Gretchen Barron

Why Didn't I Think of This Before! A Fabulous Friday Tip!!!!

Hi Everyone! Goodness, do I have a tip for you today! I had one of those "slap yourself on the forehead and wonder why you didn't think of this before" moments the other day. I was sorting through my file box of Big Shot Framelits and Thinlits to find the one that matched a particular stamp set. I've always stored the dies on Cardboard-backed magnetic sheets and kept them in a separate basket, apart from the stamp sets. But all of a sudden, I had this AMAZING idea! WHY NOT STORE THE DIES WITH THE STAMP SET? Now, I apologize if everyone else has already been doing this and I've just been clueless and in-the-dark. It wouldn't be the first time in my life that I found myself out of the loop! But seriously, I've never seen or heard of anyone doing this before and it's such a simple way to store both your stamp sets and their coordinating thin dies. There are several advantages to doing this: it cuts down on the storage space needed, it keeps the coordinating elements together and easy to use, you can immediately see the dies and the stamps they go with and it will save you time when you are stamping, I could go on but hopefully you get the picture!

So, here's what I have done! The clamshell boxes that the Stampin' Up! Stamp sets come in have plenty of room in them to adhere a magnetic sheet on the inside-front cover, and securely store your dies on the magnet sheet! Yes, you heard me right! I've done it now with all my current stamp sets. It works with Clear Mount sets, Photopolymer Sets and even the sets that have two sheets of Photopolymer Stamps! Yeah! Right! WHY DIDN'T WE THINK OF THIS BEFORE!!!!

Here's What I Did:

• Attached a label to the inside front cover with the name of the Dies, the Item Number and the number of pieces included in the set
• Attached a 5 x 6" piece of magnetic sheeting to the inside front cover of the clamshell case, using a strong double stick tape. I purchased the magnetic sheets at my Big Box Hardware store. They are Magnetic Vent Covers. The ones I purchased had three 8x15" sheets in each package for around $5. 
• Arrange your Dies until they fit to your liking. If you're really OCD, you could even outline each die with a white or chalk pen so you can instantly see how they all fit together. But I didn't do that ... YET!

And that's it! It's such a simple idea. I can't believe I didn't think of it before!

 

 

 

Cutest Little Pumpkins in the Patch!!!

Hello everyone!

 

I've been seeing the cutest little pumpkins and all kinds of other creations all over the web, using the new Curvy Keepsakes Box Thinlits Die. This Die is so amazing and your creations go together lickety-split -- literally in less than a minute!

 

I decided to add some leaves (from the Bird Builder Punch) and curly-q's to my pumpkins. To create the curly-q's, cut about 8" strips of cardstock just 1/4" wide. Run them between your Bone Folder and your thumb (like curling ribbon) to break some of the paper fibers, and then wind them tightly around a pencil. When you pull them off the pencil, viola ... curly-q's! Just "weave" them through the little handle on the Die cut shape, attach the leaves with Glue Dots and there you have it ... perfect little pumpkins just to decorate or to hold some amazing treasures!

 

A complete list of supplies and links to order them can be found with the thumbnail photos below. Please come back again soon for lots more ideas from the amazing and stupenous Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog!

 

Hope to see you again soon!

 

 

 

Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Dies

$32.95

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Hello Honey 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Fuse Fast Adhesive

$9.95

Builder Bird Punch

$16.95

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It's Time for Another "Have It Your Way" Weekend Challenge!

It's my BIG, FAT, ONLINE Stamping Garage Sale!!!!!

A Garden of Thank You Notes!

The BIG SHOT is BIG NEWS and YOU could get it FREE!

Good morning, stamping friends! Today is the first day of October and Stampin' Up! surprised us all this morning with a VERY SPECIAL deal for anyone who signs up to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! Anyone signing up during the month of October will receive a BIG SHOT for FREE!!! Yes, you read it right -- a FREE BIG SHOT! Or, if you already have this fabulous tool, you can select an extra $100 in Stampin' Up! merchandise when you sign up as a demonstrator. Just think ... free dies and paper and stamps! OH MY!!!

