A Valentine's Day themed workshop

My friend Tammy contacted me at the beginning of January and thought it would be fun to hold a Valentine's workshop for her and her friends. She was really itching to do some of her own card making and what better way to get some supplies than to hold a workshop and get some things for free?!

I wanted to bring a hostess gift that would cater to the needs of what Tammy was interested in and so I brought a baggie of misc. items that could be used for her to make cards of her own. Inside were punched shapes, some sayings, a few die cut outs, and a couple of ribbon pieces.


I like to bring some sort of little treat to each of my workshops and when I saw these over at Dawn's Stamping Thoughts, I knew they would be fast and fun to put together, but yet still make a great little addition to each person's seat.



Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:

Tools: Curly Label punch

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Tammy wanted to hold the kind of workshop where her guests would pay a pre-determined fee and then I would bring all the supplies needed to make projects and/or cards. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we opted to stick with that theme. We made 1 project and 1 card for $5.

I wanted the guests to make a different style of card other than your normal "open and close" card. I like to go a little more detailed and out of the box when someone is paying to make a card. So, we used a design called the "joy fold" card. I was inspired by a card I had seen at Inking Idaho.

{front view}

{the card stays closed by tucking the front flap behind the heart}
{open - I thought the addition of the three little hearts finished it off nicely}

Stamp Set: Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3 set)

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink DSP, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Rhinestone Jewel Accents, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Tools: Full Heart punch, Heart to Heart punch, Ticket Corner punch, Corner punch

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For the project, I decided to use those empty Starbucks coffee bottles that I had collected to use for craft bazaar projects, but never got around to it! I had quite a few of these floating around and knew that Valentine's Day was the perfect time to use them. (I took these pictures at night time, so the lighting is off a little...sorry!)


Stamp Set: Birthday Bakery (Hostess Level 1 set)

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Melon Mambo DSP

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, marker - Melon Mambo (to color in the tag)

Accessories: Pearl Jewel Accents, Dimensionals, 1 1/4" Pink Pirouette grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Tools: Heart to Heart punch, Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Scallop Trim Border punch

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We had a great time!!

Let's SALE-A-BRATE with free stuff!!

It's time to SALE-A-BRATE!
{January 25 - March 31}

Today starts the biggest promotion of the year! For every $50 catalog purchase, you will receive a FREE Sale-A-Bration product. If you spend $50, get one free gift, spend $100, get two free gifts, spend $150, get three free gifts AND hostess benefits! There is no limit!

Plus, if you're interested in holding a workshop during Sale-A-Bration and it is a qualifying workshop of $300 or more, you will get yet another free gift!


FREE, FREE, FREE!!

Check out the exclusive Sale-A-Bration products, including 4 stamp sets, Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents Pack, Ribbon & Button Pack, Digital Downloads, or Decor Elements!

{DOWNLOAD SALE-A-BRATION BROCHURE HERE}

Not only are there options available from the Sale-A-Bration brochure, but Stampin' Up! has also offered stamps found in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog as part of your free gift options.

{DOWNLOAD ADDITIONAL OPTIONS HERE}

Contact me today to learn more, or come visit my website at heidiboos.stampinup.net!

3/$6 Card Making Night - January

Tonight was my monthly card night, which I consistently hold on the third Thursday of each month. Anyone is welcome to attend and come make 3 cards for $6. Each of the cards are pre-designed by me and all of the supplies are prepared ahead of time. I set up three tables and the stampers rotate to each table with their card kits in hand, creating their cards and enjoying some crafty time!

Tonight was a pretty small group of 4 stampers (plus me!) compared to the usual attendance of 8-10. I've had up to 17 before! But, no matter the crowd, I still enjoy my time preparing the cards and spending time crafting with others. Because there were just a few, I was able to sit down with them and stamp away. I had made quite a few kits (just to be prepared!) and so I created the remaining cards to have in my card stash.


Stamp Set: Filled With Love (this stamp set is no longer available after January 24th!)

Paper: Whisper White, Designer Series Paper Love Patterns, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Real Red, Markers - Real Red, Pear Pizazz

Accessories: Dimensionals, 1/2" Poly-Stitched Pear Pizzazz ribbon

Tools: Small Heart punch, Scallop Edge Border punch

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Isn't this little guy the cutest little thing?! I made a version of this penguin at a friend's card night and then remembered that I had saved this as an idea to CASE. My inspiration for adding the heart was found HERE.

Inside
(I thought adding white on the inside might
be easier for someone to write a message.)

