Still Stamping

Blog Tour Today!

Thank you for visiting my blog today while you click through the fabulous blogs on today's SUDSOL Blog Tour.  Demonstrators, f you want to see for yourself why I love SUDSOL (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing On Line), click here or on the button to the right. 

The first project I'm sharing with you today is a wonderful Tea Bag Holder.  A complete tutorial for this project can be found in the Patterns & Templates library on the Sudsol website, along with modifications to make it a gift card holder!  How versatile can you get?  Click to see it for yourself.  My version is updated - it features two items you can purchase (or earn for free!) now:  Springtime Vintage DSP (Occasions Mini Catalog) and Punch Bunch (Sale-a-Bration brochure).

 
My second project is a trio of fun birthday cards stamped with Create a Cupcake and punched out with the coordating punch.  What a time saver that is!  Both are in the current Occasions Mini Catalog.

 

 The card on the right (also pictured below) was based on one I found online.  That card used the scallop rectangle Clearlit for the Big Shot, but I substituted the new Extra large scallop circle punch.  After I'd made that sample for my Stampers Six monthly club, I had extra bits and pieces on the table, so I challenged myself to make two more cards using the same supplies.  I hope you like the results.

      Click on any of the samples to see them in a larger version.  If you have any questions about the projects I've shown you, please ask in a comment below or email me.   And be sure to visit again after the tour.  Also, take advantage of the opportunity I'm offering for a two-week free trial membership in Sudsol.  It's an awesome resource for your Stampin' Up! business. 

CONTINUE on the Blog Tour
SUDSOL	Judy Elting

 

 
Carol Taggart, Hanover, PA
  
 

    

For Love Of Chocolate

I know, I'm running out of Chocolate titles for these posts.  But I hope you've enjoyed seeing the many cards and 3-D projects I created with the Eat Chocolate stamp set from Stampin' Up!   This Pretty In Pink card was embossed with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder (Stampin' Up! exclusive design).  There was just enough blank area left t o fit a matted image stamped with the single Bon-bon and verse from Eat Chocolate.

 

 

Another card - this time it's a Gate Fold. 

And the colors on this one pop - It's Early Expresso and Poppy Parade, of course!  The DSP is from a level 1 hostess gift gift: the 6"x6" In Color Designer Series Paper Pack. 

And last, but not least, a gift box filled with Hershey's Nuggets.  The box is cleverly designed - cut it out with your Big Shot and the Box #2 die, use adhesive only on one tiny flap, and fold up the rest.  The bottom fold up without adhesive, and the lid has a flap which tucks into the box.  It reminds me of an animal crackers box.

Tomorrow's the big day - the Sudsol Blog Tour begins.  You can come here and follow the links to visit the blogs of many talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, all dedicated to sharing our love of stamping (and chocolate?).

 

Make Mine Chocolate

Today's duo is made up of a pair of cards you could send to a friend or add to a box of chocolates you give as a gift.

Did you notice the Cornelli Lace background on the card on the left?  It's that same Jumbo Wheel that I used on a previous post.  And did you also notice that two different Scallop Squares are used, but to add variety and a more interesting frame for the words, I turned the smaller one on point.  Who says that all layers must be perfectly symetrical?

The second card is definitely feminine.  From the dainty embossed background (Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder) to the scalloped border between the two background layers to the shades of pink, this one calls out "Hey,  Girlfriend!"  Take a close look:

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

More details: The chocolate bon-bons are two-tone (colored with markers directly onto the rubber before stamping); the framed piece is popped up; the fancy label overlaps the layered mat.  And of course, the stamp set is Eat Chocolate, from the current Occasions Mini Catalog.

More tomorrow.

Make yourself a note to come back on Tuesday, Feb. 1, for the Sudsol Blog Tour.  There will be lots to see and a chance to visit the Sudsol website and see for yourself why it's such an incredible resource.

Let's Eat MORE Chocolate

 The Let's Eat Chocolate stamp set (Stampin' Up!, 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog) seems perfect for making special treat wrappers, pouches and boxes.  Here are two more I made.  On the left, a tiny Matchbox (Sizzix XL Bigz die, a Stampin' Up! exclusive), and on the right, a crimped pillow box (another Sizzix die for the Big Shot).

 

 

 

 

See you tomorrow with two more.

 

Got Chocolate?

