Friday, April 25, 2014

Baby Onsies & Camouflage!


Happy Friday!

Wowsers!  What a busy week its been around here!  My oldest son was off school for Spring Break this week which initially had me imagining getting tons of work done around the house - HA!  If I've learned anything its that plans are meant to be broken and I'm a wonderful PROCRASTINATOR...

It's also been a little busier than usual because my sister had her Baby Boy on Wednesday!!!!!  As of today I haven't met little Alex yet, but I can assure you this Aunty will be headed over for cuddles soon!  

I made this card in his honor and am really happy with the way it turned out!  Now, some of you are probably thinking, 'camouflage...for a baby...really Melissa'??  Well, I do have a method to my madness, I promise you. A few months back my sister decided to re-do my Niece's room in a Minnie Mouse theme but was having a hard time deciding on what to do with the baby's room.  Enter me and my crazy ideas - I offered to paint a feature wall in his room CAMOUFLAGE...{insert} what was I thinking!?!?

However, after a few coats of paint and a couple days work I finished - and I think it turned out so cool! My only concern?  I don't want to be held responsible if he doesn't sleep at night, because let's be frank, the wall GLOWS in busyness LOL.

Anyway, back to my card.  Does it make a little more sense why I chose camo now?  See, told ya I'm not entirely crazy...in fact I'm pretty sure that there's quite a few folks out there that might look at this card and think..."That's perfect for so and so's baby!"  Which is exactly why I came up with a template for both a boy and girl onsie card the same size as a standard size card.  Perfect for mailing if you can't hand deliver!

Here's the Baby Girl version of the card - the outer shape of the Onsie is a little different - I added capped sleeves and some ruffles to make it a little more girly.


The best part?? Camouflage ruffles on the bum!  How stinkin' cute is that?

Supplies for the Baby Boy Camo:

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree, A Word For You
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Baked Brown Sugar, Basic Black, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry
Accessories: Small Metallic Brads, Designer Buttons
Markers: Early Espresso
Big Shot: N/A
Punches: Build an Owl, Modern Label, Window, Small Oval, ¾” Circle, 1/2” Circle, Boho Blossoms
Misc. : White Gel Pen, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin’ Dimensionals, paper snips, sponges, Piercing Tool

Supplies for the Baby Girl Camo:

Stamp sets: Lovely as a Tree
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Strawberry Slush
Ink: Strawberry Slush, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Natural Ribbon, Small Metallic Brads, Designer Buttons
Markers: Early Espresso
Big Shot: N/A
Punches: Build a Cupcake
Misc. : White Gel Pen, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, paper snips, sponges, Piercing Tool

If you would like to re-create either or both of these Onsies for a new little someone special in your life, you can purchase the Templates for both by visiting my Online Tutorial Store tab at the top of my blog.  Both Tutorials come with their own printable template and a step by step guide on assembly as well as creating the camouflage and finishing details on each.

** As always please keep in mind that I DO NOT subscribe to an automatic email service, so it may take a few minutes to arrive in your inbox.  I promise to have all tutorials sent within 24 hours of purchase**

The great thing about a template like this is that it has tons of possibilities - you can stamp/design/color them anyway you like; what I've shown is simply a guideline to get you started!  Play around and send me your work once your done - I love to see your wonderful creations!!

Have a wonderful weekend!  

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Monday, April 21, 2014

Retired List Released!


Good Monday Morning!

I hope you've had a wonderful Easter weekend - the sun is finally shining and it looks like Spring might just get here!

Stampin' Up! just released the 2014 Retired Lists for both Accessories and Stamps today!  It's a HUGE list to make way for all the exciting new products that will be released in the new catalogue June 1st!  Please keep in mind that the accessories and stamp sets will ONLY BE AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! So, if you see anything you need (wink wink) act quickly before its gone for good!  

Click the links in the left sidebar to see the complete lists of items, or click HERE for the Accessory list, or HERE for the Stamp list.

If you would like to place an order online and live anywhere within Canada, just click on the "Shop my Online Store" button in the left sidebar and enter Hostess Code R3TYT43T after you've made all your selections.  Everything will be shipped right to your doorstep! 

