Thursday, December 20, 2012

Merry Minis Stepped Up

My post from yesterday featured this simple Christmas card that I wanted to step-up by doing a few extra things.  To see the supplies I used to make this simple card click here.
Here's the card that I stepped up.  I would love to hear what you think.  Please leave me a comment telling me which one you like more and why?
Supplies needed to make this card:

Card Stock: Crumb Cake 5-1/2"x 4-1/4"
                    Whisper White 1/2" x 4" and scraps for stamping and punching
                    Gumball Green 1/2" x 3-3/4"
                    Be of Good Cheer DSP scrap for heart punch
                    Red and Champagne Glimmer paper for punching

Stamp Sets: Merry Minis clear clear #127919 $11.95 or wood #127916 $14.95
                     Easy Events clear # 123225 $24.95 or wood #116958 $32.95 ( I colored "merry" using cherry cobbler marker)
Easy Events Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up!

 Ink: Summer Starfruit
         Gumball Green
         Cherry Cobbler ink pad and marker

Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
                      Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents
           Tools: Paper Snips used to cut out red ornament and whisper white to make banner
                      Full Heart Punch
                      Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack to make the heart around punch
                      Stampin' Pierce Mat
                      Paper Piercing Tool
                      Merry Minis Punch Pack
                      Big Shot
                      Perfect Polk Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
                      Finishing Touches Edgelits Die for gumball green strip
   Adhesives: Snail
                      Mini Glue Dots
                      Stampin' Dimensionals
 
Please leave me a comment letting me know which card you like more and why.  Thanks!
 
 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Merry Minis

Have you ever wondered where I get inspiration for my cards?  Well if you've been reading my blog you know a lot of it comes from Pinterest, but another great source that I use is our demonstrator only magazine called Stampin' Success.  This is a bimonthly magazine that is sent to demonstrators with lots of projects and business related items.  I just LOVE getting this magazine and probably fold over every page for things I want to make or do!
 
So I was inspired in the July magazine with this card below.  I CASE'd it almost identically but changed just a few things to fit the supplies I had.  I just love how simple this card is but with lots of little details to make it really stand out.
 
 

 Supplies needed to make this card:

Card Stock: Crumb Cake 5-1/2" x 4-1/4"
                    Whisper White 1/2" x 4 and scraps for stamping
                    Gumball Green 3-3/4" x 1/2"

Stamp Set: Merry Minis clear #127919 $11.95 or wood #127916 $14.95
                        Easy Events clear # 123225 $24.95 or wood #116958 $32.95
Easy Events Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up!
I colored just "merry" with cherry cobbler marker

 
Ink: Summer Starfruit
        Cherry Cobbler ink pad and marker
        Gumball Green
 
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
           Tools: Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack to make the hearts
                      Stampin' Pierce Mat
                      Paper Piercing Tool
                      Merry Minis Punch Pack
                      Paper Snips
    Adhesives: Snail
                       Mini Glue Dot
 
Receiving the Stampin' Success in the mail is one of many perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  To learn more check out my site http://brittnysmith.stampinup.net or contact me with your questions.  I love what I do and would love to have you join my team!
                        
Stop back tomorrow to see how I stepped up this Christmas card by doing just a few different steps.


 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Clearance Rack Blitz


Dates: December 14, 2012 - while supplies last
 
Details
Over 300 new Clearance Rack items (including ribbon, ink pads, markers, paper, buttons, brads, punches, dies, etc) are being added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail-only while supplies last! And for the first time ever, stamps are included at up to 40% off.  Since I love butterflies, I just had to tell you about the Butterfly Prints clear mount set is only $7.79 and the matching butterfly punch is only $10.19 in the clearance rack!  WOW!!!
Butterfly Prints - Clear-Mount Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up!
There are some great items at unbelievable prices that you won't want to miss out on!!  Take this for example:
I can't believe a full set of alphabet dies is only $35.99!!!  And you can get the matching uppercase letters die for only $59.99.  Make sure to get shopping now because these are only while supplies last.
 
The Fine Print
  • Only online orders qualify for this promotion. Feel free to order both Clearance Rack and non-Clearance Rack items on the same order-we're flexible like that.
  • There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this special offer-go nuts!
  • Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards. Bonus!  For example: You'll get $25 to spend on FREE merchandise when you order starts at $150.
  • Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last-so don't wait! And sorry, but there are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.
  • Check out all of the Clearance Rack Blitz items by clicking the Online Store.
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

December Q & A - Making Paper Ornaments

Making Paper Ornaments
 Q&A


Q: I’ve seen some great paper ornaments lately. I’d like to make some, but don’t know how! Do you know?

