Jack-o-laterns with Bling!

So I decided modernize and bling up my Halloween Pumpkins. I bought two artificial pumpkins from Joanne's, painted them with off-white acrylic paint, the stems black, and then added the awesome Stampin' Up Decor Elements 'Black Frightful Sight' along with Stampin' Up Designer Jewels Black Flourish (they are still available Item #120987 and they are 4"x8" for a $1.99 each - WOW!! see pic below how they come.)

I have them sitting on my living room coffee table surrounded by frosted candle tea lights. Just love it!!

How Would You Like to go Bobbin' for this Apple!!

I've NEVER seen an apple this BIG. Look at it's size compared to my hand...think about that

This applie is the size of a small pumpkin. It's a California Honey Crisp Apple. Gonna put it in the refrigerator for a bit and then enjoy it once it's nice and cold. I'll let you know if it's size lives up to its taste.

Welcome to Tuesdays Tips, Tricks, & Techniques!

Each Tuesday I'll high light a nifty tip, trick or technique that will most definitely make you say, "Ohhhh, that's so cool. What a great idea!!"

So for today's Nifty Triple T (Tip, Trick or Technique)...

Perfect Cut everytime. For those of you that LOVE your Big Shot Die Cut Machine, (and who doesn't), how many times have you gone to run your paper through the die cut and you don't quite line the paper up evenly and then outcomes your shape or mis-shape that is..well here's a surefire trick to prevent that from happening anymore. Simply take some sticker paper or shipping label paper (see below)

Now cut the white shipping label paper into the dimensions of your Bigz Die Cut (see below)

Peel off the backing of the white shipping label paper and adhere to your Bigz Die Cut. Then run it through your Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (see below)

Now peel out the shape and leave the "frame" part adhered to the die-cut shape. Then I like to write the name of the Die-Cut Shape and item # (from the catalog) along with the dimensions of the die-cut shape: i.e. 4.25"x5" - then you always know what size to cut your paper.



Cake Pop Designs - Check This Out

I LOVE these Cake Pop Stands. My sweet friend Terri Guymon and her hubby have created these beautiful, versatile cake pop stands. There's nothing like it on the market to house your yummy cake pops. Scroll down to see a few other designs. I love mine. I use it to display cupcakes, cakes, and right now it serves as a wonderful throne for my Halloween decor. Easily transitions from season-to-season, holiday-to-holiday just by changing the ribbon. Click on Link for her website: http://www.cakepopdesigns.com/Gallery.html

Lollipop Lollipop Halloween Lollipop

 Such a fun way to give a treat and card; the sticks are Lollipops!

Project Recipe:

Stamp Sets: Spooky Bingo Bits, Papers: DSP Frightful Sight, Cardstock - Whisper White, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Basic Black, Ink Pads: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Circle 1/2" Punch, Crop-A-Dile, Ribbon - Satin 5/8" Basic Black

Knock Knock! Who's There?

I LOVE this new BIGZ L Die Peakaboo Frame. How would you like to get this Die Cut for 20% off and the BIG SHOT Die Cutting Machine for FREE - that $100 value FREE or you can choose $100 worth of FREE Stampin' Up products. This Awesome promotion is available only until October 31st - Click here for your FREE Big Shot

Project Recipe:

Stamp Set: Spooky Bingo Bits, Ink Pads: Staz On Jet Black, Paper: DSP Frightful Sight, Card stock - Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Whisper White, Accessories: Stampin' Write Markers - Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Dazzling Details, SNAIL adhesive, Dimensionals, Ribbon: Scallop Dots 1/2" Old Olive, Postage Stamp Punch, Circle 1" Punch, BIGZ L Die Peakaboo  (from Holiday Mini Catalog), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Who Cares What's In the Box...

Yes this was a Father's Day Gift I made and I could have stopped with just the box but I did put a nice gift in it (smile).  I just love the way it turned out. The stamp set 'Plane and Simple' is retired from the 2010-11 Big Catalog, but the ties stamp set 'Best Dad Ever' is still available in this year's 2011-12 Catalog.

Recipe for Project:
Stamp Sets: Plane and Simple (retired) and Best Dad Ever (current), Papers: DSP Paisley Papers, Cardstock - Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Ink Pads: Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch 1 3/4", Paper Crimper, Daubers, SNAIL adhesive, Mini Library Clips, Bakers Twine Navy, Crop-a-Dile, Dimensionals

Spooky Snack

I left this little treat for my son in his bathroom last night so he'd have it in the morning. My son is a very picky eater therefore his adventurous side to try new foods is almost non-existent. So a couple of weeks ago (at age 17) he tried his FIRST snickers bar (peanut butter snickers) and now he can't stop.

Recipe: Spooky Snack

Stamp Sets: Wicked Cool, Ink Pads: Concord Crush, Staz On Jet Black, Paper: Cardstock - Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Textured Impressions Folder - Spider Web, Crop-a-dile, 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Pumpkin Pie & Old Olive, Black Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool,  Scallop Circle Punch 1 3/4", Scallop Oval Punch, Anywhere Glue Stick, BIGZ Top Note Die Cut, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (AND SIGN UP BEFORE OCTOBER 31ST AND GET YOUR OWN BIG SHOT DIE-CUTTING MACHINE FREE!!! Click Here For Your FREE Big Shot)

Stephanie's Stampin' Studio - Ta da!!



