Baby Shower Decorations- Part 1

I made these for my Cardio Groove instructor, who is having a baby later this month. She is having a Boy and her colors for his room are Red, White, and Blue. I have to tell you how much FUN I had making these decorations for this shower. I have never done table scape's or anything like that, so when I started to think about what I would do, it came to me...

I would make some really adorable items that would normally be thought of as gifts as the table decor, and kill two birds with one stone. So I hopped onto YouTube and found directions on how to create these Diaper Cakes. Super easy and way cute! I have 3 tables to decorate for and though I would make something extra for the gift table too. I also made these cute treats (that you will take a peek at later in the week) for everyone to get as a THANK YOU for coming.

To make 2 cakes I needed something like 112 or so diapers, rolled and wrapped a clear rubber band around each one. Then with larger rubber bands I secured 1-3 layers of diapers around an empty baby bottle which sits in the center. I decorated the outside to cover the rubber bands. I got some really wide ribbon and added Brilliant Blue stars made with our Large star punch as well as Whisper White small stars made with the small star punch. I took the 1-1/4" circle punch and made a bunch of Real Red circles and cut them in half then attached them to the back of the blue ribbon, I wanted to get a large scallop effect.

I found these SUPER SOFT adorable puppies at a super center and got 2 for each of the cakes AND they are holding pacifiers- MAN is that CUTE or what?!

I always recommend getting 2 sometimes even 3 of bedtime items, such as the puppies. The reason: if your child ends up loving it SO much like my son does his "Dino" you will see why...

This is DINO- he is my son's favorite thing to sleep with. He loves this thing! He is almost 9, and even though he doesn't drag it around with him like he used to he still lays with it every night. I had taken a red t-shirt and tried to do some skin graphs for the poor thing, but my son would find the imperfections in my sewing skills and create a new hole where he would hide little goodies for him to find once he had gone to bed. I can't tell you how long this poor thing will last, but I know when he was about 13 months old, I went to the store I bought this at and tried to find another one and they had NO MORE! I bought something similar but didn't look the same and my son NEVER touched the new one.

The back is even worse than the front. I think it is cute how he is so attached to something because it is, or was, SO SOFT to him. He is a child that seeks out sensory stimulating items. he has REALLY soft sheets and pillow, etc. At least I can say my son loves, even if it is a bit hard for the recipient. Hehe-

Hope you enjoyed today's project and stay tuned tomorrow for some additional items that I will have at the shower.

Don't forget if you are in the San Antonio area, I will be at the Encino Park Craft Fair this weekend- pray that it doesn't rain on me... the address is Encino Park Community Center 1923 Encino Rio, San Antonio TX 78259. The show is from 9-5 both Sat. and Sun. Hope to see you there~

Sales, Clearance and Deals- OH MY!!!

Stampin' Up! is launching a new section of the online store called the Clearance Rack. You’ll find a limited number of retired items on the Clearance Rack. Many of these retired items will be offered at a substantially reduced price. Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last and must be purchase online through my on-line store. All sales of Clearance Rack items are final. Don’t miss out on this last chance to grab some of your old favorites at a reduced price!

Simply click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner of this blog and then click on the CLEARANCE RACK page on the left side of the screen. Scan through the items, pick your fav's and "click" you're done! Easy-Peasy!!!

A Great Way to WRAP Your Cash Presents!

This is my final swap idea share, oh- don't cry...there will be many more ideas that I will get to share with you, just created by me instead. **grin**.

This one I LOVE and plan on changing a little bit just to use for Birthday's, Anniversaries, and even grade accomplishments!

See me and my husband have broken down and started to pay our children for every "A" they get on their report cards. I know, I never was paid- but I am thinking with a little monetary incentive I might have worked harder and gotten better grades in school. Ok, so for those who REALLY know me, stop laughing, I know that would not have happened for me, but we can always hope for our children- right?!

Ok, so for the description of this CUTE project! The size of the card stock is: 9-1/2" x 8"

Score at 2-3/4" in from each end (laying the paper length wise 9-1/2").

At one end, this is the end that will fold in first, punch a circle using your 1-1/4" circle punch. It falls between 2-1/2" and 2-3/4" from the outside edge of the circle.

You can also create your belly band and decorative scallop to ensure the money doesn't fall out. I simply cut a piece of card stock 8"x 1-1/2" and wrapped and snailed closed, once I bent and marked my score lines.

