January paper pumpkin!

Paper Pumpkin for this month is a Valentine's Day project, of course!

The "Cute Conversations" kit is marvelous!

If you haven't seen it yet, you can follow this link to the Stampin' Up! Blog to view a few alternative project ideas:

http://www.stampinup.com/home/en-US/blog-post/corporate-blog/2016/01/25/january-paper-pumpkin-cute-conversations

You get 30 double-sided cut out hearts, plus all the trimmings (complete with stamps and an ink spot) to make both treat holders and a banner! I used 12 to make a banner and 18 to make nine treat pouches. 

I have only made a few treat pouches so far. But, after seeing my friend Nancy's completed kit, I decided that I would embellish the banner hearts a little more.

Here are some of her treat holders:

And here's one packaged up, all ready to be given:

Aren't they just darling? 

You can see that she used some of her own stock of embellishments, as well as more SU product that she had on hand to fancy them up.

As I said before, I followed her lead and dug out anything I could find that could pertained to Valentine's Day.... I had leftovers from last year's January paper pumpkin ("Filled with Love"), as well as last year's Artisan Embellishment kit, and some fun candy-heart stickers that I bought at Michael's.

Here is the banner I made:

And here are some close-ups:

 I am loving paper pumpkin!

And, did you know that right now during Sale-a-bration there is a sale on Paper Pumpkin?

That's right! A three month pre-paid subscription to this awesome monthly craft kit is only $55! This, of course would qualify you for a free SAB set as well!

A three month pre-paid subscription is a perfect way to try the monthly kit! It also makes a great gift for someone else!

Follow this link for more details on this tremendous deal! 

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryid=102100

You want to be sure that you place this order on my demonstrator website, with me, or on a workshop order- not on the paper pumpkin website- in order to use the item code you need!

My website for 24/7 shopping is:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/dandyspandy/

Upcoming class!

This Friday, September 19 at 4 PM will be my monthly 2/5/15 class.

I thought I would give you a preview of what you're making! It is my intention to continue doing this in the future. I just have to remain organized!

This month we are making a variety of cards: Halloween, fall, general, and one Christmas card. As this type of class dictates, they are all very simple cards, suitable even for the beginner, so invite a friend!

In October we will most likely do more Christmas cards, if not all Christmas cards! Also in October I am planning to offer the "class by mail"  for those who can not attend. (always trying something new!)

If you are planning to attend this class please RSVP no later than this Wednesday, so I can begin to cut paper.

You can RSVP by phone or email - or even by commenting on this blog page!

You will pay $15 and make 10 cards - 2 each of 5 designs!

Envelopes available optionally 10/$2.

Please bring your adhesive to this class.

See you Friday!

Addendum: this class is also now being offered as a "cards to go".

$20 for 10 cards plus envelopes, (includes cost of postage)

Please let me know by Saturday, September 20, 2014 if you want the cards. You can contact me through email with your address and I will give you mine.

Dandyspandy@sbcglobal.net

July 2/5/15 Class!

Another great class with good friends and simple cards was held today!

I have to tell you that most of the ideas were found online with a little bit of tweaking - I think only one is an exact copy.

I have also come to the realization that it is okay to use retired product! If you've been a customer of Stampin' Up! over the years, your keen eye will notice that some of these cards contain retired papers, stamps, colors, etc.

I used to only use current product. BUT I realize now that my efforts are futile, especially since a LOT of retired products are still available on the online clearance rack! I still try to focus mainly on current products specials and seasonal items, but if you got them, use them, I say!

Besides, people tell me that they are always looking for new ways to use what they already have.

It's all good!

Colors: Not Quite Navy card base, Basic Black, glossy white

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree

Ink: black StazOn, (card) Crushed Curry and Pumpkin Pie. (envelope) Soft Sky and Certainly Celery

Notes: inks were applied with a sponge dauber, using a "mask"/stencil for the sun (I just punched a 2 1/2 inch circle out of card stock!) 

We used washi tape to secure the mask to the table, placing it over the glossy card stock, while applying ink.

This next card had very little stamping, making it probably, the quickest one of all!

Colors: Pool Party and Naturals white

(we also used the retired Sycamore Street DSP from a previous Sale-a-Bration.) 

Stamps: Feel Goods

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Other : ribbon in Tangerine Tango,

Labels collection framelits were used on the card and the Envelope Liner framelits used as well

A little splatter can add a big "wow!" factor...

Card stock: Whisper White

Paper: Watercolor Wonder DSP (retired)

Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge and Sweet Essentials

 (envelope featured a stamp from Papillon Potpourri)

Inks: Gumball Green (retired)

Other: Elegant Butterfly punch, Modern Label punch,  rhinestones

Aaahh.... "Two-step stamping" at it's finest....

Card stock: Strawberry Slush and Whisper White

Stamps: Too Kind

Inks: Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe, Strawberry Slush, black StazOn

Other: thick bakers twine

Last but not least, I can't go a single class these days without using a "swoosh" of color or a watercolor "blob", as I like to call it, from Work of Art:

Card stock:  So Saffron and Whisper White

Stamps: Work of Art, Another Thank You

(also, on envelope is a flower from Pictogram Punches)

Inks: So Saffron and Blackberry Bliss

Other: flowers punched using the Itty Bitty Accents punch pack (from Tangelo Twist card stock), rhinestones

If you are looking to make 10 simple, yet beautiful cards in a hurry, this class is for you!

I offer this class once a month - always on the Friday. The cost is $15 for 10 cards, and you make to each of five designs (hence, the name 2/5/15). Envelopes are optional (10/$2).

Make sure you are on my email list to find out when this class and others are offered!

Dandyspandy@sbcglobal.net

June stamp club - My Paper Pumpkin!

