Homemade Thanks - CSS Review

Welcome to the Clear & Simple Stamps: Release in Review.  Today we are focusing on a variety of shapes and label sets from Collection 3.

The Au Naturel Extras set is great for creating homemade gifts and treats.... everything from baked goods to natural candles or scrubs.  I whipped up a Coconut & Orange scrub... a fun and easy gift to say "thanks" to someone who deserves to put their feet up and relax.

For the "Thank You" card I used the Label 11 die stamped with Hexagons Plus to create a focal point.  The frame and flourishes are included in the Au Naturel Extras set as well.

For the jar of Bath Salts, I used Tag 1 to create a coordinating tag.  

The scrub recipe is basically:

2 parts sea salt to 1 part natural sugar (in this case - 1 c. to 1/2 c.)

1/2 c. of emollient/moisturizer - I used Coconut Oil.

20-30 drops of essential oil fragrance. (orange)

For an additional homemade touch, I made a label for the jar lid and tied everything up with Orange You Fabulous ribbon.  I love how easy it is to create something that has such a professional, boutique style without paying a premium price.  Can you imagine pairing this with nail polish for summer treats or making peppermint scented scrub for homemade Christmas gifts?

Be sure to visit the Clear & Simple blog as well as the other participating designers for more inspiration:

Laurie Willison

Laura Bassen

Kim Duran

Lori Tecler

Jaclyn Miller

Jennifer Rzasa

All products are CSS unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Au Naturel, Au Naturel Extras, Hexagons Plus

Paper: My Mind's Eye - Indie Chic 6x6 Nutmeg

Ink: A-Muse Studio Buttercup; CSS Dish All the Dirt Brown

Tools: Labels 11, Tag 1, Shapes: Circles; PTI Doily Details

Sassy Somethings: Orange You Fabulous ribbon & buttons; KaiserCraft flower; Prima trim

Scootin' By - Play Date Cafe #109

Hi friends!  I'm popping in with a fun tag for this week's Play Date Cafe challenge.  This will be so fun to tie onto a birthday present... who doesn't love a sassy Vespa?

We have a fabulous sponsor this week in the Cafe: Sweet Stamp Shop.  Their whimsical designs are fun and festive... such a treat to work with their stamps.  One lucky participant will win their own Sweet Shop goodies to play with so be sure to join in.

Our color story is lovely and has me itching to make a girlie Christmas card...  

Smokey Purple, Blush, & Champagne 

...and speaking of Christmas, are you gearing up?  Between shopping, tree trimming, and visiting Santa (if that's your thing) be sure to get crafty with us in the Cafe... can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Sweet Stamp Shop - Scootin' By; Patterned Paper: PTI - Sugar Plum; Ink: Memento - Tuxedo black, Copic markers

Mini Book Love - Play Date Cafe #100

Welcome to the 100th challenge for the Play Date Cafe!!  What a benchmark for success and inspiration.  I feel so blessed to be a part of this team and I hope that I am adding something sassy to the samples each week.

I decided to veer a bit from "status quo" this week and dive into a mini book project.  Only one page today... but there will be more to come soon, so stay tuned.  The series of photos I'm working with are very soft... they have a warmness to them without being bright and fit perfectly with the color story this week:

Terracotta, Sunflower, and Olive

Play Date Cafe Challenge #100

I have been obsessing over mini book ideas and inspiration for quite some time but I've never been brave enough to leave my card comfort zone.  Oh friends, this is a whole new era for me and I am beyond thrilled with what's in store.  I think this is going to be a perfect fit for me because the "canvas" size is still small enough to feel comfortable (card-like) and I get to capture memories of my sweet family/darling kids.

