Friday's Spotlight...

This weeks spotlight is on "Garden Whimsy".

It is a set of (8) and can be found on page 109 in the current catalog. $26.95

Enjoy these cards made by talented Southwest Demonstrators!

Scrapbook Basics!

How Much Room Do I Need
by LeNae Gerig

When you first start scrapbooking, all you’ll need is a flat workspace and a few drawers to store your things. Eventually, you’ll grow, though—many scrappers started out with a small nook in the dining room, gradually took over the dining room table and soon ended up with their own craft room!

I found 12”x12” stacked drawers on rolling wheels at Target. I can roll it into a closet easily. I also have a 2’x3’ piece of wood that I place on the floor or table in our family room so I can scrapbook while my husband and our three-year-old daughter Lauren watch television. (Yes, even though I have a 6’ table and shelves in my guest room I still end up on the floor watching TV while I scrapbook!) I can then slide the board under the bed when I’m done for the day and leave my project intact.

It’s important that you have the space to spread out while scrapbooking. If you are in a small apartment or simply don’t have the space, you may consider scrapbooking at a store. Ask about “table time”, which is when you can rent a table in the store for a few dollars and stay for a few hours; often the store will also let you use their tools.

If you have kids, I caution you: Scrapbooking supplies, especially stickers, are very tempting to kids! Also, do be aware of leaving sharp tools and scissors lying around. Many parents I know have a special box for the kids to scrapbook or play with while they’re working. I give Lauren paper, kids’ safety scissors, glue sticks and extra stickers or punched shapes to do her projects with. She loves it and will work quietly for thirty minutes at a time before she needs a break.

My kids were young when I started scrapbooking. Jessica always wanted to use my stuff, and often would when I wasn't looking. So we made both her and Jake a small box with their scrapbooking supplies. This worked out GREAT and kept them out of my more expensive supplies!
Good Luck!
Kendra

Content copyright © Hot Off The Press

Blog Candy Give Away!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Mandy from Birmingham, AL.

Thanks Mandy for your comment and for visiting my blog during the tour. I just sent you an email...so just let me know where to send your goodies.

A BIG thanks to all of you who took the time to leave a comment and view my blog...I hope you enjoyed the tour and that You'll come back often.

HAPPY STAMPING & CREATING!

KENDRA

P.S. Don't forget to come back next Monday for the tutorial on the treat baskets!

Color Throw Down Challenge Card

For Color Throw Down Challenge #53 I chose to use the set Baroque Motifs - pg. 131 $27.95 #113490. * (You can click on the picture to enlarge it)

ItemsUsed:

Trio Flower Punch #109183 $15.95 on pg. 186

Silver Brads #104336 $6.95 on pg. 1789

Clear Rhinestone Brad #113144 $10.95 on pg. 179

Dimensionals #104430 $3.95 on pg. 192

Whisper White CS #100730 $7.95 on pg. 155

Bordering Blue CS #102630 $5.50 on pg. 157 Ink #102265 $5.95

Rose Red CS #102544 $5.50 on pg. 157 Ink #101778 $5.95

Retired Pink Pirouette CS & Ribbon

CHECK OUT OTHER CARDS USING THE SAME COLOR COMBINATION HERE!

Directions for the "Stair Step Card" & the "Mini Pizza Box"

Thanks so much for all your visits during the Royal Blog Tour & Thanks for those of you who are returning! Below are the directions I promised on this "Stair Step Card" & for the "Mini Pizza Box" Tutorial. I hope you have fun creating both of these. I think you'll be surprised by how easy they are.

This card was presented at a SU! regional event...so enjoy!

Dimensions/Measurements

Cut CS (Card Stock - I used Ruby Red)

(1) 4 1/4" x 11" & score it @ 1 3/8", 2 1/4", 4 3/8", 6", and 8 1/4".

