For Love of Paper

Owl Punch Goes Back to School: Part 3

Hopefully you are enjoying projects with the new Two Step Owl Punch as much as I am. Here is one more project using this great new tool. I apologize for the not so great quality of the photo. This is way cuter in person. Anywhoo (lol) this is actually a magnetic board that measures 5 1/2" x 7 1/2". Great teacher gift!

Here is roughly how to make one yourself.

Start with a 5" x 7" piece of steel (not aluminum) step flashing. You'll find this in the roofing department of any hardware store. Here is a picture of what your looking for.

Even better this package containing 10 sheets was less than $3. I picked mine up at Lowe's.

Once you have your step flashing cut two pieces of cardstock or DSP to 5 1/2" x 7 1/2". Place adhesive all around the outer edge of one piece of cardstock/DSP. Lay the metal in the center and then place the second piece of cardstock/DSP over top, creating a sandwhich of paper/metal/paper.

From here you can decorate anyway you like. I chose to use the Corner Rounder, ad a couple of deocrative strips of cardstock and the super cute Two Step Owl. I finished off the project by using the Crop-a-dail to add two jumbo eyelets and some 3/8" twill tape as a hanger.

I still need to come up with some cute magnets to go along with it, then I'll have the perfect little teacher gift.

Give this a try it's super simple and fast.

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Early Espresso

Paper: Basic Black, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Olive DSP (retired), Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight

Other: Two Step Owl Punch, Scallop Trim Border, Stamping Sponge, Sticky Strip, Jumbo Eyelets and 3/8" Twill Tape.

To order any of the supplies used in this project

click here, then click on Shop Now or contact me today.

August and September Workshop Projects

Here is a sneak peak at the projects my August and September Workshop Hostesses and their guests will be making. The first project is a 3-D Witches Hat Treat Holder. If you have small children you won't want to miss this project. It is super simple and very fast for a hand made treat holder. You're friends will thank you for showing them such a useful project. Or if Halloween isn't your thing there are more choices below.

Two fairly simple cards both featuring the Tearing Edge Ruler, one of my favorite tools. August and September are a great time to get your creative juices flowing again just in time for Christmas crafting.

Even better all hostesses in the month of August will receive an additional $25 SU! Shopping Spree with a qualifying workshop. Click here to read more.

Be sure to contact me today, my calendar will fill very quickly with a special like this. You can call me at 512-259-5575 or email me at chris@forloveofpaper.com.

Hostesses get an extra $25 in FREE product during the month of August!

Through the month of August Stampin' Up! has announced hostesses will receive an extra $25 in hostess credit (ie Stampin' Up! Shopping Spree) with a qualifying workshop. NOW is the time to get your workshop on the schedule. August is next week!

If you've ever thought about hosting a Stampin' Up! Workshop but had some questions here are the answers to some of the most common questions I'm asked.

Q. Does it cost anything?

A. No, workshops are always FREE for you and your guests.

Q. What do I have to do?

A. Email me a list of friends and family you'd like to invite. I'll take care of the invitations.

Q. I don't think I have enough room in my house for a workshop, what should I do?

A. Host it at my house. This means no cleaning for you!

Q. What do I get for hosting a workshop?

A. A little gift from me for hosting, free Hostess only stamp sets and an SU! shopping spree based on the retail sales at your workshop.

Q. What is a qualifying workshop?

A. To earn the extra $25 in FREE product your workshop sales must be at least $350. Normal hostess rewards for this amount of sales is $40, but with the special you'll get $65 plus two free hostess exclusive stamp sets! (However free hostess stamp sets and free product begin when your retail sales reach $150.)

To read more about hosting a workshop contact me or check out the links below.

Workshop FAQ

Hostess Info

What happens after my workshop?

To schedule your workshop please call me at 512-259-5575 or email me at chris@forloveofpaper.com.

Owl Punch Goes Back to School: Part 2

I loved the color combination and the elements I used on the pencil case I showed you yesterday so much I thought I'd try it on a composition book. Again, I am super pleased with the result. That little owl is just so stinkin' cute it makes almost anything look good.

Even better right now you can pick up these full size composition books for only a quarter at Walmart and Target. Whoohoo!

If you're feeling the "need" to get your own Two Step Owl Punch (#118074 only $16.95) contact me today or you can simply place your order online by clicking here (then click on Shop Now.)

Other: Full Heart Punch, Two Step Owl Punch, Sizzix Big Shot with Alphabet Simple Letters, Olf Olive 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Hemp Twine and composition book

Owl Punch Goes Back to School: Part 1

As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator I receive a special publication called Stampin' Success once a month. There was a project very similar to this one featured in this months issue, but it used an owl stamp. I knew I had to try one myself with the new Two Step Owl Punch and I have to say I am so pleased.

There are certain things that when your finished with them they just make you smile and this is definately one of them. If there are enough requests I'd be more than happy to write up some quick instructions for this project.

Receving an exclusively monthly magazine full of both creative and business ideas is just one of perks of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and right now there is a terrific special for past demonstrators. Any former demonstrator can resign for only $35.

If you miss the fun and the paycheck contact me right away. This offer is limited to July 31st.

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: none

Paper: Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and scrap of Olive DSP

Other: Full Heart Punch, Two Step Owl Punch, Sizzix Big Shot with Alphabet Simple Letters, Olf Olive 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Hemp Twine and #2 pencils

17 Great Sayings to use with your new Two Step Owl Punch

Yesterday I created a couple more projects using the new Two Step Owl Punch. Unfortunately I haven't had time to take pictures of them to share with you. Instead I thought I'd go ahead and share with you a great list of sayings and sentiments I've been collecting to use along with the Owl Punch.

