LovenStamps - The Blog --Meg Loven, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Cool Cardstock Candy Keepers

2009-12-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

I know, I couldn't come up with a good 'c' word for 'something you put candy in' for my blog post title, so I had to go with a 'k' word. Honestly, we're in the midst of kindergarten spelling at my house. Did you know that you can't spell a word wrong in Kindergarten? I wish the rest of the world was so forgiving :-)

I wanted to share this holiday treat with you. If you still need a quick Christmas gift, you can whip one up just like this (gotta love the flocked Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper). Or if you are ready for Christmas (good for you!) then you can save this idea for your pink and red Valentine's paper.

The tag I used here is also from the Holiday Mini Catalog, and the stamped bird is in the Berry Christmas stamp set.

This cardstock basket is really easy to make. Thanks to my friend and fellow LovenStampfuls demonstrator, Leslie Sollars, for sharing the idea with me.

Start with any square of cardstock (9x9" is simple) and score it into 9 squares. Then add the corner score lines and decorative Designer Paper (like in this little picture).

If you'd like a full tutorial, you can download my free direction--Merry Christmas! :-)

And yes, I made the little "how-to" picture using My Digital Studio... so handy! The little score lines are done with the Whisper White Stitching embellishment.

DON'T FORGET! Today is the LAST DAY to order on the 12 Days of Stamping Specials sale, and get your Free Card Kit from me. Click here to get the details on the sale, or click here to shop now on my website.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas (116509)
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Certainly Celery, Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper (116770)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Embosslits Merry (116820), White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109025), Silver Cord (109866),

FREE Stamp Set of the Month Winner is...

2009-12-21T08:01:00.001-06:00

For November, the lucky FREE Stamp Set of the Month winner will receive the Limited Edition (and retired) Older & Wiser stamp set. This was a Level 3 Hostess Stamp Set, available to those who hosted a Stampin' Up! party that totaled $500 or more.

I assigned everyone a number and had Random.org choose the winner.
And the winner is....
Kathleen C.! Congrats, Kathleen!

Good news! You can still enter for my December drawing! Just place an order through my online ordering system. You get an entry for each online order you place through my website during a month. For December, I'll be giving away a Level 3 Retired Hostess Set again: Older & Wiser!

If if you order before December 22nd, you can take advantage of the 12 Days of Holiday Sales, PLUS get a FREE Card Kit from me! (click here for details)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

A Few Done, 300 To Go

2009-12-18T08:00:00.003-06:00

They're coming soon... here's the sneak peek for my customer & LovenStampfuls Group Calendars for this year.

This year I used the Inky Embossing Folder technique. If you missed that one, be sure to check my Video Tutorial.

I'm looking forward to not only getting these all finished and on their way!

You can probably see that this is a huge undertaking... the stack of unfinished pieces is MUCH larger than this stack of nearly finished ones.

Okay, just needed a quick blogging break... back to work for me! :-)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

The Gift of Warm Steamy Cocoa

2009-12-17T08:00:00.002-06:00

Provide your own cup and hot milk, of course! This cute project was one of our Stamp Club projects this month. It's a terrific twist on a project that's been around for years and years. The top hat actually pulls off and the snowman is an envelope that holds a cocoa packet.

My friend and LovenStampfuls demonstrator, Mary Ellen Stites, shared this at a recent LovenStampfuls Shoebox Swap. Here's how to make your own:

Begin by sealing a Whisper White Medium Envelope. Cut off about 1 ½” from the side, then crimp the remainder with the crimps running perpendicular to the cut.
Fold a Big Shot Top Note so that it creates a brim for the “hat”, attach to non-crimped envelope piece of the envelope.
For the marshmallows, cut two of the large scallop circles from Scallop Circle #2 die, and use a 1 ¾” Circle Punch to punch a hole for the Sweet Treat Cup. Attach to hat with Gold Cord.
Decorate with punched circles, sponged rosy cheeks and a cardstock triangle nose.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: any Christmas greeting
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Whisper White Medium Envelopes (107301)
Ink: Basic Black, Regal Rose (sponged for cheeks)
Accessories: Sweet Treat Cups (116802), Paper Crimper (101618), Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Top Note Die (113463), Scallop Circle #2 Die (113469), Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad (109110), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon Real Red (115608), Gold Elastic Cord (109867), Sponge Daubers (102892)

Let the Giftwrapping Begin!

