Fun Fold for Christmas

I really like the surprise of a different fold when I pull a card from the envelope.  This is the card I made for Christmas last year, and it uses a 'letter fold' on a 5.5" x 4.25" piece of cardstock.  The bottom is folded up, then the top folded down to just overlap a bit - the finished card is 5.5" x 4".

The belly band is punched at each end, folded around the card, and secured with ribbon and a bit of bling.  I made two variations - one for my Stampin' Up! Only (SUO) swap, and one for my family Christmast list.

Don't you love those little jingle bells?!  They even made a tinkling sound. And they mailed fine with an added quarter sheet of cardstock to shield them inside the envelope.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Snow Swirled, Winter Post (retired), Star-Studded Season (retired)
Ink: Whisper White craft ink
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Silver Glimmer Paper, Whisper White
Extras: Extra Large and Large Tag punches, mini jingle bells (retired), jingle bell die (Quickutz), 1/8" Taffeta ribbon in Baja Breeze, white 1/4" satin ribbon, teardrop punch (Fiskars)
Inspired by: Susan Chester

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by my Christmas workshop today!  Hope to see you on Saturday at the Mayer Holiday Boutique, too!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Holiday Treats - Made Simple!

Have a bunch of little treats you need to get ready?  Be easy on yourself - grab a couple Holiday Treat Bundles and get the job done fast . . . and CUTE!

ON THE LEFT:  Petite Treats Bundle
Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes

• Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
• Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
• Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)

ON THE RIGHT:  Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes

• Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
• Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
• Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)

Order these anytime from my Online Store - they ship directly to YOU!

Happy Treating! 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Christmas is Coming . . . got your STAMPIN' on?

Christmas is just around the corner for us stampers - do you have your card designed yet?  Maybe yours is already designed, stamped, and mailed!  Good for you.  That's what I try to do - but I've been so busy this year that mine are still on the craft table in pieces! 

So I'll post a few of my ideas from years past in the next few days to get your creative juices going!  This card is created using a stamp I found for $1 in a clearance basket at a little shop in Marshall a couple years ago!  Love getting a great deal.

 

 

You can see a bit of the detail here - I used knotted rafia for the 'ribbon', sponged the wreath stamp in several shades of green, and added Dazzling Details glitter glue to the 'berries.'  The border stamped at the bottom uses Versamark ink and a wheel stamp which I removed from the wheel and attached to a clear block with Aleene's Tack It Over and Over.  I have an easier time getting the image straight if the rubber stamp is OFF the wheel!

 



All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Mistletoe (wheel, retired), wreath and words (unknown)
Ink: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Handsome Hunter (retired)
Paper: Ruby Red, Handsome Hunter (both retired), Very Vanilla, Kraft (Target)
Extras: Rafia, Dazzling Details, Modern Label punch, Movers & Shapers label die (retired)
Inspired by: the stamps!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


If you are in the Twin Cities area, be sure to come visit me this Saturday, December 1st at the Mayer Holiday Boutique!  It is held from 8:30am-1:00pm in the Mayer Community Center, Mayer, MN  55360 - just follow the signs!  And see more info on Facebook!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

 

The EXTRAVAGANZA Continues at Stampin' Up!

The deals are great, the time is short.  SU! Online Extravaganza ends at midnight on Wednesday, November 28.  Check out the sales HERE.
 

SPECIAL DOORBUSTERS for Wednesday, November 28:

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	24-Hour Sale Price
7	118941	Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I)	$66.95	$53.56
7	120279	Clear Block Storage Caddy	$16.95	$13.56
175	109127	Stack & Store Caddy	$34.95	$27.96

 

 

I do advise placing your own order online in my Store as some products are selling out and going to backorder! However, I will place another GROUP order on Wed., Nov. 28 - if you want to get in on this order, contact me before 1pm (CST) on Wednesday with your order and your payment (check, cash, credit).

Get a few gifts for crafty friends - or share this with someone so they can gift YOU!  Happy Shopping!  Thanks for stopping by to take a look.

 

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

 

Happy Stampin' Up! CYBER MONDAY!

