Holiday Tags

I am a believer that how you present a gift is half the battle. The final touch is always the tags on the present. Here are some tags I've been busy making for my upcoming vendor fair at the Chapel in Lake Zurich on the 15th of December from 10-2 (330 S. Old Rand Road). Come visit my table!

These tags are just one of the many items I will be selling at the shopping benefit. Part of the proceeds from the event goes to support widows and orphans in Kenya. There are tons of vendors (Lia Sophia, Vault Denim, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, CQC Boutique, and many, many more) to visit including me!

 I had to show a close up of the detail on this tag....very pretty! I used my snowflake embossing folder, and added glitter details along with a rhinestone. Nothing like a little bling!

There will be other tags too! So come visit my blog for more samples of the tags I will be selling. The bags of tags (10 tags for $4.00) will be available that day as well as cocoa mixes, clothespin wreaths, snowman wine glasses (see my earlier posts for pictures of these items).

Remember to stamp a little love--especially for those you hold dear this holiday season!

Candle Jars

I always like have small gifts around for people that might stop by unexpected with a gift! This is a perfect idea as a little something to have laying around. I got a similar gift from my friend Kori, who is super creative. Here is my try at it.

I took stazon ink and dabbed circles with sponge daubers from Stampin' Up, added some pear pizzazz ribbon and jingle bells as well as the word JOY with vinyl to the candle jar. It's the perfect gift for that unexpected guest or to keep for yourself and burn on a cozy night at home. Remember to stamp a little love!

Holiday Wreath

I have really been able to focus my energy on creating the last few days--a welcomed change! My latest creation is a rosette wreath perfect for hanging during the holidays.

I picked up a wreath at the Dollar Store and added some felt rosettes. I picked colors for the Holiday Season but you could easily adapt this to fit your homes color theme. This will be another item that is available for purchase at the upcoming Holiday Shopping Fair at The Chapel in Lake Zurich, Illinois on December 15th from 10-2.

Remember to stamp a little love!

Felt Scarves

I've got a new die cutting addiction....circles and lots of them. Thank goodness for my Stampin' Up Big Shot that can cut all the circles for me. I created these lovely scarves with my circle dies.

You cut the felt scarf and then die cut circles to create all the flowers. You can use felt or really any fabric you'd like to make the flowers--the big shot can handle just about any material! I'll be selling these beauties at a vendor fair on the 15th of December at the Chapel in Lake Zurich from 10-2. A portion of the proceeds is going to a charity. Come visit me! Remember to stamp a little love!

Snowman wine glasses

 Whether you enjoy wine or not, you'll enjoy this wine glass. It takes literally longer to dry than to make. This will be another one of my gift giving class items this Sunday. I took painted the stem orange for the snowman's nose, dabbed circles in black for his eyes and mouth, and painted the base white for his face--added rosy cheeks and voila...a snowman wine glass to sip your favorite wine from!

Not a wine drinker, then this wine glass can be turned into a votive holder.

Super versatile and super easy. Remember to stamp a little love!

Jumbo Photo clips

What better way to spruce up a gift card this holiday season? These jumbo clips are perfect to put a gift card into for the holidays.

The best part is that after the recipient receives the gift, they can use is to display photos...the gift that keeps on giving. Remember to stamp a little love!

Holiday Card holder

Clothespins helped create this wreath! I took standard clothespins--the type that can be squeezed open and closed. I then covered them with various colors of card stock, and stamped some as well to add a little more detail.

Once you've covered all the clothespins, you then fish them onto wire and create the wreath shape. You will alternate clothespins with beads until you get to your desired size. Finish off the wreth with a ribbon for hanging. Not only will you have a place to put all those holiday cards this year, it will look great too!

Want to create this item--come to my gift giving class on Sunday, December 2nd. You must register by November 27th. Remember to stamp a little love!

Patterned Party

 This card is another one of November card class creations. I used starfruit, gumball green, and raspberry ripple. The sentiment is from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Phrases. The perfect card to give that special someone who will be a year older.

If you'd like to make this card along with four others, RSVP for my November 18th stamp camp. Can't make it? Order a kit! Remember to stamp a little love!

In-color Pinwheels

Another one of my cards I will be creating at my November card class. It uses some great in-colors: wisteria wonder, pool party, and calypso coral. The pinwheels were super easy to create! I punched out a 1-3/8" square, embossed it with the polka dot folder, and cut slits in each corner toward the center. The only trick is not to go more than 3/4 of the way up. Fold over the paper and fasten it with a brad!

