Stamping in the Woods

CUTE LITTLE PURSE

I received my pre-order this week for some "Sneak Peek" products that will be in the upcoming 2012/2013 Idea Book & Catalog.  Don't worry - you don't have to wait until June 1st, the new release date for Stampin' Up!'s awesome catalog, to get your very own.  Customers will be able to order the suite of "Summer Smooches" products beginning April 1st - woo hoo!

One of the products is a new Big Shot die, the Petite Purse Bigz L Die, #235606, $32.95.  I could hardly wait to make a purse using this die - here is the result:

Isn't this just the cutest thing?   The finished size is 2" high (minus the handle), and about 2-3/4" wide.  It even has a little slot with coordinating tab on the flap to close the purse.  I can think of many uses for this purse - a holder for money, candy, chocolate to name a few.  I'm sure you could come up with some ideas of your own.  There are also many ways you could accessorize this purse.

Products used for this little purse are:

• Cardstock: Not Quite Navy
• Designer Series Paper: Summer Smooches DSP, #125409, $10.95 (love the patterns and colors in this pack of paper)
• Accessories: Big Shot, Petite Purse Bigz L Die, #125606, $32.95, uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots

Be sure to put this new die and Designer Series Paper on your wish list.  You will be able to order them, as well as other products in the Suite, beginning April 1st.  Just log onto my 24/7 online store at www.donnabagwell.stampinup.net.

 

Simply Scored Fall Wreath

I LOVE my new tool, the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored.  It is so easy to use, and was so helpful when I was making the "lollies" or medallions I used to make this wreath.  This project took a little time to make, but was well worth the effort.  I have a unique, handmade decoration to hang on my wall this fall.  I definitely plan to make one for December using some of Stampin' Up!'s gorgeous Christmas papers.

To make the base for my wreath I cut a circle of the cardboard that comes with packages of Designer Series paper to about 9" in diameter.  I then found a bowl that was approximately 5" in diameter, and used it to trace a circle in the center of the 9" piece.  I also bought some 12" styrofoam wreaths that I will use for my next wreath.

I then cut 12" strips Spice Cake Designer Series paper (Holiday 2011 Mini catalog, #124003, $10.95) in various widths, ranging from 1" to 2" wide.  I used two strips of paper for the 1- 3/4" and 2" widths of paper, attaching the two together with snail adhesive.  I wanted to use some solid colored cardstock for some of the medallions, and found it was easier to complete the medallion if I scored the cardstock at 3/8".

Using the Simply Scored, I scored the strips of paper.  Some strips I scored every 1/4", some 3/8", and some 1/2".  You can play around with the strips to see which you like best.  I used some of each on my wreath to make it look more interesting.

I used a variety of items to embellishment the medallions - punches, buttons, hemp twine.  When all the medallions were done I used hot glue to attach them to the base.  I then used a piece of ribbon to wrap around the wreath and to make a bow (which I can see from my photo I need to redo!). 

Here is a list of products I used to make the wreath:

Paper: Spice Cake DSP; More Mustard, Pool Party cardstock

Accessories: Spice Cake Designer Buttons (Holiday 2011 Mini, #124113, $7.95); Antique Brads; Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" circle, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, & retired leaf punches; hemp twine; Soft Suede 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon; Snail adhesive; Sticky Strip; glue dots; Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue.

Would you like to learn, hands-on, how to make medallions and this wreath?  If so, let me know and I'll schedule a class.  I'd be interested in hearing how you like this project.  Just leave me a comment at the end of this post.

Thinking About Christmas!

It's been a few days since I've posted to my blog.  I've been spending most of my time with grandson, David, who flies home tomorrow :-( 

Today a fellow demonstrator, Sandy Hancock, posted a really cute "cookie treat basket" that she made with the Big Shot large scallop die, the Easy Events stamp set, and pieces of Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack.  She states that the basket will be perfect for holding the cookies we will be able to make with the upcoming cookie stamps!

I'm going to make one of these baskets soon - it is so easy, and could be made with different cardstocks or papers to fit any occasion.  In fact, this would make a great project for one of my upcoming classes.  What do you think?

Cute Trinket Box

I have my May class on Saturday, and promised a gift to the first three peole who registered.  I spent yesterday making cute trinket boxes I found on Craft Project Central.  Each box is a different color - here is one of my favoites:

The box is made with Rose Red cardstock,, and decorated with a strip of Sweet and Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I love this paper, and can't figure out why I haven't used it more than I have.  It will be retiring soon, so if you like the colors (Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla) contact me to order a pack for yourself (#117390, $11.95 for 12 double-sided sheets).  I decorated the top with circles of Pumpkin Pie and Sweet and Sour paper.  I made the ribbon loops with Certainly Celery 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, then made the flower with Pumpkin Pie 5/8" grosgrain ribbon.  A Filigree Designer Brad was used for the center of the flower.  The box is closed with a strip of Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon.

The Sweet & Sour paper isn't the only item that may be retired as of July 1st when the new 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog goes live.  The ribbon and brads may be retired as well.  If you want to order any of the items I used for this box contact me at donna@idahobagwells.net to place your order.

Would you like to learn how to make this box?  Let me know by leaving me a comment.  If I get enough interest I'll offer a class on making different kinds of boxes.