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Sunday, October 31, 2010




OK, so he's not so spooky or scary, but he is very cute. This is a CASE of a card that I saw on my upline's facebook page. The spider uses sweet treat cups for a body and is mounted ti the card in the usual way. My upline used candy in her spider but I didn't have any that would work so I used black confetti and a bit of dazzling diamonds.

I really love his little legs. They are 1/4" strips of Basic Black card stock that I sent through my crimper.

For the card front I used my Spider Web embossing folder and sponged it with some Early Espresso. The card stock is Rich Razzleberry, which I have to say is one of my new favorite colors for Halloween projects.

Tomorrow, we move on to harvest and Thanksgiving projects followed by Christmas.

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity



- Posted from my iPhone

Happy Halloween!

I thought I'd wrap up my October posts with two final Halloween projects.  These two cards were both made using the Fang-tasic Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini, which I won at the Portland Regional Conference.  I LOVE PRIZE PATROL!

For both cards, I used Peach Parfait card stock along with my Wicked Fun Specialty Papers, Whisper White, Basic Black and Old Olive.  All images were stamped in Basic Black.  The little vampire has been given out to Isabel's friend for this party, but I'm not sure where the little witch will end up.  Maybe we'll use that as a little thank you for a Halloween party we attended last week.


And the inside of the vampire card, I cut out one of the flocked bats from the designer series paper:



Now, witch way to the candy?



Have a safe, sane, and hopefully dry Halloween.  The Lawson clan will be attending a birthday party followed by a Harvest Carnival at a local church. 

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Halloween Gourd

I recently purchased Spooky Expressions decor elements.  The set comes with three Jack-o-Lantern faces and my plan was to add the faces to some of those "forever" pumpkins you buy in craft stores.  However, when I went to the local craft store to buy my pumpkins, I saw some gourds that struck my fancy. Other people have pumpkins and we had a Halloween gourd. 






I did use the other two faces on some fake pumpkins, one went home to a friend's home before I took a picture and the other belongs to Tessa.   It is also unavailable for a photo as I'm not sure where she put it.  But, you all know what a Jack-O-Lantern looks like so you get the point. 

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!

Charity



Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween Treats

No tricks here, just treats!  Normally I get to help out with the Harvest Parties for the girls' classes but this year, I was supposed to work.  I ended up not working and instead, I'm sick.  I can't even talk (coaching a soccer game this weekend will be a challenge!  Good thing I have an assistant coach!)  But, enough about my cooties, you're here for some stampin' fun!

Out of mommy guilt, came these fabulous little treats.  I saw the idea on Stampin' Connection (kind of like the Facebook for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators).  I had to change it up a bit because I didn't have the same die they used.  Each little package had some licorice, chocolate (what is Halloween without chocolate!?!?), and a little pumpkin party favor.  I used the Table Setting Big Shot Die and Wicked Fun Specialty Paper.  I basically cut napkin rings. 

For embellishments, I stamped Jack-o-Lanterns using Autumn Harvest and Early Espresso.  I used Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie and Peach Parfait.  Phoebe helped me out by stamping the sentiment onto the same colors using Basic Black and then punching with the Modern Label Punch. 

Assembly was just layering the goodies into the package, using a little bit of Snail to secure things.  I stapled the sentiment onto the folded package to hold it all together.  Last, I added my Jack-o-Lantern.

The kids loved them and I can't wait to hear how they were received at school!

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!


Portland Regionals- Arthritis Awareness Card

One of the things that has been keeping me busy and away from my blog has been my daughter's health.  Late last June, my oldest daughter began exhibiting symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis.  It took until October 7 to get an official diagnosis and explanation for her symptoms.  After a visit with a juvenile rheumatologist, Isabel was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.  Since her diagnosis, I've been doing research and I've learned that very few people are even aware that kids can get arthritis.  So, I decided I would make a SWAP card which would help raise awareness. 


For this card, you will need:

Stamps: Ribbon of Hope, All in the Family

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad, Pacific Point Classic Stampin’ Pad, Stampin’ Write Marker Set
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight
Designer Series Paper: Play Date
Accessories: Dimensionals
NOTE: Text printed using computer

The Arthritis Awareness ribbon is blue with gold edges.  There is no distinction between the ribbon for adult types of arthritis and the types affecting children.  Hopefully the SWAPs I handed out will help spread the word and raise awareness.  I've also started a second blog where I'm sharing our journey and experiences.
God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Regional SWAPs- Happy Retirement

I figured there would be lots of fall and Christmas themed SWAPs at Regionals and I thought it might be nice to have one that could be used any time of the year.  I created a retirement card but you could also use this same design for Father's Day or a birthday.

