A Home for the Birds

Posted on March 9, 2014 by mauistamper

If you’ve followed me for any time at all, you likely have guessed that I love birds. Their songs wake me in the morning and draw me outside during the day. In the middle of a walk or hike I’ve been known to stop in order to peer into the trees at the sound of a new voice. It shouldn’t be a terrible surprise to learn that I’ve been playing around with the idea of a bird house:

This is my first attempt but I can assure you it’s not my last – I have a lot of ideas in my head! I wanted to see what worked in terms of construction techniques and proportions. I’m not sure I would make another bird house this large, but then again, I surprise myself sometimes 🙂

I used both the Woodgrain Background stamp and the Wood grain TIEF to create, well, wood grain (um, I think that’s a giant DUH.) I used the stamp on the walls of the house, but for the roof I wanted more texture. The Texture Boutique Embossing Machine made short work of adding wood grain texture to my card stock. (I’m sorry to say that this product was available for a limited time, and will not be available again until June 1.) A little sponging helps that texture stand out even more, and also adds dimension to corners and openings.

I added a few of the tiniest butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit to the front, and rolled up a sliver of card stock to create a perch at the front door. (The photo above is just crooked enough to make me a little dizzy!)

I was going for a “climbing vine” look on this side, and if you are an imaginative sort of person perhaps that’s the look you’ll see.

There will be more bird houses! I’ve got a lot of ideas and a few adjustments to try. I would LOVE your constructive feedback and suggestions, so comment away!

Step into Spring

Posted on March 7, 2014 by mauistamper

If you’re a blog subscriber in a cold and snowy place, I’m sorry. What passes for winter here on the Valley Isle was nowhere in sight yesterday, and although the calendar says there are a couple more weeks til it’s official, I’m proclaiming Spring! To celebrate, I’m teaming up with my BFF Cheryl to present a spring paper crafting class:

Sunday, March 30, 2014 1 to 4:30pm
Maui Lodge, 190 W. Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului
Cost: $20 paid by March 15; $23 if paid after that date
Includes: Everything you need to make all 3 projects including your very own full box of Glue Dots! Chocolate egg is included; shreddies and plastic eggs are not 🙂 DSP is Watercolor Wonder from the Occasions catalog but patterns will vary.

We’re really excited about these projects – and we think you will be too! Seating is limited and your payment holds your spot at the craft table, so don’t waste time if you would like to join us.

The card-in-a-box has become my new favorite – there are so many possibilities. Every card comes out differently, even when the same elements are used. We’re offering this floral option as well as a bunny version:

Pretty fabulous, wouldn’t you say? And how about this Tag-a-Bag-Box with the Spiral Flower?

Your box will be fully embellished, but we will leave it up to you to fill it.

Our last project – a real quickie – features the new Scallop Tag Topper punch from the Occasions catalog. It makes so much more than tags!

This is guaranteed to be a great afternoon, and I hope you’ll join us!

A Car(d) in a Box

Posted on March 3, 2014 by mauistamper

My buddy Isaac turns 3 today. His mama and dad had a party for him yesterday, and since his mama is also my stampin’ buddy, I wanted a card that would surprise and delight:

Isaac reminds me so much of my son at that age…he’s all about things with wheels. His card needed wheels, and to be a real race car, of course it had to be Red. Not just any red, but Real Red. (If Stampin’ Up! made Ferrari Red, that is what I would have used.)

Stamps: Rev Up the Fun and Memorable Moments (the 3)
Color Palette: Real (Ferrari) Red, Basic Black, Whisper White and Gumball Green
Accessories: Circle punches, Fringe Scissors, Simply Scored, Window Sheets, Bird Punch

I’ve done a few of these cards, though this is the first one I’ve shared. The trick for me is balancing the height of all the elements. I used thin strips of window sheet to float the motorcycles so you could see them behind the race car.

The candles are really fun…I use the top leaf from the bird punch branch to make the flame, layer flame colors with Stampin’ Write markers, and then use Tombo (the wonder adhesive) to secure them to the back of the candle.