Enjoy!

1. You’re a hoot.
2. From you know who.
3. Whoo me?
4. Whoo loves you?
5. Hoot Hoot Hooray!
6. Owl miss you.
7. Birds of a feather hoot together.
8. What a hoot!
9. Guess whoo’s having a party?
10. I’m hootin’ for you.
11. Owl always be here if you need me.
12. Owl always love you.
13. Whoo’s your Valentine?
14. From owl of us.
15. Owl together now
16. See ya later owl-agator
17. Whoo’s there?

I'm sure there are more great sentiments that will go great with the Owl Punch. If you think of any please email me or post them in the comments to this post and I'll be sure to share them with everyone.

Two Step Owl Punch: great for back to school!

For those of you that read my post last week "New Catalog Goodies: what should you get?" you'll probably remember that the NEW Two-Step XL Owl Punch was one of my top three choices from the new 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. Though I've had it for a week I just now was able to sit down and play. 

I am definitely not disappointed with the Two-Step Owl Punch. While there are a few pieces to put together the owl is so cute when its finished. For the paperclip bookmark above I just punched a second owl body and then used Stampin' Dimensionals to attach the two owls to either side of an extra large paperclip. These make terrific student or teacher gifts for back to school.

Here's a shot of how to add the Stampin' Dimensionals.

I added five Stampin' Dimensionals total so the owl wouldn't slide around on the paperclip. These super big paperclips used to be available at Walmart. 10 for $1. Can't beat that but I'm told they've discontinued them. If anyone else finds them around town let me know and I'll be sure to post the info here for everyone.

Here is what the punch looks like in person.

Two-Step Owl Punch Extra Large #118074 $16.95 (page 200)

I am loving this little guy! (Yes, I've decided my punch is a guy, lol).

Be sure to stop back through out the week to see more creations with my favorite little owl punch.

Total Insanity

It's Friday morning and my son is at Mother's Day Out (PreK). This is usually when I run to my scrap room and get to work on emails, new creations, planning events and drooling over yet another stamp set I "NEED". But this is the condition of my scrap room right now.

Even worse here is my desk!

Hmm, anyone think it's time to clean?

Well, with any luck this weekend I'll get things in some semblance of order and then next week I can take you on a real tour of my scrap room.

Have a great weekend,

New Catalog Goodies: what should you get?

Here is my first batch of goodies from the new catalog. I'm loving all the vintage goodies like the brads and crocheted lace. Put those with my favorite colors, Baja Breeze and Early Espresso, hmm good. I got all this and my wish list is still a mile long at least. I'm sure you can relate.

So what are my top three picks from the new catalog?

Aside from Sale-a-bration July has to be the most exciting time of the year in the terms of Stampin’ Up! because a new Idea Book & Catalog is released. We are all so eager to see what new goodies will be offered. The only problem is we all end up with a wish list that would rival any child’s Christmas wish list. So how do you decide what to buy now and what can wait?

Of course what to purchase is ultimately up to the individual but here are my top picks from the new Idea Book & Catalog.

Basic Rhinestones #119246 (page 188)                 

It’s no secret that “bling” is all the rage across the board whether in fashion, home décor or paper crafting. A little “bling” goes a long way. Even better the Basic Rhinestones offered by Stampin’ Up! are half back and already have adhesive. This means while the rhinestone is rounded on one side the other side is flat and because they already have adhesive there is no more wondering about which adhesive will work and do I have some on hand.

Two Step Owl Punch #118074 (page 200)                                                      

While owls have been back in vogue for at least a year if not longer I’m not a big owl fan so I’ve never purchased anything with owls. But in the case of this new punch that little owl is so stinkin’ cute I couldn’t resist. To make the logical side of my brain feel better about my purchase I started thinking about all the uses for this punch.                                                                              

Here are just a few:

-Whoo loves you? On a scrapbook page

-Whoo’s your Valentine? Put the punched owl on a toothpick and insert into a cupcake. -Whoo’s there? For Halloween.              

I’m starting a little list and will be sure to share it with you soon.

Just Believe Stamp Set # 116948 (w) 120453 (c)  

One of my favorite things about stamps in general is there versatility, however there are always certain sets that seem to have a fairly limited usage and other sets that have unlimited possibilities. The Just Believe stamp set contains nine images. All very different but made to work together. With just this one stamp set you could do masking, reverse masking, brayered skies and sunsets or combine it with other small word stamps making it perfect for nearly any occasion. If you’re looking for a stamp set that provides a lot of bang for you buck this would be at the top of my list.

There you have it. My top three product picks from the new 2010-2011 Stampin’ Up! Idea Book & Catalog. If your wish list is still as long as your arm hosting a Stampin’ Up! Workshop is a fun and easy way to earn those products for free. It’s so simple. Just gather a few friends and I’ll bring all the fun.  

Call or email to set a date for your workshop today. I am already booking for August and the fall always fills up quickly.

Weekly Blog Features Update

I wanted to let everyone know that for the remainder of summer I will not be doing my weekly features of Make Over Monday and Whatever Wednesday. Summer is a time to be a little more footloose and fancy free. I will still be post new projects, news and ideas each week but more so when the mood strikes. I need a little creative freedom.

With that said I can also tell you that I have a little twist coming and will be introducing a new weekly feature in September.

Enjoy the summer while it's here. For me it really feels like it just began and I'm already budgeting for school shopping. My little guy Jack starts kindergarten this year, yeah and boohoo.