Stamping with Noel

Mission Organization - Embellishment Storage Finalized

I will readily admit that my love of embellishments and office supplies are only surpassed by my love for organization!  That doesn't mean I'm always organized ... just that I'm always organizing!  Often this means that a storage solution I set up is only temporary, as I will find a better solution down the road.  It was a vintage find at a local antique store that finally helped me to finalize my embellishment storage.

Here is the final form of storage for (most) of my embellishments:

 

This fabulous chest has 121 drawers, approximately 3 x 4 x 6 inches in size.  And, making it even better, the top surface is the perfect depth for our Stack & Store Caddies to hold smaller items.  I have 6 of them already with room for 1 or 2 more.

Here is a photo of this piece as I found it.  I actually walked away at first, but hurried back before I even made it out of the store.

  

It has obviously received a new paint job (leaving the drawers themselves untouched), and I added 121 (make that 119 - two are still missing) little drawer label holders.  That was a labor of love for certain.  It took ages to find reasonably priced label holders, and then I had a devil of a time finding the right size screws. Then, once the supplies were found, I had to use a nail to 'pre-drill' each hole and hand drill each screw as only my glasses repair kit screw driver would fit the necessary screws.  Countless hours were spent on this job, but the results are well worth it!

Here are a few photos of the types of items stored in these drawers:

 
Yes, I store all of my alphabet embellishments in these drawers sorted by letter.

  
There is a drawer for each of my adhesives/adhesive refills and many filled with office supplies.

Do you have small embellishments that need storage?  What solutions have you found that work for you?  Do you have room for the Stack & Store Caddies?  Or perhaps you have shallow drawer space in which you could place Stampin' Store Containers (labeled and on their sides, with dividers to keep them from rolling around).  If you would like to discuss a storage option with me, let me know - I've tried a lot of methods over the years, maybe I can help!

Happy Crafting and Organizing,

Noel 

Creative Inspiration - A Card Inspired by the Calendar

Here is a card inspired by a special holiday, World Penguin Day!

 

I have been meaning to create a thank you card for a dear friend for several weeks now. The main factor I wanted to take into consideration was that she loves black and white. Unfortunately, this task has just sat and sat at the top of my task list.  I really have to get better about conquering the first item on my to do list first!

Earlier this week, I was informed that April 29th was Penguin Day. Hmmm ... is this the national holiday of the Antarctic? I don't actually know, but it was the perfect inspiration for someone who loves black and white ... next time I need a card for this individual I'll have to see if there is a Dalmatian Day!

When looking for inspiration for a card or project, don't overlook the calendar. If you look online, you can find amazing facts about any given date in the calendar. Holiday Insights is a fabulous website for finding little known and/or bizarre holidays for any day of any month. There seems to be some confusion on the web about the origination and the date of observation of World Penguin Day, but Holiday Insights places it on April 25th and says:

"World Penguin Day coincides with the annual northward migration of penguins. This happens each year on or around April 25th."

The information I was given earlier in the week may have given me the wrong calendar date for World Penguin Day, but it still provided me with the inspiration I needed to create this card. Once you find a holiday that resonates with you, remember that these simple little factoids may just prove to be the inspiration you need to create a card!

Tool Tip: This penguin was created using the Stampin' Up! Two-Step Owl Punch. I have stated before that I try to purchase tools and supplies with the most flexibility of use. However, occassionally I find an item that is just too cute to pass up - in this case the Two-Step Owl Punch. Just because an item seems limited in it's uses at first glance, it doesn't mean you can't use the punch in new ways.

This penguin was inspired by the many ghosts, flowers, penguins and other creatures I have seen created with this punch by some truly creative crafters. Simply punch the owl out of Basic Black, Whisper White, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock and use the pieces accordingly. For the orange feet, I did not cut off each foot ... I kept a portion of the lower body attached to both feet to make it easier to glue on top of the black body. The beak is simply the heart that is also part of this punch.