Stamps: On the Green, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad, Tangerine Tango Stampin’ Write Markers
Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Whisper White
Patterns Designer Series Paper- Brights
Other: Dimensionals
Non SU Supplies: Staples



God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity Lawson

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Regional SWAPs- Peace on Earth

My first SWAP for the Portland Regionals is a Christmas Card.  If you are on my Christmas Card list, some of you might get one for Christmas since I had a few left over. 

For this card, I used:

Stamps: Peaceful Season

Ink: VersaMark Stamp Pad, Garden Green Classic Stampin’ Pad
Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy
Designer Series Paper: Deck the Halls
Accessories: Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Basic Pearls Jewels, Decorative Label Punch

There are really no special tricks to this card.  I used the clear embossing powder on the Whisper White so I could get the dove to show up the way I wanted.  For embossing the ornament, I first stamped it in Garden Green and then cut out the ornament.  Then I used my Versamark marker to add the silver embossing powder.  Other than the time it takes to cut all the small details, this is actually a fast card to create for the holidays.
 
The stamp set is a Level 2 Hostess set from the Holiday Mini so you do need to host a qualifying workshop to earn this stamp set.  I still have openings on my calendar for November so just call to book your show.  Too busy for a traditional show?  Consider a catalog show.  Visit the promotions page to the right for information about the current Stampin' Up! promotions.
 
God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Stampin' Up! Portland Regionals - I got to present!

I was so busy getting ready for Regionals in Portland that I did not get a chance to post anything before we left.  I had entered a project for consideration as a Workshop WOW demonstration on stage.  A Workshop WOW demonstration is a presentation by a demonstrator where a product is used in a way that is unique or different.  I decided to submit my Build A Bear Thanksgiving Turkeys.  On October 13th, I got a call from Stampin' Up! demonstrator training that I was selected to present during the October 23 Regional in Portland.  How exciting!  And nerve racking! 

I did have to adapt the original design as I had previously used the Coluzzle to cut all my ovals and I had used some now retired colors.  For my submittal, I used 1 3/4" x 3/8" oval punch and the scallop oval punch.  I also changed the colors to Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Cobbler, and Garden Green so that I could use current colors.  And, I finally attached the bears to something!  I know, you're shocked and amazed! 

In my previous post, I did not provide detailed, step by step instructions so I will post those for the Turkey now:

Supplies:
Cardstocks: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Whisper White, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, and Cherry Cobbler
Designer Series Paper: Autumn Spice, Walk in the Park
Die Cuts: Kooky Spooky, Bear Bigz Die, Naturally Serif
Punches: Oval Punch (1 3/4 x 7/8 inch), Scallop Oval Punch, 1/2 inch circle punch
Stampin’ Write Markers: Basic Black, Early Espresso
Classic Stampin’ Pad: Cajun Craze
Stamp Sets: Paisley Prints
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Snips, Snail Adhesive, and 2-Way Glue Pen
Instructions:
1. To create the bear, cut the following:
a. Bear from Chocolate Chip
b. Muzzle from Early Espresso
c. Pumpkin Costume from Crumb Cake
d. Broom from Crumb Cake
e. 3/4 x 1 inch More Mustard Rectangle
f. 1 x 1 1/2 inch Chocolate Chip Rectangle
g. 1 ½ inch circle from Chocolate Chip
h. 2 ½ inch circles from Whisper White
i. Ovals: Approximately 3 each from Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green
j. Scalloped Ovals: Approximately 5 each from Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green
2. To create the sign, trim the straw part of the broom. Layer the More Mustard rectangle onto the Chocolate Chip rectangle and add the words “Eat Beef!” using the Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write Marker. Adhere the rectangle to the top of the broom.
3. To create the turkey costume, trim the top of the pumpkin to round out the neckline. Discard the extra piece. Adhere the pumpkin face to the bear.
4. Alternating the colors, begin layering the ovals onto the pumpkin. It is best to line up the first oval with the edge of the pumpkin closest to the arm. Alternate the colors. The first row should have 5 ovals. Continue with a second row of ovals, alternating the colors ending with six ovals in the row.
5. For the tail plume, use the scallop ovals, layering the ovals in rows similar to the front of the bear.
6. Add the muzzle to the bears face as would normally done for the bears.
7. For the hat, create eyes by cutting the ½ inch chocolate chip circles in half and adhering onto the Whisper White circles. Trim the stem and bottom of the pumpkin hat as shown in the photo. Cut one More Mustard Oval in Half, trimming a bit for fit. Use a cherry cobbler oval to trim the red piece that hangs done in front (I don’t remember what it is called, but I think I called it a gobble when I was a kid). Add to the bear.
8. Add the sign.
9. At this point, for the workshop guests, they’d simply add their turkey to the front of a card. For the WOW, I’d continue with the following to create Thanksgiving Wall Art:
a. From the Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper, cut a 6 x 12 inch piece using the wood grain print.
b. Cut a 5 ½ x 11 ½ inch piece of Autumn Spice Designer Series Paper. Adhere to the Walk in the Park piece.
c. Adhere the completed bear to one side.
d. Cut out the letters for “Give Thanks” and add to the paper.
e. Stamp two leaves from using Paisley Prints and Cajun Craze onto Cajun Craze card stock. Cut out and distress. Add to the corner of the paper.
f. Place in frame.

