That Silly Fox

Posted on November 1, 2016 by mauistamper

I know. I’ve used another retired stamp set this month. You’ll have to forgive me as I create these calendars…well, about now! And the Holiday catalog and all it’s beautiful images is sitting right there on my desk.

Stamps: Thankful Forest Friends (Holiday 2015, retired)
Color Palette: Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Tangelo Twist, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Write markers

I’ve begun to include Paper Snips in my Project Recipe when I fussy-cut an image. If you haven’t taken the leap and treated yourself to this indispensable tool, I urge you to give them a try. They aren’t expensive ($10) and you will be amazed by the precise work they make possible. Stuff your stocking!

Check out what Crystal and Cheryl have done this month.

Maui Stampering the Pootles Tea Bag Holder Folder

Posted on October 15, 2016 by mauistamper

Do you follow Pootles? You should, just so that you can say her blog name 🙂 In August, she updated her Tea Bag Holder Folder and I saw it for the first time. I knew right away that I wanted to CASE (Copy And Share with Everyone) that project, but I quickly discovered that the tea bags I’d chosen were not the same size as the ones she used.

AIYAH.

I had to re-design.

Is that the cutest thing EVER???

Instead of making all of the packets inside from DSP, I chose to alternate them with colored card stock. It saves a bit on the DSP but I also like the variety – I think it makes the envelopes stand out more.

Each of my envelopes is sized to fit a packet of Tazo tea. The Pootles holder is sized for Twinnings, and I’m not even certain that the Twinnings distributed in the US is the same size as the UK.

Here are my numbers for the changes. I’ve linked to her tutorial at the end of the post.

The Twinnings packet is 2 5/8″ x 3″, and the Tazo is 2 5/8″ x 3 1/2″, so I only needed to adjust for height.

The card stock for the folder is 11 x 3 1/4″ and is scored at 4, 5 1/2″, 9 1/4″ and 10″. The card stock for the accordion piece to attach the tea bag envelopes is 4″ x 3″ and is scored at 1/2″, 1″, 1 1/2″, 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″ and 3 1/2″.

The tea bag envelope is created on the Envelope Punch Board. Each envelope is made from a 5 1/2″ square piece of paper and is aligned with the 2 3/8 mark for the first punch on the board.

The Fresh Fruit DSP is perfect for this project as so many teas are really fruit flavored infusions. Since Designer Series paper is Buy 3 Get One Free this month, why not create a few Tea Bag Folder Holders for that quick and unexpected holiday gift? Teachers, mail carriers, your favorite grocery checker – spread a little Tea Bag LOVE!

Special thanks to Pootles (Sam Hammond Donald) for so generously posting beautiful, easy to follow instruction for this project. Find details HERE and HERE.

An Owl in the October Woods

Posted on October 2, 2016 by mauistamper

Our calendar tour is a day late this month so that we could celebrate World Card Marking Day on October 1st. This little owl in an autumn wood will watch over my kitchen for all of October:

Stamps: Among the Branches (Holiday 2015, retired)
Color Palette: Tangelo Twist, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Accessories: Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals

In Hawaii, we have an endemic owl call the Pueo. It’s a diurnal, or daytime owl, but I’ve seen them most often at dusk. The silent flight of an owl overhead is always a spell-binding experience.

We don’t have many fall colors, but I’ve chosen to apply creative license to the tree my Pueo has chosen as a perch.

Visit Cheryl and Crystal to see their October calendars!

It’s RemARKably Halloween!

Posted on September 18, 2016 by mauistamper

Welcome to the September version of the RemARKable Blog Tour. This month I’m featuring the Cookie Cutter Halloween stamps paired with the Cookie Cutter Builder Punch. It’s cute, it’s fun to color, and it’s quick!

I didn’t have Halloween paper at my fingertips, so I pulled out this starry paper from the Presents and Pinecones Holiday Catalog DSP and used it with the Mini-Treat-Bag thinlits.

The little scarecrow is my favorite to color – I chose watercolors (Ink Refills and the Aquapainter) to achieve a vintage look. The tag is the same for each of my projects – a Cookie Cutter Halloween punch, a 1 3/4″ Pumpkin Pie card stock circle, a black card stock tag embossed with the Woodland TIEF, and a vellum “washi” cut from the Mini-Treat-Bag thinlits set and stamped with Happy Halloween from Teeny Tiny Wishes, one of my crafting workhorses!

This little vampire isn’t very scary, and he’s easy to color with Stampin’ Write markers (Rich Razzleberry and Pear Pizazz). He tops a treat bag made with the Gift Bag Punch Board.

The little mummy is my all around favorite. I added the little heart (it’s one of the builder items on the punch) and colored a little Razzleberry face in there – how easy is that? There’s a little mummy brigade behind the tag punched directly onto the Kraft Tag a Bag gift bag.

