Be of Good Cheer

Posted on September 26, 2012 by mauistamper

I’ve seen a couple of these wreaths – the first one I saw, and the one I used as my inspiration, was by Michelle Suit. When I saw hers, I immediately saw a home-spun Christmas wreath. The wreath part came quickly and easily, but it took more than a few days to decide how to embellish:

Yes, you’re right – they’re clothespins. Others have chosen to hot glue them to a frame, but as much as I love how easily and securely hot glue attaches things to each other, I also have issues with the stringy bits and the hot globs that inevitably stick to my fingers. I figured a clothespin could just as easily be pinned to a form and that’s what I did.

The new Champagne Glimmer Paper is fabulous – as I said, it took me a while to figure out that’s what I needed. And if you haven’t tried the new tulle (this is Cherry Cobbler) well, Just You Wait, Missy!! Fabulous!!

This wreath measures approximately 16″ across. I’m offering something new – a private class. You choose the time and place and invite the guests, and I’ll bring the party! Cost is $30 for all supplies. If you are interested in the wreath as a kit, leave your contact information and I’ll be glad to work out the details with you.

The Stubborn Stamper

Posted on September 24, 2012 by mauistamper

My dad used to call me Hard-Way-Heumphreus (yeah, when I was married 31 years ago it wasn’t hard to give up all those vowels). When I decide to learn something new I don’t want to read the book or take the tutorial or even watch the YouTube video all the way through. Does this create an eensy weensie bit of frustration? YES. Does that cause me to change my ways? Um, no. I guess I’m a slow learner.

All that is to offer a pitiful explanation regarding my latest absence: I have been trying to teach myself Photoshop. Specifically, how to create a watermark in Photoshop Elements 10. For the Mac. I kept finding videos that used previous generations of PSE. I would get to a certain point and get stuck and all the click-alt-commanding in the world wasn’t getting me what I wanted. And I got cranky…for a little while.

But I have projects to show you and the stubborn part of me decided that tonight I Would Win. And I did 🙂

It’s getting late and oh, did I mention I’ve been having a DISCUSSION with Photoshop?? So I’m not going to post the full details, but if you really want them leave me a comment and I’ll fill in the blanks. This is the Petite Pocket die with the the fabulous Frightening Feline stamp (not at all frightening and only $.8.95!) embossed in Tangerine Tango.

Let me save you a little trouble, too. The only candy bar I found that fit into the Petite Pocket is the….drumroll please…Heath Bar!!! You guessed it? Seriously?? I’m very impressed. You could substitute Pixie Stix or maybe some Halloween minis or beef jerky (but UGH why would you want to do that??) – I like chocolate.

The battle is not entirely over. Photoshop is playing with me – I’ve discovered I saved the files in the wrong format for WordPress. But I made the watermark, and I got the photo into the post, and that’s good enough for this stubborn stamper tonight. Tomorrow’s another day, Miss Scarlet. Let’s just hope I remember it all.

Thank Goodness for (self-stick) Googlies!!

Posted on August 19, 2012 by mauistamper

Am I the only person who is incredibly grateful for self-stick Googlie Eyes? I can’t tell you how many times I have stuck my fingers together with Tombo (the Wonder Adhesive) in the attempt to put Googlie Eyes on a project. Maybe I’m a klutz, or maybe I’m just too stubborn to dig out the tweezers, but I am very happy to have a sheet of peel-and-stick Googlie Eyes 🙂

The Ghoulish Googlies Designer kit makes perfect Halloween luminarias – as long as you put a battery operated tea light inside instead of a real wax candle! I ran the bag through the Big Shot with the new Chevron TIEF (Textured Impressions Embossing Folder) and used a little Champagne Mist Shimmer paint to sparkle it up, thought it doesn’t show well in this photo. It was quick, easy and fun, and the kit includes supplies for 10 bags, tags and twine, PLUS a full sheet of Googlie Eyes. Just add stamps and you’re set!

Checking in from South Bend…

Posted on August 17, 2012 by mauistamper

I can’t begin to tell you all of the things that have taken place in the past month. Let’s just say there have been amazing peaks and terrifying valleys and I am grateful that we are all where we are today. Mr Maui Stamper and I are in the midst of fledging the last little stamper – well, he wouldn’t care for that title – let’s call him Son of Stamper 🙂 He is moved into his new home in the dorms at Notre Dame and tomorrow we begin Freshman Orientation, which is targeted to the parents as much as to the newly admitted students. Our oldest daughter graduated from ND in 2009 so this familiar territory. Notre Dame is a very special place and we have already had so many affirmations that our son is right where he belongs. Thank you to all of you who have kept my family in your prayers.