Inspiration is everywhere. Where is your favorite place to seek inspiration? Add a comment below and share your ideas with all of us!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Supplies: 

Paper - Basic Black, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, and Bashful Blue cardstock
Tools - Big Shot, Two-Step Owl Extra Large Punch, and Perfect Polka Dots Textured Empressions
Stamps - Thank You Kindly Stamp Set
Ink - StazOn Jet Black

Green Crafts - Altered Embellishment Storage

Altering boxes and containers of any style is always so much fun! Sometimes I see a container and, before I even use the product inside, I know exactly what I want to do with the container itself. Other times, I know I'm eventually going to want to use the container, but specific ideas elude me awaiting the right inspiration. But this month I've had a new experience ... I've received inspiration to alter containers sitting here that I had never actually thought about altering, my Stampin' Store Containers.

I save all of my empty Stampin' Store Containers from all of my Stampin' Up! embellishments - brads, eyelets, library clips, etc. While you can purchase these containers from Stampin' Up! (here), I like to reuse the containers I already have on hand first. I use these containers in my Stack & Store Caddies to hold embellishments that don't come packaged in this format already like our Paper Daisies, standard office supplies like paper clips and rubberbands, and hardware finds like washers that have made it into my crafts. I love the small footprint the caddies. I have 6 caddies already and space for at least one more! I'll do a post soon showing how I organize these caddies and my treasured antique chest which completes my embellishment storage.

In recent months, I've seen many samples of these containers altered! Several were just decorated with paper on the top and/or bottom, others included ribbon wrapped around the sides, one had twine inside and an eyelet set in the side to feed the twine through (genius), and the ones that made me decide I just had to give this a try myself were decorated like little fancy dress hats similar to mine above.

While mine appears to be the lid to this jar, it isn't. I've just placed it on the jar to photograph (and put the flowers from the Stampin' Store Container into the jar for color!). But, this image has me thinking... could my love of altering jars be combined with this technique to create something really fun? Do I have something to store that has two size pieces or parts? This just might be a project to consider for the future.

In the meantime, you've probably noticed I've been playing a lot with my Occasions Mini Products recently. As the catalog comes to an end I'm finally finding that I just can't get enough of these products. I wish I had discovered them sooner!

If you would like to purchase any of the products from this mini (including the Vintage Flower Adornments, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper, and Seam Binding found in this project), your time is ticking away! Occasions Mini Products are only available through April 31st. Shop Now!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

What is DSP anyway? & Announcing my first week day morning class...

At a recent class, as I walked through the project instructions, I was asked "What is DSP?"

I was caught off guard by this perfectly legitimate question, realizing that there are many terms I use that may or may not be known to a crafter taking my classes.  The paper crafting industry is rife with acronyms and industry only terms, and it can be hard to keep up.  And, within any one company, there is a whole host of terms specific to that company - which may or may not have the same meaning as used by another company within the same industry!

Stampin' Up! uses the acronym DSP as a shortened reference to their Designer Series Paper.  Simple enough once you learn the lingo, but I will try harder to introduce the phrase before I start tossing it around casually in class or in my written materials. 

For those of you wondering what other terms you might be missing out on, I've previously defined the acronym C.A.S.E. for you (here), and periodically throughout my posts and in my newsletters I will try to help you with additional industry and Stampin' Up! specific terms.  Is there a term or phrase you've heard recently that you would like to learn more about?  Let me know and I'll do my best to provide you with an appropriate definition.

In the meantime, I am happy to announce that my first week day morning class has been scheduled for May 24th 9:30am - 11:30am.  This class highlights DSP!  Sign up for my Designer Series Paper Gift Class and use your favorite Stampin' Up! DSP to create three separate gift items.  Details and registration information can be found here.  

Happy Crafting,

Noel 

Easter Treat Display

Here is an Easter/Birthday Treat display I did for my daughter's classroom party last week (she's now 9 and growing up so fast!). This display came together super quick with the use of the Big Shot and I just love how the Stampin' Up! paper colors all work together. 

 

Wouldn't the flower pot make a great center piece at any spring party?  Or a baby shower?  Or a wonderful handmade gift for Valentine's day?  There are so many possibilities for this one! 

