Creating With Carol

Sale-a-bration is here at last!

2012-01-24T10:55:00.002-04:00

A little something to make winter days go faster... it's our Sale-a-bration catalogue!!

Inside this cover are delightful stamps and papers and ribbons and brads and more, that you can obtain FREE
during January 24 - March 31.

And here's how:

You can order on-line at my Stampin' Up Store, or email me with your order. You're going to love the freebies!!!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

P.S. I love you Coupon Portfolio

2012-01-20T01:56:00.001-04:00

This is an adorable project from the preview of the latest Create With Connie & Mary collection. It also includes a sneak peek from the Sale-a-bration catalogue!

I love anything that even remotely resembles a book, and I love pockets for surprises and this project has it all!

Isn't the cover cute! I added some sparkle on the Poppy Parade heart, and Crystal Effects on the chocolate of the strawberry. And I love the combination of DSP - Stampin' Up!'s package coordination works every time!!

Inside a ten pockets (made from the Pillow Box die!) where you can tuck secret messages or coupons for special gifts!

And if you pay attention to the directions you can make your tag bottoms match your pillow pockets (I didn't, except two by accident!!)

And guess what?! You can get the directions FREE from Connie & Mary here.

Just click on the link and scroll down the page and you can download the directions.

This project would also make a good Mother's Day or Father's Day gift as well.

Happy Stamping!

Carol

So Many Things to Show You!

2012-01-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, and well I should have after all this time. Call it holiday anti-climax...la la land (between New Year's and gardening).

Actually there are only two seasons in my life - Christmas and Gardening, everything else fits into those two. We garden from April to October, think about/prepare for Christmas from October to December, then relax with the gardening catalogues (and new books from Christmas) until April arrives. It's a great life I know!

But I do have something to share with you at last. Have you checked out the Simply Sent "Create & Keep" kit on page 42 of your new Occasions Mini? (If not, just click on the image in the side column to see everything in the mini). This kit goes together in minutes, and it's great to have on hand. Even if you haven't put it together you can whip up a card in five minutes!!

It's perfect gift for someone who likes to dabble in creativity but is new to Stampin’ Up! There is everything to make 10 bright and beautiful cards, a box with dividers to organize cards, and 10 printed envelopes to make the kit complete!

Here are samples of the cards I put together:

The kit includes borders, and sentiments.

Along with colourful flowers that you can layer.

And you can design the cards however you want!

Plus I had all this left over for other projects!

It's also a great kit to make with your children (or in my case grandchildren!!)

Happy Stamping!
Carol

The NEW Occasions Mini is here

2012-01-04T13:08:00.001-04:00

It's so much fun when a new catalogue comes out - large or small! And Stampin' Up! has add some totally NEW products this time. Things like:

Framelits - Two different collections to use with your Big Shot! The Hearts Collection of six dies will cut hearts from 5 1/4" wide down to 7/8" wide. The Labels Collection of six dies cuts a decorative label from 5 7/16 wide down to 2" wide. So great for layering, making labels, or specialty shaped cards.

Coordinating Edgelit Dies, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders and a Stamp Set!!! Don't you just love it when everything works together!

There's also a new coordinating punch and stamp set, gorgeous Designer Series Paper, and adorable stamp sets. And more! Check it out by clicking on the icon in the right hand column.

Enjoy!
Carol

WOW! It's 2012 already!!!

2012-01-01T15:46:00.002-04:00

Remember a few 'months' ago when we were all worried about Y2K? That all our computers were going to crash...banks would be messed up...electricity wouldn't work...

Well somehow those 'few months' have turned into 12 Years!

2012 still sounds like a futuristic novel to me... But it's here today, and let's make the most of it!! :0)

But first, here are a few of my favourite cards of 2011, in no particular order:

Hope you liked them too! Now on to new creations!

AND NOW...
Here is a card made with new products from the upcoming Occasions Mini catalogue which goes live on January 4th. Some of you will have received your copies already.

So many gorgeous new products!

Note:
1) The Ribbon - it comes already pleated in 3/8" Satin.
2) The Designer Series Paper - Attic Boutique - is even more beautiful in real life (if that's possible!)
3) The Stamped Image and the Sentiment... lovely new sets called Apothecary Art and Loving Thoughts.
4) The Label shape on which the image is matted... It's a DIE!! In fact it's a whole series of dies in assorted sizes for matting! AND they match the Apothecary Art stamp set. The die set is called Labels Collection.

