Gretchen Barron

A Jack of All Trades and some Sad News to Share

Hi friends -- It's been quite a week around here. I know some of you may be wondering why I've been so quiet all week -- it's just not like me! We've been trying to get through a very difficult time this week. The sweet little girl pictured on the right is from our church, and is a friend of my daughter's. She was critically injured in a horrible accident last weekend. She survived on life support for several days but passed away early yesterday morning. Those of you who already know have been so kind to share your thoughts and prayers with me. Thank you. Please keep Nicole's family in your thoughts and prayers. It's all that's holding them up at the moment. We will be celebrating Nicole's life on Sunday afternoon with a service at our church.

 

My heart's not really in it, but I did manage to create a card for this weekend's Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge. It did feel good to have a few minutes to stamp and I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things soon!

 

 

I've been wanting to break out this new stamp set, Jack of All Trades, ever since I got it. It is darling and so much fun to work with! I added two different patterns from the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper, some Glitter Brads and a bit of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon around the witch's hat.

The Circular focal piece is made up of a 3" circle in Cajun Craze, The Large Scallop Circle from the Perfect Pennants Die in Basic Black, and a 2.5" Whisper White Circle. I stamped the pumpkin image in Cajun Craze and then stamped and cut out the hat and added it separately. Other measurements include:

1. Layer One - 5.5 x 8.5" Cajun Craze Carkstock, scored and folded to make the Card Base
2. Layer Two -- DSP cut at 4 x 5.25"
3. Layer Three -- Old Olive cut at 3.25" square
4. Layer Four -- DSP cut at 3" square

I also did some fun stamping on the inside of the card - love the look with the stars. The sentiment is from Grateful Greetings.

I'm posting this earlier today than I normally would but please be sure and check out the Stamping 411 post tonight! The other Operator cards are just amazing!

Thanks, everyone, for letting me share my pain and grief with you! I value the friendships from the online community and ask for your prayers for Nicole's family and friends, especially throughout this difficult weekend.

Blessings, Gretchen

Super Quick and Simple Hallowen Treat Box!

Are you looking for a super quick and simple treat box for Halloween? One that you can duplicate many times without investing a lot of time? This just may be what you're looking for! A great idea for classroom gifts or even to pass out at the door on Halloween, this treat box literally goes together in minutes! In fact, if you were to assembly line these, I'll bet you could put together 20 or more in an hour, start to finish!

 

There's no stamping -- only die-cutting and punching! I used the Fancy Favor die and the Big Shot and cut the little bag out of Basic Black cardstock. Run it through the Big Shot one more time using the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and then put the box together using Sticky Strip Adhesive.

 

The tag is created by puching the 2 1/2" Circle out of So Saffron Cardstock. Two bats are puched out of Basic Black and applied with SNAIL adhesive. Use the Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole through the tag and box all at the same time and tie on the tag with a bit of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon. That's it! I told you it was quick and super simple!

 

I hope you can use this idea to bring some extra special treats to all your ghosts and goblins this Halloween!

 

 

Speaking of ghosts, goblins and Halloween, you might want to check out my Frankie & Friends Kit and/or tutorial. These little guys promise to bring personality and attitude to all your Halloween Festivities. You still have time to order the kit and receive it before Halloween. The tutorial is e-mailed within 24 hours. Click HERE for more information.

 

It's not too late to place orders for the new ribbon and DSP samplers from the BIG Idea Book & Catalog. I'm taking orders now for a new batch of ribbon and DSP samplers -- supplies will be ordered on Friday so get your order in soon to make the deadline! More information can be found HERE.

 

Also, the Test Tube Gift Card Holders have been very popular and I continue to send out kits as quickly as I can put them together. Have you ordered yours yet?

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!!!!

Wicked Cool Fun with Lenda, the Late Witch!

You've heard of Glenda, the good witch, right! Well, meet Lenda, the Late Witch! Poor Lenda is late wherever she goes. This year she missed Halloween completely and didn't take flight until the snow started to fly. And ... well ... you can see where she ended up! Head first in a snowbank! Poor, Lenda! The only treats she collected this year were ... snow cones! LOL!!!