For an embellishment I added the calypso coral baker's twine and added the sentiment. Remember to stamp a little love!

Delicate Doilies

I love the new in-colors from Stampin' Up and here is another example of one of the cards we will be making in November. The colors primrose petals and raspberry ripple were used to create this card along with the stamp set Delicate Doilies and the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes. The only thing left was to add a bit of bling with the pearl basics.

Remember to stamp a little love!

Make a Cake

My card class in November is on Sunday, November 18th. The class will include 5 cards with envelopes featuring Stampin' Up's in-colors. In addition to the cards, each attendee will receive 2 sheets of each of the five 2012-2014 in-colors.

This is just one of the five we will be creating that day. The stamp set Make A Cake is used along with the colors pool party and island indigo. Want to make this card? Come to my stamp camp. Visit www.stampwithlora.stampinup.net for all my current class offerings. Remember to stamp a little love!

Halloween Treat Bags

What better way to show that special trick or treater you think they are special? I made this treats bag filled with hershey kisses for all my stamp camp attendees. You can get a kit that includes the bags, precut tags, self-adhesive google eyes and baker's twine in the Stampin' Up mini catalog.

All I had to add was the adorable mummy from the stamp set Googly Ghouls and my bags were complete! Remember to stamp a little love!

My friend

We have our monthly demonstrator meeting and our theme this month is a color challenge using: island indigo, daffodil delight, cherry cobbler, and early expresso. I love these colors together!

I used the new 3/8" ruffled ribbon in island indigo and the stamp set perfect punches, which coordinates perfectly with Stampin' Up's punches. Want to recreate this card...come to my card class on November 18th to make this card plus four more using the in-colors. Remember to stamp a little love!

Googly Ghouls Frame

Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to have some spooktakular fun than to make a frame with your little ones! I used the stamp set out of the holiday catalog called Googly Ghouls. This fun set works great with google eyes--especially the new ones in the holiday catalog that are adhesive backed! No more trying to get the perfect amount of glue on the back. Just peel and stick the google eyes wherever you want it.

This will be the craft of choice at my 2nd graders classroom party. Super easy and perfect for getting your little one creative. Remember to stamp a little love!

For the Birds (part 2)....

My post from the other day showed the first 2 cards for my stamp camp on Sunday. Here are another two samples using the wonderful stamp set--For the Birds.

If you need to find a stamp set that will fit almost every occasion...look no further. Remember to stamp a little love!

For the Birds....

At my next stamp camp on Sunday, we will be creating 5 cards all created with the fun and versatile stamp set--For the Birds. Its perfect for every occasion and is great for coloring in with markers, chalks, and crayons! Here are just 2 of the 5 cards we will be creating along with there altered envelopes which coordinate perfectly with the cards.

As you can see from the pictures, I used two different images from the stamp set, and had the envelopes embellished to match the cards. This set is perfect for thank you, thinking of you, missing you, and so many more occasions! Remember to stamp a little love.

Spooktacular water bottles

Halloween is right around the corner, and so is my kids day out stamp camp! I made these adorable water bottle tags for all my creative attendees.

Super simple, and super cute! I started with a 2-1/2 x 8-1/2 piece of pumpkin pie, added a strip of basic black and stamped the mummy from a set in the Stampin' Up mini catalog called Googly Ghouls. This set is perfect for the upcoming holiday and it coordinates perfectly with the new self adhesive google eyes.
This would be a perfect set to create some last minute treat bags for all your favorite trick or treaters! Remember to stamp a little love!

For the Birds Stamp Camp

Gearing up for my next stamp camp that will focus on four cards with envelopes created with the new Stampin' Up stamp set for the birds.

I started with a basic gray card base and accented it with cherry cobbler and basic black. Both the gray and black card stock had  the perfect polka dot folder embossed in them. I also add a bit of detail with the new apothecary accents framelits...the perfect window for my stamped image. Final touch was adding the cherry cobbler ribbon to the front.

Want to create this card plus three more? Come to my next card class on the 21st of October. For a complete list of classes visit my website at www.stampwithlora.stampinup.net. Remember to stamp a little love!

Bitty Buttons

My next stamp camp is this Sunday and we will be having some fun with Bitty Buttons! Each class participant will receive a package of buttons with their class fee (visit www.stampwithlora.stampinup.net for a complete listing of my classes). This is one of the cards that we will be creating on Sunday.