The Cafe is being sponsored this week by Lawn Fawn... such cute, whimsical images.  I have a soft spot for Kelly Marie - she was one my very first blog friends and I am so proud of her incredible successes.  I used the Say Cheese set on my book page - {love} the Polaroid frame!  You have the opportunity to win your own Lawn Fawn goodies by participating this week in the Cafe - don't miss out on a great opportunity to add some of this cuteness to your stamping stash!

click to shop Lawn Fawn

Stamps: Lawn Fawn - Say Cheese; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye - Sunshine collection; Tools: PTI Double-ended Banner die, Parisian Lace Doily die, By the Number dies, and Tiny Tags dies; Sassy Somethings: Melissa Frances resin embellishment, PTI Fine Linen buttons

Valentine Tag & Bag

It started with a tag - a very cute, very Valentine-y tag. Something about Kraft, Poppy, and Aqua Mist says retro to me - perhaps that's why I love it so.

The Cosmo Cricket {Early Bird} papers have been sitting idle for far too long.

I felt pretty smart when lightening struck and I thought to use small felt hearts as cherries. It's the little things these days.

SO, the cute tag evolved into a theme for a gift bag. PTI's Around Town Tote makes me happy. I could assemble little bags all day - which would make Abigail very happy - she thinks Mommy is creating one-of-a-kind purses just for her.

All good gift bags have sassy treats inside. I whipped up paper wrappers for some yummy candy bars and of course tucked a few other goodies inside. This was sent off to my Valentine "swapee" so I don't want to spoil too much of the surprise. (Although I am 99% sure she doesn't check my blog. Crossing my fingers.)

ALL Supplies are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.

ALL patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird collection.

Tag: Dies: Tag Sale 2, Double-ended Banner, Limitless Layers #1, Heart Prints; Stamps: Everyday Button Bits; Sassy Somethings: Pure Poppy felt

Bag: Around Town Tote template; Dies: lg. Scallop border, Heart Prints; Sassy Somethings: Dark Chocolate and Pure Poppy felt, Aqua Mist buttons

Candy Wrappers: Cream Saddle-stitch, Chocolate Baker's Twine, Double-ended Banner die

Give a {glittery} Gift

Today's project is 100% glittery Valentine's Day goodness. The design is inspired by the WaltzingMouse Sketch Challenge... which reminded me of a cute gift bag. I also managed to squeeze some WMS on it with the 'mom' sentiment from Roses In Bloom.

I used Papertrey Ink's Timeless Template: Around the Town Tote to whip up the bag and think this will be a template I return to many times for packaging presents.

All the glittery paper makes me smile, and I know it will make my mother smile when it's filled with goodies on February 14th.

Template: PTI Around the Town Tote; Stamps: WaltzingMouse - Roses In Bloom (sentiment); Cardstock: SU Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla; Patterned Paper: SU Sending Love specialty (retired); Tools: PTI large Scalloped border die; SU Corner Rounder and Large Oval punch; Ribbon: SU Vanilla grosgrain, PTI Pure Poppy grosgrain; Sassy Somethings: PTI cream button and twine, Kaiser rhinestone

Thank You Tags

Time for something simple and sassy. I wanted to whip up some cute tags for items I'm popping in the mail to crafty friends. Just so happens that in my own mailbox this week I received Royal Mail from WaltzingMouse Stamps and I could not wait to ink 'em up and take 'em for a spin. It's a tiny sampling, but it will take the edge off until I can play again... I've got a million Christmas projects/presents to complete!

These little numbers are also going into several weekly challenges. Here are the deets:

• WaltzingMouse: Sketch Challenge #25. I'm eeking in under the wire to submit this one, but Claire posts a new challenge each Saturday and gives out PRIZES! Woot!
• Pals Paper Arts - My 'alma mater' and a place dear to my heart filled with good pals. They're hosting a Color Challenge this week that is SO fun!
• Our Creative Corner: Tag You're It is the theme this week - how could I resist?

See you soon!