I have some samples to share with you, all made using the Eat Chocolate stamp set, available exclusively from Stampin' Up!   It's in the current Occassions Mini Catalog, available only until March 31.  If you are (or know) a chocolate lover, you need this stamp set!  I had fun making a variety of cards and treat holders using it, and I'll be sharing them with you throughout the week.

Let's start with some treats.

I've found the Two Tags die for the Big Shot to be very versatile.  It makes tags, obviously, but with a little tweaking, you can also make tiny notepads, photo holders, and treat holders like I've done here.  That's a miniature Hershey bar peeking out the ends.

A little custom gusset at the bottom allows for the thickness of the candy, and the embossed oval protrudes a tiny bit over the edge so that it catches in the slot to keep it closed without any adhesive.  I love the way it turned out.  cClick on the small picture to get a better view.

Here's another one.  This time I chose the Fancy Favor Box. Notice that the embossed Rose Red panel echoes the decorative shape at the top.  There are lots of layers on the front of the box, all leading the eye to the stamped "To Do List" image.  Inside, a cello bag holds a generous quanity of chocolates, all tied up with a pretty bow (which you can't see from this angle, but trust me, it's in there).

There will be more Eat Chocolate treat box ideas and some cards, too.  I even have a scrapbook page in mind to show off some photos of my youngest granddaughter Charlotte eating her Easter candy.  Enough said?  You can use your imagination until I get that one posted.  She's a cutie, even covered with melted chocolate.

I hope you've read to the end, because I have an incredible offer to extend to you.  As you may have read, Stampin' Up! gave each Leadership Conference attendee a chance to sign up one new demonstrator for FREE this week.   I'm still searching for a person who would like to be a part of my team.  Contact me by email at carol@stillstamping.com or by telephone, and we'll talk about it. With all that Stampin' Up! has to offer, it's a great opportunity to be your own boss, earn extra cash, meet new friends, learn, and most of all, share what you love.

Until tomorrow,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candy Cane Gift Card Holder

 
If you have people on your Christmas gift list that are hard to buy for, they'll be sure to appreciate a gift card (or cash!) presented in this beautiful gift card holder.  It's a fun an easy way to spice up a gift card, and it'll show that you did indeed take the extra time to make their gift extra special.

DSP:  Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper

Stamp set:  A Cute Christmas

Demonstrators - the template for this particular gift card holder is available on Sudsol.  You can check it out by clicking on the link in the margin.  You'll love the vast resources that Sudsol has to offer.

 

Stampin' Up! Some Autumn Leaves

Autumn is my favorite time of year here in south central Pennsylvania.  The days are getting cooler, and although the leaves haven't started changing yet, it won't be long!  So let's bring some Fall color into our homes with stamping.  Here's a project to get you in the mood.

 
I received this stamp set (Paisley Prints - 120817 w 121121 c) at Stampin' Up!'s Convention in July and hadn't used it since.  My inspiration was a frame shared by Mary Brown in this post.  I loved the concept and went to the local dollar store to find a frame to make my own.  Then I went digging in my card stock scraps for these colors:  More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie and Bravo Burgundy.  The background squares are River Rock and Cajun Craze, and I added some texture with the Texturz plate and Big Shot.  There's lots of dimension with foam dimensionals behind some of the elements, and the hemp twine bow adds even more texture. 

After I made the framed piece, I decided to take it one step further and make a greeting card using the same materials and layout.  Here's the result: 

 

carol@stillstamping.com

Be sure to email  me to sign up for my newsletter!!  Great projects for you every month, exclusively for mailing list readers. 

Two Tags Die makes two non-tags

I like using my Stampin' Up! exclusive Two Tags Bigz Sizzix die.  This post features two different projects using the same supplies:  a bookmark and a mini post-it note pad holder.

 
Here's what I used:

card stock - Peach Parfait, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Basic Black.

designer series paper - scraps of retired DSP - punches are a fantastic way to use up those scraps!

punches and dies:  Two Tags die, circles die, 1 3/4" circle punch, extra-large scallop circle punch, owl punch

stamp:  Hello again ink:  Basic Black

The scallop circle is only attached to the tag die-cut along the top edge.  This allows the bookmark to hook over the top of the page of your book to mark your place.  This is the second project we'll be making at the Taneytown, MD, Senior Center next month.

And as promised, a second project that uses many of the same tools and materials - this time it's a little post it note pad.  The guests at my New Catalog Kick-Off over the weekend enjoyed making this little guy.  What's not to love about an adorable owl with wiggle eyes?

