Stamps Ahead

This morning, sees the end of card classes at a local community group for the year.  Here, are some candy cane favours I have made for each of the ladies in my group as well as for the organizing committee - about 20 in all.   Quick, easy and simple to put together.  Hope they love them. I used 2 different patterned papers and cardstock to create them.  First, I measured the candy cane to construct the pouch.  Then cut out papers and stitched.  I individually cut out images from left over paper to attach to top of candy cane. I was inspired by a similar holder by Better Homes and Gardens (US) that I saw on-line. I also made these for another group where I also lead card making classes - aren't they cute!  I have used Kaszazz Santa Hat Stamp then coloured in with alcohol inks, cut around with scissors and then attached to circle of green cardstock with a glue dot. I have also put these both of these favours on Soul Scrappers challenge blog - the...

Earlier today I made these cute little decorative jars/vases - shabby chic/vintage style from some small bottles I had (they are about 7.5cm/4" tall).  I decorated them with a paper band, some lace, ribbon, twine and a charm.   I did ink the edges of the paper with Tea Dye Ranger Distress Ink.  The charms I have had for years. Too cute, don't you think.   These are being donated to raise funds for a local church that my sister attends.  The crocheted doily (from a set) was made by an aunt for my 21st many, many years ago and I still use them to this day.  Not longer after finishing these a headache was upon - and no not as a result of making these!!!

Looking to make something different, I google Despicable Me and found some inspiration to make this card. There has been a few around on blogs, I wanted simple for the project I had in mind.  Now, to clarify, I have never seen Despicable me so know nothing about the characters or language they use.   I did not have google eyes so I used a pearl with a dot from an alpha.  All product is Stampin' Up! (r) except for the alphas.  What do you think?  Did I nail it? Tank you! for looking, Margaret

 What "fun" it was to make these.  I say "fun" as I was mini-milk carton die challenged - it took me awhile to get the correct shape going.  I used Stampin' Up! (r) die - it has been around for a few years now, however, this is my first time playing with it.  I am playing around with ideas for a youth group and items they could make.  And our Stampin' Up! group had a challenge to use items from the current Sale-a-bration (SAB) catalogue. In addition to the die, I have used current in-colour DSP paper Coastal Cabana and Whisper White CS. The white CS has been embossed with Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (SAB). The stamps are from the Banner Blast (SAB) with its matching banner punch (SAB), Butterfly punch and the butterfly is finished off with a tie of twine from Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack (SAB)..  The clips are non SU. This shows the embossing more clearly. I really enjoyed making these and I don't think they will be too hard for people of an...

Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas Cards, texts, emails and gave gifts to me this year.  They are all very appreciated and I love that they keep me connected with friends and family around the world.  I am sharing some of the handmade cards I got this year.   In most cases I do not know who the original card/gift makers were - so please accept my thanks for your creativity. Blue card uses Stampin' Up! (r) Calm Christmas Stamp Set, Pretty Print Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Shaker card created by Tracey Peters (Missouri USA) using Stampin' Up! (r) Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, Christmas Collectibles Stamp Set, Christmas Ornament Punch This card using a beautiful shimmery card base - I hope I have captured it with my photo. A cute post-it note booklet with pen.  It uses Stampin! Up! (r) punches Mosaic, Scallop Oval, Large Oval and Lattice Big Z die for gold embellishment.  It was created by Deb - sorry I don't know her full name...

Whilst blog surfing I found the Creative Keepsakes blog and found some great 3D flowers. I immediately wanted to make some. I got my glue gun out for the first time in years. This is my parents wedding party - they were married in 1948 and the flowers and paper (Anna Griffin from my stash and just waiting for the right inspiration) create a vintage feel to the page.

Images:(c)1990-2010 Stampin'Up(r) Artwork:Margaret L Crawford Our INKlings cyberchallenges have began for 2010. Tonight our leader, Jayne is setting the challenges. Our first challenge is to use SU punches to make a paper flower and use it on a card, scrapbook page or 3D item. I have used the round scallop punch (each flower has 3 punched scallops), cut a small way into each scallop and then pushed back to create a 3-D effect then I added a rhinestone brad to the centre of each flower. I used my markers to colour the leaves and then spritzed with water before adding to card. Challenge 1 completed.

This weekend, I demonstrated the 3-D flowers, shown in my earlier post, and I photographed, with their permission, the cards (and a box) completed by Michelle D and Fiona. Images: (c)1990-2009 Stampin'Up (r) Artwork: Michelle D and Fiona P.

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Yesterday, The INKlings had an afternoon/evening of stamping together. Here is a project that I demonstrated - it is based on an idea seen in a bakery shop in China. Why not make some and put easter eggs in the them for extra special presentation. Email me with your home address and I will sent you the template. Until later, Margaret

Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford It's thyme to celebrate the holidays with a festive offer that matches the season. Stampin' Up! ® have released exclusive Holiday Thyme double-sided Designer Series paper (item 107890). It is perfect for making cards, party invitations, gift wrap, or scrapbook memories and more. And a packet is only $14.50 (for 12 sheets of double-sided paper - a bargain) for the month of November. As many of my readers know, I teach a local papercraft class. Here is a decoration that they made this week, using the Holiday Thyme papers. It does incorporate some non-SU supplies eg, wooden star, rub ons. I had fun designing this.