Scissors-cut-paper

Wish Big with Pennant Punch!

2011-07-19T19:54:00.001-07:00

Wish Big card

created by Stampin' Up!

Stamps:

•Stamp Set Wood Pennant Parade

Paper:

•Card Stock Pretty In Pink 8 1/2X11

•Card Stock Wild Wasabi 8 1/2 X 11

•Card Stock Baja Breeze 8 1/2 X 11

•CARD STOCK 8-1/2 X 11 DAFFODIL DELIGHT

Ink

•Classic Stampin Pad Chocolate Chip

•Classic Stampin Pad Pretty In Pink

•Classic Stampin Pad Baja Breeze

•CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD DAFFODIL DELIGHT

Accessories:

•Snail Adhesive Permanent

•Stampin Dimensionals

•Small 1/2" Circle punch

•Punch Extra-Large Petite Pennants

•RIBBON SCALLOP DOTS 1/2" CHOCOLATE CHIP

Instructions

1. Fold Wild Wasabi Card Stock in half to create card.

2. Stamp sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink on Wild Wasabi Patterns Designer Series Paper.

3. Adhere two pieces of Chocolate Chip 1/2” Scallop Dots Ribbon to Wild Wasabi Patterns Designer Series Paper so that ribbon scallops are visible. Adhere to card front.

4. Stamp pennant image in Baja Breeze ink on Baja Breeze Card Stock; stamp pennant image in Daffodil Delight ink on Daffodil Delight Card Stock; stamp pennant image in Pretty in Pink ink on Pretty in Pink Card Stock.

5. Punch pennants using Petite Pennants Punch. Adhere pennants to card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

6. Stamp star image in Baja Breeze ink on Baja Breeze Card Stock; stamp star image in Daffodil Delight ink on Daffodil Delight Card Stock; stamp star image in Pretty in Pink ink on Pretty in Pink Card Stock.

7. Punch stars from Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, and Pretty in Pink Card Stock using 1/2" Circle Punch. Adhere stamped circles to pennants.

Still here!

2011-06-29T18:26:00.002-07:00

I'm still here! I just haven't had time to post any pictures lately. I will be back shortly to feed your creativity though!!

April Hostess Projects

2011-04-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Plane & Simple

We used a distressing technique to create the background paper by stamping with our clear block!

A cute bunny box using the Petal Cone die (altered just a bit) and punches!

Create a Cupcake and Build a Cupcake punch card using the Faux Stitching technique.

We used the BAM technique with Daffodil Delight and More Mustard! Two colors you would probably never use together otherwise! Ha! This card featured the Build a Blossom set and the Blossom Petals Punch!

Almost all of these items can be found in the Occasions Mini which expires 4/30!

You can order your supplies online at http://www.andreamason.stampinup.net/ or email me!

Bouncing Brayer Rocks!

2011-02-25T10:45:00.001-07:00

Here's a technique we did at our Hostess club! We used a brayer, not quite navy classic ink, and glossy card stock. You ink your brayer and "bounce" or stroke the brayer while turning the card stock to create this cool star effect! Then we stamped the focal image using Stazon ink.

Quite fun!

Love Birds!

2011-01-25T15:31:00.001-07:00

I am so in love with this scrapbook! Doris Denman created one and posted it on our demonstrator website. I seriously couldn't get the Love Birds Simply Scrappin' kit ordered fast enough! Come to find out... I didn't have all of the same Big Shot dies that she did to create the whole scrapbook... but that did not stop me! I just went with it! Some of the pages are CASE (copy and steal everything), while others are my own. I am so in love with this (did I already mention that?)! Anyway... there are 14 pages and 2 of those are fold out pages - so really, there are 16 pages in this album. And, it only used up 1/2 of a Simply Scrappin' kit!! Woo hoo!! The best part?! It is in a clear mount stamp case!! Small enough to throw in your purse, big enough to show off your photos! Did I mention that it took less than 2 hours to cut and asseble everything? I love it!!

I'll be hosting a class so you can complete your own scrapbook! Watch for more details soon!! Almost everything will be cut and ready to go - so a whole scrapbook in less than 2 hours?! Be still my heart!

Happy birthday!

2011-01-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

I made a resolution to keep a stack of birthday cards on hand this year! So what better way to accomplish that goal than to host a Stamp A Stack featuring birthday cards! The new Occasions Mini had a little to do with that resolution because I LOVE the cupcake punch!!

Here are a few of the cards that we will be making on Saturday, January 15th from 9-12. If you'd like to join us, please reserve your spot by January 11th and let me know how many cards you'd like to make! They are $2.00 each with a 5 card minimum.

I LOVE comments too!

Please excuse the M&Ms... my gumballs have been stolen! :) I will have replaced them before the class!

The Countdown is on!

2010-12-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

I made these countdown blocks for the craft fair. They were a hit! So much so that I had orders for more! You can find a tutorial here if you want to tackle this craft. Mine are a little different - but I love them the same! Hubby cut and sanded the wood for me. Then I painted, mod podged, and put vinyl on the blocks. I used the black Stampin' Up! vinyl in my Cricut to create the numbers and words. A perfect gift for teachers, friends, co-workers... or in your own home to help little ones countdown to their big day. I used birthday countdown, days until Christmas, days until vacation, days until Daddy comes home, and a regular countdown on mine.

This little light of mine...

2010-12-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

I love this candle!

I used my Stampin' Up! black vinyl to cut the nativity on my Cricut. Used Transfer Tape to apply it to the glass, and a bow and presto!! Done! Sweet!!

Snowman Soup!

2010-12-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

To keep up with tradition... I made my son's music teacher gifts at the last minute - literally!

These snowman soup cups are super easy and quick to do, and who doesn't love that?!

I found these cups at T@rget (10 for $2.49). I added a package of cocoa with the marshmallows. You can add the marshmallows in a baggie if you'd like - but I don't care for touching other people's food. A candy cake for stirring. And a few kisses. The Whisper White tag has the snowman soup poem printed on it. Easy! Sweet! Fun! Go get some!

When the weather outside is frightful,

Snowman Soup can be delightful.

May it warm your spirit and your soul.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

When you feel a chill or are saying "brrrr,"

Use the candy cane stick to stir.

Add hot water and sip it slow.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

My favorite so far!!

2010-12-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

I'm still on my simple is good trip! I love, love, love how beautiful this card is!

I used the brushed silver card stock and Whisper White card stock here. The image is from the Gifts of Christmas set that I embossed in Silver, and added a few rhinestones to give it a little more sparkle!

Heard from the heart.

2010-12-11T05:04:00.002-07:00

I love how this simple card turned out! Quick and easy! That's my style these days.

This card uses the sentiment from Heard from the Heart, and the ornament is from the Tags Til Christmas set that is in the Holiday Mini. Cute!

It never gets old!

2010-12-09T06:01:00.001-07:00

Old Olive that is! I love Old Olive!!

This card features the Snow Swirled set, the Petals a Plenty embossing folder and a few of our pretty pearls!

Big on Christmas!

2010-12-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick card using the Big on Christmas set, and a strip of the Candy Cane DSP that is no longer available because it was soooo fabulous!

Rock Star!

2010-11-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

This is a card that we made at our last Hostess Club! It was so much fun teaching the "kiss" technique! I CASED this card from Mik Inks We used the Extreme Guitar stamp stamped in Not Quite Navy. Then stamped a circle stamp from Circle Circus in Basic Black. We put the Circle Circus stamp right onto the Extreme Guitar and gave the circle stamp a little twist. We kept twisting until we were satisfied with the coverage. The coolest thing about his technique is that everyone's was different!

We layered the Whisper White cardstock onto a piece of Basic Black. The striped paper is from the Regals Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack. The birthday paper was created in Word and printed on Whisper White cardstock. So fun! Give the technique a try!

Craft fair part 2!

