StampMonkeys

Simple Snowflakes...on a Candle?

2009-11-11T15:00:00-05:00

Today's post coordinates with my 12 Weeks of Christmas that went out earlier today.

(Are you on my email list? Make sure you sign up so that you don't miss the last 5 weeks of ideas! If you're using a blog reader, click through to my website to fill in your email address and sign up.)

I've always loved doing things with candles - and I have to admit my first attempts weren't that great. Until I learned a few things about how to make a smooth candle, mine always looked drippy. (Of course, I told everyone that I MEANT for it to look drippy!) hehe

To see just what I did to make this candle and pick up a few tips, I've recorded a video and put it into the Techniques section of my website. Make sure you take a look! (Plus, you don't want to miss my "sick voice" on the video - I sound just lovely!)

(Products used for this project.)

Happy Wednesday!

Also, Thank You to all our Veterans - especially my Dad, who served in the Navy in Vietnam, and my Grandpa who was a Colonel in the Army in WWII. We owe our freedom to you and those who continue to serve!

What To Do With Your Punched Out Ornaments?

2009-11-10T12:41:31-05:00

THIS! Why not make a 3D ornament and add it to a card! (Remember when I made an ornament with the soda can? That one wasn't on a card, but you could make a hanging ornament out of this one too!)

I just used the Ornament Punch to punch out five ornaments, folded them in half and glued the backs together. I taped the silver cord on the back of the ornament and card stock, then tied a separate bow.

Pretty simple, AND it will fold right up to fit into a regular ornament for mailing.

(Products used for this card.)

Don't forget - vote for the stamp set I should use for my Christmas cards this year! You could win THAT set and other goodies!

Patterns and Embossing Folders

2009-11-09T09:51:23-05:00

Just a quick post for today - AND a sneak peek for those gals who are coming to my Holiday Stamp a Stack Buffet on Saturday! LOVE the Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder!

Enjoy! Happy Monday! :)

(Products used for this card.)

PS - don't forget to let me know your favorite Christmas Stamp Set for my contest!

Taking Incredible Photos - Part 1, Lighting

2009-11-08T08:00:00-05:00

I've always been fascinated with photography. It's amazing to me what a great story can be told in just one picture. (And even better when we put those pictures into scrapbooks!) Now just about anyone can take great pictures with the cameras we have available to us - but often we can make them better with just a few tips!

Here are a few things that I've picked up along the way (None of this is my original info, just tips I've collected. I'll give credit where I can!)

Tip#1 - Lighting

Lighting makes all the difference. Whenever possible, I don't use a flash. (In fact, I use a light box and a camera without a flash for my card photos - they turn out so much nicer!) I don't have a fancy camera, in fact it's an old Kodak digital. (Yes, I drool over the fabulous cameras...one of these days!)

If you have north-facing windows, that's the best light. The light shouldn't be too harsh, but natural and indirect. I've also learned that if I'm taking outdoor pictures to stay out of the sun and take pictures in the afternoon if possible. You would think that the sun would put plenty of light on your "subject", but actually it's too much!

Natural light creates pretty highlights and at different times of the year will look different on skin and in the shadows. This picture was taken outside one afternoon earlier in the year (late Spring.) I threw down a blanket in the shade and started snapping away. The light was perfect - you can even see some of the sunlight coming through the leaves.

In the end I converted it to black and white and cropped it, and the lighting was still perfect. (Though her hair is a little messy, but that's normal for her!)

What lighting tips do you have when you take your pictures? Share them!

My Second Annual Christmas Card Contest!

2009-11-07T17:47:05-05:00

So I realized yesterday that I had just put up my 600th post! Woo Hoo! I figured that we ought to CELEBRATE!

Last year about this time I was clueless about what to do for my Christmas card, so I had a contest. This card was the result! I asked all of you to pick the stamp set, color combination, and technique, and I did the rest.

I am officially CLUELESS again this year - so let's do it AGAIN! :)

Announcing... My 2nd Annual Christmas Card Contest!

Can you hear the angels singing? hehe I have a feeling this might become a habit - it's so much easier if YOU choose everything!

Here's how it works... YOU are going to pick the stamp set first. Leave a comment on this post with your favorite Christmas stamp set from the 2009-2010 Catalog and Idea Book or Holiday Mini Catalog. This stamp set (and other goodies I haven't determined yet, don't worry, they'll be good!) will be given as the Grand Prize at the contest.

Please enter only one comment for stamp set here on this post. You'll be given other opportunities when I ask for the technique and colors. That's a total of THREE possible entries per person! BUT, if you'd like additional entries, refer someone to my mailing list who isn't currently on it and I'll give you another entry! (When they sign up, have them mention your name and "christmas contest" in the referral section.)

Are you excited? I am! Can't wait to see what you choose! If you don't have a catalog, go online and browse around the online shopping site to pick your favorite. You have until Wednesday night at 10:00 pm when I'll choose an entry randomly to determine the stamp set. (If your name is chosen, I'll add a 2nd entry for you.) On your mark, get set, GO!

