VC Rocks Blog 4 - Big Shot, Punch Art & Simply Scored Projects

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the VC Rocks Blog Hop #4, featuring projects created using the Big Shot, Punch Art with punches as well as Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored Tool.  To view the list of blogs participating in this Blog Hop, click here to visit the VC Rocks Blog.

If you are just starting the Blog Hop here, then welcome and I hope you will enjoy all the wonderful projects that everyone will be sharing this weekend. Or perhaps you may have just come from Mary Campbell's Blog, Mimi to Jett and her amazing creations. This is my first Blog Hop ever and I am so excited to share my projects with you all.

With my 4 children starting school next week, I thought I would share with you this gift idea that would be perfect for a child to give to his/her teacher.  Isn't this petite purse simply adorable?  I just love using my Big Shot to create my projects.  It is probably my most favorite tool in my craft room.  As for my punches, well they would be a close second.

I created my petite purse and matching Thank You card using Wisteria Wonder cardstock from the 2011-2013 In Colors.  I am not normally a purple person but I really love using Wisteria Wonder and the way it pops against the Whisper White. The beauty of this project is that you can use whatever color combination you wish to suit the person receiving it.

The petite purse is created using the  Sizzix Petite Purse Bigz L die with the Big Shot. With just a couple of strips of Sticky Strip, this cute little purse goes together so simply.  Before I assembled the purse, I embossed the die cut cardstock with the new Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (from the 2012 Holiday Catalog) with just a quick pass through the Big Shot. I love the delicate texture it adds to the purse.

To create the embellishment on the front of the purse, I used the stamp set, Mixed Bunch with Wisteria Wonder Classic ink and punched out the stamped circle image using the 3/4" Circle punch. I love how the stamps in this set coordinate with Stampin' Up! punches to make quick and easy projects. I used the new 1 1/4" Scallop Circle punch (also from the 2012 Holiday Catalog) to create the base and embossed it with the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder to match the purse.  The basic Pearl jewel in the center of the flower image adds the finishing touch to the purse.

The matching card is also created using Wisteria Wonder and Whisper White cardstock.  I embossed the Whisper White cardstock with the Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to coordinate with the purse.  The flower is created using one of the stamps from the Mixed Bunch stamp set with Wisteria Wonder Classic ink and punched out with the coordinating Blossom punch. I also punched out another blossom shape from Wisteria Wonder cardstock and attached the layers with a Stampin' Dimensional, offsetting the petals.  I stamped the circle image separately (the same one I used for the purse) and punched it out with the 3/4" Circle punch. Once again I used the Basic Pearl Jewel to embellish the center.

The sentiment is from one of my favorite stamp sets, Curly Cute.  I just love the simple elegance it brings to my projects.  I stamped Thank You with Wisteria Wonder Classic ink on Whisper White cardstock and punched it out using the Modern Label punch. I used the Extra Large Oval punch to punch out an oval from Wisteria Wonder cardstock to create a matte and also embossed it using the Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder.

You can fill your petite purse with candy or chocolate for a sweet treat.  It would also be great gift bag for jewelry for someone special.  Imagine the cute favors you could create for a Bridal or Baby Shower, not to mention for birthday parties. One of the best things about using the Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s punches, is that it helps you create amazing cards and gifts, quickly and easily.

I hope you have enjoyed my Blog Hop share and I hope it helps to inspire you to create your own creative project.  Now it's time to move on to Loni Holt's Blog, Loni's Life and see the wonderful creations she has for you. 

Until Next Time.
Happy Stamping,
Tricia Butts
http://www.triciabutts.stampinup.net


Recipe (All Products are Stampin' Up!):
Stamp Sets: Mixed Bunch (p 94), Curly Cute (p 138)
Inks:  Wisteria Wonder Classic (p 152)
Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder (p152), Whisper White (p 156)
Accessories: Big Shot (p 186), Petite Purse Bigz L Die (p194), Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (p 6*), 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch (p 7*), Blossom Punch (p185), Extra Large Oval Punch (p 184), Modern Label Punch (p 183), 3/4" Circle Punch (p184), Basic Pearl Jewels (p 175), Stampin' Dimensionals (p 177), Snail Adhesive (p 177), Sticky Strip (p 177)

Page numbers are from the 2012-2013 Catalog
Except those marked with a * which can be found in the 2012 Holiday Catalog

Merry Christmas with My Digital Studio

Hi Everyone,

Well, it's the day before Thanksgiving and I decided to have some fun designing a digital postcard with My Digital Studio. I love this program and could quite happily play around for hours creating my digital projects. The wonderful thing is, I really don't need that long to create projects and if I don't like something, I can change it with the click of my mouse. No waste, no stress involved. Doesn't that sound perfect for the holidays?