You can see here that when it is opened you have some flaps that also help in keeping the money secure. Place your card stock on your paper cutter with the most narrow side across, 8".

Score the card stock in at 3/4" on each side of the sheet, then cut away the excess on the top flap and the bottom flap, leaving only the center pieces on either side .

Cut small slants on both side flaps, to allow for folding in and closing flat.

Then you place your $$ inside those flaps, fold in the bottom flap with the circle first, followed by the top flap that is decorated- that is your presentation side. Slide on your belly band and you are done.

These are super easy to make and would be great for Graduation, Wedding gifts, and so much more! Easy-Peasy and super FUN! Hope you enjoyed and I will see you again soon!

COMING SOON...My Digital Studio

I want to introduce you to the world of digital possibilities...

Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio (118108, $79.95) will be available for customer purchase starting October 1. It's amazing. It's easy. It's just the thing to coerce me into adding scrapbooking to my paper crafting addiction. You're gonna want it! Click the photo above to watch a demonstration!

The My Digital Studio software allows you to quickly add photos, Stampin' Up! stamp images, ribbon, text and much more to your scrapbook pages. Beauty in minutes. I love it. Expect professional looking results that you can embellish with Stampin' Up! accessories, if you crave more dimension. I plan to get that box of family photos out and finally DO something with them. Stampin' Up! offers publishing options, too.

BEST PART, is starting on Oct. 1st- if you host or place an order of $400+ you get to purchase the NEW My Digital Studio at 50% off!!! Get your friends together now, and reserve your date to host your workshop NOW!!!

To order your copy of My Digital Studio, simply click on the "Shop Now" icon at the top right corner of my blog.

Proof That Santa IS Full of Chocolate! PPA13

I LOVE this adorable candy bar cover. I am SO making these

for the ladies that I visit teach this Holiday Season. They are super cute and pretty easy.

So I pretty much SUCK at reading a ruler, math was never my strong point, alright school was never really my strong point. So rather than giving you guys the WRONG measurements I thought I would just take a photo of them for you. **smile**

Here are small snap shots of the card stock base, fully measures 5-1/2" wide and 8" tall, you do cut off some of the top...see the photo below-

You cut all the way in to the most inside score line on both sides of the cover and then using your cutter make a triangle by finding the center point based off the inner most score lines- does that make ANY sense???

Here is a side shot of the cover to see how it looks all put together and stuck together. I can't wait to make these, I am going to try and make a snowman one too. Oh, crafts how I love thee, let me count the ways...

I hope you enjoyed this FUN project tonight, and DON'T FORGET to enter into the drawing for BLOG CANDY, the drawing date is the 25th so enter today!!!

Have a great night and I am ALMOST done with my Baby shower items, I will have those for you first part of next week, so keep an eye out!

Cute Calendar Hanger

Isn't this a cute project? I thought this was so adorable, again things in mini are just irresistible to me! Simply cover a shipboard coaster with your favorite designer paper, use your Crop-a-dile to make the needed holes for your ribbon. Feed the grosgrain ribbon through your holes and tie knots on the back side of your calendar.

Make a mat using coordinating card stock and adhere it to the coaster base, then attach your
mini calendar using some adhesive. You can order these little calendars through this website- Stamp On This, these cute little ones are the best!

These would be great as a gift for really anyone, but teachers and co-workers would definitely enjoy keeping them at their desks. I hope you enjoyed this fun project and remember to enter into the drawing for BLOG CANDY!!! I am still slaving away at the baby shower items, can't wait till i have those ready to unveil. Have a great day!!

Everything is Even More Cute in MINI...

It is so true...everything MINI is SOOOO cute. From babies to clothing, animals to crafts- if it comes in MINI it is automatically CUTE!!!

I just love these adorable little baskets that you can make with our circle scallop punch, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" circle punch and some additional card stock.

These would be perfect to make as name cards for a table setting, simply stamp or write the guests name in the circle either on top of an image or alone and place a piece of chocolate or sweet dinner mint inside the basket.

These would also be totally cute as Baby Shower Thank Yous, to give each guests one as a thank you for attending with a themed candy inside- UH, the cuteness never ends!

Here is a side shot so you can see how the sides are attached to the basket portion.

The Gal who swapped this with me was so sweet to include directions:

*Using your paper snips to cut away the bottom or your scalloped circle so that it sits flat on the bottom, then

*Cut a piece of card stock for the basket measuring 1-1/2" x 3", score the 1-1/2" side at 3/8" and 1-1/16", then score the 3" side at 1-1/4" and 1-3/4".

