Flowerbug's Inkspot

Snow Buddie

2009-11-09T06:30:24-06:00

Ah, isn't he sweet? This is a card we did for a workshop last month using the Holiday Mini Level 2 hostess set. It's cased from page 5 in the current Holiday mini catalog.

I did change it up a little by adding the scallop red circle - it's about impossible for me to add a stamped piece without layering it!

The snowman circle is about 3" & I used the Scallop Circle #2 die for the red Scallop. He is colored in with Watercolor pencils & a blender pen. The colored circles are just our SU circle punches - 1/2", 3/4", 1" & 1 1 4" using Old Olive, Real Red, Kraft & Chocolate Chip CS. Simple & cute!

I did add 2-way glue & glitter, but it doesn't show up in the photo. Glitter is a 'must have' on snowmen, don't ya think?

Last Christmas Stamp a Stack

2009-11-08T10:17:48-06:00

The last Christmas Card class is this month - Wednesday, November 18th at 6 pm & Saturday, Nov 21st at 10 am.

Here are the four cards we're making that day. Lots of beautiful embossing on these!

We'll be making 3 cards of each for a total of 12 cards with coordinating envelopes.

Please RSVP by November 14th with payment of $18 to attend. There are a few spots left for both days.

The Sparkly Medallion card is cased from another favorite swap from Founder's Circle; but I cannot find the original card to give credit to the creator. I'll update the post as soon as I can find it - boy I need time to clean my stamping area! Soon...

Please excuse the font changes in this post - Typepad has some issues today! Grrr

Big Shot Class & Box Tutorial

2009-11-06T08:09:03-06:00

Last Sunday, my current Big Shot club met & we did three projects as usual. (If you're curious, see info at the bottom of this post on Big Shot Clubs.)

Here are the two cards - one of which is a version of one I did last year at this time. You can tell by the Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red & Kiwi Kiss card stock & ribbons (retired In-Colors).

I added some new items from the Holiday Mini - the new snowflake from the Merry Details sizzlit & the new embossing folder Petals-a-Plenty along with some Frost shimmer paint on both the Baja embossed piece & the dove.

The shiny silver, Pink & Black card is also one we did at a former Big Shot Club. I love how easy it is to get this amazing, foiled element just by running simple Heavy Duty aluminum foil through our Big Shot with the Texturz plates.

But our favorite project was this one:

We cut out three Real Red Matchbox drawers using the SU Matchbox die. We added eyelets to the front of each box with the crop-o-dile.

We used the scallop edge punch on the ends before we adhered them onto our Soft Suede pre-scored piece.

If you want to make one of these yourself, here are the dimensions for the Soft Suede piece.

Cut one piece at 6 1/2" X 7 3/8" - score at 3 1/2" & 4 3/8" along the 7 3/8" side.

*****Now remember that is the size after I scalloped both ends. If you want yours scalloped also, add 1/4" onto your cutting measurements & also onto your score marks.

We cut out two large & 2 smaller stars in Red fun foam & white shimmer felt using the Stars #2 die. We added a Red rhinestone brad in the center of them all & attached it with mini glue dots.

The curved flag is stamped with the Four Holidays set in the Holiday Mini catalog.

The trick to making layered flags .... stamp & cut out your top flag first (mine is white). Sponge the edge, layer it onto a larger piece - Soft Suede in this case - & then trim around it with your scissors &/or paper cutter. When using Tombo mono-multi glue you can curve the flag while the adhesive is wet & it stays in that shape once completely dry.

We added star eyelets to the front of each box using the Crop-o-dile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you're considering purchasing a Big Shot, you should join one of my Big Shot Clubs! You get hands on training from me via 4 free classes to experience for yourself just how versatile & amazing this die-cutting machine is. You make a $59 payment at each class & receive your own Big Shot & $100 in dies at the end of the Club.

And if you join now, we can start in January - during SAB (Sale-a-Bration). In addition to your Big Shot & dies, the personal training, free classes & free merchandise you'll also get 4 free choices from the Sale-a-Bration catalog!

SAB runs from January to March this year - can you believe it? They extended it an extra month - can't wait to see what they have for us this year.

Why do we look forward to SAB? You get a free choice from the SAB catalog for each $50 you spend on any current merchandise during this Sale. It's awesome & the perfect time to join the Big Shot Club or even my Marker Club.

Matchbox Advent Tree gifts....

2009-11-06T08:03:18-06:00

Some of you have been asking me what I'll put in my little Matchbox drawers.... well that depends on who it's going to of course!

