Rubber Stamping & Card Making with Yapha

Really fun challenge for the Friday Mashup this week! (Yes, I know it is Sunday, but hey, I play when I can.)

1. Make a project using “Paper Piercing”.
2. Or Make a project using the colors “Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red & Early Espresso”.
3. Or “Mash it Up” and create a project with the “Color Combo & Paper Piercing”.

I decided to try and make a heart shaped card using my new Framelits, but I wasn’t sure if they were able to cut through two pieces of cardstock. The answer, as you can see below, is that yes you can. I will tell you, though, that it is not recommended by Stampin’ Up or Sizzix. So only do what you feel comfortable with. You can see the hinge for the card on the top left, where I kept the fold inside the Framelit. For the paper piercing part of the Mashup, I poked a hole in each of the scallops of the base heart. And really, even though it looks black, that is Early Espresso!

Stamps: Word Play, Woodgrain
Ink: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso, Blushing Bride
Other: Hearts Collection Framelits, Small Heart Punch, Big Shot, Paper Piercer

I stamped the Early Espresso heart with Very Vanilla Craft Ink and the Woodgrain background stamp to make it look more like wood.  I can’t remember the last time I used that ink pad. I was pleasantly surprised that it worked great!

Wowsers! Today is my 16th anniversary. Below is the card I made for my husband. It was so fun and easy to make with the new Heart Framelits! This card was inspired by a card made by Tonya Byrd that I saw on Stampin’ Connection, a Stampin’ Up demonstrator only website. (There are currently over 200,000 samples posted! Another great reason to be a demonstrator!)

Stamps: Take it to Heart, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Real Red, VersaMark
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White, Big Top Birthday DSP
Other: Hearts Framelits, Word Window Punch, Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Tempting Turquiose Embossing Powder

I just love how that image looks embossed, and I’m so happy that Stampin’ Up has so many great colors of embossing powder now!

Thank you all for your good wishes!  It is slow going, but I am beginning to recover from the pneumonia. I haven’t had the energy to stamp anything in awhile, but I do have some projects that I haven’t posted yet.

Did you know that the new Hanukkah Stamp fits perfectly on the top of the Matchbox? Oh yes! And how fabulous is this Tempting Turquoise Embossing Powder?

And here’s a picture of the side (sorry it is blurry) so that you can see that cute little Glimmer Brad knob.

Stamps: Hanukkah
Ink: VersaMark
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack
Other: Tempting Turquoise Embossing Powder, Brights Glimmer Brads, Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot

Occasions Mini Catalogs and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs should be arriving mid-December in your mailbox! If you have purchased from me in the last year, then one is on the way to you! Keep an eye out for them, since there are so many catalogs around this time of year. The Occasions Mini Catalog is regular size, but the SAB catalog is long and skinny. Both are full of fabulous items, as always!

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog over the weekend! as I promised during the hop, I have a combo tutorial for you today — how to enlarge your Matchbox AND how to create an easel for it as well. First of all, you need Stampin’ Up’s Matchbox Bigz XL Die. (If you don’t already have this, read to the end for a special offer.) This is what the final project looks like:

The to create the regular matchbox bottom, you need a piece of cardstock that is approximately 6″ x 5″. This creates an adorable box that is unfortunately about an inch to short to hold a gift card. To compensate for this we are going to start with a piece of card stock that is just a bit larger than 7″ x 5″. Fold this in half so that your folded piece is now 3 1/2″ x 5″. Place this on the Matchbox die so that the folded edge is towards the middle of the die, and the two open sides are just at the edge of the cutting line. (Thank you to Carmen for the original tutorial on this.)

Run this through your Big Shot as usual. When you take it out, unfold the piece that you cut. It should look like this:

Fold on all of the score lines, and put it together just as you would a regular Matchbox. As you can see your final project is slightly larger than a regular Matchbox, and can now hold a gift card!

The next step is to create a cover and the easel. For the cover you want to start with a piece of cardstock that is 6 1/2″ x 3 3/4″. Score this on the long side at 3/4″,  2 7/8″, 3 5/8″, and 5 3/4″. (Have I mention recently how much I love my Simply Scored? Love it!!)

Next you need to create a base for the easel mechanism. Start with a piece of cardstock that is 2 1/8″ x 4 3/4″. Score it on the long side at 1 7/8″ and 3 3/4″.

Now fold under the piece that is 1 7/8″ and glue it to the underside of the cover. Next fold up the bottom part, so it is touching the top. (Is this too confusing? Do I need a video?)

Create your focal point image and attach it to a mat that is 2 1/8″ x 3 3/4″. The top of this mat is then glued on to the folded up part of the easel mechanism. (Are you still with me here?)

