Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Lunch Notes


I was browsing thru a Paper Source catalog and saw a box of lunch notes for sale.  It didn't show what the notes actually looked like, but I liked the box that contained them, so I decided to create my own box + notes.  This project requires no stamping; the images are cut from the Doodlecharms and Sweet Treats Cricut cartridges.  The box measures 4x4" and the notes are just slightly smaller than that.  I printed the sayings with my computer and then cut the notes down to size.  Of course, my favorite Timeless Type Alphabet had to make its weekly appearance.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  None
Ink:  None
Paper:  Play Date DSP, Real Red, Bashful Blue, YoYo Yellow, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Going Gray, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Dazzling Diamonds

Monday, August 30, 2010

Envelope Bag


Jessica Jones of How About Orange has done it again.  I was browsing her blog and saw these cute bags she made out of envelopes.  They gave me the inspiration to create this Halloween treat bag.  My bag is made from an A7 envelope from Paper Source which is 5.25 x 7.25".  I scored each of the sides and the bottom with a 1.5" border.  It's hard to tell that this bag was originally an envelope, isn't it?

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Halloween Hoot
Ink:  Basic Black, Going Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue
Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories:  Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Aqua Painter

Friday, August 27, 2010

Haunted House Card Box


I made a box to hold my Halloween cards and turned it into a haunted house.  The house uses another set from the upcoming Holiday mini called Dark and Dreary.  The door is the Key Tag Punch (Retired) with one of the rounded sides cut to leave a straight side.  I made the fence by cutting strips of paper and then free form cutting triangles to top each post.  A Haunted House can't have the friendly white picket fence, can it?  The Happy Halloween image is serving as the "gable".  Have a great weekend!

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Wicked Cool, Dark and Dreary
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray, Old Olive, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Peach Parfait, Wicked Fun Specialty DSP
Accessories:  Key Tag Punch (Retired)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Sneak Peak: Fang-tastic!


We're days away from the release of the new Stampin' Up Holiday Mini on September 1.  This is a sneak peek of a stamp set called Fangtastic.  I'm a whimsical Halloween lover, not a lover of scary and gory.  Aren't the vampire and witch adorable?

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Fang-tastic
Ink:  Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Peach Parfait
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Peach Parfait, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories:  Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Circle Punches:  1 3/8 and 1 1/4"

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Aviary Duo


I recently discovered a great blog called Birthday Girl where real party scenes or inspiration boards which eventually lead to the birthday celebrations are featured.  I kept seeing fabulous ideas for the perfect party.  I also saw some great inspirations for card making.  For example, this card duo was based on the image below.  Notice the bird cages in the background?



Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Aviary, Trendy Trees
Ink:  Versamark, Cherry Cobbler
Paper:  Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones, White Embossing Powder, Modern Label Punch

Monday, August 23, 2010

Vintage Collage Tag


As I've mentioned before I like my designs clean, simple and modern.  However, I am also drawn to vintage, shabby chic and collage designs too.  This weekend it was time to exercise the vintage side of my stamping personalities.  Here's how I made the tag:  start by cutting a label from the Stampin' Up exclusive Sizzix Top Note die.  Next heat emboss the medallion image from the Artistic Etchings stamp set.  Then sponge Blushing Bride onto the medallions.  Because the images are heat embossed, they'll resist taking on any color - this is known as the Emboss Resist Technique.  After that stamp the other images from the set and sponge Marina Mist over them.  Staple Victoria Crochet Lace and the label is done!

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Artistic Etchings
Ink:  Versamark, Going Gray, Marina Mist, Blushing Bride, Melon Mambo, Early Espresso
Paper:  Confetti Cream
Accessories:  Victoria Crochet Lace, Jumbo Eyelets, White Embossing Powder

Friday, August 20, 2010

Embossed Organic Outlines


I never sell my retired stamps but that will have to change soon.  Otherwise I may be a great candidate for the reality show on hoarders.  I recently went over my inventory of stamps and separated the current from the retired stamps.  One of the sets I came across was Organic Outlines.  Organic Outlines never took off and retired way too early.  Lately I've been seeing lots of bedding designs like this:



