SSINKspiration Retiring Products: Lots of Joy

Happy Wednesday!  It's the midpoint of the week and another beautiful day is ahead of us.  Today on the SSINKspiration blog we're continuing our focus on retiring products and I decided to take things in a different direction and shared a Christmas card (trust me the holiday season will be here before we know it) using the Lots of Joy stamp set.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Old Olive cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and the Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder before adding a piece of designer series paper from the Merry Moments DSP (retiring).

For the stamped image I decided to make a tag (you could easily take it off to use it as a bookmark, yeah!!).  I took a piece of Whisper White cardstock and used the Scallop Tag Topper Punch to punch the top.  I started my stamping by using smoky slate ink to stamp the stripes along the bottom.  Then the greeting was stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink and the ornament in Old Olive.  To the center of the ornament I added a rhinestone (got to have that bling!!).  For the final touch I added a piece of Whisper White 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (retiring) and then tied a bow around the ribbon using Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.

We made this card during this month's Just Cards class and I love being able to help the ladies get a head start on their Christmas cards and the prints in this designer series paper have been so fun for lots of projects this past year.

Below are easy ordering links or the product's used on today's card:

Have a beautiful day!

Diana

Using Your Stash: Paper Pumpkin Meets Lots of Joy

Good morning!  I have to apologize for the absence, boy has this holiday season had me off my toes trying to keep up and while I’ve been spending lots of family time(which I love) I’ve been away from my computer a lot to be able to share all that I’ve been creating (I’m sure you know exactly how I feel).  I’m sure just like you I have a lot of people of our gift list and I try to come up with gifts for each person and fit it in our time and budget constraints which means I’ve been making a concerted effort this year to look to my gift and gift packaging stash first to see what I can use for these gifts that will not only save time and money but will reduce the size of my supply stash.  Today I’m sharing the gift we made for Aidan’s Tae Kwon Do instructors and staff (he had 8 people to give gifts to).  I was looking through my studio and found one of my Paper Pumpkin Kits from last year (October 2014, I believe) and noticed that the pie wedge treat boxes could easily be repurposed to look like trees so I decided to use them for a candy treat holiday (boy do these boxes hold a lot of candy!!).

 

To finish these boxes I started by using the Tree Punch to punch out the window and then covered it with a piece of clear Window Film (so the candy wouldn’t escape).  After assembling the box I did notice that my flap showed at the bottom of the tree to so I did use another punch to punch a little piece off the flap so that it didn’t show.  Next I used the star punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack to punch a star out of glimmer paper (I used some retired Champagne glimmer paper but you could easily use the Gold Glimmer Paper).  I also used a piece of Real Red Satin and Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon (once again retired, remember, I’m using up my stash but any ribbon would work) to tie around the box with a nice big bow on top.

For the greeting I used the Lots of Joy stamp set and used Stampin’ Write Markers to color the rubber before stamping and then punched it out with either the XL Oval Punch or 1 ¼” Circle Punch and attached it to the box with a dimensional.

 

I love how easy these gifts came together, they were easy for Aidan to transport to class (always a plus) and I was able to use all supplies I already had on hand, other than the candy, score!!!  If you really like this idea just a hint, there are more of these past paper pumpkin kits (both the full kit and refills currently available on the Stampin’ Up! website so you can order your kit today (if you’re a Paper Pumpkin subscriber) and you’ll be one step closer to making lots of cute little tree gifts as well!!

I’ve been making lots of these types of projects this year and it’s really helping to get those gifts crossed off my list.  I have to admit I’m so motivated by how well this is going that I’m already working on the gift list for next year (based on our lessons learned this year) and am going to take a little bit of time to plan out gifts, using more items from my stash, to get a head start on 2016 (crazy, I know!!!)
 

Below are easy ordering links for the current products used on today’s project:
 

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Have a great day!

Diana

SSINKspiration Mystery Challenge #SSINKMC27: And Many More

Good morning!  What a hectic and fun filled weekend, I need go back to work to get a little rest (thankfully it's a short week with the holiday!)  It's time to continue the gratitude challenge (one week to go) and I decided to combine today's card with the Mystery Challenge over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  This was a lot of fun, we were given a list of items and had to incorporate as many things as we could into our card.

I started with Pool Party cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock that I stamped different splatter images from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set using Real Red, Pool Party, and Pear Pizzaz ink.  I layered a piece of Winter Wonderland Designer Vellum on top of the splatter to add some gold splatter to the mix and on the bottom I added a piece of retired designer series paper (I was working on another project in the studio and this was the perfect color).  I wrapped a piece of Gold 5/8" Satin Ribbon in the center and then tied a nice pretty knot.