2010-11-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the MOPS craft fair on Saturday. I think I made too much stuff because even though I sold a TON of items - I came home with a lot too! Lucky for you... I'm having a Craft Fair Part 2 this Saturday at my house! Here are a few of the items that I had at the original fair, and will possibly have at the second one! There's too much stuff to post, so be sure to stop by if you are local!

I {heart} Purses!

2010-11-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

And these gift card purses are no exception! I bought the Tres Chic pattern from Becky Roberts here. I used up a lot of my retired Stampin' Up! cardstock - but love that you can use any cardstock that you want!

Some of these will be available at my Craft Fair part 2 on Saturday, November 20th!

Craft fair!

2010-11-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, November 13th is the Calico Boutique Craft Fair at North Phoenix Baptist Church! I will be there from 9am to 2pm with lots of Stampin' Up! goodies, crafts, gifts, stocking stuffers, and more! I'd love to meet you! Grab a friend or two and get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

Saturday, November 13

9 am - 2 pm

5757 N Central Ave (Central & Bethany Home Rd)

Phoenix, AZ

Hey there cupcake!

2010-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

I made baby washcloth cupcakes! Fat free, ha ha! Each cupcake uses 2 washcloths. I found the cupcake boxes at the craft store. I stamped the baby stroller using the Fun & Fast Notes set, colored it in with my Pretty in Pink marker, covered the stroller with Crystal Effects and added some Dazzling Diamonds! They are so cute sitting on my table! My hubby thought they were real cupcakes! :)

Christiani-tea

2010-10-25T10:12:00.002-07:00

I fell in love with these Christiani-teas when I saw them here on Janet Wakeland's Remarkable Creations site. You can find the download of devotionals under her Freebies tab.

I used the Big Shot to cut the Fancy Favor box to hold all the tea in. I used the Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper to decorate the front of the box. I used some new Basic Pearls on a few of the boxes too. I used the Designer Lable punch for the front of the box with some Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware. For the tea bag holders I used coordinating cardstock colors Crumb Cake, Marina Mist (it should be Baja Breeze but I didn't have any), Soft Suede, and Very Vanilla. I used the Scallop Trim Border punch on each holder too. I used the Wide Oval punch for the devotion and embellished with a flower that was punched from the Boho Blossom punch. A brad holds it all together so that the holder can be used as a bookmark after they've enjoyed their tea.

Make it a homemade holiday!

2010-10-19T09:28:00.002-07:00

Special pricing available October 18 - December 16!

Place an order online at http://www.andreamason.stampinup.net/

and start your homemade holiday!

Got Nuggets?

2010-10-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

I do!! I have lots of nuggets all ready to go to my craft fair!! I love how simple these were to make and they look so cute too! I cut some Designer Series Paper into 1" x 3" strips, wrapped around a Hershey Nugget and secured with a little bit of Snail adhesive. I know you are going to want to know about the clear boxes I put them in!! I found them online at Clear Dollar Stamps. I wrapped another piece of DSP around the box and then ties a ribbon around the whole thing. Fun!

Don't miss out!

2010-10-05T13:03:00.001-07:00

From October 5–18, we’re adding over two hundred more discontinued items-(some at up to 80 percent off!) to our Clearance Rack. Lots of paper, ribbon, embellishments, Big Shot dies, ink, and more! Hurry - they are only available while supplies last - and you can only order them from my website! http://www.andreamason.stampinup.net/

Things to know about the Clearance Rack Blitz:

Orders for Clearance Rack items can be placed through my Online Store.

Qualifying orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin’ Rewards.

While the Blitz last from October 5–18, some items, depending on availability, may be made available in the Clearance Rack in the future.

All discontinued items are available only while supplies last.

All sales of discontinued items are final.

When life gets too hard to stand...

2010-09-21T14:45:00.001-07:00

kneel!

Here's another vinyl project using Black Decor Elements Vinyl sheet and my cricut. It is on a square plate. Talk about a fast project!

Hem your blessings

2010-09-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

I bought this large serving dish at a local store and knew just what I was going to put on it! The Hem Your Blessings Decor Element! This is the small decor element (#121635). I still need to test the heat factor of these Decor Elements on platters, but I can tell you that I have a water bottle that has been decorated with Decor Elements that has survived hundreds of washes in the dishwasher. So... I will post my findings on this one soon!

More vinyl!

2010-09-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

I found this board at a local craft store (on sale of course)! It was already painted too! I used my Cricut to cut some letters from Black and Pretty in Pink Decor Element Vinyl Sheets. I used the transfer tape that came with the vinyl to apply the letters right to the wood! Another easy and quick project!

Grandma Plate

2010-09-17T05:55:00.008-07:00

No, I'm not a Grandma! But I know a few that would love this charger/plate! I used my Cricut to cut a sheet of Sahara Sand Decor Element Vinyl (#118812). I used a piece of transfer tape that came with the vinyl and applied it right to the plate! Ta da!! A cute, inexpensive gift that even Grandma will love!

Leave a message...

2010-09-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

I bought an 8x10 canvas and covered it with our fabulous new Designer Fabric. This one is called Deck the Halls (#121716). And guess what... I still have a ton of it left over for another board or three! These are extra wide fat quarters that measure 28"x18" for $9.95. A great deal if you ask me!

On to the project...

I used a staple gun to attach the fabric and Crochet Trim to the back side of the canvas. Easy!! I then used 2 Vintage Brads to give it a more finished look.

Here's a close up of the Crochet Trim and Vintage Brad.

Christmas Stamp A Stack

2010-09-03T16:22:00.002-07:00

Join me on Friday, October 1 to start your 2010 Christmas cards!

We will be creating 12 amazing cards and a bag of gift tags from 6-9 PM. Cost is only $20 if you pay in full by September 15th ($25 for any reservations after the 15th).

Can't join us on the 1st but want to create these cards? Email me and I will send you the supply list. You can purchase everything you need on my website at www.andreamason.stampinup.net and have it shipped right to you!

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Gratitude

2010-09-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

I've never sent Thanksgiving cards. But every year at a certain craft fair, I have requests for them. So... here's one that I will be offering!

I used a Very Vanilla base. The leaves were cut using the Stampin' Up! Sizzix Leaves #2 die. The colors are Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, and Daffodil Delight. The polka dot paper strip is from the new Designer Series Paper pack! The Gratitude sentiment is from the Define your Life set. I used Cajun Craze Classic ink for the sentiment and to put some definition on the leaves.

Inspired

2010-08-30T12:03:00.002-07:00

Here's a card I made for my friend's birthday. I used the Inspired by Nature set. I love this set! The card stock colors are Always Artichoke, Bravo Burgundy, and Natural White.The Classic ink colors are Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, and Always Artichoke. The ribbon and hardware are retired, but there are other great substitutes available from Stampin' Up!

You want S'more?!

2010-08-26T11:01:00.004-07:00

I have had several requests for "S'more" information about this fun project! So... because I love what I do, and I share what I love... here you go!

-The box is from Stampin' Up! Sizzix Box #2 die. I ran it through my Big Shot using a piece of Not Quite Navy card stock.

-Randomly stamp the star image from the Under the Stars set using Basic Black Classic ink.

-The Large Oval punch was used to create the open window on the box.

-A small piece of Sticky Strip is used to hold the whole box together!

-The bear from the Under the Stars set was stamped twice. Once on Crumb Cake card stock, and once on Chocolate Chip textured card stock. -The tummy from the Chocolate Chip was cut out and adhered to the Crumb Cake bear using a Dimensional.

-The s'more was stamped on Crumb Cake card stock. It was colored using More Mustard and Chocolate Chip markers. The marshmallow was colored in using the White Signo Gel Pen!

-Cut out the s'more and adhere it to the bear paw using a Dimensional.

-Then adhere the bear and s'more to the box using Dimensionals.

-The s'more mix is Golden Graham cereal, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. It is packaged in a small cello bag, and tied with Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon.

So there you have it! I shared what I love, will you share with me? I would love to see your S'more creations!

If you want to see even more great ideas, check out Sherrill Graff from Late Night Stamper (LNS). She has some amazing ideas and a love for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators like no other!

