Sale A Bration has finally arrived,

STAMPIN' UP! SALE-A-BRATION IS HERE!!

That's right, the once-a-year Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration (SAB) Party started this week!!  What does that mean?  FREE (that's right, I said "FREE") product for every $50 you spend!!  Contact me if you want more information -- but don't delay, the party ends March 30st.  Here is a card sample using some of the free product you can own:

This card features the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper and Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack that coordinates with the Petal Parade Stamp Set.  The sentiment is the You're Lovely Stamp Set.  All 4 of these SAB products can be yours free!!  The tags in the pocket were created using the new Scalloped Tag Topper Punch from the new Celebrate the Everyday Mini.

I even had time to do a little bit of scrapbooking this weekend.  I'm still working on my heritage album (there is no end to this -- the family is huge!!).  I used all Stampin' Up! product, but the majority is now retired (just like the pictures are).  Right-click on the pictures for a larger view.

Yes, I did use the new Angled Tag Topper Punch on this page.

Crafty Maria's Stamping

Crafty Maria's Stamping World: Remember - Just Add Ink Color Challenge

This is my interpretation of the Just Add Ink Color Challenge.  The colorsto be used in this challenge were:  Rose Red, Very Vanilla, Soft Sueden and and Elegant Eggplant.

Stamps: Studio Sketches, In a Word

Paper: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Rose Red Designer paper, Water Color paper

Ink: Black Stazon, Rose Red .  The image was colored with a
blender pen and the following inks:  rose red, Elegant Eggplant, Soft  Suede

Accessories: Square lattice embossing folder, 1/8" vanilla ribbon, Scallop Circles #2 Die, Crystal Effects, modern label punch

Stampin' Up! - New EMBOSSING Machine - January 2014

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine        132657
Price: $29.95
The Texture Boutique Embossing Machine works with Textured Impressions Embossing Folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil, or vellum into an embossed, textured masterpiece. This machine embosses only; it does not die cut. Comes with 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads and 1 Mylar Shim.

Patty Bennett's Stampin' Up! web

Stampin Up! Tag Topper Punch Video

Stampin Up! Video

Card In A Box - by Tanya

 
 

Happy New Year!  So happy to be sharing another year of my little creations with you, thank you so much for all your comments, support and kind encouragement over the last couple of years.  I hope I can continue to provide a little inspiration for you into 2014.  So to kick things off I wanted to share with you my version of the ‘Card in a Box’ idea that I originally saw in a video by Monica Gale (a UK Stampin’ Up! demonstrator).  I loved the idea and went ahead and followed her instructions to make one using the upcoming Sale-A-Bration DSP Sweet Sorbet with the Petal Parade Stamp Set.  

This is what I came up with on my first attempt.

 
 

I really loved the idea but the finished folded card is too big for a standard envelope, however you can certainly use the Envelope Punch Board from Stampin’ Up! to make a coordinating envelope.

 
 

I am always looking for ways to make things easier (and cheaper LOL) so thought that with just a little tweaking this card could easily fit into a pre-made Stampin’ Up! C6 envelope that we can purchase in the Australian/New Zealand catalogue.  This version of my card in a box is made using the Gingham Garden DSP and the Backyard Basics stamp set from Stampin’ Up!  The Backyard Basics come with coordinating framelits which make creating this card so much quicker than hand cutting out the elements (which is how I made the Petal Parade version!)

 
 

This was my first real play with the Backyard Basics set and I have a feeling it won’t be my last!  

The writing panel for my version of this great card is a little narrower than Monica’s version but you can still write heaps on it and you could always write sideways along the length of the card!

 
 

I thought I would do a video for the measurements of my modified version (finished folded dimensions 4-1/4″ x 6″) for those crafters like me that don’t always want to bother with a custom envelope.

I have another one of these Card in a Box creations with a ‘male’ theme that I will share in a post tomorrow.

Here is the 'male theme' one...

 
 

My Father-in-Law had his birthday yesterday and I decided he had reached a big enough milestone to deserve a card with a little something extra …. so I made him one of the Card in a Box ones.  In case you missed the early tutorial post you can see that one here.

 
 

Creating cards for boys is something I always struggle with but hope I did this one justice ….

