Christmas Card Workshop 2013

One of my favorite events of the year is my Christmas card workshop!  It is such a fun day to ring in the season with my stamping friends by making beautiful cards to send to our loved ones!  I had a total blast with everyone over the last several days as we drank hot cocoa, listened to Christmas music, and stamped our Christmas cards.  Below are the cards we made for this year's workshop.

Here's Card No. 1 of my Christmas card workshop.  Anything that is white on white or vanilla on vanilla will always be my favorite!  I love the crisp cleanness of this noel card.  Some of my stamping friends used a silver glimmer star or a red glimmer star - and it was fabulous that way, too!  I have no idea who originally designed this card.  The recipe is below.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up! - the greatest rubber stamp company in the world!

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Whisper White - 5-1/4 X 4; Whisper White - 1-3/4 X 1-3/4 (for the Big Shot letters); Whisper White scrap or Silver Glimmer Paper or Red Glimmer Paper (for the star)
Stamps:  None
Inks:  None
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Dimensionals; Typeset Alphabet Die; Big Shot; Mini Glue Dots; Merry Minis Punch Pack (star punch); Rhinestone Jewels; Paper Snips

Card No. 2 of my Christmas card workshop.  This adorable card reminds me of a candy cane!  It was originally designed by Bonnie Klass.  The recipe is below.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!

Recipe:

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Whisper White - 5-1/4 X 4; Cherry Cobbler - 3-3/4 X 2-3/4; Whisper White - 3-1/2 X 2-1/2
Stamps:  Merry Little Christmas
Inks:  Old Olive Marker; Cherry Cobbler Marker
Miscellaneous:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder; Big Shot; Stampin' Dimensionals; Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon - 12" long; Rhinestone Jewels; Mini Glue Dots; Craft Scissors; Paper Snips; SNAIL Adhesive; Stamp-a-ma-jig

Card No. 3 of my Christmas card workshop.  This was almost everyone's favorite of all the cards.  The Silver Glimmer Paper peeking out from underneath the white top layer is so handsome!  I received this card in a card swap from Donna Gustafson during our Annual Demonstrator Retreat this past October.  It was perfect for my Christmas card workshop.  The recipe is below.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Red Glimmer Paper - 5-1/4 X 4; Whisper White - 5-1/8 X 3-7/8; Whisper White - 3-7/8 X 1-3/4
Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree; Greetings of the Season
Inks:  Early Espresso; Old Olive Marker; Early Espresso Marker
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Strip; Stamp-a-ma-jig; 2-Way Glue Pen; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details

Card No. 4 of my Christmas card workshop.  Oh, boy!  To me, it doesn't get any better than this!  Very elegant, soft and white - luscious for Christmas!  I have no idea who originally designed this card, but to whomever it was, THANK YOU for rocking my stamping world with this card!  The recipe is below.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Whisper White - 4-1/4 X 1-3/4; Card Stock Vellum (for the poinsettia)
Stamps:  Joyful Christmas; Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks:  Versamark
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Dimensionals; Pretty Print Embossing Folder; Big Shot; Silver Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder; Paper Snips; Pearl Jewels

Card No. 5 of my Christmas card workshop.  This was another favorite of everyone's!  It looks so wintery and the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter finishes it off beautifully.  I have no idea who originally designed this card.  The recipe is below.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Whisper White - 5-1/4 X 4; Whisper White - 5-1/4 X 1-3/4
Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree; Special Season
Inks:  Versamark; Soft Sky; Smoky Slate
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Dimensionals; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Silver Embossing Powder; White Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; 2-Way Glue Pen; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Stampin' Sponges

Card No. 6 of my Christmas card workshop.  I'm so glad I got this stamp set before it became unavailable!  I love it and will use it for many years to come!  This card design is from Stampin' Up!  The recipe is below.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up! 

 Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Whisper White - 5-1/4 X 4
Stamps:  Endless Wishes
Inks:  Cherry Cobbler; Marina Mist; Soft Sky; Pool Party
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Dimensionals; Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine - 17-1/2" long; Craft Scissors; Rhinestone Jewels; Paper Snips

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Happy Winter Sampler

The very first stamp set I purchased many, many, many years ago was "Happy Winter."  Funny thing is, it's still my favorite stamp set of all time!  I love the snowman, I love the simple tree and the delicate snowflakes, and the greeting is perfect.  This little stamp set has significant meaning to me because it all started here!  I pulled this old stamp set out the other day and felt the urge to make a winter sampler with it.  Here's what I came up with.  Hope you like it!  I will post the recipe soon, but I'm off in a mad dash to the Home for the Holidays Gift Market at the Merrell Center here in Katy, Texas today through Sunday where I have a booth to offer my little Happy Winter sampler for sale.  All I could make were 30 samplers and I hope my little snowmen find good homes!

Okay - the dust has settled, so here's the recipe!

Recipe:

Paper:  Very Vanilla - 8 X 8 - scored at 7" and 7-1/4" inches on all four sides; Silver Glimmer Paper - 5-1/2 X 5-1/2; Soft Sky - 5-1/4 X 5-1/4; Very Vanilla - 5 X 5; Very Vanilla - 4-1/4 X 4-1/4 (this piece is embossed with the Polka Dot Embossing Folder); Silver Glimmer Paper - 3-1/4 X 3-1/4; Very Vanilla - 3 X 3 (this piece is embossed with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder); Very Vanilla - 1-3/8 " squares punched out using the 1-3/8" Square Punch
Stamps:  Happy Winter (retired)
Inks:  Basic Black
Miscellaneous:  1-3/8" Square Punch; Postage Stamp Punch; 1" Square Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Strip; Simply Scored Scoring Tool; Pearl Jewels; Paper Snips; Victoria Lace Trim; Linen Thread; Mini Glue Dots; Vintage Faceted Button; Subtles Button

Fall Sampler

 

Continuing on with the sampler mania my customers and I have been experiencing, here's the next one in our series - a fall sampler!  There were so many gorgeous samplers produced this past weekend at my house - and I tried to bribe a couple of people into selling their samplers to me because I liked theirs better than mine, but it was to no avail!  This time around, I didn't want all of the usual "bling" that we typically put on our samplers out of respect for Thanksgiving - just wanted it to be simple, but elegant!  Hope you like it!


Paper:  Very Vanilla - 8 X 8; scored at 2-7/8", 3", 3-1/8"; 5-3/4", 5-7/8", and 6"; Cajun Craze - 4-7/8 X 4-7/8; Gold Foil - 4-3/4 X 4-3/4; Very Vanilla - 4-1/2 X 4-1/2; Crumb Cake strips and Very Vanilla strips for the squares.  Each square was embossed at 5/8", 3/4", and 7/8"
Stamps:  French Foliage; Truly Grateful; Harvest Blessings; Autumn Leaf Prints; With Gratitude; Lexicon of Leaves; Summer Silhouettes; Lovely as a Tree; Gently Falling; Seasonal Sayings
Inks:  More Mustard; Cherry Cobbler; Old Olive; Always Artichoke; Elegant Eggplant; Pumpkin Pie; Tangerine Tango; Early Espresso; Crumb Cake; Soft Suede Marker; Early Espresso Marker; Pear Pizzazz; Versamark
Miscellaneous:  Simply Scored Scoring Tool; Stampin' Dimensionals; Gold Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; Stampin' Sponges; Paper Piercer with Mat; Gold Brads; 1/2" Circle Punch; Paper Snips; Crystal Effects; 1-1/4" Square Punch; 1-3/8" Square Punch; Stamp-a-ma-jig
Special Instructions:  Each square was gilded with gold embossing powder around the edges.  When mounting the middle pieces of the sampler onto the 8 X 8 Vanilla piece, if you lined up the embossed lines on the squares with the first row of embossed lines on the 8 X 8 piece, the top lines would match up, too!  Really cool!