2009-12-16T08:00:00.002-06:00

Every year my husband and I say that we're going to start wrapping Christmas gifts early. And every year we sit down and look at what seems like a mountain of things that need to be wrapped.

Part of the reason our wrapping adventure takes so long is that we like to add riddles to each tag. I'm told this tradition comes from my Swedish heritage, but in my family we always wrote little notes on the gift tags, in addition to the regular "to/from". Then on Christmas morning, we read each tag and the recipient takes a short guess or two about what's inside the package.

So for the tag on a funny blogging tshirt we're giving my brother, we've written, "the unofficial guide to social media". (I don't think my brother reads my blog, so I'm safe here ;-) But if he gets it on the first guess, I'm going to have to watch what I write here in the future!

Anyway, we need a little more room on our tags than the traditional sticky tags allow, so I used my Big Shot and the all-purpose Top Note Die to make our tags this year:

It's really easy to add Designer Series Paper (Merry Moments shown here) to your Big Shot diecuts:

Adhere your Designer Series Paper piece to the cardstock backing.
Put cardstock and paper through Big Shot

The Big Shot Bigz dies will cut through up to 4 layers of cardstock at the same time with no problem, so you can make quick work of your tag creations.

As you're wrapping gifts this year, consider using some of your stamping or scrapbooking supplies--punches, Designer Paper, ribbons, rhinestones whatever you have on hand--to dress up your packages or tags.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Big Shot (113439), Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (115672), Stampin' Up! Top Note Die (113463)

Build-A-Bear Goodies: Kids Can't Resist

2009-12-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

This past Friday night I held my LovenStampfuls demonstrator group Holiday Stamp-A-Thon. Wahoo! Hooray for sleepover stamping nights, and staying up past 2 am stamping with friends!

Oh, and of course the snacks... so many yummy snacks, so many fun project ideas (we held a Shoebox Swap), and so much coffee and Diet Coke!

Since there was plenty of time to relax and stamp, I put together the Build-A-Bear bookmarks I'd been planning for my daughter's kindergarten holiday party gift bags. Of course their goodies need to include a stamped gift!

Each bookmark is cut from the Stampin' Up! Table Setting Bigz XL die (Holiday Mini Catalog), but you could also use the darling Two Tags Bigz Die (115954, on sale until Dec 22 for $18.66!)

The bookmarks feature the Scallop Circle Punch and the 1 3/8" Circle Punch, and the super-cute Seal of Pawthenticity stamp set.

The girl bookmarks feature the Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink color scheme. I also added a Clear Rhinestone Brad and some Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon for each girl bookmark--every little girl needs some 'bling', right?

The boy bookmarks use Dusty Durango and Bermuda Bay for colors, and their brads are the Designer Circle Brads. The backs of all the bookmarks have "Seal of Pawthenticity" stamped on them.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Seal of Pawthenticity (118054), (alphabet & sunglasses - retired)
Inks: Basic Black (101179), Melon Mambo (115656), Bermuda Bay (115655)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Melon Mambo (115320), Bermuda Bay (115317), Pretty in Pink (100459), Dusty Durango (115321)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Stampin' Up! Table Setting Die (116819), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Melon Mambo Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115611), Bermuda Bay Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115610), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Designer Circle Brads (112571),

Pennant Banners for Every Occasion

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Just think of the possibilities!! Have you looked at all the goodies on sale for the Big Shot this week? (see details) You have until December 22nd to place your order with the discount.

One of the sale items is the fabulous Bigz XL Pennant Die. Not only do you get the awesome pennants (the larger pennant measures about 6 x 9"!!), but you also get the stitched scallop circles on this die.