If you would like to recreate these projects, the complete supply list can be found at the end of this post.  For the basics: 

The flowers in the flower pot were done with the Fancy Folds Flower Bigz XL die.  I can't believe how much work I get out of that die!  I also used our Sweet Treat Cup holders.  This is my first time using these and I've already placed my next order - as well as an order for the school's art teacher who will be doing a special project with all of the elementary school kids for Mother's Day.  Shhh... it's a secret, but I'll post back with the finished results.  Oh, and as a safety measure, the flowers were twisted off the skewer before handing them to the children - these are 8 and 9 year olds afterall, and handing them a 12" pointed skewer is probably asking for trouble!

The Easter basket cupcakes couldn't have been easier.  I used the Perfect Setting Bigz XL die to cut the wraps - four at a time!  Knowing the children would be destroying the packaging within minutes, I saved time and just stapled the ring closed.  I added a strip of 8 1/2 x 1/2 inch paper with brads for the basket handle ... by using the brads, I could tilt the handle back to add the cupcake easily, but the basket was still strong enough for the inevitable cupcake swinging maneuver.  (And, yes, I did see at least one cupcake swung around with abandon - without disaster!). 

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend!  My weekend was filled with family and time outdoors - what more could I ask for?  And, speaking of asking for more ... Is there something you'd like to see more of on this blog, or in my classes?  Let me know - either in a comment here, or email me - and I'll see what I can do. 

Til next time...

Happy Crafting,

Noel  

Supply List:

Cardstock:  Rose Red, Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Tempting Turqoise, and Pink Pirouette
Big Shot:  Fancy Folds Flower Bigz XL die, Perfect Setting Bigz XL die
Accesories:  Sweet Treat Cup holders, Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive
Punches:  2 3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-Large, 1 3/4" Circle Extra-Large

Celebrate Easter with a Petal Cone Carrot Treat AND Free Gift!

Happy Easter everyone!  I love to take any excuse to decorate and to create little decorative treats for kids and adults alike.  Here is an extraordinarily simple treat made with the Petal Cone Bigz L Die:

 

I can't believe the versatility of this die (yes, it is the same die I used to create my Christmas Tree box here)!  As soon as I saw a version of this carrot online, I knew I had to give it a try.  I chose to cut only one petal cone out of Pumpkin Pie cardstock - I have seen other versions where they have cut two pieces and created a full cone, but I only needed a small treat holder on this occasion.  I cut the front flap off of the cone and ran the front section only through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder before assembling.  Both the scallop embellishment and the banner are also on the Petal Cone Die.

Note:  if you are keeping up on crafting industry trends, banner embellishments are huge right now!  The versatility of the petal cone itself, along with this simple banner detail make this die well worth my money.

Don't forget, I'm sending out a free gift tutorial at 1pm today for all current members of my mailing list.  Don't miss out - input your email in the mailing list subscriber box at the top right of this page.  You will be directed to a page requesting additional information.  After you submit your information you will be sent an email asking you to confirm your enrollment.  You must sign up AND confirm your subscription by 1pm today in order to receive your free tutorial!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Don't Miss Out on Your Free Gift!

Why a free gift?  Well, it's spring and I'm feeling hoppy!  (and yes, that just might be a silly clue!)

So at 1pm on Easter, April 24th, I will be sending out a free punch art tutorial to all current members of my mailing list.  This tutorial is an example of the many subscriber only benefits available for my mailing list subscribers.  For all of you lurkers out there, this means you only have 48 hours in which to sign up for my mailing list & confirm your enrollment in order to receive your free tutorial. 

How do you sign up?  Simply input your email in the mailing list subscriber box at the top right of this page.  You will be directed to a page requesting additional information.  Although only your name and email address are required, I recommend that you also provide your birth date month so that you don't miss out on your next subscriber only birthday offer!  After you submit your information you will be sent an email asking you to confirm your enrollment.  You must sign up AND confirm your subscription by Sunday at 1pm in order to receive your free tutorial! 

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Green Crafts: An Earth Day Upcycle Project

EDIT:  OOPS!  Posted a day early, but I'm going to leave it for you as inspiration for you to prepare for a green crafting day tomorrow!