Just cover it!

2010-08-18T14:25:00.003-07:00

Fabric is coming in the Holiday Mini!! It's sooo pretty and magical! Really! Look what it turned this ugly canvas in to...

Ok... so maybe it's not magical, but it sure is beautiful!
I used an 8"x8" square piece of the fabric, and a 7x7 piece of batting. A staple gun is all I needed to adhere both to the wood frame. I used the staple gun to adhere to Very Vanilla ribbon too. A brad in the center to give it a little something, and ta-da! A fun place to add photos or notes. I will be making a larger version soon - so easy!!

Chicks & Chocolate Cards!!

2010-08-08T13:18:00.003-07:00

I am so excited!

Here are the cards we will be creating at the Chicks & Chocolate Stamp A Stack on August 20th!

There is still time to reserve your spot. The cost is $20 if you reserve your spot by August 13th, it will be $25 for reservations after the 13th. You can mail my your payment or drop it off to me this week!

You will make 3 cards of each for a total of 12 cards (envelopes included)!

And a 3D project that will leave you wanting S'more!

Chicks & Chocolate

2010-07-30T19:04:00.003-07:00

I've got the chocolate, all I need are the chicks!

Chicks & Chocolate Stamp A Stack!
Friday, August 20th
6:00 - 9:00 pm
My house

$20

We will be creating 12 cards and a 3D project that will leave you wanting S'more!

Card samples will be posted next week!

Reserve your seat by August 13th!

I can't wait!!

July Hostess Club Projects

2010-07-20T12:39:00.004-07:00

We had a lot of fun at our July Hostess Club! Here are the projects we made!

We created a masterpiece with the new Artistic Etchings set. We used the Silver Foil Smooch Spritz on Whisper White card stock. Layered Basic Black card stock, the new Cherry Cobbler card stock, and finished it off with a Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon. The girls used Dimensionals on the back of the beautiful tower and used the faux tearing technique to give it some more definition. I didn't get a picture of my original before I sent it to my friend - so this is an impostor! :)

A simple layer card using the Thoughts & Prayers set, Whisper White card stock, and the new Marina Mist card stock. We learned how to use our punches to make a stencil and used it to create our sky with Marina Mist classic ink and a sponge. We used Early Espresso to stamp the tree and sentiment. So simple, so elegant!

Our last project was created using a skinny tin. I wish these were still available through Stampin' Up! - but you can find them at other online stores - or try the technique on another tin! We used the Elements of Style set to emboss the large flower image on our tin. Wipe the Embossing Buddy over the tin. Stamp the image in Versa Mark, generously add clear embossing powder to the image, and use the heat tool until the image is clear. Let it cool!! Then you can wipe the powder from the Embossing Buddy off with a wipe or soft towel. We stamped a few 4x4 cards to go on the inside. And finished it off with some White Satin ribbon! A great and impressive gift!

Hey Big Shot!

2010-06-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

I made these gifts using my Big Shot and Vinyl sheets! I used both Black and White vinyl. For this one I used the Flower Daisey#2 Die and the Alphabet Simple Numbers die. I also used my Serif Essentials Alphabet to cut a B - but it's on the opposite side of the bottle. I used a plastic water bottle to adhere the vinyl to. Ta-da! Done! I put my personal waterbottle in the dishwasher all the time, and it still looks brand new. Although - you will want to try yours out because all plastics are not created equal! :)

You have to give a cute gift bag, right?! So I grabbed this plain pink bag from my stash and dressed it up! I added a B cut from the Serif Essentials Alphabet in white vinyl. Cut more daisies Then added a fun butterfly using the Beautiful Butterflies die! The circles are from the center of the daisies!

I added some white tissue paper and some ribbon to the handles - but of course that was after the pictures were taken! Oops!

A few Hostess Club projects

2010-06-22T05:10:00.000-07:00

Circle Circus 6x6 Scrapbook page using Rich Razzleberry Card Stock and ink, Melon Mambo Card Stock and ink, Old Olive Card Stock and ink, 1" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (retiring June 30). Firecracker using Real Red, Whisper White, Star punch (retiring June 30) and the Large Star punch. Oh, and of course M&Ms!!

Tea bag card/favor using Tall Tales Designer Series Paper (retiring June 30), Whisper White Card stock, Word Window punch, Large flower punch, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Brad (retiring June 30) and Favorite Thoughts stamp (from the Summer Mini Catalog).

Teacher thanks or gift bag using First Day stamp set (from Summer Mini catalog), Fancy Favor Big Shot Die, Green Galore Card Stock (retiring June 30), Yo Yo Yellow Card Stock (retiring June 30), and Whisper White Card Stock.

Sweet Music

2010-06-03T14:03:00.004-07:00

I found this awesome project on Julia Bettencourt's blog. They were perfect for my son's Wednesday night music teachers! Too bad I found it on the day of their last class!! But I have to tell you... this was so simple and quick to do! The part that took the longest was going to the store for the candy!

Fold a brown lunch bag in half. Then fold one flap down about a 1/4 of the way to create a pocket. I used my Crop-a-dile to punch holes through all layers of the bag. I used Chocolate Chip ribbon to hold it all together. I found the sheet music online, and printed it on Whisper White Cardstock. I sponged the cardstock with Creamy Caramel ink to give it a distressed look. I used my large flower punch to create the flower accessory and used a brad to secure it to the ribbon. Added my Symphony bar, and printed Psalm 100 on Whisper White Cardstock, sponged with Creamy Caramel ink, and called it good! Julia's is more elaborate than mine, and I really could have used more color like hers but not bad for a quick teacher appreciation gift!

Who knew brown paper bags could turn out so cute?!

Last Chance!

2010-06-02T11:32:00.004-07:00

The Last Chance lists are here! Please visit my website www.andreamason.stampinup.net to place your order. This will help you receive your order quickly and help ensure that you get what you want before they are gone forever!

Click on the link to view the items available!

Retiring stamps here

Retiring Decor Elements here

Retiring Paper here

Retiring Ink pads and refills here

Retiring Punches here

Retiring Sizzix Dies here

Retiring Ribbon here

Retiring Wheels here

Retiring Accessories here

Items that are 25% off here

Items that are 50% off here

Discounts will be applied after you add the items to your cart! Be sure you select me as your demonstrator to receive the Preferred Pricing and any discounts.

If you have any questions, please email me at ilove2scrap@cox.net

Color Renovation

2010-04-06T13:55:00.004-07:00

Stampin' Up! has announced a Color Renovation!

These colors will retire on June 30, 2010!! Stock up now! You can order them directly from my website at www.andreamason.stampinup.net

select the Shop Now button and get your order delivered to your door!

We will get 5 new colors! Plus 5 more In-Colors with the new catalog in July!

Here are the 5 that have been announced...

Are you ready for more exciting news? Some of our favorite past In-Colors are returning!

If you've been collecting Craft Ink... you will want to know that all Craft Ink pads will be retiring with the exception of Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White. So be sure to add those to your order so you don't miss out!

I am very excited about this change! While I am sad to see some of my all time favorites go... I am equally excited by the new colors!

How about you? What do you think of the change?

Babies!

2010-03-25T16:01:00.003-07:00

I have the awesome opportunity as a Bzz Agent to share a preview of the

Babies Movie with you!

A visually stunning and joyful new film that simultaneously chronicles the lives of four of the world's newest human inhabitants - in Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco, and Tokyo, respectively - from first breath to first steps, on a journey at once universal and amazingly original.

Watch the trailer, view photos, and even become a fan on Facebook!

Monkey business!

2010-02-24T11:42:00.003-07:00

There's a baby due this week in NV! We are very excited to meet Tyler. This is a little gift that we will bring with us.

I found this clear paint can at a hobby store. I thought it was perfect to put my M is for Monkey Decor Element on! I put the M's on the lid. I personalized a few burp cloths using the Fox and Friends stamp set. The stamp coordinates with the new Decor Elements! YAY! And then I added a baby bag tag using the Go Go Boots letters. Fun! Simple!