*Attach the handle using the 1-16" punch and attach the handle to the scallop circle with a brad.

*Embellish with ribbon as desired and BAM- CUTIE PATOOTIE!!!

I hope you enjoyed this little craft tonight, I have a few more planned BUT the one things I can't wait to share with you are the Baby Shower projects I am working on...I will be getting those ready for you guys in the upcoming week. OMGoodness- they are SOOOO cute and thanks to all the talented women out there who have given me many of the ideas to run with.

Don't forget to enter in the drawing for the blog candy- who doesn't love free stuff?!! See you again tomorrow!

Even Candy Needs to be Dressed!

So, I know I am a bit early for a post for Valentine's Day, but seriously this is cute. It is super easy too.

You simply use your window word punch on either end of the card stock and then layer your Tag punches to create an adorable tag for your treat. Throw a little Gingham ribbon through the horizontal slot punch made through the tag top and Viola- you are good to go!

Oh, P.S. they used a wheel to decorate the background of the large piece of card stock that the candy feeds through.

Hope you enjoyed this fun project, I am posting again today...hopefully- later. I have a sick child at home, STILL, but if I am able I will give you something new to check out toady too. I won't be posting again until I return from a weekend trip on Monday, so hopefully you will enjoy and I will see you in a few... Have a great day!

You can make a slew of these in NO time, these would be great for your child's class- quick, easy and CUTE!!!!

BLOG CANDY!!!!!!!!

WOW, two entries in one night...I know, I know- contain your excitement...seriously you need to take some yoga breaths before you walk back over to the screen. I was almost that excited just to post this for you guys. ;) So because I FEEL like giving and LOVE to do prize giveaways I thought is there anything better than to do a BLOG CANDY DRAWING?! No, there is not, I answered myself.

What's up for grabs?? 2 packages of decorative ribbon and a package of 30 gift notes and envelopes, there are 10 So Saffron, 10 Kraft, and 10 Old Olive Gift Note cards and 30 confetti envelopes included.

So here is the deal. I want you to leave a comment and tell me something unique, quirky, different, strange (in a clean way, hehehe) about you. I want to know what make you- you. I will start the ball rolling by sharing with you something about me that is one or all of the things above, depending on your maturity level and age...

I can stick the tip of my tongue up my nostril or wrap it below my chin. I would take a photo of that, but seriously does anyone REALLY want to see that? Right, thought so. So leave me your comment telling me something different about you, it can be crafty related or not, all I ask is that it be clean...you know there are some deep secrets that I don't think others- especially me- should know. I cant wait to hear and read them all.

I will close this contest post on the 25th and choose a winner from the comments left, please US residents entries only. Good luck and I can't wait to read them all! Have a great night and see you 2morrow!

Can You Say, "FAB Teacher's Gift?"

I am SO SORRY for not posting yesterday and SO LATE today. I have a sick child here and MAN they require a lot of attention. :) Hehe, no seriously though- he is under the weather so my usual schedule is not so usual. But onto the topic at hand...

Are these not CUTE!!! What an adorable way to package your little post-it note pads. What is even better is that you can clip it onto the little key hook that most purses have inside the rim of you bag. Now when you are out and about and you have to jot something down you need not worry about what to write it on. Problem solved! I love ingenious things like that! I love too how they used the 5 petal punch to embellish this and finished it off with a rhinestone brad in the center. Pop on a little grosgrain and gingham ribbon and you are set!!

I just love this little gift, and the best part of all- they are so super fast to make that you can knock out a whole bunch for like your entire staff at work or a large group of people in NO TIME!! Now who doesn't love that? huh, really?!

I hope you enjoyed this fun, fast project tonight, and a little surprise...I have 2 posts to make up for missing out on last night. Wait a few for a look at it...I will be back and can't wait to share another with you tomorrow- see you then!!

Cute Little Card with Envelopes

So I know that Valentines Day is a ways away, but I thought this little project was super cute- and WAY easy to do at a workshop.

It looks cute and unassuming from the outside and how easy it would be to think it is just a simply little card- oh but wait...

Then you open it and SURPRISE!!! There is a little card inside.

I just love using darker card stock with white ink- I love that look!!!

You can showcase the use of wheels and ribbon not to mention your craft white ink pads and you have punches that you can let the customers play with too. Your possibilities are endless!!!