Magnificent Maple Card

Here's a fabulous card that was designed by - who?  If anyone knows, please let me know!  I'm really enjoying the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper.  I think it's going to be one of my forever favorites!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order any of these products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below:

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Whisper White - 5-1/4 X 4; Whisper White scrap; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper - 2-1/2 X 2-1/4 (2)
Stamps:  Banner Greetings; Magnificent Maple
Inks:  Early Espresso
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Dimensionals; Big Shot Machine; Woodgrain Embossing Folder; 1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon - 5-1/4" long; Craft Scissors; Paper Snips; Mini Glue Dots; Stampin' Sponge; Naturals Designer Buttons; Early Espresso Baker's Twine - 8" long

Truly Grateful Card

Hello and happy fall to you!  This is a beautiful card that Jenny Peterson sent to me since I elected not to attend the Founder's Circle trip this year.  This was her swap for Founder's Circle and she was nice enough to mail one to me.  I think it is lovely and I adore it because it's a "Jenny Peterson" card.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!.  To order these products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper:  Soft Suede - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Very Vanilla - 3-1/4 X 2-1/4; Soft Suede scrap; Very Vanilla scrap
Stamps:  Truly Grateful; Tags 4 You
Inks:  Crushed Curry; Cajun Craze; Early Espresso
Miscellaneous:  1-1/4" Burlap Ribbon - 4" long; Victoria Lace Trim - 2" long; 1/8th-inch Hole Punch; Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack; Linen Thread - 10" long; Stampin' Sponge; Stampin' Dimensionals; Craft Scissors; Basic Pearl Jewels; Paper Snips; SNAIL Adhesive

Fall Muslin Bag

I love this!  It just needs to have some caramels inside, don't you think?  I found this idea on Pinterest, but the picture didn't give anyone credit, so I'm not sure who we should offer applause to, but it isn't my design.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order any of these products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper:  Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (the large leaf) - 3-1/2 X 3-1/2; Tangerine Tango (the small leaf) - 2-1/2 X 2; Very Vanilla scrap
Stamps:  Banner Greetings
Inks:  Early Espresso; Coastal Cabana
Miscellaneous:  Muslin Bags; Autumn Accents Die; Big Shot Machine; Stampin' Sponge; Paper Snips; Square Lattice Embossing Folder; Naturals Designer Button; Linen Thread - 10" long; Mini Glue Dots; Sponge Dauber; Sticky Strip; Build A Banner Simply Created Kit

Wonderfall Card

Here's a lovely fall card for you!  It was designed by Marcee Rodgers.  I modified it slightly by changing the greeting and adding a button, but she deserves the credit for the original design.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these fun products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Crumb Cake - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper - 5-1/2 X 1-1/2; Crumb Cake - 3-1/2 X 3-1/2; Crumb Cake - 2-1/2 X 2
Stamps:  Wonderfall; Truly Grateful
Inks:  Early Espresso; Cajun Craze; Crumb Cake
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Sponge; SNAIL Adhesive; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Autumn Accents Die; Big Shot Machine; Stampin' Dimensionals; Linen Thread; Craft Scissors; Naturals Designer Button; Mini Glue Dots; Neutrals Candy Dot

Harvest of Thanks Card

This beautiful card was designed by Dani Dziama.  It's a fun card to make because you take the Very Vintage Designer Button and push it into the Versamark pad to get it sticky with ink.  Then you just sprinkle Pool Party Embossing Powder over it, pick it up with tweezers by the holes in the center, and heat it with a heat tool.  It adds a nice touch to the card - and how fun that you can color-coordinate these buttons to any project you're making.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these great products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Soft Sky - 11 X 4-1/4; Very Vanilla - 2-1/2 X 1-1/4; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (the blue plaid) - 3-1/4 X 1; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper - (the Crushed Curry pattern) - 2-3/4 X 1/2"; Paper Doily
Stamps:  Harvest of Thanks
Inks:  Chocolate Chip; Versamark
Miscellaneous:  Paper Snips; SNAIL Adhesive; Very Vintage Designer Button; Pool Party Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; Linen Thread - 10" long; Craft Scissors; Mini Glue Dots; Bitty Banners Framelits