This is the perfect opportunity for someone considering a new business venture or even for a hobby stamper who loves Stampin' Up! products and wants to find out more. There's NO obligation to purchase or sell anything further. In fact, when you join my Inspiration in Action Team now, you would have until March 31, 2012 before you would need to make a minimum purchase (like yeah, right, that's going to happen). In addition to this fabulous BIG SHOT offer, you would also receive a 30% discount on your initial order in the first 45 days.

DON'T MISS THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!

Product Bonus

• Purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit during the promotion period and receive a Sizzix Big Shot Machine or $100 in Stampin' Up! products of your choice from any of our current catalogs. Value to $440 and ships FREE.
• The Standard Starter Kit is $175 or you can choose the My Digital Studio Starter Kit for the same $175.
• Order your choice of starter kit on-line and get your Free Big Shot (or $100 in FREE product) by clicking HERE. It's easy!
• Once you order your kit on-line, you will be given access to the Promotional Product Bonus order type on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator web page (referred to as "OEX") approximately one hour after you order the kit. You will also be provided a link to OEX for this redemption via e-mail. In this order type, you will either enter the item number for the Big Shot (item 113439) or the item numbers for up to $100 in Stampin' Up! products. Products can be chosen from any current catalog and shipping is free!
• Be sure that your free total comes as close as possible to $100 without going over since the Promotional Product Bonus order type will not allow items beyond $100 to be added to the order.
• You will have until November 30, 2011, to redeem your product bonus.

Starter Kit Information

• Promotion applies to the purchase of the Standard or Digital+ Starter Kit. You may add the Stampin' Memories, Definitely Decorative, or My Digital Studio Software Add-On for the regular add-on price.
• You have the option to substitute a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder ($7.95 or less; see pages 218-219) for the Always Bird Décor Elements (p. 233) that comes standard in the Starter Kit.

Starter Kit is only available to new members and not to current demonstrators.

ORDER YOUR KIT AND BECOME A MEMBER OF my Inspiration in Action Team INSTANTLY BY CLICKING HERE. Look for the "Join Now" button on the left of the page. If you're asked for my recruiter password, simply enter inspiration_in_action

If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to e-mail me at gbarron56@comcast.net.

 

Whether you live locally in Central Illinois or anywhere across the country, you can be a member of my Team and wouldn't that be fun! I look forward to speaking with you and to possibly welcoming you to my growing team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators!

Fun with Fun Flowers

Hello everyone and Happy Tuesday to you! I'm having a lot of fun lately with the new Fun Flowers Bigz Large Die and the Big Shot!

 

 

Just look what you can create so quickly and easily! Isn't this a fun card!

 

 

This is also my card this week for the Utah Divas International Color Challenge. This week's colors are Real Red, Poppy Parade, Regal Rose, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla. Talk about some happy colors, all inspired by this lovely quilted bag!

 

So, here's the card that I made this week -- so quickly and easily using the Big Shot, the Fun Flowers Die and the Swirly Decorative Strip Sizzlet Die! Doesn't it make great "stems" for the fun and whimsical flowers!

 

Also used are the fabulous Fabric Covered Brads from the Occasions Mini Catalog (only 5 more days to order from this great catalog) and Stampin' Dimensionals. I told you this was an easy one!

 

I embellished the inside of the card with another fun flower and added this great sentiment from the Fabulous Florets Stamp Set (available beginning May 1st in the new Summer Mini Catalog).

 

I hope you've enjoyed my fun flowers today! Be sure and check out the other Design Team projects for this week's color challenge on the UDI Blog. I think the Design Team outdid themselves this week! I guess they enjoyed these fun colors as much as I did!

 

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! I hope you'll visit again soon! Until then ...

 

 

A Flirty Little Sundress and a Matching Purse!

Hello everyone and Happy Saturday! Look at this darling duo that I've got for you today -- a cute little basket that looks like a straw purse, thanks to the Stampin' Up! Square Lattice Impression Folder, and a flirty little tropical sundress! What fun!