The Gold Binder clips are perfect for attaching tags and closing up bags! And that ribbon is the Peekaboo Peach taffeta – it blends very well with Pumpkin Pie!

Last in the lineup is the Skelly, accompanied by a Row of Ravens (Nevermore!) across the Petite Cafe Gift Bag.

Our new Kraft Rope trim is soft and easy to tie, and it coordinates with everything. That’s my kind of accessory.

Here’s the lineup! You can hand out treats, deliver home-baked goodies, or even fill them up with worms and dirt and give them to all of the naughty boys and girls.

Well, we wouldn’t really do that now, would we?

Next stop on the tour is Heather Mathieson, and she is definitely not going to be naughty – I know she has wonderful projects to share with you! Enjoy the tour.

Anne Matasci YOU ARE HERE!

Cookie Cutter Builder Punch #140396 $18

Maui Stamper Cookie Cutter Halloween Stampin Up

Cookie Cutter Halloween stamps Wood #142242 $23 Clear #142255 $17

Maui Stamper Holiday 2016 Favorite Things

Posted on September 2, 2016 by mauistamper

Raindrops on roses…well, not exactly! I’ve had a month to play with many of the products from the Stampin’ Up! Holiday 2016 catalog, and I thought I’d share my Maui Stamper Favorite Things with you. I can’t promise that my list won’t change throughout the season, but here’s where it stands today:

#1. Copper Foil Paper

I’ve shared a sample using Santa’s Sleigh (see #8 below) and this paper is amazing. There’s coordinating Embossing Powder and Copper Thread in the Annual Catalog. The look is rich and luxurious and this is my absolute favorite catalog product.

#2. Cookie Cutter Christmas bundle

These are the cutest! I am not usually a “cute” card person, but this set has made a believer out of me! The images are easy to stamp and color, and a Wink of Stella is the perfect finishing touch. You’ll use these over and over for cards, tags and package embellishments.

#3. Mini Pine Cones

AAAACCCKKK!! I can’t stand how adorable these are!! There’s nothing else to say.

#4. Jolly Friends and the Jolly Hat punch bundle

All of the images in this set are cute – again, I’m usually not into cute, but I’m pleading the 5th! The moose is my absolute fave, hands down.

#5. Glitter Embossing Powder: Emerald Envy and Real Red

If you’ve read my blog for any time at all, you’ll know that Mr. Maui Stamper is NOT (Capital N.O.T.) a fan of glitter. This embossing powder keeps the sparkle in place and keeps my man happy. In Real Red and Emerald Envy – gotta get ’em all!

#6. Christmas Pines and Pretty Pines thinlits

The thinlits alone are reason enough – those delicate branches have multiple applications. There’s some gorgeous DSP and Washi to coordinate with this suite as well.

#7. Tin of Tags Project Kit and the Tin of Tags stamps

Last year we had Oh What Fun (and that set is still available and still one of my faves) but Tin of Tags has that TIN!! If you’ve run out of creative holiday hostess gifts, look no further. This is the One Gift to Rule them All.

#8. Santa’s Sleigh stamp and thinlit bundle

There are a million and one things you can do with this combination. The main images of a sleigh, reindeer and tree are just the beginning! Again, tags, cards and package embellishments are a snap with these versatile pieces.

#9. Merry Mice (also available in wood)

I have to confess, I love these little critters. I’m not inviting them into my house, but look at those ears! Stamp them with Archival Ink (black or gray) on Shimmery White card stock for a gorgeous, easy-to-watercolor image.

#10. Stampin’ Write Marker sets to Coordinate with the Designer Series paper!!

When I saw these, I actually jumped up and down. I have wanted options for markers besides buying the full sets, and this catalog made my dream come true!! Now you can stock up on your favorite colors – the ones that coordinate perfectly with our DSP – and color to your heart’s content.

So there you have it. Lots of great products didn’t make the top 10, but it’s my party and I’ll choose what I want!

Ready to shop? Start HERE.

September Patterns

Posted on September 1, 2016 by mauistamper

These calendars are petite, and even detailed hand-coloring doesn’t take long:

Stamps: Lighthearted Leaves (Holiday 2015, retired)
Color Palette: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Rich Raspberry
Accessories: Leaflets Framelits (Holiday 2015, retired), Stampin’ Write markers

When you look at these three colors, they make a pretty bold statement. But their color values are very similar, and I think that’s what makes them work so well together. Color is a very personal decision, but I love this look.

I considered cutting out one leaf and popping it up on dimensionals, but when I added it to the calendar it didn’t do what I expected it would. Sometimes less really is more.