You all know that I love to use items around my house to create handmade gifts and decorative items.  In honor of Earth Day, I want to share another upcycled craft with you.  It's time to take something out of my box of "I don't have a use for this right now, but someday I might" stuff and remake it into something with a practical use. 

I had a simple frame sitting unused in my home for years (3 years? 5 years?).  It was given to me by a friend as something I might like - and I did and do ... I just never bothered to put a photo inside.  The size is too small to put on the wall, and my tabletop photo space is extremely limited.  Also, when I put a photo on display, I want it printed as large as possible.  This frame is just under 6 x 6" and only holds a 3 x 3" photo. 

Recently, I've seen several frames done up as embellished dry erase boards - what a fabulous idea! I just had to give it a try, but I didn't want to buy something new to do it.  I dug out my unused frame and  knew I had my answer.  It has become a reusable post it note of sorts - and adds color and interest to my work desk.  

 

I hadn't realized that dry erase markers work on glass - but they do, beautifully.  And, with the 3 x 3 square of Whisper White paper pushed up against the glass, you are able to clearly read any notes written on the glass in that area.  In the recessed areas where the patterned paper sits, I could even add three dimensional items (flowers? chipboard "N" tied with ribbon?) for extra embellishment.  But, for now anyway, I am just loving this Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  If this paper is a sign of things to come in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog due out in July, then I am going to be one happy camper.

I'm including a couple pictures of this project as I worked on it, to help you get a better idea of what I've done here.  First, this is what the frame looked like unaltered:

 

And with the patterned paper lining:

   

A 3x3 square of Whisper White cardstock was placed on the center wood block before placing the whole insert back into the frame.

Have you taken advantage of the Spring is Blossoming Promotion?  You have only days left to order this paper and the Four Tags stamp set with a qualifying order (minimum order of $20 in product).  After April 31st this paper will not be available for order until July 1st.  Visit the Spring is Blossoming Promotions page today!

Happy Earth Day and Happy GREEN Crafting,

Noel

Handmade Gift Presentation: Note Card Folder Tutorial

Having shared with you that I often give sets of simple cards as handmade gifts, I thought it was time to share with you one of my simple packaging choices - Card Folders!

Those of you who have been with me for years have probably made these in the past.  I think I first taught card folders in a class almost three years ago!   I can't believe how fast time passes.  These folders were inspired by a tutorial I saw in a major scrapbook magazine at the time.  They are super easy to make, but give your cards more presentation and the look of a store bought gift set, with handcrafted flair!

 
Card Folder Closed

 
Card Folder Open with cards and envelopes. 

This folder was created for my simple bee cards shared earlier in the week (see here).  I usually embellish the front of the folder with an extra cardfront matching the cards being placed inside or some other key embellishment from the card.  This way, if I've given more than one folder to a recipient or if I am looking through folders in my own stash, I know which cards are in which folder.  For gift giving, this also gives the set a cohesive feel.  But these cards were so simple and elegant, I wanted a very simple card folder as well.

For your convenience, I have created a simple pdf tutorial to help you recreate this file folder (available for download here).  These instructions are for a file folder to hold standard size cards (1/2 sheet of 8 1/2 x 11" cardstock), however, I have used the same dimensions for these slightly smaller note cards.  If you are making smaller gift cards or other custom sized cards, you could easily change the dimensions of this file folder to create an appropriate size.  Larger cards may require the use of 12 x 12" paper instead of the 8 1/2 x 11" paper used here. 

You can always add 'more' to a project like this - a belly band or ribbon tie closure for example - but, no matter how simple your embellishments, this simple packaging will help your handmade cards feel like a complete gift!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Simple Notecards - an easy gift idea

Simple notecards are something we can all use even in this technological age.  There is always that check that needs to be popped into the mail, the thank you that would be more appropriate as snail mail than as an email, or the need to tuck a card in with a gift or that container of hot soup for a sick friend.   I try to keep a variety of cards around the house, in various sizes, for just this purpose.  I also keep small sets of cards on hand to give as a gift - especially to those friends and family members who do not craft themselves.  Often these gift sets include thank you cards (my favorite to give to teachers), blank inside notecards (which can be used by anyone for any occasion), or a variety pack of greeting cards.