Through the recent ups and downs I did manage to do a little bit of stamping – when I was able to get back to stamping that’s when I knew life was regaining a semblance of normalcy. A couple of weeks ago I had a special day of stamping for the Maui Stamper All Stars, the teammates that promoted this past year. One of our projects was inspired by Sara Douglass’ convention demonstration:

LOVE those new Flourish Designer frames from the Holiday Mini catalog! They are absolutely beautiful and they have just enough give that you can curve them to fit around the shape of the Mason jar. (Hint: if you’re going to do that, shape them BEFORE you attach them to the jar – much easier – ask me how I know!)

I cut a scallop circle from our Twitterpated fabric for the top, attached ribbon to the rim with sticky strip, and sewed a button through Cherry Cobbler scalloped dotted ribbon to embellish the top.

I think Summer Silhouettes is my favorite new stamp set this year. Just remember you heard it from me first!

I made some bookmarks to put inside. I wanted something a little unexpected. At convention, Sara put a vintage photo inside. I really liked that concept, but since we were doing this as a group project I wanted it to be fun and stress free for my team – no searching for that perfect photo!!

It’s late and we’ve had a very full day. I think we’ve made 4 trips to a certain popular “You want it, we’ve got it” type of store as well as half a dozen other stops. If Son of Stamper doesn’t have it now, he doesn’t need it. We were blessed with a beautiful day on this beautiful campus – I think you’ll agree:

Go Irish!

Betsy’s little pocket

Posted on July 10, 2012 by mauistamper

The Petite Pocket Bigz die cut has called my name for quite a while, but I’ve resisted…until now. Cheryl and I designed vintage monochromatic Pockets HERE, and that was it: I gave in and bought the die.

Betsy’s Blooms and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets
Gumball Green, Summer Starfruit and Primrose Petals FFIP (Firm Foam Ink Pads)
Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit and Raspberry Ripple card stock
Blossom, 1/2 and 3/4 inch Circles and Jewelry tag punches
Linen thread and Island Indigo 3/8 inch ruffled ribbon
2011-2013 Printed Designer brads
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Big Shot and Petite Pocket Bigz die

I try not to jump on the new Big Shot Die Bandwagon every time a new die comes out. Sometimes I’ll borrow it from another demonstrator to find out if I really like it. Sometimes I find it’s something I don’t really need to have. Most of the time, I’m hooked.

I filled this little pocket with a couple of yards of ribbon to say thanks to some kind friends. It’s just the right size for a little gift and it uses a half sheet of cardstock cut the long way. It goes together easily with a little Tombo (the wonder adhesive). Betsy’s Blooms is a great “go-to” stamp set. It’s versatile and the big round floral image fits perfectly in the Blossom Punch.

I’m getting ready for convention – it’s just around the corner – and things are getting a little wacky around here. Seems as if the whole summer has been a progression from one big event to another! Can’t wait to find out what Stampin’ Up! has in store for us. I’ll share as much as I can!

How did it take me so long to love something called MOCHA??

Posted on April 26, 2012 by mauistamper

Seriously. For someone whose life revolves around all things BEAN I should have “been” all over this paper. (groan!) No excuses. However, I’m doing my best to make up for it. These visual textures are fantastic! Don’t tell, but I’ve ordered a little more even though it’s on the Retiring List. This will make gorgeous Man Cards.

Today it’s not about a card, and it’s not about a man…although if there’s one in your life who makes you mad/sad/glad, you might want this:

Isn’t it yummy? Just the DSP over some Soft Suede cardstock with a couple of paper flowers and ribbons on the top.

Gotta have those Antique Brads…which are NOT retiring, thank you very much! Neither is that splendid First Editions Newsprint Designer Series paper.

Speaking of Retiring, if you haven’t looked – Get Thee to the LIST! I’ve heard a lot of groans about how long it is (12 pages, please and thank you!) and my 2 cents worth is that it is all good. Yes, some wonderful stamps and accessories are retiring. So if you really love them, buy them and keep them! In all honesty, don’t we usually hold onto too much stuff? (You know who you are – yes, I’m speaking to you!) It gets a little shabby and outdated but we have this emotional investment that keeps us from letting go. A Retiring List this long means only one thing: GOOD STUFF IS ON ITS WAY. No complaints from me.

Retiring Stamps List

Retiring Accessories List

Retiring Decor Elements List

If the Retiring Accessories and Stamps lists aren’t enough to get you hot and bothered, consider that the Occasions Mini Catalog will retire in 4 short days. Mixed Bunch. Blossom Punch. You’re My Type. Those dorky gnomes. The list goes on and on. Add the Summer Smooches sneak peek and it’s enough to make a woman pull out her hair. I do believe I’ll go have a cup of coffee.