And, as an added bonus to your shopping experience, this week only (April 21-25th), you'll receive FREE SHIPPING on any size order you place!  There's no better time than now to stock up (I know I'll be).

Happy Shopping!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime if I can be of assistance.


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Friday, April 18, 2014

Quick Easter Tags & Yummy Treats!



Hello!

Are you ready for Easter??  If not and your looking for a quick tag (or two) for an Easter Basket you've come to the right place!

I decided not to make Easter cards for my boys this year but rather a gift tag to distinguish whose basket is whose.  The best part is that each tag only took approximately 10 minutes to make with minimal supplies (gotta love that!) 

Supplies for Little Lamb Tag:

Stamps: Delightful Dozen
Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride, Chocolate Chip, Gumball Green
Ink: Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse
Punches: Extra Large Oval, Large Oval, Build a Bird, 1/2" Circle, Itty Bitty Shapes, Build a Cupcake, Petite Pennants Builder
Accessories: Circle Framelits, Chevron Embossing Folder, Sponges, White Gel Pen, Lucky Lemonade Ribbon (retired), Stylus and Foam Mat, Multi-purpose glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips

  • Begin by cutting one of the larger circles from the Circle Framelits and emboss with the Chevron Embossing Folder
  • Punch an Extra Large Oval from Whisper White cardstock.  With paper snips cut "hair" onto the top of the head. Sponge edges with Crumb Cake ink
  • Punch a Large Oval from Very Vanilla cardstock; sponge edges with Crumb Cake.  Glue to the bottom area of the Extra Large Oval
  • Punch 2 of the wings in the Bird punch from Whisper White for the Lamb's ears and sponge the edges with Crumb Cake
  • Punch 2 - 1/2" circles from Blushing Bride cardstock and glue them to the center of each ear.  Attach to either side of the Lamb's head
  • Punch one of the straight edge triangles in the Pennant Punch from Whisper White cardstock, sponge with Crumb Cake and glue behind the head to create the body
  • Punch 2 sprinkles from the Cupcake punch out of Chocolate Chip cardstock for the Lamb's eyes.  Add highlights with a white gel pen
  • Punch 2 of the 4 sided shapes in the Itty Bitty Shapes punch from Blushing Bride cardstock.  With paper snips cut off two of the petals opposite one another to create the Lamb's cheeks.
  • Draw in the nose and mouth with a Basic Black marker.
  • Give the Lamb dimension with a Stylus tool and foam mat and adhere to the circle with Stampin' Dimensionals.
  • Stamp sentiment on Gumball Green cardstock with Midnight Muse ink and punch out with the Large Oval punch.  Adhere to the top of the tag.
  • Punch a hole at the top of the circle and add a length of ribbon.

Supplies for the Little Bunny Tag:

Stamp sets: Delightful Dozen
Cardstock: Whisper White, Gumball Green, Chocolate Chip, Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush, Blushing Bride
Ink: Crumb Cake, Midnight Muse, Strawberry Slush
Punches: Extra Large Oval, Large Oval, Itty Bitty Shapes, Build a Cupcake, Petite Pennants Builder
Accesories: Circle Framelits, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Sponges, White Gel Pen, Lucky Lemonade Ribbon (retired), Stylus and Foam Mat, Multi-purpose glue, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips


  • Begin by cutting one of the larger circles from the Circle Framelits from Gumball Green cardstock and emboss with the Decorative Dots embossing folder.
  • Punch an Extra Large Oval from Whisper White cardstock.  With paper snips cut "hair" onto the top of the head. Sponge edges with Crumb Cake ink
  • Punch one of the straight edge triangles in the Pennant Punch from Whisper White cardstock, sponge the edges with Crumb Cake cardstock.  Adhere to the back of the head to create the body.
  • Punch 2 of the scalloped triangles in the Pennant Punch from Whisper White cardstock.  With paper snips cut a "V" into each triangle to create ears.  Sponge the upper edges with Crumb Cake ink and the underside with Strawberry Slush ink.
  • Punch 2 sprinkles from the Cupcake punch from Chocolate Chip cardstock for the eyes.  Add highlights with a white gel pen.
  • Punch 2 of the 4 sided shapes in the Itty Bitty Shapes punch from Blushing Bride cardstock.  With paper snips cut off two of the petals opposite one another to create the Bunny's cheeks.
  • Punch 1 of the 4 sided shapes in the Itty Bitty Shapes punch from Strawberry Slush cardstock.  Cut off one of the petals to use as the Bunny's nose.
  • Add a mouth and whiskers with a Basic Black marker.
  • Give the Bunny dimension with a Stylus tool and foam mat then adhere to the tag with Stampin' Dimensionals
  • Stamp the sentiment onto Coastal Cabana cardstock with Midnight Muse ink and punch out with the Large Oval punch.  Adhere to the top of the tag.
  • Punch a hole at the top of the tag and add a length of ribbon.
So now that your tags are made, do you need a quick and tasty treat to add to your baskets?  Check these "carrots" out!  I made them for my son's Pre-Kindergarten class and I think its safe to say they were a hit!  Who knew kids could get excited about eating their Veggies (HAHAHA)


I figured everyone loves Rice Krispy treats and they're the perfect go to when you don't have tons of time!  

Before I started making the treats I dyed Popsicle sticks in Green food coloring and water; letting them soak in a dish for about an hour - they came out just the right shade of green for my "carrot" stems! 

I made a standard size batch of Rice Krispy treats and just mixed in Orange food coloring before stirring in the cereal.  I then pressed everything onto a cookie sheet and let set up for about an hour before cutting.  To cut evenly I divided the pan into 1/3's then just cut triangles into each of the 1/3's.  I ended up with approximately 24 "carrots".

To finish the carrots off I pushed a dyed popsicle stick into the top of each carrot and then drizzled melted Orange Chocolate over each of them.  I wrapped each carrot individually for ease of giving in a small sandwich bag, added a ribbon with a tag with a stamped sentiment and Viola! The perfect Easter Treat!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter, I'll see you back here next week!

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Thursday, April 17, 2014

Spring Porch Decor & Tutorials


Hello!

I've been pretending that's its Spring around here for the last couple of weeks...it snowed the day before yesterday and there's still a good chance it will again over the Easter weekend but I've decided to decorate my front porch for Spring anyway! (Please excuse the dirty door mat - my children attract mud like nobody's business so it never stays clean for more than an hour or two!)

Since its still much too cold for any real plants I had my boys collect a few broken branches that were laying around our property.  I still had the dirt left in two of the pots I use for my summer flowers so I was able to just stick the twigs into the pots and position them so they didn't take anyone's eye out on either side of the door.  Then the fun began! 
I had made a wreath from Lime Green mesh a while back but had yet to decorate it so it hung on the door looking a little sad and plain.  A little Robin's nest made from small bits of paper was just what it needed! Look towards the end of this post a picture tutorial to learn how to make your own! 
 These cute little Spiral Carrots are a perfect treat for the Easter Bunny don't you think?  They were super simple to make and look neat spinning in the wind!  Look towards the end of this post for a picture tutorial to make your own!
I had my boys paint various sized styrofoam eggs in Pastel colors using acrylic paint and once they were dry I glued retired SU! ribbon tied in a bow to the tops of each egg for hanging on the "tree". 
The boys were also excited to make their own little bird houses for the tree.  I used the Milk Carton die for the house itself, the Build a Bird punch for the bird, and a small rectangle of Baked Brown Sugar embossed with the Woodgrain EF for the roof.  A little piece of yarn glued on top and they were ready to hang!


Robin's Nest Tutorial

Supplies:

Stamps: N/A
Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Crumb Cake
Punches: 2 1/2" circle, Small Oval
Accessories: Early Espresso marker, Stylus Tool and Foam Mat, Sponges, Bone Folder, Multi-Purpose liquid glue, Stampin' Dimensionals

Begin by punching out a 2 1/2" circle from Soft Suede cardstock.  Cut numerous lengths (20 or more) of Soft Suede cardstock approximately 1/8" wide x 5" long.

Using a Bone Folder gently shape each strip of cardstock so it bends easily.