If I haven't already mentioned it, I want you to always feel free to contact me whenever you have a question about any project.  I'll try to help you out if I can.  Enjoy the little owl projects!

Carol Taggart

carol@stillstamping.com

A Trendy Tree Tote

Hello and welcome back!  No, today's post isn't really a tote for a tree.  It's a little box designed with the Stampin' Up! Trendy Trees stamp set, and filled with cards and envelopes stamped with the same set.

 I've had several requests to share instructions or a template for the card tote in this post from Saturday.  Well, I have another one ready to show you and yes!  I'll be sharing the instructions, too!  Today's projects were designed by Kimberley Morris, who generously shared the template for this practical, inexpensive, attractive and simple gift item.  I'll be linking to her blog in just a bit, so please read on.

The tote is 7" x 4.5" x 1.5" and is made from just one sheet of 8-1/2"x11" card stock (Old Olive).  There's no waste except the two ovals you punch out for the handle, and of course you can put those to good use as layers on one of the cards inside. 

It's the perfect size to hold eight A-2 cards and envelopes.  I'm sure you could think of lots of other little gifts that also would fit into this pouch.

The color scheme has been carried out throughout the cards, envelopes and tote - Soft Suede, Whisper White, and Old Olive.  There are three ink pads used (Versamark in addition to the two colors above), several punches, ribbon, sponges, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, one stamp set, and the coordinating wheel. 

I'm going to share the five cards I made for the set.  Four were cased from Kimberley's design but changed some to make them "mine", and the fifth one is all my design.  I would like to come up with three more to complete the set.  It should not be hard, because this is such a cute little stamp set, very easy and fun to use.  Click on any of the pictures to see it larger.
    
     
 

Can you count the punches?  Square ( 1-1/4" and 1-3/8"), Circles (1-1/4", 1-3/8", Scallop), Word Window, Designer Label.  The only greetings I used (so far) were the two from the Trendy Trees set, but I would like to include some Birthday Cards and a Get Well card, too, so I'll be using stamps from another greeting set.

To make your own card tote, please visit Kimberley's blog.  She has a beautiful sample made using yet another Stampin' Up! stamp set.

SUDSOL Blog Tour - Stampin' Up!'s Elements of Style

Hello, and Welcome to my blog for the SUDSOL Blog Tour.  I'm #17 on the tour, and you probably arrived here from this blog.  At the conclusion of this post, I'll direct you to the next blog on the tour.

SUDSOL is a community for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators interested in building their businesses as well as nurturing creativity.  It's a wonderful support system for demonstrators that you'll find very worthwhile.  I've posted links on the right-hand sidebar so that you can visit Sudsol and check it out for yourself.

On to my new projects, created especially for you, the visitors on this tour!  I chose Elements of Style, a gorgeous new stamp set in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog.  (Wood-mount 118611 $27.95, Clear-mount 120045 $19.95).  It's the perfect stamp set for lovers of the Vintage or Shabby Chic styles.

I created a gift set, pictured here:

The card tote (on the right) is sized to hold eight cards and envelopes.  What a useful, thoughful gift it'll make!

I carried the color scheme throughout the projects:  Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, Whisper White.  Another common thread is the Top Note Bigz die for the Big Shot!  These roses are colored with the Stampin' Write markers, and I also used the blender pen on the stems and to add some accents.  The top of the tote is decorated with Crushed Curry dotted grosgrain ribbon and punched with the Large Oval punch.  The sentiment on the lower right is colored direct-to-rubber with the same markers, and punched with circle punches.

Here's one of the cards for the set:

The card base (Crushed Curry) has been texturized with the Texturz plates and Big Shot.  The image was colored again by using the markers directly onto the rubber stamp.  I was able to "select" the portions of the image I wanted to be each color that way.  This time the sentiment was punched with the Large Oval punch and then layered onto a punch-out of Old Olive punched with the Designer Label punch.

Ready for another card from this set?

This time I chose to go "monochromatic", using just one color (Dusty Durango) in addition to the white card stock.  The technique used here was Embossed Resist and sponging.  It is so simple and really makes that pretty scroll image pop right off the page.  The base card was texturized with the Big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder.  (The sentiment is from a different stamp set, A Beautiful Thing.)

There are two more cards as a part of this series.  You'll be able to view them by visiting my Sudsol Gallery.  Not a member?  Why not go check it out?  You can sign up for a two week trial with no obligation.  You'll find a wealth of resources there, and a wonderfully supportive Sudsol family, too.