Vintage Vogue

Posted on April 20, 2012 by mauistamper

Hostess Club is getting in on the Vintage action this month:

I’ve had a package of Morning Mocha Designer Series paper in my studio for ages and finally broke it open a week or so ago. What awesome papers!! They’re great for masculine cards, but I especially love the way they work with a vintage look. Those rich browns with the hint of metallic really work for me, and the images coordinate with Vintage Vogue.

This little photo wallet is quick and easy – I made a bunch of them a few years ago and decided to revisit the design. Of course, can’t for the life of me remember where I GOT the design, but that’s why I keep old projects! This has room for photos, embellishment and some journaling, but it’s small enough for a pocket or purse.

Each page opens out and the whole thing folds up to about 4 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Slide on the belly band and it’s ready to go! Designer Series Paper with its variety of textures is perfect for this project. Since it’s two-sided, it also allows you to view different patterns on both the inside and outside. This is a quick project!

Don’t know who Eleanor is, but I like her!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by mauistamper

I’ll tell you about Eleanor in a moment.

Yesterday morning while on my favorite walk, I spotted a new family. It was a mother Francolin with her flock of babies, and judging by their size they are fresh out of the shell. She was only 7 or 8 feet from the walkway that runs between the edge of the resort and the landscaping that keeps unsuspecting tourists from plunging down the rough lava rock to the coastline below, and she was making those “tsk tsk” noises that all mothers make when their assorted offspring start wandering off.

By my count there are five, including one who doesn’t want to stay with the group. (This isn’t the best photo I’ve ever taken as I had only my phone camera with me.) I was a little surprised to see mom on her own with the brood, as Francolins generally travel in pairs or even trios. However, once I resumed walking and got on the other side of the low vegetation you see here, I spotted dad watching vigilantly – and he spotted me. He immediately gave the warning and the whole family tucked quickly into the landscaping. I’ll be watching for them all week.

Now…on to Eleanor. She came home from San Antonio with me. She’s due to be released with the new catalog on June 1, but leadership attendees were given the chance to get to know her a little bit early. Since she hasn’t been formally introduced I’m not allowed to show you a picture of her, but I am free to share projects I make using Everything Eleanor:

SOMEONE (not me!) has been pinning a LOT of vintage projects on Pinterest lately, and you can see the results. This is the Petite Pocket Bigz XL die, and as of this exact moment it is not in my Big Shot Stable – but I’m going to fix that.

I think I like the Crumb Cake version better, although I’m still not sure about that torn Soft Suede cardstock behind the flower image. Eleanor is easy to please though – she doesn’t mind it either way.

The new catalog is coming a month early this year – don’t be caught by surprise. Let me know if you’d like a copy.

Summer Smooches

Posted on April 13, 2012 by mauistamper

Crystal and I are planning another day of classes – if you’re going to be on Maui on April 28, you are welcome to join us! We’ve been inspired by the Summer Smooches suite of products being previewed this month (through April 30!) and have totally fallen in love with the bright and cheery colors and images.

We’ll start the day making a set of 3 x 3 note cards with custom Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper envelopes, all tucked into a Fancy Favor box:

There’s also a couple of standard sized cards and one of the Petite Purses made from our new Big Shot die:

This class will include the Bright Blossoms stamp set – class plus stamps will be $25 for clear and $29 for wood mount stamps.

You can bring those stamps along for the next class – a flip scrapbook all ready for your photos and journaling:

Don’t you love these colors? Here’s a peek at the inside:

It’s hard to see all the pages, but trust me, there’s plenty of room!

The Flip Scrapbook class will be $25 and will include a full roll of Sticky Strip – you’ll use about a third of it on this project.

I hope you’ll join us!

Blossom Builder Kit Challenge

Posted on February 28, 2012 by mauistamper

At last week’s Maui Stampers team meeting, Peggy brought covered “sticky note” pads for all of us:

I apologize, because the colors are a little off – they’re Razzleberry, Coral, Daffodil, and I think Limeade and Not Quite Navy, but I’m not sure. She used the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit (#125410, $9.95) to embellish these. She had us all laughing as she explained how she got started with the first one, then challenged herself to see how many different versions she could make with one page of die cuts (there are two in the package).

Here’s a better look at the one I got to keep:

Now you can see the colors! Aren’t they gorgeous? I love the way these turned out, and Peggy said she put them together in a flash. She has a great eye for color and texture, and wait until you see what she did inside:

Wouldn’t these make great party favors? I need a little stash like this – how about you?

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: 3-D

Be of Good Cheer

The Stubborn Stamper

Thank Goodness for (self-stick) Googlies!!

Checking in from South Bend…

Betsy’s little pocket

How did it take me so long to love something called MOCHA??

Vintage Vogue

Don’t know who Eleanor is, but I like her!

Summer Smooches

Blossom Builder Kit Challenge

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