Woo hoo! Today is Cyber Monday, and I really seem to get into that more than Black Friday.  So I'll just chat for a minute here - then back to SHOPPING!!!!

I CASEd this card from Kay Kalthoff - and I sell a LOT of them!  Every girl needs a cute shopping purse, right?!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: none
Ink: none
Paper: Neutrals Collection DSP Stack, Red Glimmer Paper, Basic Gray, Basic Black
Extras: Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Cupcake Builder punch - on SALE right now for $11.87, 1" Circle punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Scallop Edge Border punch, Framed Tulips embossing folder
Inspired by: Kay Kalthoff  (I could not find her specific post ANYwhere!)

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

Have the itch to do some Cyber Monday shopping?  Check out the Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza where you'll find the Cupcake Builder Punch and a whole lot more on sale! Shopping in my Online Store is super easy - give it a try today.  

Thanks for stopping by today - Happy Monday!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

BLACK Friday!!!

I know, I should be posting a turkey idea!!!  But since it is Black Friday today and that makes me think of Halloween besides great shopping deals, I wanted to share with you the little treats I made for my kids on Halloween!

 

I just 'happened' to come across this 1/2 price punch at Target - and knew that face was too darling to ignore!  Well, then I had to use it to justify my purchase, right?! You know how that is.  :)  So I went home and made some Halloween treat favors for all my kids - my own children, my small group at church, and my student workers at my job.  Too fun!

 

Using the Two Tags die from Stampin' Up!, I cut 2 orange tags and punched one of them.  I folded each tag on the score line, overlapped the flaps and fastened them together.  I put green ribbon through the tag holes like a pumpkin stem, and stacked and taped candy bars inside.  As you can imagine, these were well-received!

 

And take a look at my new Personalized Stamp - makes copyrighting my work a cinch!  And the lucky recipients know where to find me to get more!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Personalize Contact/Copyright Stamp
Ink: Pumpkin Pie
Paper: Bright Orange (generic)
Extras: Satin Picot Ribbon (Walmart), Pumpkin Face punch (EK Success)
Inspired by: me and my love of chocolate treats!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

 

If you're in the mood to shop, check out the Online Extravaganza for some awesome deals.
I hope you enjoyed your turkey and pumpkin pie! Now for a little football . . . !

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.   J

Snowman Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! Here's one more THANKS card to send you on your way.  We've already flirted with a couple snowfalls where I live in MN - so this little chubby guy will soon a regular guest around here!

I sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip ink to help the vintage look along a bit!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Tags & More (retired), Thanks (unknown)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Paper: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze, Eskimo Kisses (BasicGrey)
Extras: Snowflake button (Country Appliques)
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

Feel like shopping?  Check out the Online Extravaganza for some awesome deals.

Here's hoping you have a blessed and restful Thanksgiving counting all the many ways your life has been enriched.  Thanks for stopping by today - I am thankful for YOU!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Online Shopping Extravaganza - get your SU! DEALS here!

Welcome to the 2012 Online Extravaganza - and wow! What a sale! You can shop online anytime beginning Monday! And you don't HAVE to shop online if you prefer to call or email me with your order!  If a bunch of us order together, we'll save on shipping costs.

 

Click HERE to see ALL Online Extravaganza sale items!  Be sure to notice the DOORBUSTERS for 11/19 and 11/28 only.

NOTE: Even though it's called 'Online'...you can call (952-955-3806) or email (clocards@gmail.com) your orders to me. I will place group orders on Nov. 19 and Nov. 28 only to take advantage of the Doorbusters...be sure to contact me by 1pm (CST) in order to ensure your order gets placed in time. I will need check, cash, or your credit card number in hand to place your order.

 

Go for it and shop this year's Extravaganza!

  

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

 

A Grateful Heart = True Happiness

How to be happy??  The words on this card couldn't say it any better!  We made this card at Dawn Olchefske's DOstamping Card Class.  Besides a great message, it displays a cool technique - double background stamping!

This is so cool - I had never thought of using TWO background stamps like this - but I love it!  Take a look at Dawn's 10-Minute Tuesday Video to learn how to Double Background stamp.

