Posts Tagged ‘Handmade Valentine Cards’
Don’t Forget the Envelopes!
Aloha, all!
I just put that last card in the mail this morning (Uh, oh! Not only won’t it get there by Monday, it won’t get there until Tuesday because Monday is Presidents Day!).
But while I was licking the envelope, I was reminded that, while I keep sharing cards with you, I forget that I decorate the envelopes, too. Here’s one of the cards from earlier in the week showing the envelope I used for it. All it takes is one little rubber stamp to make that envelope stand out in the mail box crowd when it’s received at the other end! This stamp is from the new set, I {Heart} Hearts.
And Stampin’ Up! has a nice variety of envelopes to complement all your greeting cards. From the Medium (A2) sized Whisper White and Very Vanilla, to the Medium and Mini Squares, to the Note Cards and Small Open-End, these envelopes are among the best around for your precious art work!
Subscribe to the comments for this postValentines for the Grandkids
Aloha, all!
After I finally got the craft room back in shape, I started tearing it apart again to make these cards for our grandchildren. The bears are from the Build A Bear Workshop set, Beary Best Friends (118052) and the greeting is from the set, Beary Nice Wishes (118050). While these sets were introduced in the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog, which has expired, they're in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog, too! If it's in the Build a Bear collection, it's still current!
NOT ONLY THAT – THERE'S A SPECIAL DEAL RIGHT NOW! For any $20 you spend on the Stampin' Up! Build A Bear collection, you'll get a certificate for $5 off a $25 purchase at any product at a Build A Bear Workshop store.
Now back to my cards. I had so much fun cutting out the "paper doll" bears and the little girl bears' dresses that I felt like a little girl again myself!
Each of the dresses is made from a different one of the glittery papers from the Designer Series Paper set, Sending Love, and I used Crystal Effects to make their patent leather shoes and accent the heart in the "I {heart} You Beary Much." I stamped "Happy Valentine's Day" from Teeny Tiny Wishes inside each of the cards.
I used the new Scallop Trim Border and Scallop Trim Corner punches for the girl cards, and the Pinking Hearts Border and Corner punches for the boy cards. This is the first time that I used the Pinking Hearts to make a square, and I found it to be a lot easier than the Scallop Trim punches. But I think I've got the Scallop Trim punches down now, and I'm ready to write my own tutorial on it. I've read tutorials and still had to figure it out my own way. 
“Wild Mind” Stamping!
Aloha, all!
OK, it’s not all stamping. But believe me it’s all of the "Wild Mind" variety. I’ll not take up much of my crafting space to explain. Here is a quote from notes about Natalie Goldberg’s book, "Wild Mind."
"Here is compassionate, practical, and often humorous advice about how to find time to write, how to discover your personal style, how to make sentences come alive, and how to overcome procrastination and writer’s block–including more than thirty provocative "Try This" exercises to get your pen moving."
At this point, I’m not so into "writing" as I am into "style." I spend a lot of time looking at how other people use the Stampin’ Up! products that I represent, and I base a lot of what I do on that. So "my" style has been more the style of others. Understand that I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I am crazy about the style that Stampin’ Up! is presenting in its latest catalogs, and the style that some of the most amazing SU demonstrators are using amazingly creatively.
After the writing class last night, though, I decided to break away from what’s "out there" in the paper crafting world, and just create–with some restraints that I placed on myself. Tonight, the restraints were:
- I have to have something easy to create for my friends who are coming to my Stampin’ Up! Open House tomorrow–and I promised them a Valentine project!
- I have to use ONLY the Sizzix and Designer Series Paper that came in the box that arrived on my doorstep today.
- Beyond that, I can use plain colored card stock and any stamps and other accessories that I already have.
OK–there were 6 packs of Designer Paper that arrived. Only one had any kind of vague resemblance to what might be considered "Valentine" value. The DSP is called, "Sweet Slumber." The colors are Rose Red, Baja Blue, So Saffron, and a background color (Sahara Sand).
Of the Sizzix materials that arrived, I had the Box #2 die as well as the Naturally Serif Sizzlits Alphabet.
So, where to start–the box of course! And, some of the Sweet Slumber dotted paper. The nice thing about the Sweet Slumber is that it’s cover weight paper. It’s of the same basic thickness as Stampin’ Up! card stock. So it can be the framework for a card as well as for anything that the Sizzix Big Shot has to offer. This is a lot different from the Designer Paper Stampin’ Up! has been making. The little box will hold some nice treasures, and is the item on the left in the photo above.