Here is my most recent set:

 

Some of you may remember that when I did my Pottery Barn inspired bee card (see here), I referenced a simple notecard I saw online ... just a single gold embossed bee in the center of a white notecard.  That simple bee has been buzzing around in my mind ever since waiting to come out to play.   This set of embossed notecards and envelopes finally came to life last week. 

The cards took almost no time at all to make, especially since I used the Note Cards sold by Stampin' Up! which include 20 pre-cut and scored cards as well as envelopes.  I created 20 note cards (5 sets of 4?) in about 5 minutes.

Tool Tip:  The simpler the card, the more important it is to use your embossing buddy to prevent stray stampin' emboss powder!  For more tips on heat embossing, see my top 10 tips here. 

This set came to life so easily, I just might have to make similar sets with other images.   

If you would like to make this set for an apiarist in your life (ok, so maybe we don't all know a beekeeper personally - but someone you know probably likes bees!), the Nature Walk stamp set is only available through April 31st.  

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Creative Inspiration: Using the Petal Cone Bigz L Die

Are you looking for creative inspiration for using your Petal Cone Bigz L Die?

The Petal Cone Die is one of my absolute favorite items in the current Occasions Mini Catalog - and, based on the number of samples I've seen, I'm not the only one.  The majority of samples I've seen have highlighted spring or summer themes.  Not so unusual as winter has officially come to an end and Spring arrived, and the Occasions Mini Catalog is packed full of other spring products that work so well with this die.  But, today, I want to share another options with you - a winter themed option!

 

This christmas tree was inspired by one of my customers.  I love that Bonnie always comes to class ready to share with me the projects that she was inspired to create since our last meeting.  She recently shared this Petal Cone Christmas tree:

 

I was so inspired by her tree that I had to create my own, as seen above.  I cut the tree from Old Olive cardstock, and covered it with leaves from the Little Leaves sizzlet cut from Always Artichoke cardstock.  Next I decorated it with Basic Pearls colored with a sharpie permanent markers.  I'm still deciding on the perfect tree topper, but I'm happy with how it is turning out.  I think it will make fabulous packaging for a handmade christmas gift ... I wonder if I could even fit a gift card in there?

If you have been inspired and would like to put your own spin on the Petal Cone die from the current Occasions Mini catalog, it can be purchased here.  This mini catalog is only good through April 31st - but I'm hoping this die carries over to the next catalog as I am having so much fun with it!

Happy Crafting,

Noel  

Card Sketch #2 - a Classic

This Classic Card Sketch always looks fresh and new!  I've been using it for years, and no matter how old the sketch, I am still happy with the results.

 
Here is my latest variation on this sketch:

  

But guess what, not only did I use an old sketch - I used an old card and just updated stamps and colors!  This is the same card as taught in my classes years ago (highlighting the stampin' write markers direct to stamp technique):

  

I like the use of sponging to create a separate layer (technique tip:  simply lay a piece of scratch paper across your paper, hold taut, and sponge over the edge).  And the three tags in a line is a look I use over and over - these two layered tag punches are two of my most used punches!

To bring something new to this sketch, here is yet one more sample.  Rather than the tags, I've used three handmade sunflowers.  And I've run a ribbon across the page instead of the sponging. 

  

Remember to save this sketch to your card sketch library - and don't forget to play!

Happy Crafting,

Noel  

Supplies Used:

Card #1 - Whisper White and Baja Breeze Cardstock, Baja Breeze, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango Classic Ink, Friends Never Fade and Sincere Salutations Stamp Sets, Stamping Sponge, Large Tag and Extra Large Tag Punches and Silver Brads.

Card #2 - Retired products, Very Vanilla Cardstock, Stamping Sponge, Large Tag and Extra Large Tag Punches and Silver Brads.