I hope you're enjoying the tour.  Do come back later to look around the rest of my blog, and bookmark it to visit later, too.  But now, off you go to the next stop on the tour.

Carol Taggart, Hanover, PA

carol@stillstamping.com

 
 
 

Tiny Scrapbook Brag Book

And a denim bag...  I'm still looking for Deana Smart to claim her blog candy.  Deana, you might have won this recycled denim bag!  email me or leave a comment with your prize choice and your address, and I'll send it right out to you. 

And now, on to today's project to share with you.  It's another scrapbooking special, this time a grandmother's brag book in a very compact size to take everywhere to show off a dozen little photos of those little angels in your life.  I found the tutorial on Split Coast Stampers and happened to have the key ingredient - the coin envelopes.  So I whipped up a few of these little charmers.  They're easy and fun to make, even more fun to show off.

The one at the top of the picture will be shown in detail below.  The other one is embellished with some of the butterfly punch pansies I showed you recently.  Those are another fun thing for you to try if you haven't already.  Bet you can't make just one.

I purchased some very strong, extremely thin magnetic closures to hold these books closed securely and without bulk.  Those tiny magnets really do a terrific job!  The little coin envelopes hold tags for journaling or more photos - they're die-cut with the Two Tags Bigz Die.  The body of the scrapbook is another die cut - this one with the bag with scallop top (minus the side pieces).  I love my Big Shot and use it for so many things - home decor, crafting (like the denim bag), scrapbooking, cards, gifts, it just is so versatile.

Click on any picture to see it in more detail.  As always, feel free to email with with any questions you have, or just to tell me that you enjoyed reading my blog today.

Until next time,  Happy Stamping!

 
 

 

Recycling Gives New Life to Old Jeans: Blog Candy Winner Revealed!

I finally realized that I was never again going to fit into those skinny size 6 jeans.  They were taking up space in my drawer for at least two years, and from time to time I'd stuff myself into them and try to convince myself that they were fine.  I was having such a hard time giving them up, though.  Then I conceived the idea of making something out of them - repurposing them rather than just putting them into the box for GoodWill.  And since I have been enjoying making the Scallop Square die Rag Quilted Bags for several months, it dawned on me that a new bag would be the perfect end for my old jeans.

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog over the weekend and left such lovely comments.  As promised, I've chosen a commenter to win some blog candy - and that winner is comment #46, Deana Smart.  Deana, I'll be emailing you to see which of the prizes you want.  And for everyone to enjoy a little eye candy, even if you didn't win the blog candy, here's a picture of the finished denim rag quilted purse.

Happy Valentine's Day

Today I want to share another little Valentine's Day treat.  This one, like yesterday's project, holds chocolates.

 

But this is a Big Shot project, made with the Stampin' Up! exclusive Top Note die.  A folded piece of Pretty in Pink card stock (placed with the fold just inside the bottom cutting edge and then scored 1" on either side of the fold line) makes this clever little tent.  And it is the perfect size for the bottom of the Matchbox Die (another Stampin' Up! exclusive die for the Sizzix Big Shot). 

The matchbox inside is the exact size needed for four Hershey's nuggets.

The front of my little treat is decorated for Valentine's Day with hearts - the large one is from Sending Love DSP and punched out with the Full Heart punch; the smaller ones are stamped with the new I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and punched out with the Heart to Heart punch.  There's also a Chocolate Chip accent punched with the Scallop Circle Punch.

All three punches are in the current Idea Book & Catalog.  The Designer Series Paper "Sending Love" and the "I {Heart} Hearts" stamp set are from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  And by purchasing the stamp set before Feb. 28, 2010,  you will also be helping the earthquake victims in Haiti.  Stampin' Up! is making a donation from the sale of each set of I {Heart} Hearts to the relief effort.

You can order any or all of the items used on this project by clicking on the "Shop Now" button at the right.

I hope you're enjoying this day with someone you love!  See you next time,

Carol Taggart

A Valentine's Day Tree

I'm sure you're familiar with the Stampin' Up! XL Bigz O Christmas Tree die, designed by the talented Karen Buriston for Sizzix.  She had taken that tree to new heights, inspiring creative stampers and paper crafters all over the world to see what they could come up with, too.

Kathy Thompson, one of my very talented customers and stamping friends, decided to try her hand at the heart-covered Valentine's Day version of the pop-up tree card.  She's being featured today on Karen Burniston's blog.  I also wanted to show you Kathy's creation.  I haven't seen it in person yet, but she promised to bring it to our Stamper's Six Club meeting on Monday, so I'll get to admire it up close.  Thank you for allowing me to share this, Kathy!

