Archive for the ‘Gift Ideas’ Category:
Retiring List Rewind: Nature Walk Inspiration
One of my favorite nature stamp sets of all time – I used the Nature Walk stamp set (see it online) to create this framed gift for a friend of mine, using a poem written for her by her God-son. For more pictures and the text of the prayer, check my original post.
Have you been watching my Retiring List Rewind? Be sure to check all the project inspiration for stamps and accessories that are about to retire!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
Win a $30 shopping spree!
Order online in my store by May 9th.
Use hostess code 4RRHRZ7N
Subscribe to the comments for this postPleasant Poppies Gift Bag: I *heart* watercoloring
Pleasant Poppies is another of the gorgeous full-size images currently available from Stampin’ Up! (see it online – 129499). Last week I mentioned a few tips for using large stamps on small projects. Today I have a couple more technique tips for you: the Spotlighting Technique and a Watercolor Refresher! Both techniques are wrapped up in this paper lunch sack turned into a Gift Bag.
This project was actually one from my Stamps in the Mail Club during the last round. If you haven’t ever participated, get ready for the next round. Signups begin in April for the May Round!
Spotlighting Technique
Spotlighting is a nice way to highlight a certain part of a larger stamp, like with Pleasant Poppies or Swallowtail.
- Stamp your large image on the background.
- Stamp again on scrap paper and use a Circle Punch to punch out the piece(s) you’d like to highlight.
- Color the circles differently from the background and match them back onto your main image.
Here are a few more Spotlighting Technique card ideas on my blog.
Refresher Technique Focus: Watercolor
Watercolor Wonder Crayons (WWC) combined with an Aquapainter or paintbrush allow an artist to create realistic watercolor effects. Here are few pointers to perfecting your technique:
- Gently wipe the wet tip of the AQP across the end of the WWC, picking up color
- Begin with the lightest color layer: use a light touch and extra water to thin out your color
- Add a 2nd color layer, either of the same tone or different. Be sure to leave some of the lightest layer showing
- Add a 3rd color layer as the darkest layer, using the most pigment from the crayon and the least amount of water
- Consider your shadows – which direction does the light in your picture shine? Objects with a shadow around the outer stamped black line look more dimensional and realistic
Curious about how the gift bag works? I have a Video Tutorial that shows how to make these Card Topper Gift Bags.
And be sure to check for more Pleasant Poppies ideas on my blog!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Supplies: Stamps: Pleasant Poppies, Curly Cute; Inks: Jet Black Staz-On Ink; Cardstock: Watercolor Paper, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Pacific Point; Accessories: Sycamore Street Ribbon (Sale-A-Bration gift), Jumbo Rhinestone, Pacific Point Stitched Ribbon, Watercolor Wonder Crayons – Brights Collection, Aqua Painters, Distressing Tool (optional – Spring Catalog), 1 ¼” Circle Punch, 1 ¾” Circle Punch
Swallowtail Pinboard: Easy with Artisan Embellishments
Looking for a fun project idea that’s not a card? Something to create for a gift (or for your own space)? Try a fun embellished pin board! This board came from a big box store on clearance – they’re easy to find. Once you have your board, it’s all about embellishments.
Worried about what matches? What goes together? There’s a super-easy solution: the Artisan Embellishment Kit. It includes all the pieces, picked out to match and give your finished project an artisan quality. (see the Artisan Embellishment Kit Contents)
For this project, I stamped a few butterflies (love the Swallowtail stamp, don’t you? see it online – 129216) and heat embossed the middle one using my Pool Party ink pad and the Iridescent Ice Embossing powder.
I connected the butterflies in a banner-like layout (banners being oh so popular). Then I added some Designer Series Paper from the More Amore Designer Series Paper (see the paper online – 129309) to the background, the Soda Pop Tops, everything.
Those Soda Pop Tops make great thumbtacks. (see them online – 129388) Just use a strong glue like the Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive to attach a tack to the back and fill the bottlecap with a punched circle of designer paper!
Or you can check out my Soda Pop Top Jewelry Tutorial for details on adding Crystal Effects to your bottlecaps to finish them off with a nice shine.