The little straw purse was inspired by one that Patti Lee made and shared on Stampin' Connection. Isn't it darling? The embossing makes it look just like a summer straw purse. I used scrap strips of cardstock that I adhered to a sheet of printer paper, using SNAIL adhesive. Make sure you butt the edges up tight to each other and that you use plenty of adhesive on the edges. Once I had created my designer paper, I simply cut out the basket shapes using the Baskets & Bloom Die and the Big Shot. Then I ran it through the Big Shot again using the Impression Folder.

You can find instructions for putting this type of little basket together by clicking HERE.

I decided to embellish my little purse with some flowers from the Tropical Party Stamp set and tie it off with a bow made of Natural Hemp Twine.

But I couldn't stop there! A girl has to have a festive dress to wear with such a darling little purse. So I created this one using Island Oasis DSP and cardstock of Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive.

You can create a template for this dress by cutting a piece of cardstock with the Scallop Circle Die and the Big Shot. Mark off 4 scallops on the top of the circle for the top of the dress and 10 scallops at the bottom (or more for a more flared out dress). Then you just taper your lines down and cut out. Use the template to trace onto the DSP that you cut out with the die and trim away the unwanted pieces. I cut several of the cardstock Scallop Circles and used them to make the layers of ruffles on the skirt and bodice. A little Old Olive Satin Ribbon tied to the side makes a perfect belt!

And I couldn't even stop there! I made a little miniature purse to go with the dress using the Round Tab Punch and a scrap of Pumpkin pie Cardstock, again embossing it to look like a straw purse. The purse handle is created using the Small and Large Oval punches and Old Olive Cardstock. And I added a tiny little Olive Button for an embellishment. The sentiment is from Great Friend, stamped in Black Stazon Ink on Whisper White cardstock and layered on a So Saffron 1 3/8" Circle and a Tempting Turquoise Scallop Circle. Such fun!

Here's another dress, created in much the same way!

The card base is Tempting Turquoise with a layer of So Saffron on top.

The sentiment is from Favorite Thoughts.

I had so much fun creating these tropical treats today!

I hope you find some stamping time this weekend!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you'll come back soon!

Wowzers! Look at this Tree!!!

Oh my Goodness! I've been hearing all the buzz about these little pop-up trees so decided to pull mine out and use it for the first time! These are AMAZING!!!! This is the newest Stampin' Up! Bigz SL die, called "O Christmas Tree". I decided to do my tree all in Whisper White, embossed with the Petals-A-Plenty Impressions Folder and dusted with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. A tiny red heart brings just a touch of color to the tree. I also mounted it on a bright Real Red Medallion stamped-image. Doesn't that just look like a lovely tree skirt?

The tree is a little tricky to put together the first time but once you've done one, the next ones will go much easier. The way the pieces all fit together is an engineering wonder!

Here's the front of the card (click to view a larger image). I used Real Red and Whisper White Cardstock, 5/8" Satin Ribbon, and snowflakes from Snow Swirled, stamped with Versamark and embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing powder. The sentiment is from Heard from the Heart. 

When the entire card is opened, it looks like this! It wouldn't lie flat because of the bow on the front cover. The inside sentiment is from Many Merry messages.

When you fold the card closed, the tree branches just slide together so nicely and the card is flat. What a surprise for someone to open this up and find such a beauty inside. I will definitely be making more of this tiny treasures!

And by the way, you can purchase this die for just $10 when you host a workshop, have a catalog party, or place an order directly through me of at least $250. That's right -- choose ANYTHING (except Simply Adorned Charms and My Digital Studio) from the Holiday Mini catalog for just $10 with an order of that level. What a deal! Contact me today for your copy of the Holiday Mini or to book a workshop or place an order. This tree could be in your craft room soon!