Harvest of Thanks Place Card

I don't have fancy Thanksgivings at my house - it's very casual, sitting around the dining room table in our jeans!  It's usually hot here in Texas at Thanksgiving, so sometimes we even have shorts and flip-flops on, but I still would like to make these place cards for our table.  It will make our casual table seem more dressed up with beautiful place cards.  Okay, maybe I'll even pull out a nice tablecloth and make a pretty centerpiece, too!  It will be really special........hopefully!  Connie Collins designed this place card using the Circle Card Thinlits.  By just folding one of the creases back, it makes a perfect place card.  To order these fine products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Chocolate Chip - 6 X 5-1/2; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (the coral pattern) - 5-1/2 X 3/4"; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (the plaid pattern) - 5-1/2 X 1/2"; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper (the Crushed Curry circle) - 2-3/4 X 2-3/4; Whisper White scrap; Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper scrap
Stamps:  Harvest of Thanks; Designer Type Photopolymer Stamps; Woodgrain
Inks:  Early Espresso; Calypso Coral; Crushed Curry
Miscellaneous:  Circle Card Thinlits; SNAIL Adhesive; Linen Thread - 23" long; Craft Scissors; Circles Collection Framelits; Stampin' Sponge; Stampin' Dimensionals; Deco Labels Framelits; Big Shot Machine; 1-3/8" Circle Punch; 1-1/4" Circle Punch; Bitty Banners Framelits; Linen Thread - 10" long; Calypso Coral Button; Mini Glue Dots; Modern Label Punch

3D Apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but it's even better medicine to make your own apple!  I found a 3D apple tutorial on Splitcoaststampers and knew it would be perfect for fall.  Super-easy to make!  You need 25 heart punch-outs.  Fold each heart in half.  Then, holding about ten hearts in your hand, cut off the bottoms so the apple will be able to stand on its own.  Sponge red ink on the bottoms, green ink on the tops, and then glue the sides of each heart together near the spine.  There's your apple!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these fun products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Early Espresso scrap; First Edition Designer Series Paper (retired)
Stamps:  None
Inks:  Cherry Cobbler; Old Olive
Miscellaneous:  Stampin' Sponges; Full Heart Punch; Bird Builder Punch; Bone Folder; SNAIL Adhesive; Paper Snips

Halloween Build a Banner Simply Created Kit

 

On Page 31 of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Catalog, it reflects the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit.  I've been eyeing it for the longest time, waiting patiently for an opportunity to make a Halloween banner!  Halloween is my favorite stamping occasion.  I just love the colors and the content - it's just fun!  I finally got to make my banner - and here it is!  I LOVE IT!  I am hoarding the refill packs reflected on Page 29 of the holiday catalog so I can make banners for the rest of my life!  Ha!  The colors I used are Gumball Green, Basic Black, and Rich Razzleberry.  Instead of using the spritzer that comes with the kit, I used sponge daubers to get nice, dark colors!  I also used the Rosette die for my rosettes!  THIS WAS FUN!

Halloween Hello Card

Here is a super-cute Halloween card that I just had to make!  I love how it showcases candy corn - my favorite Halloween candy!  Well, I take that back.  I love all the chocolate candy at Halloween, but candy corn rates right up there at the top.  This card was designed by Julie Wadlinger and I offered it at my September Camp Wannastamp.  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  If you'd like to order these great products, just visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The card recipe is below:

Recipe:

Paper:  Very Vanilla - 11 X 4-1/4; Very Vanilla - 5-1/4 X 4; Very Vanilla scrap; Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper - 4-3/4 X 3/4" (Basic Black); 4-1/2 X 3/4" (Pumpkin Pie); and 2-3/4 X 3/4" (Summer Starfruit)
Stamps:  Halloween Hello
Inks:  Basic Black; Basic Black Marker; Summer Starfruit Marker; Pumpkin Pie Marker
Miscellaneous:  Big Shot Machine; Chevron Embossing Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive; Paper Snips; Large Oval Punch; Rhinestone Jewels

