Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sunday Share...


My Sunday Share today was made by my good friend, Sue Brown, who happens to be my Up Line. She made me this beautiful Rag Purse that I just had to share with you! Above you can see the Big Shot Machine and the Scallop Square Bigz Die she used to create this. She even used a SU! button!

I LOVE the choices of fabric she used!

Here's a close up of the front.

Here is a view from the top.

And another view from the front! So now you know there are so many other things besides just paper crafts that you can make using our wonderful Big Shot Die Cutter. Below is a flyer I wanted to share with you from SU!...and below that are some basic questions you might have about fabric and the Big Shot. I also have a link below to quilts, pins, headbands, and hats all made using our dies and machine, as well as a link to Big Shot approved materials...so make sure to check it out!

Click on Flyer above to Enlarge!


Fabric Q&A for your Stampin' Up! Big Shot
You can create beautiful fabric accessories and home décor with your Big Shot--even if you don't sew. The Sizzix Big Shot makes it easy to cut intricate fabric shapes to use in all your crafting projects. Here are some basic questions and answers about using the Big Shot to create with fabric.

What type of fabric will the Big Shot cut? The Big Shot will cut all types of fabric. Click for a complete list of Big Shot-approved materials.

How many pieces of fabric can I cut at a time? That depends on the fabric. Different fabrics vary in thickness. For example, your Big Shot can cut through eight layers of cotton, which is a relatively thin fabric, but it will only cut through one layer of faux fur, which is a very thick fabric.

Do you shim fabric in a Big Shot differently than paper? No. Your Big Shot works the same with fabric as it does with paper. Different fabrics vary in thickness, much the same as different paper materials vary in thickness. If you are only cutting one layer of a very thin fabric, you might need to use a piece of card stock as a shim just as you would if you were only cutting one layer of thin paper.

Will all Big Shot dies cut fabric? You can cut fabric with any of the Sizzix steel-rule dies (Originals, Bigz, Bigz L, and Bigz XL). You cannot cut fabric with Sizzlits, Embosslits, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, or Texturz Plates.

Will dies with score lines ruin my fabric? You can still use dies with score lines to cut fabric. The score lines will slightly distress your fabric, but shouldn't damage it permanently. However, we recommend that if you are using dies with score lines to only cut one or two layers at a time (depending on the thickness of your fabric). If you try to cut too many layers at a time, it is possible that the score lines could tear your fabric.

Will cutting fabric with the Big Shot dull my dies? The Big Shot steel-rule dies (Originals, Bigz, Bigz L, and Bigz XL) were designed to work on several different types of materials. Click for a complete list of Big Shot approved materials. Cutting fabric with your Big Shot dies will not result in any damage to your dies, and will not dull them any faster than cutting paper will.

Should I wash my fabric before working with it? It really depends on the fabric. Some lower-quality fabrics will shrink after they're washed, which could result in your project coming apart. However, many quilters don't wash their fabric first because the fabric is stiffer and easier to work with before it's washed. And if you use higher-quality fabrics, they will likely not shrink.

Does Stampin' Up! sell fabric yet? While Stampin' Up! does not sell fabric yet, you will love our ribbons, buttons, and craft and paper scissors, just to mention a few.

I don't have a sewing machine. Can I still create fabric projects? Yes! The world of fabric crafting is as varied as the world of paper crafting. There are several alternatives to using a sewing machine. You can create many simple designs sewing by hand using a needle and thread or even a hot glue gun. In addition, fusible web is a great option for creating one-of-a-kind fabric crafts.

What is fusible web, and how does it work? Fusible web is a manmade fiber that will melt when heated with an iron and become sticky. When it is placed between two pieces of fabric, the melting of the web causes the fabrics to fuse together making it possible for you to adhere the fabric without the use of a sewing machine. Fusible web is available in rolls (similar to tape), in pre-packaged pieces, or is sold by the yard in your local fabric store.

My quilting friends mention things called charm packs, layer cakes, and fat quarters. What are they? Charm packs, layer cakes, and fat quarters are terms for precut cotton that is generally used for quilting. Charm packs include a variety of coordinating fabrics cut into 5" x 5" squares. The packs have an assortment of patterned and solid fabrics, and their small size makes them ideal for using on quilt blocks. Layer cakes are just like charm packs, but they are larger in size, with the cotton cut into 10" x 10" squares. Fat quarters are pieces of cotton cut into quarter yard segments. However, instead of being cut vertically, like you would cut a piece of fabric off a bolt, fat quarters are cut horizontally first, giving you a piece of cotton that measures 18" X 22". All of these options are a great way to get a good selection of fabrics at a relatively inexpensive price.
Make sure to check out an earlier post HERE sharing other ideas using the Big Shot!
Link to Big Shot approved materials HERE.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Saturday Sketch & Inspiration Challenge...