I've had fun making some great projects with this die. Here's my Big Shot Baby Banner (click the link for the original post):

Isn't it CUTE?! So STINKIN' CUTE!! I also did a fun banner for Thanksgiving last year:

You can still order and get your Pennant Die before Christmas--just think of the cute New Year's projects you could make! To order, you can visit my online ordering website, or you can email me with your order and I'll get back to you with a total. In any case, these banners are SO popular right now--don't miss out on the chance to add this die to your collection at a discount!! Oh, and my FREE CARD KIT, when you order before December 22nd!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Big Shot: 113439, Pennant Bigz XL Die: 113483

Big Shot Goodies Under Your Tree and Card Kits in Your Stocking!

2009-12-11T06:43:00.007-06:00

SO cool! It's not too late to order and get Big Shot goodies for your friends, family or YOURSELF! The next time someone asks what you want for Christmas, you can say, "Big Shot Dies--and they're on sale!" Then just send them here to shop online!

From Dec 11 to 22nd, you can order any of these dies at a fabulous discout, PLUS the NEW Stampin' Up! colors of raw vinyl are also available early! This means you can make your own Decor Elements using your Big Shot. The possibilities are endless.

Don't forget--you can add a Big Shot (113439) to your order if you don't already have one. It's a perfect Christmas gift! The price is usually $99.95 and you'll find every penny worthwhile in your crafting projects, whether quilting, sewing, stamping or scrapbooking.

From Dec 11 to 22, I'm offering an ONLINE ORDERING special! Place any order online through my website, and you'll receive a FREE CARD KIT in the mail:

features NEW Papers, Punches and Big Shot embellishments from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog
makes 4 different new cards--just use the inks and stamps you have on hand at home
order more than $50* and you'll receive 2 CARD KITS, for 2 copies of each card! (*$50 before shipping and tax)
Card Kits will ship January 7th or before

Click here to shop now, and order by December 15 for Christmas delivery!
Then for Big Shot Special, click "12 Days of Holiday Sales" on the right column

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

12 Days of Holiday Sales: Begins Tomorrow

2009-12-10T17:10:00.002-06:00

That's right! Tune in tomorrow (Friday, December 11th) for the beginning of 12 Days of Holiday Sales! This is the perfect time to get last-minute holiday gifts and stock up on your own supplies with a fabulous sale.

Details tomorrow--or visit my online ordering website beginning December 11th to see the sale!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

If It Doesn't Move, Stamp It

2009-12-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

And if you can't get a stamp to stick, try Rub-Ons!

This cute little ceramic candy dish was given to me by my friend Kathi R (thanks Kathi!) and I wanted to share it here.

The red ceramic dish is a perfect reminder that pretty much any clear surface is just waiting for a Stampin' Up! embellishment of some kind, whether it's stamps & ink, rub-ons (like this one) or even Decor Elements (like these recent projects).

And of course don't miss the Striped Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon that Kathi used to tie the bag of peppermint fudge!

These exact rub-ons Kathi used are a retired set, but if you wanted to duplicate this project at home, it's not too late to order if you'd like to get a current set.

The Merry & Bright Rub-Ons from the Holiday Mini Catalog would actually be perfect!

And speaking of retiring sets... did you know that there are several stamp sets retiring at the end of December? Don't miss the chance to get these sets! Click here to download the list (6 pages with pictures), and then visit my website to place your order.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Rub-Ons: Merry & Bright (116801)

Scrapbooking Inspirations: BFF

2009-12-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE to take half an hour and page through my favorite scrapbooking magazines. Maybe you prefer card magazines or even the Stampin' Up! catalog (yay!), but I'm sure you can identify with seeing dozens of fabulous project ideas and figuring out what you want to create next.

The other night I flipped through the pages of a popular scrapbooking magazine, turning page corners over to earmark ideas that I wanted to use. This layout featured a little girl and the colors were pinks and reds, but I adapted them for a picture of my 2 kids:

The pages of this layout use Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio digital papercrafting program exclusively, and all the elements are in the basic My Digital Studio program.