Best of Halloween Card

Here's another great card for Halloween.  Can't you just imagine how you could use this same technique for practically any image?  Love it!  This cute card was designed by Jackie Susnik.  I offered it at my September Camp Wannastamp.  It is so simple and so perfect - my kind of card!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these supplies, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Whisper White - 4-1/4 X 3.  Once this panel has been stamped, cut off 1-1/4" from the top, and then cut all pieces right down the middle at 1-1/2".  Simply piece them back together like a puzzle!
Stamps:  Best of Halloween
Inks:  Basic Black
Miscellaneous:  Paper Trimmer; Stampin' Dimensionals; Rhinestone Jewels; Paper Snips; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Tangerine Tango Candy Dot

Bootiful Occasions Card

Isn't this a fun card?  I love everything about Halloween stamping - the colors, the content - all of it!  This adorable card was designed by Andrea Walford.  I offered it at my September Camp Wannastamp.  This ended up being everyone's favorite!  The middle of the boot is all sparkly and blingy with Dazzling Diamonds - SO CUTE!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Elegant Eggplant - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Wisteria Wonder - 5-1/4 X 2-1/2; Old Olive Designer Series Paper Stack - 4-1/4 X 1 and 3-3/4 X 3/4; Whisper White - 3-1/2 X 2
Stamps:  Bootiful Occasions
Inks:  Elegant Eggplant; Old Olive
Miscellaneous:  Alphabet Press Embossing Folder; Big Shot Machine; Paper Snips; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Blender Pens; Rhinestone Jewels; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; 2-Way Glue Pen; Old Olive Button; Elegant Eggplant Button; Mini Glue Dots; Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon - 3" long; Craft Scissors

Six-Sided Sampler and Halloween Hello Card

Wow!  If anything says Halloween, THIS card does!  This cute card was designed by Sharon Burkert.  I offered it at my September Camp Wannastamp - and it was a big hit!  It's so much fun to make using the Hexagon Punch!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these amazing products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below:

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Pumpkin Pie - 5-1/4 X 4; Basic Black - 5-1/8 X 3-7/8; Whisper White scrap; Pumpkin Pie scrap; Crushed Curry scrap; Pumpkin Pie Designer Series Paper Stack - 3-7/8 X 1-1/2; Basic Black - 3-7/8 X 1/4
Stamps:  Halloween Hello; Six-Sided Sampler
Inks:  Basic Black; Crushed Curry Marker; Pumpkin Pie Marker; Crushed Curry
Miscellaneous:  SNAIL Adhesive; Alphabet Press Embossing Folder; Big Shot Machine; Hexagon Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Paper Snips; Rhinestone Jewels

Halloween Easel Art

I've really gotten into "easel art" lately!  Easels are so much fun because you can decorate your canvas (or card stock) for any occasion or holiday and display it on a shelf.  This adorable easel art was designed by my recruit, Candice Marcella.  Isn't it fabulous?  I simply added extra bling because I love extra bling!  I offered this easel art at my September Camp Wannastamp - and now my customers are hooked, too!  I'll share some of my other easel art with you soon!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!, except for the canvas and the easel.  To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White scrap; Basic Gray scrap; Summer Starfruit scrap; Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper - 2-1/2 X 1-3/4
Stamps:  Tags 4 You; That's the Ticket
Inks:  Basic Black; Summer Starfruit; Pumpkin Pie
Miscellaneous:  Black Easel; Black Canvas; Ticket Duo Builder Punch; Chevron Border Punch; Label Bracket Punch; Chalk Talk Framelit; Stampin' Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots; SNAIL Adhesive; Rhinestone Jewels; Paper Snips; Witches' Brew Designer Washi Tape

Halloween Bash Label Card Thinlits

Stampin' Up!'s new "thinlits" are really fun to use!  It's nice to have a card that swings so you can have one image on the outside and a different image on the inside.  It's a nice surprise!  This cute card was designed by Sue Dyas and I offered it at my September Camp Wannastamp.  Everyone loved experimenting with something new!  All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Basic Black - 5-1/2 X 6; Very Vanilla scrap; Pumpkin Pie scrap
Stamps:  Halloween Bash; Halloween Hello
Inks:  Basic Black
Miscellaneous:  Label Card Thinlits; Big Shot Machine; Bone Folder; Decorative Label Punch; Scallop Oval Punch; Large Oval Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Rhinestone Jewels; Paper Snips; Witches' Brew Designer Washi Tape; White Stampin' Chalk Marker