And that's only a few of the new products in the Occasions Mini - stay posted for more!

Happy 2012, and Happy Stamping!
Carol

Clearance Rack Updated

2011-12-27T15:34:00.000-04:00

I want to let you know that Stampin' Up! has added more items to the Clearance Rack. Be sure to check it out!

Click here to go directly to the Clearance Rack site at my on-line store.

Happy Stamping!
Carol

Still Lots of Great Items on the Clearance Rack!

2011-12-21T20:22:00.000-04:00

Click here to see what's on special

Stampin' Up!'s Cookie Stamps

2011-12-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

These stamps are so much fun (and such a good excuse to make - and eat - cookies. I have to practice don't I???)

I used the shortbread recipe that comes with the cookie stamps and they were so yummy! Fortunately I had enough left to package up in the mini lunch bags (retired) and give to friends. Take a look:

First I used a standard wheel to run the Soft Holly stamp twice along the bottom. Then I punched two holes in the top of the bag and tied a Riding Hood Red Ribbon. I actually added a tag to each bag but I missed photographing that part, sorry because it really added some zing!

Hope you're enjoying your Christmas Cookies!!

Happy Stamping
Carol

Never was good at Physics!

2011-12-20T13:38:00.001-04:00

I have to admit sciences were not my strong point in school. But life has taught me more about Physics than school ever could. Take Newton's First Law of Motion:
"An object in motion tends to remain in motion, and an object at rest tends to remain at rest."
Ergo - I have stopped posting on my blog and it's tending to stay that way!!

But I will overcome the inertia (there's another Newton Law in there that I forget...) with force and hopefully the blog posting will tend to remain in motion!

OK, enough science! I actually have something to share with you today. Linda and I worked on them a while ago and this is a photo of mine completed:

I'm so pleased with the way it turned out! All of the red and white flowers are made with cardstock and dies used with the Big Shot! There was a sample in our demo magazine "Stampin' Success" and we just had to try it!

The little green flowers were handmade too - I think they're so cute!

The photo was taken before I had added the centres but I still think they are cute!

I hope you enjoyed this post, and with any luck Newton's First Law of Motion will keep me going!!

Happy Stamping

Carol

List of Supplies:

Boho Blossoms Punch
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch
Extra-Large Tag Punch
Lace Ribbon Punch
1-1/4" Circle Punch
Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack
Big Shot
Flower, Daisies #2 Bigz Die
Island Floral Bigz Die
Sponge Daubers
Floral wire
Hot glue gun
Pinecones
Silver ornaments

It's December 1st, and the Winner is....

2011-12-01T17:58:00.000-04:00

JEAN MACRITCHIE!!!

Congratulations Jean,

from the Atlantic Stampers Ink demos.

Thank you to all our customers who participated in

the Big Shot contest.

We wish you all could have won, but then

we'd be out of business!

Back to 'regular blog programing' tomorrow.

Happy Stamping!

Carol

Online Extravaganza - Don't Miss It!

2011-11-21T11:23:00.000-04:00

Check this out - UP TO 60% OFF! Go to my Stampin' Up! Store for all the details!

Festive Craft Fair

2011-11-13T08:46:00.000-04:00

I have been busy recently getting ready for a craft fair at our local university, and yesterday was the first day. Here is my set up:

This photo was taken before I was totally finished - looking through the camera lense I could see that what I was highlighting were the two chairs!! They ended up being moved and turned sideways so they weren't quite as obvious.

It was a good day and I met several people who didn't know where to find a Stampin' Up! demo which is always exciting! The fair continues today so I'm hoping to meet even more. So far this has been my best selling item:

The red packages held Hot Apple Cider and Chocolate Covered Pretzels, while the green packages held Flavoured Hot Chocolate and Mini bags of cookies.

And this is a close second best seller

This is the recipe folder that opens out to show envelopes with recipe cards inside. Now there are several papers in the Domestic Goddess DSP that I love but I couldn't imagine what I was going to use these sheets for, until I thought of the recipe holder. (Keep in mind that I have personally lived through the 70s and had a kitchen decorated in these colours - been there, done that!) The title is printed from the computer.

I'll be back soon!

Carol

FREE My Digital Studio Downloads

2011-11-05T07:34:00.000-03:00

Yes, that's right! From now until November 8th you can download new digital scrapbooking products for FREE!