(1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/4" (This piece is the biggest piece on the front of your card and in my picture I have yellow DSP on the front of it. You adhere this piece to your back score line, which will then become your stand - see picture with side view)

Cut CS or DSP(I used DSP - Designer Series Paper & Whisper White CS)

(1) in Whisper White CS 1 1/4" x 4"

(1) in DSP (This is the yellow piece on my card) 4 1/4" x 4"

(1) in DSP (This is the green piece on my card) 1 3/4" x 4"

To create the circle around the age you want to highlight, you will need;

1" Circle Punch and the 3/4" Circle Punch. Take a piece of CS (I used Bordering Blue on my card) and first punch the 3/4" punch. Make sure your CS is big enough to accomadate the 1" circle punch...because after punching the 3/4" circle you will then go back and punch your 1" circle punch right over the top of your 3/4" circle that you punched. Carefully line it up so all your sides are even...and this will create your double punched circle!

Extras;

I used Black StazOn Ink, Bordering Blue Ink, Ruby Red Ink, Mellow Moss Ink, Snail Adhesive, Dimensionals, Hemp Twine, and 1/4" Mellow Moss Grosgrain Ribbon.

I really hope you have a great time completeing one of these on your own!

Mini Pizza Box Tutorial!

So I wish to thank Rochelle Edwards for her idea and her perfect tutorial on this Mini Pizza Box. As you will see, she used it for a christmas treat stocking stuffer. I loved the idea of putting tags in mine, but many other possibilities come to mind...a gift certificate, or gift card, goodies, or even money!

Supplies used for my pizza box;

I used the items found in the Simply Scrappin' Kit * "Happy B-Day", Whisper White CS, Designer Label Punch, Stapler, 5/8" Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Red Sticky Tape, Adhesive, the Bordering Blue, Ruby Red, and So Saffron Ink Pads.

So enjoy her tutorial and make sure to say thanks to Rochelle!

Don't forget to stop by next Monday, August 3rd, for the tutorial I'm getting ready to show you how to make those darling gift baskets - so quick & easy, you'll love them!

AND...check back later today when the winner of my Blog Candy is announced and I'll also post my card for today's Color Throw Down Challenge!

You can veiw her tutorial HERE!

ROYAL BLOG TOUR...

Hello and Welcome to my Creative Corner or should I say Castle...at least for the next three days. My name is Kendra Richardson. I hope to share some new ideas with you, or remind you of one's you've always wanted to try, but just haven't gotten around to yet. I hope that you leave this stop of the tour inspired!

The set I am featuring is called "Look Who's Turning"... and can be found in the current 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog on page 72. I chose this set with the idea that I wanted to share several Birthday ideas with you - SO ENJOY!

Click on any picture to enlarge it and see items better!

This is such a cute gift to give because we are all in need of birthday tags to stick on a present when we are in a rush & running out the door taking our kids to another paryt! This picture shows the mini box with a pull-out card hidden between the Designer Paper and the top of the box. It's the perfect place to write your birthday wishes...it slides in & out easily because of the tab. The box contains (6) tags using the animals in the stamp set and also stickers & paper from the Happy B-Day Simply Sent Kit. * Make sure to come back on Wednesday for Instructions/Measurments on how to create this project!

This shows a very cute and FUN TO MAKE Birthday Card that the recipiant is sure to LOVE! It also is deceiving...because this card can fold up and be put in the mail in our regular sized envelopes - NO extra postage! *Make sure to come back on Wednesday for Instructions and measurements so you can create your own!

This is my party invite....a Pop-Up Card. You can do so many things with this versitile set. I just LOVE it!

In this picture I am showcasing a small gift basket made from CS & DSP. You can give for a birthday treat or better yet, change the sentiment and give it as a party favor! The second item is another birthday card. I wanted to show you how cute this set is in bright & vivid colors like these from the Bold Bright Family. *Make sure to Bookmark my blog as a favorite and come back on August 3rd for a tutorial on how to make these cute party favors - they are SO EASY!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
Don't forget to bookmark my blog, because the links will disappear after the 28th. Also...you'll want to come back Wednesday, July 29th for a BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY & INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROJECTS that you won't want to miss! I hope that you were inspired and feel like stamping and creating now!! To be entered into the blog candy drawing...I have 3 rules;

1.) Leave a comment.