Form all the strips of cardstock into a ball of sorts, using the circle as your base guide.  Once your happy with the shape of your nest add plenty of Multi-purpose glue to the circle and glue your strips into place.  I know it will seem as though the nest will not stay together, but if you've bunched it together tightly enough it will, I promise!

Punch 3 Small Ovals from Whisper White cardstock.  Using a sponge and Bermuda Bay ink sponge each oval.  Add a small amount of shading to each egg using Crumb Cake ink.  Using the fine tip end of an Early Espresso marker, add speckles to each egg.

With a Stylus tool and Foam mat give each egg dimension - work in small circular motions on the backside of the cardstock.

Glue each egg into the nest using Stampin' Dimensionals.

To place the nest within my wreath I punched a small hole in the bottom of the nest and threaded a piece of ribbon through it.  This allowed me to tie the nest to the frame of my wreath.  Make sense??

Spiral Carrot Tutorial
Supplies:

Stamps: N/A
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie DSP, Pear Pizzaz DSP
Ink: N/A
Accessories: Orange Pipe Cleaner cut into 1/3's, Multi-purpose glue, Mini Glue Dots, Green Ribbon

Begin with 1/3 of a length of orange pipe cleaner, a strip of Pumpkin Pie DSP measuring 1/2" x 12", and a piece of Pear Pizzaz DSP measuring 2 1/2" x 2 3/4"

Glue the end of one of the strips of Pumpkin Pie DSP to the end of the pipe cleaner using Multi-purpose glue.  Make sure that you wrap the strip so that the side of the DSP you want to show is facing outwards.

Wrap the entire length of DSP onto itself to create a coil at the bottom of the pipe cleaner.

Let the coil unwind.

Begin shaping the coil so that it wraps into the shape of a carrot.  You'll want it to be narrower at the bottom and wider at the top.  Once you are satisfied with the shape, glue the end of the strip to the top of the pipe cleaner in the same manner as you glued the bottom.

Cut small vertical strips into the Pear Pizzaz DSP.  If you have the new Fringe Scissors from SU! this step is a snap!  Unfortunately mine are still on backorder so its the old fashioned way for me :(

Be careful to not cut all the way to the bottom of the DSP!

Roll the DSP with the pattern you would like showing out.  Using Mini Glue Dots adhere the stem to the top of the carrot.  I wrapped mine around the top of the pipe cleaner and used 2 glue dots to make it sure each stem was secure.

To hang from the tree I punched a small hole into the top area of the Pumpkin Pie DSP, threaded a small piece of ribbon through and tied it into a bow.

I hope you've enjoyed my Spring Porch!  If your scrambling for last minute Easter card or treat ideas, be sure to check in tomorrow!  I have a couple of quick Easter tags and a simple treat that you can whip up last minute for those Easter Baskets!

Have a wonderful day!
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Monday, April 7, 2014

Here's Looking at You!


Good Morning!

It's been much too long since my last post!  I came down with a nasty cold/flu that has dragged on upwards of two weeks now.  I finally feel like I can function again and have the energy to get back into my card room! The template for the Shelf Card will be published in my next post if your still interested in learning how to make your own.

To get myself back into the swing of things I decided to play around with a little punch art.  Although I'm not a cat person myself I know plenty of people who are, so, when I stumbled on some cute Siamese artwork online I couldn't help but try to re-create it in punch art form knowing full well someone in my life might appreciate it!  

Supplies:

Stamp sets: N/A
Cardstock: Whisper White, Smoky Slate, Sweet Sorbet DSP (Sale-a-bration)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay
Markers: Basic Black, Basic Gray
Punches: 1" circle, Small Oval, Large Oval, Extra Large Oval, Bird Builder, Itty Bitty Shapes, Banner
Accessories: Sponge Daubers, White Gel Pen, Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals

The entire cat is made with a variation of punches, with the exception of the tail which I cut freehand.  All pieces were punched from Whisper White cardstock and then shaded with sponge daubers and ink. Highlights and shadows to create the look of fur was done with the fine tip end of markers and a white gel pen.

I hope you all have a fabulous day!  Until next time...
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