Here's a look at the inside of the card! Click to view as a larger image!

Here's what I used for this card:

Cardstock -- Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper white

Ink: Black Stazon, Rich Razzleberry Marker, Marina Mist inkpad and sponge (for clouds and sky).

Stamp Sets: Wicked Cool, On Your Birthday, Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel

Punches: Large Oval and Scallop Oval

Accessories: Two-way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! I hope you got a laugh, as well as some inspiration today!

If you're looking for more Halloween ideas, you might want to check out my Frankie & Friends Kit and/or tutorial. These little guys promise to bring personality and attitude to all your Halloween Festivities. Click HERE for more information.

 

It's not too late to place orders for the new ribbon and DSP samplers from the BIG Idea Book & Catalog. I'm taking orders now for a new batch of ribbon and DSP samplers -- supplies will be ordered on Friday so get your order in soon to make the deadline! More information can be found HERE.

 

Also, the Test Tube Gift Card Holders have been very popular and I continue to send out kits as quickly as I can put them together. Have you ordered yours yet?

Wicked Cool Fun with Lenda, the Late Witch!

You've heard of Glenda, the good witch, right! Well, meet Lenda, the Late Witch! Poor Lenda is late wherever she goes. This year she missed Halloween completely and didn't take flight until the snow started to fly. And ... well ... you can see where she ended up! Head first in a snowbank! Poor, Lenda! The only treats she collected this year were ... snow cones! LOL!!!

Here's a look at the inside of the card! Click to view as a larger image!

Here's what I used for this card:

Cardstock -- Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper white

Ink: Black Stazon, Rich Razzleberry Marker, Marina Mist inkpad and sponge (for clouds and sky).

Stamp Sets: Wicked Cool, On Your Birthday, Frightful Fence Jumbo Wheel

Punches: Large Oval and Scallop Oval

Accessories: Two-way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! I hope you got a laugh, as well as some inspiration today!

If you're looking for more Halloween ideas, you might want to check out my Frankie & Friends Kit and/or tutorial. These little guys promise to bring personality and attitude to all your Halloween Festivities. Click HERE for more information.

 

It's not too late to place orders for the new ribbon and DSP samplers from the BIG Idea Book & Catalog. I'm taking orders now for a new batch of ribbon and DSP samplers -- supplies will be ordered on Friday so get your order in soon to make the deadline! More information can be found HERE.

 

Also, the Test Tube Gift Card Holders have been very popular and I continue to send out kits as quickly as I can put them together. Have you ordered yours yet?

Look Whose Back? It's Frankie and All His Friends!

Frankie and all his friends have come back for another year of monstrous fun, this time as Favor Bags and in a Class-on-the-Go Kit! Pictured above are Frankie, Brenda, Winefred, Gaspar, Manfred and Dougie --  they are another year older and wiser and all ready to inject some fun and frolic into your

Halloween preparations. Each kit includes a coordinating Fancy Favor Box Die Cut, Top Note Die Cuts, all the punchies, ribbons, embellishments and step-by-step instructions with tons of photos to make assembly a breeze (additional supply list is provided below). Time needed to assemble all 6 projects is approximately 2 hours. If you have the Top Note and Fancy Favor Dies, I'm also offering the option to purchase just the Tutorial, which will be e-mailed to you as a PDF file.

Additional Supplies you will need to assemble the kits include:

Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Crop-a-Dile, sponges, Real Red and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers, White Signo Gel Pen, Classic Stampin Pads in the following colors -- Elegant Eggplant, Creamy Caramel, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Brocade Blue. A Fancy Favor Box Die Cut is included for each of the 6 characters but you could also put these on cards, use on scrapbook pages or use in other ways. They promise to bring such spirit and personality to all your Holiday projects!