Here's a sampling of the elements in my layout:

"friend" embellishment, from the Happy Bday Designer Kit
Oval Punch (Real Red with a Whisper White mat)
Designer Series Paper, from the Happy Bday Designer Kit
corner words, in Whisper White, font: Arial
photo corner heart, from the Holiday Blitz stamp set
corner heart embellishment: Real Red button, Certainly Celery Ribbon Knot, heart in Real Red from the Best Wishes & More stamp set, bordered label from the Happy Bday Designer Kit

An extra tip... don't forget to add drop shadows to anything you want to appear dimensional. For example, look at the bottom of the corner tag embellishment: it has a drop shadow, which helps it to stand out from the page.

For these two pages I started with an idea in a magazine and customized to fit my own picture and theme. Now you can start with my layout and adapt it to your own needs!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
My Digital Studio: 118108

Sweet Snowman Candy Containers

2009-12-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Chocolate... chocolate... chocolate... stamping...
Isn't it great to have all your loves in one place? :-) This is a workshop project that I put together last week. The Bold Snowflake wheeled candy packets are the tried-and-true "sour cream container" that has been around forever. Definitely an old-y but good-y!

The snowman and the tag greeting are from the Punch Pals stamp set, and I watercolored this guy with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Bold Brights) and my Aqua Painters.

The container is easy to make, although tricky to describe if you've never seen it in action, so I'm including some step-by-step photo instructions here.

Start out with a 1/4 sheet of Cardstock Vellum (the heavier of the 2 weights that Stampin' Up! carries). A quarter sheet is 4.25 x 5.5". Use a Stampin' Around Wheel to cover the vellum, then flip and place Sticky Strip around 3 of the edges, leaving one of the short edges free.

Remove the Sticky Strip backing and roll the vellum into a tube. The tube should be vaguely the size/shape of a toilet paper tube. But much cuter, of course. Unless you have really nice toilet paper!

Press down one of the ends so that it flattens one end of the tube.

Fill your container with candy (mine hold about 6-7 Hershey's Kisses, although be sure to buy extra for the ones that never quite make it to your stamp project). Go ahead and squeeze the container closed by pressing the sides together opposite the direction of your first end. Don't worry, it pretty much won't close the wrong way ;-)

Use your Crimper to crimp back and forth a few times at each end of the tube. Not only does the container look SO much cuter with crimped ends, but it will also give you a fabulously tight bond with the Sticky Strip. This way no Hershey's Kisses will be spilling out when you aren't ready for them.

Then just decorate a tag to match your container!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Bold Snowflake Stampin' Around Wheel (105957), Punch Pals (116588)
Ink: Brilliant Blue Stampin' Around Jumbo Cartridge (103674), Basic Black (101179)
Paper: Vellum Cardstock (101856), Brilliant Blue (100721), Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730)
Accessories: Jumbo Stampin' Around Handle (103661), Crimper (101618), Real Red Gingham Ribbon (104827), Sticky Strip (104294), Playground Buttons (116313), Modern Label Punch (116630), Tag Corner Punch (107215), Watercolor Wonder Crayons Bold Brights (106695), Aqua Painters (103954)

I'm Dreaming of a Purple Christmas

2009-12-07T15:32:00.003-06:00

Hopefully the snow won't come down purple, but I got some purple inspiration recently, and I'm LOVING these colors for holiday cards! They're not traditional, but who says Christmas cards need to be red and green?

Here are the colors I'm using:

Lovely Lilac (cardstock layer and largest snowflake)
Lavender Lace (ornament and medium snowflakes)
Bashful Blue (main card, Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and smallest snowflakes)

Of course every Christmas card DOES need a little "bling", even if it's not a red/green card. The Top Note diecut shape is a perfect layer for the card and the Clear Rhinestone Brad sets off the ornament nicely.