All of the free downloads are brand-new designs. On November 8, they will be added to our product offering for purchase.

Hurry - anyone can get these free downloads, AND our downloads are compatible with most design software.

Click Here for FREE downloads the download link is accessible after a short survey.

Christmas Gift Pack

2011-10-19T12:45:00.000-03:00

I would say this was the favourite project that we made on Sunday, and it's so versatile too! This one is made to give to a friend or co-worker.

This one is made with Garden Green and Very Vanilla cardstock, with Designer Series Paper from the Holly Berry Bouquet package. The scalloped square in the middle is from the Squares Duo die, and the brad is from the Clearance Rack. Unfortunately the Real Red striped ribbon is retired, but it's available in many other colours. The stamped image is from the Pines & Poinsettias set.

Inside are two pockets to fill:

I put a packet of Hot Chocolate and a candy cane and Thinsations Cookies in mine. But you can use whatever fits - Cup-a-Soup for a 'get well' pack, or homemade goodies, there are lots of possibilities.

For those of you who want the directions I have given the measurements below. I received one from another demo and 'figured it out' from there, so I don't have a tutorial as such.

The dimensions for the front and back are 4 1/4 inches wide and 8 1/4 inches long, score on the long side at 1", 6 1/2", and 7".

Fold the 1" score on each piece and attach (glue/snail/tape) on top of each other - this forms the bottom making the pack 1" deep.

The two scores on the top form shoulders and top. Hold the top section evenly together and punch through both pieces with the large oval punch (not the extra wide).

The inside pockets are cut 6" wide by 4" high, score at 1/2" and 1" along one long side (bottom), and at 1/2" and 1" on both of the short sides.

Cut the corners out of the pockets...cut up from the bottom to the second score line, and in from both sides to the second score line.

Fold along score lines, place tape on all outside sections of folds - two sides and bottom. Take the outside section already made, set it on the table and hold up one side. Place the first pocket evenly on the bottom and attach the pocket to the side of the packet. Do the same with the second pocket.

Then you can decorate however you want!

Happy Stamping!
Carol

Christmas Shaker Card

2011-10-18T10:30:00.000-03:00

Another one of our projects at the full day class was this Shaker Card.

The new Shaker Frames in the Holiday Mini catalogue make these cards so easy to make! Simply stamp your image on a piece of cardstock (mine is one of the penquins from the stamp set Polar Party) and punch it out slightly larger than the shaker frame you intend to use. Attach the shaker frame circle to the image and add a few pieces of Mica Flakes or some other filler. Remove the paper from the top of the shaker frame circle and attach a slightly larger piece of window sheet over the opening. Decorate with a frame and attach to the front of your card. Done!

This card uses Next to Navy and Bashful Blue cardstock. The embossing folder used is Snow Burst.

Hope you try one of your own!

Projects from my Sunday Class

2011-10-17T15:26:00.001-03:00

My annual full day Christmas class was held on Sunday - we had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, and made lots of projects. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day such a success!

The first project I want to show you is the JOY banner or mantle topper. I love our Glimmer Paper and it takes centre stage in this banner:

The glitter doesn't show as well in a photograph, but in real life the letters POP!
The other colours used are Old Olive, Whisper White, Real Red, and the DSP is from the Letters to Santa package. The letters are cut using the Serif Essentials Alphabet die set.

I made the poinsettias with our Five Petal Punch and creased the petals down the centre a bit. The Silver Glimmer Paper in the centre was punched with smallest of the flowers in the Boho Blossom punch.

I used dimensionals to separate each flower to give it more 'substance', as if the glitter paper wasn't enough!!

Hope you liked it! I'll show you another project tomorrow.

Happy Stamping!
Carol

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

2011-10-10T11:59:00.001-03:00

Today is our Thanksgiving Day and we have been invited to dinner at my husband's parents'. Which is wonderful because Brian's Mom is THE Best Cook! She makes the most wonderful turkey stuffing/dressing and her gravy is so good it could be eaten as soup. Plus she taught me how to cook squash so that I love it - brown sugar and butter!! And his Mom and Dad grow all their own vegetables so everything is super fresh and delicious. Did I mention they are 85 years old?!

Thanksgiving weekend is also our wedding anniversary weekend - October 7, 1972. And to make it extra special, three years ago our second granddaughter was born on our anniversary!

After all that celebration I have a little set to show you that I put together this week:

This set is made with the Berry Blossom DSP, and is a gift for those people who love to play cards.