 

Each Class-on-the-Go Kit sells for $19.95 which includes S&H and Tax, payable by clicking on the PayPal link below. Shipping to the United States Only. Sorry, no international orders. Kits will ship to you within 1 week, usually within 48 hours. Once your kits ships to you, you will receive an e-mail confirmation from me which will include your PDF tutorial which you may download or print. If you would like to purchase only the Tutorial for $5, it will be e-mailed to you within 48 hours of receipt of payment, usually within a few hours. If you have questions, please e-mail me BEFORE you order.

Please Note: With recent color changes and discontinued product at Stampin' Up!, I reserve the right to make substitutions as needed in the kits, depending on availability of supplies. Substitutions will not greatly aler the look of the finished project.

I hope you have fun with Frankie & Friends this year! They've promised me they won't cause too much trouble when they arrive at your house!

Please Choose:

Frankie & Friends Class-on-the-Go Kit $19.95Frankie & Friends Tutorial Only $5.00

 

A Wicked Cool Stamping 411 Challenge

Hello everyone. With long-awaited relief from the heat and night time lows tonight in the 40's, my thoughts are turning to fall. And once fall comes, Halloween cannot be far behind. I've got a wickedly fun card for the Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge this week ... made with the Wicked Cool Stamp Set and Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper. Throw in a few bats and a spider web or two and you've got all the ingredients for spooky fun!

As you can see, I flipped the sketch on it's side and took a few liberties with the design. But isn't that what a sketch is for ... simply a launching point for creativity!

My colors are Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Whisper White. I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch and the new Bitty Bat Large Punch along with the Large Oval and Scallop Oval Punches. The embossing was done with the Big Shot and the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I used 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Rich Razzleberry and the fabulous new Glimmer Brads (Brights). Stampin' Dimensionals help to give the card depth and dimension.

Measurements are:

1. Layer One -- Rich Razzleberry cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form card base.
2. Layer Two -- Basic Black cut at 4 x 5.25". Embossed with the Big Shot and the Impressions Folder.
3. Layer Three -- Pumpkin Pie cut at 1.5 x 4". Punch one edge with the Border Punch. Attach to Layer Two and add a strip of ribbon, adhering to the back of Layer Two.
4. Layer Four -- Rich Razzleberry cut at 3.5 x 3.75".
5. Layer Five -- Three Strips of DSP cut at 3.5 x 1" each. Apply to Layer Four, spacing evenly. Attach Brads to left-hand corners. Attach to card with Stampin' Dimensionals.
6. Layer Six -- Stamp boots, hat and sentiment on a scrap of Whisper White. Punch out the Sentiment and cut out the boots and hat. Attach sentiment to Scallop oval Punch. Attach Boots with SNAIL adhesive and oval and hat with Stampin' Dimensionals. Punch out bats from cardstock and DSP and attach with Stampin' Dimensionals. Fold wings up for even more dimension.
7. Layer Seven -- Inside of Card -- Whisper White cut at 4 x 5.25". Stamp Spider webs in corners and attach additional punched sentiment, mounting on Small and Large Oval and Scallop Oval punchies.

See! That's not so difficult!!! You just need to take it step-by-step! 

Be sure and check out the Stampin 411 Blog to see what the other Operators have created using this week's sketch. And once you've completed your own project, be sure and re-visit the blog, leaving the link to your creation! We're waiting to see what you do this week!

Cutest Little Pumpkin (Basket) in the Patch!

How Stinkin' Cute is this little guy! When I saw this adorable little Pumpkin' Basket, originally created by Lynn Put, I knew I needed to make one (or more!). And he's so simple and quick to put together, you will be amazed. Lynn has a great tutorial on her blog so I'm not going to go into the details here. You do need the Big Shot and the Pillow Box Die (you use 3 of the Die Cuts) and the bottom circle is a whopping 4" in diameter -- enough to hold an entire bag of Tootsie Pop's! I did add the leaf's to Lynn's original design, and used the Autumn Splendor stamp set to stamp them, attaching them with Stampin' dimensionals. I think I'll name him Jack. And Jack is all ready to help greet our little Trick and Treater's, come October! Of course, I'll probably have to refill him with candy before then. I can't image these lasting long with my daughter in the house!