Both the Serene Snowflakes stamp set and the Delightful Decorations stamp set (with its coordinating Ornament Punch) are in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Don't forget to order these items before the Holiday Mini Catalog period ends on January 4th!

Biggest tip for this card? Use lots of Stampin' Dimensionals. (They never last long on the supply shelf in my stamp room ;-)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Delightful Decorations (116517), Serene Snowflakes (115438)
Inks: Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace, Bashful Blue
Cardstock: Lovely Lilac, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Ornament Punch (116794), Big Shot (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (110717), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Watercolor Your Ceramic Coaster Gifts

2009-12-04T08:50:00.004-06:00

Last night I held by Ceramic Seasons Tile Class--lots of fun! There are going to be some fantastic holiday gifts under a few trees this year.

I also showed everyone how to make my watercolored ceramic tile, using the Home for Christmas stamp set (111756).

The technique on this one is a little different from just stamping with Craft Ink, as we did on the Seasons of Friendship Tiles. Here are the instructions:

Stamp in Staz-On Jet Black
Make a small palette of ink using the back of an old CD and add dots of Craft Reinkers in Garden Green, Real Red, More Mustard and Close to Cocoa
Use an Aqua Painter with the ink palette to watercolor your tile (don't squeeze so that only a little water comes through)
When finished, tap the edge of the tile into a Close to Cocoa Craft Pad to add the border
Spray coat with clear acrylic spray (from the hardware store), using 3-4 very light coats, allowing a few minutes to dry between each coat
Use the Big Shot to cut a medium scallop circle from black felt, adhere to tile bottom with Crystal Effects

A quick note... it looks like the snow on the tree and the steps is whiter than the surrounding area. Actually, it just looks lighter by constrast, because of the darker ink on the faces of the steps and in the footprints. Yup, it's a cool watercolor trick :-)

If you're looking for ceramic tiles like these, I recommend checking your local hardware store and asking for "tumbled marble tiles". These make a terrific holiday gift--just picture them wrapped up in a pretty ribbon and with a pretty hand-stamped gift tag!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Home for Christmas (111756)
Inks: Craft Reinkers in Garden Green, Real Red, More Mustard and Close to Cocoa and Close to Cocoa Craft Pad
Accessories: Aqua Painters (103954), Big Shot (113439), Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die (113469)

You Might Be A Stamper If... (Reason #56)

2009-12-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

Warning sign that you may be a Stamper (#56):

You walk through the clearance aisle at your local department store with an eye out for anything that could be stamped.

Yes, guilty here! During a little bit of Christmas shopping yesterday, I couldn't resist picking up this unexciting blue plate for $0.69. I figured surely there was something stamping-related that I could do to embellish it!

Sure enough, I got home and picked up my Decor Elements Flurry set in Whisper White and decided to stick a couple of these little flakes onto my new blue plate.

If you haven't seen the Decor Elements in action, you can check out the holiday decor Video Tutorial I posted last week. The video shows how I added two Decor Element ornaments to my bathroom mirror. The self-adhesive vinyl is easy to apply, and can be washed gently by hand on objects like plates or glasses.

From this one Flurry set (the largest snowflake is 7.5 x 7.5") you could easily 3 or even 4 plates decorated, depending on how many flakes you use for each plate.

If you're baking Christmas cookies for your neighbors or friends, these plates would be an inexpensive and fun hand-crafted way to get the cookies from your house to their houses.

And if you'd like to see more ideas on how to use the Decor Elements in your home, be sure to check out some of my other Decor Element posts.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Decor Elements: Flurry in White (117753)

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2009-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

At this time of year, I start to think about winter cards that don't necessarily have to be used before Christmas. Here's an idea using the Berry Christmas stamp set, from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

The colors are Night of Navy, Garden Green and Perfect Plum. They combine for a great winter effect that could either be Christmas-y or not, depending on your stamp image and greeting choices.

The little snowflakes for this card are cut out and attached to the White Grosgrain Ribbon using the Mini Library Clips. Definitely this card will require extra postage for hand-canceling, but I think it's worth a few extra cents for a cute card!