The best thing is that you can take advantage of the fantastic special price on My Digital Studio (item #118108) between now and November 30th, and save 50% off the regular price - just $39.98!
Here is the Christmas Postcard I created and to be honest, the most time consuming part about this card was choosing the right photo (you know, making sure they are all smiling etc.). The Designer Paper is from the Deck the Halls Photocard Digital Kit (item #122176) which is just one of the Digital Downloads on sale as part of Stampin' Up!'s Online Spectacular Sale.  You can download the list here.

The great thing about this Digital Christmas card is that I can choose to send it via email as an E-card or I can print it as a traditional postcard.  Better yet, I can do a combination of both and take care of all my family and friends with one card design.  

My Digital Studio is a great tool for someone who is just starting out and has limited supplies, as it provides you with Stampin' Up!'s fantastic range of colors in cardstock and ink colors, as well as Digital Stamp images, punches and embellishments to help you create cards, scrapbook pages, calendars and multi media projects. This would be a great gift for a teenager to help them explore their creativity or for a new mother/father wanting to record their memories of their precious new family member and share it quickly and easily with family and friends.

My Digital Studio is also a wonderful asset to an experienced papercrafter as it provides them with a wonderful design tool to plan and create their projects. Once they have their design the way they want it, they can create it with traditional supplies or they can print it and embellish it as a hybrid project. 

There are so many ways that you can use this program and you can customize and add to it with Stampin' Up!'s Digital Downloads that you can purchase from my Online Store through my Stampin' Up! Website. Click on the Digital Crafting Link to see the full range of My Digital Studio products available.

I hope you have enjoyed today's digital card share and hope that it will help to inspire you with your holiday projects.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

Until Next Time.

Stampin' Hugs,

Tricia Butts

http://www.triciabutts.stampinup.net/

Holidays in July Card Share - Happy Halloween

Happy Friday Everyone,
I can't believe another week is over already. This summer really feels like it is flying by at lightning speed. This weekend I have to brave the stores to do my kids Back to School shopping. Who knows, maybe I will find some good deals for crafting while I am there, lol.
Today I thought I would share with you the cards that I created for last weekend's Holidays in July Creative Card class. It was so much fun to design these holiday cards and I am already coming up with new ideas for next month's classes. Stay tuned for details.
The first card share I have for you is a cute Halloween card made with one of my favorite stamp sets from Stampin' Up, Batty for You. This stamp set has 8 different stamps that will make creating Halloween projects so much fun. It works great with the 1 3/8" Circle punch and the Scallop Circle punch so that it is as simple as choosing your stamp, stamping it and then punching it out.
For this card I wanted to try out a new color combination for me using 2 of the new In Colors, Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz. They work so well with the Pumpkin Pie card base and the Basic Black really made the colors pop.

I chose to use just one stamp, Batty for You, stamped in Basic Black Classic ink, to create my card but when we had the class I told my students to have fun and choose their own stamps and color combinations. They did a fabulous job and gave me so many great ideas to try. No two cards looked the same and I loved when they used the coordinating classic inks to stamp their images.

Everyone was amazed at how quick and simple this card was to put together and it is a perfect design for making multiple cards at the same time without taking a lot of time.

I hope you enjoy this card and hope it gets you inspired to start creating your own Halloween cards and projects. Batty for You is a great stamp set that works great for cards, scrapbooking and gift ideas. It is quick and simple to use and great for kids to create their own Halloween Treats. So why not get started today? Contact me to place your order or visit my Stampin' Up website and click Shop Now to place your order through my Online Store.

