s neck.  I might like it better if I used an Aquapainter to add some color to the reindeer – I don’t think I’ve ever seen an albino!

 

When you need a Tag: Day Three

Beachy Little Christmas is a natural for those of us living in the tropics. The images are charming and the string of lights on the palm tree is a very familiar sight in the islands. Some neighborhoods are well known for their elaborate lights and displays, and it’s a treat to be driving home after a long day and find yourself surrounded on either side of the road with sparkling lights, stars, figures, and those crazy inflatable characters!

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Beachy Christmas

  • Stamps:  Beachy Little Christmas
  • Color Palette:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Old Olive, Bermuda Bay, Pear Pizazz, Early Espresso
  • Accessories:  Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Pencils

This is another super-portable project that’s small enough to tuck into your bag. I chose the watercolor pencils because the design is very small and detailed, and the pencils are quite forgiving with small spaces. I didn’t add the watercolor with an Aquapainter, but you certainly could if you prefer that look.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Beachy Christmas

This one is even quicker and easier with just the palm tree! I used Stampin’ Blends on this one and it was REALLY fast!

You don’t need to live in the tropics to have palm trees on your Christmas tags, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

When you need a Tag: Day Two

I like a variety of tags: whimsical, traditional, and a few classy ones for those classy friends (you know the ones!). My first version of this tag was okay, but then the Muse stepped in and this happened:

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Merry Patterns Hello Friend

It’s really pretty simple, but that’s how classy things are. Agreed?

  • Stamps: Hello Friend, Merry Patterns (Host Exclusive/October & November)
  • Color Palette: Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White
  • Accessories: Big Shot, Circles Framelits, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Real Red 1/8″ ribbon

I bought the Hello Friend stamp set for this wreath and it was worth every cent. Merry Patterns was a Host Exclusive stamp set offered this fall. It’s no longer available, but if you’re lucky enough to have it, get out your Paper Snips and invest in the fussy cutting on this one – you’ll be glad you did.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Hello Friend

If you don’t have Merry Patterns, there is a Plan B. (Note: there is ALWAYS a Plan B)  I cut a narrow strip of Crumb Cake cards stock and stamped a sentiment on it. It seemed a bit plain, so I indulged in a bit of doodling to dress it up. I added a ribbon/linen thread bow and some diahmohnds (that’s how the fancy girls say it) and I think it works!

But there is no doubt that I like the first one better.

When you need a Tag: Day One

Most years, I host a Christmas tag crafting class, and the samples and leftover pieces ensure that I have plenty of tags for my gift-giving. The class didn’t happen this year (for a lot of reasons, some of them actually good reasons!) and I realized I was going to be in trouble without some quick action.

I ended up featuring tags at my Host event this month, and it made for some very happy Hosts and solved my problem as well. Over the next week I’ll share my projects: some are quite simple, and others take a little more time, but it’s my hope they’ll inspire you to create a few tags of your own.

I’m starting by sharing the tags I made with the Seasonal Chums bundle. In all honesty, this was a whimsical, what-the-heck kind of purchase, but I’ve used it much more than I anticipated and have been really happy with the results. Our Stampin’ Blends are perfect for coloring these images.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Seasonal Chums Holiday Tags

  • Stamps: Seasonal Chums
  • Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Blushing Bride
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Memento Ink pad, Big Shot, Seasonal Tags Framelits, Tags and Labels Framelits (retired), Candy Cane Washi (retired), White Bakers Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Sponge

I’m sorry if the retired framelits and washi throw you for a loop, but crafting is about being creative and I’m sure you’ll find an alternative. That Candy Cane washi was on the Clearance Rack for-evah, but now that the holidays are here it’s finally sold out. I stocked up because I loved the crisp red-and-white designs, and I’ve got a bit of a stash that I need to use up.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Seasonal Chums Holiday Tags

  • Snowman Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pool Party, Smoky Slate, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

These are not as time consuming as you might think. They’re small and the coloring is minimal – especially the snowman, who doesn’t require any blending. This is a perfect Holiday-movie-watching project, or a carry-along-to-the-kid’s-hockey-practice project, or even an airplane project!

There will be more posts with more tags over the next week – I hope you’ll stop by and say hello.