Here are a few ideas I had.

For a Stamper: all types of ribbons, buttons, brads, clips, die-cuts, flower fusion, glitter (in a little ziploc bag), chipboard pieces, beads, sponge daubers, rub-ons, stamped images, punched, metal circle or die cut tags...

For a little girl: hair accessories, make-up samples, nail accessories, lip gloss, chocolate or candy!, jewelry, small lotion or shampoo bottles, chapstick, money!, gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, hand made coupons, movie certificate booklet, pack of gum

For a little boy: cars or trucks, small action figures, chocolate or candy!, chapstick, money!, gift certificates, hand-made coupons, movie certificate booklet, fun shaped erasers, pack of gum, marbles, batteries,

For an adult: book of stamps, gift certificates, lots of chocolate or candy!, movie certificate booklet, chapstick, travel samples of lotion, etc, fridge magnets, pins, pack of gum, golf tees, key ring, tea bags, stain remover wipes, fun paper clips, mini calculator, assorted items for an office, mini post-it notes,

So that's just a few ideas I came up with - I know there are lots more. It's kind of fun to go shopping for 'mini items!

Flower Burst

2009-11-04T10:52:20-06:00

This card started out with just one little embosslit - Flower Burst.

I cut the embosslit from a piece of Cottage Wall dsp & then sanded the top of it. Since our dsp's are white core based, it reveals white wherever I sanded. Very cool & easy! Perfect with our embosslits.

Stamps - Thank You Kindly

Ink - Rich Razzleberry

Card stock - Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper

Accessories - Flower Burst embosslet & Little Leaves die, Big Shot, eyelet border punch, corner rounder punch, silver cord, white satin ribbon, Circle ice brads, dimensionals

Nugget Turkey's - 'Punch Art' Tutorial

2009-11-04T10:26:09-06:00

Here's my version of the Nugget Turkey's I've seen around:

I wanted a stand-up version - They'd make great place cards for Thanksgiving!

The scallop punches in the back hold up the 'rear end' & the toothpick legs hold up the front end.

Here's how you make them.

I used Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red & More Mustard card stock. The nugget is covered with Chocolate Chip prints dsp.

Punches: Scallop circle, 3/4" & 1 3/8" circles, Snowflake punch

Accessories: Chocolate Chip marker to color the tooth pick, Black marker, tooth pick, Nugget candy, Tombo mono-multi glue, sponge daubers

Here's how I did the legs. After punching out part of the snowflake for legs, I added Tombo glue & adhered broken, colored toothpicks onto the legs. The clear glob above it is a pop-up glue dot.

And here's the turkey's 'waddle'. Punch out a scallop circle, insert it back into the scallop punch just enough to punch out a 3 scallop 'waddle'. Credit for this goes to my husband, Andy - my brilliant punch-art assistant.

Advent Matchbox Tree

2009-11-02T10:36:44-06:00

When I saw this cute project made by Fran Sabad, I knew I'd have to make one.

It takes 25 matchboxes cut from Chocolate & assorted green card stock - I used Old Olive & Mellow Moss. Of course using the Stampin' Up! Matchbox die makes it pretty quick & easy to do.

The secret to making it sturdy is to layer a thin piece of chipboard with green card stock lined to both top & bottom - in fact, I used two pieces of thin chipboard. I like to use the board that comes in the packages of our 12" Designer papers. You can see the thin, covered white chipboard between the green matchboxes & the Chocolate ones.

The numbers were hand written on Real Red card stock & punched out with a 1/2" circle punch & adhered onto our Build a Brads.

The Red polka dot ribbon is wrapped around all of the green matchboxes & secured at the bottom, under the layered chipboard. Then I added a cute bow with a few more lengths of ribbon.

The star is also layered with the thin chipboard using Crushed Curry card stock on both sides & cut out with the Stars die. I punched a tiny hole & added a length of Red wire to it. I curled a thicker base of wire for a bottom & added it under the ribbon with a pop-up glue dot.

Holiday Extravaganza

2009-11-02T05:58:00-06:00

Stampin' Up! has an exciting special for November.

From November 1 to January 4, receive a free Decor Elements (up to a $16.95 value) when you spend $50 on products in the guide below. And there's no LIMIT!

Click on the Holiday Gift Giving Guide below to see how to get a Decor Element free.

And check out this catalog to see the many beautiful Decor Elements you can get FREE!

