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)

In Color Share

Well, do you love the new catty?? Are you in LOVE with the new In Colors??! And did you see the NEW In Color Markers?! What about the polka-dotted ribbon? Do you want it ALL!!?

Announcing: Sassy Stampin' In Color Share!
What You Get:

2.5 yds. (7.5 ft) of each In Color Polka-Dot Grosgrain
3 sheets of each In Color 8.5 x 11 Cardstock
3 sheets of each In Color 8.5 x 11 Textured Cardstock
Set: In Color Stampin' Write Markers including all 6 In Colors

Cost: $40 (includes shipping/handling and tax)

This is an INCREDIBLE VALUE.

I need to hear from you ASAP - click here to send me an e-mail. Please include your name and address. I will promptly respond with an invoice. You can pay via PayPal or send a Money Order. (payment must be received and cleared prior to shipping of items)

NEW 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog

It's here!!

NEW Stampin' Up! 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog!

Click catalog cover to download and browse.
(It's a large file and may take a minute to fully download.)

Print a Wish List!

Also NEW today - Definitely Decorative
(previously named Decor Elements)

Click catalog cover to download and browse.

Every week in July, Stampin' Up! is offering a DEAL of the WEEK!

This week: The Scallop Edge Punch

Period	Item #	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
July 1-5, 2009	112091	187	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$10.99

New Deal of the Week specials announced each Monday at 10am MT.

Treat yourself to a shopping spree!
Get your NEW stamps and supplies TODAY!

Order Online 24-7.

Please note: If you are having trouble placing an order please know
the system may still be updating.
Feel free to contact me for assistance in placing your order.

Blog Candy WINNER

Before I announce the winner, I want to say thank you! So many of you left the sweetest comments about how much you enjoy visiting Sassy Stampin'. I am thrilled that you are inspired by the projects I create, and I feel encouraged to continue dreaming up sassy creations to share with you.

Also, I want to emphasize that I am always available to answer any questions you may have about the projects you see featured here or about Stampin' Up products. I'm just a click away via e-mail: de35nise@aol.com.

Now, without further ado... the BLOG CANDY WINNER is:

JBuffan

E-mail me your info. and I'll pop your gift card and NEW catalog in the mail.
Congrats!

NEW catalogs are available for download on the right sidebar.

Order Online ANYtime!

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)

Sneak Peek: The More the Merrier

What could make you more merry than cupcakes? How about a whole stamp set full of things that make you merry... and perfect for a range of holidays and occasions. Today's cupcakes are a Sneak Peek at The More the Merrier, a Hostess Level 3 set that makes its debut July 1st!

Here in Houston we have a delightful bakery called SugarBaby Cupcake Boutique. It is full of all things whimsical and wonderful... with frosting piled high! This picture, in addition to this fun sketch from The Pink Elephant, got me started... and the rest is yummy history.

If you're in the Houston area and are interested in hosting a workshop or joining my regular Stamp Camp group, click here to contact me.

• My Kiwi Kiss card base is 5.5" square and topped with Textured Basic Gray cardstock. (5.25" square) The pink 'tiles' (2.5" square) are Regal Rose from the Patterns Pack II (Hostess Level 1) and are mounted on NEW In Color Melon Mambo. (My favorite NEW In Color!)

• Another 4" square piece of Kiwi Kiss provides the middle panel. A Basic Gray scalloped circle courtesy of my Big Shot and the Scallop Circle #2 Die adds emphasis. This entire panel is popped using Stampin' Dimensionals.

• I stamped my cupcakes onto watercolor paper and colored using Blender Pens and ink puddles. Smoosh your ink pad to create a puddle on the lid then dip your blender pen to pick up color. TIP: Start coloring where you want the hue to be darkest and shade outward - the color will naturally fade.

• I snipped out my no-calorie treats and stacked them up. Beads are today's sassy something. I added a few from the Red Bead Duo to each cupcake for dimension and sparkle. Perfect sprinkles!

• A quick rub-on sentiment punched with the Wide Oval Punch makes a nice statement... especially when accented with NEW Rich Razzleberry Polka Dotted Grosgrain.
  

Today: Sneak Peek - The More the Merrier

Coming Soon: Sweet Treats! (BLOG CANDY)

Need a new 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalog?
Just contact me - I'll pop it in the mail pronto!

Stamps: The More the Merrier - Hostess Level 3 - available July 1st
Paper: Kiwi Kiss (Last Chance List 111353), Basic Gray - Textured Neutrals 12x12 astd. (108693), Melon Mambo (available July 1st), Regal Rose from Pattern Pack II - Hostess Level 1 (114325)
Ink: StazOn Black (101406), Blender Pens (102845); For Watercoloring: Regal Rose (105211), Kiwi Kiss (111835), Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo (available July 1st)
Tools: Big Shot Machine (113439), Scallop Circle #2 Die (113469), Wide Oval Punch (112082)
Sassy Somethings: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain (available July 1st), Red Bead Duo (110731)

I {heart} Coffee

One of my favorite indulgences (aside from stamps of course) is coffee. I love the Hand Drawn Bundle, Level 3 Hostess set. (soon to be 'retired') In fact, this cute set is full of my favorite things... coffee, cupcakes, flowers... what more could a girl ask for? And speaking of cupcakes...

Coming Soon:

A Sweet Treat and a Sneak Peek.

The layout for today's card is inspired by Mojo Monday #92. I maintained the general aspects but changed some of the details. Remember: Sketches are a jumping point not a strict guideline - make your card your own!

• My Cameo Coral card base measure 5" x 7" and is topped with a layer of Chocolate Chip. (4.75" x 6.75") Note: Today's colors were inspired by Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #10: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Cameo Coral, and Rose Red.


• Two patterns from Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper (available through June 30th on the Last Chance Accessories List) create the background. TIP: The bold paisley along the bottom is balanced by the smaller print above. Balance is important to consider in these three things: 1) richness and depth of color; 2) size of print or pattern; 3) negative (or empty) space in relationship to card elements
  

• Double Stitched Chocolate Chip grosgrain hides the seam where the two papers meet.

• My main panel is a 2.5" x 3.75" rectangle of Cameo Coral atop a Rose Red matte.
  


• Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig I went ahead and stamped 2 cups and the heart as a guide. The coffee cup was stamped 2 times onto Very Vanilla and twice more on the Chocolate Chip polka dots from Bella Rose Designer Series Paper. I trimmed the main cup portion from the polka dots and adhered it to the Vanilla base. Next, I popped the cut cup onto my outline using Stampin' Dimensionals. TIP: By having the outline image on the Coral, I didn't lose my coffee's steam to trimming.
  


• The heart was also paper pieced and adhered. Since the bundle includes coordinating rub-ons, I selected a sweet sentiment, 'love to chat with you'.
  


• To mimic the elements on the side of the main panel in the sketch I opted to add a few of the doodle flowers. I zipped a strip of Vanilla through my Big Shot using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, stamped, and trimmed.
  

Qualify for Hostess Rewards and Earn HOSTESS BONUS $$ thru. June 30th.

Order Online 24-7

Stamps and Rub-Ons: Hand Drawn Bundle - Hostess Level 3 (115535)
Paper: Cameo Coral (100475), Rose Red (102544), Chocolate Chip (102128), Very Vanilla (101650), Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper (113975)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (100908)
Sassy Somethings: 1" Double Stitch Grosgrain - Chocolate Chip (111849)