After all, Halloween will be here before you know it.

Until Next Time.

Happy Stampin',

Tricia Butts

http://www.triciabutts.stampinup.net/

Supplies (All Stampin' Up):

Stamp Sets: 

Teeny Tiny Wishes 114968  Price $36.95  Set Quantity: 24

Batty For You 116576 Price: $23.95

Create crazy tags or accents for cards or scrapbook pages with the adorable images from the Batty for You set. This set also coordinates with the Batty wheel and our Ghostly Greetings Designer Series paper for a monstrously fun combination.
Set Quantity: 8

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush, Basic Black, Whisper White
Inks: Basic Black (optional - Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush)
Accessories: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail adhesive

Because I Care - Stamped Tile Coasters

Hi Everyone,
Well, it has been a very busy week and I still have so many things to do. With my husband's family coming to visit next week, we have been getting things cleaned up and organized ready for their stay. Plus with the new catalogs going live yesterday to add some excitement, it has meant that I haven't had a much time for stamping.
Today's stamping creation is not a card but a gift idea with so many possibilities. As a decorative painter I learned that there were a lot of different surfaces I could paint on besides canvas. With ink and rubber stamps, I have discovered that I can do the same thing with my rubber stamping.
Tile Coasters are a fun and easy way to create a personalized and unique gift for friends and family. You can tailor the images you stamp to suit the recipient as well as vary the colors.

Today I wanted to play with some of my new catalog products. I chose the new Level 1 Hostess Set, Because I Care and the new Stampin' Write Markers New Color Kit, which contains the 13 new colors just released as part of Stampin' Up's Color Renovation.

The tiles are 4"x4" in size and I found mine at my local hardware store. The surface of the tiles does have some imperfections, so I recommend that when you select your tiles that you choose tiles that are relatively smooth with as few imperfections as possible to make stamping on them easier.

Using Stazon Jet Black Ink, I inked up the hydrangea stamp image and carefully stamped it onto the tile surface. If you find that the image does not come out the way you want it, quickly take a baby wipe and clean the stamped image off before it has a chance to dry. Allow the tile surface to dry and then try again. It is important to get even pressure on the stamp to get a nice clear image.

Next I stamped the sentiment Because I Care, again using the Stazon Jet Black ink. You now need to allow the ink to dry so that it will not smear or smudge.  Stazon ink is a solvent ink and is great for non-porous surfaces and dries very quickly which makes it great for this project.

Once your ink has dried (should only take a few minutes at the most), you can now add some color to the hydrangea images. This is where you can have some fun and make each coaster unique or you can create a set that looks the same.

For the blue coaster tile, I chose to use my new Baja Breeze Stampin' Write Marker and carefully colored in the blossoms of the flower. You only need to use the lightest touch to add the color with the brush tip of the marker so that you don't damage it. Next I used the new Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker to color the leaves and the stems of the image. Again, you only need the slightest touch with the brush tip to add color to the image on the tile. If you want to add some depth and shadow to the leaves, just add a little more color to those areas.

To add some depth and shadow to the blossom of the hydrangea, I used the new Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker to add color to the shaded areas of the petals.  I loved the way this gave the flower dimension and made it pop.

Now for the second tile, I basically did the same thing except instead of using shades of blue, I used shades of pink.

I still used the new Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write marker for the leaves, but this time I colored the blossoms with the new Pink Pirouette Stampin' Write marker. Can I just say, that I love that we have a pink that is slightly lighter than Pretty in Pink. It makes a very pretty combination and it meant that I was able to use my Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write marker to add the shadow and depth to the petals without being overpowering to the soft color of the flower.

I love that we now have the chance to own Stampin' Write markers for all of our colors and with the new Stampin' Write Markers New Colors Kit, it is a great way to add these new core colors to your existing collection.

