Jan 29 2013

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:

  1. Stamp or print image and punch with ¾” Circle Punch (see it online – 119873).
  2. Punch 1” Circle  (see it online – 119868) of First Edition Designer Paper.
  3. Run Soda Pop Top (see them online – 129388) through your Big Shot (see it online – 113439)  to flatten (no tabs, between two Cutting Plates)
  4. Use a thin layer of Crystal Effects clear glaze (see it online – 101055) to attach all layers and coat over top. Add rhinestone.
  5. 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;


Jan 23 2013

Fav SAB Freebie: Sycamore Street Designer Paper

Yes, yes, yes, I know I say everything is my favorite, but when it comes to the new Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper (SAB – free item – #127540) I’m definitely in love!  It’s got great colors, and fabulous patterns.  You can see it in my online store right now, or you can check it out here on the Sale-A-Bration freebie flyer (get a selection free with every $50 you order!).

The Soda Pop Tops (see them online – 129388) are too much fun — and easy to use.  They’re a nice and pliable metal, so you can squish them flat-ish with your Big Shot.  They’ll still cost an extra $0.20 to mail, but they’re SO worth it!

There are three SAB items on this card — see if you can spot them:

  • Vintage Verses stamp set (see it - 129636)
  • Vine Street Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (see it – 130492)
  • Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper (see it – 127540)

And then a couple of fun new products from the Spring Catalog:

  • Soda Pop Tops (see them online – 129388)
  • Collage Curios stamp set (see it - 129102) – which coordinates with the 1″ Circle Punch (see it – 119868)

Plus I included a smidge of the Silver Glimmer Paper (see it - 124005), which you can order OR get for free when your order or party totals $150 or more.  Since Stampin’ Up! is celebrating 25 years this year, they wanted to share a bit of silver with you for their anniversary!

Want to see some other ideas for Sale-A-Bration freebie products?  Check out ideas on my blog!

Happy Stamping!


To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamps: Vintage Verses, Collage Curios; Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake; Paper: Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Silver Glimmer Paper; Accessories: Big Shot, Vine Street Embossing Folder, Soda Pop Tops, 1″ Circle Punch

 

 

 


Jun 01 2012

Betsy’s Blossoms: NEW In Color Combos

Are you excited for the NEW In Colors?  I have to say that I am LOVING these!  I’ll let you in on a secret… pretty much every year I start out just a little bit skeptical about the new colors.  But this year I’m completely hooked!  Not only are these colors a great fit for the Stampin’ Up! Color Collections, but they’re also fabulous together!


Here’s a card that I based on one in the Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator magazine — Stampin’ Success.  Yup, it’s true.  As a demonstrator you do NOT need to invent the wheel every time!  You can use the great resources that are available to us.

And did you see the Demonstrator Special in June?!  Whew! A $48 bonus is a great reason to join my stamping family!  Plus there are lots of great reasons to become a demonstrator — from supporting your hobby to purchasing at a discount!

Do you have at least $125 on your Wish List for the new catalog? Did you realize you can put ANYTHING you want into your Starter Kit and get it for $99? Don’t miss the details!

Okay, back to the card…

If you want to create this card at home on your own, here are the NEW supplies that you’ll need:

  • Betsy’s Blossoms stamp set (see it online) — 126006 (clear) or 126004 (wood)
  • In Color Card Stock 2012-2014 (see it online) — 126838
  • Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (see it online) — 127751
  • Itty Bitty Banners stamp set (see it online) — 126257 (clear) or 126255 (wood)
  • Bitty Banners Framelits (see them online) — 129267
  • NEW Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad (see it online) — 126980
  • Plus the following supplies you may already have: Big Shot, Whisper White Card Stock, Basic Gray Card Stock, 1″ Circle Punch, Postage Stamp Punch

If there is only 1 thing you purchase from this list, I’d make it the Basic Black Classic Pad.  No kidding!  I am in love with these new pads (learn more about them).  I haven’t quite made up my mind to replace all my ink pads, but I’m getting closer every time I pull out one of my older pads!

And if you’re thinking that the In Colors would be fun, and you love Betsy’s Blossoms as much as me, be sure to check out my Stamps in the Mail Club for June — you’ll get both the stamp set and the new Basic Black ink pad, and in the July kit you’ll get the new In Color Markers!

