3x3 Box and Cards

I made this box for the 3D060 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was to make a 3x3 box using only SU products, but I did use non-SU flowers and brads. I'm such a rebel. You can find an easy pattern for this on Elaine's blog HERE!

I embossed the swirl from the Baroque Motifs set. The more I look at this the more I wonder if I should have embossed on vanilla instead of red, but I suppose it's good to walk on the wild and bold side every now and then! The colors I used are Certainly Celery, Black, and Riding Hood Red - one of the new In Colors that will be available in the new 08-09 SU catalog.  I've made a few of these boxes to have on hand as hostess gifts. Addicting little things, they are! (If you want to see more detail/larger view, just click on the pictures).

The box above is SU only, and I made it for my upline, Beth. I was going for clean and simple, and I love the Soft Sky and Chocolate Chip together. I'm really going to miss this blue when it's retired in a couple of weeks! The box holds matching 3x3 any-occasion cards. Hope she likes it!

SU Color Combo Tool

I came across this online color combo tool created by Laura on Splitcoaststampers.com. It's a pretty cool website that generates color combos of all the SU colors. You can start with one color or several, and the system will generate matching color combinations for you! It's a great tool for those of us who are a little color combo challenged (like me). Check it out below! You can also find this tool permanently located in the links section of my blog. Enjoy!

SU Color Combo Site

SU! Announcement - Online Ordering!

SU just announced that beginning something this fall we will have an online ordering system! I've had several customers ask me if they can place their orders online, so I'm very excited that I will be able to offer them this option! Customers will be able to order directly from my website or SU's website. I will announce more details as they become available!

CD Holder and Tutorial

This CD holder is one of the projects my stamp club will be making this month. I often make music and picture CD's for friends and family, so this will be a nice way to turn them into pretty gifts instead of just sticking them in generic jewel cases or paper sleeves. Want to make your own? Here are the supplies you'll need:

Sheet of 8 1/2"

8 1/2" x 11" cardstock

Sticky Strip

1 3/8" circle punch

Scissors/Paper Trimmer

Bone folder

Step 1:  Trim your cardstock to 10" x 6". Score at ½” along each 10” side. Turn your cardstock 9o degrees (so that the 10” side of the paper is butted up to the top of your paper trimmer) and score at 5”.  Fold with a bone folder.

Step 2:  Trim off the the small flaps at the top and bottom left side of your cardstock. If you're using textured cardstock, it's important to make sure that the texture is face down. Your cardstock should look like this:

Step 3:  Apply sticky strip to the inside of the small flaps on the right hand side, as shown below. Fold the left side of the cardstock over, securing it to the sticky strip. You should now have a pocket. 

Step 4:  Take your 1 3/8" punch and punch a half circle in the middle of the open side of the pocket, as shown below. Now all you have to do is embellish it!

Supplies used: Summer Days Simply Scrappin' kit, 1 3/8" circle punch, red wide grosgrain ribbon.

Pocket Card Holder Set

I just got the Lovely Letters alphabet set, and I'm so happy that I did! I actually earned this set for free when Suzanne joined my downline. :) Anyhoo, it makes beautiful monogrammed cards, so will come in handy when I need to whip up some pretty personalized cards for someone!

Isn't this little notecard set cute? I made it for my stamp club hostess this month. I got the idea from Jamie's blog, Chic n' Scratch. Check out her pocket card video tutorial HERE!

The notecards are 3x3 and include envelopes. To make the holder, I traced a circle around a 6" plate and cut it out (It would probably be quicker and easier if you use a Creative Memories cutting system or the Coluzzle). Fold the bottom up and sides in. Place three cards and envies inside (it's important that you do this before you put the belly band on). Wrap a belly band around it and embellish away! I hadn't used my Cuttlebug in a while, so I dusted it off and used it to emboss the swirls on the cards. This project uses very little paper and supplies, and they're so fun and easy to make!  Here are the supplies and dimensions:

Chocolate Chip - one 6" circle

Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi - one 3 x 6" piece each, plus small pieces for the scallop and circle punches

Afternoon Tea Designer Series paper - one 1" by 7 1/2" piece

Whisper White - small pieces for the monogram

(3) Whisper White Mini Square envelopes

Groovy Guava Stitched ribbon

Chocolate Chip Ink

Lovely Letters alphabet set

Not just cards and scrapbooks anymore!

Introducing Decor Elements, a new addition to Stampin' Up!'s Definitely Decorative product line! Now you can easily personalize your surroundings with a variety of exclusive images and expressions designed to create a customized, unique space. The self-adhesive vinyl images are easy to apply and remove, and are a quick and affordable way to decorate your home!

I'm particularly fond of the Manhattan Flowers - those will definitely wind up gracing the walls somewhere in my house!  Check out Decor Elements brochure HERE!