Add a little ribbon and some pearls - and you have one of my new favorite designs! 

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Woodgrain, Sunflower, Pursuit of Happiness
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Early Espresso
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Extras: 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Crumb Cake, Basic Pearls
Inspired by: Dawn Olchefske

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


Thanks, Dawn! And thanks to YOU for stopping by today!

~Hugs~ Cheryl O. J

It's Coming - the Day of Gratitude!

What a day it will be - that day of gratitude!  Here in the U.S., we celebrate our Thanksgiving Day next Thursday.  But your day of gratitude can be ANY day, any time.

My card today was inspired by a creation I saw on Bada-Bing! Papercrafting - I gave it my own twist and here is the 'thank you' card I came up with!

And yes, thanks to Kay Kalthoff reminding us . . . I am trying to decorate the INSIDE of my cards, too!

Love those uber-cool Designer Ribbon Slides - so easy to use and economical to boot!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Ink: Early Espresso, Versamark
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Festival of Prints DSP Stack
Extras: Designer Ribbon Slides, 3/8" Taffeta ribbon in Crumb Cake, Large Scallop Edgelit, Essentials Paper Piercing Pack
Inspired by: Mindy Backes

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

I hope you make TODAY a day of gratitude!  Blessings to you and yours.

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Texture Boutique: embossing made simple and affordable!

Woo hoo!  Such great news . . . .

Love the look of texture embossing, but just never felt like you could afford it? NOW YOU CAN!!!

Due to Stampin' Up!'s partnership with Sizzix, we are pleased to be able to offer a test run of the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine in our North American markets. We have 4,000 available to be sold only while supplies last. If this product test goes well, we may offer the Texture Boutique again in the future.

The Texture Boutique 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. Because this is a product test, the Texture Boutique is not branded with the Stampin' Up! logo. It comes in Sizzix packaging and is the same color and design that is sold in stores. We recommend you read the included instructions before using the Texture Boutique.

'Tis the season of giving, and the Texture Boutique makes a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to create their own elegant embossed art. To help you with your gift-giving needs, we're offering a special value bundle that saves you $5.90. If you prefer, you can also purchase the Texture Boutique alone. Looking for stocking stuffers? Pick up some additional embossing folders.

Texture Boutique Bundle
Item 132700
$39.95 (a $45.85 value)
Includes
•Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 Pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim
•Flower Garden Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive
•Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder-Stampin' Up! exclusive

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
Item 132657
$29.95
Includes
•Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, 1 pair of Standard Embossing Pads, 1 Mylar Shim


TAKE A LOOK!

So what are you waiting for?  Order YOURS today in my Online Store.

 

Now . . . aren't you glad you stopped by today??

 

 ~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

 

 

'Tis the Season . . . to be Grateful!

Thank you.  Two simple words that go so far and mean so much.  I had a work superviser in the past who said 'thank you' . . . a LOT!  In fact, he said it so much it seemed kind of weird, like out of place.  But I learned from him that you can never say 'thank you' too much!  This is a card I made a couple years ago, but I still love the simple design and the superior message . . .

We all need to hear that we are appreciated. I hope you dig out that surplus of thank you cards - or make a new one! - today, and tell someone how thankful and grateful you are!  You will be blessed, and so will they!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Small Script (retired)
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry (retired), Indian Summer (BasicGrey)
Extras: Polka-Dot ribbon in Crushed Curry (retired)
Inspired by: me!

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.

Many THANKS for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Stampin' Success Magazine - take a peek!

If you're a demonstrator with Stampin' Up!, you know how we eagerly await each issue of Stampin' Success when it comes out every other month!  Great ideas, super tips, awesome photography . . . it's the best!  If you aren't a demonstrator YET, you really need to take a peek at this magazine!  Click right on the Stampin' Success  pic.

Like what you see?  Wanna get it?  Well, what are you waiting for - JOIN today!  Not only will you be on the inside track with Stampin' Success,  but you'll also get a WHOLE COLLECTION of FREE ink pads (Nov. 1 - Dec. 16).  That's another great reason to jump on board the Demo-train!

