For Love of Paper

Happy Valentine's Day

I'm always curious about holidays. How and where they began? Where the traditions of each holiday originate? How have they changed over the years to become the modern holiday's we all know?

For this reason I did a little reading up on Valentine's Day.

I had known for some time the holiday started with an actual person named St. Valentine but I didn't know much more than that. Apparently in the days of ancient Rome sometime in mid February, as a commemoration of boys passing to man hood, the boys would draw a girls name from a box. For the next year these two would be "companions" (trying to keep it clean). The pagan god Lupercus was associated with this ceremony.

Pope Gelasius was not happy with this practice and made a few changes. Instead of drawing names for "companions", now both young men and women would draw the name of a Saint. For the remainder of the year they were to conduct themselves as the saint would have. In addition to the customary changes the Pope also wanted to change from a pagan god to a patron saint.

They decided upon St. Valentine who was beheaded by the Roman Emperor Claudius in 270 AD for secretly marrying Roman soldiers. During Claduius' reign he decided unmarried men made much better soldiers and outlawed marriage. While St. Valentine was in jail he fell in love with the jailors blind daughter. Through his undying love and faith he miraculously healed the daughter. Before he was taken from the jail to be served his sentence he left her a note signed, "from your Valentine".

The mid-February holiday continued but changed again. Now it was customary for Roman men to give women they admired hand written messages, often containing Valentine's name.

Information for this article was taken from this article.

The Valentine pictured is from c. 1920 and is approximately 2 inches tall. (Photo taken from Wikipedia).

Super Simple Saturday: Let the paper do the work

What is Super Simple Saturday?

Each Saturday I go back to the basics; ink, paper and stamps and post a sample that is simple and quick to complete. I generally try to keep the tool and supply list simple so that beginning stampers and paper crafters can follow along.

This week's project.

So often we as paper crafters fall in love with gorgeous patterned paper like the one I've used on today's sample from the Love Impressions Designer Series Paper pack. So why not let that wonderful paper do a bit of the work for you?

Today I'll show you three ways you can let your favorite designer series paper (aka patterned paper) work to your advantage.

1. Color Inspiration: Patterned papers are designed by professionals with years of color experience. The next time your looking for a new color combo pull one from your favorite patterned paper.
2. No Stamping Needed: The graphic punch of this paper is such that it stands well on its own. There is no need to add a lot more to this card. With the addition of a simple stamped sentiment and ribbon the card is nearly complete.
3. Save Money: Most of us have stamps for Christmas and birthdays because these are the two occassions we create cards for most often. Perhaps you'd like to create a card or scrapbook page but don't have the appropriate stamp set or don't think you'll use a holiday specific stamp set very often, not really making it worth the money to purchase. Patterened paper is a terrific alternative to stamps. 

Take a look at all of the wonderful patterened papers Stampin' Up! has to offer by clicking here.

Supplies

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Basic Black Classic Ink

Papers: Whisper White Cardstock, Basic Gray Cardstock, Red Glimmer Paper and Love Impressions Designer Series Paper

Other: 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

Exclusive projects for newsletter subscribers

If you enjoy the projects I share daily on my blog you'll definately want to subscribe to my monthly INKspirations Newsletter.

Inside you'll find hints, tips and exclusive projects.

Every now and then I also like to thank subscribers by sharing extra special gifts like this one.

Paper Lover's Valentine House

If you'd like to receive terrific projects like the one above simply add your info below.

 

Watch It Wednesday: Key to My Heart Flip Box

When I first saw the You're A Gem stamp set and the new Trinket Keys in the Occassions Mini Catalog I knew they were meant to go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Then when I was getting some Valentine's together using the Heart Treat cups it dawned on me to put one of the keys inside and today's project was born.

Check out today's Watch It Wednesday video to see how to make one yourself. This is a high definition video so you should have no problem watching it full screen. Just click the full screen button on the bottom right of the player. It looks like this.