The playing cards are housed in the decorated band aid tin.

And of course they'll need a score pad...

This was made by taking the measurements of the note pad, doubling the width plus 1/4" for the binding space. I used the backing sheet that comes with DSP to give it sturdiness and DSP to cover it.

Next I made coasters by building a 4" square sandwich of chipboard/Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet/DSP/Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet/Window Sheet. Then I ran it through the Big Shot using the 3 1/2" circle die.

With the Window sheet on top it makes the coasters water proof and you can clean the top with a damp cloth. So quick and easy to make! Now you can have coasters to match every event and celebration!

Finally I made an invitation so that friends could be invited...

Thanks for stopping by!

Carol

Countdown to Christmas Calendar

2011-10-06T10:37:00.001-03:00

OK, I've totally given up... you may see some other items from time to time, but I'm 75% Christmas... AND I LOVE IT!!!

I want to show you the Countdown to Christmas project I made with the 25 & Counting stamp set from the Holiday Mini:

I also used the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper for the background, and the Ric Rac strip from the Tasteful Trim die to divide off the squares. I wanted to give it a cozy 'quilt' look.

The windows are cut with three of the designs in the Peekaboo Frames die (these are great for countdowns, cards, and scrapbook additions!).

I decorated the covers of the windows with the 25 & Counting stamp set and inside I had pasted an item for the child to do that day. (Layering order: DSP, Ric Rac, center words in squares, decorate windows and glue on top.)

Now the ideas are things that I used to do with my children, but they could be almost anything - including chores! (I've included my list of 25 items at the bottom of this post to give you an idea).

The cardstock colours used are Wild, Wasabi, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla.
This countdown calendar was made for a child under 10, but you could also make it for an adult.

The windows can be used not only for Christmas, but any countdown date: Vacation, Beginning of School, Birthday, Wedding.

List of window items:
1. Hug someone you love.
2. Sing a Christmas Song.
3. Make a snowman out of snow or marshmallows.
4. Smile at everyone you meet.
5. Put out some seeds or bread for the birds.
6. Write your letter to Santa Claus.
7. Do something special for a friend.
8. Draw or colour a Christmas picture.
9. Tell someone you love them.
10. Have an extra piece of dessert.
11. Make a Christmas tree ornament.
12. Make hot chocolate and read a Christmas story.
13. Make a Christmas card for someone.
14. Have a picnic lunch in front of the TV.
15. Call a friend or relative who lives far away.
16. Bake cookies with a grown up.
17. Give your teacher a Christmas card.
18. Wish someone a Merry Christmas.
19. Make gift tags for presents.
20. Ask people about their favourite Christmas.
21. Make a snow angel in the snow or out of paper.
22. Watch a Christmas show on TV - don't forget the popcorn!
23. Go for a walk or drive to see the Christmas lights.
24. Hang up your stocking.
25. Give thanks for all the wonderful things about Christmas.

Happy Stamping!
Carol

Maree's Magic

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000-03:00

You've seen several of Maree's wonderful creations before when she has visited, and this time was no exception. Here is a card she created from cardstock to completion while I was still wondering what to do:

This is the ornament she brought and shared with us - I was wondering how to put together the one in our Stampin' Success and now I know!

Maree's shoebox swap was an adorable 3 fold card using the heart punch to create the flower petals out of DSP:

And inside we stamped flowers and a sentiment. So cute!

Finally Maree created this cute shaker card:

I love the unusual colours, especially that Pool Party blue!!

If you want to see more of Maree's Magic just visit her blog "Inky Moose"!

Thanks for stopping by!
Carol

Creations by Louise

2011-10-04T12:05:00.001-03:00

This is the continuing 'stawry' of our Atlantic Stampers Ink meeting and all the wonderful projects that everyone shared. Today these beauties are created by Louise:

This card is made using a Window Sheet (p.216 IB&C) as the cover. It is stamped with White Stazon Ink (which won't smear once it's dry). Louise had another 5 or 6 amazing cards but I was so busy admiring them that I forgot to take photos! :0( But you can see them on her blog "Scrappin' Barn"

And then Louise double wowed us with this project, a fold up mini scrapbook or Over The Top card:

Each section was beautifully detailed:

and Adorable!!

And then you could fold it up flat!