 

Miss that Crazy Moose!

There are MANY MANY WONDERFUL holiday stamps in the 2017 Holiday catalog, but my-oh-my did I love this crazy moose from 2016!

Maui Stamper DIY Easel Calendar Jolly Friends

  • Stamps:  Jolly Friends, Tin of Tags (both retired)
  • Color Palette:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Crumb Cake, Emerald Envy, Daffodil Delight
  • Accessories:  Red Glimmer paper, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer paper, Jolly Hat Punch (retired), Stampin’ Dimensionals

He’s such a dorky guy. I have a special corner of my heart reserved for dorky guys.  Not that Mr. Maui Stamper or Son of Stamper are dorks – no, no no! I’m just fond of dorky guys.  That’s all.

Maui Stamper DIY Easel Calendar Jolly Friends

2018 is just around the corner, and I’ll be done with retired stamps at least until the new Annual Catalog comes out!  Whew!

To get your December off to a jolly start, Cheryl and Crystal have also shared their calendar pages for this month.  Ho ho ho!

The abundance of November

It’s a little late for figs, although I have to admit that I made a lovely dish with them this summer. If I’d had the 2017-2018 In Colors when I made this calendar page, I absolutely would have made it in Fresh Fig.  But there you go. We are operating in an alternate universe with these calendars.

Maui Stamper DIY Easel Calendar Fabulous Flora

  • Stamps:  Fabulous Flora, Gorgeous Grunge (sorry, both retired from the 2016-2017 Annual Catalog)
  • Colors: Elegant Eggplant, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede
  • Accessories:  Aqua Painter

Maui Stamper DIY Easel Calendar Fabulous Flora

An Aqua Painter is an indispensable tool on my craft desk. I have multiples just because I use them so often. They need to be everywhere.

Take a moment to be inspired by the creations that Crystal and Cheryl have created for November.  You’ll be glad you did.

Want to create your own DIY Easel Calendar? I have just a few left – check THIS POST for details.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

Treats, treats, and more treats!

When Robbie is our club host (and we ALWAYS let her have Halloween) she goes all out. Halloween is her favorite holiday, and she spoils us with goodies and inspiration. This year was no different, and I thought you’d like to see her creations.

Maui Stamper Spooky Night

I don’t have all the details since I didn’t make these, but I know these little Hershey Bar holders use the Spooky Cat stamps and punch and Spooky Night DSP.

Maui Stamper Spooky Night and Painted Autumn Mini Treat Bags

These two Mini Treat Bags were filled with Salted Caramel Cocoa mix and everyone got one of these, too! The spider web doily is retired, but I loved the Black Glimmer Cat!

Maui Stamper Seasonal Chums

 

I made these little guys with the Seasonal Chums stamps and Seasonal Tags framelit dies. I discovered that stamping with Basic Black and using the matching Stampin’ Write marker to highlight the lines on the pumpkin was enough. The stems and leaves were quick to color and a little Wink of Stella gave Jack a proper gleam. Toe Bod Butts (Candy Corn, if you didn’t grow up in my house) fits perfectly in our 2″x8″ cello bags.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Trick or Treat Popcorn Box

Robbie filled the Popcorn Boxes with chocolates (long, long gone) and each box was a little different.  Like I said, she spoils us!

Maui Stamper Trick or Treat Popcorn Box

Maui Stamper Trick or Treat Popcorn Box

Trick or Treat!

Rocky Raccoon

Love this little raccoon! It amazes me how quickly something gets moved to the back of the stack when new goodies come along. It’s been a while since I’ve played with Foxy Friends, but clearly, Rocky is perfect for October.

Maui Stamper DIY Easel Calendar Foxy Friends

  • Stamps: Foxy Friends
  • Color Palette: Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Basic Grey, Tangerine Tango
  • Accessories:  Stampin’ Write Markers, Aqua Painter

When I told Crystal his name was Rocky Raccoon, she didn’t get it. Even when I started to sing. As in, she had no idea that there was a SONG. By the BEATLES.   It’s moments like this that make me feel O.L.D. Sigh.

