Stars for a star-swept couple

Posted on August 10, 2015 by mauistamper

My niece was married in May, and I was delighted that she asked for my help with the favors for her wedding. Their theme was Starry Starry Night, and they carried it out beautifully. She had wine charms for her favors, and late one night we texted back and forth a dozen times until we came up with a plan:

I’ve done enough mass production to know that you have to break it up into smaller tasks. I want to enjoy the process, and production isn’t my favorite thing to do. It’s a gift that I can give, and I want to give it joyfully!

The first thing that I did was borrow another set of Star Framelits so that I would have two. By carefully planning and cutting the card stock into strips, I could cut eight stars at a time…two pieces of card stock at time. It’s not the recommended procedure, but if your shape is simple enough it works! Having 2 sets meant I could put 4 framelits through at a time.

I’ve also learned to work in stacks. It helps me to keep track of my progress, and also helps avoid the inevitable shortage of one piece or another.

Tools help too! The piercing mat was a lifesaver 🙂 The stars are Night of Navy and Soft Suede, and I stamped one side with a star pattern from a retired Project Life set called Point and Click. The other side had their names and wedding date printed – I confess that was mostly by trial and error using MS Word. Print first, cut with framelits second!

It was a great feeling to get them all finished and ready to send off. I confess that putting them in a Priority Mail package and sending them off across the ocean made me feel a little nervous, and I was quite happy to get that arrival email! The Post Office has been good to me, and I am a big fan.

We used to carry a fabulous product called Champagne Mist Shimmer paint, and I have a stash of it that I keep for very special projects. Every star was sprayed front and back with Shimmer Spray, and it was a perfect finishing touch.

Finally, my card for the happy couple carried out the theme too:

The entire event was a glorious celebration of love, commitment and family. Congratulations and many happy years together, Liz and Mark!

Believe

Posted on December 1, 2013 by mauistamper

Isn’t this the perfect message for December?

Snowflake Soiree and Snow Swirled (retired) stamp sets
Whisper White and Marina Mist card stock
Marina Mist and Night of Navy FFIP
Pool Party Shimmer Spray*
Rhinestone Jewels

December is about Believing…believing the spring will come, believing in Santa and all the goodness he represents, believing in the Christ Child born in Bethlehem, born to redeem us all.

*Shimmer spray is made with a few drops of Stampin’ Up! ink refill mixed with 70% rubbing alcohol and Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint. To my deep dismay, Champagne Mist is now retired. However, as I’ve noted before, these calendar cards were made in a class last January when Champagne Mist was still part of our product line – as was the Snow Swirled stamp set. You’re welcome to improvise!!

And…it’s time to look ahead to 2014! We’ll be making the new Easel calendar this Saturday, December 7 at 9am. It’s $13 for the calendar plus easel or $10 if you have your own easel. Contact me ASAP if you’d like to join us.

Finally, stop by this morning and visit me at the St. Theresa Church Cookie Walk and Craft Fair. It’s in Stawasz Hall at 25 West Lipoa Street, Kihei from 8am until noon. Cookies PLUS Crafts? I don’t see how you could resist 🙂

Autumn Birthday Garden

Posted on November 16, 2010 by mauistamper

I hope you aren’t weary of this set because I can’t believe I’ll ever be:

Just Believe stamp set
Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso card stock
Early Espresso Classic ink pad
Gold Glow and Log Cabin Smooch Spritz
Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint; Sponge dauber
Big Shot and Lattice Textured Impressions folder
Victoria Crochet Trim

This card was designed specifically for my Mom for her birthday. She’s a gardener with a November birthday and this image paired with these colors seemed to fit together just right. I left the front without a sentiment to keep it cleaner but stamped her birthday wishes inside.

The Shimmer paint is applied to the top of the Lattice texture with a sponge dauber. I’m not sure how we made ANYTHING before Shimmer paint. The fact that it lends sparkle without leaving traces that float throughout the house has created a truce in the Glitter Wars in my household.