Have a great day, everyone, and I hope you find some time to create!

Blessings, Gretchen

Just a reminder that I'm offering a little Blog Candy on THIS previous post. All you need to do is make one of my Sky/Cloud Templates and create a project using it, then link your creation back to my post, using Mr. Linky. Next Monday, I'll choose the winner and will send the lucky person a set of Stamping Sponges and a Ballet Blue Stampin' Pad! I can't wait to see your creations.

If you don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like to order any of the items I've shown on this post, simply CLICK HERE to order Stampin' Up! Products 24-7! (and then click on "Shop Now")

• 113466, Pillow Box Die, $19.95
• 116503, Autumn Splendor Stamp Set, $20.95
• 104430, Stampin' Dimensionals, $3.95
• 104294, Sticky Strip, $6.95
• 109042, Photo Corner Punch, $15.95
• 104403, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, $15.95
• 104390, 1/2" Circle Punch, $5.95
• 102277, Old OliveStampin' Pad, $5.95
• 100702, Old Olive Cardstock, $5.50 (24 sheets)
• 105117, Pumpkin Pie Cardstock, $5.50 (24 sheets)
• 102851, Basic Black Cardstock, $7.50 (40 sheets)

• 112530, Circle Scissor Plus, $29.95

Purchase a Set of Frankie and His Friends!

By popular request, I am offering card sets of Frankie & Friends for purchase. For each set purchased, you will receive Frankie, Brenda, Murphy, Winefred, Dougie and Gaspar. The DSP on each card may vary from what is pictured. These will be complete cards (not kits) and will be assembled, ready for you to put in your own envelope and send to someone with Happy Halloween Greetings! Cost for each set is $25 which includes S&H. Cards will be sent to you via first-class USPS postage in a protective bubble-wrap envelope. Payment must be made via PayPal at the time you place your order. If you have questions, please e-mail me before you place your order. Click on the Pay Pal button to make your payment and send your order! Happy Haunting! Blessings, Gretchen

Sorry, this offer is no longer available!

Introducing Frankie & Friends!

 

Well, I had planned to wait and post this gang of friends tomorrow but once I finished them, they just looked so cute sitting on my desk that I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to share them with you so here they are ... a day early! Meet Murphy, the mummy; Frankie and his bride, Benda; Winefred, the witch; Dougie, Dracula's brother and Gaspar the ghost (Caspar's cousin)! I can't tell you how much fun I've had today putting these little guys together. Talk about stampin' therapy -- this was just what I needed (of course, I also need to mow the yard and clean the house and do some laundry but then, we won't go there). Frankie, Brenda and Murphy are all variations on numerous cards that have been circulating this fall and are not original to me. Winefred, Dougie and Gaspar are my own creations (or at least I haven't seen anything like them anywhere else). Each one is made with the Big Shot and Top Note Bigz Die and Ghostly Greetings DSP but that's where the similarities end! (click on any photo for a larger image)

I created Frankie in my laboratory using Kiwi Kiss, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock. His nose is the Round Tab Punch and his eyes are punched with 1" and 1/2" punches. I used Real Red and Black Markers and a White Signo Gel Pen to add his finer details! Inspiration for Frankie and Brenda came heavily from Cambria Turnbow -- thanks, Cambria!

Frankie and Brenda have been dating since High School but only recently decided to tie the knot and take the plunge into married bliss! Brenda was created using Kiwi Kiss, Pink Passion, Whisper White and Basic Black Cardstock. She also has a Round Tab Punch Nose and eyes like Frankie's, except for the added eyelashes that she bats frenquently at her lover-boy. You might say Brenda only has eyes for Frankie! Never one to go out without the proper accessories, Brenda is sporting a Black Gingham Ribbon bow and Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware Ribbon Pull.