Holiday Fest Gifts Class

2009-10-29T13:54:54-05:00

I have some fantastic Holiday gift ideas for you.

On November 14th at the Vegas Hotel, I'll be offering these class projects. If you live locally (here in Minot, North Dakota) I hope you can attend.

There will also be tables set up for those who just want to come & do their own projects, but please RSVP so I can hold a spot for you.

****If I get enough interest I will also offer these projects on Saturday, December 5th here at my home.

1. The first one is very special to me - I call it Pat's Advent Envelope book.

This is just like the book I received from my friend Pat last year for Christmas. It had a little gift tucked inside each envelope - for 25 days I could open a fun little surprise! Very, very special - I looked forward to seeing just what she put in each envelope. I didn't cheat ... really, not once!

When empty the book is fairly thin, about 3 inches - but with 25 gifts inside it can be pretty darn fat! The accordian binding makes this possible. I plan to tuck gift cards, packs of gum, chocolate of course!, greeting cards, special photos, cocoa & tea bags, & more. It will be a blast to fill!

I think this is such a special way to show someone you care.

This class costs $12 & will be offered at 10 am. Space is limited so sign up ASAP!

2. Name Frames!

This frame has a Holiday theme, but I think it'll be fun to have you create your own with colors you prefer. I will have lots of assorted Designer paper & ribbons available to personalize your frame. I also will have sheets of wood veneer - think of how amazing these letters would look done in beautiful wood tones!

Or how about last names, baby/kids names, or a 'Welcome' like the one I did for a friend here:

The Name Frame class is also limited to the # of frames I have already purchased.

Class is at 11 am & costs $12.

3. A unique Pop-up Tree in a box!

You can add photos on the squares for a treasured keepsake. It's quite large - about 6" square.

This class is $10 & there will be an assortment of Christmas papers for you to pick from to personalize your own Pop-up Tree in a Box.

This class is scheduled at 1 pm on the 14th.

4. Memo Board

The final item is a memo board I did as a swap for the Bermuda Cruise. I think this would make a perfect gift for anyone - young or old. It's cute & useful! It's quite easy & once you make one, you'll want to create more.

It's about 12" square & can hang from a hook or you could leave the ribbon off & place magnets on the back to put on your fridge.

This project class is at 2 pm & costs $12. It includes everything you see here - the tear-off calendar, notepad & pen & the cork board with clear marble stick pins.

It's adorable if I do say so myself!

For those that prefer die-cut letters, we now have that option for the title too!

To RSVP for any of these projects, please send payment to me by November 6th to reserve your spot, indicating which projects you plan to make.

Remember these projects are limited to supplies on hand, so get back to me quickly to save one for yourself.

One Sheet Wonder update

2009-10-28T08:44:04-05:00

Thank you to those who have already ordered my One Sheet Wonder class via e-mail! I hope you've enjoyed using my templates.

Some of you contacted me & say you've never received it. Please let me know if that is the case! I believe my e-mailed file may be going to your junk mail/spam folders for some reason. So either check those, or e-mail me to re-send it.

This is the easy way to make 10 cards - no measuring - just cut on the printed lines!

Cost is $7.50 for all 4 templates, sketches, photos & instructions.

Class is FREE with a $50 order; either placed online or through me directly. Just be sure to let me know you'd like it sent to you.

Punch Art Pumpkins ala Scallops

2009-10-28T05:27:00-05:00

Here are a few cute pumpkins you could make for centerpieces or even place-cards for the Thanksgiving table.

The smaller two are made with SU scallop punches - the scallop circle on the right & the scallop oval in the front. The larger one in the back is made with the Sizzix Scallop Circle #2 die & the Big Shot.

I used Pumpkin Pie card stock - 12 scallop oval punches, 8 scallop circle punches & 14 large scallop die cuts for these. Sponge the edges with Pumpkin Pie or Really Rust ink before assembling.

Just score them in half & adhere together back to back continuing until you get enough fullness. Leave the last two ends open to add the cinnamon stick in the middle for the stem. I used my Tombow mono-multi glue to adhere it. Glue dots or sticky strip would also work. I was surprised how easy it is to break a cinnamon stick to the length you need.

I then used my Swirly Sizzlits Decorative Strip die to cut some Old Olive 'vines' for the top & also some for the bottom of each.

To see all of my Punch Art, click here!

Last Deal of the Week!

2009-10-26T13:52:45-05:00

And here is the last deal of the week..... good only until October 31st, late evening. Contact me ASAP if you'd like me to add any of these onto my next order.

