Easel Card

Using up some retired rub-ons and Designer Paper and made this Sew Suite Easel card.

Cupcake Builder Punch

This was a contest entry a few months ago. I like to use the small oval punch to add a cake color to the cupcake builder punch shapes....looks like the yummy cupcakes on those fun tv shows like Cupcake Wars and D.C. Cupcake.

I ran the frosting shape through the Big Shot Machine with the Manhattan Flower Embossing folder...I like the swirly frosting effect it makes. You can find that embossing folder on page 218 of the current Idea Book & Catalog.

Occasions Alphabet: So Shelli Creative Challenge

The So Shelli Creative Challenge this month is "Thinking of You": any sympathy or condolence cards, hang-in-there cards, you-can-do-it cards . . .whatever. Just a way of reaching out to someone who needs to know that they aren’t alone.

With that in mind I created this card for this challenge (and it was very similar to a card I made for swapping at Convention 2011 which was a few weeks ago in Salt Lake City, Utah). I absolutely love this new alphabet set called "Occasions Alphabet"! I can make up several of these cards to have on hand and then just stamp and punch the saying I need for that particular occasion from this set. I can easily make this card a birthday card by using the "H" is for Happy...hope that's what your birthday is, or a friendship card by using "J" is for JOY...that's what knowing you brings to my life or "F" is for FRIEND...you're one of the best, or "E" if for EVERYTHING...that's what you mean to me....ok, you get the picture, right? Plenty of possibilities from one fabulous stamp set. Check out this stamp set on page 171 of the new Idea Book & Catalog.

Cardstock used: Crumb Cake, Concord Crush, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Embossing folder: Flower Garden
Ribbon: Concord Crush 1/2" Stitched-Poly
Stamp set: Fabulous Florets, Occasions Alphabet, French Foliage
other: Basic Rhinestones, Decorative Label Punch, color spritzer tool, Concord Crush marker

Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Convention display: "GRAD" Page

Well, I can't believe it is already the first part of August...where did the summer go? I won't be long before the kids are headed back to school and in our case both kids will be in college this year. Both will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln...GO HUSKERS!!!!!!!!!!!

This grad page was another Artisan Award entry that I found on display at convention.

Here's hoping that the empty nest allows for more stamping time! :-)

Convention displays: MY GIRL scrapbook page

One of the highlights to my convention every year is seeing the beautiful displays of samples. I especially enjoy finding samples that I have sent in for various contests. This "My Girl" scrapbook page was an Artisan Award entry. I used the scallop oval die cut to create these cute little black shoes to go with this adorable pictures of my daughter (who is now in college but I needed a baby pic for this page LOL!) I was a finalist again this year for this contest.

Congrats to the 2011 Artisan Award winners:
Heather Summers
Heather Stevens
Laura Mellinger
Heather Klump
Cheryl LeFore
Heidi King
Summer Stone
Sandra Farrell
Jennifer Pickard
Connie Collins


FINALISTS Not in any particular order

Marisa Gunn
Staci Lunch
Martha Devries
Katie Kempton
Connie Collins
Laura Mellinger
Gaylyn Pantana
Laura Pinto-Nu-win
Elizabeth Germs
Rochelle Gould
Twila Mooneyham
Janel Hermann
Marlene Peters
Renee Van Stralen
Amy Bollman
Andrea Powers
Sharon Trauth
Jennifer Pickard
Diane Browning
Mercedes Weeber
Diane Kanode
Heather Stevens
Sandra Farrell
Jan Johnson
Summer Stone
Ellen Raymond
Carrie Gaskin
Heidi King
Cheryl LeFore
Betty-Jane Gent-ner
Debi Pippin
Laura Tollander
Jennifer Thomas
Tracy Roefs
Dee-lia Lively
Jackie Topa
Julie Leblain
Erica Cerwin
Mary Haugen
Heather Summers
Mindy Bywater
Heather Klump

Key to my Heart: Chocolate!

I wanted to make a card using the trinket keys embellishments and thought it went well with the stamp that said the key to my heart was "chocolate". I used the cupcake punch to make the paper part of the fancy chocolate and then used the small oval punch with Early Espresso Cardstock to make the hand dipped chocolate looking shape. Topped 2 with a swirl of dazzling diamond glitter and the other 2 with a basic pearl embellishment.
I used the big shot embossing folders to add some textures to the background piece as well as some designer paper, zig-zag die from the Tasteful Trim die and some coordinating ribbon.

Canvas Wrap Butterfly Artwork

This is a 3-d canvas covered with "First Edition Speciality" paper from Stampin' Up!. Once you decoupage the background... cut out butterfly shapes with your Big Shot while the decoupage is drying. Run these butterfly shapes through the Big Shot using texture folders. Embellish the butterflies with Basic Rhinestones. Arrange butterflies onto the canvas area and adhere in place. Add a bow on top of the canvas and trim (I used the pom poms from the occasions mini catalog)to the edge of your canvas. Now you are ready to hang this on your wall! :-) This would be so easy to do in any color scheme to match your room decor.

