For Love of Paper

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.

Make Over Monday: Simple Tissue Paper Flower

I hope everyone enjoyed the nine days of Father's Day Frenzy! I have to say I have really enjoyed the week. As the days went by I thought of even more Father's Day ideas. I think I probably could have done Father's Day Frenzy Month, lol. But I figure after so many days of masculinity yall might enjoy something with flowers which brings me to todays Make Over Monday card.

I was inspired by this card created by Starla Nelson. For some time I've been seeing flowers made by scrunching up tissue paper. Then when I saw Starla's card the vision hit.

This card was so fast. One stamp, a little punching, ribbon and embellishments and viola a ten minute miracle.

How to make a tissue paper flower:

To make the flower just punch 6 to 8 layers of tissue paper. The easiest way to do this is to put about four layers of tissue paper between two sheets of copy paper or notebook paper and punch. Then punch or poke a hole for the brad through all the layers of tissue, insert the brad and scrunch, squish and fluff the flower.

The brad in the center of the flower is a combination piece. First I inserted a 5/8" silver brad and then used a couple mini glue dots to attach the large flat backed pear from the Pretties Kit.

As I was working on this blog post and looking at Starla's card again I got to thinking it would have been a nice touch to stamp a little swirl or something on the red tissue with some gold or silver Encore ink to give it a bit more texture. This usually happens. Once I finish a project I think of something I could have done to make it just a little better. Sometimes I'll take it apart or remake it and other times I just tuck the thought away for another project.

My challenge to you for the day is to do something simple.

 

Supplies

Stamps: Pretty Petals (111008)

Inks: Basic Black (101179)

Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) and Basic Black (102851)

Other: Eyelet Border Punch (113692), XL Fancy Flower Punch (118073), 5/8" Jumbo Brad (112533), Pretties Kit (109114), Valet Ribbon Originals (retired)

Awash with Flowers: How To

Instead of writing directions for the winning Awash with Flowers card I thought I'd make a video how to. I've been working on video tutorials for some time and I've finally managed to learn the software and all the little nuances of video production enough to share one with you. It isn't perfect but it's a place to start.

Enjoy!

A great alternative use for the Stamp-a-ma-jig

It seems like more and more I am using my Stamp-a-ma-jig. A what you ask? Yes, you read correctly, a Stamp-a-ma-jig. It's a crazy name for a terrific little tool. The tool is designed to help you place your stamped image exactly. While it can be a little tricky at first, once you've gotten the hang of this tool it will likely be one you'd rather not be without.

I've found myself using this handy little tool for even more than it was designed for. What is this terrific little secret? I use it to preview stamps on my project. When making yesterdays card I couldn't decide if I wanted to put a word over top of the flower stems or just go with what I had. Rather than go ahead and stamp the word and then decided I would rather have left it off and have to re-stamp the three flowers (which I inked three times using two markers) it was much faster to stamp the word onto my Stamp-a-ma-jig and lay it over my project like this.

 

I thought the "hello" might be a little small so I also tried "bloom" from the Bloomin' Beautiful stamp set.

The next time you have a moment of indecision just pull out your Stamp-a-ma-jig for a quick preview.

If you don't have a Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) you can click the Online Ordering button at the top right of this page or contact me to get yours today.

 

Whatever Wednesday: Perfect Post It Notes

Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for links to two more great projects with instructions!

Such a cute little project for today's Whatever Wednesday post but there's a lot to say about it. First off I am a sticky note queen. I won't go without them and they are everywhere. There just so darn handy. When I saw this cute little holder made from, of all things, the Stampin' Up! exclusive Scallop Envelope Die I knew I needed to whip up a few.

Having made different varieties of sticky note holders in the past there are two things that immediately come to mind.

1. The sticky note holder should, if not go with your decor, at least not clash with it.
2. You should make the sticky note holder go with yellow. This is the most widely available color of sticky note. Take it from me. I created just the most wonderful sticky note holder before, thinking I could find a coordinating color sticky note and no luck. So this time I decided to make something to go with yellow!

With that said I still had my supplies from this weeks's Make Over Monday project on my desk and they all coordinate beautifully with yellow. Since Monday I've also been trying to think of other projects to put the Petal Pizzaz flowers on. After I used this set on Monday I've really begun to fall in love with it. I read on someone else's blog once that when her house or life in general get crazy and messy she tends to go for more clean lines. I think that is the case here and these flowers are perfect for a clean line, modern design.