Have fun making your own Pin Board Project! This one went home with my friend Jane after our demonstrator group holiday party. Gotta love a gift exchange with stampers! This would make a great project for a bridal shower gift (can’t you see the bride-to-be pinning ideas to her board?) or a new baby gift (so many baby things to collect in a collage…hospital bracelets, a teeny sock, snapshots…).
This week I seem to be loving the Swallowtail stamp — so I’m happy to share a project here that uses it for something other than a card.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Pretty Petites & the Curly Label Punch: Free Tutorial from Meg
Like the Gift Box above? I loved it when I saw it at the Stampin’ Up! Leadership conference in Orlando in January (another fun demonstrator perk!). So my thank you gift for a fabulous Sale-A-Bration this year is an Idea & Inspiration sheet for this project.
Click the photo to the of the tutorial to download my free Idea & Inspiration Sheet: the Pretty Petites Gift Box Project Tutorial.
Here’s what you need to complete this project:
- Petite Curly Label Punch (129405) – Free during SAB 2013*
- Pretty Petites stamp set (129642) – Free during SAB 2013*
- ** Only until March 22, 2013!
- Curly Label Punch (119851) – $16.95
- Kraft Gift Boxes (124106) – $2.95
- Needlepoint Border Embossing Folders (129383) – $7.95
- Gusseted Cello Bags (127850) – $3.95
- Coordinating card stock colors & designer series paper
- Coordinating Stampin’ Write Markers
- Assorted Embellishments
I appreciate all you blog readers – thanks for your visits and comments! And thank you for your Stampin’ Up! orders, too. If you already have the Pretty Petites stamp set or the Petite Curly Label Punch, you’ll be set to make these sweet gift boxes.
If you don’t have them yet, you can still place an online order (it’s easy!) through my store and get them for free. But only today or tomorrow — because Sale-A-Bration ends at 11 pm (MT) on March 22nd!
And don’t forget that I have another tutorial gift for you when you place an online order with me during Sale-A-Bration (watch your email for the bonus tutorial).
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
Bubblegum Valentine Idea: “Chews” Me?
D
id you CHEWS your Valentine idea yet? Are you looking for a cute bubblegum saying?
Here’s an idea for you!
My daughter and I created these for her class using My Digital Studio 2 (love it!).
We printed them at home, cut them out and attached them to tubes of gumballs.
Want to learn more about My Digital Studio?
Last week I posted a Family Banner project, complete with Video Tutorial.
My Digital Studio 2 (learn more about it) is a terrific tool for whatever you want to create!
Here are some other Valentine ideas & inspiration:
- Simple Lollipop Valentines
- Embossed Resist Technique
- Pop-Up Matchbook Valentines
- Petal Cone Artisan Valentine Card (with video tutorial)
- Lollipop Cover for school treats
Another MDS tip for you — did you know that all the fonts on your computer will be available to you in MDS2? The font I used for the “CHEWS” is called Party LET, and you can get it here!
Or try learning more about how I’ve used My Digital Studio for school projects, home decor, treats and more!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
Make Your Own Family Valentine Banner
What says “love” more than family? I created a fun and simple banner using My Digital Studio 2 (learn more about it) and the Valentine Love Ensemble Download (see it now) from Stampin’ Up!.
The basic design work is already done for you with this sweet template. It’s simple to add a few extra panels, photos of your family or friends, embellish with digital embellishments, then print at home! Cut out, add a ribbon, and you’re set for a quick and fun memory project that will brighten your home!
Want to learn the details of the ‘how to’ on this project? Good news! I have an MDS with Meg Tutorial for you!
There are 3 lessons for this banner — you may find that you only need a few minutes of the first one if you’re an MDS user already. If you’re new to MDS, you’ll probably like the detail in all the lessons.
(getting this feed via email? you’ll need to click to visit my blog to get the videos)
Looking for more tips? Check out my other MDS with Meg Tutorials!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sign up now for Stamps in the Mail Club!
Supplies for 4 projects — ready to stamp, delivered to your front door.
