I just saw this video on how to sharpen your punches! This lady is amazing! I have tried tin foil before, and had a small amount of success, but I think this is even better. I tried it, and it seems to help, especially with those ones that make frayed edges. Check it out!
http://lindastamps.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/stampbusters-sharpening-your-punches-with-soda-cans/
Disclaimer: watch out for sharp pop can edges!
I wanted to share with you a great idea for using the Scallop Envelope Sizzix Die that has recently come out from Stampin' Up. This cute little box was made using Pink Pirouette cardstock, and cutting out 4 Scallop Envelopes from it. (I cut two at a time, and used the Premium Crease Pad to get nice score lines that weren't cut through.)
Just by attaching the "wings" of the envelopes together with Sticky Strip (p190), you get the sides of the box assembled. Then, you just alternate the bottom pieces to close it (fold as you would close a cardboard box). I found that you need to place a cardstock liner in the bottom to keep it from shifting, and then you don't need any adhesive on the bottom. I added 2 layered strips of Bella Rose paper, along with a stamped image from Punches Three (hostess level one set). This was punched out with the Wide Oval punch.
We did this as the Big Shot Club make & take project for October, and it was fun! But, I originally saw this idea on someone else's blog, so I can't take the credit for it. (Trouble is, I don't know who to give credit to. If you know, please forward me the info, so I can update my post!)
my line of the day: If it stands still long enough, Stamp it!
Jo-Ann
I just wanted to share a cute little project that one of my downline demonstrators submitted for my recent Creativity Challenge. This "Bag in a Box" was created by Debby, and she used Bella Rose designer paper, and Pink Pirouette cardstock.
This would make a great gift box for a very special Christmas gift!
Thanks Debby! I love it!
I am offering a class on Nov 21st (7:00pm) to learn how to make these Personalized Christmas Crackers!
There are limited spaces available, so register today. The class is $25 and you will learn how to make these beautiful Christmas Crackers. The class includes 3 completed crackers, and you will also get instructions to take home, so you can make more for your additional family members!
Inside, you will be able to place little gifts, jokes, chocolates, or even diamonds (!) to bring a smile to people's faces ;)
Register here for the class by Nov 14th.....
Can't make the class, and would like the instructions via email ? Click below, it's only $9.00....
As promised, here are the cards we made at last Saturdays' Christmas Stamp-A-Stack. We will also be making these cards at my Daytime card class on Nov 20th (9:30am) if you want to join us!
1) The first one is using Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, and Whisper White cardstock. The background image (hard to see) is using the stars from Starring You (#111696 $16.50 set of 4) in Pacific Point ink.The focal images are stamped and embossed with clear embossing powder, and are using the Holiday Trinkets stamp set (#111650$18.95 set of 4). The ribbon is Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain, and I used the Slot punch to make the holes to slide it thru.
2) This next one is using Bashful Blue, Basic Black, and Whisper White cardstock. Here's how I did this technique:
I ripped some photocopy paper, and temporarily attached it to the whisper white (using 2 way glue pen, which I let dry well), along with a cardstock circle, cut with the 3/4 inch circle punch. I brayered over the top using Bashful blue, then Brocade blue ink, and sponged along the snow line using Night of Navy. After removing the ripped paper, and the circle, I sponged a little "mist" on the bottom of the moon using Bashful Blue. The trees (from Lovely as a Tree #101223 $30.95 pg 106) are stamped in Craft Basic Black ink, and embossed with Iridescent Ice embossing powder(they look nice and sparkly in real life). Thje sentiment is from All Holidays, stamped in Night of Navy. Add a little Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbon, and you're done!
3) The one below is made using Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss, Whisper White and Always Artichoke cardstock.
I stamped the Mellow Moss with my Canvas background stamp (#104421 $20.95 pg135) foirst. Then I stamped the images from Punch Pals (#109489 $37.95 pg 37) in black ink on various cardstock colors, and punched them out with the Scallop circle punch, the 1 3/8 inch circle punch, and the 3/4 inch circle punch, layering with dimensionals as I went. The tree tag is colored with Markers, and punched with the small and large Tag punches ($19.95 pg 188). The fold in this card is a little different, and is basically the same card base as normal, but with an extra score line at 2 1/8" on the one side.
inside:
4) And, last but not least, below is my monochromatic card:
I used cardstock vellum for this, rolling the Jumbo Snow wheel in white Staz-on ink over top. The second layer is the Season of Joy tree (#110384 $31.95 pg 34) stamped in Basic Grey on whisper white. It is layered using Basic Grey and Going Grey. The ribbon is Gray Taffeta ribbon done in a "faux bow" through holes made with the double rectangle punch (p188 $7.50 #105088).
(Sorry, it's a bit blurry!)
If you have any questions about any of these, you can email me at stampinwithjoann@shaw.ca
Happy Stamping!
Jo-Ann Unrau
My Christmas Card Stamp-A-Stack on Saturday went so well! What a fun group of ladies! Everyone made 16 Christmas Cards (4 each of 4 designs), and we were all done within 3 1/2 hours! Whew!
Here they are having a great Stampin' time!
In the above photo, you'll see: Alex, Judy, Jen, Taneane, Peggy, Susan (in pink). And at the far table: Myla, Marg, Susan and Corinna. Where are Kathryn and Eliane? I think they're hiding :)
Here are Mardana, Pamela, and Michelle......
I gave away all the hostess stamp sets and shopping dollars as this was a Mystery Hostess Event too!
Congratulations to Peggy for winning two hostess sets, to Susan for winning a $60 shopping spree, and to Myla for winning a free stamp set from the Catalogue Sampler! Ladies, I hope you enjoy your free goodies!
Hope you enjoyed the pics, I will share photos of the cards next time!