Easel Card:

This easel card is made with the Sew Suite papers/rub-ons. A few simple folds make this card "stand up". These are fun and easy cards to create! I used the sewing machine to add some stitched lines and also added some pearl and buttons embellishments.

Favor Box Die Xmas in July: Sleigh Treat Favor

Here's a fun little project using he favor box die for a Christmas in July project. The favor box die piece is trimmed down and yummy candy canes used to add the rudders for the sleigh. Fill cello bag with stamps, candy, jewelry etc. This would make a fun gift, centerpiece and could also possibly hold a gift card...just tuck it in under the fabric blanket.

The fabulous Holiday Mini Catalog will be available next month so we can see even more fabulous Christmas projects then.

Pull Card: OWL Card

This card was an recent contest entry to Stampin' Up!. Pull the card up to not only expose the greeting but to see the adorable owl punched bird shape "fly" up the card front!

Adorable penguin card

OK, I saw this idea online and now can't remember who to credit for this adorable penguin inspiration. You use a variety of punches to construct this cute little penguin from the Owl Builder punch from Stampin' Up!. The Glitter Brads are in the new 2011-12 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog and make a great sparkle top to the birthday hat.

Use various punches for the balloons and note that the bottom of the balloon is a punched image of the owl's foot....looks great for the bottom of the balloon.

I've included some basic instructions on how to create the body. Have fun creating a cute penguin greeting card,
Jennifer

Flower Garden Embossing Folder

Here is another card using the Flower Garden. I used white craft ink to lightly sponge over the raised image of the flower design that was created by running it through the big shot machine.
Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Fabulous Flourets set and embossing folder

This sample uses both the Fabulous Flourets set from Stampin' Up! and the matching embossing folder: Flower Garden. This is also an easy card to construct...choose any color combination and add any sentiment to customize it for a wedding, birthday, thank you or any other type of card you are needing.

Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Cupcake Builder Punch

I like to use the small oval punch to add a flavor of cake to my cupcakes when using the cupcake builder punch from Stampin' Up!. I usually pick chocolate! :-) Yum!
Use any embossing folder to add texture to the frosting area of your cupcake.

Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Lattice Die cut

Here's a quick and easy card. I used the Big Shot Lattice Die to cut the fun shape for the background.
Layer on scallop and circle punched shaped for your greeting.
Of course, you need a little ribbon to finish it off.

Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Greeley, Colorado stamp camp - June 25!

9th Annual Stamp Camp
Greeley, Colorado
This event is hosted by Jennifer Thomas and Joanne Randolph.
When: June 25th, 2011
This year our event will be held at Joanne’s house and held in two sessions, pick one:
Morning 10:00 a.m.-12:00 Afternoon 1:00 p.m.- 3:00
(Doors open at 9:45 a.m. for session one and 12:45 for session two)
Place: Joanne Randolph’s house Address: 2690 58th Avenue, Greeley, CO

Cost: $30 if paid before June 1st & $35 after June 1st!

Each project will have a station and you will move from project to project at your own pace.
Many projects will use product from the Summer Mini Catalog. Patterns included for many projects.

Includes 7 projects:
Penguin Birthday card: made with punches and so cute!
Fun new easel style card: with paper kite design great for summer cards*
Fabulous Florets/Flower Garden Embossing card
Cupcake card*
Masculine card
3-d butterfly favor complete with chocolate
12x12 double-page scrapbook layout: adorable summer theme of a puppy (made from punches) in a little red wagon*
*Are projects from Jennifer’s Artisan Award entry 2011, she was a 2009 & 2010 Artisan Award Finalist! 
Many projects include the Big Shot machine dies and embossing folders.

Space is limited to 25 participants each session, first come first served basis. Registrations are complete once payment is received.

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT:
• Email thomas@daltontel.net with intent to attend & to make sure there is a spot available!
• Send payment to: Jennifer Thomas, Box 100, Potter, NE 69156
• You will receive email confirmation when payment is received.
• Deadline to register is when all spots have been filled.
• Sorry no refunds once payment is received…if for some reason you can’t attend after signing up you can find someone to take your place or find someone to pick up your packet of supplies for the day.



Contact info:

Jennifer Thomas, Potter, Nebraska
for registration info & questions.
thomas@daltontel.net
Home phone: 308-879-4396
Cell: 308 250 8675

Mailing address:
Jennifer Thomas
Box 100
Potter, NE 69156

Contact Joanne Randolph, Greeley, Colorado
for directions & questions.
If you have troubles contacting Jennifer by email please contact Joanne: randolphfamily@msn.com
970-330-8544
2690 58th Avenue, Greeley, CO




Supply list

Please bring these items with you:

*Adhesive of choice: snail or glue sticks

*Notepad & Pencil - optional
*Camera - optional

Love the embossing folders!

I really like the way the embossing folders add a little something to any card design. Here is a simple wedding card done in Saraha Sand, Rich Razzleberry & Blushing Bride. Of course this would be very easy to change to a friendship, thankyou or birthday card just by changing the little saying from the set "Tiny Tags".