Maui Stamper DIY Easel Calendar Foxy Friends

Using Stampin’ Write markers on a stamp to get multiple colors out of one impression is one of those things that makes me happy. Plain and simple happy. Not hard at all happy. Let’s drink cocktails while we’re writing blog posts happy (oopsie).

Cheryl and Crystal have October inspiration for you as well – enjoy!

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

I still have a few DIY Easel Calendar kits and refills available.  Visit THIS POST for details.

A very content cat

This cat has a very satisfied face and wears coats of many colors!

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

I had a fabulous time punching cats from the Spooky Night DSP (the deep orange and black cats). I played with watercolor on both watercolor paper and Thick Whisper White card stock, and stamped over some of them to create different looks. Love this Cat Punch!!

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

I added little Black Mini Sequin Trim collars and used them to embellish boxes of chocolate.

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

The Clear Tiny Treat acetate boxes were just the right size for the cat – and for a little Ghiradelli.

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

There’s a cat image in the Spooky Cat photopolymer set, but I would have bought it just for this face.

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

There was a children’s book when I was small about cats…lots of cats…and I think I’m re-living that story.

Maui Stamper Holiday 2017 Cat Punch and Spooky Cat

Good news! DIY Easel calendar kits are available for 2018!

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

You can see all of the details HERE

  • DIY Easel Calendar Kit is $9.00
  • DIY Calendar refill is $6.00

Shipping is by USPS and will be sent First Class or Priority Mail.  I ship the best possible method at the best possible price and will calculate based on what you order.  Typically, a single Calendar refill can be sent in a First Class envelope with postage of $.91.  Easel Calendar Kits are shipped Priority Mail Small Flat Rate with postage of $7.15.  I can ship multiple kits in one box.

Many crafters have asked for the template over the years. I do not sell the template. I didn’t create it and I don’t own it, and the crafter who does own it does not want to sell it as a template.

To order, leave a comment or email me directly at AnneMatasci (at) gmail (dot) com.  I’ll need your order, your delivery address and your email address. I will send an invoice via Square, and you can choose your payment method.  Your calendars will not ship until the fourth week of September. At this time, I do not ship outside of the United States.

2018 DIY Easel Calendars are ready!

Good news! DIY Easel calendar kits are available for 2018!

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

This petite calendar is a canvas ready for your creative touch!  You’ll receive12 precisely-cut monthly calendar pages plus a cover page featuring the year.  There are 13 cut-to-size mats featuring the 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 In Colors, plus Island Indigo, Pool Party and Old Olive.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

There are two ways to purchase the kit.  You can purchase it complete with an easel, and it will come packaged in a clear box ready for gift giving, with or without your creative designs.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

If you’ve purchased before, or already have an easel, I am making the calendar pages and coordinating mats available separately.  They’re packaged in a clear envelope.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! 2018 DIY Easel Calendar Kit

Not sure about the colors? The calendar pages are printed on Thick Whisper White card stock. Please consider that my camera and your monitor may not capture the exact hue and tone, but you’ll receive mats in the following Stampin’ Up! colors:

Peekaboo Peach, Flirty Flamingo, Powder Pink, Berry Burst, Sweet Sugarplum, Fresh Fig, Lemon Lime Twist, Old Olive, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Dapper Denim, Tranquil Tide and Emerald Envy.

If you want to take a better look, visit my Online Store to see the Stampin’ Up! card stock collection.

  • DIY Easel Calendar Kit is $9.00
  • DIY Calendar refill is $6.00

Shipping is by USPS and will be sent First Class or Priority Mail.  I ship the best possible method at the best possible price and will calculate based on what you order.  Typically, a single Calendar refill can be sent in a First Class envelope with postage of $.91.  Easel Calendar Kits are shipped Priority Mail Small Flat Rate with postage of $7.15.  I can ship multiple kits in one box.

Many crafters have asked for the template over the years. I do not sell the template. I didn’t create it and I don’t own it, and the crafter who does own it does not want to sell it as a template.

To order, leave a comment or email me directly at AnneMatasci (at) gmail (dot) com.  I’ll need your order, your delivery address and your email address. I will send an invoice via Square, and you can choose your payment method.  Your calendars will not ship until the fourth week of September. At this time, I do not ship outside of the United States.

Happy crafting!