For other Holiday Mini Catalog ideas, check out some of my past posts.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas (116509), Heard from the Heart (111644)
Ink: Perfect Plum, Night of Navy, Garden Green
Paper: Whisper White, Garden Green, Night of Navy,
Accessories: 1/4" White Grosgrain Ribbon (109025), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144), Mini Library Clips (109857),

Digital Crafting Ideas for Football Widows

2009-12-01T08:00:00.003-06:00

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? Ours was fabulous--very relaxing, a nice time to be with family and friends, and a great chance to get some early Christmas shopping done online. Did I mention the lack of lines and crowds in online shopping? Ah, joy :-)

If you missed the Thanksgiving week Online Extravaganza sale from Stampin' Up!, never fear... there will be another big online sale coming later in December. Yay!

One of the fun things about Thanksgiving weekends at our house is the never-ending stream of football games on tv. If you're not a football fan though, it can be a bit rough.

So while your loved ones are glued to the tv and jumping up only for nachos or to cheer & jeer plays and ref calls, you can be sitting right alongside with your computer and My Digital Studio, working on your scrapbooking or digital papercrafting projects!

This page is one that I worked on this evening--who doesn't love spaghetti smeared on little faces?

This page is a simple copy of one that I created for a picture of my daughter, so the layout might look familiar. I moved a few elements around to fit the composition of the picture better, but the idea is the same.

Hmm... guess I never posted this original page--I could have sworn that I put it on my blog, but I couldn't find it just now, so here it is (again or not).

Both pages use the Textured digital stamp to add dimension and interest to the background paper. And both pages use Hodgepodge Hardware in Silver for the embellishment tag. The letter in the center of the frames is from the Summer Home Designer Kit (letters).

All these elements are included in the My Digital Studio software package, but there are also some new Digital Downloads available online. To order any of these for yourself (or to see them close-up), just visit my online ordering website and select "digital crafting" on the left column. You can easily browse the images.

Item #	Item Name	Price
118117	Berry Christmas stamp brush set	$5.95
118118	Friend by Definition stamp brush set	$1.95
118119	Just Perfect Alphabet stamp brush set	$9.95
120880	Christmas Cocoa II digital kit	$9.95
120881	Write Stuff II digital kit	$9.95
120882	Icicle digital photo card kit	$3.95
120883	Merry Moments digital photo card kit	$3.95

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
My Digital Studio: 118108

Easy-Peasy, Shop in your Jammies

2009-11-29T14:41:00.004-06:00

You haven't missed it!! If you braved the crowds this weekend, make it easy for yourself now--use my Online Ordering system and shop for Stampin' Up! products at a FABULOUS DISCOUNT!

You can check out the details, plus don't miss MY extra BONUS items--free Card Kits with your order of $50 or more, AND a chance to win a Hostess Stamp Set for ANY sized order!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Decor Elements: Why Wait Til After Thanksgiving?

2009-11-25T08:00:00.004-06:00

Whoever said that Christmas decorations should come out after Thanksgiving obviously never visited my neighborhood!
Most of the houses already have their lights out, and several even have their Christmas trees decorated.

I have to admit that I'm not quite that on top of things, but the inspiration from my neighbors has at least inspired me to pull out my new Decor Elements and get a jump on a bit of my holiday decorating!

In this video I'll show you step-by-step how to apply the Small Vintage Ornaments Decor Elements. I used the White, to match my woodwork, but these cute elements also come in Real Red, Chocolate and Black.

Plus, you can get these Decor Elements at a discout:

Choose them for FREE when you order $50 from the Holiday Gift Guide before December 30th
Or get them in the Christmas Decor Element Bundle (#1, 2 or 3 depending on color) -- on sale at 40% off during the ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA until Nov. 30th

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Vintage Ornament Decor Elements (White): 117968 Decor Elements Applicator: 114285

Fun Turkey Table Touches

2009-11-24T08:00:00.005-06:00

Only a couple of days left until Thanksgiving! I want to share a post from last year that you may have missed... and it's perfect for this week!

