Baskets & Blooms Tea Bag Holder

This adorable little tea bag holder was actually cut from felt! So fun! I used the Baskets & Blooms exclusive SU die and ran it through my Big Shot (which happens to cut various materials). I changed the felt color for the large flower & added the green button and leaves. The tag is from the sizzlit 4pk- Lots of Tags. I did not use the basket bottom, so this one is flat. I used hot glue to seal the bottom and sides. Another option would be yarn or use your sewing machine.

I was originally inspired by another stamping blogger who had made something similar to these, so this is not totally original. Check out her blog here. The purple felt happened to match the Orchid Opulence perfectly, so I used the grosgrain ribbon to attach the basket to the teacup.

I actually gave this cute little set away at Monday night's class as a doorprize! Congrats, Jean!

More Sale-a-Bration projects!

Here's the additional card we made at Monday night's class. The Good Neighbor set was so much fun to work with! This is a Sale-a-Bration choice- FREE with any $50 merchandise purchase! Although I threw this card together literally right before the class, I can see endless possibilities for many more! The patterned paper is part of the Designer Series paper pad, Welcome Neighbor--also one of the Sale-a-Bration items which happens to coordinate perfectly with the stamp set!I used Whimsical Words (yet another Sale-a-Bration choice!) on the card front as well as on the little tag for the treat bag which goes inside the Fancy Favor bag! I love the 'loopy' script! And, as mentioned in my previous post, the Clear Mount blocks are totally awesome! They're especially convenient for word stamps, as you can see exact placement. Check out the pic- the classic rubber has not been compromised! And notice the dvd storage case in the background. Quite convenient & space-saving!And one final little fun project- So Cool rub-ons. I demonstrated how to use them on cute little 3x3 notecards. This is a cute package with fun color combo choices: bashful blue, basic grey, certainly celery, & bermuda bay. I added the little button + thread & stamped a sentiment at the bottom to top it off. I actually used a rub-on on the inside as well, but neglected to picture it. Tons of possibilities with these cute little things.

Of the Earth, Bleached!

Well, here's the bleached effect using the hostess: 'Of the Earth'. This is actually a catalog C.A.S.E. I was trying to choose another level one set with my last order and noticed the SU sample using this set. Of course I slightly altered mine, but I really love the finished product! As I had predicted, this set is really great for use with bleaching! I actually cut & stamped a few extras, which I usually neglect to do, so I will be putting together some more. The Kraft cardstock is perfect for this earthy set, and I thought the button and hemp twine really coordinated nicely as well. The other cardstock colors I used are: Really Rust, Lavendar Lace, Old Olive, & So Saffron- a new combo for me! The sentiment & the bird in the middle were stamped with tone-on-tone color; no bleach.

Also, notice the 'happiness always' sentiment- part of the Sale-a-Bration merchandise. I love the loopy script! And I ordered that set in the new Clear Mount! You wouldn't believe how great these clear mount stamps are! There's no loss of quality b/cause they still use the same classic red rubber used on the wood blocks. They just stick onto a clear mount block and include a label so that you can see what you're stamping + where you're stamping it at! Very cool!

Quick & Easy Welcome Cards

Here's another batch of church welcome cards. I used the hostess 'Of the Earth' set. This wasn't

one of my favorite sets, originally, but it's really easy to use and great for quick cards. I'm looking forward to using it with some bleach and maybe even a candle! I also stamped the envelopes- something I usually neglect to do, but it really does add alot. Cardstock & ink colors used for these cards: Ruby Red, Old Olive, So Saffron, & Kraft.

Fox & Friends

I have had so much fun playing with the new Fox & Friens set! It's absolutely adorable; definitely one of my new favorites! Here are a few of the cards I've put together which are contenders for my upcoming class on Monday. They're combinations of inspirations from various blogs & the catalog. The little box is made from the Fancy Favor die & will definitely be included in Monday's class. Notice the branches- they're punched from the new Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch. Now- what to fill it with?!Stay tuned for more projects! I'm looking forward to playing with the new Good Neighbors Sale-a-Bration set! Check out the turtle and owl card close-ups below. They both feature one of the new border punches- a choice option included in the Sale-a-Bration brochure.

Scrapbooking Isabella

Here's a recent page layout that I scrapbooked for Isabella's album. These pictures are absolutely beautiful & my photo doesn't do them justice (flash and all). Anyway, I used Basic Grey cardstock for the background & Razzleberry Lemonade designer paper, featuring the Curry color. I loved the combo! I embellished with Fleurettes Flowers & corderoy brads. Simple and beautiful!