 

• 116822, Oh Christmas Tree Pop-Up Die, $42.95
• 116824, Petals-A-Plenty Impressions Folder, $7.95
• 111644, Heard from the Heart Stamp Set, $22.95
• 116586, Many Merry Messages Stamp Set, $34.95
• 111690, Snow Swirled Stamp Set, $24.95
• 115223, Medallion Stamp, $17.95
• 113694, Heart to Heart Punch, $15.95
• 114616, 5/8" Whisper White Satin Ribbon, $8.95 for 15 yards
• 100425, 2-way Glue Pen, $3.50
• 102023, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, $4.50 
• 104294, Sticky Strip, $6.95
• 102283, Versamark Ink Pad, $7.50
• 101930. Irridescent Ice Embossing Powder, $4.75

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

Simple, Sweet, Scallop Notes

Hey, Hey! I had some time to play this morning with my new Stampin' Up! Scallop Square Die and the Big Shot and look what I came up with! These super simple and very sweet Scallop Note Cards! These go together incredibly quickly and make not only great individual cards for you to send out yourself, but a set of 4 with envelopes and tied with a bow would make a great and quick gift suitable for anyone! The finished size on these cards measures approximately 4 x 4.5" so they are a little smaller than a typical card but can still be placed in a regular card-size envelope so you won't need additional postage.

Here's how I made them! I began with cardstock cut at 4.75 x 8.5" and scored and folded it as I would for any card. I then placed the folded edge right at the points of the first scallop on the Big Shot Die (you can see in the photo). When you run this through the machine, your fold will stay intact at the top of the card and the other 3 sides of the card will be perfect scallops, front and back! The smaller photo (click to view as a larger image) shows what it looks like once the cut is made. I tried running two cards through at a time and found I was happier with the results when I just did them one at a time. When doing two, the cards tended to shift just a bit, making them lopsided and uneven. As you can see, there is very little waste left that needs to be thrown away. Next, all that's left is the decorating!

I cut Whisper White cardstock at 3.25 x 3.75", stamped my floral image and sentiment from Kind & Caring Thoughts (a level 3 Hostess Set -- ask me how you can earn this for FREE) using Bermuda Bay Ink. The next step is to apply a 1.5" strip of Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper. Next, I attached a length of Polka Dot Ribbon, using SNAIL adhesive, and then tied on another length, creating a faux bow. This assembled layer is then attached to the scalloped card base using SNAIL adhesive. I cut another 3.25 x 3.75" rectangle of Whisper White for the inside and stamped the floral image on it as well, using the Stamping Off technique (stamp once and then without reinking, stamp again in a different position).

Here's another example that I created using Melon Mambo and Apricot Appeal Cardstocks (what a delicious color combination this is), Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper and Melon Mambo 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. Such fun!

These little cards would make a great workshop project -- customers could cut their own using the Big Shot and then with just a little DSP and ribbon, create a great card to take home!

I've got some great samplers, specials and incentives being offered right now that you may want to check out.  Here are some highlights!

Click HERE to find out how you can get a FREE set of the new In Color Markers by joining my Marker Clubs!

Click HEREto see my DSP And Ribbon Samplers from the New Catalog!

Take a look at some of the great Control Freaks SWAP cards HERE. More will be posted soon!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I offered you a little inspiration! Come back soon for more ideas from Inspiration in Action!

Blessings, Gretchen

More Dimensional Flowers!

Hello everyone! I've been playing around some more with the Dimensional Flower technique that I showed you earlier this week! You've really got to try this -- it is such fun!

This first card uses the Soft Summer Stamp Set from the Occasions Mini Catalog; Candy Lane Designer Series Paper; Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette and Regal Rose Cardstock; 3/8" Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon; the Eyelet Border Punch; Rhinestone Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals and Reinkers and Blender Pens. The flowers were cut with the Big Shot and the Stampin' Up! Birds and Blooms Sizzlet Die. Use the technique for adding dimension and texture to the flowers (click on the link above) and when dry, sponge with edges using a Sponge Dauber and Regal Rose Ink. You can see the dimension on this side shot!

As I so often do, I also stamped on the inside of the card! This adds such a pretty and unexpected touch to your cards. Just finishes them off so nicely! I used Blender Pens and reinkers to watercolor the images!