Hostess Time!

2010-02-03T19:22:00.002-07:00

No, I don't mean Hostess snack cakes (although they do sound really good). I mean Hostess Club time!

Here’s how it works:I will give you a Stampin’ Up! Idea Book & Catalog for FREE (retail value is $9.95) and you agree to place a minimum order every other month until everyone in the group has been the “hostess”.

With 5 people in the club*, you will be the “hostess” once during our 5 meetings. When it’s your month to be “hostess,” you earn hostess benefits starting at $150 in sales – so when each of the 5 people places a $30 order, that month’s hostess will earn at least $15 of free merchandise AND a hostess set! The amount of free merchandise goes up if the total workshop amount goes up!
Just think . . . you can earn hostess benefits just by spending $30 every other month!

I will create a club once I have 5 or more interested people! Every meeting, participants will meet at my home to make projects and place orders, or you can email or phone your order in by the 15th of each month….

It’s that simple!Please contact Andrea Mason to join a club today!(623) 261-9613 ilove2scrap@cox.net

Got milk?

2010-01-13T12:50:00.002-07:00

I am loving the new Big Shot Milk Carton die that is available in the Occasions Mini! It is so fun!!

Just for You neighbor gift

Stamps:
Good Neighbors* (Sale a bration catalog)
Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper:
Kraft card stock
Old Olive card stock
Whisper White card stock
Welcome Neighbor Designer Series paper pad* (Sale a bration catalog)

Ink:
Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories:
Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Linen thread
Stampin' Dimensionals
1/16" Circle punch
1-1/4" Circle punch
Sizzix Big Shot
Mini Milk Carton Bigz L die (Occasions Mini)

It's Time!!

2009-12-31T14:42:00.003-07:00

Stampin' Up! had an error with mailing everyone's Sale-A-Bration, Occasions Mini, and new Definitely Decorative catalogs!

So... they decided to post them all to the customer side of the Stampin' Up! website!

I've included the links here too!

Sale-A-Bration

Occasions Mini

Definitely Decorative

Please remember that you will not be able to order from these catalogs until January 5.

There is a BIG change to Sale-A-Bration this year! When you spend $50 you can earn an exclusive SAB set, paper pad, or punch. These are not available for purchase - you must earn them! If you acquire all of the items you want, or don't care for any of the SAB offerings - you can now select from a list of stamps that are in the 09-10 catalog! Woo hoo!

So on January 5 you can place your order

Color Combos!

2009-12-31T11:20:00.004-07:00

Do you have a sheet of Bermuda Bay (or other Stampin' Up! color) that you want to use and aren't sure what colors coordinate? Try out the Color Combo Machine! It is awesome!! Just click the picture below. You will be able to select the colors you want to see. Hit search, and view all of the coordinating colors! Simple and fun!

Table Setting

2009-10-25T17:10:00.003-07:00

Can you see these on your Thanksgiving table to greet your guests? So cute! This project is directly from my Stampin' Up! website. If you would like more great ideas please visit my site. You can also place an order while you are there and have your items shipped right to you!

www.andreamason.stampinup.net

Name Place Setting
Stamps• Autumn Splendor*• Calendar Alphabet & Numbers

Paper• Chocolate Chip card stock• Naturals Ivory card stock• Taken with Teal card stock• Autumn Meadows Designer Series paper*

Ink• Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad®• More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pad• Really Rust Classic Stampin' Pad• Chocolate Chip Stampin’ Write marker

Accessories• Chocolate Chip 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon• Stampin' Dimensionals• Blender pens• Sizzix Big Shot• Serif Essentials Alphabet Bigz die

*From Holiday 2009 Mini Catalog

Licorice Wrap

2009-09-06T16:02:00.003-07:00

Graveyard Gala Treat Holder
Graveyard Gala stamp set

Going Gray textured card stock

Pumpkin Pie textured card stock

Whisper White textured card stock

VersaMark® pad

Black Stampin’ Emboss® powder

Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

Linen thread

Spooky Treats Rub-Ons

Stampin' Dimensionals®

1/16" Circle punch

3/4" Circle punch

Sizzix® Big Shot™

Pillow Box Bigz™ die

Click HERE to place an order.

Introducing Hannah

2009-08-02T09:37:00.002-07:00

Here is my excuse for not having my blog up to date!

Hannah Alyssa Mason
Born 07-08-09
3:36 AM
8 pounds 5 ounces
21" long

She is amazing! Her big brothers adore her. Daddy's little girl!

She is 3 weeks old, and still has wild hair!

We are still getting our schedule worked out, but I will be back to crafting and stamping soon! Be sure to check out my website for specials and great project ideas! www.andreamason.stampinup.net

Deal of the Week Q&A

2009-07-06T09:23:00.006-07:00

Now through July 31, 2009 you can take advantage of the Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week!

The current Deal of the Week is only valid for 1 week. A new deal will be posted on my online website every Monday at 10:00 am (MT).

If you have visited my the Stampin' Up! website to view the Deal of the Week special you may notice that the price listed is different than the price advertised.

This is because in order to receive the special (Preferred) price of $49.99 you must select me as your demonstrator! So you must Login first.

After you Login... you will see the demonstrator you have selected. But the price will still show the same price as before.

Add the item(s) to your cart to view the special (Preferred) price! You can delete it from your cart at any time if you change your mind.

This scenario is the same for any purchase you wish to make on my online website. Just be sure you select me as your demonstrator, and you will receive the same pricing as the catalog or advertised special!

As always, if you have any questions, please let me know!

Lots of birthday's this week!

2009-07-01T12:37:00.002-07:00

So much to celebrate this week! My nephew turns 10, my oldest son turns 11 on Thursday, our friends are expecting baby Max on Thursday, and my parents are celebrating their anniversary on July 4!

Here is the card I made for my nephew. He's having a Special Ops celebration. I used this image from the Free & the Brave, now retired (but not to worry - there is another awesome set in the new catty), on Old Olive card stock in VersaMark with clear embossing powder. I added the Old Olive ribbon to the bottom with a star punched from Old Olive card stock. Super fast and easy.

Thanks from Hannah!

2009-06-29T12:19:00.006-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Hannah's nursery and a Thank You card.

Her room is painted Pale Plum!

The rocking chair is the same chair that I had with my first son 11 years ago!

We still need to paint her name letters to hang on the wall. The hold up is that I'm not sure if I want to paint them purple or stain them the same color as the furniture. What do you think?

She won't go naked - that's for sure!

And now for the thank you card...

I used a Whisper White base and stamped the carriage from the Fun & Fast Notes set in Basic Black, and colored it in with a Pale Plum marker and Pretty in Pink marker. I ran the card stock through my Big Shot using the Polka Dot textures plate. The top strip is Pale Plum (of course). The greeting is from the Heard from the Heart set. I added two gems to give it a little something.

Hannah will be here soon!

2009-06-24T12:41:00.003-07:00

Not much time for crafting these days. I've been MIA because we have been preparing for baby Hannah. There is a very real chance that she could be here this weekend!

I am so very excited to meet my baby girl, but so very scared too! We have been praying for her health and safe delivery. Last Friday we received some test results that caused some concern and decided to induce labor to help protect her and myself. So, if you would... please say a little prayer for us.

Sneak a Peek!

2009-06-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

I made this card super quick for a friend's baby shower. We are due 2 weeks apart. It's quite funny how many looks we get when we go out together. Anyway...

Don't you LOVE this color? Yes, it is a new In-Color! It's called Rich Razzleberry!

Don't you LOVE the polka-dot ribbon? Yes, it is Rich Razzleberry too. And yes, it will be in the new catalog!

Don't you LOVE the elephant stamp? Yes, it is new too! It's called Animal Stories. Wait until you see the adorable DSP that coordinates with the Animal Stories set!! Soo cute!

Bear with me

2009-06-11T16:55:00.002-07:00

I love this bear from the Under the Stars set! It's "grrreat!"