Stylish Blog Award

I received this blog award this week from Chanda, a fellow Nebraskan.
Guess I'm suppose to share 8 things about myself.
1. I already mentioned I live in Nebraska. :-)
2. Next year I will have an empty nest with both kids attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Go Huskers!
3. I have been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for the past 15 years.
4. Have attended every Stampin' Up! convention in those 15 years, and planning on attending this summer too.
5. I have my K-12 Art endorsement and currently teaching part-time grades 7-12.
6. My favorite color is PURPLE!
7. I love all types of crafts, especially scrapbooking and photography.
8. Planning to go to Salt Lake City the end of March for a scrapbook expo. I think SLC is one of my favorite cities and it is so pretty in the spring with the snow on the mountain tops and tulips blooming early. Can't wait to go, well not thrilled about the long drive through Wyoming but oh well!

Big Shot Die Storage

For those of you that know me know I love my Big Shot machine and use it all the time in monthly classes, workshops and at school for projects with the students. This is a storage system I dreamed up to help organize the dies (they seem to multiply so quickly LOL!)I used some scrap wood and completed this in one afternoon. I have a 6 foot counter in my stamp room so made this storage rack to fit that space. The columns allow me to stack different sizes of dies in rows going up and by original or bigz sizes....2 rows fit in each area. I found some old drawers out in the garage so incorporated those in this to hold embosslits and sizzlits. The far right side holds the extra long sizzlits, adapters etc. I have a shelf in the paper rack above that hold all my XL Bigz dies. This has really helps me keep my dies more organized....but I'll be honest the rest of my stamp room needs my attention! Here's a picture with it full of dies.

Audrey's Valentines Box

Last year my niece Audrey asked for help making a Valentine Box for her school party. So we made a stand up mailbox complete with an opening door to let the valentines fall to the bottom of the mail box just like the mail boxes outside the post offices. This year she wanted help again and we decided to do a grand piano as she started taking piano lessons this year and loves it. We started out with a Stampin' Up! box and ended up with a cool looking piano. The lid is hindged so that you can put it down flat on the piano or place it up with the small wooden stick. The valentines go in the opening in the body of the piano so you just slip them in under the piano lid when it is propped up. I hope Audrey had a great time at her school Valentine's party today!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Jennifer

Patchwork pieces of DSP

Squares of designer papers help you easily create a quilt inspired layout. Once again fabulous ribbon from the Clearance Rack at Stampin' Up! (see that on my website). You will need 3 different pieces of Stampin' Up! designer paper, which is double sided, so you can cut 2 pieces from each paper and then flip and flop those until you get 6 different coordinating designs.

Makes for a cozy little greeting card,
Jennifer

Heart Embosslit

Embosslits cut and emboss the design at the same time, so you run it through your Big Shot once and get this fun little heart cut out complete with a fun scalloped edge and dotted swiss raised dots.
I used a 2 x 3" piece of designer paper on this design and you can easily change this card to a masculine card just by changing the designer paper and the color scheme! Some Glassy Glitter adds that extra special flair to your card (use the Sticky Strip to adhere this with ease!) Ribbon was a fabulous bargain from the Clearance Rack at Stampin' Up!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Jennifer

Simple Textured Hearts Card

I love the look of the background on this card and for those of you that know me know that I love my "BIG SHOT". I used the Square Lattice Textured Embossing folder on this project. Just punch the hearts out and adhere to the white cardstock. Run this piece through the Big Shot machine and it will texture the hearts and the white paper....reminds me of the fun textured on a high end paper towel! :) I also like the way the hearts look distressed due to the embossing pattern. Of course you can use any of the wonderful Stampin' Up! embossing folders for cards like this. Have fun trying some designs of your own!
Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Two at a time Snowman Cards

I love snowmen and winter for that fact....I'm always praying for a snow day at school, tee hee! These snowmen cards are super easy to make and I like the fact that you can just as easily make 2 of them as you are running dies through your Big Shot machine. Use the TOP NOTE die and layer both the designer paper and a piece of white paper on the die at the same time. Run those through the Big Shot and then cut both in half the long way. Now you have a white piece for the snowman's face and a patterned piece for the top of the hat. Stampin' Up!'s designer paper is 2 sided so you can flip & flop those pieces so you have a different design for each card.
This card is also a fun way to use up those odds and ends of designer papers & old buttons because nothing has to really match for a snowman...they will be loveable with any color combination and any expression.
Happy stamping,
Jennifer

Back to Stamping! Finally :-)

After recovering from surgery back in November I am finally back in my stamping room and back to teaching. Here is a fun greeting my students had hanging in my Art room when I returned from 2 month of sick leave. So that was really nice...I have the nicest students in the world...and a great sub too! I'm happy to say I have prepped and completed 2 stamping events in the last week so finally feel like I might be getting back to normal in that aspect.

Here is a cute and easy snowman card from class this month. What a great way to use our circle punches! I used dimensionals in 2 places in the layers between the snowman circles.
Another fun snowman project will be in tomorrow's post. Yes, it's really cold here in Nebraska and we have had snow on the ground off and on this past month.
Happy Stamping,
Jennifer