What's cuter than a Scallop Punch with googlie eyes? Why, a Scallop Punch Turkey with googlie eyes, of course!
These little turkeys were shared by Liz Orr at one of our Lovenstampful Stamp & Share events.

Want to make your own? Here's what you'll need:

Cardstock: Close to Cocoa or Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Green Galore, Not Quite Navy & Really Rust
Punches: Scallop Circle, 3/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval, *Boho Blossoms Punch (just a little bit different from the punch in the photo)
Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Peppermint Patties & googlie eyes, of course!

These are so simple--just punch the pieces shown in the photo and sandwich a Peppermint Patty between the front and the back Scallop Punch pieces as shown. The head is attached with a Stampin' Dimensional.

Have fun with these! Can't wait to make them for my own Thanksgiving table!

Don't forget to check out the Online Extravaganza this week! Shop in my Online Store and click "Online Extravaganza" on the left side to browse the sale. Items and bundles are 30%-50% off!!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Online EXTRVAGANZA Kick-Off -- 30-50% off

2009-11-23T06:30:00.003-06:00

Oh my gosh-- I expected this sale to be a good one, but the variety and huge discount of products on sale this weeks has WAY exceeded my expectations!!

The best way to see what's on sale is to visit my online ordering website and browse for yourself. There are over 35 bundles and items on sale!

Looking for Stocking Stuffers? Get them at close to half price!!
Try the Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle--two colors for $10.74 instead of $17.90

Looking for a new stamper gift?
Don't miss the Ultimate Stamper's Starter Bundle!! Only $76 instead of $127!!!

Best Wishes & More stamp set
Eight Great Greetings stamp set
On a Pedestal stamp set
Earth Elements Stampin' Spots
Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
Flower Designer brads

This bundle is available ONLY while supplies last--don't miss out!!

Finally, don't forget that your purchases through my Online Ordering website from today until November 30th qualify for great BONUSES from me! Check here to see what extras you'll be earning with your order.

If you have any trouble with ordering online, just drop me an email or give me a call (217)586-7484. I'd be happy to help you with your holiday shopping!!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Christmas is Coming: Don't Miss Monday!

2009-11-20T10:24:00.006-06:00

Stampin' Up's ONLINE Extravaganza begins on MONDAY!!

The details are hush-hush and will be revealed on Monday, but you can bet there will be some terrific sales. So from November 23rd through 30th, you can visit my Online Store to see the great deals and place an order with the great discounts.

Plus, I'm making the deal even better! I'm offering some Online Extravaganza BONUSES of my own!! Just place an order in my Online Store between November 23 and 30th to qualify!

FREE HOSTESS STAMP SET DRAWING:

Place any sized order through my online store and be entered in my drawing for your choice of the Patterned Pines Level 1 hostess set or the Snow Buddies Level 2 hostess set
I'll draw for one free stamp set for every 5 orders placed, so you have a great chance of winning
Order $50 or more and you'll receive an extra drawing entry
Winners will be emailed on 12/1 for their choice of set and stamps will be mailed on 12/3

FREE CARD KIT with $50 ORDER:

Place an order of $50 or more online and receive a FREE kit (cardstock & embellishments & photo directions sheet) to make 4 Christmas cards at home!
Pieces will be pre-cut, use the stamps and inks that you have at home to make this Dasher card
Or add the Dasher (116816) and Merriment (115556) stamps to your order, and you'll be able to make the card as shown!