For June I have three projects that we are making at Stamp Club: the Work of Art In Color card (which I have already posted about), the dividing screen card (which I have yet to do a post about), and a treat bag made with the June My Paper Pumpkin kit.

I am really excited to show you the My Paper Pumpkin kit!

When it first began last year, I didn't join, thinking that I already had too much stuff to do!

I have a customer who joined early on and was dissatisfied because of the elementary skill level of the first kit. She's an "advanced stamper", so I could understand.

But, then I started to see samples that people had created online using their monthly kit, and I noticed how each kit got better and better....

They were different every month.... A card, a journal, a banner, a piece of framed art... I liked what I saw!

Stampin' Up! has really "upped" the value of each monthly kit!

I realized that maybe I was missing the point of the kit... They've referred to it as "creativity in a box", delivered to your doorstep each month.

It wasn't always a card like I usually make  - it was a paper crafting kit.

Wouldn't this be fun to do with friends?

Everything is included that you need to make their monthly project (except scissors)!

After my friend Nancy showed me a "Paper Pumpkin" project that she had completed with her granddaughter, I was sold!  It was a cute, decorated gift bag.

Like I said before, I was approaching the concept the wrong way.... It is a monthly craft kit with some stamping involved!

So when Stampin' Up! made an offer I couldn't refuse, I signed up to start a monthly subscription.

I love this kit! It is so nice to have everything I need, including instructions (there is even a video), to assemble the projects! I don't have to spend time creating, cut paper, or plan!

This kit had everything I needed to complete 24 patriotic pinwheels! 24 cello bags, 24 jumbo brads, 24 sturdy "straws", 24 mini clips, an ink spot, 3 photopolymer stamps, baker's twine, 24 pre-cut, ( and pre-punched!) pieces of paper (heavy!), white card stock diecut banners, 96 glue dots (!) and instructions!

Because it was my first month they also included a clear block for use with all future kits.

This all arrived, mind you, in a cute red box! When I opened it up it was wrapped in Pool Party tissue paper and sealed with a sticker!

I felt like it was Christmas in June!

My hope is that my "locals" will join in on the fun! Then, I can set aside one night a month to get together and do My Paper Pumpkin with them!

Fun, right?

Of course, I already have some long-distance customers enjoying their monthly kit. I feel like I have missed out on so much!

Now with prepaid subscriptions being offered, I'm sure many will take advantage of this value as a gift for the Paper crafter!

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MONTH-TO-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION

It’s convenient and low risk—you can put it on hold or cancel anytime. Visit MyPaperPumpkin.com to sign up for just $19.95 a month (shipping included). Once there, you'll have the opportunity to choose me as your demonstrator.

AND NOW we are offering prepaid subscriptions! You can purchase for yourself OR AS A GIFT!

If that isn't fantastic enough, your purchase will go towards your workshop or club total! You just use the following codes and it will be entered with your show or club. Then you will receive an email with your special enrollment code that you can start at any time!

PREPAID SUBSCRIPTION

Simply enjoy the fun every month.

ITEM	PREPAID SUBSCRIPTION	PRICE (shipping included)
137858	1-month	$19.95
137859	3-month	$59.85
137860	6-month	$113.70—save $1 per month
137861	12-month	$215.40 - $2 per month

Try My Paper Pumpkin today! It will be the best half hour of your month!

May "2/5/15" class - Clean and Simple (CAS)

For the May 2/5/15 class, I went back to basics!

This popular class was originally named a "10/10/10". The premise was that you make 10 cards for $10 - each card was able to be made in just 10 minutes. (Boy, did it stress people out when I set a timer for the first class!)

But I digress...

Simple cards!

My class has evolved over the years to what it is today: making two each of five different designs for $15 (hence, "2/5/15"). Still a bargain at that price and you can save one card for your files and give one away!

Those who have been "regulars" of my class know that it is quite  a challenge for me to keep it very simple! I always want to show you some new product, technique, use ribbon, a cool embellishment, or multiple layers.

Well, this month I finally did it!

I kept it simple!

I looked for inspiration on the Internet... I have a board on Pinterest labeled "Stamping/CAS". When you see something labeled like that it stands for "clean and simple". 

Minimal, yet still beautiful.

Quickly done, yet striking.

These cards garnered good feedback comments at the class. I hope you feel the same way!

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Stamps: Best of Flowers (a smaller version of an image from Upsy Daisy)

Card stock: Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder

Ink: Wisteria Wonder

Accessories: paper piercing pack -  essentials, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, sponge dauber 

(The Best of Flowers set was part of the 25-Year Celebration and is unfortunately no longer available to purchase)

Stamps: Daydream Medallion,  Sassy Salutations

Card stock: Whisper White (butterflies varied)

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: rhinestones, Beautiful Wings embosslit

These next two cards were both made using the Wetlands stamp set.

The first card was done on Very Vanilla card stock. We used two markers: Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke.

The second card was done on Pool Party cards stock. These we used a Basic Gray ink pad and a corner rounder. The sentiment is from a retired set.

Finally, we used the Mosaic product bundle - the Mosaic Madness stamp set and matching punch:

This card is very "Pinteresting"....

The original idea came from my "CAS" board. I changed the original colors to Bermuda Bay, Basic Black and Gold - one of the pins I have on my "color combo" board.

Some paper piercing, a sentiment from Morning Meadow hostess set, and the Itty Bitty flower punch (with a pearl) complete the card!

Clean and simple (CAS)!

The next 2/5/15 class will be held on Friday, June 27. I offer two sessions for your convenience: 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM.

The deadline to sign-up is Wednesday the 25th at noon.

Hope to see you there! I will have the NEW CATALOG those who want a copy!