So how do you make one of these oh so cute and functional sticky note holders?

1. Cut two Scallop Envelopes
2. Trim the bottom envelope flap to 1/2" (shown in the photo below)
3. Cut a coordinating piece of DSP 2" x 3", adhere to envelope.
4. Use Sticky Strip to adhere scallop flap over DSP.
5. Place Sticky Strip on the left, right and bottom envelope flaps (on the envelope withOUT DSP). Remove protective backing from Sticky Strip and adhere the flaps of one envelope to the other.
6. Adhere a strong magnet or two to the back.
7. Add embellishment of your choice and sticky note pad.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Petal Pizzaz

Inks: Pumpkin Pie

Paper: Sweet Pea DSP, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, SU! Scallop Envelope Die, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots and Sherbet Designer Series Buttons

Here's another view.

Click the links below to see two other fantastic projects made with this very versitile Sizzix die.

Open Gift Box

Gift Box with Lid

Don't miss out on great projects like this!

Today marks the sixth week in the 12 Weeks of Christmas. What is the 12 Weeks of Christmas you ask? Each week I send out an email featuring an exclusive Christmas project such as cards, wrapping or tags, gifts and home decor. The only way you can get your hands on these terrific projects is to sign up for my monthly INKspirations newsletter. Just add your email to the newsletter sign up box in the upper left hand corner of the page and not only will you begin receiving my monthly newsletter but also an exclusive 12 Weeks of Christmas Project every week through mid December.

Don't wait, sign up now!

Christmas Pine

When someone says "Stampin' Up!" two stamp sets immediately come to mind, Heartfelt Thanks (now retired) and Lovely As A Tree. Lovely As A Tree has been used in so many ways and yet I still never tire of it. One of the things I love about the set is that it lends itself well to masculine cards (always hard to come up with) and to Christmas Cards and it isn't even a Christmas set. So if you're looking for a stamp set with a lot of versitility I highly recommend Lovely As A Tree (# 115026 pg. 110).

So how did I make this lovely card?

1. Cut the following pieces:

• Very Vanilla Card Base 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4" and 2" x 3 3/4"
• Chocolate Chip 5 1/4" x 4"

2. Run the Chocolate Chip Cardstock through the Sizzix Big Shot with the swirly texture plate from Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I.                                                                    Tip: Spray the cardstock with rubbing alcohol using a misting spray bottle before you run it through the Big Shot. This will make the plate leave a deeper impression on the cardstock.

3. Ink the pine tree stamp using Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Markers. Stamp onto the smaller piece of Very Vanilla.

4. To give the tree warmth using a Sponge Dauber with Old Olive Classic Ink and lightly pounce the dauber over the tree.

5. Sponge the edges of all the cardstock pieces using Chocolate Chip Classic Ink.

6. Assemble the layers and add a Red Gingham knot using a Mini Glue Dot.

Supply List

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree

Inks: Old Olive and Chocolate Chip Classic Inks and Stampin' Write Markers

Paper: Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Backgrounds I, Stamping Sponge, Sponge Dauber, Mini Glue Dots and Red Gingham Ribbon

Embossing folders and brayers make for a WOW look!

This card is so simple but so rich. The combination of the Finial Press Embossing Folder and a brayer give it such a warm look and it is an easy technique. You should definately give this one a try.

What you'll need:

Stamps: Serene Snowflakes and Grateful Greetings

Inks: Soft Suede Classic Ink

Paper: Soft Suede and Very Vanilla

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Finial Press Embossing Folder, Clear Rhinestone Brad, Mat Pack with hole piercer, Stamping Sponge and Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's how:

1. Cut the following pieces:

• Soft Suede Card Base 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 4 1/4" and 2 3/4" x 3 3/4"
• Very Vanilla (2) 5 1/4" x 4" and 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

2. Stamp the next to largest snowflake from Serene Snowflakes using Soft Suede Classic Ink onto the top of the smaller piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock.

3. Below it stamp "Christmas Greetings" from Greatful Greetings using the same ink.

4. Run one of the large pieces of Very Vanilla Cardstock through the Sizzix Big Shot with the Finial Press Embossing Folder.