This is a clear envelope brag book that we made at Hostess Club. We used Sahara Sand card stock, Sweet Slumber DSP, and Very Vanilla card stock. For a tutorial on how to create your own brag book... go here.

Just bleach it!

2009-06-09T16:36:00.002-07:00

Here's a card made at our Hostess night using the Inspired by Nature set. The set is currently on the Dormant List - but it will be back in the catalog in July! Woo hoo! I love this set!!

We used a So Saffron base, Basic Black mat that we scratched the edges of, and Basic Gray to actually stamp the image on.

To get the bleached image - just pour some fresh bleach onto a paper towel to create your "stamp pad" then "ink" the stamp with the bleach and stamp away!

This is quite a scarry technique if you've never tried it before. But it is so cool! I love how the Basic Gray turned So Saffron! You've got to try your favorite color - they all produce something different!

Matchbox and Chocolate!

2009-05-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

This was a fun project! I used the Matchbox die that is available in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I used a Chocolate Chip card stock base with To the Nines Specialty DSP for the cover.

I stamped Avery labels with the paisley stamp from the Wanted set in Chocolate Chip and Mellow Moss Classic Ink, and then wrapped the label around a Hershey nugget. 4 nuggets fit nicely in the Matchbox.

The Just for You sentiment is from the Only Oval set, also available in the Occasions Mini. I stamped it twice on Sahara Sand card stock in Chocolate Chip Classic ink. I then punched one image out with the Large Oval punch, and the other image was punched using the new Scallop Oval punch. I layered the Large oval on top of the Scallop Oval using 2 dimensionals. This created a place to slide the Chocolate Chip ribbon through the tag, so the ribbon could be wrapped around the Matchbox.

You have until June 30th to take advantage of the Occasions Mini!

Hannah at 31 weeks!

2009-05-15T12:08:00.004-07:00

Here is baby Hannah at 31 weeks! That would be her foot pressed up against her face!

She was practicing her yoga poses. In another pose she had the back of her hand up against her forehead - think Southern Belle! She has my nose and little indentation above her top lip.

Here she is actually smiling!

The measurements taken support my theory that she will be here before the 17th! She is estimated to be 4 lbs 4 oz - which is about a pound bigger than where she should be at 31 weeks. Her overall body measurement is showing a gestational age of 34 weeks!

I guess time will tell!

Thoughts & Prayers

2009-05-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a card we made at our Hostess Club. We used Kraft card stock for the base. The card stock was cut from 8-1/2 x 11, but cut length wise rather than by the width. Yes, it still fits in a regular size envelope - it just opens from right to left rather than top to bottom!

Paper: Kraft card stock, Urban Oasis DSP, Chocolate Chip card stock, Close to Cocoa card stock, Very Vanilla card stock

Ink: Close to Cocoa Classic ink

Accessories: Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Antique Brass brad

Sunshine Garden Challenge

2009-05-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

Each Hostess Club, I give my members a challenge piece. They received a piece of the Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' Kit, and a sheet of the die cuts to go with it. This page is what I came up with.

I cut the strip of flowers from the 12x12 page and added it to a piece of Baja Breeze card stock. I cut the strip of stripes from the same page and adhered them to pieces of Kiwi Kiss card stock. I really like these colors, and am going to miss them when they retire this summer!

Daisy Baby

2009-05-12T16:58:00.002-07:00

A quick progressive page made during our Hostess Club using In-Colors, and the Daisy #2 Big Shot Die, and the polka dot texture plate! We added a bit of Dazzling Diamonds to the centers of the flowers using 2-way glue. And yes, that is me at 3 months old! :)

Colors: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White.

2 year old rock star

2009-05-04T15:20:00.002-07:00

This is my oldest son taken when he was 2. He's now almost 11! I so can't believe how time flies. I also can't believe that I am just now getting around to scrapbooking this photo! Yikes!!

I used the Rockabilly Designer Series Paper for this layout. Be sure to check out the current sale going on to see how you can get FREE paper!

I also used Sticky Cuts letters and glitter for the "rock" on the page. The stars were cut from Basic Black card stock using the large star punch. I did my journaling (which I am really bad about doing on my layouts) on a piece of Whisper White card stock that I punched using the round tab punch.

Hannah's Bedding!

2009-05-01T14:00:00.001-07:00

I forgot to update you on my quest to find baby bedding!! Well, we found it. I should say... we bought it. We had seen this bedding before, but put something else on our registry. Then we went to a different baby furniture store and saw it again. We loved the way it was presented. So we went back to the store we registered at and bought it. We knew that if we didn't buy it then, that they would discontinue it or we would never find it again. :) We bought the mobile too, and added all the little accessories to our registry.

It' has super cute butterflies on it! I'm sure I'll have to cut the extra wings off once it goes through the wash... but still so cute!

And here is what the whole collection looks like. Not that Hannah's room will ever look THAT put together - but it's nice to dream!

We also bought the paint for her room. It is Pale Plum! I can't wait to see it on the walls. Sure hope the tech was right, and it is for sure a girl!! Hee hee.

We go back for our 3rd trimester ultrasound on May 15! I can't wait to see her little face!

A Note of Thanks

2009-04-30T13:30:00.004-07:00

Today is the last day that you can get this note set for FREE! There are actually 2 note kits, and 8 single stamps to chose from. You can see them on page 208 of your catalog. All you have to do is place a $40 order from the Occasions Mini Catalog. You can place your order right now on my website. www.andreamason.stampinup.net

Back to the card. This set is great for all levels of stampers. You can use the kit by its self, or dress up your card with as many embellishments as you'd like. It includes a Note of Thanks die-cut stamp, 4 Whisper White gift cards, 4 envelopes, and a Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Spot. After today, you can order this set for $10. Which is still a great deal!

I used the Stampin' Up! Scalloped Edge punch on the bottom of the card. I then added a 1/4" grosgrain ribbon in Chocolate Chip to my card to finish it off.

Super fast, super easy!

Fe, Fi, Faux Fun!

2009-04-13T11:38:00.008-07:00

Stampin' Up! Faux Frosting!

I had so much fun making this faux frosting for my cupcake! There is a product available called Liquid Applique that gives this puffy look to whatever you put it on. Fun flock is out there too. But I wanted to figure out how to do it using Stampin' Up! products. So after a little playing... I did it! So fun!

Begin by stamping your image onto your cardstock. I used Basic Black ink on More Mustard card stock.

Then I applied Crystal Effects to the frosting area of the cupcake!

Then I poured White Embossing Powder on top of the Crystal Effects.

It will look like this when you gently shake off the excess powder. Be sure to wipe away any stray powder that may be left on your card stock.

Now, grab your heat gun and give it a go! You can apply heat from the top or the bottom. So fun to see the "frosting" start to bubble! Careful not to cook your frosting too much.

Ta da!

So now I'm sure you are wanting to know what other embossing powder colors you can do this with! I tried clear embossing powder on my duck. Here's how she came out...

Not as fluffy as the white embossing powder, but it does give the duck a little texture and the illusion of feathers.

Alrighty! Go give it a try, and let me know what you come up with!

Hoppy Memories

2009-04-07T15:29:00.002-07:00

A few pages that I made using my Simply Scrappin' Hoppy Memories Kit.

Now... to just add the pictures, and get them in an album!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' Kits. They make it so easy to put pages together. Now, finding the time to sit and do them is another story. I had this grand goal at the start of the year to work on my scrapbook albums a little each month. So far... these 4 pages are all that I've accomplished! I NEVER thought I would say this... but I am so looking forward to see the digital scrapbooking suite that Stampin' Up! is coming out with!

I have come to realize that I am a goal setter... not so much a goal achiever. I just can't believe how quickly the time gets away. Our "to do" list for the house has been reduced so I can say we are making progress, it just doesn't feel like it. My goals this weekend are to go to on the hunt for baby bedding so that I can pick a paint color for the nursery, and get to Michaels for some photo storage boxes. Mind you I have agent convention the rest of the week, a baseball game Friday night, 2 more games Saturday morning, Easter on Sunday that I still need to prepare materials for my 1st grade class, and a ton of laundry to get through. I'll let you know how far I got next week! What are your goals for this weekend?