Believe it or not, this tree folds flat inside a greeting card and pops up into place when the card is opened.  What a lucky person it will be who receives this very special Valentine.
 

Valentine's Day Sweet Treats

Last weekend I whipped up this batch of Valentine's Day treats for co-workers and members of my Stamper's Six club.  School was closed all week due to the snow storm, though, so my fellow teachers are going to be receiving theirs next Wednesday when classes resume.

Each wrapper takes just a 3"x8" piece of DSP - in this case, Sending Love.  I also embellished each with scraps of Very Vanilla, Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink card stock, stamped with the circular image from Love You Much, punched out with the scalloped circle punch, and topped with a tiny punched heart.  A slot is punched with the Word Window punch which allows a Ghiarardelli chocolate to be inserted.  A little bit of narrow satin ribbon finishes them off and ties them closed.

 

Quick to make, fun to receive, these little cuties are a winner!  I'll be sure to make these again.

Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!

Hugs, Carol Taggart

A Whimsical Bird House.... Wishing for an Early Spring!

Wishing for an early Spring...

After the two consecutive huge snow storms here in southern PA, I am not alone in wishing that winter were over.  Thinking ahead to Spring inspired me to try my hand at making one of the adorable mini bird houses.  It's a Big Shot and punches project - no stamping at all.  Everything I used is Stampin' Up!, of course.

My color inspiration came from the Designer Series Paper (on the trim on the roof) from Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit:  Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie.

The Stampin' Up! Sizzix Bigz die is the Mini Milk Carton.  Punches:  1" circle, Trio Flower, Scallop Trim border (free during SAB), and the Extra Large Two-Step Bird (in the Occasions Mini Catalog).  The birdhouse is also textured with one of the Texturz plates and the Big Shot.

Stampin' Up! - Sewin' Up!

By now you not only have seen dozens of these cute "Rag Quilt Bags" on blogs and websites, but you've probably made a couple yourself.  I made mine back in early December and am just now getting around to showing it to you.  What makes mine a bit unique is the way I attached the flower embellishment.

The squares were cut in no time at all, using the Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s Scallop Square Bigz die, and the flower uses the Flower Folds Bigz XL die.  I used the same fabrics for both the bag and the flower, and the inside of the bag is all cut from a single print rather than lots of different ones.  Because I wanted to use the flower sometimes but not all the time, I had to figure out a way to attach it without sewing it.  I certainly could have used a pin backing, but I love the button I used on the closure and wanted that to be the center of the flower.  So... I cut a slit in the flower through all layers, wide enough to slip over the button.  The next time I'll try to make a buttonhole - it might be a challenge because there are so many layers.

There's plenty of room at the top to reach into the bag to get out my phone or my wallet without having to actually remove the flower and open the closure strap, too, so it is very convenient.

This is so easy that even beginning sewers can turn out a fabulous project.  Give it a try --- you'll be hooked.
 

Christmas Greetings

Before Christmas is gone, I really must get some of my Christmas projects posted for you.  Although it is too late for this year, I hope that they'll go into your files for ideas for Christmas 2010.  My baking is mostly done, presents mostly wrapped, cooking mostly done, and now to get to the cleaning and the rest of the first three tasks I mentioned.  No time for stamping for the next few days, that's for sure.

All of the projects I'm showing you today were designed for my holiday classes, workshops, clubs, and for my personal use.  I thank everyone who shared their ideas for my own inspiration.  The first card features Serene Snowflakes.  If you have been considering purchasing it, don't procrastinate any longer~!  It's only available until Jan. 3.  The central panel (in Brushed Gold card stock) was cut with the Two Tags die and my Big Shot.  I also used lots of punches for the main focal image, and finished it off with a rhinestone brad.

The ornament punch and coordinating stamp set Delightful Decorations have been big hits with stampers this season, and with good reason.  This card has lots of layers, and the texture is provided by the flocked Designer Series Paper (Christmas Cocoa), the dimensionals that pop the layers up, the gem and the silver cording.

The idea for this card came from a gift bag we made at a group event.  I'm blessed to be part of a large and active group here in the Hanover, PA area, with a fantastic upline (Connie Heisey) and wonderful sideline friends.  The tree on the card is another Big Shot project - the Plenty of Petals embossing folder and the Scallop Circle die!  There are also two punches - the word window punch makes the trunk, and the star punch for the tree topper, of course.