Card Base Pop 'n Cuts Die Treat Box

My friend Leslie Carmon shared this super-cute box with me - and it all begins with the Card Base Pop 'n Cuts Die.  When you can create things from a die other than what it was intended for, that versatility makes the die a really good bargain!  This little box holds quite a bit of candy - or whatever you want it to hold - and you can never have too many boxes!  I offered this box at my September Camp Wannastamp. All supplies used and shown are from Stampin' Up!  To order these products, visit my 24/7online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net and click on "Shop Now."  The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper:  Basic Black - 11 X 4-1/4 - score at 1-1/2", 2-1/2", 4-1/2", 6-1/2", 8-1/2", and 9-1/2"; Basic Black - 3 X 2-1/2 (you'll need two of these for the sides of the box; Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper - 12 X 1; Pumpkin Pie scrap; Summer Starfruit scrap; Very Vanilla scrap
Stamps:  Halloween Hello
Inks:  Basic Black
Miscellaneous:  Card Base Pop 'n Cuts Die; Big Shot Machine; Simply Scored Scoring Tool; Sticky Strip; Paper Snips; SNAIL Adhesive; Scallop Circle Punch; 1-1/4" Circle Punch; 1" Circle Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Rhinestone Jewels; Large Oval Punch; Craft Scissors; Bone Folder; Black Taffeta Ribbon - 5" long; Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon - 5" long

Beach Sampler

Hello!  Yesterday and Friday I met with my super-fun customers to stamp beach samplers to add to our growing collection!  I love this sampler and it might become my favorite so far (although I'm still really attached to the winter sampler)!  I've posted the recipe below, for those of you who would like to make one.  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.  A beach sampler can then be sitting on your mantel, too!

The picture above is the original sampler I designed; however, the fun part about offering a sampler event is that your customers will change some of the squares, so then you'll want to make another sampler to incorporate their changes!  Most of the gals wanted to add more Coastal Cabana throughout the sampler, so the pictures below will show you my attempt to copy some of their squares!

Either way, whether you like the extra Coastal Cabana or you like it without, the samplers all turned out to be beautiful and we had such a wonderful day stamping together!

Recipe:

Paper:  Crumb Cake - 8 X 8; Coastal Cabana - 6 X 6; Sahara Sand - 5-1/2 X 5-1/2; Crumb Cake scrap; Coastal Cabana scrap; Very Vanilla scrap
Stamps:  By the Tide; By the Seashore; Postage Collection; Tape it (for the nautical banner); Netting background stamp (retired)
Inks:  Everything was stamped in Early Espresso and sponged in Soft Suede; Coastal Cabana; Early Espresso Marker for the faux stitching
Miscellaneous:  1-3/8" Square Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Stampin' Sponges; Paper Piercer with Mat; Paper Snips; Basic Pearl Jewels; Big Shot Machine; Chevron Embossing Folder; 1" Circle Punch; 3/4" Circle Punch; Linen Thread; Big Shot Timeless Type Alphabet (retired); Neutrals Candy Dots; SNAIL Adhesive; Shaker Frames; Clear Window Sheets; Small Brown Florida Bay Starfish (which I ordered online from QualityShells.com)

Serene Silhouettes Christmas Card

The projects and cards I'm posting below were offered at my July Top Picks Day, as well as my August Camp Wannastamp.  We've been very busy stampers!

The card above was cased from Patty Bennett.  As soon as I saw the red sparkle, I was all over it!  The recipe is below.  If you'd like to order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.  The UPS man will find his way to your house with a box full of goodies!