Key to My Heart Flip Box Quick Reference Sheet

Need supplies?

To order any of the supplies used in this project just click on them below.

Supplies

Stamps: You're A Gem (clear)

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink, Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker and Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Basic Black Cardstock, Riding Hood Red Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock and Love Letters Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals and Sticky Strip

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Heart Treat Cup, Trinket Keys and Stamping Sponge

Learn one of the hottest trends in scrapbooking!

How to scrapbook on canvas.

If you’re one of those people that keep on top of what’s new in paper crafting I’m sure you’ve heard the term “scrapbook your walls”. This just means taking your scrapbook pages out of the album and displaying them on the wall. One of the coolest ways to display scrapbook pages on the wall is by creating them on canvas rather than cardstock or paper. While this may sound tricky, it's surprisingly quick and easy. To make it even easier, I'd like to take you through the process, step-by-step, in my new Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class

The Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class will take you through the process of creating a scrapbook canvas step by step. You’ll go from how to choose a canvas to putting it all together. As an online class you’ll be taken to a private webpage where you’ll find two high definition videos and a printable Quick Reference Sheet listing all of the supplies as well as the measurements and a full color photo of the project.

In addition to learning one of the hottest trends in scrapbooking you’ll also learn two bonus techniques along the way. These are techniques you’ll surely want to add to your own projects down the road.

1. Stenciling with inks.
2. How to make three dimensional cardstock roses.

 

To gain INSTANT access to the Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class for only $12.95 click the Buy Now button below.

Once your payment is processed you will immediately be taken to the private webpage. You can watch the videos immediately or bookmark the page to view any time in the future.

 

If you aren't familar with online classes please check out the FAQ below.

Online Class FAQ

What is an online class?

Taking an online class is just like taking a regular class, but rather than traveling to a specific location at a specific time you attend class virtually. 

What should I expect?

Each online class will consist of one large project or a few smaller projects that go together. You will learn how to make each project through a series of video tutorials. Once you sign up/pay for a class you will immediately be taken to a web page where you can watch the videos right away.

Do online classes include tools and supplies?

No. Online classes are instruction only. You will need to use your own tools and supplies to make the projects.

Click the link below to purchase the Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class for only $12.95.

Vintage Valentine with Embossing and Holiday Mini Carryover Items

Here's another Valentine I made using the new Trinket Keys from the Occassions Mini Catalog. I'm having a hard time because I want to put them on everything.

I also put my Sizzix Big Shot to good use on this card. First I used the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder on the Cherry Cobbler Cardstock Background. Then I used the Scallop Heart of Hearts and the larger scallop square from the Scallop Square Duo.

Added a little Victoria Crochet Trim and there you go!

Several of the items from the Holiday Mini, like the Scallop Square Duo used on this card, are still available and from my understanding will be added to the Idea Book & Catalog when it's released again in July.

Here is a flyer that will show you all the items from the Holiday Mini that are still available. Click the flyer to see a larger image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Papers: Early Espresso Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock, and Cherry Cobbler Cardstock

Others: Trinket Key, Stamping Sponge, Victoria Crochet Trim, Sizzix Big Shot,  Scallop Square Duo, Scallop Heart of Hearts and Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Super Simple Saturday: Ghirardelli Valentine & Update on January Online Class

With just a strip of cardstock and a few score lines you too can give your friends and loved ones a sweet Valentine.

Here's what's inside.

So simple, here's how to:

1. Start with a 7 1/2" x 2 1/2" piece of cardstock.
2. Score the cardstock at 3/4", 4" and 4 1/2"
3. Fold and crease with bone folder
4. Add chocolate and staple in place
5. Add a ribbon, place a little adhesive in the center (I cut mine about 18" but have chubby fingers, so you may need less), adhere the ribbon to the back, wrap around to the front and tie a bow over the staple.

Here's a closer look at the staple.

You can often find these chocolates at Sam's or Costco.