My card is based on the gray, white and yellow/greenish pillow to the right; Organic Outlines had just the right images to mimic the design concept of the pillow.  I'll probably hang onto this set for a while, even though it's retired.
Stampin' Up Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Organic Outlines (Retired), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Versamark, Basic Gray
Paper:  River Rock, Going Gray, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Accessories:  Modern Label Extra Large Punch, Circle Punches:  1" and 3/4", White Embossing Powder

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Auction Donation Invitation Prototypes


I mentioned in an earlier post that I donated invitations and favors to my friend's charity auction.  The winning bidder is hosting a Halloween party and asked me to make only invitations, no favors.  Here are two invitation prototypes I created for her to choose.  Both should be fairly easy to mass produce.  Wait, let me retract that.  I just realized the vellum overlay invitation will require 450 punched circles - no stamping though! 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Bitty Boos Too (Retired)
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss (Retired), Pumpkin Pie, Lavender Lace (Retired)
Accessories:  1 3/8" Circle Punch, Pear Pizzazz Poly Stitched Ribbon

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

It's Everywhere - Dress Forms




I was looking at the Moxie Fab blog site and kept seeing images of dress forms everywhere.  One image piqued my interest and it inspired me to make this card.  Chic Boutique is one of my favorite Stampin' Up sets and it conveniently has a dress form.  I'm not a sewer, so forgive me if my ribbon ruffly skirt looks a little off kilter; but I think it still does the job of looking chic. Growing up, my style has always been casually imperfect.  My sister (and downline), a fabulous cardmaker, however, is very meticulous and lines everything perfectly straight.  I'm happy being off kilter and slightly quirky.

Can you guess what paper I used?  If you answered the In Color DSP pack, you're right!  Don't you think these 3 patterns look like fabric swatches?  It's also shabby chic colors so I scuffed up the edges a bit.  It's hard to see, but I did use 2 rhinestones to bling up the card.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Chic Boutique, Artistic Etchings
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  Level 1 Hostess In Color DSP pack, Whisper White
Accessories:  Basic Rhinestones, Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Packaged Cookie Favor


Momofuku Milkbar is a popular bakery in New York City.  I served these yummy copycat Momofuku Milkbar cookies at the Stamp 'n Chat I hosted last week.  I promised everyone in the group I'd post the recipe on my blog.  Instead of just taking a picture of the cookie, I decided to create a cute cookie packaging idea.  The cookie is housed in a simple and quick-to-make box.  Here's what the box looked like during the construction phase:



The dimensions of the box are 4" long by 3.5" tall.  Score at 1.5" on each of the short sides.  Then turn it lengthwise and score at 1/2" on each side.  As the picture above indicates, cut up to the score lines on all four sides.  Attach sticky strip to each side and adhere to create the box.  Attach 4 x 1.5" strips of decorative paper to the front and back of the box.  If you don't want your box to get greasy, wrap the cookie with a piece of parchment paper.  Use medium cellophane bags to package the cookie and tie it with Peach Parfait ribbon.  Before closing the bag, punch out 1/4" and 3/4" confetti circles in Peach Parfait and Melon Mambo cardstock and drop them in the bag.

Here's the recipe for the yummy copycat Momofuku Milkbar cookies.  The secret ingredient is caramelized cornflakes.  There's a recipe that's been posted on the internet, but I made a few changes to it.  This is my copycat of the copycat recipe.

Copycat Copycat Momofuku Cookies:

Caramelized Cornflakes

2 cups cornflakes
6 T milk powder
12 T sugar
1 tsp salt
7 T melted unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Lightly crush the cornflakes in a bowl.  Mix together the milk powder, sugar and salt.  Pour the butter over the cornflakes and sprinkle the dry ingredients on top.  Toss until evenly coated.  Spread out cornflake mixture on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cornflakes haave a deep caramelized color.

Remove from the oven and cool completely before using. 

Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 c unsalted butter
1/2 c + 2 T sugar
1/2 c + 2 T light brown sugar
2 T corn syrup
1 large egg
1 T vanilla
1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 c mini marshmallows
2 c caramelized cornflakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. 

In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pinch of salt; set aside.  Cream butter, sugars and corn syrup.  Add egg and vanilla and mix.  Add flour mixture and mix.  Add in chocolate chips, marshmallows and caramelized cornflakes.  Scoop dough into balls and place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.  Bake for about 12 - 15 minutes until cookies are golden brown.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy!