Use these as inspiration this week or just when you need a little mojo pick me up. We all loose our creative thought process some times and just need a little boost!

Friday, February 26, 2010

BLOG CANDY WINNER!

And the winner is comment #3 - Tucson Katie
CONGRATULATIONS to Katie and I hope you all will continue to come back and look for more Blog Candy when I reach 30,000 hits!
Thanks - Kendra

p.s. - Just to clarify the 18 comments when only 12 can be seen posted...I had 6 others email me their comments who could not post their comments directly on to the page, and they were included in the random generator.


Spotlight On...

The set I am Spotlighting today is a Sale-A-Bration Set called "HAPPY MOMENTS" and you can get it FREE with a purchase of $50.00. Click HERE to view all the items available for FREE during the Sale-A-Bration Event...there's only four more weeks!




Thursday, February 25, 2010

RIBBON SHARE...

I have some Ribbon Samplers available for purchase. Each sampler has a yard of each of the (4) 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain in Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Basic Black. These rolls sale for $8.95 each and have 10 yards on each roll.
If you are here in town...the cost is $5.00
If you are out of town the cost is $9.00 and it will be shipped to you.
Let me know if your interested!
Kendra

My Digital Studio Share...


Just a quick page today to share with you. It's fun to be able to create a page in minutes and to be able to post it! I LOVE MY DIGITAL STUDIO:)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

OOPS!

Not sure why my card share didn't post yesterday...sorry! I fiddled with the date and now it's here, so enjoy:)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tuesday's Tool, Technique, or Tutorial...

TOOLS & MORE TOOLS TODAY!
The following Holiday Mini Catalog Products are still available and will be included in the next Catalog. Any of these items would make great tools to add to your collection. I especially have enjoyed the following ones that have astricks by them!
*116794 Ornament Punch 15.95
116806 Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint $5.95
116854 Frost White Shimmer Paint $5.95
116807 Platinum Shimmer Paint $5.95
116829 Decor Elements Blocks $9.95
*116824 StampinUp Textured Impressions Folder: Petals-A-Plenty $7.95
*116821 Stampin UP Holiday Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers $29.95
116819 Stampin UP Table Setting Bigz XL die $42.95
116820 Stampin UP Embosslits Merry die $11.95
116823 Stampin Up Sizzlits Merry Details die $5.50
116822 Stampin Up O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL Die $42.95
116519 Charming Stamp Set $19.95
118140 Stampin Up Tree Decoration Sizzlits die $5.50
*118108 My Digital Studio $79.95

Monday, February 22, 2010

Working With My Big Shot...

ITEMS USED:
SU! Baskets & Blooms Bigz Die, Big Shot, Soft Suede CS, Melon Mambo CS, Whisper White CS, Filigree Brads, Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon, REd Sticky Tape.
HAPPY MONDAY - Kendra

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Sunday Share...

So today I wanted to share this card with you. I used the Clear Vintage Vogue Set, Whimsical Words Set (Sale-A-Bration), Crimper, Scallop Trim Punch, Jumbo Brads, Vintage Brads, Satin Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Choclate Chip Ink & CS, Close to Cocoa Ink, Naturals CS, Red Stickt Tape, Dimensionals, and Snail Adhesive.
This is a fun card to make and if you missed my tutorial on Paper Pleating...then you can check it out HERE as well as other cards that use this same technique.
HAPPY PAPER CRAFTING - Kendra


Saturday, February 20, 2010

Sketch & Inspiration Challenges...



Have fun using these as your sketch and inspiration this week - and have fun with it!
KENDRA

Friday, February 19, 2010

BLOG CANDY GIVE AWAY...

Thanks to all you who like to visit my blog...I hope you enjoy it and that it gives you inspiration for your projects. Sometime yesterday or today I hit 25,000 on my blog viewer counter. So to say "THANKS", I am giving away some blog candy above. So leave me a comment below and let me know what you like about the blog, and a random generator will pick a comment...and I will let everyone know next week who the lucky winner is! It's that simple...so good luck!
I hope you'll continue to check back & THANKS again!
Happy Creating - Kendra

Spotlight On...another card swap from the Southwest Demonstrators!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

My Digital Studio Share...