Now fold the cover on its score lines and fold into a sleeve for the matchbox. For the final step, attach something to the cover that will catch the end of the easel and prop it up. Here I used a little cut out coffee cup on a Stampin’ Dimensional.

I hope this tutorial was helpful. I welcome your questions and comments!

Oh, right, the special offer! From now through October 31st, I am offering free shipping on any order that includes the Matchbox Bigz XL die. Send me an email for complete details. And don’t forget! If you join my team of Craft Therapists before the end of October, you can get either a FREE Big shot or $100 worth of the Stampin’ Up products of your choice. Click here for more details.

Hello and welcome to Stampin’ Addicts Big Shot Blog Hop! In honor of Stampin’ Up’s amazing sign up special (where you can get a free Big Shot!) we are featuring a variety of Big Shot dies. Each blog will focus on a different die, and all the blogs connect in a circle. So whether you are starting here, or have just arrived from Sarah’s Ink Spot, with the fabulous Fancy Favor die, you will have a chance to see them all!

I am super excited to be featuring the Matchbox Die. This is a Bigz XL Die, so it does need the extended cutting pads. It also works best with the Extended Crease Pad. The die cuts and scores the two pieces that make up the matchbox, plus 3 fun tags.

My first project for you today is a little red wagon. I only used the inside of the Matchbox, plus two circle punches to make this adorable wagon. How fun would it be to use these as place cards or favor holders at a child’s birthday party? The last time I made one of these, my daughter took it to use with her Polly Pocket dolls! As you can see by the tag on the back, this one is for my nephew. That silver tag is one of the three tag shapes included on the die.

Stamps: Calendar Alphabet & Numbers
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Brushed Silver
Other: Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot, 1″ Circle Punch, 1/2″ Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Neutral Brads (black)

My next project turns the Matchbox into a little purse. I did not change the structure of the box at all, I just added the scalloped circle piece and the ribbon so it would look more purse like. This adorable little purse can hold 3 lip balms, to make a sweet party favor as well.

Ink: Wild Wasabi
Paper: Peach Parfait, Wild Wasabi, Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper
Other: Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot, 2 3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch, Square Fire Rhinestone Brads, Peach Parfait Poly Ribbon

The fun really starts when you combine multiple Matchboxes to create larger items. I have seen a variety of single, double and triple stacks of Matchboxes to make dressers, desks, and more! Below is a fairly simple dresser, two stacks of two Matchboxes each. This is for my daughter’s teacher, who is about to have a baby. I filled the drawers with samples of baby lotion and body wash, but they could fit a variety of small objects, including baby socks!

Paper: Very Vanilla, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Other: Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Top Note Bigz Die, Big Shot, Printed 2011 In Color Designer Brads (Pool Party), Mono Multi Adhesive

When the Matchbox die was first released, some people were disappointed that it was not large enough to hold a gift card. I am happy to tell you that it is fairly easy to modify the die cut to create a box large enough for a standard gift card. My final project is an elongated Matchbox  with an easel top. Since it is a Starbuck’s gift card, I chose a coffee theme for the Matchbox. (Easel matchbox inspired by Becky Roberts.) I will have a full tutorial on how to create this next week, so be sure to stop back.

Stamps: Morning Cup
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Garden Green, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink
Paper: Garden Green Whisper White
Other: Match Box Bigz Die, Big Shot,  Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Pretty in Pink Dotted Scalloped Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensional

Thanks so much for joining me on the Blog Hop today! Your next stop is Lisa over at Add Ink and Stamp, where she has some amazing ideas for the Box #2 die. Wait until you see the card file!

The kids in in my after school class have been stamping with me for a few years now, and are ready to move beyond the basics. So for tomorrow’s class we are going to be focusing on Heat Embossing. (Which ties in perfectly with this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge!) Below is one of the cards we are going to make. It uses the Baby Wipe Technique to stamp the butterflies, then the entire image is covered in VersaMark ink and then Iridescent Ice Embossing powder for the Dazzling Diamonds Technique. I think the girls will have a ton of fun with this one!

Stamps: Butterfly Patterns, Flight of the Butterfly
Ink: VersaMark, Pacific Point, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo
Paper: Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Other: Butterfly Punch, Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Plus they get to use the Big Shot to cut out their card base, so what could be bad?

Wow! This is such an amazing deal it makes me wish I could sign up again! If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you’ll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin’ Up! family as a demonstrator. But it gets even better — if you already have a Big Shot, you can choose $100 worth of free merchandise from any of the current catalogs instead!

Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive dies (sold separately)  to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

In addition, the new-demonstrator Starter Kit–a steal at just $175–contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business. Plus, it is customizable to get what you really love.

There are so many benefits of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, including

• A 20 percent product discount!
• Free monthly issues of Stampin’ Up!’s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin’ Success!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin’ Up! events!
• Regular get-togethers to stamp!
• Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
• Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!