I know today was a quick one, but it has been crazy today and homework was a beast! So I promise to post earlier tomorrow. hope you enjoyed this simple project and see you again tomorrow!

A Great Birthday Treat Bag Gift

I LOVED this swap when I got it at convention a few years ago. I thought this was such a ingenious idea! So simple but SO fun, I made a whole slew of them for my son's second grade class last year for an end of year surprise.

The kids totally LOVED the bubble container that was inside, and honestly I got some Mom interest because all of my contact info was on the back of the project. I know it was a bit shameless but I killed two birds with one stone- I was able to give the kids something fun to play with the last day and the I got some much needed marketing out of the whole deal. I copied this one exactly for the entire class.

Below is a shot of the project open, do you see how EASY it is to create this thing! The dimensions of this are 6-1/4"x 3-1/2".

You score the card stock at 2-1/2", 3", and at 3-1/2", then you take your horizontal slot punch and punch it twice (both right next to each other to make a longer slot), your slot will span the length from the 2-1/2" score line to the 3-1/2" score line.

Then take your slit punch and punch the right side of the cover to allow for easy closure. I then stamped and cut out the flip-flop and used a brad to secure it to the card and it also hides the slit you punched as well. Clever and cute- huh?

I hope you enjoyed this little project today and I would LOVE to hear your comments on the projects you have seen so far. See you again Monday!

Where Were You When...

Do you recall where you were and what you were doing on that early morning September 11th 2001? I remember like it was yesterday. I will never forget seeing those shocking and monstrous images on the TV of those two towers coming down. I knew then that my life and all of our lives had changed FOREVER.

No matter your political beliefs or affiliations we all can agree that what happened that day was horrific. I pray that nothing like that ever happens again, I am SO THANKFUL for those uniformed Men and Women that fight to defend our rights as Americans everyday. I am not going to post my regular items today, as it just doesn't seem appropriate to do so- for me anyway. I hope we can all take a moment and reflect on the spirit that this Nation had the day after this sad event. Remember how we all hung the American flag in from of our homes and balconies to display our unity and pride in this country? I think that is the one thing that allowed many of us to get through such a trying time such as this. I hope you all have a happy and safe day and remember those that we lost this day 8 years ago.

~Erin

Class Schedule Update

I have added a few items to my SIDE BAR, lemme splane... I wanted you to have the convenience of paying for classes via my blog if you so choose. I have added those BUY NOW buttons to my side bar for those that find it easier than sending me their class registrations in the mail. If you come to my classes regularly then you can just pay me there for the upcoming months as well. I want my stampers to have OPTIONS. **smile** So here is a brief explanations of the classes and dates, etc.

S.O.S. (Stock-up On Stamps) Class
Septembers featured Stamp Set is:
Batty For You

You have 2 options with this class series,
option 1- class & stamp set, so you get YOUR OWN stamp set as part of the class fee- yes, it is yours to KEEP!! **OR**
option 2- class & project ONLY. You only make the project and DO NOT receive the stamp set as part of your class fee.

In this months class you are making Halloween Tree Ornaments and a 6x6 page with your NEW stamps! If you opt to get the stamp set along with the class projects you get the BEST DEAL, you wont want to miss this one!

The Date for this class is Sept. 25th from 6-8 pm at my home, the RSVP/Pre-paid Registration deadline for this class is Sept. 15th. The cost for option 1- $29.00, and option 2- $25, so you get the best deal with the stamp set. You can purchase by clicking on the class option you want on the right side bar.


Giftable Workshop Event

At this event you will have the opportunity to make several different projects if you choose. You will be able to make projects for everyone one your list from co-workers to friends, neighbors, Teachers and more! You won't want to miss this event...just think how STRESS FREE your Holiday Season will be once you get all of you items completed.

The date for this Event is September 26th from 2-5 pm at my home. Space and some projects are limited so RSVP TODAY!!! The RSVP/pre-paid registration deadline for this class is Sept. 16th.

There is a list of each project offered and the corresponding prices both on my Demo Website and listed here on this blog. The cost depends on the projects that you wish to make. The BUY NOW side bar convenience IS NOT available for this class. Simply email me (erin@handstampedstyle.com) your RSVP and I will send you the order form needed for the class.

Totally Technique Class
Featured Techniques: Acetate & Watercolor Crayons

In this month's class we are going to make 2 cards that feature different techniques. Then you will make smaller samples of each card to go on your instruction ring. The instruction ring will have the sample of the technique and step by step instructions. This is so you won’t have to rely on memory when you get home.

