Stampin' Mama: A mama that stamps

Limited Edition Albums - Memories by the Month

As many of you know, scrapbooking and memory keeping is one of my biggest passions. It's something I try to pass on to others. The new "Memories by the Month - Limited Edition Albums" is my way of helping you to make your memory keeping and scrapbooking easy, fast and fun!

What is "Memories by the Month?"

"Memories by the Month" is simply a listing on the first of each month of 10-12 limited edition albums on my Etsy shop. Once they're gone, they're gone.

There's no club to join and no sign-up. 

On the first of each month, I'll have 10-12 handmade, unique, limited edition albums listed in my Etsy shop for purchase. I'll send out an email to let you all know when they're up and available for purchase.

Once they're gone, they're gone! So you don't want to wait!

Click here to see this month's limited edition albums...

This month's albums are up and ready and they're BEAUTIFUL!

They feature hand stitched details, lots of texture, fabric, ribbons, felt, chipboard...and they're ready for you to put your photos and memories in. You can even use them as guest books or journals!

Each album has a total of 24 pages and are decorated with small fabric flowers with epoxy centers. A fabric-covered chipboard back cover keeps your album sturdy. There's 10 different albums to choose from of all different colors and patterns.

Click here to see this month's limited edition albums...

Remember, these are limited edition albums! Once they're gone, they're gone!

They're a quick, easy and beautiful way to get your memories in an album!

Happy Memory Keeping!

 

Using the Big Shot to alter clothing

I've found a great new way to use my Big Shot and dies - to alter clothing! 

My friend, Emily Falconbridge, shared on her blog last week that she had altered some sweat pants for her girls (apparently, they call them "trakky daks" in Australia?). I thought it was such a cute idea, especially because Emily had used some felt and she hand stitched the details and I'm all about felt and hand stitching.

I got to thinking about the blue pair of sweat pants that were sitting in my daughter's dresser drawer and how she'd only worn them once. My daughter used to be all about sweat pants and how comfy they felt, but this past school year, she's been all about wearing leggings and jeans so those blue sweat pants sat in the drawer, unworn. I've tried to get her to wear them but she refused. When I saw Emily's alter job, I knew that the only way I'd get Girly to wear the blue sweat pants was to alter them. So, I took out my Big Shot die cutting machine, some of my dies and beads and got to work. 

I already had some fabric flowers cut out from the Flower Folds die that hadn't been used when I was making fabric flower pins last year, so I took those out of my stash and put them to use on blue felt that I cut with the Scallop Circle die.

I cut a couple of pink felt flowers using the mid-sized flower from the Baskets & Blooms die. I used contrasting colors for my stitching to add to the whimsical feel. I used the whip-stitch applique stitch for the bottom flower, a running stitch for the middle flower and the top flower and a back stitch for the swirl in the center of the pink flower. 

I used decorative X stitches around the edge of the blue felt scalloped circles (and on the petals of the two bottom flowers) to secure the finished pieces to the knees of the sweat pants. 

For the bottom of the pant legs, I cut blue felt using the Tasteful Trim die. Instead of cutting them in two pieces to go around the width of the legs, I folded the felt in half and put it up against the end of the die so that it would cut one long piece.

I used a running stitch to add glass beads and also to secure the trim to the bottom of the pants. 

Something I hadn't thought about until after I finished the pants is that the felt circles that I put on the knees will double as protection for the pants. My kids tend to wear out the knees on their pants so fast! Hopefully these fun "patches" will help the pants last longer than they usually do with all the wear and tear my daughter usually puts her clothes through.