Ornaments and Snowflakes

A: Paper ornaments are a hot trend this holiday season. Beyond decorating trees they are being used as décor items around the home, as accents on wrapped gifts, and as fun family projects. Of course, there are so many different ornaments to choose from. Luckily I have a few gorgeous, and easy, ones to share.

I got these ideas from "Stampin’ Success", a magazine demonstrators receive free from Stampin’ Up! It’s one of the great perks of being a demo! Here are instructions for Paper Bulb Ornaments and Glitter Snowflake Ornaments. Enjoy!

Paper Bulb Ornament:
• Ornaments are made up of 9 strips that are 1” wide. The center strip is 8” long. Each curved layer 1” longer. Make the ornaments strips from plain or stamped card stock or a selection of your favorite Designer Series Paper. You’ll need strips in the following sizes:
     1    1” x 8” strip for the center
     2    1” x 9” strips
     2    1” x 10” strips
     2    1” x 11” strips
     2    1” x 12” strips
• Pierce holes centered in the end of each strip, about 1/4” from the end using the Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189) and Stampin’ Pierce Mat (#126199)
• Layer the strips so the top ends are even and so they are stacked in this order: 12”, 11”, 10”, 9”, 8”, 9”, 10”, 11”, 12”
• Place a Silver 1/8” Mini Brad (#122941) through the pierced holes. Spread prong to close brad and hold layers together.
• Thread the holes at the bottom of the strips through a Silver Mini Brad causing the longer layers to curve out.
• Thread a piece of Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) through center of the ornament and slip it up between the strips so it wraps around the Mini Brad. Knot thread around the brad to hold in place and then create a loop to hang the ornament.
• Optional: Cover brads with buttons, Pearl or Rhinestone Jewels, or ribbon.
• Make ornaments of different sizes by starting with a shorter center strip at 3/4 and adding 1” for each layer from the center.

Glitter Snowflake Ornament:
This super-fast ornament can be made two ways.

My Digital Studio:
• This option allows you to make snowflakes in any size you wish. Use Snowflake Punch in My Digital Studio. Size Snowflake Punch as large as you want.
• Print to create a template. Cut out template.
• Trace onto the back of Glimmer Paper (available in Silver, Red, and Champaign).
• Cut out by hand.
• Create ornament from a single snowflake or sandwich 2 back-to-back so both sides are finished. For a 3-D ornament score 3 snowflakes in half, fold and adhere backs together.
• Use Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) to hang ornament

Big Shot:
• This option is faster since it doesn’t require hand-cutting, but only gives 3 ornament sizes. Die cut Glimmer Paper using Snow Flurry Bigz Die and the Big Shot.
• Create ornament from 1 or two layers or a 3-D ornament as described above.

Ornamental Elegance Kit

Ornamental Elegance Kit (#132832)Ornamental Elegance Kit (#132832)

Last but not least, Stampin' Up! has produced a kit you can order online while supplies last (Updated 12/12/12: Stampin' Up! has sold out of these ornament kits unfortunately :( They were a big hit!)of the ornament that graces the cover of our Holiday Catalog.   The kit which you can purchase online at my store (item #132832) includes all the supplies you need to makes 10 heirloom ornaments for only $14.95. 

Enjoy making these fun paper ornaments to give as gifts, add to wrapped gifts, and to decorate your home. It’s a great project to do with the kids and makes thoughtful and affordable gifts for teachers that kids will be proud to say they helped with. Or make the ornaments with the kids over winter break. It will keep them occupied with something fun, productive, and affordable, plus you’ll have lots of ornaments to give and decorate with!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Ornament Elegance Kit

Update (12/8/12): You are no longer able to order this kit as Stampin' Up! has sold out of them.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.  I have a kit coming in my next order so stay tuned for a contest to win one of these ornaments.
 

I'm sure you've seen the ornament on the front of the Stampin' Up! holiday catalog (if you haven't than you are missing out) and thought I want one of those.  At least I have many times!  This ornament is such a hit that it has become available for you--just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself!
 
Stampin' Up! has simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (Our Anywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.) Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination.

 
Ornament Keepsakes Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!
 
With this kit you will be able to create 10 heirloom ornaments--or stunning tags to attach to a special neighbor gift.
 
The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) is $14.95 and includes:
  • Die-Cut Card stock Elements
  • Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
  • Natural Linen Thread
  • Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons 
  • Large Pearl Basic Jewels
Order these now at http://brittnysmith.stampinup.net so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.
 
 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Happy Anniversary


My husband and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary in July.  Even though I don't think my husband reads my blog, I didn't want him to see this card early so I waited to publish it.  After going back through my old posts I realized that I never went back to publish it!  No clue why I didn't just schedule it for after our anniversary?  Oh man, sometimes I'm glad my head is attached to my body!!