Or consider ordering these items as part of your very own Demonstrator Starter Kit!  (email me with any questions)

Happy Stamping!


To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!


Jun 01 2012

Come Stamp with Me! Open House Tomorrow!

Are you in Central Illinois?  Do you like to stamp?  Do you want to get your hands on the NEW catalog?! For FREE??  Want to try out some NEW stamps & inks??

Want to make this card? :) This card features the NEW In Colors, plus the NEW Betsy’s Blossoms stamp set (available as part of my Stamps in the Mail Club).  Or if you live nowhere near me, learn more about this card to help you plan your first Online Order!

Meg’s New Catalog Extravaganza

Meg’s Stamping Studio, Mahomet, Illinois

Saturday, June 2nd

9 am til noon

Come see the NEW 2012-2013 Stampin’ Up! Catalog in person!!  You’re going to love the new stamp sets, accessories and project ideas.

Join us for snacks, Make N Take projects and of course a little gift from me for attending.

Bring a friend for extra door prize tickets, and win FREE stamp sets every half hour during the event.

Can’t attend?  Place your order early or book your own New Catalog Party in June and I’ll add your name to the free stamp drawings, even if you can’t join us in person.

Plus, RSVP for this open house and your personal copy of the NEW catalog will be FREE when you arrive!!  Or email me for address and directions.

Happy Stamping!


To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!


Feb 14 2012

Whoo Loves You: a Valentine Card

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

At my daughter’s school (1st & 2nd graders) they have a Post Office each year. The Post Office is run by the students (they empty post boxes, cancel, sort & deliver the mail). The kids all write to each other, but parents can also send in mail to be delivered to our kids. Since I had some owl parts on my stamping table, I thought I’d send her a quick Owl Note.

Did you see my original post of this project? I made these for a group of moms who wanted my help with making Class Treats for their preschoolers. If you have a group that might like to make class treats in central Illinois, be sure to contact me for details on pricing and dates!

Happy Stamping!


To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!


Feb 07 2012

Bright Thanks: A Scallop Square Note Card Trick

Looking for a fun new shape for your cards?  Time to pull out your Big Shot Machine (see it online) and your  Scallop Square Die (see it online)! Paired with the Outlined Occasions stamp set (free with a $50 order during Sale-A-Bration) this is a quick & easy note card.

**BIG SHOT TECHNIQUE TIP** The note card is easy.  Just fold your card stock in half to make the card.  Place the folded card stock on your die so that the fold is INSIDE the cutting edge.  The fold won’t be cut off when you put the die through the Big Shot, and you’re left with a fun scalloped note card shape!

Like the colors?  They’re all from the 2011-2013 In Colors, which you can get in a set of markers, card stock, printed brads and more (check them out).  Even cooler?  You could get started on your color collection with my February Stamps in the Mail Club Kit (learn more about stamping by mail).

If you’re in love with the simple circle punch flower on this card, say a ‘thank you’ to Stampin’ Up! for giving me the inspiration.  This flower is copied from the hand-made chocolates that were on our Make N Take tables at Leadership last month.  Here’s what you’ll need:

Want to see more Scallop Square Die projects?  Here are a few more on my blog.

Or want to learn more about Sale-A-Bration and how to qualify for free stamps?  Here you go!

Happy Stamping!


To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!


Feb 02 2012

Whooo Loves You? Cello Bag Topper Valentine Owls

Looking for a cute Valentine treat bag topper for a cellophane bag?  Here’s a quick one that uses several of the punches on my Clearance Rack, if you need to add any of these punches to your collection!  These cute owls are based on the Small Cello Bag size (see them online), and a handful of M&M’s fits perfectly.


Punches & Dies:

Like the little “owl be yours” greeting?  It’s punched with the 1-1/4″ Circle Punch.  The image is part of the Owl Be Yours & You Bee Mine Digital Download (see it online).  I just made a full page of them and printed the circles at home so I could punch them out.

Did you see that you can now try out My Digital Studio for free for 30 days?  Be sure to check out the details!

Best part of this treat?  They’re fairly simple to assemble, whether you’re making 5 or 50!

Happy Stamping!


To Order Stampin’ Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!