Isabella's party

To follow up with my previous post, here's some pics from Isabella's b-day party. I didn't end up having the time to make lots of decorations, so the napkin ring was the only project that got done. I used the Beautiful Butterflies die and Sweet Always (retired) paper + my Big Shot to cut. I stuck a rhinestone embellishment in the center of each and tied the napkin with ribbon. I used various coordinating patterns of paper. And that was it!

I think she enjoyed her party. She had her own little cupcake and was unsure, at first. But then she started digging in! Being the little lady she is, though, she didn't appreciate the messy hands:) I ended up taking it away from her before she ate the whold thing, so she wouldn't get sick. I still can't beleve she's now one!

Isabella's 1st Birthday Invitations

These are the birthday invitations that I made for Isabella's party. I can't believe she'll be one on Friday. I had a hard time finding a stamp that I really wanted to use, so I actually purchased a digistamp online. This was something new to me. These digital images can be purchased and downloaded to your computer. You can then print the image from your printer onto cardstock. While it sounds convenient, there are definitely some drawbacks. Although I waited an entire day, the ink from my printer slightly smeared while using markers to color the image. Also, you have to figure out how big you want the image in order to size it correctly onto the cardstock, before printing.

I was pleased with this particular card, however, I think I'll stick to my classic stamps and ink. I did use SU's Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink cardstock + Sweet Always (retired) designer paper. The 'Isabella' wording is from one of SU's personalized stamps. I used Dazzling Diamonds on the wings & little crystal stick on jewels everywhere else. I also used the eyelet border punch for the side border strip. I plan to cut some butterflys from my Big Shot for some of the birthday decor- which I will try to post later.

My First Onesie Card!

This was my first attempt at a baby onesie card! But I don't think it will be my last! This was so simple and turned out absolutely adorable! I used Lauren Meader's tutorial which can be found here. I slightly altered the instructions, using the eyelet border punch for the sleeves & tying pretty ribbons around them. So sweet for a girl baby. I also added the buttons at the bottom. I used white craft ink for the stamped flowers. I think the crocheted flower tops off the project.

Christmas Workshop Projects

Here are the projects from my Christmas workshop. Thanks to the ladies who attended! There were a total of 9 projects: a small gift box w/candy, candle, gift card holder, chipboard ornament, set of gift tags, & 4 cards. Click on any picture to enlarge..I used some of SU's new shimmer paint on the skater's clothing for this old fashioned card. It gives a subtle sheen & is fun to use. Dazzling diamonds give the simple snowman card some pretty glitter.
A tutorial for the gift card holder can be found here. Very simple. Requires a few scores, folds, & the word window + small circle punch. The gift tag set is a hostess set, and each stamp has a coordinating punch. Easy and fun! The chipboard ornament & small gift box were both cut using Big Shot dies.
I'm looking forward to my final class of the season- this Sunday!

Christmas Blessings Canvas, for sale

This is a project that was inspired by another project I made this summer for my kitchen (found here). It's another canvas picture! This one is a little smaller than the original. It's appx 8"x10". The canvas was painted a brick red. I used a piece of Old Olive cardstock for my background. The other colors were pulled from the Merry Moments designer paper: Real Red, Garden Green, & Chocolate chip.

The ornament images were stamped and then punched with the coordinating punch & popped up with dimensionals. I used shiny silver cord for the ornament string & also tied it in the buttons. 'Christmas Blessings' was also popped up for a dimensional look.

I originally made these for a private workshop for a friend of mine, & I have about 6 kits left. They're $20each, & I will put everything together for you, or sell as a kit for you to complete. The canvases are pre-painted & all paper will be cut, so the hard part is done for you! Please email me to purchase (maliamarie20@yahoo.com)!

Grateful Thoughts

Here's a card that I recently demonstrated at a workshop. The featured stamp set is the adorable Falling Leaves- such a cute set! This card is so simple, yet I think it makes a statement with the cute mini clip and the beautiful fall colors. I love the Summer Sun against the Rich Razzleberry! The middle leaf & the Grateful sentiment are popped up with dimensionals. I tore the bottom edge of the Razzleberry for added interest. Click on the pic to enlarge. The curvy words (part of the set) are really cute!

Final Deal of the Week

The final deals of the week are from October 26, 10 AM (MT) through October 31, 11:50 PM (MT).
Item 116214, pg.174, Princess Party Kit- reg.15.95, special= $9.99
Item 116213, pg.175 Pirate Party Kit- reg.15.95, special= $9.99

SU Deal of the Week #3

Just a quick (belated) update w/this week's deal of the week:
The third deals of the week are from October 19, 10 AM (MT) through October 26, 9:50 AM (MT).