And here's the girl-child herself, ready for school this morning with her altered sweat pants on. And....we found the sweat shirt she has on in the coat closet....another item she hasn't been too keen to wear since I bought it for her a couple months ago due to her aversion to wearing sweat pants/shirts. She put her clothes on and said how comfy they were and how well they went together. I think this is MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

 

Hand stitched felt belt with Baskets & Blooms Big Shot die

Last summer, my daughter needed a belt but she's so tiny in the waist that it was hard to find anything that would fit her correctly. I did a book review on a felt embroidery book and loved the belt that I made using the book. I've been making a few more belts lately since my daughter wanted another one. They do take a lot of time, but I enjoy the process. I have added a couple belts to my Etsy Shop and I just finished the belt in this post and added that to my shop, as well. 

For this belt, I used the Baskets & Blooms die and the Big Shot die cutting machine to cut out all the little flowers. Using a die to cut out the pieces on a belt like this makes it super easy to make sure that all of the flowers are of uniform size. I cut little pieces of felt (also a great way to use up small scraps of felt) and then stacked them 3 to 4 on top of each other and ran them through the Big Shot. 

(Click on pictures for a larger view.)

I used the small sized flower from the Baskets & Blooms die. This belt measures 1 1/4 inches by 36 1/4 inches (it fits a young girl.)

I used a whip-stitch applique stitch (in deep red and coral) to hold down the flowers and then used a back stitch for the mustard colored swirls in each of the flowers. I added a single black glass bead in the center of each flower. I used a back stitch in olive green for the tendrils on each side of the flowers. 

I did a blanket stitch around the edges of the belt with coral colored embroidery floss and added some D-rings to the end to finish it off. 

So, have you used your Big Shot dies with felt? What have you made with it? 

Now, I'm off to cut some felt with my new Circles #2 Originals die. I'm still tossing up what I'm going to create, but I know it'll be fun!

If you're looking to get started with using your Big Shot and felt together, I have a couple ways to help you!

Embroidery with your Stamps - NEW Online Course 

Be a Big Shot with Felt tutorial CD 

 

Felt journal with the Big Shot Flower Folds Die

My daughter just got dropped off at a slumber party for one of her friends that turns 11 this weekend. We like to do handmade gifts for friends because we know they won't get anything else like it. Also, we like putting our time and love into something because we know the recipient will really appreciate it. 

So, for my daughter's friend, I made a felt covered journal (you can check out the one I posted the other day HERE and I also have some on my Etsy Shop). This seems to really be the age of these girls writing in journals and diaries so I hope this will give her something really special to write her thoughts in. 

I used the Big Shot die cutting machine, the Flower Folds die and the Baskets & Blooms die for the three flower pieces. The coral and yellow flowers were cut using the two smallest flowers on the Flower Folds die. The small red flower on top was cut using the mid-size flower from the Baskets & Blooms die. 

This journal measures about 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches when closed. 

For this one, I used regular copier paper for the inside since I knew the birthday girl would likely just use it as a diary rather than putting any pictures inside and needing it acid/lignin free. I added some black glass beads to the binding on the front of the journal and I think I'll do this on all of the other journals that I make in the future. It adds a really nice touch to them. 

For those of you that like to embroider, here are the stitches I used:

* Running stitch for around the egde of the journal, the small red flower and on the yellow flower

* Applique whipstitch for the large coral flower and around the leaf edges

* Back stitch for the curly green tendrils on the stem and on the inside of the leaves

* Chain stitch for the stem

Every time I finish a journal, I can't wait to get started on the next one. It's snowing outside and we're supposed to get about 3 inches so it's a good night to stay in and get to work on another and pop in a good movie.

Make sure to check out the Be a Big Shot with Felt tutorial CD that I have if you'd like to try some other projects with felt and the Big Shot. It has stitch video tutorials, as well! 

Felt embroidered journal with the Big Shot - Tasteful Trim

When I saw the Tasteful Trim die, for the Big Shot die cutting machine, the first thing I thought of was cutting felt out with it. Sure, I've used it with paper, but felt was my first thought. I finally got to use it with felt this past weekend and I LOVE the way this little handmade journal turned out. The bright colors, the patterns of the trims, the beads....it all makes me smile every time I look at it!(You can find this journal on my Etsy Shop - with more to come!)