Stamp Set: I {Heart} Hearts

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Regal Rose

Accessories: Dimensionals, 1/2" Poly-Stitched Blushing Bride ribbon, white gel pen

Tools: Big Shot Top Note Die (for body), Curly Label punch (for feet), Small Oval punch (for nose), Medium Oval punch (arms), 1/2" Circle Punch (eyes), Full Heart punch

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Stamp Set: Birthday Bakery (Level 1 Hostess Set), A Little Birthday Cheer (retired)

Paper: Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Real Red, Whisper White, Candy Cane Christmas DSP (from 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog)

Ink: Markers - Early Espresso, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Blushing Bride, Garden Green,

Accessories: Dimensionals

Tools: Decorative Label punch, Scallop Trim Border punch

Stamp Club - January

January Stamp Club was a lot of fun! I decided to focus on Valentine's Day and most of the projects used the Filled with Love stamp set, which is the current Stampin' Up! promotion (click HERE for more information!)

We made three projects tonight...

Pencil Holder
(I'm hoping to have a tutorial soon,
but feel free to ask questions in the meantime!)

Stamp Set: Filled With Love

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Designer Series Paper Love Patterns, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Dimensionals, Rhinestone Jewels

Tools: 3/4" Circle punch, 1" Circle punch, Full Heart punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch

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Hershey's Nuggets Valentine's Treat

Stamp Set: Eat Chocolate

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Designer Series Paper Love Patterns, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Dimensionals, 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon

Tools: 1/8" Handheld punch

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Valentine's Day Card

Stamp Set: Filled with Love

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Designer Series Paper Love Patterns, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Dimensionals, 1/2' Pretty in Pink striped grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Tools: 1" Circle punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, Two-Step Owl punch (small heart), Scallop Trim Border punch

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I loved seeing all the red and pink on the table!


Hostess Gift
(tutorial to make this treat pouch can be found HERE)

The beautiful hostess...my mom!

Interested in learning more about a stamp club? Please feel free to ask! We meet on the First Friday of the month. There are 8 of us in the club and we each spend at least $18.75 (+10% s/h) each month. Every month there is a hostess who receives at least Hostess Level 1 rewards. We have such a fun time each month!!

2 cards, 1 project...and a whole lot of fun!

Last Saturday, my direct upline and I co-hosted an event at her home where we were showcasing products from the 2011 Mini Occasions Catalog, upcoming Sale-A-Bration, and some Valentine's projects. Each guest created 3 projects and 3 cards for the cost of $15. Andrea, my direct upline and I each created 1/2 of what would be showcased. I designed 2 cards and 1 project. It was a great turn out and lots of fun!

Here are the things I created...

Bold Blossom Card - front

Bold Blossom Card - inside

Stamp Set: Bold Blossom (from the *NEW* 2011 Occasions Mini)

Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Brights DSP pack (Old Olive polka dots)

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: 2-way glue to adhere Dazzling Diamonds glitter (on the butterfly), Rhinestones Jewel Accents, Dimensionals

Tools: 3/4" Circle punch

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This next card was inspired by the amazingly talented, Mary Fish.
Check out her card HERE.

Stamp Set: Punch Bunch (coming soon as part of this year's Sale-A-Bration!), Party Hearty (party hat)

Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango

Ink: Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: Dimensionals, 1/4' Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon

Tools: 1 3/4" Circle punch, Owl punch

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I also was able to design 1 project for this event. I had wanted to make acrylic frame post it note holders that I have seen all over blog land for the the craft bazaars I was a part of last November/December, but I just never got around to it. I thought this event would be the perfect opportunity to have some fun with making these!

The acrylic frames I found at The Dollar Tree and they are 3 1/2 x 5. The pen you see in the picture are the Pentel RSVP pens and was able to place some patterned paper inside the pen to help match the project. I used regular sized post it notes and adhered it to the frame with one strip of Sticky Strip.

I slipped the patterned paper behind the frame and then decorated the rest in a snap! This would make a wonderful gift for a friend or teacher.


Stamp Set: Funky Four (coming soon you will be able to earn this set FREE with Sale-A-Bration)

Paper: Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Play Date Designer Series Paper

Ink: markers - Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive

Accessories: 1/2" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain ribbon (retired), Dimensionals

Tools: 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Large Scalloped Circle punch

Simply Valentine's

Last Friday, I spent a good part of the day out at my parents' house and decided to take some of my stamping stuff with me, so that I could "play" and make cards! My husband was going to be working late (as he has been all week), so I thought it might be nice to be around company for the day and let the kids play with their cousins. Having some time to enjoy a little crafting time rather than doing the household chores for a change was needed! Funny how I have to leave my house to make it happen!

Most of the supplies I brought with me were for Valentine's Day cards as I was looking to get some inspiration and work on projects and cards for upcoming events. I am still waiting on my Filled with Love stamp set that was on backorder, which should be on my doorstep by Monday night, so I had to work with some other Valentine stamp sets while I wait.