114348, Basic Jumbo Grommets, SALE $4.49
109857, Mini Library Clips, SALE $8.99
112571, Circle Designer Brads, SALE $3.99
112581, 1/2" Library Clips, SALE $3.99


EMAIL me to place your order today.....

Deal of the Week #2

The second deals of the week are from October 12, 10 AM (MT) through October 19, 9:50 AM (MT). They are all Big Shot items.

Item #115961- p. 200 Perfect Setting Bigz XL die

Reg. $42.95, SALE: $25.99

Item #114515- p.195 Flower Burst Embosslits die
Reg.$11.95, SALE: $5.99

Item #116760- p. 201 Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die
Reg.$39.95, SALE: $25.49

Technique Class #3

I've really enjoyed these technqiue classes, the past couple of months. Here's projects from the 3rd one, which was held last night. Thanks to the 10 ladies who attended! Four cards were made, featuring 4 techniques: Wax Paper Resist, Wet Paper Watercoloring, Scratch-n-Sniff, & the Acetate card. All of these can be found on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/, so check them out, if you weren't able to attend. Click on any picture to enlarge.

Wax Paper Resist

Scratch-n-Sniff

Acetate Card

Wet Paper Watercoloring

Matching Girls!

Ok, I know this is primarily a stamping blog, but since I'm always putting in such a plug about SU products matching and coordinating, I thought I'd show you how I do that in my life- other than stamping- too!

These are all fun pictures of me and Isabella- matching!! Amazingly, most of them weren't even planned!

Yet Another Gift Set!

It seems as though I've really been making alot of gift sets, lately. In fact, I completed a cute office one this past Saturday and forgot to take a picture of it:( OH well......I was asked to make yet another set for an office birthday. The one pictured above was just completed last night. It kind of centered around the glass jar with bath salts, since that was given to me to put with the entire set. SO, I coordinated the paper with the pink salts. For a more sophisticated touch, I added the Basic Grey print (from retired Walk in the Park). The pink is Pink Pirouette (also retired). If you read the explanations in my blog posts, you can tell I used ALOT of retired DS paper! It's so great for coordinated gifts, especially!

Anyway, I used my Jumbo Marvy scallop circle punch for the jar and added a flower from Felt Fusions, topped with a flatbacked pearl. The bag was made with my SU Fancy Favor die and run through my Big Shot. Such an adorable little gift bag! This one is filled with lots of fun goodies: perfume, facial cleanser, eye cream, mirror, lip brush, etc.

The wooden heart is a clearance special from Michales. SO easy to cover. I simply traced the shape onto my paper, cut, and adhered. I was thinking this could be a bathroom door hanger- like 'do not disturb, I"m in the bath'?? I guess I really wanted to include the heart in this set!

The little notepad & pen is also a Michales clearance, covered with more DS paper. I added a little binder clip to the back, which was covered with matching paper and ribbon. The butterflies were all cut using my SU Beautiful Butterflies die & Big Shot machine.

I hope the birthday girl likes this!

Don't Miss It!

These 'Don't Miss It' invites were stamped with bleach! I'm so glad I learned this technqiue! It's probably the newest one I've played around with the most! If you haven't tried it, you really should give it a shot. All you need is a bold image stamp and a small tray of folded paper towles and some bleach. You have to play around with the amount you pour on top of the towels. And you also will have to experiment with various colors of cardstock. The bleach will look different on each color.

For these invites, I used a bold image star from one of my Christmas sets (can't remember the name). The star was stamped in random places around the card. I also stamped a confetti image and then used a sponge for a few additional bleached spots. Both stars were punched with SU star punches and then popped up with dimensionals. The edges of each were dipped in bleach, as was the 'don't miss it' circle and the Pacific Point blue strip. This was the first opportunity I've had to use the Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware. The star brads were perfect for these cards! Cardstock colors used: Old Olive, Pacific Point & Tangerine Tango (retired 98-09 In Colors).

An Old-Time Favorite!

The Wild About You set is truely one of my all-time favorite stamp sets! I continue to use it and will probably never part with it. Endless possibilities! This is a cute birthday card that I made for my nephew, who just turned One. The colors are bright and fun: Brilliant Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Summer Sun, & Lovely Lilac. I used my SU 1 1/4" punch for each of the white squares- after stamping. The lion was then stamped 3x- once for the body, once for the head- which I cut out, and once for the mane- which I also cut out. A fun & cute card! I hope he likes it!