6x6 Card

12x12 Page
I LOVE THE MY DIGITAL STUDIO CD. SO MANY OPTIONS, ALL MY FAVORITE SU! COLORS, PAPERS, EMBELLISHMENTS, AND TERRIFIC STAMP CHOICES!
Call me to schedule a time to see this great product in action - Kendra

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Card or Scrapbook Share...





I hope you can tell what this is...isn't it the cutest card! I received this card in a swap at our monthly meeting...makes me crave Oreos:)
Card By: Linda Osteby

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Tool, Technique, or Tutorial...

IT'S A TUTORIAL - I saw this great idea on Patty Lee's Blog for these cute Tootsie Pop valentine flowers. So I put my own spin on them and created a vase of flowers. This is the full view.

Below is the view from the top. The center flower uses a Tootsie Pop. I found that the Dum Dums worked a bit better for me. So the surrounding flowers are those.

Below you will see the items you need. Click on picture to enlarge and see notes on how to put them together and seeexample of a flower. Have a great Tuesday and I hope you get a chance to create!
Kendra



Monday, February 15, 2010

Working With My Big Shot...


CARD RECIPE:
Card Stock - Very Vanilla, Ruby Red, Kraft
Ink - Chocolate Chip & Old Olive
Stamp Set - Vintage Vogue
Other - Vintage Antique Brass Brads, Dimensionals, Adhesive
Big Shot Items - SU! Textured Perfect Polka Dots Folder (mini), Bigz Die: Oval Scallop Frame, Sizzlits Die: Swirls Scribbles

Have a terrific Monday!
Kendra

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Sunday Share...



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU!!!
Thanks for stopping by today and below are few last minute ideas for those special people in your life today!

This card uses the trio heart punch and ribbon pieces are adhered to the back of the card stock.

Great use for our Sweet Treat Heart Cups!

A quick way to add spice to a pixie stick and give a real treat to a young one!


Demonstrator Kadie Labadie made this and I received in a swap at our monthly meeting this month - to cute!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...

There have been so many of you who have e-mailed me or called to check in and see how my sister-in-law is doing. Lori came home late friday afternoon and is doing better today. She continues to grow in strength each day and she is really excited to be home with her children and in her own bed. I am so grateful for the opportunity to come and serve my sister-in-law and to help my brother out. It's times like these when we need our family around us:)
As a personal note...I appreciate your patience, all your emails, messages, and calls. Thanks for not only being my customers, but most of all my friends!
With love,
Kendra
* If you'd like to see the McCluskey family update I posted...you can view HERE.

Saturday Sketch & Inspiration Challenge...



Use these as Inspiration as you get a chance to play & create. Use just a shape, a color, a specific item, or just a detail...then build your project around it.
But the most important thing - is to have fun!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday's Spotlight...a look at swap cards featuring items in the newest Mini Catalog - Enjoy!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

My Digital Studio Project Share...

Here a three more Digital Scrapbook Pages to share with you.
The first two are of my son, Jake's, Eagle Scout Project. The last is of his soccer season this year. Have a great Thursday!





Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Card or Scrapbook Inspiration...

Today I wanted to share with you a 12x12 scrapbook page layout that could be completed in under 10 minutes. Everyone's busy these days and sometimes if we didn't do pages under 10 minutes...we wouldn't do any at all!
ENJOY - Kendra

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tuesday's Technique, Tool, or Tutorial...

It's a Tool - and one of my favorites!
I love using SU! Grid Paper #102787 - $9.95 (100 sheets)

Protect your work area while stamping and scrapping.

Also measure items with the 1/4" Grid

Can be reversed for a non-grid surface

11x17 - which makes it TERRIFIC when using wheels & stamps, especially on 12x12 pages

100 sheets (and you can use both sides)

Monday, February 8, 2010

Monday's Big Shot Idea...

For today's Big Shot Idea...I wanted to share with you my latest Swap Cards for our Southwest Demonstrator Meeting tomorrow night. I ran both the card and the Red Heart through the Big Shot Machine for textured backgrounds. It's a simple card to duplicate for the Loves, Friends, teachers, and family in your life!

CARD RECIPE:

Set: Messages For Mom

CS: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Kraft

INK: Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Craft Pad

OTHER: Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, Texturz Plates Backgrounds #1, Scallop Trim Punch, Satin Choclate Chip Ribbon, Dimensionals, Adhesive.

TECHNIQUE: "Direct to Paper" - on embossed images you can take your stamp pads directly to your Card Stock and rub it across it in different directions to get an interesting look & feel.


Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sunday Share...





...is a video!
Click picture above to take
you to a Stampin' Up! video on you tube showing how to use the Border & Corner Punches.