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Homemade
Ink:  Peach Parfait
Paper:  Peach Parfait, Melon Mambo, Level 1 Hostess In Color DSP Pack
Accessories:  Medium Cellphane Bags, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Extra Large Punch, Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon, Circle Punches:  3/4" and 1/4"


Monday, August 16, 2010

Sneak Peak: Candy Wrapper Die

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My oh my.  You are going to love all the fun new items to play with once the Stampin' Up Holiday Mini goes live on September 1st!  Here's a sneak peek at the new Sizzix Stampin' Up Exclusive Candy Wrapper Die.  Isn't it darling?  There are so many possibilities with it!  I made mine Christmas themed using the Level 1 Hostess In Color DSP pack.  I looooooooove this paper.  I used it for practically every project I created this weekend.  I may go into hoarding mode, that's how much I love it.  Anyway, these would make great Christmas favors or even placecards for your holiday table.  The paper is 6"x6" and is just the right size for the die.  AND I went back to using my favorite reliable Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits dies.  I'm getting my money's worth from these dies.  They're really worth the investment.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  None
Ink:  None
Paper:  Level 1 Hostess In Color DSP pack, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Accessories:  Candy Wrapper Sizzix Die, Oval Extra Large Punch, Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlit Dies, 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon:  Early Espresso and Daffodil Delight

Friday, August 13, 2010

Stamp 'n Chat Catty Inspired


The theme for our monthly Stamp 'n Chat was to case a card from the current Stampin' Up catalog.  I chose a card on page 91 as my inspiration.  This is the last of the cards I made this weekend using the Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits.  I'll give those dies a rest as I just received my new shipment of goodies this week and can't wait to create projects with them this weekend.  I'm also going to post a recipe of the cookies I made for Stamp 'n Chat last nite in the next few days.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Wicked Cool
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Old Olive
Paper:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  Mini Library Clips, Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits, Basic Rhinestones, Large Oval Punch

Thursday, August 12, 2010

4eVeR


This is the last of the graphic cards I made this weekend.  I know it's a bit early to be thinking Valentine's, so this card would work well as an Anniversary or Just Because card.  I've always liked the color combination of dark gray, red and white.  For visual interest, I mixed capital with lowercase letters for the message.  The heart is sporting the new rhinestone bling and is also die cut from the Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits.  I just realized that there are no stamps or ink used to make this card.  How much simpler can it get?

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  None
Paper:  Basic Gray, Whisper White, Real Red, Celebrations DSP
Ink:  None
Accessories:  Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits, Basic Rhinestones

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

How Old?


Here's graphic birthday card #2.  This time I repeated the numbers motif and added the sentiment in the middle of all the swirling digits.  I need to use other stamps from the hostess set Afterthoughts soon or they'll feel neglected.  This is a good masculine birthday card.  I'm getting better at making male cards!  This blog has been great at stretching my comfort zone and making me utilize new design concepts and color combinations.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Afterthoughts
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Island Oasis DSP
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits, Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz Dies

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Graphic Birthday Card #1


I just bought the Sizzix Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits and got a little crazy with them over the weekend.  I made 4 cards using the alphabets and letters!  Do you like that I repeated the stacked on top of each other imagery with the tea cups and then the letters spelling happy?  It's bold, graphic, clean and simple.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Morning Cup, Afterthoughts
Paper:  Kiwi Kiss (Retired - sad face), Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso, Real Red, Daffodil Delight
Ink:  Basic Black, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Timeless Type Alphabet Sizzlits

Monday, August 9, 2010

CAS FTL #102


Another week, another Clean and Simple Blog challenge.  It's not too early to start thinking of Halloween, is it?  This stamp set is new this year.  I love the witch's shoes!  It reminds me of the musical Wicked for some reason.

I'm teaching a Halloween class on September 25th from 1 to 4pm.  We'll be making 5 Halloween packaging ideas for treats and favors.  The cost of the class is $20 and none of the projects we make will be posted on my blog.  It's exclusive for students only.  If interested in taking the class, email me at bellaconfetti@gmail.com or RSVP via the Bella Confetti Facebook group page here.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps: Wicked Cool 
Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Wicked Fun DSP
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Basic Black, Cajun Craze
Accessories:  1 3/8" and 1 3/4" Circle Punches, Timeless Type Sizzlit Dies

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Baby Shower Banner





I made this Congraulations banner for a baby shower I hosted with a co-worker a while ago.  I found it the other day and thought it'd be blog publication worthy.  There aren't many Stampin' Up supplies used other than the letters which I stamped and then heat embossed with white embossing powder.  Some of the circles have been glittered to add some pizzazz.  The cute paper is from Lasting Impressions.  The banner is die cut from a Sizzix die, not the Stampin' Up exclusive banner die.  Ribbon to hold it all together is from Martha Stewart.

