Scrapbooking

Below are some layouts I have done from past vacations using rubber stamps and other techniques.

One of my goals for 2008 is to catch up on all my scrapbooking. I plan to start with my Christmas photos from 2007 and work my way back.

Scrapbook

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

Even plain white cardstock can be coordinated with your photos by stamping the background. The square images of the bottom were meant to represent the bricks of the ruins.

Scrapbook

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

This layout was made with the retired stamp set: Fishy Friends. The starfish border on the bottom is one image repeated by turning slightly each time to make them appear to be rolling.

The images were coloured with chalk for softness.

Scrapbook layout

The letters for the word "Beach" were cut from photos of the ocean using letters from a die cutting system (I imagine that a Cricut could be used). I added a shadow background behind the letters using a coordinating cardstock. This technique would also be great with photos of fall leaves.
The background paper has vellum over top and then another cut out piece over top to make the starfish borders.

Our Tree

This is our tree for 2007. It is decorated with feather balls, feather boas, gold poinsettias, birds and various red & gold balls.
The angel on the top is a gift from my 'Sista'. The Santa and sleigh are my favourite Christmas decorations.

Faux Icicles 2

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

This time I used the Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the front to the card and I like it much better.

See the first Icicle card below for more details.

For your Holiday Table

This photo is from the Better Homes & Gardens website - 25 Easy Ways to Display Holiday Napkins.

Faux Icicles

Images Copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

The icicles were made by spreading crystal effects on wax paper in an icicle pattern and then sprinkling dazzling diamonds over top. After it dries, it can be easily removed from the wax paper and added to your project. I made mine a day ahead.

TIP: Place grid paper under the wax paper while you are making the icicles with the crystal effects to keep a straight line. You can also use the measurements on the grid paper to make the icicles the correct length for your project. Make sure to keep a solid band across the top wide enough to adhere the finished icicles to your project.

The windows were made with a square punch. First I punched 6 squares out of post-it-notes and positioned them on the card. Then I punched the squares on my card front over the post-it-note squares I placed on the paper. This makes it easier to get the positioning right.

The project is a bit bulky where the icicles are located so I think I would use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the front to the card the next time.

The stamp set is Flakey Friends which is retiring this year. It has been one of my favourites.

This card really fits the weather today - It's snowing. The weather man has been predicting the worst storm in 60 years for the Toronto area this weekend. It's going to be a White Christmas!

Paper Trees

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

I wanted to use up some of my designer paper scraps so I made some Paper Tree cards. The snow was made by tearing Whisper White paper and then watercolouring the edges with Bashful Blue. The edges of the triangles for the trees were sponged with Old Olive. The tree trunks are made with the Word Window punch.

Fantastic!

What a day! First, I got the news that I won the November WoW contest for Stampin' Up Demonstrators. That means I get to choose 3 stamps sets of my choice for free. Yippeee new rubber on the way.
Then I came home and the UPS man delivered my box of pre-ordered stamps from the new Spring/Summer catalogue. More new rubber. What's a girl to do?
Stamp of course. Well, I hope to have some new projects ready to post real soon.

Thank You for your comments

Thank you for your kind comments.

Sorry I haven't posted recently. I am busy preparing the house for my in-laws to visit from British Columbia for Christmas (that only happens once every 3 years). Today, we put up the tree and decorations. My DH got all the lights and special decorations up outside (waving snowman, wreath & star, which my father-in-law made).

I can't believe that crating all those boxes upstairs wore me out. Anyway, we are well on are way. Christmas baking for my cookie exchange next weekend, a little more shopping and wrapping and I am done :)

Yeah right - who is ever done!

I hate to admit it ... but my cards are not mailed yet and due to the downtown fire in Barrie last week (which is near the bus station), I didn't send our Childrens' gifts to Calgary yet either.

Normal holiday stress I guess.

Wishing you a happy holiday season!

Maggie May

Ornament Gift Tags

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

I wanted to make some ornament projects with coasters but I didn't have round coasters so I used the plastic protector disk that comes in a package of blank CD's. Like a true crafter at heart, I have been saving them just in case I found something to do with them :)

These are gift tags that can be hung on the tree. The backs are signed and dated for a keepsake. I think I like the one with the gel pen stitching best so I will do both of them the same.

Desk Set

Images Copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

This desk set includes an Altered clipboard and Chipboard Coaster gift box, Post-it-Note Holder and Photo frame. They all feature Brocade Background Designer Series Paper and Baroque Motifs stamp set.

It is a gift for Sylvia, Proprietor of the DOWN THE ROAD IRISH PUB. She will be surprised to see what you can do with beer coasters.

http://www.downtheroadpub.ca/

4x4 Card

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

The following projects are 4x4" Cards that feature the Fun & Fast Notes stamp set. They are also shown below as a set with a matching Designer Series Paper Bag.

Thanks for visiting :)

4x4 Card

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

4x4 Card

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

4x4 Card

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

4x4 Card

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

4x4 Card

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

Designer Series Bag with Cards

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

This bag (Centre of top row) was made with double sided 12x12" Designer Series Paper (Flowers for You) from Stampin' Up! Then I made 8-4" square coordinating cards with the Fun & Fast Notes stamp set. It makes a great gift for a teacher or someone else on your Christmas list.

To make the Bag:

Score the paper 1" from the top and 1" from the bottom and glue down. Then Score 3 1/2" from both of the opposite sides and glue closed (You will have a paper tube).

With the seam side out fold in half, score 3/4" from both sides of this fold in the opposite direction so you end up with a "W" (This makes the bag bottom).

Punch holes to add your ribbon handle and embellish your project.

Note: I included handmade envelopes to match the 4"x4" cards and added little stickers for sealing the back flap.

Designer Series Bag

Images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!

Here is another bag with a top view of the finished project. Using double sided paper gives you a beautiful bag inside and out.

DECEMBER

Birth Month Flower: Poinsettia
Birth Stone: Blue Topaz

Important Dates:
Dec. 5 - Hanukkah
Dec. 22 - First day of Winter
Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - Boxing Day
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve

Christmas Candy Tree

The photo above is a craft idea from the Better Homes & Gardens website (I did not make this). What a fabulous gift idea! They have lots of other Holiday tips as well.
Note: The video uses T-pins to secure the candy but I think I would use sticky strip for safety.

Retired List

The stamp sets listed above will be retiring to make space for the new Spring-Summer Collection. After January 2, 2008, they will never be available again. If there is something listed that you love and still don't have, now is the time to place your order.

Click on the image to make it larger.