This first card, I was inspired by the following sketch from Create with Connie & Mary (CCMC 132). This is the first sketch I've participated in, but I loved having the inspiration! Go check out the wonderful creations. I went a little simple with my card, which is more the trend with me anyway, but I love how it turned out!




Stamp Set: Love You Much

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Real Red, *NEW* red glimmer paper, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, markers - Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Accessories: Dimensionals, red floss (non-SU!), Bitty Buttons (heart)

Tools: Heart to Heart punch (small hearts)

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These other cards were just for fun!

Stamp Set: Love You Much

Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Sending Love DSP (retired - from 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi (watercolor using blender pen and inkpads)

Accessories: 5/8" Chocolate Chip satin ribbon, Rose Red brad, Dimensionals (to pop up flower)

Tools: Boho Blossoms punch (used to punch out the flower)

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Stamp Set: With All My Heart

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Designer Series Paper Pattern Love

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: 3/4" Real Red double-stitched grosgrain ribbon (retired), Dimensionals

Tools: Full Heart punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Modern Label punch

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Stamp Set: With All My Heart

Paper: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Sending Love DSP (retired - from 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog)

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: heart brad (retired - from 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog), Dimensionals

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Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, *NEW* red glimmer paper, Dimensionals

2011 Occasions Mini Catalog debuts TODAY!

Click on the picture above to head straight to the online version of the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog! This catalog runs January 4th and is current until April 30, 2011.

Visit my website at heidiboos.stampinup.net or contact me at heidilynneboos{at}hotmail{dot}com to place your order today!

Christmas gift card holders & a couple of fun gifts to give

This will be my last post of Christmas goodies...promise! ;) Next year, I really need to have my act together and do better at blogging in December, so my Christmas projects can actually inspire you for Christmas. Like I said, you can always tuck away any ideas you have seen over the last few days on my blog for next year's Christmas "to dos".

I made some gift card holders for the same consignment shop I mentioned in yesterday's post about the matching gift bags and tags. These were really fun to make and were quite simple. I think I created 4 of each of these designs. Whatever didn't sell at the shop will be nice to have for next year's gift cards (or even to have at a bazaar).

Updated to add: If you wanted to make your own, the dimensions are 8" x 4 1/4". Score it at 2 3/4" x 6". On the inside "pocket", use sticky strip around the edges to make sure the gift card stays inside without coming apart, which is what might happen if you use regular adhesive.

Paper: Jolly Holiday DSP
Stamp Set: Tags Til Christmas (2010 Holiday Mini)

Paper: Jolly Holiday DSP (2010-2011 IBC)
Stamp Set: Christmas Punch (hostess set from 2009-2010 IBC)

Paper: Candy Cane Christmas (2010 Holiday Mini)
Stamp Set: Season of Joy (2010-2011 IBC)

Paper: Candy Cane Christmas (2010 Holiday Mini)
Stamp Set: Tags Til Christmas (2010 Holiday Mini)

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I am the Discussion Group Leader for our local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group and I wanted to give each of the ladies in my group a little something for Christmas. I wrapped up the "Twisted Peppermint" Bath & Body Works hand soap in a candy striped cellophane baggie and then tied a ribbon using Pretty in Pink satin ribbon (LOVE!). I added a little gift tag I created using Candy Cane Christmas DSP and the sentiment is from the Hostess Level 3 set Occasional Quotes. I think it turned out simple, but cute! Someone had mentioned that this would be a cute idea for Valentine's Day, too!

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This next little gift idea doesn't have anything to do with Stampin' Up! products, but I thought it was fun to share anyway. My husband manages a group of 3 employees and they just so happen to be women, so he asked me for a little help with what to get them as a small little Christmas gift. We ended up going with the "Twisted Peppermint" hand soap as mentioned above and then he got each of them a Target gift card. He even hand picked the design of the gift card to match the soap. He also picked up some peppermint Andes mints to tie it in with the rest of the gift. I happened to have these cute little buckets in my Christmas stash (from an after Christmas clearance shopping trip, I can imagine), so I added some shredded paper packaging to go inside and it finished it off nicely. Now, it might have looked even better if I had added a ribbon or a handmade tag, but this was a "night before" type of gift, so I did what I could without suffering the consequences of staying up too late!

gift bags & matching tags...Christmas style!

Another project for the beginning of December was to create some Christmas gift bags and matching tags for a local consignment store. I currently have some cards and other bags and tags there, but the owner wanted to be able to offer some Christmas ones just in case her customers needed a handmade gift bag to go with their purchases. There are many boutique like vendors in her shop, so there may be a need for a gift bag just like one of these below. I didn't want to create too many in case they didn't sell, but I thought I would at least make a few for the Christmas season! The first two smaller bags don't have a matching tag, but each of the last three medium-sized bags do.