Stamps: WaltzingMouse: Chrysanthemums, PTI Studio Style; Ink: SU Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss (retired), and Chocolate Chip; Cardstock: SU Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, and Real Red; Patterned Paper: PTI It's Official; Tools: SU 1.75" and 1" circle punches, PTI Limitless Layers dies and Tag Sale #1 die, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch; Sassy Somethings: Kaiser rhinestones

Birthday Binder

I am so excited to share this project with you today - I'm proud of it! My mom is such a wonderful friend to me and she is so supportive and excited about everything I create. This Birthday Binder is just for her and will be packaged up with several other handmade goodies this holiday. (Stay tuned throughout December for the coordinating items and other gift-giving ideas.)

I added a pocket to the inside front flap for envelope storage. The measurements for this pocket are: 4.5" x 7". I plan to add the date and sweet sentiment to the top square.

I personally think these little binders + calendars have a lot of potential and could be a happy home to lots of things... coupons, receipts, photo storage, etc. - definitely not just cards. I can't wait to whip one up for myself... hope you are inspired by it too!

P.S. I popped this over at Wee Memories - such a simple challenge this week: Use ribbon. Tie a bow on and join them! ;)

Stamps: All PTI: Mother, YOF Violets, Text Style I, Fancy Flourishes (inside), Calendar Basics; Cardstock: PTI Ocean Tides, SU Very Vanilla textured; Patterned Papers: SU Perfect Plum Patterns and Cottage Wall (retired), PTI Pretty Pastels; Tools: PTI Lg. Scallop Border die; Sassy Somethings: PTI Ocean Tides felt and Spring Moss satin ribbon, SU So Saffron buttons and Basic Pearls

A Tisket, A Tasket

Using Lauren Meader's, Pack a Picnic template, I whipped up a cute thank-you treat for some dear friends. It took a while to score, trim, and assemble this little basket, but I love the finished result. (I also have a new appreciation for how easy my Big Shot makes things.)

• I created my basket using Kraft cardstock paired with a Ruby Red lid. I punched the basket edge with the Scallop Edge Punch. TIP: When putting together 3-D items it is extra important to use a strong adhesive. I chose Sticky Strip.

• My main panel was made using Very Vanilla cardstock and the Season of Friendship stamp set. (An addition I was thrilled made it to the pages of the NEW Idea Book and Catalog.) My trunk was inked in Chocolate Chip and my Old Olive leaves were placed with the help of my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig.

• For some extra sass, I stamped Ruby Red flowers and popped them using my 1/2" Circle Punch. (I wasn't in the mood to hand trim.) Next, I adhered the small flowers to a few Antique Brass Build-A-Brads. TIP: A standard rule of design is to add accents or embellishments in ODD numbers.

• A dainty fleurette with ribbon leaves perfectly accents my custom tag. I stamped, 'for you', from Great Friend onto Old Olive and snipped the end into a 'v' using Paper Snips.

• The lid of my basket has Alpine Ribbon trim (retired) and a sassy double layer bow using Chocolate Chip Double-Stitch Ribbon.

• I layered punches to create a super sassy 'tag' for the top. I punched the 'thank you' sentiment from Oval All using the Small Oval Punch and layered it onto an Old Olive Scallop Oval. I followed that with a Chocolate Chip Wide Oval and a Kraft scallop. (Marvy pink) To tie everything together I added ribbon 'leaves' and another Build-A-Brad flower.

Deal of the Week

This Week: Sizzix Doctor's Bag (113474)

NOW thru. July 13th, 9:50 am
Regular Price: $69.95 SALE Price: $49.95

Shop the NEW Catalog. Order Online 24-7.