The date for this class is October 9th from 6-8 pm at my home. The cost for the class is JUST $10 and that includes your ring (if you are attending for the first time). The RSVP/Pre-paid registration date for this class is Oct. 3rd. You can click the BUY NOW button on the right side bar to RSVP and pay now!

MEGA Holiday Card Class

Come create 30 holiday cards using half of the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit. PLUS - participants will also get to create 12 fun holiday gift tags! All for just $35!! Crafters will follow a simple cutting template and assemble 30 beautiful holiday cards. You'll also have a choice of several holiday greetings to use to customize your cards just the way you like them!

30 cards not enough? Then request double the supplies and you'll have extra materials to take home and create at least 30 additional cards. 60 cards is $65. Participants should bring a 12" paper trimmer.

The date for this event is October 24th from 2-4 pm at my home. The cost for 30 cards & 12 tags is just $35 and to make 60 cards & 12 tags the cost is $65. The RSVP/Pre-paid Registration date for this class is Oct. 10th. You can choose the BUY NOW button on the right side bar for the class option you want.

Please note that if you choose the BUY NOW button on the right side bar there is a nominal convenience charge added to the total. I hope this make life easier for you and remember you can always mail me your class fee's with personal checks as well.

MY Digital Studio!!!

I got this JUST 2 days ago, and I am so computer ILLITERATE!!! So I sat down with it and listened to one WEBINAR and honestly it is SUPER easy to use. So I gathered a few of the pictures that I have available on my PC (they are mostly cataloged on our home server, which I need a tutorial on how to access again- hubby is super tech savvy!) I inserted my pics and changed a few of the stamps and embellishments and BAM- I had a book! These are just a few pages from the book I created.

Don't my kids look like they are having fun? I guess I should add that in this pic they were just informed we were leaving, and not that happy about it. I need to do some journaling- huh?? What is SO cool is you can download additional stamp sets and embellishments to the software, you can begin to download them starting OCT. 1st!! You don't have to have My Digital Studio in order to use it, you can download them onto your system and use it with Adobe or any other software that accepts .jpg or.png documents. I think you will find though that the MDS (My Digital Studio) MUCH easier to use than ANY OTHER software around!

I love honestly that this software is NOT just for scrapbooking. You can use it basically as DESIGN SOFTWARE, you can use it to make cards, flyer's, templates, scrap maps, blogs, DVD and CD's too! I honestly didn't know all of that when I got it- (which if you didn't read before) FOR FREE!!! I would have paid full price for it though!!! I am super excited to get all my photos scanned (years 1-3 of the kids, there really isn't that much, you don't realize how little time you had then till you look back at like 50 pictures...seriously) and cataloged and then I am going to go CRAZY with this stuff!!!

My Blog might have a few face lift changes as well, once I have played with it a bit more...I want to be able to incorporate our DSP (that I LOVE so much) and images onto my blog- FO SHO!!! I hope you enjoyed looking and can't wait to see what I have tomorrow!!!

I Promised, and I lied...

Ok, so after all of my trash talk yesterday...which I am an expert at BTW, I couldn't find the instructions to the gum wrapper project. I know those of you who know me understand I talk a great game, but never fear I ripped one apart and made my own template for you guys! Awe, aren't I sweet.

I cut a piece of card stock to 7-3/4"x 2-3/4" and scored at 6-1/2", 6-1/4", 3-1/4", 3", 3/4", and 1/2". I hope you can see my MINI score marks. I put it on my paper trimmer and scored those marks to give me the fold-ie parts.

Then you take your WORD WINDOW punch (found HERE on my website) and punch the hole in the MIDDLE of the 1/2" score line. TIP: I would fold the score BEFORE punching, or your fold looks wonky, WHICH is why you see a picture of the one I ripped apart instead of mine. **snort**! Then attach a piece of sticky strip along that small slice of card stock and fol into the back side to create your pocket for the gum, check out the next pic.

Like so... and then you have a little pocket at the top of that for your gum. I apologize already for my DRY cuticles, I am in desperate need of a manicure, be glad I didn't include my feet in the pictures. Eeeek!!!

Then to close it you will either attach a little glue dot or a piece of Velcro on the opposite side of the card stock where my dry little thumb is and after adding a few pieces of DSP and a pack of gum you are SET!!!