Hello everyone and welcome to the Control Freaks Freaky August Blog Tour! What an honor it is for me to the the #1 Stop on this month's tour. Not that it really matter's however, since you can start at any of the stops and still take the entire tour! If you're already on the trip, then you must have arrived here from my friend, Wendy Weixler's amazing blog! She is such a sweetheart and ALWAYS has something surprising and wonderful to share!
Our theme this month is to preview items from the fabulous Holiday Mini Catalog, available for customer orders beginning September 1st. Now let me tell you, you've probably heard it before, but believe me, this time IT'S TRUE! This is the most amazing Holiday mini that Stampin' Up! has every developed. Page after page will hold surprises and wonders for you. If you don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like a copy of the catalog for yourself, please e-mail me and I'll pop one in the mail to you!
This month, rather than focusing on a particular stamp set or Designer Series Paper from the mini, I want to show you two fabulous projects using a new Big Shot Die -- the Holiday Stocking Die! There is so much you can do with this die and, as you will see, it's not just for Christmas! But this first project, is for Christmas. It's this just the most darling Stocking Card you have ever seen? Well, at least I think so - LOL!
I've used a bit of the new DSP called Holly Berry Bouquet, Real Red and Very Vanilla Cardstock, a new stamp set called Festive & Fun, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon in Wild Wasabi, and a new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder called Snow Burst.
I colored in the stamped image with Stampin' Write Markers and attached the ribbon with Sticky Strip Adhesive. Such fun and so cute for Christmas!
And now for my second project ... I'm turning up the cute factor! Remember, this project is made with the Holiday Stocking Die and the Big Shot, the same as the Christmas project, but look how different it is! What happens when you turn a stocking upside down? It becomes a stick horse, of course!
Wouldn't this be a darling little gift box for a new or expectant mother or a darling centerpiece at a Baby Shower? I'm just thrilled with this way this little guy turned out! I used So Saffron Cardstock to cut out the stocking and then ran it through the Big Shot using the Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I added a Chocolate Chip button eye and some 1/2" Polka Dot Ribbon in Chocolate chip for the bridle and reins. His scallop collar is cut with the Tasteful Trims Die in Certainly Celery.
The A-B-C blocks are created with the Petal Card Double Punch and the 1" Square Punch. I used Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery. The letters are die cut in Chocolate Chip cardstock using the Naturally Serif Sizzlets Strip Die. They are stacked and held together with Stampin' Dimensionals, which also attach them to the base of the Stick Horse. All of this is assembled onto a Fancy Favor Die Cut in Old Olive.
I hope you've enjoyed this stop on the Control Freaks Tour! Thanks for stopping. And I hope you'll be back soon for more ideas and inspiration!
And speaking of inspiration, click on the button below to go to the next stop on our tour, the ever-amazing Patty Bennett! Just wait till you see what she has in store for you!
Thanks again for stopping and Happy Stamping!
Love how you turned the stocking into a hobby horse! Thanks for the "extended use" idea for the stocking die!
Posted by: Lisa Martz | August 19, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Great ideas!!! I LOVE the holiday stocking die, too! And it is so great that we can use it for other things besides Christmas! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Deb | August 19, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Oh my goodness Gretchen... way too fun!! Love it all!!
patty
Posted by: Patty Bennett | August 20, 2011 at 12:58 AM
WOW! I loved your Christmas stocking with the wide ribbon ruffle - but your hobby horse is just too cute! He looks great in the stripes embossing folder.
Posted by: Sherylee | August 20, 2011 at 01:15 AM
Gretchen, you are amazing! What a clever way to use the stocking die.
Posted by: Mitzi Luttrull | August 20, 2011 at 07:23 AM
I love using punches and dies for something totally different than they were designed - makes them so much more useful. You are so clever!
I forgot you lived in Decatur. My hubby and I were in that area last week for a 'getaway' - we ever ate dinner in Decatur one evening. DARN! Could have met you face to face.
Thanks for sharing - love your ideas.
Posted by: Mary | August 20, 2011 at 07:26 AM
These are absolutely darling and so very unique! Thanks, Gretchen!
Posted by: Karen Kerr | August 20, 2011 at 07:46 AM
Gretchen, your projects are wonderful!
Posted by: Barbara | August 20, 2011 at 08:17 AM
I love the hobby horse and the blocks. The introduction of the 1" square punch is perfect for easily making the blocks.
Sue Erickson
www.soggystamper.com
Posted by: Sue Erickson | August 20, 2011 at 09:46 AM
so cute and what a great idea to turn it around
Posted by: Adrienne | August 20, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Love your Hobby Horse made from the stocking die....fab idea. Your ideas are so inspiring. TFS
Posted by: Louise | August 20, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Love, love your horse!
Posted by: Sarah Miller | August 20, 2011 at 10:35 AM
So cute!! Once again amazing you don't every disappoint me :)
Posted by: Holly/Rubber Redneck | August 20, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Oh my gosh the hobby horse is too cute --You are so inspiring !
Posted by: kathy t | August 21, 2011 at 08:58 AM
A horsey??? OHMYGOSH!! That's totally BRILLIANT!! Your sock is cute, too!! And those blocks??? Perfect to go with the adorable horsey!! :)
Posted by: Wendy W. | August 21, 2011 at 11:54 PM
These are so VERY cute, Gretchen! I love the hobby horse for a baby card or invitation! Great idea!
Posted by: Connie Babbert | August 22, 2011 at 07:05 AM
pure genius on your creativeness with the stocking!
Posted by: Gaynel | August 25, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Gretchen these are both too too cute! How clever to turn it upsidedown! Hugs.
Posted by: diane oliver | August 25, 2011 at 10:54 AM