I added a little grass just to break up the dizzying effect of the Modern Medley DSP and the tire tracks. Plus the fringe scissors are just plain fun to play with!

A card like this needs a custom envelope:

Ready in a flash with the envelope punch board! I used a retired set of Sizzlets to cut the letters for his name, since that Real (Ferrari) Red Polka Dot Parade DSP is so bold! You can tell it’s hand made, because despite my scientific effort his name is off-center.

Cheryl and I are planning a class on these cards for March 30. If you live on Maui or will be here for a visit, let me know if you’re interested! Details are coming soon.

Happy Birthday to one Super Guy!

Hello, March!

Posted on March 1, 2014 by mauistamper

It’s unsettling to realize that my perception of time passing continues to accelerate. I’m pretty sure that’s a sign of getting older – although as my dad says, it’s good to be on the right side of the grass 🙂 All the same, I’m finding it hard to accept that today is the first of March.

The good news is that the first of the month means a new DIY Easel Calendar page!

I had a little fun this month with the Petal Parade stamp set and the Sweet Sorbet accessory pack, both featured in the 2014 Sale-a-bration brochure. If you’re brand new to Stampin’ Up!, you might not know that Sale-a-bration is our annual goodie-fest – for every $50 in product you purchase, you choose a free exclusive product.

The color palette for this month’s easel calendar includes Pool Party, Calypso Coral and Crisp Cantaloupe. The Sweet Sorbet cork embellishments are die cut and self-adhesive, and there’s a little Rhinestone Jewel added to the cork flower for a little sparkle.

Those little corky bits are really addictive, and they’re super-easy to use. Peel and stick – that’s it. I need to put in another SAB order and stock up before it all ends on March 31.

Cheryl and Crystal are also featuring DIY calendars the first of every month, and we’ve created a mini-tour for your inspiration. Take a look at their pages, and then let us know how you like our projects.

Small Sweets

Posted on February 23, 2014 by mauistamper

Creating packaging for small treats is so gratifying…but it creates such temptation for me! I have a tough time resisting the “one for you, one for me” routine. The key is to make a bunch all at once, because for some illogical reason, once they are packaged up my will power seems much stronger.

We made these in Hostess Club this month. Everyone thought “The Rose” would be difficult, and I think everyone was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s really very easy. This is two layers of Core’dinations paper run through the Lattice TIEF – the embossing folder helps to soften the paper. I used the scallop tag topper punch on both ends of a 6″ long piece of paper to create the little packet for the chocolate. (Yes. You knew that what was in there, didn’t you?)

The rhinestone in the center is from a long-retired kit, but you could get the same effect with a large rhinestone and a pink Sharpie® marker. The “leaf” is two petals of the pansy punch, and the hot glue gun makes sure it all stays just where it belongs.

The little banner is an Itty Bitty banner. I hand-cut it instead of using the framelit so that I could leave the left edge a little longer in order to tuck in into the rose.

If you need a bunch of these and don’t have time to roll up the roses, here’s Plan B:

This is stamp, stamp, punch, punch, tie and go! Same Scallop Tag Topper punch, but this time I used Language of Love punched with the full heart and gold glimmer punched with the 1 3/4 Inch circle. A little lace and seam binding to tie it closed, a pearl for good luck, and you can whip out a heap of these in no time. I made a bunch for Valentines, but you could create cute shower or wedding favors too.

There might be one left over. I’m thinking that by now there can’t be any calories left in it.

Truly Smitten with Tags

Posted on February 15, 2014 by mauistamper

You might have noticed that I make a lot of tags…

Why tags? They’re small and forgiving. You can make a Clean and Simple tag and it looks great, or you can pile on the images and embellishments and…it looks great! Why not tags?

I used 7 or 8 stamp sets on this…it was all about the collage. The tag is Whisper White, although if I were to do it again (and I will!) I would have used one of the Naturals or Very Vanilla. The inks are all neutrals, primarily Crumb Cake and Soft Suede. That one heart is Real Red card stock stamped with Early Espresso…and I think I should have sponged it. There’s lots of sponging on the tag.