Yes, this did take a lot of time and yes, I am a perfectionist when it comes to my stitches (I just can't help myself). But....it keeps my hands busy when I'm sitting. I'm determined that I'll never have arthritis when I get older if I keep my hands busy with needlework. *wink*

I love using my Big Shot for felt projects. Because felt doesn't fray, die cutting shapes out of felt makes embroidering felt on projects so easy! In fact, last year, I created a Tutorial CD that deals specifically with the Big Shot and felt projects: Be a Big Shot with Felt is still available as a CD!

I did a double lining on the journal cover so that it hid the stitching from the back of the front cover. I also made the trims go across the entire cover of the journal. 

I did 12 folded pages of cardstock (for a total of 24 double-sided pages) and used my Crop-a-dile to punch holes in the fold of all the pages at once (LOVE that tool!) and double-stitched the pages into the binding so they're extra secure. 

 When the journal is folded, it measures 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches. It can be used for so many different purposes:

• A journal
• A sketchbook
• A quote book
• An art journal
• A mini scrapbook 

Since the cardstock inside the journal is acid and lignin free, it makes for a great mini scrapbook and you don't have to worry about your photos being adversely affected. 

A lot of people ask me what type of felt I use and where they can get it. Most fabric stores have eco-felt (made from recycled plastics and the cheaper option, also known as craft felt) and wool-blend felt by the yard. You can also get felt on Ebay stores and one of the best sites I've found online is Felt-o-rama.

Make sure to check out the Be a Big Shot with Felt tutorial CD that I have if you'd like to try some other projects with felt and the Big Shot. It has stitch video tutorials, as well! 

Felt embroidered eyeglass case with the Big Shot

It seems like the winter is when I pull out the felt and embroidery floss and sit in front of the fire and get to work. I've never been one to sit still long. I need to have something to do with my hands. This is one of the reasons I much prefer to watch a movie at home than in the theaters.....it's too dark in the movie theater to see a crochet or embroidery project. Yes, I do actually watch and keep up with what's going on in a movie or show on my TV, but it's much easier for me to watch and not get antsy if I have something to keep my hands busy. 

This beauty is on my Etsy shop but I love it so much that I'm going to make another one for my glasses (which I used to only need for driving at night, but now it seems I need them for watching TV and embroidery in low light). 

I used the Big Shot die cutting machine and Baskets & Blooms die for the flowers and cut them out of felt. I hand cut the leaves and then set to work with my embroidery thread and needle. 

I used whip stitch, blanket stitch, back stitch and running stitch for my embroidery, including the hand cut button hole. I also added some glass beads for the center of the flowers. 

I know I say over and over again that doing embroidery with felt is therapeutic but it just IS! I'm always thinking about what I can make next and as soon as a project is finished, I'm almost sad that it's done. But....then I get started on the next one. No wonder I can't sit still!

Looking for Handmade Christmas Gifts?

 

I can help with your 
Holiday Shopping!

Handmade Gifts for the Holidays

 

Chances are, your holiday shopping isn't yet finished.....and I can help you with that!

Most people know me for my paper crafting, but I also dabble in all sorts of other craftiness and I've just filled up my Etsy shop with all kinds of handmade goodies that make for awesome holiday gifts for young and old.

See below for a coupon code to use by Friday, December 10th!

 

Get 10% off your order through Friday, December 10th!

When you purchase any items from my Etsy Shop between now and Friday, December 10th, you can get 10% OFF!

Use this coupon code when checking out: HOLIDAY

Gifts the young and the young at heart!

You'll find gifts for all age groups over on my Etsy Shop.

I've filled up the shop today and you'll find:
* Felt Finger Puppets (see photo at left)
* Felt Coin Purses (see photo above)
* Flowered Headbands
* Whirly Twirly Skirts
* Woodland Elf Hoods for children and adults
* Night Owl Sleeping Masks
* Felt Cell Phone Cases
* Embroidered Felt Purses
* Crafter's Back Buddies
* Handmade Jewelry

And MORE!