To make this "Christmasy" I stamped the tree from the Lots of Joy stamp set in Pool Party ink on Whisper White cardstock and then cut it out and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The greeting is from the And Many More stamp set and was stamped in Real Red ink and then punched out with the Washi Label Punch.  I decided I needed a little more bling so I added a couple rhinestones to the greeting piece for the final touch.

There's a lot going on with this card but I had fun trying to add all the mystery items into the card so it's all good.  We would love for you to come check out the mystery challenge and play along with us!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

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Enjoy,

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 14

Good morning!  It’s going to be a fun day, we have lots to get done today and then we’re run/walking the Snowflake Stampede again this year which is a 2.5 mile loop through the Christmas lights in Bull Run park that you normally drive through.  We have so much fun dressing up and doing this loop on foot since we get to enjoy the lights, stop and take pictures as much as we want and have fun (just hoping it’s not too cold!)  Since it’s starting to get in the holiday spirit it’s only fitting that today’s gratitude card is another Christmas one.  I had several strips of this particular DSP pattern after last month’s class and a punched out tree sitting on my desk so I decided to use those two items and see what I could come up with (it’s always a great idea to go through your pile of little pieces on your desk (admit it we all those items that didn’t work on the initial project we intended but we couldn’t throw them away, so let’s repurpose and them on something new!!)

I started with Real Red cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Whisper White cardstock for a nice clean front.  I took that piece of DSP (from the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper Stack and matted it with Smoky Slate cardstock.  The little tree (that I already had cut out is from the Lots of Joy stamp set and was stamped in Mossy Meadow ink on Whisper White cardstock and then punched out with the Tree Punch).  The tree was attached to the cardfront with dimensionals.  The greeting is from the Another Thank You stamp set and was stamped in Real Red.  For a final touch, I added one of the star buttons from the Home for Christmas Designer Buttons to the top of the tree and tied a knot in the button using linen thread (hate to have a naked button!!)

This card came together really quickly since I already had a couple of elements (the “hardest” part was decided which greeting to use so it didn’t overpower the tree.  This DSP is also great because it’s really neutral and isn’t holiday specific (so I can continue to use it long after Christmas is over, and trust me, I’m on a mission to work on using up my supply stash!)

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have an enjoyable Saturday!

Diana

30 Day Gratitude Challenge: Day 13

Happy Friday!  With a gratitude challenge it really does make you think about all you have to be thankful for, health, family, friends, etc.  We have been so blesses and I’m looking forward to enjoying time this weekend with all those things I’m thankful for.  Tonight Aidan has Ninja Night that he’s really excited about which means “date night” for mommy and daddy and we’re also really excited, we’re going to go see the new James Bond movie, whoo hoo!  Before all the fun begins I wanted to share today’s gratitude card, it’s another holiday themed one based on a card from class last month.

I started with Early Espresso cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Merry Moments Designer Series Paper.  I used another pattern from the same DSP package for the tall panel.  The greeting is from the Tin of Cards stamp set (even if you don’t have the Card Tin kit, which really is awesome, the coordinating stamp set is a must have for all types of occasions!) and stamped it on Whisper White cardstock using Early Espresso ink and matted it with Early Espresso cardstock.  I added the cute little tree element and used the Lots of Joy stamp set and stamped it in Cherry Cobbler ink on Whisper White cardstock and used my Paper Snips to cut it out before attaching it with dimensionals.  I added a knot using the Gold Satin Ribbon that is so bright and shiny and really helps dress up the card.

I love the addition of glimmer to the card that dresses up the card and helps make it special (especially for the holidays!!)  You can also make a ton of these cards using the Merry Momments Designer Series Paper Stack (the one that’s in the Holiday Catalog) so you could easily make this your holiday card as well (when you cut the DSP you can get both panels out of one piece of DSP). 

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s project:

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Have a great weekend!