I strung this banner across this wall unit housing my cookbook collection.  I started collecting cookbooks over a decade ago, but had to slow down my pace after 4 moves all over the state of California.  Every time I moved, the movers would comment about all the boxes and boxes of HEAVY books.  Sorry guys!  I read cookbooks like some would read novels.  It's very comforting for me to pick up a cookbook and read it cover to cover and admire all the beautiful food styling pictures.  I'm anxiously awaiting the publications of the new Barefoot Contessa cookbook plus the Flour Bakery book by Joanne Chang.  I LOVE Flour!  If you're ever in Boston, visit her bakery - it's a must.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Big Deal Alphabet (retired)
Paper:  Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Pink Passion (retired), Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  White Embossing Powder, Dazzling Diamonds

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Casing Carroll's Clear Card


While I was perusing Shari Carroll's blog this weekend, I was inspired by another one of her cards.  I replaced some of the Hero Arts elements with Stampin' Up elements and this card is the end result.  The small piece of designer series paper is called Island Oasis and is from the Summer Mini Catalog.  Items from this mini will be available thru August 31.  It's not too late to place an order.  Click here to go directly to my online ordering website.

I've had the opportunity to see the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog and it is chock full of great stuff - including...LETTERPRESS PLATES!  I placed a sneak peek order of mainly Halloween stuff on Monday and am impatiently waiting for my order to arrive.  I'm getting ready for my Halloween Treats and Favors class on Sept 25th.  If you're interested in attending, RSVP to my Bella Confetti group here.  If you place a $75 online merchandise total order, you can attend my class for free!

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature, Full of Life
Ink:  Stazon White, Basic Black
Paper:  Island Oasis DSP, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  Linen Thread


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Box Card


Shari Carroll is a talented stamper with great ideas.  I originally saw scrapplings posted on her blog a while ago.  The other day I saw another creative idea called the Box Card.  Shari has a video on her blog with all the steps.  Click here to view the video.  The card folds flat so you can mail it.  I love it!

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Aviary, Afterthoughts (Level 1 Hostess Set), Trendy Trees
Ink:  Versamark, Peach Parfait, Real Red, Early Espresso
Paper:  Peach Parfait, Baja Breeze, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Whisper White
Accessories:  Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Basic Pearls,   Basic Rhinestones, White Embossing Powder

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Please Remove Shoes Sign


Rae Dunn is a Bay Area artist who makes really cute items out of clay.  Check out her Etsy site here.  I have several of her pieces including salt and pepper cellars and olive serving dishes.  Anyway, I recently got the vintage stamp set Timeless Treasures and used it to case a sign that Rae makes.  I used a font called Vintage Typewriter and printed the message on watercolor paper.  The watercolor paper is mounted on a 4x4 piece of chipboard for sturdiness.  I love the new vintage ribbon SU introduced in this year's catalog.

Late addition to this blog post:  I'm going to enter it in the Really Reasonable Challenge #5 contest.  Here's the link to access the site.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Timeless Treasures
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  Watercolor
Accessories:  Jumbo Eyelets, Victoria Crochet Trim

Monday, August 2, 2010

CAS FTL #101


Another week, another Clean and Simple Blog Layout challenge. 

Hope you all had a good weekend. I had a lot going on, but still managed to work on my weekly blog projects.  I try to do as many of my blog postings as possible on the weekend in case the week gets busy.  So far I've been able to stick to my weekly goal of 4 to 5 postings; I've built up a good stash of cards and projects.  It's been great!  No more last minute crunches to crank out birthday cards. 
Stampin' Up Supplies Used: 
  
Stamps:  Birthday Bakery, A Little Birthday Cheer (Retired)
Ink:  Versamark, Stazon Black
Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Play Date DSP, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Accessories:  1 3/4" Circle Punch, White Embossing Powder, Markers:  Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Marina Mist