Recipe:

Paper:  Crumb Cake - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2, 5-1/4 X 4, 4 X 3, 3-3/4 X 2-3/4
Stamps:  Serene Silhouettes; Seasonal Sayings
Ink:  Crumb Cake; Early Espresso
Miscellaneous:  Bone Folder; Big Shot Machine; Square Lattice Embossing Folder; Stampin' Sponge; SNAIL Adhesive; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details; Stampin' Dimensionals

Six-Sided Sampler Card

What a great card designed by Amy Storrie.  It's super-simple, too, now that Stampin' Up! has a hexagon punch!  The recipe is below.  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Pistachio Pudding - 4 X 3; Strawberry Slush - 4-1/4 X 3-1/4; Whisper White Scrap; Strawberry Slush - 2 X 1/2"; Strawberry Slush Scrap
Stamps:  Six-Sided Sampler
Inks:  Smoky Slate; Strawberry Slush; Pistachio Pudding
Miscellaneous:  Bone Folder; Stampin' Dimensionals; SNAIL Adhesive; Honeycomb Embossing Folder; Big Shot Machine; Hexagon Punch; Paper Snips; Small Oval Punch; Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack; Mini Glue Dots; Rhinestone Jewels; White Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - 13-1/2" long

Happy Day Card

The card above was cased from Amy Storrie.  It's so cheery and bright and I loved using our new Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape!  The recipe is below.  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.  Mr. Brown from UPS can make regular stops at your house, too!

Recipe:

Paper:  Whisper White - 11 X 4-1/4; Daffodil Delight - 5-1/4 X 4; Whisper White - 3-1/2 X 2-1/2; Whisper White Scrap
Stamps:  Happy Day; Secret Garden
Ink:  Basic Black; Daffodil Delight
Miscellaneous:  Bone Folder; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape; Big Shot Machine; Magnetic Platform; Ovals Collection Framelits; SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals; Secret Garden Framelits; So Saffron Button; Mini Glue Dots; White Baker's Twine - 6" long; Paper Snips

Box Holding 3 X 3 Cards

This project reminds me of Minney Mouse!  I'm a sucker for small boxes and this one was so much fun to make.  With cute matching 3 X 3 cards to go inside, this project is a winner!  We also rolled the Gingham wheel on the flaps of the envelopes, so it's all matchy-matchy and super-cute!  I am not sure who to give credit to for this project, so if anyone knows, please tell me!  The recipe is below.  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.

Recipe:

Paper:  Real Red - 7 X 5-1/4.  On the 7" side, score at 2" and 3".  On the 5-1/4" side, score at 1" and 4-1/4"; Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper - 3 X 1-3/4; Basic Black - 5 X 3 (for the bow - and you'll need two of these); Whisper White - 2-3/4 X 2-3/4 (you'll need eight of these); Basic Black - 6 X 3 (you'll need four of these); Whisper White Scrap; Basic Black Scrap; Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper - 7-1/2 X 1/4"
Stamps:  Kind & Cozy
Inks:  Real Red; Basic Black
Miscellaneous:  Simply Scored Scoring Tool; Paper Snips; Paper Trimmer; SNAIL Adhesive; Sticky Strip; Large Oval Punch; Bone Folder; 2-1/2" Circle Cutter; Stampin' Dimensionals; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Rhinestone Jewels; Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack; Mini Glue Dots; 3 X 3 Envelopes; Gingham Wheel with Handle; Big Shot Machine; Bow Die

Ex Libris Composition Notebook

This is a case directly out of our current catalog!  I couldn't wait to try this on a composition notebook.  I love this notebook........it feels special!  The recipe is below.  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.

Recipe:

Paper:  Very Vanilla - 8-1/2 X 7 (for the back of the book); Very Vanilla - 8-1/2 X 8 (for the front of the book); Pistachio Pudding Scrap; Very Vanilla Scrap
Stamps:  Four You; Ex Libris
Inks:  Primrose Petals; Crushed Curry
Miscellaneous:  Composition Notebook; Sticky Strip; Paper Snips; Elegant Butterfly Punch; Small Butterfly Punch; Stampin' Dimensionals; Vintage Faceted Button; Mini Glue Dots; Linen Thread - 16" long; Stamp-a-ma-jig; Pistachio Pudding Ribbon - 5" long (you'll need two pieces) and 6" long (you'll need two pieces)

Top Note Die Business Card Holder

I ran across a pattern for making a business card holder using the Top Note Die.  Since you know how much I love vanilla on vanilla, I wanted to try this pattern out using vanilla on vanilla.  I think it turned out to be lovely and elegant!  The recipe is below.  To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.