Now because the Stampin' Write markers are water based, you will need to seal your tiles to make sure that the color does not bleed or fade. I used a clear sealer that is used to seal engines and can usually be found in automotive parts stores. The reason I use this particular spray sealer is because it is heat resistant so that it will be suitable to use for hot and cold drinks. You can also use other clear sealers but I recommend that you test them on a sample first.  Make sure that you use the spray sealer in a well ventilated area, preferably outdoors. It is best to spray a very light mist over the tile and then allow it to dry before applying another light coat. Do this several times to build up a good seal to your tile. These tile coasters can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

The final step is to add round felt discs to the corners of the bottom of the tile to protect your furniture surface. You can also choose to use cork or rubber "feet" for the bottom of your coasters.

I hope you have enjoyed today's stamping creation and I hope it inspires you to look at rubber stamping in a different way. Think outside the box, and look at surfaces other than the traditional cardstock and papercrafting supplies for a whole new world of possibilities.

Have a great day!

Until Next Time.

Happy Stampin',

Tricia Butts

Project Supplies (All Stampin' Up unless indicated):

Stamp Set: Because I Care Level 1 Hostess Set

Ink: Stazon Jet Black

Accessories:

Stampin' Write Markers -Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink

Tiles (available from hardware or tile stores), Clear Sealer (variety of stores).

Because I Care  Clear Mount 120118
                           Wood Mount 118384
Set Of 5
Level 1 Hostess Set (Contact me today to learn how you can get this stamp set for Free!)

Stampin Write Markers - New Color Kit 120948

Price: $35.95

If you already have Many Marvelous Markers and want to switch out retired colors for new colors, you'll want this kit. It includes new core colors and an updated insert for your Many Marvelous Markers case.

■ Dual tipped markers: .5 mm fine point and flexible brush

■ Includes 13 markers: Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight

■ Odorless, water-based dye ink

■ Coordinates with Classic Stampin’ Pads and exclusive Stampin’ Up! card stock

■ Finger grips on cap aid in easy cap removal

Contact me today to place your order or visit my Online Store here, just click Shop Now, to start shopping.

All New Definitely Decorative Catalog has arrived!

Hi Everyone,
My last new catalog to share with you today is the brand new 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative Catalog. I think you are going to love all the new designs that Stampin' Up is offering in this catalog as well as the return of a few favorites.
This catalog will inspire you with wonderful ideas on how to decorate your home as well wonderful project ideas that will have you ready for the holidays.

Definitely Decorative






Click the catalog to download in .pdf format!


Click here to download the Catalog Supplies

Another great thing about Stampin' Up's Definitely Decorative products is that they make great gifts for friends and family. With the holiday season not far away, it is never too early to start thinking about gift ideas for the people in your life and planning ahead.
I hope you enjoy the new Definitely Decorative catalog. Please contact me with any questions. You can place your order online through my Stampin' Up website or by contacting me. I would be happy to help.
Hope you have a great day.
Tricia Butts

Tuesday Share: A Note of Thanks

Hello Everyone,
Today I thought I would share with you a project that I came up with by accident. I was playing around with my Big Shot and the Box #2 die one afternoon and started thinking that it would make a great Note Card Holder. My husband when he saw it, thought it would be a great Business Card Holder (but that's a story for another day).
So, I decided to create some Thank You notes that are quick and easy to create while still providing variety (if you are like me and don't like to make a lot of things exactly the same). The Thank You cards are inspired by Dawn Griffith, a wonderful, creative demonstrator.
You can customize your Thank You notes by varying the colors used as well as the stamps to create your design.

I chose my colors from the Soft Subtles color family from Stampin' Up and used the large flower from the Vintage Vogue stamp set (from the Occasions Mini catalog) to create the background on the note card and I created the border by using the Scallop Trim Border Punch (Free Sale-a-bration Product with $50 purchase of Stampin' Up products) on a scrap of cardstock to make a stencil.  The sentiment is from my faithful favorite stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes. I used Whisper White cardstock for the base for a crisp, clean look and I chose Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink and Barely Banana Classic inks to create the card variations.
For the Note Card Holder I chose Barely Banana cardstock and cut out the box shape with my Big Shot and the Box #2 die. I then decorated one side of the cardstock with the Sweet Swirls wheel and Melon Mambo Classic ink for the inside of the box and on the other side I used the vine stamp from Vintage Vogue stamp set with Barely Banana for a tone on tone pattern for the outside of the box.

