CASEd Thanks card

Happy Friday!

For this card, I CASEd ("Copy And Share Everything") one from a recent Stampin' Success magazine that is mailed to SU! demonstrators, changing it up by using a different color scheme and different accents and elements.  I also did some faux stitching instead of the real stitching that is on the original card.

I die-cut the letters out of some Designer Series Paper that I've been hoarding, Pink Flamingo, using Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Simple Letters Bigz alphabet dies.  The letters were also crumpled a little and bent up to distress them.  It was a lot of fun to distress the textured cardstock, as I have actually never torn up my paper before!  The Whisper White layer looked a little too bright on the card, so I sponged some Chocolate Chip ink all over to soften it.

By the way, don't forget about my two-day special and get yourself a free stamp set!  Today is the final day!

Big Thanks card:  Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set; Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad; Summer Sun and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write markers; Signo White Gel Pen; Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, and Cameo Coral cardstock; Whisper White and Chocolate Chip textured cardstock; Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper; color spritzer; Button Latte Designer Buttons; Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon; Linen Thread; Stampin' Sponges; Stampin' Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots

Berry Christmas wreath card

Hello!  Another quick post tonight.. here's the last Make & Take from the Chattanooga regional.  It's a fairly simple card.  The actual project also included a piece of the polka-dot ribbon stapled on the card, but I wasn't too fond of the look (the staple would show through inside the card), so I just left it out.  Now this is a great card to use as your Christmas card design.. very, very easy to reproduce.  The berries from the stamp set fit perfectly in the 1/2" circle punch, making it even easier.

Berry Christmas wreath card:  Berry Christmas stamp set; Soft Suede, Certainly Celery, and Real Red Classic Stampin' Pads; Soft Suede, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White cardstock; Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker; 1/2" circle punch; Whisper White envelopes; Stampin' Dimensionals; Stamp-a-ma-jig

The weather is so beautiful here!  I'm such a Fall-girl, and the scenery here (even right outside my stamp room window!) is just breathtaking.  Tomorrow I think I will let nature inspire my crafting!

Two Day Special!

Who doesn't love a sale!

From now through October 30th, 2009, spend $50 (before shipping & taxes) and get a stamp set of your choice from the options below, FREE!  You can choose one for every $50 you spend, and if you spend $150, you not only get three FREE stamp sets, but you will also get free hostess goodies!

Combine my special with Stampin' Up!'s Deal of the Week to get even more bang for your buck!

I have quite a few sets, but in the case that I do run out, you will be able to substitute for a Craft Stampin' Pad of your choice.  Don't wait, because the sooner you place your order, the better chance you have at getting the stamp set you want!

Here are the choices:

• Lots of Thoughts
• Yummy
• Congrats
• Merci
• Polka Dot Punches
• So Many Scallops
• Botanical Blooms
• Friendship Blooms

The stamp sets are new, and unmounted, but if you'd like them mounted, I will be more than happy to do so for you at no additional cost!

Please note that this is a personal special, and so only available through myself, Melissa Huie.  Remember that you only have through October 30th!  Any orders placed after this date will not be counted for a free stamp set, so don't delay!

Shop online, or contact me at melissahuie at gmail dot com to place your order!

Berry Christmas tree card

Hi!  Just a quick post tonight.. I'm here with another Make & Take from the Chattanooga regional seminar.  This is a super cute way to use the stamp and make a tree:

Isn't it cute?  And with a matching envie!  I love making my envelope match the card inside, and SU!'s envelopes have the same excellent stamping surface as our ultrasmooth Whisper White and Very Vanilla cardstock.

Berry Christmas tree card:  Berry Christmas stamp set; Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Real Red, and Certainly Celery Classic Stampin' Pads; Certainly Celery, Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, and Whisper White cardstock; Real Red 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Trio Flower Punch; Sherbet Designer Buttons (Certainly Celery button); Linen Thread; Silver brad; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Mini Glue Dots

Merry Box and Tags

One of the things I love the most about being a demonstrator is the opportunity to attend exclusive events full of inspiration and fun.  This past weekend I attended a Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar in Chattanooga, TN.  I learned so much!  The presenters were fabulous and had lots of cute projects to demonstrate.

Normally at a regional seminar you have 6 make & take projects, but this one was just a half-day event - so there were 3.  Here's the first one:

This box is so cute, and was cut using the Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL die.  You can easily loop some twine or linen thread around the brads on the tags and have a quick and cute accent for your gift.  Or, you could box them all up in an adorable little box such as this one, and give that as a gift.  Your recipient would love you for making their gift wrapping a little easier!  :)  You could also fit 2"x2" cards very easily inside.