 
 

My FIL is an avid fisherman (putting it mildly) and has retired to the beach so I really couldn’t go wrong with the By The Tide stamp set from Stampin’ Up! …. my only complaint…..  all that hand cutting LOL!

 Tanya's Blog 

Tag Topper Punch Card - by Tanya

Stampin’ Up! Scallop Tag Topper Punch Card Closure

Written by Stamping T! on January 30, 2014

I am so excited to share this super super super fun card that is extra-specially easy to make with the new Tag Topper Punches available now from Stampin’ Up! in the new Occasions Catalogue that started yesterday.  I first saw this design on Jenni Pauli’s blog but she didn’t have any tips or instructions on how she made the card.  So I tried an extensive search of the internet but failed to find any instructions ….. so I ‘slept on it’ and really all I had to do was think about it for a half a second and really it is soooooo easy.  So this is the first one I made using some of the lovely FREE products you can earn during SALE-A-BRATION.  My decoration could use a little work I know but I was just so happy I go the closure to work that I wanted to share it with you.  

So yes, I made a video tutorial on how I did it!  Now I am sure that this is ‘not perfect’ but I know you will be able to refine the basic principle for this one to make this closure for yourself and either the Scallop or Angle Topper Tag Punches will work equally well for this technique.  So here is the video I have done for you …..

This is a final shot of the card from the video.  Now to go and make some more of these and this time I will spend a little more time to get some ‘prettier’ samples.

Tanya's Blog

Exploding Box Video

Part 1 Video

Making the Centerpiece



Video, Part 2


ItsybitsyIndia

Card In A Box Tutorial

There have been quite a few YouTube videos on this card...but I like it in steps for me to copy...so doing the same here...the one I am quoting is from Tanya Bell (Aus) demo's site.  I took  pictures of the steps... my card is in brown and the tutorial is red.  I did case some of my backyard basics on the card from Tanya's sample....I have two friends that love animal prints, so that is the only non SU product in my sample; will post a new one after Valentine's Day, working on it for my honey, Orlando, and do not want him to see the sample BEFORE he gets its.  This is the sample of the one I created.  It fits in a regular card size envelope, an A2 envelope.  In AUS..Tanya mentioned that it was an A6 (may be in her country... not sure)
                                            
 
This is the sides of the made box...will reverse the prints when I make the other one, as the bottom paper is more vivid...shouldn't be hidden...   

 

If you fold it like this...making sure that both the back side and the one flap next to it are flat...(will fit in the envelope...just don't make things too high so it won't close...)  This fit, but I should have double checked the flowers in the middle and scooted them over.

Card In a Box Tutorial

Start with a 8.5 x 11.5 sheet of cardstock...

 on the 8.5 side, cut off 1/4 of an inch...

 

on the 11.5 inch side...cut back to 9 inches.  You now have a piece 8 1/4 x 9 piece of cardstock

 Sorry...I should have written the score lines with a black marker...with the 9 inch side at the top of the score board...score at 2 1/8, 4 1/4, 6 3/8 and 8 1/2

 turn the paper 90 degree and score at 2 3/4

With the 2 3/4 inch score on the left of your cutter...trim to 6 inches

 with the cut off piece...cut a piece that is 3 1/8 inch, making sure that the 1/2 inch tab is on your left (you can see the tab in the photo...very important!!).

 

I used the gel pen so you can see the lines of the tabs after the piece is cut...

 turn this small piece and cut it at 1 1/8 inch... these will be the two inside tabs for the objects to stick out of the middle of the box (in my sample, it is the backyard basics pieces).  They are attached with sticky tape...

 two tabs after cutting ....

 

Go back to the other piece (bigger one)...with the smaller squares at the bottom and cut all score lines from the bottom  to the 2 3/4 line....cut the corner small tab off as shown below...

 after doing this fold all vertical lines with bone folder...only vertical lines..the tab piece is on the left hand side..

 put sticky tape on the tab area and glue it together...

 
we still haven't folded the tabs back...the flaps...

this is looking down at the box...the flap with the tab glued to is NOT bend down..the flap stays up..this is important to your card shape...other three flaps are folded down with bone folder...should be just the back one up...

this is what it should look like...

back to the tabs we cut from the scrap earlier....fold on the scored lines...

space them and glue with sticky strip on the two tabs...equally space them ...you can line one of the up with the edge or both with opposite edges..make sure the pieces are not sticking above the score lines...