Here's another card using the Daffodils (again, click on the link above for more information). The set is Echoes of Kindness (a Level 2 Hostess Set). The DSP is Rockabilly Specialty DSP. I used YoYo Yellow and So Saffron for the flowers -- they are punched out with the 5-Petal Punch. I also used the Eyelet Border Punch and some 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon.

Check out my newest Kit On-the-Go, this darling Purse and Set of Cards using the Humor in High Heels set and the fabulous Faux Alligator-Skin Technique. You can purchase instructions only; instructions and Kit; or Instructions, Kit and Stamp Set! Click HERE for more details.

Be sure to visit out my updated Online Store Window with all my current Kit and Tutorial Offers! Kits are available for the Faux Alligator-Skin Wristlets and the Top Note Tea Party Purses along with much more!

Don't forget the Blog Tour coming up in just one week -- on April 27th! You won't want to miss it!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see you back soon!

Blessings, Gretchen

A Tisket, A Tasket ... A Cute Little May Basket!

Good morning! I've seen some of these little baskets around and I don't know how other people have put them together but I discovered an easy, quick way to make these that doesn't require figuring out complex angles and fancy cutting! You begin with the Big Shot and the Baskets & Blooms Die and cut just the two Basket images. I used the fabulous Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series Paper for this project. It's textured, cover-weight cardstock that has a different design printed on each side. It's perfect for this type of project and makes it an even easier and faster project to put together!

Cut the little perforated tab off the side of the basket Die-cuts, you won't need it for this project. Cut your cardstock (I used Baja Breeze) at 6 x7" and score 2" from each edge. Trim along the score lines from the edge to the crossing score line on two parallel sides and use your Bone Folder to crease along all score lines. Click on any photo to see a larger image.

Next, apply sticky strip along all four edges on the back side of your basket (what would we do without Sticky Strip?). Fold all the flaps up on your box so that just the middle flap (the one that will attach to the inside of the Basket), is out (this will keep the flaps from sticking where you don't want them to stick - trust me, I speak from experience). Remove the red backing tape from the Sticky Strip, stand the Box Die-cut up and, making sure everything is level and centered, attach the first flap of the box to the back of the Die-cut.

Now, and this is the fun and easy part, simply match the angles of the two side flaps on the box to the angles on the Die-cut and stick them down to the Sticky Strip. How cool is that! Instant angles without having to do the math! If the corners of the box show through the handle of the Die-cut, simply clip them off just a bit. Apply another short piece of Sticky Strip to the edge of the flap that is on the top and stick it all down. Now, you do the very same thing for the other side of the Basket!

How fun is this!!! I told you it was quick and easy! Now, you just decorate however you desire. I used another pattern from the DSP pack to make the Flower Daisies #2 and layered all three of them, topping them off with a fabulous Corduroy Jumbo Brad in Baja Breeze (from the Occasions Mini Catalog). Also from the mini, I stamped the sentiment using the Oval All Stamp Set and punched it out with the Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches. I tied on a bit of Riding Hood Red 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and ... viola! Finished basket, perfect for gift giving of all kinds I definitely will be making more of these little gems!

Don't forget the Get Connected promotion on now through the end of the month. Purchase $40 from the Occasions Mini catalog and get your choice of any of the "Under $10" items on page 208 of the Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog. Click HERE for more details or contact me today to place your order!

Check out my newest Kit On-the-Go, this darling Purse and Set of Cards using the Humor in High Heels set and the fabulous Faux Alligator-Skin Technique. You can purchase instructions only; instructions and Kit; or Instructions, Kit and Stamp Set! Click HERE for more details.

Be sure to visit out my updated Online Store Window with all my current Kit and Tutorial Offers! Kits are available for the Faux Alligator-Skin Wristlets and the Top Note Tea Party Purses along with much more!

I've got to go! Happy Thursday, everyone! I hope you treat yourself to some stamping and creative time today!

Until next time -- Blessings, Gretchen