Check out the calendars that Cheryl and Crystal have designed for September.

The Holiday Catalog is LIVE today – check it out HERE! And be SURE to stop by tomorrow for my first ever Maui Stamper Holiday Catalog Favorite Things!!!

The Early Bird gets (to make) the Tags!

Posted on August 26, 2016 by mauistamper

We’ve been hard at work creating projects we think you’re really going to enjoy. Presenting the 2016 Maui Stamper Holiday Card and Tag classes!!

Early Bird registration is through September 1st and includes 4 BONUS Merriest Wishes tags. RSVP and pay for both classes and make TWO sets of tags!

Holiday Cards will be Saturday, September 10th from 1 to 4pm in Wailuku. Cost is $18 for 6 cards, 4 Stampin’ Up! envelopes and 2 custom envelopes PLUS a bonus Tombo to help you put them all together.

Holiday Tags is offered Wednesday, September 7th from 7 to 10pm in Wailuku. Cost is $12 for 6 cards and a fresh bottle of Tombo – the Wonder Adhesive!!

Pay for the Tin of Tags kit ($22, we pay shipping & tax) with your Early Bird registration and we’ll have a station set up so that you can stamp all the pieces.

You’ll love using all of these gorgeous tags and cards, but they would make FABULOUS gifts as well. If you’re tired of giving the same old gifts to co-workers and friends, consider a handmade paper gift!

August on the Farm

Posted on August 1, 2016 by mauistamper

I’m smitten with these little farm critters:

Stamps: Barnyard Babies
Color Palette: Mint Macaron, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Soft Suede
Accessories: Paper snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Aquapainter

It’s therapeutic to watercolor these three friends, and I didn’t mind fussy-cutting that little bitty billy goat. The longer I enjoy this craft, the more I don’t mind doing the little things that help me feel satisfied with my end result.

Now mosey on over, y’all, and see what Crystal and Cheryl have done with their calendars for August.

Dory

Posted on July 23, 2016 by mauistamper

My friend and fellow demonstrator created the cutest little Dory you’ve ever seen:

Desiree told me she was determined to make a Dory with the Playful Pals stamps and Pyramid Pals thinlits, and I think she did a fantastic job! From her color choices (Dapper Denim and Daffodil Delight) to the details in Dory’s eyes on on her fins, Desiree really nailed it!

She added the hand-drawn lines on the fins and tail, and used Stampin’ Write markers for the eyes.

She used the Seaside TIEF to add the wavy lines to the tail and fins as well – you can just barely see them in the photo.

Desiree made an entire school of Dorys for our hostess club this month. What could be better? Shop HERE for your own. Purchasing the stamps and thinlits will qualify you for a $5 coupon to spend in August!

Bee Happy. Bee Grateful. Bee You.

Posted on July 5, 2016 by mauistamper

I’ve always enjoyed word play. The pun is a very creative, if sometimes groan-inducing form of word play, but in this case I was looking for something more whimsical. This bee image captured my imagination right away, and I went off in search of the right words to create the story that was developing in my head:

Stamps: Pun Intended (Host), Remarkable You, Work of Art, Oh What Fun, Tin of Cards
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Crushed Curry
Accessories: Vellum card stock, Wink of Stella Clear, Honeycomb TIEF (retired), Crushed Curry ribbon (retired), Perfectly Artistic DSP (SAB/retired), Timeless Elegance DSP (retired), Stampin’ Write markers, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Pun Intended is a Host Rewards stamp set – you can only purchase it with Host dollars received when you host a qualifying event or order. The bee is the Queen (Bee) of the set – I’ve featured it once already in THIS post. I used the retired Honeycomb TIEF there, too. (I’m really disappointed that Stampin’ Up! chose to retire that TIEF before introducing this image.) I guess being a bit of a hoarder has some advantages {wink}.

You can see my vellum wings looking straight on. I stamped the image on vellum with Basic Black and set it aside overnight to dry completely. I cut out the wings including the zig zag portion of the body that runs between them and used that section to adhere the wings to the stamped image.

I used Tombo (the Wonder Adhesive) to attach the layers and was very pleased with the result. The body on the panel as well as the body portion on the vellum are both colored with Crushed Curry Stampin’ Write markers, and I think that helps disguise the adhesive. The wings are super-sparkled with two coats of Clear Wink of Stella.

The DSP behind the images is the retired Timeless Elegance, one of the most beautiful and easy-to-use sets of papers that Stampin’ Up! has ever produced. It’s wrapped around a piece of cardboard, and finished on the back with a coordinating DSP (also retired from Sale-a-bration 2016):

As a custom piece, there just wasn’t a frame available that would fit, so I created a clean finish for the back and sandwiched the ribbon securely between the layers.