I also love the idea of using the beautiful Real Red polka dot ribbon as an accent on the tags.  The other side of the ribbon is solid, with the stitched edge.. so it's like getting 2 different ribbons in one!  And speaking of getting more value for your money - the sentiment that comes with the stamp set (which we got free by the way!) says "make merry!".  Just inking up part of the saying using the markers gives you another option.

Supplies:  Berry Christmas stamp set; Real Red textured cardstock; Whisper White and Bashful Blue cardstock; Certainly Celery, Real Red, and Bashful Blue Classic Stampin' Pads, Bashful Blue and Soft Suede Stampin' Write markers; Real Red 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Silver Brads, Linen Thread; Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Simple "Thinking of You" card

Here is a card I made for a friend who is going through some tough times.  She is such a sweetheart, and so I wanted to make a card using one of her favorite colors, pink.  I love doing creative challenges to get the juices flowing, so I used a sketch challenge over on Stampin' Addicts.

I love that Stampin' Up! listened to us and gave us In Color markers!  The markers made it so easy to quickly create a multi-colored image, perfectly matching my Designer Series Paper.  And because they're dual-tipped, after using the brush tip on the stamp, I was able to write a perfectly matching message inside with the fine tip.  :)

Thinking of You card:  Thoughts & Prayers and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets; Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad; Kraft, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, and Very Vanilla cardstock; Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper; Old Olive, Crushed Curry, and Melon Mambo Stampin' Write markers; Very Vanilla 3/8" taffeta ribbon; Stampin' Dimensionals (can't live without them!); Stamp-a-ma-jig

Deal of the Week #4

Don't miss out on the final Deal of the Week!  These deals are only available October 26th through October 31st, 11:50PM Mountain Time:

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

Here are some details about these cute little kits, which each come with enough party decorations and invitations for 8 guests (all images copyright Stampin' Up!):

Princess Party Kit - A little princess and seven of her royal guests can celebrate a splendid happily-ever-after complete with invitations, decorations, and dazzling crowns to create and wear.  The kit coordinates with the Princess Time stamp set (#116720, page 174) and the Princess personalized name stamp (#115525, page 75).

• Invitations and envelopes: 8 each
• Crowns: 8
• Purse boxes: 8 (size: 5" x 2-3/4" x 1" at bottom)
• Food toppers and picks: 24 each
• Banner pennants: 20; creates banner with 10 double-sided pennants or 20 single-sided pennants (pennant size: 4-3/4" x 7-3/4")
• Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon for banner: 17 yards

Pirate Party Kit - A little buccaneer and seven of his or her mateys can have a pirate party of the finest sort, complete with invitations, decorations, and eye patches to create and wear.  Kit coordinates with the Pirate Time stamp set (#116718) and the Pirate personalized name stamp (#115524), both on page 74.

• Invitations and envelopes: 8 each
• Chipboard eye patches and self-adhesive designs: 8
• Black elastic cord for eye patches: 7 yards
• Treasure boxes: 8 each (size: 3" x 2" x 2-1/4")
• Food toppers and picks: 24 each
• Banner pennants: 20; creates banner with 10 double-sided pennants or 20 single-sided pennants (pennant size: 4-1/4" x 6")
• Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon for banner: 6 yards

You can order directly through my website at http://melissahuie.stampinup.net/ (check out the Clearance Rack while you're there!), or email me at melissahuie at gmail dot com.

Don't miss out on the Deals of the Week #3!

Don't miss out!  You can order directly through my website at http://melissahuie.stampinup.net/ (check out the Clearance Rack while you're there!), or email me at melissahuie at gmail dot com.  These deals are only available through tomorrow, October 26th, 9:50AM Mountain Time (11:50AM EST):

Item	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
114348	Basic Jumbo grommets	$6.95	$4.49
109857	Mini Library clips	$12.95	$8.99
112571	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$3.99
112581	1/2" Library clips	$6.95	$3.99

If you are looking for the perfect little something to spruce up the look of your project, you need these!  Here's some little info about each one (all images copyright Stampin' Up!):

Basic Jumbo grommets - These come in Basic Black, Silver, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White, and the pack includes 20 total, 5 of each color.  Punch out a small stamped image using the 1/2" circle punch, and you have the perfect little frame!  The grommets are 1" in diameter, and their neutral colors mean they coordinate with everything.