Manhattan Flower Card

2009-04-06T14:41:00.004-07:00

This is a card we made at our last Hostess Club using the Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder. I love how super simple, yet elegant this folder is. I sure hope we get more in the next catalog!!

We used Basic Gray cardstock with a Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon. To get the flowers to be a little more pronounced, we lightly sanded them with a sanding block. Stampin' Up!s cardstock don't have a white core, but the gentle sanding of the roses gave them just enough pop and a soft feel that it didn't need anything else!

Here is a closer look at the sanded flowers.

I actually used this card too! I gave it to my husband on Friday with his anniversary present. He was quite impressed (with the card and the present). We celebrated 11 years of marriage! Fun times!!

Yummy for your tummy!

2009-03-04T09:16:00.004-07:00

This is the 3rd post today! I've been bad about keeping up with the blog. We've been busy doing house stuff, sports with the boys, and baby stuff that I haven't had much of a chance to craft.

Again, sorry for the bad photo. I just couldn't get this box to pose!

I will try again later in the sunlight and see if I can get it to cooperate.

Here is a cute box made out of Riding Hood Red card stock (#111348). I made the box using my Big Shot! The die is called Box #2 (#114518) and can be found on page 194 of your catalog. This is so easy to assemble! It really only takes one piece of adhesive! I used the Yummy set for the sentiment. You can get the Yummy set for FREE when you spend $50 during Sale-A-Bration. But hurry, SAB ends March 31! I used the Designer Label punch (#107590), and a piece of Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (#112454) to attach the sentiment to the box. The ribbon is the beautiful Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon (#111365).

We will be making this box at our March 9th Hostess meeting!

A note of thanks!

2009-03-04T08:44:00.003-07:00

We have started to receive some gifts to welcome our baby girl. I am determined to stay on top of my thank you notes! So, I sat down last night and made a few.

I used the Stampin' Up! Whisper White Note Cards (#107311) for my base. I love the size of these! I chose Raspberry Tart (#113975) as my Designer Series Paper. I then added a strip of Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (#109070) across the front and around the back of the DSP. I stamped the Thank You using the Elegant Thank You (#114484) from page 208 of the current catalog in Old Olive Classic Ink (#102277) on Pink Pirouette card stock (#111351). I then used my Scallop Square (#112081) to punch the thank you out. Dimensionals (#104430) were used to pop the punch up a little.

This one uses the Raspberry Tart DSP, Pink Pirouette, White Taffeta ribbon, and Rose Red Classic Ink (#101778). Sorry the picture is a bit crooked here!

And this one again uses the Raspberry Tart DSP, Pink Pirouette card stock, Rose Red Classic Ink, but I used the beautiful Whisper White Organza Ribbon (#114319). I love the extra detail that the Organza adds!

Now showing...

2009-03-04T08:08:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share these pictures from my last ultra sound.

It's a girl!

Here is her profile. That big dot on the right is her hand.

And can you see 2 legs and a hand in this picture?
Her legs are crossed, and her fist is pointing straight at you!
I so want to get another 3D/4D ultra sound done when she is a little bigger so we can see her! This will most likely be our last child, so we won't have the opportunity again. Time to start saving my pennies for that photo shoot!

So Saffron, So Cute!

2009-02-18T19:04:00.003-07:00

I came up with this quick project while cleaning up my craft room, soon to be nursery. I found a stack of these 4x6 acrylic photo frames that go on your fridge. So, I put one to use. Can you see the marker hanging from the ribbon? That's because it's a wipe off board!I love the way it turned out.

(Sorry the ribbon is a little wonky in the first photo)

I used So Saffron for my base. The DSP that you can see peeking through is from the FREE Sale A Bration pack of paper. Yummy stuff! I then used another piece of So Saffron followed by a piece of Whisper White.

I used my Crop-O-Dile to punch a hole into the first layer of the plastic frame. Yes, it cut right through - and it didn't crack the plastic! Woo hoo! I used the So Saffron Ribbon that you can get for FREE from the Sale A Bration catalog! I attached the wipe off marker to the ribbon using a piece of Sticky Tape.

The stamped images are from Just Buzzin' By. I used Basic Black to stamp them. A So Saffron marker, a Basic Black marker, a Blush Blossom marker, and my White Gel Pen to color in the bees.

So simple, and fun. These would be great door prizes, teacher gifts, or maybe a little housewarming gift.

Where is that recipe?

2009-02-04T12:09:00.004-07:00

Here is a recipe box that will be featured at

an upcoming class at my church.

We will be using the Voila, and From the Kitchen of

stamp sets to create the project.

I punched the tabs using my circle punches and adhered them to the tops of my divider cards. I colored the Chef with my SU! markers, cut him out, and used dimensionals to pop him up on the recipe box.

If you are local, and would like to attend this FREE class - contact me by February 18th so I can prepare the stamped supplies for you!

Seeing Spots

2009-01-23T10:20:00.003-07:00

I have been seeing spots every where! (And no, not just from my low blood sugar). Spots are so fun - when they are on paper or sheets! Here is a 6x6 page that will become a 12x12 page soon.

I used a Pink Pirouette base, Very Vanilla for the mat, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla, and Elegant Eggplant for the circles. To create the circles, I used various Stampin' Up! circle punches. I also used a piece of Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon. Yummy stuff!

To make the circles with the centers punched out, I first punched the smaller circle into the card stock, and then used the larger punch for the larger circle. Clear as mud? If you go the other way... punch the large circle, then the small circle - you will have a hard time getting the card stock to come out clean or to come out of your punch at all.

Now, that being said... Stampin' Up! is now offering Circle Scissors and glass mat so you can create circles up to 6". You can do the same effect with the larger circles as I have done here with the new Circle Scissors. Or you can stock up on all the yummy new papers and stamps and get the Circle Scissors later - now that you know how to get a fun spot look!

Hostess Night

2009-01-12T17:43:00.005-07:00

Blogger is finally letting me add photos!!

Here are the items that were made at my Monday night Hostess Club.

Our first project was a tag that could be used on a gift bag, a card, or scrapbook page.

We used Sahara Sand cardstock and the Top Note Big Shot Die. We used the soon to be retired Bronc Buster set with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. We sponged the ink on top of the Die Cut to give it a leather look.

We added a Jumbo eyelet using the Crop-o-dile.

Then added a bit of Rope Twine to finish it off.

We made a gift bag using the Stampin' Up! white gift sacks. We used the Ahoy, Matey set - another set that is soon to be retired. We used Basic Black Classic ink on the bag and on the pocket tag. To create the tag, I used a Long Note with one side folded in half to create the pocket for the crayons. We used Sticky Strip to hold the sides of the pocket down.

A 1-3/8" circle punch in the top with a quick scissor snip to create the handle.
You can't have a gift bag without tissue paper. So we used the Matey's Map wheel - soon to retire - on white tissue paper. Super easy!

We also created a Valentine box using the Hostess Level 1 Prints pack, and the Big Shot Scallop Envelope Die. We added a cello bag of Dove chocolates to finish it off.

I made this for everyone. I used the Pillow Box Die with Pacific Point cardstock. I stamped the Thank You sentiment from the new single stamp - Elegant Thank You - that will be in the Spring-Summer Idea Book & Catalog. Each box contained an incentive stamp.

Here's another treat that I gave the girls. I made the "belly band" using Riding Hood Red and the birthday hat and present from the soon to be retired Crab & Co. Then stamped the birthday sentiment from the Family Phrases set on Pink Pirouette.

In-Law gifts

2008-12-27T13:55:00.002-07:00

Here are the 2 gifts that I made for my husband's parents.

The first was a canvas that I painted and applied a Decor Element to. I want the large version of this scripture to put in my kitchen! I love it! I added a strip of satin ribbon (non-Stampin' Up!) to the top and bottom of the canvas to finish it up.