The Details:
Stampin' Up!'s New Demonstrator Starter Kit is completely customizable! Build your Starter Kit your way! For just $99, you get:

• Your choice of up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products!
• A business supply pack valued at $65!.

That's a total value of $190!

Plus, from November 1 through December 16, you’ll get a FREE collection of Classic Stampin’ Pads®—a $49.95 value—when you become a demonstrator. It’s an ink-redible time to join the Stampin’ Up! family! Go to my WEBSITE to get all the details.


Thanks for stopping by today - and for considering Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator offer!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

 

Got Paper Strips?

I have another card for you today that uses paper strips.  I am always SO inspired by Kay Kalthoff - both by WHO she is as a person, and WHAT she comes up with in her creating!  This card is a CASE of her beautiful card a while back:

 

It uses a few retired products, but you get the idea - easy, uses up your scraps, and oh! so lovely.

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Kindness Matters, Four Frames
Ink: Sahara Sand, Poppy Parade (retired)
Paper: Everyday Enchantment DSP (retired), Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand cardstock
Extras: Poppy Parade twill ribbon (retired), Extra Large Oval punch, Decorative Label punch, Stripes textured embossing folder
Inspired by: Kay Kalthoff

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


I hope this inspires you to dig through your stash of paper strips and create today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Comfort Cafe Cravings

These crisp days of autumn just make me want to curl up on the couch at my favorite coffee cafe and read a good book!  Maybe that's why my MOST favorite Designer Series Paper in the Stampin' Up! catalog is "Comfort Cafe" - a collection of warm, cozy earthy prints that just seem to comfort me the way my caramel cappuccino does!

 

How's this for a cozy combination?  And I LOVE that it uses up some of my growing collection of paper strips and scraps!  The homey texture given by the wooden button is the perfect touch.

 

Here's the same design using other papers from the Comfort Cafe DSP collection:

 

 

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Word Play
Ink: Midnight Muse, Cajun Craze ink pads, Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker
Paper: Comfort Cafe DSP, Midnight Muse, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla cardstock
Extras: Naturals designer buttons, Linen thread, paper piercer and Essentials Paper Piercing Pack
Inspired by: Angella Crocket

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


Now . . . go get yourself a cuppa java and some gorgeous PAPER - and craft some comfort today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

NEW Stampin' Up! Trimmer is here!

Introducing the new and improved Stampin' Trimmer! Although paper trimmers are a common crafting tool, this trimmer was designed exclusively by paper crafters for paper crafters - and because it was made by Stampin' Up!, you know it's a cut above the rest!

 

WHY should you consider trying yet another paper trimmer??? 

Remember how frustrating it was to try and cut regular-sized cards on the old paper trimmer? With the new trimmer, the base has been extended so you can make most of your common cuts and measurements without even extending the ruler!

So many features of this tool make it the best on the market. The precision tip on the cutting blade allows you to pinpoint precisely where you're cutting. The handle shows you exactly where the blade will cut, making it easy to see exactly where your cuts and scores will begin and end. And, with the specially-designed insertion point, the handles snap into the track easily without bending or bowing the track itself - which helps to keep the track straight and rigid.

Have you ever thought you were getting a straight cut, but it turned out to be bowed? The new handles and cutting track are so stable, your cuts will be perfectly straight!  This tool is all about ease-the cutting track is longer than 12" making it so easy to cut or score a full sheet of cardstock without having to remove any of the blades!

So now that I have your interest, here are the specs: 

An extra-wide 6-1/4" cutting base and an extended 14-1/2" ruler

• The extra-wide cutting base provides a large work area and is marked in 1/4" (4 mm) increments, allowing for small measurements.
• The right-side grid helps you measure and cut very thin strips.
• The extended cutting arm has a stabilizing leg to provide a sturdy and steady cutting surface for longer cuts.
• When fully extended, the extended cutting arm sits flush with the trimmer base, providing more accurate and consistent measurements across the entire surface.
• The cutting base and track include a full ruler, incorporating measurements down to 1/16" and grid lines that mark each quarter inch.
• All rulers and measurements on the base are printed under a plastic cover so your measurements won't wear off.
• The base has nonskid feet, which keeps the Stampin' Trimmer securely in place on your work area.