All items are ready to ship!

All items will go out in 1-2 business days.

You can also get shipping discounts when you purchase more than one item from My Etsy Shop!

Get a bunch of your Holiday shopping done on my shop and save on shipping! I've already made shipping super low so you can save even more!! Each item that you purchase after your first item comes with FREE shipping!

Don't forget that the 10% OFF coupon expires this Friday, December 10th and most items are one of a kind!

Happy Shopping!

Make your own Christmas gifts this year with my felt kits!

Create your own beautiful felt cell phone case or felt embroidered purse with these easy and fun kits!

No experience necessary......these kits come with everything you need except for a pair of scissors to snip your embroidery floss with!

I've created these kits from my love of working with felt and basic embroidery. They're incredibly easy and so much fun to put together and you'll be surprised at the accomplishment you feel once you're finished with them. Not to mention the fact that you get to show them off afterward! You'll get a WOW wherever you take them.

Buy one or get both at a special bundle price!

Felt Cell Phone Kits

The Felt Cell Phone kit is great for just about any size cell phone. It can be carried by the little felt strap or slipped into your purse or backpack. These cases make perfect gifts for teenagers as well as grown-ups. Or give a kit as a gift to an aspiring young crafter so they can feel the accomplishment making it all on their own.

The Felt Cell Phone Kit includes:

• High quality wool blended felt
• All pre-cut pieces
• Embroidery floss
• Beads & button
• Embroidery needle
• Fully detailed Tutorial CD with complete instructions and video links

 

Felt Cell Phone Kits
- $13.97 (plus $3 shipping)

Please specify, in the message section when checking out, which color you'd like your cell phone case to be (flower will coordinate):

• Cream
• Oatmeal (as shown in photo)
• Royal Red
• Plum Purple
• Coral Pink
• Charcoal Gray
• Pumpkin Pie

Embroidered Felt Purse Kit

This purse is wonderful for all ages. It can used as needlework tote to bring your embroidery projects with you wherever you go. It can also become a treasured purse for a little girl who will show it off with pride. Better yet, this is a great project for a young girl to be proud of doing all on her own!

The Embroidered Felt Purse Kit includes:

• High quality wool blended felt
• All pre-cut pieces
• Embroidery floss
• Beads
• Embroidery needle
• Fully detailed Tutorial CD with complete instructions and video links

Embroidered Felt Purse Kit - $17.97 (plus $3 shipping)

Please specify, in the message section when checking out, which color you'd like your purse to be (flowers will coordinate):

• Cream
• Oatmeal (as shown in photo)
• Royal Red
• Coral Pink

Buy both kits for a special bundle price and save on shipping!

Felt Kit Bundle - SAVE $3

 

 

- $28.97 (plus $5 shipping & upgrade to Priority shipping)

All kits will ship within 1-2 business days.

Please let me know if you have any questions. erikaerin2001@yahoo.com

 

New KITS - Embroidered Felt Cell Phone Case & Purse

Create your own beautiful felt cell phone case or felt embroidered purse with these easy and fun kits!

No experience necessary......these kits come with everything you need except for a pair of scissors to snip your embroidery floss with!

I've created these kits from my love of working with felt and basic embroidery. They're incredibly easy and so much fun to put together and you'll be surprised at the accomplishment you feel once you're finished with them. Not to mention the fact that you get to show them off afterward! You'll get a WOW wherever you take them.

Buy one or get both at a special bundle price!

Felt Cell Phone Kits

The Felt Cell Phone kit is great for just about any size cell phone. It can be carried by the little felt strap or slipped into your purse or backpack. These cases make perfect gifts for teenagers as well as grown-ups. Or give a kit as a gift to an aspiring young crafter so they can feel the accomplishment making it all on their own.