Honestly? I can’t wait to make another…how about you?

Woo Hoo! Its Two!

Posted on February 13, 2014 by mauistamper

Welcome to this month’s tour. The big news in these parts is that one of my favorite people in the whole wide world is expecting…TWINS! She’s RemARKable in so many ways – as a matter of fact, if you are following this Pin-Worthy tour in sequence, you’ve just come from her blog. I’m ruining the surprise factor, but today I’m going to share a bit of the decor for her baby shower.

A party begins with invitations and I’ve made TWO. These are designed to have the details on the back. Crystal has chosen bright colors for her nursery, and I chose Bermuda Bay and Calypso Coral tones for these projects.

The li’l Giraffes are stamped in Pool Party and Crisp Cantaloupe, and are corralled in our new On Film (LOVE!) framelits. There are so many awesome new framelits available in the Occasions catalog that it’s tough to choose – thank goodness for Sale-a-bration 🙂

Love this Retro Fresh DSP – it coordinates with EVERYTHING. These little birds – from the For the Birds stamp set – are seriously under-appreciated. To keep these really versatile, I didn’t use a “Shower” sentiment, so these cards could just as easily be announcements or thank you notes.

I quickly colored the wings and tails with markers, then used the Aqua Painter for a light wash over their little birdie bodies. Check these out – I’m telling you, For the Birds is a sleeper.

The second Party Sneak Peak is the banner. Gotta love those new banner framelits too!! Yes, you can hand cut your own banners. Yes, it’s not that hard. But cranking them out with the framelits gave me 13 IDENTICAL banners and you know that’s not easy to do by hand! So worth it…

The message is loud and clear, don’t you think? And I had such fun embellishing each banner. I used a lot of Retro Fresh DSP, plus embossing folders, buttons, ribbon – if I could reach it I used it!

I used the Natural Trim to string my banner, both for the color and the fact that the texture helps hold things firmly in place. And if you know me, you’ll know those buttons are actually sewed on with Linen Thread. It had to be done.

Each letter from the Timeless Type Sizzlets is mounted on an embellished circle from the Pennants Bigz die. I kept them uniform and relatively uncluttered to tie the message together since each banner was unique.

I’m telling you, it was a lot of fun to embellish all of these! Definitely Stand-Up-Stamping. (Do you stand up? I think we need a club.)

The new Bigz Spiral Flower die is getting a lot of action in my craft room. You can adjust the tightness of the spiral to give you an entirely different look each time, or even (as I’ve done here) add a big ol’ pearl to the middle.

If you’ve held off on making a banner because you thought it would be too hard, hold off no longer! The letters don’t have to match – mix-and-match is a great look. It’s a great way to use up scraps and bits, and although it might turn into a treasured memento, I view it more as an in-the-moment kind of project. Enjoy it for today, or this week, or even a month, and then replace it with something new!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this stop on the RemARKable PinWorthy tour. Time to head over to see what Audra has created this month. Thanks for checking in!

Call me a Tissue Box Dork

Posted on February 9, 2014 by mauistamper

Really. I love creating tissue box covers.

This one is pretty simple because it’s for the Manliest Bathroom in the house. (It’s generally the SANDIEST too, but that’s a story for another day.) I found this gorgeous Basic Grey grid Designer Series paper in the new Kaleidoscope assortment from the Occasions catalog. When you see the rest of the patterns, you’ll think there must be a mistake – but really, it’s there!

It’s the last one on the right – the one rolled over the top. Huh.

Anyway, the other night I was in one of those twitchy finger, I don’t know what I want to do, what-should-I-make kind of moods. D’you ever feel that way? I walked down the hallway and looked into the Manly Bathroom and thought TISSUE BOX. (I know. You probably would have done the same thing.) It didn’t take long from that point.

Once I decided to use that fabulous grey grid the colors fell into place. The embellishment was kind of tricky. Remember, this is a MANLY bathroom. Flowers are out. (In fact, the ribbons may be viewed suspiciously.)