A full 12" cutting and scoring track

• The extra-long cutting track has space at the top and bottom so you don't have to take the cutting and scoring blades out when you're not using them.
• The track gives you enough space to cut or score a full 12" (30.5 cm) without having to remove or switch out handles.
• The cutting track locks in place for secure storage or transport.
• The track includes an insertion point for cutting and scoring blade handles so you can easily insert handles into the cutting track.

Specially designed handles and cutting track to ensure straight cuts

• The hook on the scoring and cutting blade handles keeps the handles stable so the cuts are as straight as possible.
• Handles come in two colors: dark for cutting, light for scoring.
• The precision tip on the cutting blade allows you to pinpoint precisely where you're cutting.
• The point on the side of each handle shows you where the blade will cut, making it easy to see exactly where your cuts and scores will begin.

Storage compartment under base

• The storage compartment holds scoring and cutting tools such as a Bone Folder, Simply Scored Stylus, extra scoring and cutting blades, and even business cards.
• Separate compartments within the storage compartment keep your tools organized, and the clear cover makes it easy to see what you've stored.

Product details: item 126889; $29.95.

Want to see this baby in action?  Watch this Stampin' Trimmer VIDEO in my Online Store - then order yours today!

Thanks for stopping by CLOcards today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

Sharing Time: Wonderfall Autumn

Wow, it's November!  And Thanksgiving is on its way.  Thank-you cards are some of my favorites to make AND send - I try to make it a regular habit to say 'thank you!'  This card was designed and offered by Dawn Olchefske at her DOstamping Card Class recently.  The Woodgrain embossing folder gives a nice backgroud - and even distresses the Core'dinations paper on the way through the Big Shot!  Love that - 2 effects at one time!  And the Champagne Glimmer Paper adds a nice contrast to the earthy feel of the card.

Be sure to click on Dawn's name below to see her original card and watch a quick video of her technique in cutting and stamping the leaf.

Thank YOU for sharing, Dawn!!!

All supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted

Card Recipe
Stamps: Wonderfall, Made for You
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Early Espresso Core'dinations, Champagne Glimmer Paper, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Extras: Brushed Bronze Designer Buttons, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Woodgrain textured embossing folder, Autumn Accents Bigz die, Modern Label punch
Inspired by: Dawn Olchefske

Purchase the Stampin’ Up! Supplies to make this project at my ONLINE STORE.


Consider attending a card class sometime - my next CLOcards class is on November 27th - so if you're in the area, join us! Be sure RSVP to reserve your project packets.

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

FREE Ink - 2 Ways - INK-redible!!

LOVE love love the newly redesigned ink pads!  The firm, juicy foam really gives a solid, crisp image.  These pads just ROCK!   Makes you want 'em all!!

Well, have I got a deal for you:  Hostesses who hold a minimum $450 party** during the INK-redible promotion period (Nov. 1 - Dec. 16) will receive a FREE collection of 10 Classic Stampin Pads*.  You can choose from Brights, Subtles, or Regals - each set a $49.95 value! Plus, the free ink is in addition to the regular hostess benefits - INK-redible!

Benefits:
In addition to a FREE collection of Classic Stampin' Pads*, you'll also get $65 in hostess dollars and a 50%-off item! See chart below:

Your Order or Party Sales**	One Free Ink Collection	Hostess Dollars	Items at 50%
$450	Yes!	$65	1 item
$500	Yes!	$80	2 items
$700	Yes!	$115	3 items

With the holidy shopping season upon us, it is really quite doable to reach these sales numbers!!  Contact me today to schedule your party - your home or mine!

OR . . .
You can also JOIN the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for the low rate of $99 - and get $125 worth of YOUR CHOICE of Stampin' Up! products and $65 in catalogs and supplies.  This also qualifies you to receive the FREE collection of 10 Classic Stampin Pads*!  There are so many Benefits to being a demonstrator - even as a hobby!  Questions?  Contact me today!


Thanks for stopping by today!

~Hugs~   Cheryl O.    J

*Neutrals Collection not eligible
**Does not include tax and shipping