 

the card box is finished...all you have to do is decorate with whatever you like... this is what is looks like folded to go in the envelope.  If you have questions or comments, please leave them on my blog or group page...

Valentine Treat Pouch

Follow My Heart Treat Pouch

Today's share is a little treat pouch I created using some of the items from the Whole lot of Love Promotion!! Today is the last day to order these items!! I used the set called Follow My Heart. The clear set is sold out but it is still available in the wood mount. View the Whole Lot of Love products here. You can purchase these items until January 27, 2014!! Along with today's project one of the items I used is in the upcoming SAB Brochure that starts tomorrow!!!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used

Follow My Heart Wood Stamp Set item #134611
Big Shot item #113439
Hearts a Flutter Framelits item #130159
Sweetheart Treat Bags item #134610
Neutrals Candy Dots item #130934
Paper-Piercing Tool item #126189
Stampin' Pierce Mat item #126199
Banner Punch item #133519 SAB

 Shop online for Stampin’ Up! Supplies 24-7 Click HERE!!!!!!

Directions~

1. Cut 1 one of the Sweetheart Treat Bags at the bottom to open it up. Fold the top over just a little bit before the top. Place one of the Pool Party Banners that came in the Sweetheart Treat Bags and staple it and the bag on the right side. Staple the left side of the bag creating pockets.

2. Cut 1 piece of Gumball Green card stock 1//2" x 2 1/2". Notch out the left side and glue to the treat bag. Using the Big Shot and Hearts a Flutter Framelits and die cut out a piece of Primrose Petals card stock. Use the Paper-Piercing Tool and Stampin' Pierce Mat to pierce holes in each scallop. Place the heart onto the front of the bag with a Stampin' Dimensional. Using the Big Shot and Hearts a Flutter Framelits die cut out a piece of Real Red card stock. Place this heart onto the front of the treat bag with a Stampin' Dimensional. Take the stamp from Follow My Heart Stamp Set; ink it in Gumball Green and stamp onto a piece of Whisper White card stock. Punch out the image using the Banner Punch. Attach the stamped image with a Stampin' Dimensional. Wrap some of the Pool Party Baker's Twine (that is in the Sweetheart Treat bags) around the treat pouch. Place a Neutrals Candy Dot onto the Primrose Petal Heart.

Supplies Used~
Stamps~ Follow My Heart
Ink~ Gumball Green
Paper~ Whisper White, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, Real Red
Acc.~ Big Shot, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Banner Punch, Neutrals Candy Dots, Paper-Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Sweetheart Treat Bags

Homemade Grain Free Peanut Butter and Apple Dog Training Treats

DOG TREATS

Homemade, grain-free and loaded with nutrition! You can't go wrong with these super delicious dog treats made with coconut flour, peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce and a touch of honey! These moist treats make the perfect inexpensive alternative to buying training treats at home. Simply shape the dough into small bite-sized balls and use them for training!

Coconut flour is a tasty alternative to grain flours, the perfect ingredient for dogs who suffer from grain allergies and sensitivities. Coconut flour targets the skin and coat to help make a dog's fur soft, thick and healthy. If your dog has dry skin or dandruff, this is the perfect treat for them! Peanut butter and unsweetened applesauce provide flavour and aroma to make for a high value treat that can be used in training. Moist, bite-sized and quickly eaten - these treats are sure to help train even the most stubborn of dogs!

---

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups of coconut flour
• 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 3 eggs

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl add coconut flour, peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce and eggs.
3. Combine thoroughly.
4. Roll into bite-sized balls on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on your size of treat.

---

Easy to make, inexpensive, healthy and delicious! Any dog cookie with peanut butter and applesauce is sure to please your furry family member's tummy!

I use these treats for tracking and training, and they have never let me down! Hunter will do just about anything for these.

Don't have coconut flour? You can use 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 2 eggs instead! These homemade dog treats can be left on the counter for a maximum of two days before they will need to go in the fridge. It's the price we pay for feeding whole food treats with zero preservatives!

For more delicious homemade dog treat recipes, visit the "homemade treat" section of my blog!

by Beate Johns

Try this twist on a pocket card and show off your patterned paper.