I put the box together using Sticky Strip adhesive to give the Note Card Holder extra strength and stability. I decorated the front of the box by stamping the fabulous friend stamp from the Oval All stamp set in Barely Banana Classic ink on Whisper White cardstock. I then punched it out using the Large Oval punch and then matted it onto a piece of Barely Banana cardstock punched with the Scallop Oval punch. Using Stampin' Dimensionals, I attached it to the front of the box.
Now wouldn't this look cute sitting on your desk,  full of note cards just ready for when you need them? It would be a great gift idea too (I am thinking it would be a great Teacher Gift for the end of the school year).
Hope you enjoyed today's project share and hope it inspires you to get crafty in your craft room.
Until Next Time.
Stampin' Hugs,
Tricia Butts

Products Used (All Stampin' Up!):
Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue, Teeny, Tiny Wishes, Oval All, Sweet Swirls wheel
Cardstock: Whisper White, Barely Banana
Inks: Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzix Box #2 Die, Scallop Trim Border Punch (Sale-a-bration Free Product with $50 purchase of Stampin' Up Merchandise - ends March 31st), Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Sponge Daubers, Sticky Strip, Snail Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

A Little Something for Someone Special

Yesterday I shared with you the Letter that I decorated for my Valentine's swap partner. Today I am going to share with you the other little goodies I added to her package to help her feel special for the big heart holiday.

I got the idea for the bookmark after visiting Madeline Morcelo's blog and viewing her tutorial for creating this cute corner bookmark here. In keeping with the Letter theme, I created a monogram for the bookmark using the Letter C from Stampin' Up's Jayne's Type Alphabet and gold embossing powder. The background was created using the Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel from the Occasions Mini Catalog.
I taught this bookmark at a class in January and it is one of my favorite projects to teach.

Now everyone knows that chocolate is as much a part of Valentine's Day as hearts and flowers are. So I created a simple little topper for a ziplock snack bag to give it a little taste of Valentines.

The topper is made from the Top Note die cut with the Big Shot from Real Red Cardstock.  It is decorated with hearts stamped with a stamp from the I (Heart) Hearts Stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalog using Pretty in Pink Classic ink on Very Vanilla Cardstock. I then  punched the hearts out using the coordinating Heart to Heart punch.

The sentiment is from the stamp set Whimsical Words, which is one of the free Sale-a-bration sets available with a $50 purchase. It is stamped in Pretty in Pink Classic ink on a piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock punched with the Curly Label Punch.  Fill the bag with chocolate and you have a pretty way to dress up a zip lock bag!

Last but by no means least, I created a Valentine's Card to send a short note to my partner.

I got the idea for this card from a wonderful demonstrator by the name of Dawn Griffith. The border is created using the new Pinking Hearts Border Punch on a scrap piece of cardstock to create a stencil. Using this technique you create the border for the top and bottom of the card by applying ink with a sponge dauber in Real Red Classic ink.  The hearts from the I (Heart) Hearts stamp set, were stamped with Pretty in Pink and Real Red ink, slightly off center to allow space for the sentiment, which is from the Whimsical Words stamp set stamped in Basic Black Classic ink.

So there you have it. Three pretty Valentine's gifts created from a few simple supplies that were a lot of fun to make.  The great thing is, anyone can make them and with a few simple changes of color, you can customize these gifts to suit anyone for any occasion. Contact me today and I will be happy to help you design your projects to suit your needs.

Until Next Time,

Stamping Hugs,

Tricia Butts

Supplies Used (All Stampin' Up):

Stamp Sets:

I (Heart) Hearts (found in the Occasions Mini Catalog)

Wood Mount #117010 $26.95   Clear Mount #118571 $18.95

Whimsical Words (Sale-a-bration free set)

Wood Mount #118386    Clear Mount #119119

Jayne's Type Alphabet #114401  $43.95

Circle Circus #115778  $28.95

Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel  #117693 $8.50
Cardstock: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Versamark

Accessories:

Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Top Note Die, Sizzix Petal Card die, Trio Flower Punch, Round Tab Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Curly Label Punch, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Heat Gun, Gold Embossing Powder.

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