OK, now some cards. Hmmm. Well, the number of papers in the DSP pack is limited–2 of each design. So I had to be judicious in case several of those who are coming on Saturday want to make the same project. So I decided on one 4" x 4" card and one 3" x 3" card. Neither of these is mailable in the U.S. But, hey, my ladies are going to be making these ON Valentine’s Day. So they’re probably going to be handing them out. So no problem! The 4" card is in the middle and the 3" "Love Note" is on the right. OK, now who would have thought that I’d be making Valentine’s gifts and cards using Baja Blue and So Saffron?! Not I, for sure!!!
Tomorrow I’ll show a close up of that box that I made with the Sizzix Big Shot and the Box #2 die. That was amazing (not my particular design, but what the Sizzix could do!) because I made that box in less than 10 minutes!! If I hadn’t had to think about how to decorate it, it would have been even less than that! The Sizzix cuts and scores the box, and there’s only one little spot where you have to glue it!
But more of that tomorrow. I also have another hint to make this box a bit better (in my humble opinion!) And, while Valentine’s Day will be over, don’t forget that there’s Easter and Graduations and Weddings and Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and summer parties–this box die is going to be a treasure that you’ll definitely want to have all year long!
Valentine Blitz!
Oh, my, where has the week gone?!
I know!! It’s been spent on my own personal Valentine’s Blitz! First I had to make sure that I got Valentine’s cards made and mailed out to my Mainland Valentines. Yes, I have one special Valentine right here in East Hawaii; but there are lots of other Valentines, too. Then I had some local Valentines whom I needed to remember. And, of course, I got carried away and started stamping and gluing everything in sight that was red (Real Red, Rose Red, Riding Hood Red, Ruby Red) and pink (Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pink Pirouette) or even looked like Valentine’s Day (Candy Lane Designer Paper for starters).
So now I can take a breath and start on something different. To begin, I made yet another gift card set in a card with a "diaper fold" pouch. These things are just SO EASY to make! I’m thinking already that this may be my Christmas 2009 card (and it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about Christmas cards if there are 80 – 100 to make!)
But I digress. The photo at the left shows the "pouch" made by the fold, with the little note card slipped into it. For mailing, the card inserted into the pouch as shown on the right makes the entire card just the right size to fit into a standard card-sized envelope (Stampin’ Up! "medium" envelopes).
The paper that I used comes from a new Stampin’ Up! Designer Papers set called, "Tea Party." I cut one of the fun fanciful flowers from the large print side of the paper to make the decoration on the note card.
Stampin’ Up! has a full product line of cards and envelopes, including Note Cards (3" x 3" folded) and the envelopes to match. The U. S. Postal Service does not permit mailing of a card the size of a note card. But using one that fits into the pouch makes mailing a snap.
If you’re interested in the directions for making the diaper fold pouch, they’re right here on my blog. For this and for instructions for making some other fun projects, just click on the tab above that reads, "Techniques and Tutorials," and scroll down the list.
And to purchase any of the products used in these projects, you can go to my Stampin’ Up! website and order online–or call (808.854.6145) or e-mail me and I can order for you. If you’d like to see a catalog before ordering, you can click on the link to the right, "Our 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog." Or, again, call or e-mail me and I’ll get a copy out to you!
Happy Stamping!
Love You Much Bundle Discount Still Available!
Aloha, all!
OK–I’ve shown you quite a few projects using the Love You Much Bundle. I love the paper, punch, and stamp set SO MUCH that I’ll be certain to have more samples for you as the next few weeks progress.
This card uses the Carousel Notes that are one of the featured sets of note cards sold by Stampin’ Up! The Carousel Notes were introduced almost a year ago in the 2008 Occasions Mini Catalog, and have been popular ever since. There is so much you can do with these round scalloped note cards with their wonderful square brown envelopes. This sample doesn’t do anything "fancy" with the note cards, but I still love its simplicity!
Let me know if you’d like a sample of one of these Carousel Notes! I’ll be happy to send you one so you can see how versatile they are! Just call (808.854.6145) or e-mail me, and I’ll put one in the mail to you right away!
Love You Much Love Note
Aloha, all!
It’s a beautiful morning in East Hawaii, and I’m on my way out for a nice long Monday Morning Walk! But first, I thought I’d share with you one of the projects that I’m going to feature in my Stamp Club this week. It uses the Love You Much Bundle (115405) being offered right now by Stampin’ Up! at a great discount! Click on the link at the left for all the details!