This is a gate fold card that I got directions from splitcoaststampers.com Here.  The heart is glued only on one side so when it opens it stays on the left side of the card.  It's a cute way to open a card.

Supplies needed to make this card:

Card Stock: Gumball Green base 4-1/4 by 8-1/2 scored at 2-1/8 and 6-3/8
                    Comfort Cafe DSP - 2 sheets cut 4 x 2
                    Champagne Glimmer paper scrap
                    Marina Mist scrap
                    Whisper White scrap

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes for "Happy Anniversary"

Easy Events - I used versamark just on the birds than embossed with white.  I used markers to color in different parts of the embossed stamp.
Easy Events Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up!
Ink: Midnight Muse to sponge DSP
       Gumball Green
        Versamark
        Marvelous Markers

Accessories: Basic Pearls Jewel accents
                     Basic Glimmer Brads
                     White Stampin' Emboss Powder
          Tools: Simply Scored
                     Big Shot
                     Hearts collection Framelits Dies in 2 coordinating sizes
                     Modern Label Punch
                     Paper Piercing Tool and Mat
  Adhesives: Snail
                    Stampin' Dimensionals

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Holiday Packaging Bundles

*I'm sorry my recent posts have been pretty much about promotions and not much inspiration.  I have been planning my sons 3rd birthday party and haven't had much time to do anything else.  I will be showing my creations after his party on Sunday!!  But here's a promotion going on right now that you won't want to miss for the holidays.
 

Around the holidays, people are always looking for cute ways to package little treats and gifts for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. At 20% savings, holiday packaging bundles are an affordable and adorable solution.  Simply add a treat or gift and assemble.
 
Even if you are NOT a papercrafter, the holiday packaging bundles don't require any stamping, cutting, or creating so they are the perfect reason to order these bundles.  Plus they will help you simplify your holiday gift packaging and save you money  (Pssst . . . you are going to buy holiday packaging anyway; why not buy these that are all ready for you to add your treat/gift?)
 
Details:
Available November 29-January 2
 
Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes
  • Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
  • Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
  • Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)
Petite Treats Bundle
Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes
  • Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
  • Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
  • Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)
When you are ready to order these, head to http://brittnysmith.stampinup.net click on "Shop Now" under the products tab and find the items under New Arrivals!
 
 

Monday, November 19, 2012

November

Stampin' Up! Single Stamps
 Q&A


Q: I’ve heard that Stampin’ Up! is offering single stamps, is that true?



A: Yes! Customers and demonstrators around the world voted and the result was a trial release of a few favorite Stampin’ Up! stamps as single stamps! Here’s the scoop on single stamps:

Why Single Stamps:
Sometimes there is just one stamp in a set we use over and over again. Now you can easily sample a few stamps from a variety of stamp sets. Plus, these single stamps make great gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, teens – you get the idea – everyone! Now that’s a stocking stuffer I’d love to have in my stocking! Wouldn’t you?

What Stamps:
• Your choice of individual stamps from the Word Play, Seasonal Sayings, and Perfectly Penned stamp sets
• 7 select images from a variety of popular stamp sets
• 3 never before seen special release individual stamp images

Single Stamp Details:
• Clear-mount only, no wood-mount option
• Clear Blocks are not included, but the recommended block size is listed with the stamp on the flyer
• Single Stamps are packages individually in cellophane bags. Clear-Mount Stamp Cases (#119105) for storing your collection of single stamps can be purchased separately

Single Stamps are a pilot program, so contact me today to order your favorite single stamp images while they are available! Don’t forget to make your list and check it twice – single stamps will be a favorite gift!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Texture Boutique



Due to our partnership with Sizzix, we are pleased to be able to offer a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine in our North American markets. We have 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last. If this product test goes well, we may offer the Texture Boutique again in the future.

The Texture Boutique works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary card stock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut. Because this is a product test, the Texture Boutique is not branded with the Stampin' Up! logo. It comes in Sizzix packaging and is the same color and design that is sold in stores. We recommend you read the included instructions before using the Texture Boutique.

'Tis the season of giving, and the Texture Boutique makes a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to create their own elegant embossed art. To help you with your gift-giving needs, we're offering a special value bundle that saves you $5.90. If you prefer, you can also purchase the Texture Boutique alone. Looking for stocking stuffers? Pick up some additional embossing folders.

Texture Boutique Bundle
Item 132700
$39.95 (a $45.85 value)
Includes
  • Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
  • Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
  • Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
Item 132657
$29.95
Includes
  • Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
You can order either of these items at http://brittnysmith.stampinup.net

See more about this machine by watching the video below.



