Stampin' Mama: A mama that stamps

Love Impressions Rub-ons card

I was recently working on a review for Craft Critique and using the new Hot Glue Gun Helpers by Plaid and I experimented with the Press Wand to create a unique background. I squeezed hot glue all over the Press Wand and let it cool, then rolled it over my Riding Hood Red ink pad and then rolled it over Whisper White cardstock. A bit messy on the fingers, but a really cool effect and it all washes off eventually. 

I used the background piece that I created to make this card. I sponged around the Whisper White cardstock with Riding Hood Red ink and adered it to a Pink Pirouette card base. 

I created the focal point by using rub-ons from the Love Impressions Rub-ons on top of Pink Pirouette cardstock. I sponged around it with Riding Hood Red ink and used Stampin' Dimensionals (aka: pop-dots) to pop it all off the card. 

I added another Love Impressions Rub-Ons at the bottom of the card and then adhered a couple dew drop embellishments on either side for some bling. 

Even though the Love Impressions Rub-Ons were popular for Valentine's day, they're great for cards all through the year for those you love. 

You can find these in the Occasions Mini Catalog and if you'd like to order, just shoot me an email ([email protected]) or give me a call: 802-877-2296

Have a beautiful weekend!

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!

 

Stampin' Up Color Challenge on Soul Scrappers!

Over at Soul Scrappers, we've brought back the popular Stampin' Up Color Challenge! It was so popular that we're going to be featuring it once a month. 

This month's color combo is:

• Kraft
• Pink Pirouette
• Riding Hood Red
• Basic Black

This color combo definitely has a Valentine's Feel to it, but I loved seeing what the Soul Team did with it and they created pages that have nothing at all to do with Valentine's. I'm so proud of their creativity! 

There's a brand new stamp set as a prize for the winner of this challenge, so come play with us!

I did a page using two photos of portraits that were taken of my grandmother when she was 20 & 21 years old. They're two of my favorite photos and have been since I was a small child. 

I used all Stampin' UP supplies to create my page:

Love Impressions rub-ons, small heart punch, Scallop circle punch, 1 1/4 circle punch, rhinestones, Pink Pirouette wide grosgrain ribbon, Riding Hood Red striped ribbon and cardstock (Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Pink Pirouette, Basic Black). 

Soul Scrappers has other fun challenges to take part in, too!

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!

Jolly Holidays Design-a-House

No, there's no green grass outside right now. In fact, the leaves are all gone, and everything is covered in snow, including my deck. In fact, it's still snowing outside right now. I took this picture a couple months ago before winter arrived here. 

This is the Design-a-House that I created for my Fall Stamp camp back in October. I'll put this on the mantle for the holidays come tomorrow night. 

The Design-a-House was so easy to put together. It came with directions and even the pattern pieces to use if you want to cut out fabric to cover your box with, as well as a doorknob, too. I used the Jolly Holiday Designer Series paper along with Red Riding Hood and Very Vanilla cardstock. I used my Scallop Edge border punch to create a gingerbread-house look for the trim below all the eaves on the house and around the chimney. I dusted the scalloped edging and the trim around the bottom of the house with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, because everything is better with glitter. Also, glitter on the house looks like sparkling snow!

I used a strip of the Jolly Holiday paper to make an accordion rosette to go on the front of the house. I love the look of them and plan on using them more in my paper crafting. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

-Erika (Stampin' Mama)

Holiday Stamp Camp - registration is OPEN!

Early Bird Registration ends November 5th

When: Saturday, November 20th

Time: 10 am - 2 pm

Where: My studio in Ferrisburg (call or email for directions

Cost: $50 per person -  

(please bring adhesive and scissors)

A delicious hot lunch and yummy dessert is included.

All of your materials will be prepped and ready for you!

Get into the Holiday Spirit!

Start on your Holiday decorating and gift giving with The Holiday Stamp Camp!

You'll be creating 3 amazing projects:

* A snow-sparkled Holiday House using our new "Design-a-House" from the mini catalog and the Jolly Holiday paper

* A decorative Cranberry Nut Bread mix in a bag, complete with a ceramic porcelain loaf pan

* Sweet holiday treats in test tubes, held in a decorate box

Your Stamp Camp registration includes all supplies (please bring adhesive and scissors) and you'll be taking home the remainder of your pack of Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper. There's plenty left to create with!

Registration ends November 10th!

 

Save $3 when you register by November 5th

Holiday Stamp Camp Regisgtration - $50.00

Registration deadline is November 10th.

If you'd like to pay by check, please mail it to:

Erika Martin
543 Hawkins Road
Ferrisburg, VT 05456

Checks must be received by the registration deadline of November 10th.

Join my Virtual Stamp Club!

I've got some questions for you...........

* Do you love Stampin' UP stamps, papers, cardstock and accessories?

* Do you love getting freebies?

* How about getting an Exclusive VIP pass to Member-Only technique tutorials, video tutorials, templates, newsletter, etc.?

* Would you like a FREE Stampin' Up catalog each year?

* Would you like to get FREE Mini Catalogs sent to your mailbox three times a year?

You can get all of these when you join my Virtual Stamp Club!

What's a Virtual Stamp Club, you might ask? 

First off, the great thing about being part of my Virtual Stamp Club is that it doesn't matter where you live in the USA, you can be a part of my club!

When you join my Virtual Stamp Club, you'll get FREE stamping education! It's like getting classes for FREE! When you place your order each month as part of the club, you'll receive an Exclusive VIP pass to Member-Only technique tutorials, video tutorials, templates, newsletters and more! Only Virtual Stamp Club members receive these!

Each month, you'll place your minimum $25 order (before tax and shipping where it applies) on my Stampin' Up website by the 10th of the month. Your order will be shipped right to your door by UPS.

As an active Virtual Stamp Club member, you'll receive a FREE current Stampin' Up catalog each year, PLUS, you'll get the Mini Catalogs delivered to your mail box three times a year.

Want to get started and join my Virtual Stamp Club? It's really easy! Just fill out the form below, click submit and you'll be on your way! Welcome to the Club!

Stampin' Up Color Challenge!

A bunch of the girls on The Soul Team over at Soul Scrappers got together this weekend to create beautiful samples for our very first Stampin' Up Color Challenge! 

I picked out quite a dynamic color combination....probably not one that many would think of!

We're all using: So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray and Basic Black. 

See? I told you it's not one that you would think of! 

Above is the 12 x 12 page that I created for this challenge. I used my new Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die with my Big Shot die cutting machine to create all the awesome trims I used on this page. I added a little pop of color with some Old Olive and Baja Breeze. 

We'd love to have you come and join us over at the Stampin' UP color challenge! If you're not a scrapbooker, there's also a card sample from one of the Soul Team members and we'd love for you to submit a card. There's a great grab bag of scrapbooking supplies for the winner!

Supplies: Cardstock: So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Old Olive, Baja Breeze; Tasteful Trim die; Beautiful Wings Embosslits; Baskets & Blooms die; Flower Folds die; self-adhesive rhinestones.