Organizing on a budget. Simple, affordable storage solutions. Studio table can fit eight comfortably with another table off to the left (out of view to accomodate more friends)

Overview of Stampin' Studio and  main work table where classes and workshops are held. Converted pool table into work table with two pieces of wood (cut at Lowes) for about $40

Main work area. Everything is labeled. I'm a very visual person and prefer to be able to see all my supplies rather than having them out of sight in closed cupboards; just my preference,

My present paper storage housing 12x12, 8 1/2 x 11, and folders with scraps, will eventually be replaced with a file cabinet and hanging folders. Easier access for me. Will be putting this lovely paper rack for sale soon.

On the peg board (don't mind the pool table supplies) Color Coach swatches, punch out templates, convention ID's, and the Simply Scored tote bag.

Cutting, scoring, piercing, and album/book binding area.

Each drawer is clearly labeled; everything has a home, from sponges to sewing supplies, glue dots and sticky strip tape.

Main work area. The light is a "natural daylight" lamp. Really brings out all the true natural colors of each ink and paper.

Daubers for inking and acrylic blocks for stamps.

Buffet of adhesive; all my favorites SNAIL, Multipurpose Glue, Anywhere Glue Sticks...

Various cutting tools

Big tools - LOVE my Crop-a-dile!

Ink pads, inkers, buttons, and embellishments. Someday I'll replace this with the wonderful wooden storage solution that houses ink pads, pens, and reinkers. Storage Units, Ink & More!

Big button storage solution

Punches displayed with some inexpensive curtain rods I had in the garage; $6 at Anna's Linens. Above that  for my hanging card display, I have two decorative hooks that I dressed up with Stampin' Up Soft Suede

1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (bows) and a few of the Spice Cake Designer Buttons (from the Mini Holiday Catalog). The cord is drapery cord (.39 cents from Joanne's Fabric) and clothespins (from the Dollar Store). I like to rotate my cards from various swaps to inspire me.

Second half of punch holder and hanging cards.

One section of all my stamp sets that are sorted and labeled as CURRENT, HOSTESS, SALE-A-BRATION, HOLIDAYS, stamps 'I just can't part with.' and RETIRED. Will be posting a list of RETIRED stamp sets that will be for sale. Check back soon.

Big Shot Die Cut Machine area (mine is on the way) this is the Side Kick Die Cut Machine which will be up for sale soon. Notice the lil sewing machine. My $14.99 CVS buy last Christmas. Wait til you see what I sewed with it - sewwwwww sweet!!

More shelves from left over wood from pool table topper. Simple wood slates and bricks. Directly under each table. Bottem shelf houses all my collection of cards; organized my swap groups. Top shelf houses Big Shot Die Cuts and embossing folders.

Stamps for Cookies!

Bakers Delight...Can you believe it? Stampin' Up COOKIE Stamps. 
Click on link for more info Cookie Stamp

Sales period: October 1, 2011 - January 3, 2012

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps are a brand-new product that will appeal to crafters and non-crafters, alike--not to mention kids!
The easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.
Just make your favorite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the two included recipes) and stamp away! Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly.

Item	Description	Price
125152	Includes solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images, two recipes, and tips for use	$16.95

In addition, check out these other wonderful coordinating products in the Idea Book and Catalog:

Page	Description	Price
19	Simple Snowflake Single Stamp	$8.95
20	Homemade Single Stamp	$9.95
162	Creatively Yours Set	$18.95
194	Baker's Twine	$2.95
224	Lots of Tags Sizzlits Die Set	$21.95
15*	Kraft Gift Box (4)	$2.95

Contact me today if you would like to receive the Idea Book and Catalog.

Pumpkin Stand

Another 'Girls Day Out' project. Click on link for schedule of other upcoming classes. I'd for you to join me - http://www.stephanieaustin.stampinup.net/
My friend Lorri Heiling created this project originally as a Candy Store done all in pinks.

Recipe...
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Stamp Set: Fall Harvest Wheel, Day of Gratitude, Dark & Dreary

Ink Pads: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Rich Razzelberry, StazOn Jet Black Ink

Accessories: Daubers, Simply Score (from Holiday Mini Catalog), Dimensionals, Mulitpurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL Adhesive, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch,Word Window Punch, Stampin' Around Handle (standard)

 

I'm working on a video tutorial for this project. Check back soon or email me and I'd be glad to send you directions.

Girls' Day Out Class

 'Girls Day Out' Class- for a schedule of other upcoming classes click on link  www.stephanieaustin.stampinup.net

Recipe...

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Stamp Set: Gently Falling, Day of Gratitude

Ink Pads: Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party

Accessories: Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Distressing Tool (from Cutter Kit), Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

Get Your 20% off Stampin' Up Products AND a Free Big Shot

CLICK ON LINK BELOW

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stephanieaustin/promotions

Have you been dreaming of owning your own BIG SHOT to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash using the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive dies? Well now you can for FREE (OR get up to $100 in FREE Stampin' Up products)

This is an AWESOME Promo! Whether you're a hobbyist or want to build your own business, sign-up as a Demonstrator with me during the month of October and

 Look at ALL you get when you join my team:

The starter kit contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories,

and business supplies—everything you need to start your new business. 

• 20 percent discount on all products
• See and purchase new Stampin' Up! products first
• Invitation to Stampin' Up! events, where you can learn from fellow successful demonstrators and Stampin' Up! staff
• Exclusive membership to my Demonstrators Stampin Up Group "FRAMPERS" - meet monthly to share ideas, projects, techniques, swaps (optional), and FUN!
• Become part of a world-wide stamping family
• And of course, a FREE BIG SHOT DIE CUT MACHINE $100 value
• Access to myriad of project ideas on the Demonstrator Web Site and in the monthly Stampin' Success magazine.
• PLUS minimums are not required until March 31, 2012

A $445 value for $175 - it's AMAZING

Contact me today to join,