Once we calmed down from all that creative excitement (you'd understand if you were here!), we made Louise's Shoebox Swap - a cute little notebook with pen. You can tuck it in your purse, or add magnets to the back and pop it on the fridge (the pages are removable).

See that cute little bear? His legs are all movable! Louise and I discovered we share a passion for teddy bears and she gave me this one (I named him Louie in her honour!). Louie rules my Stamping Studio!

Thanks for stopping by - don't forget to come back to see Maree's projects soon!

Carol

Sandi's Creations

2011-10-03T01:22:00.001-03:00

Here are some of the things that Sandi brought to share at our team meeting:

Our challenge this quarter was to make a Christmas Ornament using DSP, these are Sandi's 'discards'!!

I'll have to ask her how she got the stamp to match up so well!

And here is her final choice:

Imagine how that will sparkle on a lighted tree!

Sandi's shoebox swap had us all oohing and aahing!!

This card was so sparkly and full of dimension...

And while it took some time to cut out all the leaves and ornaments, the end result was well worth it!

Thanks to Sandi for sharing her creativity!!

Carol

What do Quick Cards, Big Shots, and Cookies have in common?

2011-10-01T11:00:00.002-03:00

They are all available through Stampin' Up!'s October Promotions!!! Click on the promotion for more info!

For more information:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/attherookery/promotions

For more information:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/attherookery/promotions

Cookies, and Pendants, and more!

2011-10-01T07:30:00.001-03:00

Our ASI team is so much fun, besides all the creative stuff Linda brought to our meeting (see previous post), she also brought presents for everyone!!

Inside the little velvet bag was this gorgeous pendant made with Polymer Clay and stamped with one of our Stampin' Up stamps. Each pendant was done in a different colour with a different stamp. Gorgeous!!

Plus she brought cookies!!! And not just any old cookie but cookies stamped with our new Cookie Stamps available to order today! The recipe comes with them too and they are delish!!

Linda, you spoiled us!! And we love it!!

If you would like to be a part of this Atlantic Stampers Ink team, contact me!

Thanks for stopping by
Carol

Linda's Creations

2011-09-30T19:25:00.000-03:00

I apologize for not posting sooner but we've just arrived home from a lovely visit with friends in Yarmouth, NS. (Hello Eric & Barb!)

Now I want to show you more of the fun and beautiful things we did at our ASI meeting last weekend!

These are the items that Linda brought to share (and I even missed photographing another one!)

This is a project using Decor Elements for the sentiment plus DSP, snowflake die cuts, and Winter Wishes stitched felt items from the Holiday Mini. And the stocking die. I don't have the exact dimensions but it was at least 12" x 12". Don't you love how she placed photos inside the felt wreaths?!

This next project is so quick and easy but so versatile for any occasion! Linda used DSP and made the folded medallion, then glued a decorated bottle cap to the center. She then attached a loop made out of red ribbon so the napkin could slip through.

You must have noticed by now that I'm obsessed with mini scrapbooks so I was excited to see Linda's:

What a lovely momento of a Christmas visit!

And this is the shoebox swap item that Linda brought for all of us to make. How adorable is a card with a candy cane tucked into a fold!! I never would have thought of that!

Plus the beautiful scoring done with our new Simply Scored Scoring Tool!

Thank you to Linda for sharing her special creations!

Be sure to check back to see the projects from the rest of the team.

Happy Stamping

Carol

Amazing ASI

2011-09-26T09:03:00.001-03:00

This past weekend we held our Atlantic Stampers Ink meeting and the creativity and the laughter flowed! What an amazing bunch of demos - I'm so proud to be part of them:

I'll be posting all the wonderful projects we worked on - everyone brought a shoe box swap, starting with the first one (mine). It's the one the team is working on in the photo above.

I've 'tweaked' the Santa's Magic Key poem, and printed it from the computer on regular computer paper to use it on this little door hanger.

The DSP is from the Holly Berry Bouquet with Real Red and Wild Wasabi coordinating card stock. The stocking is punched using our new Stocking Builder punch and Red and Silver Glimmer paper.
The key is from the Trinket Keys collection.

Here is the poem:

Santa’s Magic Key

You have no chimney

And do fear

Santa may not visit this year.

But there’s a legend

We hope it’s true

Of magic only Santa can do.

If you leave out

This special key

And whisper “Santa, I believe…”

His magic

will make the key fit right,

And Santa will visit you

Christmas Eve Night!

Thanks for stopping by!

Carol