Diana

SSINKspiration Christmas Cards: Lots of Joy

Happy Friday!  I know there’s a lot going on but I decided that you needed a little more inspiration heading into this weekend and since there are only 17 more Friday’s until Christmas (don’t shoot the messenger) I thought I would share with you a Christmas card I made.  The Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog is sharing lots of Christmas ideas today so we’re sure to help get you started thinking about the holidays even as summer is winding down.  It’s the last day of July, can’t believe we’re starting to think about summer winding down.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the cardbase and then added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock that was embossed with the Big Shot and Brick Wall Embossing Folder (I sponged all over it with Crumb Cake ink to really help the bricks pop).  Next I punched out a piece of Merry Moments Designer Series Paper with the 2 ½” Circle Punch for the back circle and used Mossy Meadow cardstock, the Chevron Embossing Folder and the 1 ¾” Circle Punch for the second circle.  The greeting is from the Lots of Joy stamp set and I used Stampin’ Write Markers to color it in and stamped on Whisper White cardstock before punching I out with the 1 3/8” Circle Punch and popping it up with dimensionals.  The final touches on this card are a blingy star using Gold Glimmer Paper and the star punch from the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack and some Mossy Meadow 5/8” Striped Cotton Ribbon.

I have to say, this card comes together really easily and doesn’t use a ton of supplies so it would be really easy to mass produce and mail easily (and around the holidays things given with a homemade touch that are easy are perfect!)

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

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I hope this card has you starting to think a little about the holidays and what you want to do to make it special for you and your family.   Take care!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Sketch Challenge SSINKCC24: Lots of Joy

Good morning and Happy Monday!  What  wonderful and relaxing weekend, you always hate for them to end but I'm looking forward to another great week.  To get things started I have  fun card for this month's Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog card sketch and decided to make my first Christmas card of the season (yes the holiday season is right around the corner!!) and mixed some great items from the Annual Catalog as well as a little sneak peak from the upcoming Holiday Catalog, this catalog is awesome you are sure to love it!!!




I started with Cherry Cobbler for the cardbase and then added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and embossed it with the Big Shot and Polka Dot embossing folder.  Next I used the 1/2" Circle Punch to create a mask and then used the Hello December 2015 stamp set (from the Holiday Catalog) and stamped a little snowflake in each of the polka dots (love this super easy technique that really adds a little pizzazz to your background.  Next I use the Merry Moments Designer Series Paper and trimmed down several different patterns to different sizes so it looks like packages.  I even wrapped some Old Olive Baker's Twine around the cardfront and tied a double bow for the top of one of the packages.

For the greeting I used the Lots of Joy stamp set and inked it up with Stampin' Write Markers and attached it to the cardfront with dimensionals for the final package.

I had a lot of fun with this card and can't wait for all the great holiday projects are in my future and Stampin' Up! really makes it easy with all the coordinating products, perfect!  You can get further inspiration by checking out the other design team cards and then play along.

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today's card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Have a great day!

Diana

Convention 2015 Swap Gift Tag: Lots of Joy

Happy Saturday!  We’re up early and ready for our last events of convention!  It’s been a wonderful time and I love seeing all the fabulous friends I’ve gained because of Stampin’ Up! but I must admit I’m a little excited for convention to end, because that means I’m heading up to Seattle to pick up Aidan and bring him home. It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen him and let’s just say I miss my little guy to pieces.  Anyway, during the convention swaps it’s not just cards we make, it can be scrapbook pages, 3d items, gift packaging, anything.  I was in a gift tag swap (I love the idea of making beautiful one of a kind gift tags for gifts but I don’t always have time so I thought this would be a great way to get new ideas I can share so we can have these tags already made and ready to go.  Since we all know Christmas and the winter holidays will be here before we know it I decided to make a Christmas themed tag for my swap.

I started with Cherry Cobbler cardstock and added a piece of Merry Moments Designer Series Paper.  Before I glued the DSP down I added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock that I punched with the Scallop Tag Topper Punch so I had an easy place to add some Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine to attach the tag to my gift when the time comes.  Next I used the Lots of Joy stamp set and stamp the greeting by inking the stamp with Mossy Meadow and Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Write Markers and stamping on Whisper White cardstock before punching it out with the 1 3/8” Circle Punch. I also punched out a piece of Old Olive cardstock using the 1 ¾” Circle Punch and then embossed it with the Big Shot and Chevron Embossing Folder.  I added a piece of Mossy Meadow 5/8” Stitched Cotton Ribbon as a little flag and a star I punched out of Gold Glimmer Paper and it Itty Bitty Accent Punch Pack.  I used dimensionals on the greeting and the glimmer star for different layers to be raised.

The holidays are approaching quickly, we got to see this years Holiday catalog and there are so many great products that will help in all your holiday projects.  I’ve already started on some of my projects but now it’s time to really kick it in to gear, I’m going to try to get a couple things done each month leading up to the holidays so “hopefully” it lessens the stress come December (we’ll see how it goes!!)

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s tag:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

                                                               

Have a great Saturday!

Diana