I also created some additional Thanksgiving bears and added them to a pumpkin basket that I created using the Pillow Box Die Cut.  Visit the resource section on SplitCoast for more details on that.  I did add a few extra pillow boxes to increase the size so I had plenty of room for all four bears.  I also added a leaf from Paisley Prints to complete the pumpkin basket.
 
I have not created detailed instructions for the Pilgrim and Native American.  I used the Beary Essentials die for most of their clothing and then cut free hand shapes for the collars and embellishments.  I used Beary Merry for the Pilgrim buckles.  For the Pilgrim girl, I lengthened her skirt for modesty.  For the Pilgrim boys stockings, I just cut some extra bear legs out of Whisper White.
 
And, just to show the full versatility of these bears and since I grew up in Forks, home of vampires, I made a Twilight Bear- Edward Cullen.  This was a big hit with all the Twilight fans in the room. 
 
 
After the presentation, my projects were put on display on the Workshop WOW board. 
 
As a presentor, I not only got to be on stage, but I got to see Shelli Gardner again and my family got to meet her as well when they dropped me off and helped me carry in all my stuff.  This was a big thrill for Tessa.  She and Liam had made cards for Shelli.  We even got a picture of Tessa and I with Shelli.  And, the card Tessa made was also well recieved by a fellow demonstrator who said it was the best use of C is for Cat she has seen.  Tessa felt pretty good when she heard that piece of information!  
 
I'll share our Regional Make and Takes as well as my SWAPs in the weeks to come as I work through my back log of projects.
 
God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
 
Charity
 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Spooky Halloween

The wind is howling here in Western Washington- the first big fall storm.  Fall is officially here!  We've had a busy fall already (as I'm sure you've seen with my lack of posts in October).  I've been busy with projects and recently attended Fall Stampin' Up! Regionals, where I actually got to present a project on stage!  Busy, busy!

Here is my first Halloween card of the season, but I think I'll have a few more later this week since I won the Fang-tastic stamp set at Regionals last week. 

This card uses:
  • Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set
  • Rich Razzleberry and Pumpkin Pie Cardstock
  • Wicked Fun Speciality Designer Series Paper
  • Spider Web Textured Impresions Embossing Folder (Available in the Current Holiday Mini)
  • Early Espresso Classic Stampin Pad
  • Modern Label Punch
  • Dimensionals
  • Big Shot
The card itself is very simple, but with high impact.  I embossed the card front using the embossing folder making sure the raised parts were on the front.  I brushed the ink across the raised edges.  I cut a piece of the Wicked Fun Specilty DSP and then distressed it by crunching it up and then unfolding.  I also rubbed some ink along the edges.  Last, I stamped the sentiment onto Pumpkin Pie and punched it out using the Modern Label Punch.  I also distressed my label and mounted it to the card front using dimensionals.

I hope you enjoy!

God Bless and Happy Stampin'!
Charity