Reasons to LOVE Stampin' Up! #4 - Punches Punches Punches!

2009-11-06T09:51:49-05:00

Yet another GREAT thing to love about Stampin' Up! is our PUNCHES!

I have used punches from many different manufacturers. When Stampin' Up! came out with the latest "thumb press" design a few years ago, I couldn't use anything else!

Here are a few reasons why I only use Stampin' Up! Punches:

First, the punch designs match the stamp sets! Stamp sets and punches are designed specifically to work together. Take, for example, the Snowflake Punch in the picture, the Simple Snowflake stamp fits perfectly inside of it! The possibilities are HUGE with that combination! (By the way, the stamp is only $8.95 and the punch is $15.95 - not bad for something you'll definitely use a lot together!) There are SO many examples of how stamps and punches work together, too many to list here!

Second, I do not have to throw my whole body weight on to the punch to get it to punch out the card stock! It's a simple press of the lever and it's done! Don't believe me? Try it - I promise you'll be convinced!

Third, these punches are so versatile. I don't have to just use them with stamps, I can create other designs too by combining them together. Layering card stock, making punched animals, adding a special touch to a gift or a card.

If you don't own any punches yet, I suggest you try them. I know you'll be hooked! (And of course want ALL of them! No I don't have them all.......yet!) Want to try before you buy? Give me a call and I'll bring them over so you can play!

If you'd like to see some of the cards I've made using a lot of punches, go to the Punches section of my Art Gallery!

Buy online any time - you'll have them at your doorstep to try within a few days!

Holiday Stamp a Stack - A Few Spots Opened Up!

2009-11-05T21:49:59-05:00

Just a quick note - in case you missed the deadline to sign up for the Holiday Card Stamp a Stack, there's still time! I have a few spots available for both the afternoon and evening sessions. If you'd like to come, please let me know!

All the details are on this page - check it out and I hope to see you there!

A Perfectly Pink Get Well Card

2009-11-04T07:30:00-05:00

If you happen to know anyone who has the Swine Flu, this card would be perfect for them, don't you think? I know it would bring a smile to my face!

The advantage of having a ton of punches is that you can make just about anything with them!

Here's how I made this little piggy:

Body: 1 3/4" Circle Punch
Head: 1 3/8" Circle Punch
Snout: 3/4" Circle Punch
Nostrils & Eyes: 1/4" Circle Punch
Pupils: 1/8" Circle Punch
Ears: Boho Blossoms Punch
Legs: Word Window Punch

For the tail, I cut a tiny strip of card stock and "softened" it by running it along the edge of my desk. Then I curled it up and stuck it on.

Even if you don't have all the same punches, you can really get creative with them to make a lot of different animals and characters.

(Products used for this card.)

Please note, I am not making light of the Swine Flu and it's possible effects on those who are infected. I hope I never have to send this card to anyone! Just my little disclaimer!

Holiday Extravaganza - Gift Giving Guide!

2009-11-04T07:00:00-05:00

I'm sure that I'm not the only one who needs help during the holidays to figure out what gifts to give to my family and friends - right? Every store I've been to in the past week has their own "Gift Giving Guide" available now - even drug stores!

Stampin' Up! has a Gift Giving Guide available too! AND, the best part is that when you GIVE a gift, you GET a gift! Yippppeeeee!

From November 1 to January 4,
receive a FREE Décor Elements piece
(up to a $16.95 value)
when you spend $50 on products in this guide!

Download the Gift Giving Guide (pdf - approx 2 MB)

I've attached the PDF file with images and all the products that are suggested in this Gift Giving Guide, but if you need to check a list quickly, you'll also find it right here. When you are ready to shop, you can go online or contact me to place your order.

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Holiday Gift Giving Guide

* 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog
** Definitely Decorative Catalog

Number	Item	Price	Page
115564	Sweet Birthday Single Stamp	$7.95	208
114484	Elegant Thank You Single Stamp	$7.95	144
116762	Best of the Bunch Mini Note Kit	$9.95	208
116230	Masterpiece Ribbon Originals	$9.95	182
116231	Elementary Ribbon Originals	$9.95	182
116232	Orchard Ribbon Originals	$9.95	182
114333	Latte Designer Buttons	$7.95	181
116313	Playground Designer Buttons	$7.95	181
116312	Sherbet Designer Buttons	$7.95	181

Number	Item	Price	Page
118052	Beary Best Friends Stamp Set	$18.95	34*
118050	Beary Nice Wishes Stamp Set	$16.95	34*
101179	Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95	155
107311	Note Cards	$5.95	168
115679	Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper	$11.95	163
101879	Watercolor Pencils	$19.95	154
115699	Cool Kids Simply Scrappin' Kit	$19.95	165