Finally, I'm sharing this table favor I designed based on one given to me by Cindy Fodor of Littlestown, PA.  I resized it to hold four Hershey's Bliss chocolates.  Look at the side view:

  I think these would be perfect for any occasion, just by changing the embellishment.  Interested in the dimensions?  Leave a comment and I'll send them to you.  In fact, I'll send the ones for the Kisses, too.  Woudln't those be perfect for upcoming Valentine's Day favors for co-workers?  I also think they'd make nice place cards for a family dinner.   I thought that was such a good idea that I made 15 of them for my family's Christmas dinner.  Although I won't be able to be there, they can think of me; I'll be there in spirit.

It didn't take me long at all to make ALL of these, and my sister (who will be hosting the holiday dinner) was floored when I delivered them to her last weekend.  They live in northern Allegheny County in western PA, and the storm wasn't nearly as bad there as the one here in Hanover, near the PA/MD border.  We are definitely having a very white Christmas this year!

A parting note:  Enjoy your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to the utmost.  I sincerely hope you'll be surrounded by friends and family and will feel the warmth and love, peace and joy that this wonderous season brings.  Treasure your memories of the day, and be sure to remember what we're really celebrating.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

Holiday Hugs to you all!

Carol Taggart
 
 
 

Die-Cut Your Own Fashion Accessories - The Big Shot Brooch

Before I became a paper crafter, I was (am still am) a fabric crafter.  I've also been a polymer clay crafter and dabbled in fiber arts and jewelry making.  But I digress.  Back to today's topic, a die-cut fabric brooch - wearable art.

I loved the brooches shown at the Stampin' Up! Convention in August, 2009, by Shelli Gardner, CoFounder and CEO of Stampin' Up!  She used the exclusive Flower Folds Bigz XL die and the Sizzix Big Shot to cut out fabric, and then artfully arranged the folded pieces to make flowers similar to the one I've made here.  Add a pin back, and you can wear it on a lapel, on a belt or hat.  Stitch it to a barrette finding or headband and wear it in your hair. 

I frantically took pictures of the big screen as Shelli showed us how to make these, and I also feverishly tried to sketch diagrams and take notes.  But I didn't buy the die right away, and by the time I did, the urgency had faded.  Then I began to see some of these appear on the Internet, and I dove into my fabric stash (I'm still a quilter).  Will the change in seasons, I chose Autumn fabrics.

And then just last weekend, I attended a fantastic stamping event held by my upline, Connie Heisey, and sideline, Cindy Fodor.  Because I'd done a display for the event, they gave me this brooch as a gift!  I'll love wearing this one on my black jacket.   The fabrics on this one are firmer than the one above.  Also, to fray the edges of the cotton fabrics above, I roughed it up after assembling it, rolling it around in my hands, rubbing the edges between my fingers.  I wanted to emphasize the "shabby" part of Shabby Chic.  The black-red-white one is more formal, and has a sophisticated feel to it.  Thanks so much, Connie and Cindy. 

PLUS, the brooch coordinates with this monogrammed journal - it's an altered composition book.  Isn't it pretty? 

 

Keep It Under Your Hat --- your Witch's Hat

Or perhaps I should say keep it in your hat.  This Halloween Witch's hat is a box containing a Treat.  And the box is a very clever Trick.  It's the old favorite, the Triangle Box.  Start with a rectangle of card stock, do some scoring and folding, and voila.... a little box. 

I was inspired by the hat in this post by Kerin Sylvester.  Kerin gives credit to Connie Collins.  Isn't it great how Stampin' Up! Demonstrators share their ideas so freely?  Gotta love it.  

The ingredients are quite simple.... toad's toes, lizard teeth, dead leaves, seaweed, spider web....

Oh, no, that's the wrong recipe.  Let's see, oh here it is.

Card stock: Basic Black, Green Galore, Rich Razzleberry

Punches: Curly Label, Modern Label, Crop-a-Dile

Other: Grosgrain ribbon, Adhesive (I used Tombow Liquid Glue), candy to fill (Halloween M&M's)

Fiskars 12" paper trimmer, (scoring blade), bone folder.

If you've never tried to make a Triangle Box, you should give it a go.  It's a lot of fun and will amaze the recipient with how clever it is.  Need details?  Email me and I'll be happy to provide them for you.

Carol Taggart