Mini Library clips - What a deal!  You get 12 each of Black, Silver, Antique Brass, and Pewter, for a total of 48 cute little clips.  They are 1/4" x 1/2", and look so adorable when you tie some ribbon around the end.  Great for attaching journaling to your page, or as a cute accessory to your card front!

Circle Designer brads - Who doesn't love brads?  These add even more of a special touch as they are more substantial and have so much detail.  They come in a Styled Silver finish, with 8 each of 1/2" and 3/4" brads for a total of 16.

1/2" Library clips - Almost twice the size of the Mini Library clips, these are just as cute!  They come in a pack of 24, eight each of Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Whisper White clips.  They have a great powder finish and perfectly coordinate with SU!'s colors.

Check back tomorrow after 10AM Mountain Time for the final Deal of the Week!

Simple Christmas Card

Happy Sunday! 

I always procrastinate big time when it comes to making my personal Christmas cards, then I ended up not even sending any because it was too late!  Well, this year will be different.  I have only made one so far, and I'm not sure if this is the design I want to use.  It's definitely simple and easy to duplicate.  Then I always have the problem of wanting to send everyone "unique" cards... so we'll see.

I'd been wanting the Tree Trimmings stamp set (#116722, page 28) since I first eyed it in the catalog.  I finally bought it, and just had to try it out!  So without further ado, here's the card!

Supplies:  Tree Trimmings and Four the Holidays stamp sets; Real Red and Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pads; Kraft, Chocolate chip, and Very Vanilla cardstock; Champagne Mist shimmer paint; Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker, color spritzer, Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges, sponge dauber

I love using the Stamp-a-ma-jig (SAMJ) for perfect placement!  I rarely stamp without it.  I also love the look that the color spritzer gives you, especially when you want to soften up vanilla or white cardstock.  The ornament on the far left was first inked up with Real Red Classic ink, then Champagne Mist was applied on top of the red ink on the stamp with a sponge.

A little tip:  Stampin' Sponges are pretty cheap at $3.50 US, and one pack of three goes a LONG way.  Simply take a sponge and snip it using scissors such as our Craft & Rubber Scissors, easy peasy!  You can easily get 12 wedges out of each sponge, probably even more depending on how narrow your wedges are.  You can even wash them if you'd like!

It's here!

My Digital Studio is here!! After living in denial for a little while, telling myself I didn't need it (I love "traditional" crafting), I finally broke down and bought it! I have seen so many awesome things done with it, and am anxious to try hybrid crafting too. More details soon! I hope to be able to play with it maybe today or tomorrow.

Halloween Treat Holder

Good morning!

I wanted to share a little Halloween treat holder that I made.  I don't usually make things for Halloween, but it was the project I designed for my hostess club members...

I also made a video!  You can watch it below, or over on YouTube.  If you'd like to make this project too, you can shop 24/7 for the products shown in the video at my website.

Halloween treat holder:  Sweet Centers stamp set; Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad; Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, and Basic Black card stocks; Sweet Treat cups, 1-3/8" circle punch, 1-3/4" circle punch, slit punch, Playground Designer Buttons, Stamp-a-ma-jig, bone folder

Shimmery Thank You

Hello!  I've decided to get back into the blogging world, and share my crafts with you all.  What better way to start, than with one of my favorite cards?

This is a card I made using one of our beautiful new shimmer paints, available in the Holiday Mini 2009 catalog.  Isn't it such a pretty and elegant look?  And so easy to do!  I simply stamped the Medallion stamp using Versamark on Rich Razzleberry card stock, then heat embossed with white embossing powder.  Next, I used one of our handy sponge daubers to pick up a little of the paint from the lid after shaking the bottle, and swiped it across the card stock.  The embossed image will "resist" the shimmer paint, so you retain the bold white image.  On this one, I used the Champagne Mist shimmer paint.  It's such a gorgeous color, and I especially love that it's sheer.. so whatever color you use it with, that color will shine through!  Also available are Frost White and Platinum shimmer paints - the Frost White is a little more opaque than the Champagne Mist, but boy, does it shimmer!  You will also be able to see the color of your cardstock through this one, just not as clearly as with Champagne Mist.  I do not have the Platinum one yet (it's arriving on Monday!). 

Shimmery Thank You card:  Medallion and Fresh Cuts stamp sets; Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Soft Suede, and Kraft card stocks, Versamark ink, white embossing powder, scallop oval punch, eyelet border punch, Whisper White organza ribbon