I used the Rosette Bigz XL die and made a very short, manly rosette. (Is that an oxymoron?) I stacked buttons and brads and paper circles, using dimensionals – and a fair amount of hot glue – to create some height. I dug out my stash of ribbons to find the right colors. That gorgeous Basic Black/Basic Grey wide satin ribbon is still on the Clearance Rack, my friends!

I can’t tell you exactly why I enjoy these so much. They’re pretty simple to construct. It’s fun to play with color combinations. It’s a challenge to assemble the right assortment of embellishments. When you’re finished, you have a pretty box for your tissues. I think there’s more to it than that, but I haven’t figured out exactly what it is. I guess it’s just a mystery.

If you’d like to make one of your own, there’s an easy-to-follow tutorial over at SplitCoastStampers. Have a good time!

DIY calendar – February 2014

Posted on February 1, 2014 by mauistamper

Do you speak the Language of Love?

My own DIY calendar this month combines banners and pennants from the Language of Love stamp set featured in the Occasions catalog. I’m not a huge fan of hearts, but there’s something different about this set – I {heart} it! (I can hear you groaning…)

Clear #133077 $12.95 Wood #133074 $16.95

There’s a punch for the pennant and a framelit for the banner too – but the truth is I hand cut them both. I know some of you refuse to acknowledge that is an option, but I enjoy it. I wouldn’t want to do loads of them, and I draw the line at curves, but these are pretty straight forward and I can handle them.

Colors are Melon Mambo and Soft Suede. I added some Gold Baker’s Twine and a little tiny Diah-mund to sparkle it up. The pennants are on dimensionals too. Just because.

We’re running a mini-blog-tour the first of every month to share different versions of the DIY Calendar concept. Go visit Crystal and Cheryl to see what their February calendars look like, and be sure you give them a little blog-loving; (comments!). And although we’re one month into the New Year, it’s not too late to make your own. Click HERE to order your own DIY calendar kit – they’re $8 with the easel and $5 without (plus shipping.) Pull down those stamps, pull out that ink, and have a little calendar fun!

A RemARKable Sale-a-bration

Posted on January 19, 2014 by mauistamper

What a way to go out – our last Best of 25 Years Anniversary Blog Tour features stamps from Sale-a-bration. Everyone is an SAB fan!

These images shouted “Tags” to me – as so many of the 25th Anniversary sets have done. Making tags is even more fun with our two new tag punches – I’ve used the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (#133324) on these tags, along with a generous helping of Washi Tape.

Don’t you think Pale Pistachio and Blushing Bride are a pleasing combination? Say yes 🙂

This was one of my favorite images when it came out the first time and I was a happy stamper to see it again. I had the oh-so-brilliant idea to add speckles to the flowers with my white gel pen:

Super simple – just dots – but I love the pop. Did you know…if your gel pen gets fussy, open it up, push a slim bamboo bbq skewer down the ink chamber and give it a stir. Works like a charm!

Those smudges on my ribbon are not really there – I just checked. So much for photo editing! I had loads of fun combining ribbons for these tags. Sometimes you need to step back and just LOOK at your stash instead of go forward with a purpose.

One of my favorite people in the UNIVERSE is expecting a baby girl this spring, so I have babies on my mind. (She’s also expecting a boy – twins! But baby boys don’t want flowered tags.)

The new gold Washi tape in the Occasions catalog looks fabulous with Soft Suede. It’s a burnished gold rather than a bright gilt, and that makes it a lot more versatile. Versatile, just like each of the 25th Anniversary Best of stamp sets!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour as well as the entire year of tours. The 25th Anniversary Best of Stamps are all available through March 31, 2014, and each set is priced at $14.95 US. If you want to go back to revisit the entire “Best of” series, you’ll find it on the third Sunday each month beginning February 2013 – I’ve listed the links below. You’ll notice that my posts appear a day early – that’s because our tour begins each month at midnight Eastern time. I usually got the math right!

Now head on over to see what Maria has created for you, and thanks for stopping by.

http://www.stampinandscrappinwithriri.blogspot.com/