TWO FREE CARD KITS with $100 ORDER:

Place an order of $100 or more online and you'll get the $50 card kit PLUS a second card kit to make 4 MORE Christmas cards
Pieces will be pre-embossed and ready for you to stamp with images and ink you have at home
OR add the Brocade Blue Classic Pad (101102) to your order so you'll have the ink to match the cardstock in your kit

Free card kits will be mailed 12/3

**Remember, these bonuses are only valid on orders placed through my Online Store (Meg Loven, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator). If you have trouble with the online ordering system, send me an email and we can make other arrangements so you can still participate.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Simple and Sassy Christmas Candy

2009-11-19T08:00:00.004-06:00

Do you need a quick idea for something to give out as a holiday gift? Maybe a quick candy packet for the mailman, UPS driver, Sunday School teacher...etc.?

I created this project for a Stampin' Up! workshop I did last month, and I wanted to share it with you here.

The supplies are simple: one ink color, one stamp pad and one punch. Plus everyone likes Hershey's kisses, right? Although I suppose you could substitute the candy for something else. Maybe some homemade fudge or cookies? (feel free to send me a sample if you do the fudge option ;-)

I do like the silver and red together, so I used the Real Red Classic Pad, the matching Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, and the silver candy coordinates with the touch of silver in the Silver Elastic Cord.

Combining two different ribbon types in a project is super-trendy, and adds a nice extra touch to this project. And of course you can't go wrong with the Ornament Punch to match the Delightful Decorations stamp set! (it's easily my favorite in the Holiday Mini Catalog)

Don't forget that the Delightful Decorations stamp set & Ornament Punch can only be ordered until the end of December 2009, and then they are gone when the Holiday Mini Catalog is over! Check out some other Holiday Mini Catalog ideas...

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Delightful Decorations (116517)
Ink: Real Red (103133)
Paper: Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482),
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Silver Elastic Cord (109866), Small Cello Bag (103104), Ornament Punch (116794), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Dasher: Not too late to sign up!

2009-11-18T08:00:00.004-06:00

I know, we're getting close since the Dazzling Dasher class is tomorrow evening (Thursday, November 19th), but if you'd like to join us or purchase a "TO GO" kit, it's not too late!

Just visit my online sign-up website for details or to register for your kit or class.

You'll make a set of 8 cards plus a designer box to go with them. The card set makes a perfect gift, or use the cards yourself.

Cost is $25 for the class/kit and you can add the Dasher and Merriment stamps to your kit for $10 more (about 40% off the catalog price!)

Click here to learn more or sign up: http://dasher.eventbrite.com

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Tapestry Snowflakes in Blue and Brown

2009-11-17T08:00:00.004-06:00

Looking for a fun technique? This one has been around for awhile, but sometimes oldies are goodies :-) Besides, anything in blues and browns is gorgeous right now--oldie or not!

I created this card for my November Stamp Club, using the Tapestry Technique (see below for directions). The colors are Chocolate Chip for the background cardstock, Brocade Blue and Close to Cocoa for the technique layer, and the snowflakes are all stamped in Whisper White Craft Ink.

The Serene Snowflakes stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog was perfect for the 'mood' of this card, and it stamped beautifully in Whisper White ink.

The greeting is from the fabulous Level 1 Hostess Stamp Set, Holiday Best (choose it for free when you have a party, book party or personal order of at least $150!). The Christmas greeting perfectly matches the Ornament Punch from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Directions:

Using Craft Ink, sponge with 2-3 colors over a piece of neutral cardstock.
Stamp over the top in Whisper White Craft Ink.
Pour Clear Embossing Powder over the whole cardstock; heat emboss.
If needed, add Versamark ink to the cardstock and layer more embossing powder.

Classic Pad version:

Sponge in Classic Ink, stamp with White Craft Ink, Heat Emboss, then add Versamark Ink to the card front and heat emboss with more Clear powder.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Holiday Best (Level 1 hostess set--115364), Serene Snowflakes (115438)
Inks: Brocade Blue Classic Pad, Whisper White Craft Pad, Brocade Blue Craft Pad, Close to Cocoa Craft Pad, Bordering Blue Craft Pad, Versamark Pad
Paper: Naturals White, Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa,
Accessories: Heat Tool (100005), Crystal Clear Embossing Powder (109130), White Organza Ribbon (114319), Ornament Punch (116794)