The second gift was a large jar filled with those Christmas nugget candies. They are my husband's and his Mom's favorite Christmas candy. I added a Decor Element letter M to the jar to personalize it. Super easy, and they can use it year round!

Snow Swirrled Christmas

2008-12-27T13:46:00.002-07:00

Here are the last minute Christmas cards that I made this year. I actually sent all that I made this time! I have a very bad habit of making Christmas cards, but never actually mailing or handing them out! This year, they made it into the mail - later than I wanted - but they made it none the less!

I used a Real Red base with an Old Olive mat behind the Very Vanilla front. The tree was stamped in Old Olive Craft ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice for a little shimmer. The sentiment was stamped in Classic Old Olive ink. I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to get the trees and sentiments straight on all the cards! To finish the card off, I added a Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

Twas the night before Christmas...

2008-12-12T07:35:00.002-07:00

I received this poem from my friend Jenn, and thought it was too cute not to share with all my crafting buddies...

Twas the night before Christmas,

I'm glued to the tree.

I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.

Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?

Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.

And that's when I heard him,"Hi Santa, " I said

"You know....good little girls

should be in their beds."

"I know I should Santa,and now I've got caught.

But I was just so excited

To see what you brought."

"Well, let's take a look in this room

where you work."

He shook his head quickly,

And left with a jerk.

I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear.

"You've got enough crap, I'll see you next year!"

Retiring January 18th!

2008-12-10T14:50:00.004-07:00

Here is the Fall-Winter Retired Stamp Set list. It is in catalog page order - so you can easily mark your catalog!

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Retired_Lists_US2.pdf

Those marked "dormant" rather than a page number are coming from our dormant list. These were available during the current catalog - they just weren't in the actual catalog. Hint: if the sets on the dormant list are not retiring - there is a VERY good chance they will be in the new catalog!

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Dormant_List_US.pdf

Oh baby!

2008-12-10T11:32:00.004-07:00

Here's what's been keeping me from blogging! I have been so sick the last few weeks and have had no energy to do much of anything!

The little one, named "Peanut" by my doctor, myself, and my sister-in-law is measuring 9 weeks. I think it looks more like a cashew - but peanut works. So Baby Mason number 3 will be here around July 17! My oldest son's birthday is July 2 - he's actually excited to have a sibling with a birthday near his! I think it has more to do with someone else in the family not getting to celebrate their birthday at school than anything else! :)

Stampin' Up! has announced the Fall-Winter Retired List. Head on over to my web site (www.andreamason.stampinup.net) and check it out, if you haven't seen it already. A few of my favorites are on that list! They are also retiring one of the baby sets that I wanted. Hmmm... do I get it now, or wait to see what comes in the new catalog? Ack! Decisions!!

By the way... all sets on the retired list are 10% off! Sweet! Even sweeter... FREE shipping on orders of $70 or more! If you don't have a $70 order, I will combine orders to save you the shipping! Just let me know! I'm all about saving some green this year!

And don't forget... you can get any set in the sampler for 20% off when you spend $20!

Christmas Shadow Box

2008-12-02T11:49:00.002-07:00

I originally made this shadow box using a Decor Element for fall. However, with a little Real Red cardstock, a strip of DSP from the I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit, and some shiny foam presents... it's ready for Christmas now!

Sorry the picture isn't the best. These boxes are hard to photograph! :)

Travel Mugs

2008-11-25T14:30:00.003-07:00

Not much crafting going on here for the past few days. So, I'm digging up some photos and stories from my craft fairs that I haven't shared yet! I tell you, you meet some interesting people at these craft fairs! If you have the opportunity to participate in one - you should! You won't get rich, or make a ton of money, but you will have some stories to tell!

These are travel mugs that I stamped the inserts for. The two that aren't colored in can be colored by the kids and given as a gift. I think I will make a few more of these for my last craft fair of the year! The 3 below have found a home (Thanks Trina!).

I had a beautiful one using the dragon fly from the Bugs & Kisses set. They were stamped in different colors, and I added Dazzling Diamonds to the wings. It was so pretty. Well, it was the first one that sold! Great! Well, not so much. The lady that bought it wanted it because she's been looking all over for these type of cups because her son had made her one of these a long time ago and the cup got ruined. She just wanted the cup! I thought it was funny, but at the same time wanted to give her one of the other ones that I had.

2008-11-25T00:22:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendars!

You won't want to miss this!

November 26 - December 1

What is the Holiday Extravaganza sale?
The sale is a limited-time, 20 to 50 percent discount on select product bundles from November 26 through December 1, 2008.
Quantities of discounted bundles are limited, so place orders online early.

You can call or email me too - but know that bundles may be sold out quickly!

Coming in July!

2008-11-18T19:22:00.004-07:00

I Wish

2008-11-17T19:17:00.003-07:00

We did a 6x6 scrapbook page at our Hostess Club using the I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit, and the coordinating Snow Swirled stamp set. I love the colors in this kit- some of my favorites! Brown, Olive, and Red! Yum!
We stamped the Snow Swirled tree image in Old Olive Craft Ink. Then sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds mixed with Clear Embossing Powder over the image and heat set it. You can use Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder too - but I like getting more bang for my buck by mixing my own when I need it! That way I have Dazzling Diamonds, and Clear Embossing Powder for all my other projects!

Here's what the tree looks like when the light catches it. It's awesome!

My Christmas list book!

2008-11-14T11:59:00.002-07:00

I made 4 of these cute Christmas list books for the craft fairs. I came home with all 4 too! LOL!
I found these books at the Dollar Tree. They have plastic covers so they won't tear apart in your purse. They have tabs too, so you could make a section for gifts, food, dates of parties, or maybe a tab for each family member.

I used the Snow Swirled images. I first stamped in Silver Encore ink and then embossed the images with clear embossing powder. I layered them on Silver Cardstock and added a little Basic Gray Taffeta bow to finish them off.

Countdown to Christmas

2008-11-14T11:54:00.002-07:00

Don't panic! There's more like 40 days until Christmas, but 25 is the biggest number that this Decor Elements piece comes with. So fun! I used an 11"x 14" frame for the SMALL Decor Element! The paper backround is Ski Slope, and is under the glass. So when we get more fabulous Christmas paper next year - I can change it out! Yippee! I put the numbers on squares of cardstock and then taped a metal washer to the back. I used a dot of Crystal Effects to adhere a magnet to the glass! Done!

Snowman Soup in a bag!

2008-11-14T11:32:00.005-07:00

Here are some photos of the Snowman Soup that I made for my Monday Hostess group. I used the Ski Slope Designer Series Paper. So pretty! You can do these for any season! They are fairly simple to mass produce too!

The side:

The inside:

The goodies:

The tag from Nicole Heady's blog:

I've seen these box/bags on many sites, but was afraid to try them. Oh my goodness! They are so easy!! Here are some super instructions for how to construct your box. I didn't add the extra strip around the bottom of mine.

The tag is from Nicole Heady. You can download your tags own here.

Craft fair sighting...

2008-11-13T13:22:00.005-07:00

Here is a picture of me at the Thursday craft fair. We were worried about the chocolate melting, but as you can see from my jacket - it turned out to be a rather cool day!

A quick list of what we had:

Stamped Canvas bags

Kids Color Me cards

Husband's 6-Pack

Stamped Candles

Hershey's Nuggets Tins

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in Tall Tins

Power of M&M's poem with box of M&M's

Whisk you a Merry Christmas/Happy Thanksgiving

Stamped Coasters

Stamped Glass Ornaments

Birthday Bowls

Post-it Note Keychains

Water Bottle Tags

Various Scrapbooks/Bragbooks

Christmas list notebooks (I'll post these later on)

Christmas Fudge

Coffee Mugs

Stamped Travel Mugs

Stamped Glass Jars

Dog bone gifts

Reindeer Food

Thanksgiving Nuts

and of course Retired Stampin' Up! sets and ink.