The base is melon mambo with accents of daffodil delight, and rich razzleberry. I used the word window punch to punch out the sentiment and popped it up with dimensionals. Unfortunately, I used a retired punch along the edge--just loved the way it looks with the stamp set so I left it. Added the bitty buttons on the lace border with some linen thread and voila!

Hope to see you at my next stamp camp and remember to stamp a little love!

Altered flip flops

As I am gearing up for a cruise to the Caribbean, I thought I'd try to get my creativity flowing. I am making these adorable (if I may say so myself) flip flops for the 5 fabulous ladies I will be traveling with. I got the idea from a fellow demonstrator Barbara--thanks for sharing Barbara!They are simple to make. You start with a basic flip flop and adhere velcro to the "thong" part of the flip flop (see below).

Then comes the fun part! Making tons of flowers, ribbons etc add-ons that can be changed out to coordinate with their outfit of the day. Here are just 2 that I have made so far.

Just make sure to add the velcro to the back of the embellishments  so that they can change them out as often as they like. I used a hot glue gun to adhere the velcro. Stampin' Up has tons of fabrics to choose from that work great with the Big shot dies. What a great project for a little girls birthday party OR even an early release day! Remember to stamp a little love!

Perfect Punches

Yet another creation for my upcoming stamp camp on September 9th, using the bitty buttons from the Stampin' Up catalog. We will be creating 4 one of kind cards using the bitty buttons, and the one below is just one of the samples.

I used one of the great new in-colors as my base--summer starfruit--and accented it with lucky limeade. The bitty buttons were added to the elegant lines embossing on the base. Want to create this plus 3 more cards (you also get your own package of bitty buttons included in the $20 class cost)? Sign up today to reserve your spot--deadline is August 27th!

Remember to stamp a little love!

Betsy's Blossoms

Yet another fabulous sample from a fellow demonstrator. Thanks Erica! This card uses the new stamp set Betsy's Blossoms as well the sentiment from the Friendly Phrases stamp set. The base is crumb cake with accents in Midnight Muse and Raspberry Ripple (both new in-colors). The new in-colors are a must have. If you want to see them in person just give me a call and I would be happy to drop off a sample of the new in-colors.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to stamp a little love!

Embellished Events

I love so many of the new stamp sets in the Stampin' Up catalog! Luckily, some of the talented demonstrators and I swap monthly at our meetings so I can see some of these beautiful sets put to use without purchasing all of them. At least not right away....but when I see these cute cards its hard not too purchase them all!

This card was one of the beautiful swaps I  received from Sue. The card uses marina mist as its base color and the new polka dot parade designer series paper. The stamped image is from the new stamp set embellished events. Sue did such a great job, its now on my wish list! If you would like to get your hands on one of the new catalogs just let me know. I'll get one out to you right away!

Thanks for looking and remember to stamp a little love!

Road to Happiness

One of the wonderful new stamp sets in the Stampin' Up catalog is road to happiness. It can be used for weddings, birthdays, thinking of you, and other special occasions. I created this card for my upcoming stamp camp on the 9th of September--Buttons are for more than just sewing. During this class, you will create four one of a kind cards which will incorporate our bitty buttons. Best part, is you get to keep all the bitty buttons that you don't use to create more at home.

I used the heart shape bitty buttons to add a little detail to my stamped image.The real red base was embossed using the hearts from the adorning accents folders. Perfect for that upcoming wedding shower or wedding! Thanks for stopping by and remember to stamp a little love!

Dot to Dot

I came up with this card for my upcoming stamp camp (for a complete listing visit my website at www.stampwithlora.stampinup.net) in September. We are having fun with buttons...the bitty buttons in the Stampin' Up catalog to be specific.

I embossed whisper white card stock with the perfect polka dot folder using the Big Shot and added a sentiment from the Petite Pairs stamp set, along with 5 dots, added a round button from the bitty buttons and viola! Can't wait to use the other shapes from the bitty buttons--flowers and hearts--on some other cards. Thanks for stopping by and remember to stamp a little love!

Make a Cake

There are so many perks of being a Stampin' Up demonstrator. First, especially with this month's special, you get a ton of product for just $99! I think the second best thing about being a demonstrator is all the friendships you gain through various Stampin' Up events. There is convention, quarterly local meetings and one of my top favorites my monthly meeting with all the local demonstrators. I've gotten the privilege of getting to know these wonderful ladies (and stampers) over the last 6 years of my demonstratorship.

Every month we get together to swap cards, based on a theme the hostess picks. This past month's theme focused on the new catalog. One of those swaps was made by Barbara, using the new stamp set--Make a Cake, as well as the designer series paper Patio Party.