These kits are the easy way to host a fun, themed party for your little Princess or Pirate! Kits include enough for 8 invites, tons of decorations & even little treat boxes or food toppers.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
116214	174	Princess Party Kit	$15.95	$9.99
116213	175	Pirate Party Kit	$15.95	$9.99

October's Card Clubs

2009-10-26T06:51:00-05:00

Just thought I'd show you what we did at my Card Clubs this month.

I know I've shown you some of my awesome Founder's Circle swap cards already, but I knew my Club gals would like to do them too.

I loved this card that Colleen Magnus made for the swap. I changed just a few little things on it.

Punch 3 wide ovals from Mustard cs & sponge Pumpkin Pie ink around the edges before popping the whole pumpkin up onto Confetti cream cs. Add a bit of white gel pen for dimension to one oval.

My very favorite part of this card is the punched border on the bottom. You use your slit punch to punch all the way in on the Teal cs three times. Fold it over & insert a piece of Mustard print dsp behind it. Isn't that such a neat punched border trick?

The striped paper is from the Autumn Meadows dsp in the Hoiday Mini catalog. Happy Thanksgiving is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set. The curly vine is done with the Scribbles sizzlit die.

And here is the second card we did. Another favorite color combo - Bermuda Bay, Black & White plus polka dots from the Night & Day DSP! Click on it to see the pop-up lattice detail.

Cindy Peterson created this one - I left the front just as she had it - I couldn't improve on it! But I did add a fun pop-up fold to the inside. My clubs like to learn new & fun folds.

We cut an extra lattice die-cut & scored it three times in each of the 'valley's of the lattice. Then we folded it like a 'W' & adhered it to the inside of our card.

Now here's a tip when you do this pop-up lattice fold - open & lay your card down flat. Lay the scored lattice down matching up the center fold on the lattice with the center fold on the card. The lattice center fold should be the raised part of your 'W' but at this point it is not raised, but flat on your card. No adhesive is applied to this area. Only the end pieces of your lattice have adhesive on it.

Stamps - Great Friend, Matchbox Messages

Ink - Black

Card stock - Bermuda Bay, Black, White, Night & Day & also Bermuda prints DSP

Accessories - Lattice & Flower Folds dies, scoring tool, Big Shot, 1 1/4 & 1 3/8" circle punches, Butterfly punch, slot punch, 2-way glue, dimensionals, Bermuda polka dot grosgrain ribbon

Pumpkin Patch - not just for Pumpkins!

2009-10-23T05:37:03-05:00

This stamp set makes the cutest little pumpkins! I love the grass, the vine, the stem (which I now realize I stamped upside down!).

The DSP (Designer Series Paper) is Cast-A-Spell from the main catalog.

But look what else you can do with it!

Balloons!!

And the little curly vine is perfect for the strings on a balloon, isn't it? I hand drew the strings with a black marker.

The green patterned paper is from the Kaleidoscope DSP in the main catalog.

Colors are Only Orange, Turquoise & Gable Green.

And here's another great idea - beautiful & easy ornaments!

I used Rich Razzleberry, Pale Plum & Handsome Hunter here. The DSP is the beautiful Cottage Wall in the main catalog.

Seasons Greetings is from the set 'Four the Holidays' in the Holiday Mini catalog.

Notice the pine boughs on the top - that is from the Autumn Days stamp set - the one with the pheasant. It also has pine cones on it, but those are covered up with the ribbon.

Punch Art Star Wreath

2009-10-21T05:43:02-05:00

Check out this simple wreath made from stars!

I used our small star punch & a 1 3/8" circle punch to create this.

Place the circle punch in the center of a 3 1/2" square of card stock. Position & adhere the stars one by one around that punch.

I did not intend to leave the circle punch there in the middle, but I messed up the 'very merry' done with markers so I re-did it on a scrap, punched it out & placed it over my mistake.

I died the white taffeta ribbon with Taken with Teal classic ink & a sponge dauber.

Stamps - Short & Sweet

Ink - none

Card stock - Ruby Red, White, Taken with Teal, Holiday Lounge designer series paper

Accessories - white taffeta ribbon, sponge dauber, ticket corner & 1 3/8" circle punches, Star punch, scallop edge punch, mini glue dots, Taken with Teal marker, 2-way glue, chunky glitter, white gel pen

Remember that if you like punch art or fun & different ways to use our fabulous punches, check out the Punch Art link on the right side of my blog - tons of ideas in there!