Recipe:

Paper:  Very Vanilla - 5-1/2 X 4-1/4 (you'll need two to run through the Big Shot with the Top Note Die).  For the box:  Very Vanilla - 5-1/2 X 2-1/2.  On the 5-1/2" side, score at 1/2", 1", 4-1/2" and 5".  On the 2-1/2" side, score at 1" and 1-1/2".  For the Little Leaves Sizzlits:  Very Vanilla - 2-1/2 X 2-1/2
Stamps:  None
Ink:  None
Miscellaneous:  Big Shot Machine; Top Note Die; Square Lattice Embossing Folder; SNAIL Adhesive; Simply Scored Scoring Tool; Paper Snips; Sticky Strip; Natural Trim Ribbon - 14" long; Little Leaves Sizzlits; Mini Glue Dots; Pearl Jewels; Very Vintage Button; Vintage Faceted Button

Off The Grid Card

The card above is so pretty in person!  When you emboss "the grid" with Silver Embossing Powder, it looks beautiful.  I got this great card idea from Penny Smiley.  It can be used for almost any occasion!  The recipe is below.  If you'd like to order these products, just visit my 24/7 online store at www.pennythomas.stampinup.net.

Recipe:

Paper:  Smoky Slate - 11 X 4-1/4; Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper - 4-1/4 X 1; Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper - 4-1/4 X 1/2; Crushed Curry Scrap
Stamps:  Off The Grid; Six-Sided Sampler
Inks:  Versamark
Miscellaneous:  Bone Folder; Embossing Buddy; Silver Embossing Powder; Heat Tool; SNAIL Adhesive; Stampin' Dimensionals; Hexagon Punch; Regals Candy Dot; Neutrals Candy Dot

PAPER PUMPKIN COMMERCIAL - THE CUTEST THING EVER!

 

 

In case you've been considering whether you should get the Paper Pumpkin or not, perhaps this video will convince you that yes, you simply must!  Each year at the Stampin' Up! convention, demonstrators submit commercials for different products that we sell.  This video came in third, but I think it should have been first!  It is just adorable and I wanted to share it with you!

Convention 2013

WOO HOO!  Well, as you know, I just returned from the Stampin' Up! convention where we celebrated Stampin' Up!'s 25th anniversary!  It was quite a celebration - I've never seen quite that many people in one place - but had a total blast!  Here are some pictures from that trip!  I can't believe that after five days, these are the only photos I took.  I am the world's worst at taking pictures!  What really kills me is that before the convention, I rented a minivan and we went to Dear Lizzie's in Highland, Utah, to shop at Shelli Gardner's favorite store and I arranged to have a private tea party for us.  Do you think I have any pictures of that?  NO!  Someone hit me, please.

 Here is Benedicte Richard just after she won something from Prize Patrol!

 This is Kirsteen Gill, Lizette Lobpries, and Elizabeth Hurst, going across the stage to celebrate their 5-year anniversary with Stampin' Up!

 Here's my sister, Pam D'Urso, celebrating her "win" from Prize Patrol.

 On the last night of the convention, I treated everyone to ice cream at JB's Diner - they have the best hamburgers in the world!  Above is Marilyn Devereaux-Ruffin, Aida Pita, Candice Marcella, and Benedicte Richard.

 Above is Kirsteen Gill, Leslie Carmon, Sue Bendinsky, Lizette Lobpries, Norma Harris, and Debbie Riches.

 Above is Donna Gustafson, Elizabeth Hurst, and Rosie Brock.

 Above is Matt and Linda Bradshaw.

 Yes, I did earn Founder's Circle again, thanks to my amazing customers and my unbelievable downline!

Where is Waldo?  She has the gray hair!  Love the convention - wouldn't miss it for anything!