Card #3 - Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip Cardstock, Big Shot, Billboard Alphabet Sizzlit and Daisies #2 Die, 1/2" Circle Punch, and Crystal Effects (as well as retired Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, star punch and mini brads from stash) 

Class Guide Now Available for Online Purchase!

My two Beginning Explorations in Watercolor Classes this weekend were a huge success!  Thank you to everyone who attended.  I think everyone learned a few new techniques and tips that will help them with their rubber stamp watercolor art.

For those of you who missed the class, and have inquired about the possibility of an online class, I am taking your suggestion into consideration.  I think I will be able provide you with the classroom experience with Online Explorations in Watercolor Class Videos available only to those who purchase the online class.  While I develop this class, I would like to offer the class guide for purchase.  Once an online class has been designed, there will be a discount offered to anyone who has previously attended the class or purchased the online guide.    

Purchase The Beginning Explorations in Watercolor Class Guide now:

This guide provides step by step instruction for eight different watercolor techniques using rubber stamps and various Stampin' Up! supplies.  For just $5, this guide includes technique information, dozens of helpful tips, a complete supply list and space to keep notes on your own experiences.  

To purchase this guide, click the paypal button below, or visit my new online store here.   Your class guide will be emailed to you within 48 hours from receipt of payment.

What others are saying about this class guide:

“… Even though I have experience with watercolor techniques, this class included new material, new tips and brought back skills I had previously learned but forgotten!”  Penny

"I’ve always wanted to be able to use watercolor techniques when making my cards but never had a starting point.  What a great idea to sell the class guide for those of us who couldn't make the class. The step-by-step instructions and tips are so wonderfully thought out and explained.  This is a real help. Thank you so much for the instructions!!! Debra

A note on Paypal:  you do not need a paypal account in order to make secure online credit card payments! Paypal allows you to make a credit card payment without registering and accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Paypal charge cards.

I hope this guide helps you utilize the supplies you have on hand to add watercolor to your rubber stamp art and supplies you with new tips and techniques.  If you have any questions, please contact me.

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Tool Tip - how to make using your punches easier!

Do you use punches in your craft projects? 

I love punches and have collected them for over a decade!  With that much experience under my belt, I am still collecting tips and techniques that help me to utilize my punches better and in new ways.  And I just have to share this 'new to me' punch tool tip with you.  Once you read this, if you are like me, you will ask yourself why you hadn't figured this one out on your own already.  

TOOL TIP - punching from a small scrap of paper:

When you need to punch a shape from a small piece of paper attach a post it note to your paper to give yourself a handle.  You can now hold onto the post it note and slide the small piece of cardstock around inside the punch. 

How easy is that?  No more shaking the punch trying to get that small scrap to slide into place.  No more trying to move the piece around with the eraser end of a pencil pushed into the open window of the punch.  No more pushing a piercing tool into the side of the punch trying to nudge the cardstock into place.  Just a simple post it note!

Yes, I think it just might be time for my Top 10 tips for using Post It notes in your craft room.  Grin.

Do you have a simple tool tip for me?  Post a comment and share it with us all!

Happy Crafting,

Noel

Up a Notch: the End of a Plus One Adventure

Have you been following my Up a Notch Plus One Adventure (original post here)? 

Here is the final card in this series:
(I wish the clear embossing showed up better in this image!)

 

And for those of you who missed the live Facebook makeover, here are the step by step itemized changes:

 

1.  Addition of Silver Brads.

2.  Addition of dangling tag (uses level 2 Cute by the Inch Hostess Stamp Set).

3.  Addition of Silver Eyelets to reinforce tag.

4.  Addition of heat embossing to cupcake frosting (uses Versamarker and Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder).

5.  Addition of heat embossing to greeting (again uses Versamarker and Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder).

6.  Addition of the Basic Rhinestone Jewel.

At the end of this adventure, I had 7 birthday cards to send to friends and family, and a better understanding of my own creative process!  And using my Facebook Fan Page to share my day to day experience with my Fans was a lot of fun.  If you haven't already, Fan my page here - don't miss out on my next shared adventures!

Happy Crafting,

Noel