Stamps: Season of Friendship (111776), Oval All (113790), Great Friend (113792)
Paper: Kraft (102125), Very Vanilla (101650), Chocolate Chip (102128), Old Olive (100702), Ruby Red (102030)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908), Old Olive (102277), Ruby Red (102259)
Tools: Stamp-a-ma-Jig (101049), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), Small Oval Punch (107304), Scallop Oval Punch (114889), Wide Oval Punch (112082)
Must Haves: Sticky Strip(104294), Paper Snips (103579)
Sassy Somethings: Fleurette - currently available in Whisper White (115604), Build-A-Brads in Antique Brass (109108), Playground Buttons (116313). Chocolate Chip Double Stitch Grosgrain (111849), Alpine Striped Ribbon (retired)

Sassy Gift Card Holder

Gift giving is something we all love to do. Gift cards are the perfect solution. Do you ever wish you could whip something cute up to hold that gift card?? I've got the perfect solution - and it's easy! But before we get into the tutorial - I'm giving away a SPECIAL $25 Stampin' Up! Gift Card to celebrate the NEW Idea Book and Catalog that arrives July 1st.

Have you entered to win?
CLICK HERE for details and a chance to win a
Sassy Stampin' shopping spree!

SUPPLIES:
Kraft Cardstock - 4.75" x 6"
Pink Pirouette Cardstock - 2 pieces
4.25" x 11"
2.75" x 4.5"
Candy Lane Designer Series Paper
1 measuring 2.5" x 4.25"
2 measuring 2.5" x 4"

• Score large piece of pink at: 2.75", 5.5", and 8.25"
• Fold into 'M' shape.
• Apply Stick Strip to the 2 outer panels. (as shown in photo - click picture to enlarge view) Do NOT remove 2nd piece of backing.
• Use SNAIL adhesive for 2 middle panels. TIP: It is important to use adhesive as close to the edges as possible. Sticky Strip is too wide.

• Fold your middle section together and press to adhere SNAIL sides together. TIP: If you feel you need extra strength you could also use a few Mini Glue Dots along the edge.

• Using the Big Shot and Top Note Die, position your fold onto the die. (I used the green cutout of the Top Note to help show proper placement - this is not part of your 'sandwich'.)

• Place cutting pad on top and run thru. Big Shot.

• Use Corner Rounder on Pink Pirouette to match the gift card holder's Kraft 'base'.

• Remove Sticky Strip backing and adhere to inside of folded Kraft. Your gift card pocket will pop up from the middle. SO cute!

• Add two pieces of Candy Lane paper measuring 2.5" x 4" (corner rounded) and embellish as desired.

To decorate the front of your Sassy Gift Card Holder:

• My colors are inspired by Color Throwdown #48: Kraft, Pink Pirouette, and Baja Breeze.
  
• I matted my 2.75" x 4.5" of Pink Pirouette with the remaining 2.5" x 4.25" piece of Candy Lane.
• A strip of Baja Breeze grosgrain (20" length) was adhered down the middle and around the back. The excess ends are perfect for tying up your gift card holder.
• I used the NEW Circle Circus set and a variety of Stampin' Up! Circle Punches. (see below for exact sizes) TIP: When adhering cardstock on top of ribbon or fabric use Glue Dots - they hold better than Stampin' Dimensionals or SNAIL adhesive.
  
• Build-A-Brads and a Baja button were the perfect sassy somethings for these funky blooms.
• Kiwi Kiss stems were added in addition to a few quick leaves courtesy of my Birds and Blooms Sizzlits die.

Voila! A sassy gift card holder!

Please note: This tutorial was adapted from Stampin' by the Sea
by Kimberly Van Diepen.

Stamps: Circle Circus (available July 1st), Great Friend (113792)
Paper: Kraft (107070), Pink Pirouette (111351), Baja Breeze (111352), Kiwi Kiss (111353), Candy Lane Designer Series Paper (113980)
Ink: Soft Suede (available July 1st), Baja Breeze (111833)
Tools: Corner Rounder (109047), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), Circle Punches: 1.25" (104403), 1" (109046), .5" (104390)
Big Shot: Machine (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Birds and Blooms Sizzlits (113485)
Must Haves: SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Sticky Strip (104294), Glue Dots (104183)
Sassy Somethings: Build-A-Brads - Antique Brass (109108), Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain (111375), Button Bouquet (112092)