Soda Pop Tops: It’s the DIY Bottlecap Jewelry Trend
Do you love the look of this trend? It’s everywhere — these little medallions are popping up everywhere, and they’re amazingly simple to make at home as a DIY craft project.
You can use any bottlecap, but I’ve found that the Soda Pop Tops from Stampin’ Up! are really nice to work with — they smash easily and they have a great metallic finish. (see them online – 129388). They come as a package of 8 ‘regular’ sized ones (1″ circle punch will fit) and 8 little ones (1/2″ circle punch for the center) for $3.95.
I’m starting a “bottlecaps anonymous” group, in case anyone else needs to join me. I think you qualify if you purchase more than 5 little boxes of these 
They’re so easy!! Here are the directions:
- Stamp or print image and punch with ¾” Circle Punch (see it online – 119873).
- Punch 1” Circle (see it online – 119868) of First Edition Designer Paper.
- Run Soda Pop Top (see them online – 129388) through your Big Shot (see it online – 113439) to flatten (no tabs, between two Cutting Plates)
- Use a thin layer of Crystal Effects clear glaze (see it online – 101055) to attach all layers and coat over top. Add rhinestone.
- Poke a little hole with your Piercing Tool, toss on a jump ring from the craft store, and add a strip of ribbon.
Okay, here’s where you’ll see the difference on these little treats. It’s in the Tricks & Tips:
- Having trouble with your image bleeding? To prevent this, stamp, punch and then press your circle into a VersaMark Ink Pad (see it online – 102283 ). Sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder (see it online – 109130) and heat to melt. No more bleeding!
- Need a smaller monogram? No problem! I used Broadsheet Alphabet Digital Download (122159) on this one. I added my letters into a project on My Digital Studio (learn more about this software) and then printed them so they’d fit in a 3/4″ Circle Punch. Don’t have MDS? NOT a problem! You can get the Broadsheet Alphabet Digital Download and use it in ANY program… Microsoft Word, Photoshop Elements, etc. And there’s no shipping on Digital Downloads, AND you get it right away — instantly (see the download online).
Too much fun. These make terrific crafty gifts, or a fun weekend or spring break project to do with kids. You can even use the Circle Punches to cut out magazine photos or images that strike your fancy. There’s pretty much no end to the creativity.
We’ve been making these this month at several of my events — at Stamp Club with Meg which meets here monthly, and also at our January Demonstrator Stamp & Share Event. Don’t forget to let me know if you’re interested in learning more about all the fun we have as demonstrators!!
Oh, and yes, you can use these bottlecaps on cards or scrapbooking projects! Click here to see some other ideas from my blog.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Broadsheet Alphabet (Digital Download); Paper: First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper, Whisper White; Accessories: Big Shot, Soda Pop Tops, 1/8″ Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Crystal Effects;
Get in on the FUN: Oh Hello Stamps in the Mail Club
It’s that time again! Yup, time to sign up for a new Round of my Stamps in the Mail Club! This Round (#26!) we’ll be featuring the new OH, HELLO stamp set from the Spring Catalog. Stamps in the Mail Club is the perfect chance to add this set to your collection, AND receive ideas for using it!
Plus during the February/March/April Round, you’ll have a chance to earn free Sale-A-Bration stamp sets with your kits.
So… What is Stamps in the Mail Club?
Delivered right to your doorstep–it’s the stamps, inks and accessories you need to complete these projects. Plus printed directions, exclusive Video Tutorials and pre-cut, pre-embossed card stock, ready-to-stamp! It’s my Stamps in the Mail Club, and you can sign up today! Above are the 4 projects you’ll make with your supplies and your Month 1 Club Kit.
Look at what the Stamps in the Mail Club can do for you!
- Build your stamping supplies: kit includes $30-35 value in Stampin’ Up! product each month for 3 months in a row, and you get to keep all the coordinating stamps, inks, accessories and embellishments to use in other stamping projects
- Easy to follow: Pre-printed directions for all 4 projects in a color handout with photos and step-by-step instructions will be sent with the kit each month and necessary supplies are listed at the top of each project so you know exactly what to have at your fingertips.