Supplies

• Two 4 1/4" x 11" pieces of cardstock for your card base
• One 4" x 5" piece of patterned paper
• One 3 3/4" x 5 1/4" piece of cardstock for insert
• One 3 1/2" x 4 3/4" piece of neutral cardstock for insert
• One 1 1/2" x 12" piece of colored cardstock for card band
• Ink
• Stamps
• Adhesive
• More paper for accents
• Corner rounder
• Embellishments

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Score both 4 1/4" x 11" pieces of cardstock at 5 1/2".
   

2. Step 2

   Take one scored piece and cut it diagonally from center top to the bottom left.
   

3. Step 3

   Take the other piece of scored cardstock and cut it diagonally from the center top to the bottom right.
   

4. Step 4

   Add adhesive to the rectangle back of one of the cardstock pieces.
   

5. Step 5

   Tape both pieces together. Make sure both long edges of the diagonal sections are on the bottom.
   

6. Step 6

   Cut the patterned paper in half diagonally.
   

7. Step 7

   Adhere it to your card front. I used double sided patterned paper (Dashing, from Stampin' Up!). The dotted paper is on the back of the striped design.
   

8. Step 8

   Add Sticky Strip™on the bottom of the middle panel, as well as on the bottom of the triangle flap that will be on top of the card.
   
   Tape the card base together and set aside.
   

9. Step 9

   Take both pieces of cardstock for the insert and use the corner rounder on the top corners.
   

10. Step 10

    Tape together.
    

11. Step 11

    Stamp and add tab and other embellishments as needed.
    

12. Step 12

    Take the 1 1/2" x 12" piece of colored cardstock and score at 5 5/8" and 11 1/4".
    

13. Step 13

    Add Sticky Strip™ to the end of the strip with the small 3/4" scored section. Tape band together.
    

14. Step 14

    Decorate the card band.
    

15. Step 15

    Slide your band over your card.
    Your card is finished!
    

Video!

 

 

Horizontal Instructions:

 http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/criss_cross_card/

Criss Cross Card

by Beate Johns

Try this twist on a pocket card and show off your patterned paper.

Supplies

• Two 4 1/4" x 11" pieces of cardstock for your card base
• One 4" x 5" piece of patterned paper
• One 3 3/4" x 5 1/4" piece of cardstock for insert
• One 3 1/2" x 4 3/4" piece of neutral cardstock for insert
• One 1 1/2" x 12" piece of colored cardstock for card band
• Ink
• Stamps
• Adhesive
• More paper for accents
• Corner rounder
• Embellishments

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Score both 4 1/4" x 11" pieces of cardstock at 5 1/2".
   

2. Step 2

   Take one scored piece and cut it diagonally from center top to the bottom left.
   

3. Step 3

   Take the other piece of scored cardstock and cut it diagonally from the center top to the bottom right.
   

4. Step 4

   Add adhesive to the rectangle back of one of the cardstock pieces.
   

5. Step 5

   Tape both pieces together. Make sure both long edges of the diagonal sections are on the bottom.
   

6. Step 6

   Cut the patterned paper in half diagonally.
   

7. Step 7

   Adhere it to your card front. I used double sided patterned paper (Dashing, from Stampin' Up!). The dotted paper is on the back of the striped design.
   

8. Step 8

   Add Sticky Strip™on the bottom of the middle panel, as well as on the bottom of the triangle flap that will be on top of the card.
   
   Tape the card base together and set aside.
   

9. Step 9

   Take both pieces of cardstock for the insert and use the corner rounder on the top corners.
   

10. Step 10

    Tape together.
    

11. Step 11

    Stamp and add tab and other embellishments as needed.
    

12. Step 12

    Take the 1 1/2" x 12" piece of colored cardstock and score at 5 5/8" and 11 1/4".
    

13. Step 13

    Add Sticky Strip™ to the end of the strip with the small 3/4" scored section. Tape band together.
    

14. Step 14

    Decorate the card band.
    

15. Step 15

    Slide your band over your card.
    Your card is finished!
    

Video!

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/criss_cross_card/#ixzz2qsJuuKnd

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/criss_cross_card/#ixzz2qsE0Yc8H

The Author

Beate is a housewife and SCS team member. She lives with her husband and three children in Edmond, OK.

Read more: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/criss_cross_card/#ixzz2qsL9yhhN

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/criss_cross_card/