I came home with a lot of stuff on Thursday, did a little better on Saturday. Sold some more stuff at Hostess group on Monday. And now Suz has some stuff at her school to sell for Secret Santa items. I have one more fair on December 7th. I don't think I am going to make anything new for that one. I don't know where I'm going to put all the stuff I currently have!

I think that next year, I need to prepare some reminder signs. One's to jog their memory about who the might need a simple gift for - Need a quick gift? Teacher? Co-worker? Don't forget your Secret Santa. Stocking Stuffers!

My Dad loaned me a tent for Thursday because we were outside. Well, he gave me his business tent! So here we were with all of our Stampin' Up! goods under a giant blue tent that says "Golf Channel Tour". We had many male visitors, but as soon as they realized it was a trap - they took off!

The highlight of Saturday is when 2 ladies visited our table. They were admiring our goodies, but then realized what some of the goods were in. Longaberger baskets! Not just any Longaberger baskets though. These were like gold! Oh, my dear friend Suz listened to these 2 ladies go on an on about how much they were worth because they were two toned, had the stamp on the bottom, and had the metal labels! My friend Staci and I giggled. It felt like we were being filmed on the Antique Roadshow! 1986 authentic Longaberger baskets! Oh my word, why is this out in the open? It was rather amusing. So Suz, did you check out how much they are worth? :)

Cute as a Bug!

2008-11-09T19:56:00.002-07:00

Here are few pictures from one of my scrapbook albums that I made for the craft fairs. I found the albums at the Dollar Tree! The paper inside is mulberry paper! Very cute stuff. I stamped a few of the pages with some bugs. The paper is thin enough to see the bugs from either side of the paper.

Craft Fair #1

2008-11-05T20:52:00.002-07:00

Craft fair #1 is tomorrow! Wish Suz and I luck. We have a lot to sell! You've got to see the cute Christmas Fudge, and Reindeer Food that Suz made. You can see them on her blog www.waitingforcaroline.blogspot.com

Husband took my camera with him on his business trip - so I'll have to remember to borrow my sons. How sad is that?! :)

Our next fair is on Saturday. There will be over 100 vendors on Saturday! I can't wait!!

Nuts!

2008-11-03T19:16:00.002-07:00

I was going through some old cards (does anyone else keep their old greeting cards?) and came across one with this Thanksgiving saying...

Thanksgiving always reminds me of my family...

A turkey, A ham, and a whole bunch of nuts!

I loved it!

So... with a few craft fairs coming up, I thought I'd see if anyone else liked it. I added the saying to the top of a bag of trail mix!

Because I don't have any Thanksgiving stamps, I created a fall pumpkin using my small oval punch and my word window punch! I love Stampin' Up! punches! They are so easy to use and you can create just about anything with them!

Leave a message

2008-10-30T17:37:00.002-07:00

So my crafty friend Suz asked me if you could stamp on a wipe-off board. Uh... I know you can do glossy tiles, but I dunno about wipe-off boards. So... I had to try!

Here are my results!

So yes, you can stamp on wipe-off boards. I used the Inspired by Nature set and used craft ink. I then heat set it with my heat gun.

However, you cannot write over the images with your wipe-off marker and expect the ink to come off of the image! Grr... There's got to be a way to get the marker off but I've tried everything... Crystal Effects, Clear Gloss, Thick Enamel, I even tried embossing it! No luck. So I guess if I make these for the fair or to give away, I will have to put a little disclaimer saying, "to preserve the beautiful image, please don't write over the image" I don't like to do that - but what other options are there? Hmm... maybe not to make them?! Ha ha

Give a dog a bone!

2008-10-30T17:23:00.002-07:00

Super quick. Super easy. Super cute!

I had fun making doggy treats for one of my craft fairs.

Everyone loves to get the pal something to put under the Christmas tree!

I used the little dog from All in the Family.

2008-10-28T19:57:00.002-07:00

Hi all! My new computer monitor will be here on Thursday! Woo hoo! Then I promise to post some of the fabulous projects that I've been working on for 2 upcoming craft fairs! You're going to LOVE them! In the mean time, I encourage you to check out the Splitcoast Stampers blog links on the right side of my blog (towards the bottom).

Oh, and don't forget you have until October 31 to purchase select birthday themed sets at 20% off!

Table decor with your Big Shot!

2008-10-23T19:17:00.004-07:00

Here is another video featuring Shelli! You will LOVE the ideas she has to create holiday table decor using your Big Shot!

Supply List

Stamp Sets
Cute & Curly Punch Label bundle
Everyday Flexible Phrases
Holiday Blitz
Simple Serif Mini Alphabet & Numbers
Wild West Alphabet

Stampin' Pads
Baja Breeze Classic
Chocolate Chip Classic
Old Olive Classic
Real Red Classic

Card Stock/Paper
Ski Slope Designer Series paper
Baja Breeze card stock
Chocolate Chip card stock
Naturals White card stock
Old Olive card stock
Real Red card stock

Accessories
Dies:
Big Shot die cutting machine
Pillow Box die
Scallop Circle #2 die
Top Note Bigz die

Accents:
Pretties Kit
Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware

Adhesives:
Anywhere Glue Stick
Stampin' Dimensionals
Two-Way Glue Pen

Punches:
1/16 Circle punch
3/4 Circle punch
Horizontal Slot punch

Ribbon/Cord/Thread:
vAlpine Ribbon Originals
Baja Breeze 5/8 striped grosgrain ribbon
Linen thread
Silver elastic cord

Miscellaneous:
Acetate (from office supply store; thick)
Bone folder
Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Jingle all the way!

2008-10-18T16:43:00.002-07:00

Visit my web site, email me, or call me to order your Decor Elements today!

www.andreamason.stampinup.net

Go Go Boots Tag

2008-10-15T19:00:00.002-07:00

My husband was so excited when I told him that I ordered Go Go Boots! Hee hee. Little did he know... Go Go Boots is an alphabet die to use in my Big Shot! Sorry honey!

Here is what my Hostess group made at our make up session. My friend Suz took this photo and put it on her blog. I swiped it - cause now I can't find my tag in the sea of crafts that is growing in my office! These craft fairs will be here soon, or so I hope!

It is a name tag that you can wear, add to a bag, lunch box, purse, anything you can think of! I found the badge holders at the Dollar Tree! I used Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, and a piece of scrap DSP. The ribbon is from my scrap bin too!

Apply Spooky Spiders!

2008-10-12T14:59:00.005-07:00

Here is a video of Shelli Gardner, CEO of Stampin’ Up!, on a show called “Good Things Utah”. She demonstrated how to apply the new Spooky Spider Decor Elements which is now available just in time for Halloween! The exclusive Spooky Spider comes in three sizes and in both black and white starting at just $5.95. You’ll want to order yours today so you can enjoy it before Halloween! Visit my website http://www.andreamason.stampinup.net/ to order yours online!

Working on some tiles

2008-10-07T19:56:00.003-07:00

Here are a few tumbled tiles that I'm working on...

This set uses the Inspired by Nature set. I used Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, and Old Olive for the flowers.

This one uses the Nature Silhouettes set with Basic Grey for the tree, deer, and edges. I used More Mustard and Brocade Blue for the background. Sorry for the dark picture too! I couldn't get it to come out right. The boys liked the tile though. I thought it was a little dark but wanted to give it a shadowy look. Do you think it's too dark?

Candle experiment

2008-10-07T12:22:00.002-07:00

I have had several questions regarding stamped candles and whether or not they are safe to burn. To be honest, I've never lit one. So I decided to find out for you...

I placed the candle on a glass plate to protect my table, and then lit the candle.

After a few minutes, I could see that the candle burns inward. Meaning that the wax pooled in the center rather than running down the sides.

Then I got impatient waiting for it to burn! So I took the flame to the spot that we wanted to test - the tissue paper.

No fire! It did discolor the tissue a little bit - but I would have no worries about burning these stamped candles.

Hope this helps you and your decision about burning your pretty stamped candles! Especially the candles that burn inward.