The Felt Cell Phone Kit includes:

• High quality wool blended felt
• All pre-cut pieces
• Embroidery floss
• Beads & button
• Embroidery needle
• Fully detailed Tutorial CD with complete instructions and video links

Felt Cell Phone Kits - $13.97 (plus $3 shipping)

Please specify, in the message section when checking out, which color you'd like your cell phone case to be (flower will coordinate):

• Cream
• Oatmeal (as shown in photo)
• Royal Red
• Plum Purple
• Coral Pink
• Charcoal Gray
• Pumpkin Pie

Embroidered Felt Purse Kit

This purse is wonderful for all ages. It can used as needlework tote to bring your embroidery projects with you wherever you go. It can also become a treasured purse for a little girl who will show it off with pride. Better yet, this is a great project for a young girl to be proud of doing all on her own!

The Embroidered Felt Purse Kit includes:

• High quality wool blended felt
• All pre-cut pieces
• Embroidery floss
• Beads
• Embroidery needle
• Fully detailed Tutorial CD with complete instructions and video links

Embroidered Felt Purse Kit - $17.97 (plus $3 shipping)

Please specify, in the message section when checking out, which color you'd like your purse to be (flowers will coordinate):

• Cream
• Oatmeal (as shown in photo)
• Royal Red
• Coral Pink

Buy both kits for a special bundle price and save on shipping!

Felt Kit Bundle - SAVE $3

- $28.97 (plus $5 shipping & upgrade to Priority shipping)

All kits will ship within 1-2 business days.

Please let me know if you have any questions. erikaerin2001@yahoo.com

Creating with Felt and The Big Shot die cutting machine

It seems I never get tired of hand stitching. I can take it with me anywhere I go and the Big Shot makes cutting fabric and felt so easy. I can literally decide to make something 5 min. before I walk out the door, shoot some felt through the Big Shot die cutting machine, grab my little sewing basket and be on my way. I've done this many times!

These cell phone cases, made with the Top Note die, are quick and easy and I've gotten them down to a science of making them in about an hour and a half each (give or take a little, depending on how much I embellish them).

Besides just using the Top Note die for the cell phone case, I really enjoy using other Big Shot dies to cut out felt pieces to use as my embellishments. The intricate details that can be cut with the Big Shot are amazing! It would take forever for me to cut some of these things out with scissors and they wouldn't look near as good.

I recently finished teaching my "Be a Big Shot with Felt" online course and got great reviews on it. Everyone loved the projects and were surprised at how much you could do with felt in the Big Shot.

Even though the online course is over, the good news is that you can still purchase the Tutorial CD and you'll get all 5 projects included in the course, plus the bonus file I added to this class. You now have the option to purchase this course as a Tutorial CD!
By choosing this option, you can have the convenience of having this entire class, plus the PDF files, all loaded onto one CD!
Be a Big Shot with Felt Tutorial CD: $29.95

Price includes shipping.

The Tutorial CD includes:

* Techniques and instruction encompassing a total of 5 projects - you'll learn to make a felt cell phone case, embroidered felt basket, a beautiful felt scarf, and embellished felt purse and a groovy felt and beaded door curtain reminiscent of the 1960s. 

* Full color, step-by-step photos - each day's project will feature photos of every step of the project so that it's easy to understand.

* Detailed instructional tutorials

* Supply lists for all techniques

* Extra sample photos of multiple projects - You'll see how different takes on the same project can yield diverse and beautiful results.

* PDF files so you can print out the tutorial to keep in a binder to go back to every time you'd like to create these projects again!

 * Video tutorials to walk you through techniques - Some techniques are much easier learned when watching through a video. For visual learners, these videos are a huge plus. Because you'll be learning basic embroidery stitches to decorate your projects, these videos will make the learning process so much easier.

Be a Big Shot with Felt Tutorial CD: $29.95

Price includes shipping.