Friday, November 16, 2012

Online Extravaganza

 
Dates: November 19-28, 2012
 
Details
The Online Extravaganza promotion is our biggest online sale of the year! We want to make it easier for you to do your holiday shopping.  So during these 10 days only, you can get incredible discounts-up to 50 percent-on some of your favorite products!
 
*In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza-our very own doorbusters! Woot!
 
The following chart is the 24-hour sale items for Monday, November 19:
 
Page
Item
Description
Retail Price
24-Hour 
Sale Price
181
125586
Simply Scored Diagonal Plate
$11.95
$9.56
186
113439
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
$99.95
$79.96
186
113474
Big Shot Doctor's Bag
$69.95
$55.96
 
The following items will be on sale for only 24 hours on Wednesday, November 28:
Page
Item
Description
Retail Price
24-Hour
Sale Price
7
118941Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I)
$66.95
$53.56
7
120279Clear Block Storage Caddy
$16.95
$13.56
175
109127Stack & Store Caddy
$34.95
$27.96
 
The Fine Print
  • Discounts range between 20 and 50 percent--awesome!
  • Discounted products are available on all order types (customer, workshop, and online).
  • There's no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion. Sale on!
  • For product bundles, you need to use the bundle item numbers provided. If you use individual item numbers, you won't get the discount--bummer.
  • You can buy additional products from any of our current catalogs on the same order. 
Deadlines
  • Phone: Wednesday, November 28, 2012; 6:50 PM (MT)
  • OEX and Online Store:  Wednesday, November 28, 2012; 11:50 PM (MT)
To see a pdf of every item that will be on sale click on the following link:
 
 
You will NOT want to miss this sale.  There are stamp sets, paper, big shot items, embellishments, anything for everyone!!
 
I'm most excited about My Digital Studio 2 downloads and upgrades will be discounted at 50% off!!!  What a perfect time to start digital crafting if you haven't already.
 
Contact me with any questions at brittnycreates@gmail.com
 
 
 

Talking Tag


With Talking Tag, you can send a gift that is uniquely you. Talking Tag is a message label you can attach to cards, invitations, gifts . . . anything! Personalize birthday cards, Christmas gifts or even record quick instructions for a project. Now your pictures really can say a thousand words!
How to Buy Talking Tags:
Buy 'em by the sheet! You get 10 tags for just $7.95 (item 129723) at my online store http://brittnysmith.stampinup.net
How to record a voice message:
  1. Download the FREE TalkingTagT App on you smartphone from talkingtag.mobi, iTunes® or Google PlayT.
  2. Adhere the message tag to your card or gift.
  3. Open TalkingTagT App and scan the code.
  4. Record your message (recording starts immediately, so make sure you're ready!).
You will have the opportunity to listen, re-record, cancel, or confirm your message after you've completed recording it. Each label allows up to 60 seconds of a greeting, song, or product message.

To play the message, recipients will need to download the app and scan the code. Messages are saved for two years, so they can listen to it over and over.

See how this new product works by watching the video below!!


Thursday, November 15, 2012

New iPhone App!!!


IT'S A BIRD! IT'S A PLANE! NO, IT'S A NEW APP FROM STAMPIN' UP!

 
Stampin' Up! has created a card-making application, and it's called Simply Sent! This iPhone app (will also work with iPod touch and iPad) allows you to create an e-card-from a template or completely on your own-and send it via e-mail or post it on Facebook. 

And it's free!

Here's something you should know about this app: it's not My Digital Studio (MDS) on a mobile device, not even close. This scaled-back version will only give you a taste of what you can create when you buy MDS.  Here are two samples of cards you could send via email or post on Facebook.



We want to get our name and our art out there so more people than ever before will know about Stampin' Up! We hope you'll get excited about it as well and that you'll do the following:

Download it from iTunes or the App Store, share it with all your friends, and post a review! The more positive reviews it gets, the more prominent place it takes in the iTunes store. 

Try it out by clicking on the link below to be taken to the download!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simply-sent/id577263957?mt=8

 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Fall Wreath Class


I've FINALLY found the time to create a class for November.  It's been too long and I'm SO excited to get back in to teaching classes and this is what I came up with, a Fall Wreath!

 

During this class you will be creating your own fall wreath to take home with you.  It will look great hanging on your front door welcoming guests into your home for Thanksgiving or would make a great gift if you are going to someone else's house for dinner.
 
Class Details:
 
Date: Tuesday, November 20th, 2012
Time: 7pm
Place: My home, (Castle Shannon, PA)
Cost: $5 or FREE if you place a minimum $25 order that night.
 
You can prepay to reserve your spot through paypal at the top of my page or pay with cash when you attend my class.  Please email me to reserve your spot if paying cash at the event; brittnycreates@gmail.com
 
I hope that you can join me for a fun night of crafting and chatting!