If you haven't ordered supplies to make your Valentine's yet it's really time to do so. I'm happy to help you figure out what you need, or just how much. Don't hesitate to call or email anytime.

Place your order for Valentine's supplies by clicking here.

Supplies

Stamps: Love You Much

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink and Pink Pirouette Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Pink Pirouette Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock, Real Red Cardstock and Early Espresso Cardstock

Other: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon and Signo White Gel Pen

Update on January Online Class

For those of you watching your calendars you know that the January Online Class was due to be released today. Unfortunately life got in the way. I was actually ahead on everything at the beginning of the week and good thing too. My son ended up with Cedar Fever pretty bad this week. For those of you living in the Austin area I know you can surely commiserate.

The new release date for the January Online Class will be next Saturday, January 22nd.

A little glimmer goes a long way.

Today's card (CASED from Andrea Walford) features the new Glimmer Paper from the Stampin' Up! Occassions Mini Catalog. This is a new product for SU! so I wasn't certain what to expect and as always was pleasantly surprised.

It is basically preglittered cover weight (heavy) paper. What's great is that the glitter doesn't come off and make a mess of everything.

As you can see from the sample above adding just a little Glimmer Paper goes a long way and makes your project shine.

The paper is featured on page 7 of the Occassions Mini Catalog. You'll receive two 12" x 12" sheets for $3.95. If you're like me at first I thought, wow, only two sheets? But when you really think about it you're only going to use a little on each project so two full sheets is plenty.

While I used the new Glimmer Paper on a Valentine it would also be terrific for July 4th and Christmas. And if you just love bling then it would be great anytime.

Convinced you "need" some Glimmer Paper?

Click here to order.

 

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: none

Paper: Basic Gray Cardstock, Real Red Cardstock, Love Impressions Designer Series Paper and Red Glimmer Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL and Stampin' Dimensionals

Other: Love Impressions Rub-Ons, 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Sizzix Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Tasteful Trim Die.

Note: The heart was cut the old fashion way. I folded a piece of paper in half, drew half the heart, cut it out. Then traced it onto my Real Red Cardstock

 

Thrifty Thursday: Top Note Valentine's Treat Bags

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

With only half a sheet of cardstock and a small cello bag you can make Valentine's like this for pennies.

How To:

• Cut a Top Note from the cardstock color of your choice
• Score the Top Note Shape down the middle, from point to point
• Decorate Top Note as desired
• Place candy in Small Cello Bag , fold the top down and staple
• Add Sticky Strip to the front and back side of the cello bag near the staple
• Remove Sticky Strip backing and adhere the Top Note to front and back of cello bag

What did today's project cost?

1/2 Sheet Cardstock       $ .15

Small Cello Bag               $ .08

Total                               $ .23 (plus candy)

Looking for more savings on Valentine's supplies?

Check out the Filled with Love Bundle.

Supplies

Stamps: Love You Much

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink and Pretty In Pink Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler and Pink Pirouette Cardstocks

Adhesives: SNAIL, Sticky Strip and Stampin' Dimensionals (optional)

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Top Note Die, Small Cello Bag, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, White Signo Gel Pen and Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding

Watch It Wednesday: Vintage Valentine with Trinket Key

I am in love with the new Trinket Keys on page 24 of the Occassions Mini Catalog. They are part of the Simply Adorned line so they were designed to go on the necklaces with the Simply Adorned Charms and Baubles but I love adding them to my cards.

Trinket Keys

Includes 1 each of the four designs, plus 4 jump rings and 4 lobster clasps

121892  $5.95

 

Here is a close up of the key on today's card.

I also added some of the Basic Pearls.

 

 Vintage Valentine with Trinket Key Quick Reference Sheet

 

Supplies

Stamps: Your're a Gem (clear) and Tiny Tags (clear)

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker

Paper: Basic Black Cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock and Love Letter Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals (optional)

Other: Stamping Sponge, Victoria Crochet Trim, Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch, Hemp Twine, 1/16" Hole Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Trinket Keys and Basic Pearls