2.) Be sure to include your contact email

3.) Please, no Stampin' Up Demonstrators. Lets save the goodies for our customers.
HAPPY STAMPING,

KENDRA

BLOG CANDY INCLUDES: Stamps, Designer Paper, Ribbons, & Buttons!

Tuesday's Tool or Technique...

My Two New Best Friends...

Black StazOn Pad #101406 $7.95

and my

StazOn Cleaner #109196 $4.95

StazOn ink is perfect for crisp images on cello bags & window sheets. Personalize them for birthdays and holidays by stamping right on them with this great ink. It's also perfect for water coloring since the ink is permanent. The cleaner is a fantastic product and is perfect for stampers who like to keep their stamps looking as clean as possible. StazOn ink is difficult to remove from rubber stamps, but this StazOn Cleaner does a good job at removing the ink. Since using these two items, my images are bolder and vivid. The ink does not fade and I love using these products. Think about adding these two tools to your arsenal of supplies!

Monday's Project Idea...

HAVE A BIRTHDAY OR CELEBRATION COMING UP?

Try this little project the next time you have a special occassion coming up.

Stamp smaller images and create "Decoration Picks" for cupcakes & favors. This simple but fun project is sure to put a smile on everyone's face!

Click HERE to check out page 69 in the current SU! Catalog to see how they turned party hats into flags.

ENJOY!

KENDRA

DEAL OF THE WEEK!

This Heart To Heart Punch is our deal of the week and is available for $10.99 only through Friday, so don't delay, call me to get your today!!!

Sunday Share...

These are my samples using the Page Maps as a guide. I hope they inspire you to go create and explore the possiblilities. As you can see...I have been using up all my retired DSP like this Bella Rose - which I LOVED. So I had to use it here on these three projects for this week!

AS AN ADDED BONUS FOR SUNDAY SHARE...

I wanted to share a 12x12 scrapbook page I made using a Scallop Circle cut from the Big Shot Die Cut Machine, the hand held Scallop Circle Punch, and the Round Tab Scallop Circle Punch. These created the dresses. The purses & dress decorations are made from more SU! punches...can you fihure out which ones???

ENJOY! KENDRA

The Royal Blog Tour Begins Tomorrow!

GO TO THE ROYAL BLOG TOUR HOME PAGE ON SUNDAY, JULY 26TH, TO START THE ROYAL BLOG TOUR AND ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A BIG SHOT DIE CUT MACHINE!

Click HERE to get to the Castle!

The Royal Blog Tour is three days long, and you'll be happy it is! There are four tours - a total of 80 fabulous blogs!
But wait - there's more!
Blog Candy, Blog Candy, and more Blog Candy. Over 50% of the blogs on this tour are offering Blog Candy.
Check the Princess list on launch day. Every name with an asterisk next to it is offering blog candy.
That's not all! The Royal Blog Tour Home Page is offering their own Blog Candy. And it is -- a Big Shot Die Cut Machine!!!! Honestly - you don't want to miss this tour!

This drawing is open to all countries represented by Princesses in this tour, including Canada and Australia!

I hope you'll join me on this tour...you don't want to miss out on all the great ideas, fun, and of course...a chance to win a Big Shot!

HAPPY BLOG HOPPING,

KENDRA

Saturday Sketches...

Try these Page Map ideas for some great layouts. I'm excited to play...Will You?

Join me back here on Sunday to see what I came up with!

Kendra

Friday's "Stamp Set Spotlight"...

This weeks spotlight is on "Inspired By Nature"

This set can be found on page 96 in the current SU! Catalog

#111656 - $23.95 (Double Mounted Set)

This is a Must-Have-Set - I LOVE mine!

CLICK on any picture to enlarge it. I hope you have fun creating endless projects with this Have-To-Have Set!