Number	Item	Price	Page
Various	Small Friends are Forever Decor Elements	$4.95	27**
Various	Medium Friends are Forever Decor Elements	$8.95	27**
Various	Small Scary Skull Decor Elements	$6.95	27**
Various	Medium Scary Skull Decor Elements	$8.95	27**
Various	Large Scary Skull Decor Elements	$11.95	27**
Boy Journal
115072	Sporting Stamp Set	$18.95	78
108495	On Board 5"x5" Art Journal	$6.95	185
108341	Spiral Punch	$10.95	186
105566	Earth Elements Assorted Card Stock	$7.95	156
100075	Ruby Red Stampin' Write Marker	$3.95	156
100059	Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write Marker	$3.95	156
100080	Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker	$3.95	156
Girl Journal
113816	Friends Rock Stamp Set	$18.95	87
108495	On Board 5"x5" Art Journal	$6.95	185
108341	Spiral Punch	$10.95	186
105548	Bold Brights Assorted Card Stock	$7.95	156
100052	Real Red Stampin' Write Marker	$3.95	156
100053	Pink Passion Stampin' Write Marker	$3.95	156
100056	Lovely Lilac Stampin' Write Marker	$3.95	156

Number	Item	Price	Page
115704	Petite Pansies Simply Sent card kit	$42.95	170
115703	For You Phrases Simply Sent card kit	$42.95	171
114598	No One Like You Simply Sent card kit	$42.95	171
114594	Thanks x 2 Simply Sent Card Elements & More Kit	$24.95	172
114579	2U Simply Set Card Elements & More Kit	$24.95	172
114585	It's About You Simply Sent Card Elements Kit	$24.95	172
114572	Thankful Thinking Simply Sent Card Elements Kit	$15.95	173
113786	Thankful Thinking Stamp Set	$13.95	173
112021	Rock Star Simply Sent Card Elements Kit	$15.95	173
111696	Starring You Stamp Set	$13.95	173
112028	Flower Power Card Elements Kit	$15.95	173
111714	Wow Flowers Stamp Set	$12.95	173

Number	Item	Price	Page
118108	My Digital Studio Software	$79.95	39*
112531	Glass Mat	$19.95	191
112530	Circle Scissor Plus	$29.95	191
107311	Alphabet Simple Letters BigZ die	$89.95	198
115968	Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz die	$44.95	198
115700	Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit	$19.95	164

Number	Item	Price	Page
114964	From the Kitchen Stamp Set	$29.95	126
115358	Just Perfect Alphabet Stamp Set	$19.95	151
106527	Earth Elements Assorted Card Stock (12x12)	$8.95	156
115674	The Write Stuff Specialty Designer Series Paper	$11.95	163
115950	Scallop Square Bigz die	$21.95	199
116796	Magnetic Gift Boxes (2)	$4.95	33*
116771	Delightful Dates calendar kit	$7.95	14*
116527	Notes to Self Stamp Set	$11.95	14*

Number	Item	Price	Page
Various	Upsy Daisy Decor Elements	$9.95	13**
Various	Small So Many Toys Decor Elements	$12.95	22**
Various	Medium So Many Toys Decor Elements	$15.95	22**

Number	Item	Price	Page
116521	Sweet Centers Stamp Set	$29.95	6*
116802	Sweet Treats Cups	$2.95	7*
112004	1 3/4" Circle Punch	$15.95	186
102757	Medium Flat Cellophane Bags	$4.50	159
113463	Top Note Bigz die	$21.95	198
115448	Christmas Greetings Stamp Set	$10.95	28
116816	Dasher Single Stamp	$8.95	208
107080	Certainly Celery 12x12 card stock	$7.50	157
106529	Whisper White 12x12 card stock	$7.50	155
115608	Real Red 3/4" polka-dot grosgrain ribbon	$8.95	183
115690	Treat Boxes (5)	$3.95	159
109052	Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon	$7.95	183
116509	Berry Christmas Stamp Set	$22.95	20*
103374	Circle Aluminum Metal Edge Tags	$4.25	181

Number	Item	Price	Page
120151	Big Shot Gift Pack - includes:	$274.55	194-201
	Sizzix Big Shot
	Flower Burst Embosslits die
	Billboard Sizzlits Decorative Strip die
	Movers & Shapers Curly Label die
	Fancy Favor Bigz XL die
	Extended Cutting Pads
	Extended Premium Crease Pad
	Decorative Strip Cutting Pads
	Decorative Strip spacer platform
Qualifies as a Workshop!

So Many Posts!

2009-11-03T10:22:51-05:00

In case you were wondering why I've been posting every day for the past few weeks...and even if you weren't wondering...

November is National Blog Posting Month! (There's even a shortcut name for it - NaBloPoMo - say that 5 times fast!)

So I've taken up the challenge of posting something every day for at least the month of November. (Actually, I got started a few weeks earlier, just to get into the habit!)

I hope that you enjoy all the information I'm putting up here this month and in the future! :)