- Flexible Kit Contents: build on what you own! Select alternate Stampin’ Up! product each month if you already own a Stampin’ Pad color or accessory item
- No sorting or struggling: materials to create each project arrive pre-packaged separately for each project
- Stampin’ Up! exclusive materials: the best products on the market including heavy-weight Designer Paper and cardstock, timeless images, and perfectly coordinated color scheme
- Learn more each month: the 3-month subscription teaches you how to use what you’ve purchased and presents inspiring ideas on how to make the most of your investment in supplies
Here’s a review from a past Stamps in the Mail Club subscriber:
From Jill F: “[Stamps in the Mail Club] is the BEST club I have been involved with. It is so nice to go to my stamp room, pull out the directions and the cello bag and get busy!! Thanks for offering this club.”
You can subscribe to the 3-month Stamps in the Mail Club for just $45 each month! Click here for details on the kit contents for February, as well as details on the Exclusive Video Tutorials for Stamps in the Mail Club Members and free Sale-A-Bration rewards.
Ready to sign up now? Need more details? Click here and use the big “email Meg” button to request your Paypal Invoice!
Still not sure? I think you’ll love these projects! If you’d like to see what all kinds of projects we’ve made in the past, I have a few of them shared on my blog — look at the gallery now.
I look forward to stamping with you by mail!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Dude, You’re Welcome: A Kit for Guys & Guy Cards
They’re here! Cards for Guys!
I think one of the most frequent requests for inspiration from stampers is ideas for masculine cards — ones you can send to the guys in your life. Well the good news is that Stampin’ Up! now carries the perfect solution for you… The new Dude, You’re Welcome Kit (see it online – 132807).
Want to see it in action? Here’s a demonstration… guy-style.
Love it? Here’s the skinny:
Guys don’t always have the easiest time expressing themselves, but with the Dude, You’re Welcome! kit, they’ll have
- Four wood-mount stamps (double-mounted) with the perfect sentiment for every occasion
- Twelve 4″ x 6″ postcards in four different (manly) colors
- Twelve gray envelopes
- A Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad
- An instructional guide (for the most novice stamper!)
Basically, the kit includes everything a dude needs to create the perfect manly card that any woman would adore, all packaged in an appropriately masculine box.
| Item | Description | Price |
| 132807 | Dude, You’re Welcome! Kit | $24.95 |
Visit my Online Store to learn more about this exciting new kit, then contact your male customers (or their wives) and let them know the answer to their “I forgot my wife’s birthday!” dilemma is here!
Or you can use the kit contents to stamp your own cards for guys — feel free to embellish just a little bit extra. You know you can’t help it! Or here are a variety of guy-friendly projects from my blog.
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Sweet & Simple Valentine Treats for Class & Friends
More Amore Treats +
Hearts A Flutter Framelits =
I have SO many ideas from the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Conference in Orlando last week, but there were a couple that jumped out at me. This is the time of year to be thinking of little treats for neighbors and friends, or for school classroom parties, and here’s a sweet & simple treat to make and take!
The steps couldn’t be simpler.
More Amore Valentine Treats
- Snip apart the pre-cut heart paper (makes 32 large hearts per package) (see the paper online – 129309)
- Glue each heart to the front of a flat lollipop
- Choose the “express” solution or the “artisan” version:
- Express: use the Hearts a Flutter Framelits (see them online - 130159) with your Big Shot (see it online – 113439) to cut small hearts from the other pages of paper in the More Amore Designer Paper package
- Artisan: stamp with the Hearts A Flutter stamp set and cut with the framelits from the Hearts A Flutter Bundle (see it online – 131097) – *LOVE* the chevron heart from this stamp set! Finish up with a stamped Valentine greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (see it online – 127802)
Voila! Happy classmates and friends! Can’t you see your coworkers loving this treat? The More Amore Product Suite (see it online) is chock full of fun coordinating pieces for your projects.
Looking for other Valentine ideas? Be sure to check my blog!
Happy Stamping!
To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Hearts A Flutter; Ink: Primrose Petals, Real Red; Paper: More Amore Specialty Designer Series Paper, Whisper White; Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts A Flutter Framelits, Stitched Primorse Petals Ribbon;