5. Ink up a brayer with Soft Suede Classic Ink and lightly run it over the embossed cardstock. It doesn't matter which direction you go, just be sure to cover the entire piece.

6. Sponge the edges of all three pieces of Very Vanilla using more Soft Suede Classic Ink.

7. Adhere the stamped piece onto it's Soft Suede CS mat. Pierce a hole using the Mat Pack and hole piercer and insert the Clear Rhinestone Brad. Adhere this onto the embossed cardstock using Stampin' Dimensionals. Then onto the Soft Suede Card Base using regular adhesive.

8. Adhere the remaining piece of Very Vanilla on the inside of the card and stamp the sentiment of your choice.

If you are loving this card like I am then be sure to check back next week. I will be unveiling the cards for the December Christmas Card Class and one of them is very similar to this card.

Click here to order online anytime 24/7.

Spooky Haunted House Card

Hmm, what to say about this card? It's Halloween, which I love. It uses the Top Note Sizzix Die, which I love and also uses the awesome 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, which I love. So . . .  I'm loving this card and it is simple to make. I know because I had first time stampers make this card at a recent workshop I conducted near here in Cedar Park.

Want to give it a try?

Here's what you'll need:

Stamps: House of Haunts and Sanded

Inks: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Summer Sun Classic Inks

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black and Pumpkin Pie Cardstock

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Aqua Painter, 1 1/4" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Sizzix Big Shot with Top Note Die, 2 Stampin' Sponges and Stamp-a-ma-jig (optional)

1. Begin by cutting the following pieces.

• Whisper White Card 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and a Top Note
• Pumpkin Pie Card Front 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Basic Black 2 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• 7" length of 1 1/4" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

2. Stamp the Sanded Background stamp onto the Pumpkin Pie CS using Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink. Then sponge the edges using more Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink.

3. Adhere the Basic Black strip of cardstock onto the Pumpkin Pie Card Front about 3/4" up from the bottom.

4. Adhere the Old Olive Striped Ribbon over the Basic Black CS and adhere the ends to the back of the card front.

5. Stamp the haunted house and Happy Halloween onto the Whisper White Top Note using Basic Black Classic Ink.

6. Using the squeeze technique with an Aqua Painter, first color Summer Sun Classic Ink onto the top portion of the moon, windows and doors. Then repeat the technique with Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink on the lower portion of the moon, windows and door, blending the two colors where they meet.

7. Sponge Old Olive Classic Ink on the edges of the Top Note and adhere over the ribbon using Stampin' Dimensionals.

8. Adhere finished card front to Whisper White Card Base.

Remember you can order your supplies anytime 24/7 online, by email or over the phone. Get your supplies today and make your own spooky creations.

Click Here to Order Online

Email me at chris@forloveofpaper.com

Call me at 512-259-5575

Boo Crew Layout

First, let me tell you why I've been MIA for a week. I spent the entire weekend in downtown Austin at the Mama Cents Children's Consignment Sale. It was awesome! I highly recommend shopping here if you have kids. I was able to get my son, Jack, a ton of clothes and a few toys for very little money. Don't feel bad if you missed this sale there will be another one in March so we can all get our little ones outfitted for the spring and summer.

Not only did I shop at Mama Cents I also was a volunteer for their VIP Baby Shower and a vendor. What can I say? I was busy!

So back to the land of paper. This layout is one I designed for a recent workshop (hello Cynthia and friends). Lately I've been drawn to pages that have a few accents of patterned paper and a stamp here or there with the focus on the photos. Really shouldn't the scrapbooking part of it be there to enhance your photos rather than distract from them? It's very much like what mom always said about make-up . . . it's there to bring out your natural beauty, not cover it up.

While it may look like I have a 12x12 printer, I don't. I just printed my journaling on regular size Whisper White CS, cut it to the appropriate size and adhered it onto my page. You could also do hand journaling right on the page, just be sure to use an acid free marker or pen such as a Stampin' Write Marker. These are great because they come in all of the SU! colors and have two ends, one a brush marker and the other a fine tip, great for journaling.

You can get a complete list of supplies and instructions for this page by clicking the link below.

Boo Crew 12x12 Layout Instructions

(And a special thanks to Becky for providing the adorable pumpkin in the photos.)

These days we are all so busy, give simple, photocentric, scrapbooking a try again and see how much fun it is all over again.