You get some great ideas just like this from other demonstrators plus get to know some really terrific ladies! Want in on the fun? Call me today and we can start the paper work or join me at our next monthly meeting to see if this is something you'd enjoy! Remember to stamp a little love....

Manly centerpieces--BEER BOTTLES!!

I'm not making excuses--okay maybe I am---but the last few months have been filled with lots of celebrations for our family! The latest of those celebrations was my husband's 40th birthday. So, of course, I had to add some creativity to this party.

I kept racking my braining for manly centerpieces until a wonderful friend who is super creative said....beer bottles! Manly right? But now to add some stamped touches. I took 6 beer bottles per centerpiece with a foam cylinder in the middle, wrapped basic black paper around them, and stamped some beverages (from a retired favorite: Cheers to You). Added a beer mug in the middle with sand, which also had a stick that had a 40 made with the Big Shot.

Manly but fun! Thanks for stopping by and remember to stamp a little love---especially for the ones you hold near and dear.

Sale-A-Brate!

This is another one of the cards that will be made at my next stamp camp. I used Peach Parfait and river rock for the colors in this card. Both the stamp set, Sprinkled Expressions, and embossing folder can be found in Stampin' Up's current sale-a-bration catalog. The best part of this catalog besides the fantastic products is that you earn everything for FREE. For every $50 you spend in merchandise (no limit!) you receive a free product out of the sale-a-bration catalog. To take advantage of this wonderful promotion just go to my online store at www.stampwithora.stampinup.net--but hurry because this promotion ends MARCH 31st! Remember to stamp a little love....

A little bling....

Anyone who knows me, knows I love adding a little bling to my projects. In this example its Stampin' Up's self-adhesive rhinestones. This card will be created at my next stamp camp on the 18th--Rhinestones, Pearls, and Jelly Bean Brads class. We will be creating 5 projects--three cards and two 3-D items. Included in the class fee is a package of rhinestones, pearls, and jelly bean brads (for more information visit www.stampwithlora.stampinup.net).  This card is perfect for an anniversary or wedding! Remember to stamp a little love.

Jelly Bean Brad Card

I love so many of the accessories in both the sale-a-bration and occasions mini that I thought I'd create a card using a couple of my favorites....jelly bean brads (occasions mini) and everyday enchantment designer series paper (sale-a-bration). I started with a whisper white base and added pool party as the background. Added both a strip of the everyday enchantment designer paper and jelly bean brads as a finishing touch.
Instant birthday card ready for my next stamp camp.

We will be creating 5 projects (one of which is this card) using the jelly bean brads, rhinestones, and pearls. For more information on this class visit my website at www.stampwithlora.stampinup.net. Remember to stamp a little love!

Pastel Emboss

I always like trying new techniques and today was the perfect opportunity! I have my upcoming Stampin' Up demonstrator meeting where we swap cards based on various themes. This month's theme is techniques!

I decided to try the pastel emboss technique, which is actually pretty simple. All you need is white craft ink, white embossing powder, a heat tool, and chalks. I started by stamping the image from Inspired By Nature in craft ink, and applying white embossing powder to it. I then heated it with my heat tool....here is what I got:

After that, you use your chalks to color in the image using a blender pen. That's it for a really neat effect....

Take a try at this super easy technique or book a party with me and we can create a card using this technique. Now is the perfect time to host a party...sale-a-bration is going on! For every $50 you spend, you receive a FREE item out of the sale-a-bration catalog plus hostesses receive a free tote, plus could earn a free hostess bundle with a $400 party. Call me today to plan your party! Remember to stamp a little love.

Smarties Valentine Treats

I stole this idea from a fellow stampers and turned it into my 6 year olds valentine treats. I took a skinny bag and put 2 smarties in there, and added a simple heart topper. Actually, this treat is so easy to compile that my 6 year old made them all by herself. She punched out the scalloped squares in tempting turquoise and then the hearts in melon mambo.
Such a simple and quick treat. Remember to stamp a little love!

Valentine Treats

I love making special little gifts for all the special people in both my kids and mine life. I found a chocolate box in the Target dollar isle that was perfect for just that! I wrapped the outside of the box in various colors (Real Red, Melon Mambo, Blushing Bride) and rolled hearts on the paper with my Stampin' Around wheel, added ribbon, and punched some hearts  for the top of the box.

A perfect gift for Valentine's Day for all those you care about. Remember to stamp a little love!