Don’t miss this BIG deal! Contact me today, or visit my website,  to learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!
The Fine Print:

• Any new recruit who signs up during the promotion period will receive a Sizzix Big Shot Machine or $100 in Stampin’ Up! products of their choice from any of our current catalogs.
• New recruits who use the online IDA will be given access to the Promotional Product Bonus order type in OEX approximately one hour after they complete their online IDA (they will be provided a link to OEX for this redemption via e-mail). In this order type, they will either enter the item number for the Big Shot (item 113439) or the item numbers for up to $100 in Stampin’ Up! products. Products can be chosen from any current catalog and shipping is free!
• New Recruits should ensure that their free total comes as close as possible to $100 without going over since the Promotional Product Bonus order type will not allow items beyond $100 to be added to the order.
• Those who mail in their IDAs can simply list the items they want for free on their accompanying order form.
• New recruits will have until November 30, 2011, to redeem their product bonus.

• New recruits may purchase the standard or Digital+ Starter Kit, and may add the Stampin’ Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio Software Add-On for the regular add-on price.
• New recruits may substitute a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Décor Elements (p. 233) that comes standard in the Starter Kit.
• New recruits who join Stampin’ Up! during this promotion are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit, including but not limited to the Extra 10% Instant Income offer, Stampin’ Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.
• As always, the demonstrator Starter Kit is only available to new recruits and not to current demonstrators.

One of my favorite things to do with the Matchbox Die is to fill it with chocolate! And now that we have these fabulous wrapper stamps, it’s even easier! I made this little box of chocolates for Steve, a fun addition to his birthday cards.

Stamps: Word Play, It’s a Wrap Occasions
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White, Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper
Other: Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot, 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, mailing labels

There are two versions of the label stamps available – It’s a Wrap Occasions and It’s a Wrap Holidays. They are so much fun!

Since I had a few free hours this afternoon, I decided to do a few card challenges. This one combines Paula’s sketch challenge with Rhonda’s accessory challenge over at Stampin’ Addicts this week. Here’s the sketch:

I think it also qualifies for this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge, which is to use one sentiment, one punch, and one designer series paper. But it also uses a Big Shot die, so I’m not 100% sure. Here’s what I came up with.

Stamps: Sweets for the Sweet
Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper
Other: Perfect Pennants Bigz Die, Big Shot, 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, 1/4″ Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon

Don’t forget — the Designer Series Paper is Buy 3 Get 1 Free this month!

Welcome to the Stampin’ Addicts’ New Catalog Blog Hop, featuring sets that are brand new this year in Stampin’ Up’s 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. You may have just arrived from Betty’s blog, where she featured the beautiful Sunflower background stamp, or you might be starting here. Either way, the links will take you around in a complete circle.

I am pleased to be featuring the new Occasions Alphabet, a 26 piece set with each letter of the alphabet and cute saying to go along with it. They are all fun and alliterative, which I love. The first project I have to show you today is a thank you card. I really like the K is for Kindness stamp. It’s a close fit, but it does work in the 1 3/8″ Circle Punch.

Stamps: Occasions Alphabet
Ink: Old Olive
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Whisper White, Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper
Other: Old Olive 5/8″ Satin Ribbon, 1 3/8″ Circle Punch, 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, Perfect Pennants Bigz Die, Big Shot

My second project is somewhat similar. I needed a pack of cards to give as a thank you to the Assistant Head of School. I paired this set with the alphabet paper from the Just Add Cake designer series paper for a look that really said “elementary school” to me. I picked 6 different letters, so she would have cards for a variety of occasions. (You can click on the picture for a closer view of the sayings.)

Stamps: Occasions Alphabet
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper
Other: 1 3/8″ Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

My third project would make great favors for a baby shower. Fortunately, most of the stamps fit inside the Four Frames stamp set, though some are too long. You could use the other stamps to make these cute little boxes for a variety of occasions. (Curious about what is inside the boxes? Stop back on Monday to see!)

Stamps: Occasions Alphabet, Four Frames
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo
Paper: Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Other: Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon, Melon Mambo Scallop Dots Ribbon, Designer Label Punch  Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Big Shot

For my final project, I used the Stampin’ Write markers to ink up only the letter on the stamp. It is a super cute font! And guess what? It is just the perfect size to fit in the Petite Pennants Builder Punch! I used it to write the word “party” below, but you could use it for any three, four, or five letter name to personalize a card!

Stamps: Occasions Alphabet
Ink: Peach Parfait, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Peach Parfait, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper
Other: Petite Pennants Builder Punch

Thank you so much for hopping with us today! Your next stop is the incomparable Holly! She makes the most amazing creations out of punches and Big Shot dies, and she does not disappoint with the new Perfect Pennants Die! My personal favorite is the Hanukkah spinner card she made! I love it!