(And for any of you who have heard anything about back orders, I can assure you that I just received a box from Stampin’ Up! with three full sets of the bundle. So no problem today!)
I’ve already posted the basic instructions for the Diaper Fold Pouch, which is featured in this project. I’ve also just posted the supply list and instructions for this particular project, to go along with the basic instructions.
Valentine’s Day is almost a month away! So it’s the perfect time to get started with this great deal from Stampin’ Up! You can order online any time 24/7, or call (808.854.6145) or e-mail me if you’d like me to place the order for you!
And don’t forget all those wonderful retiring accessories! Quite a few of them are already sold out! So don’t delay if you’re thinking about one or more of them!
Another Quick Sample from the Love You Much Bundle!
Aloha, all!
I have just GOT to get those Christmas cards mailed! But here’s another quick project with the new Love You Much Bundle–a 20% off Stampin’ Up! Promotion that begins on December 23rd!
I just love the new punch with the three little hearts! I have been wanting a Stampin’ Up! heart punch FOREVER!! And now I own one! You can too, when you order the new bundle. Remember, if you order on the 23rd–the first day it’s available for you to order–you can also get free shipping if your order totals more than $70! So Tuesday’s the day to take a break from all those Christmas promotions and give yourself an early Valentine’s Day gift!
Once the bundle is available, I’ll let you know all the products I used in this and in yesterday’s projects. And by then I may have the Christmas cards mailed (have you heard this before) and I can spend some time designing something a bit more serious!
Robin
What Comes After Christmas??
Well, yes, there’s New Year’s Day! But there’s also one of my favorite times of the year to make greeting cards in all shapes and sizes!
IT’S VALENTINE’S DAY!!!
Oh, I know. I don’t even have all those Christmas cards mailed out. But I just have to share with you that there is going to be a sneak preview of some new Valentines products beginning next week! This new promotion is yet a great Stampin’ Up! bundle, the LOVE YOU MUCH BUNDLE! The bundle includes Designer Series Paper, a Stamp Set, and a brand new punch! Click here to see the flyer advertising this new promotion!
In fact, the first day of the preview promotion is the last day of Free Shipping! If you’ve been thinking of trying to take advantage of the Free Shipping, but haven’t wanted to invest in more Holiday products right now (there is a $70 minimum order, after all), think about adding this bundle to your order!
I have the bundle in my hot little hands, and took some time out of my Christmas card mailing project to come up with a couple of quick ideas to show off. I thought I was going to have to wait until next week to show samples; but there’s a brand new Stampin’ Up! policy that lets us let YOU in on promotions earlier!
For those of you on the list for my Newsletter, I’ll be posting an offer for a free class using the new bundle if you purchase it before January 3rd. If you want to be in on that, just let me know (phone: 808.854.6145 or e-mail) to add you to my newsletter mailing list, and you’ll hear more from me next week!
I’ll post another card showing off more of the stamps tomorrow!
Aloha!
Robin
Starting Your Christmas Wish List!
Aloha, all!
What better way to start a Holiday Wish List than to start with–YOU!!.jpg)
OK, I know that you and I were both brought up to think of everyone else first. But how are we going to get all those cards made for everyone in 2009? How are we going to get all those scrapbooks of important events made in 2009? How are we going to get all those wonderful gift bags and folders done for everyone else in 2009? UNLESS—
We have the tools and resources to make them!!!!!!
SOOO–start letting those significant gift givers (aka "Santa") in your life know that you’d like HELP this holiday season–help being in the form of all that you need to make those cards, scrapbooks and gifts! I can get you started right now in four easy steps:
- Download this Wish List form
- Go through your Fall/Winter 2008 Stampin’ Up! catalog and find all those "must have" items (don’t have a catalog?! Just call (808.854.6145) or e-mail me, and I’ll make sure you get one right away!)
- Write the "must haves" on the Wish List form
- Place the Wish List in a strategic spot for "Santa" to find!!
That’s all there is to it!! Once "Santa" gets in touch with me, I’ll be sure to get that order in for him or her right away.
If YOUR Santa gets a paid order to me before December 1, 2008, I’ll include a surprise for both of you in the order that Santa (or you) will receive! (The surprise will differ depending on the amount of the order.)
If your Santa places an order of at least $100 online, I’ll send you two (2) sets of instructions for Valentine gifts right after the New Year!
Happy Shopping!!
And a B I G thanks to Super Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Patty Bennett for this Wish List form!!