KENDRA

SECOND POST FOR TODAY...MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN

Make sure to click the crown at the bottom of this post to sign up to ride the Royal Blog Tour! It is three fabulous days of blog hopping at your convienance, and you won't want to miss all the great ideas featuring the NEW sets in the new catalog. You can even view an interview and artwork from all the participants.

You can view my interview & artwork HERE!

I hope to see you on the tour July 26th, 27th, & 28th.

Scrapbook Basics!

About Photos
Storing Your Photos by LeNae Gerig

Correctly sorting, handling and storing your photos can make your scrapbooking much safer, easier and efficient. Here are my suggestions for storage:

Cardboard boxes are typically acidic and contain lignin, while the adhesive in those magnetic albums can destroy your photos irreparably. You’ll want to remove photos from their harmful environment and organize and store them safely. How you organize your photos depends on how you plan to arrange your album as well as your personal style of scrapbooking. Many people like to work chronologically, either from the present to the past or vice versa, but you can further organize the photos into theme or event albums too.

Photo boxes, available at your local craft, scrapbook, or office supply store, are a popular storage option. Many boxes come with dividers: either paper (like a recipe box) or plastic. Sort photos, then label dividers by date, theme or event for easy reference. I sort photos by year, then divide them by season and year (Summer 2003, for example).

These boxes are optimal for proper storage. Many photos are damaged from being shoved into a tight container or tossed in an oversized box. Because these boxes are designed for storing photographs, they are exactly the right size for storing photos properly. Keep photos stored upright. If you don’t have enough photos to fill the box, use acid-free paper to stuff one end. That way photos won’t slip under one another.

Three-ring binders filled with photo protector pages are another popular option. Each acid-free, lignin-free protector page has perfectly-sized pockets for 4”x6”, 3”x5”, 5”x7”and 8”x10” photos. This method makes it easy to flip through the pages to find the perfect photo for the page you're scrapping.

I started with old shoe boxes and moved into nicer sturdier photo boxes. My pictures are easy to get to and rummage through when I'm looking for the pictures I want to scrapbook.

Content copyright © Hot Off The Press Thanks to LeNae for these great tips!

Color Throw Down Challenge Card

Color Throw Down #52

So for this weeks Throw Down Challenge Card, I used the 'Embrace Life' Set. I used Vanilla, Choclate Chip, Certainly Celery, and Perfect Plum CS. For ink I used Black StazOn, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Chocolate Chip,and Certainly Celery. I water colored with my Aqua Painter, added red sticky Tape and Micro Beads to the bottom of the card and a few Micro Beads to the flowers to make them pop a little (I used a glue pen for this). I also used the Spiral Punch & a Sponge Dauber.

I appologize this is not a very good picture...but hopefully you can see the Micro Beads I used on the bottom of the card and on the flowers. It gave it that extra bling factor to the card!

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OTHER CREATIONS USING THIS COLOR COMBO HERE!

HAPPY STAMPING,

KENDRA

Tuesday's Tool or Technique...

Today I wanted to talk about two of my most favorite stamping tools...the Mat Pack & Paper Piercing Tool.

I use both of these almost everytime I sit down to create. The Paper Piercing Tool is handy to create holes for brads, eyelets, and to pierce your papers for an added element to your projects. I use the mat pack to make sure my piercing lines are straight & to make sure my eyelets are centered. These are two tools I know that I couldn't do without!

Check out the projects below to see paper piercing.

HAPPY STAMPING,

KENDRA

Mat Pack
#105826
$9.95
Punch holes and set eyelets on a mat to protect your tabletops. With the Mat Pack, you'll set eyelets and create beautiful pierced designs in card stock or projects without harming your stamping surface. Mat, paper-piercing pad, and paper-piercing template are each are 4" x 4".










Paper-Piercing Tool
#116631
$3.50
Create tiny, precisely-spaced holes on any paper using our steel paper-piercing tool. You can use it along with the template in the mat pack to create precisely spaced, perfectly aligned holes.

■ 3-1/2" handle with 3/4" piercing tip
■ Includes storage tube and protective cap
■ Can be used with the paper piercing template in the mat pack or with the paper-piercing guides on Classy Brass templates