Murphy, well, what can I say, Murphy has life all wrapped up! He is created with Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White and Basic Black cardstock. All the edges of his gauze are inked with Creamy Caramel. His fashionable blood-shot eyes were made with a Real Red Marker. Thanks to Dannie Graves who provided the inspiration for this new friend!

Winefred, Winefred, Winefred ... you have got to be my favorite! Her absolutely goulish complexion was created with Bashful Blue cardstock. Her eyebrows (wow -- she needs a wax job) were made with the Photo Corner Punch. Eyes are punched with the 1" and 1/2" circle punches. Mouth and nose are fashioned with the large Oval Punch. Wart and chin wiskers were added with a Black Stampin' Write marker. Her Hat Band is Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon with a Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware ribbon pull. Her hair (talk about split-ends -- isn't it to DIE for?) is 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon cut in half lengthwise and knotted at the end. I love you, Winefred!

Gaspar has that eternal surprised look! I think he's amazed that he's in the company of such attractive friends. His shadows are inked with Elegant Eggplant and his features are punched from Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant and Basic Black cardstock using the Small and Large Oval Punches and the 1/2" circle punch.

Dougie's bite is worse than his bark! He was created with Almost Amethyst, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstock. His hair was created by running it through the Big shot twice -- first time as normal and then a second time turning the cardstock and positioning it to cut about an inch lower. His eyebrows are made with the Photo Corner Punch. Eyes and Nose are made with the 1" and 1/2" circle punches. The mouth is the Word Window Punch and the fangs are punched with the Photo Corner Punch!

For a limited time only, you may purchase an entire set of Frankie & Friends, completely assembled and ready for you to send! Click here for more information!

Well, these guys have been BEGGING all afternoon for some treats so I thought I might go and bake some brownies. I wouldn't want to trick them!

If you've enjoyed meeting Frankie and his friends, I invite you to sign my Guestbook, upload your photo and leave a comment! Within the next week I will reach the 50,000 hit mark and anyone who has signed in my guest book at that time will have a chance at winning a FABULOUS prize from me! Go ahead -- it's going to be so much fun to see everyone's picture and to know where you're from!

Thanks for having some fun with me this afternoon! Blessings, -- Gretchen

Cute Halloween Treat Box!

 

Who wouldn't LOVE to get some Halloween treats in this cute little box? This is made using the Big Shot Die Cut Machine and the exclusive Stampin' Up! Scallop Envelope Die. The box is actually 4 envelopes, connected with Sticky Strip! How cute is that??? I wish I could say that I was the one who thought of the idea, but I can't. I finally got a few minutes to play in my scrap room this morning and this was the project I worked on. This will be one of our Big Shot Club projects this month. Click here to find out more about the Big Shot and all the benefits you receive from ordering this fabulous machine from me!

This little box begins with Pumpkin Pie Cardstock -- you can cut all 4 envelopes needed to make this box from one sheet of cardstock. I inked the edges of the scallops just to add a little dimension. I then added a strip of Ghostly Greetings DSP and a length of 1/4" Black Grosgrain Ribbon under one of the flaps. The cute little tag was created using the Scallop Circle Punch (inked edges) and the 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle punches. I stamped the Frankenstein image, from Batty for You, twice on Whisper White Cardstock -- once in black and once in Kiwi Kiss and then punched them out and assembled the tag. It is attached to the bow with a loop of Silver Elastic Cord. A little cello bag with candy treats finished off this cute and fast gift!

That's it for today! I want to thank everyone for their very kind expressions of concern following the flooding that we experienced on Sunday. Things are gradually drying out and soon this will all be behind us! It's not going to keep me from stamping long!

A few days remain to order the Designer Series Paper and Ribbon  Sampler Kits. This is a great way to get a little bit of everything without having to buy complete packages of paper or spools of ribbon. Deadline for ordering the Sampler Kits is Sunday, September 21st at 11:59 p.m. (central time). I will place the order with Stampin' Up! on 9-22 and you will receive your kits in the mail about 10 days after that. Click on the links above for more information.

Check back soon for more inspiration! Until then, blessings, Gretchen