Jan1

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year!

Happy 2014 to YOU!!

So, here is a little peak at one of my FAVORITE project and classes that I have been doing every year for the past several years.  I love these little easel calendars.  They are so fun to create and fun to give as gifts!!  This year, we have something special for you… There are only 3 of the Maui Stampers that make their own versions of these calendars, but we decided to put together a little blog hop for you to see our creations.  It’s fun to see everyone’s different take on every month!!

So, for you on this FIRST day of January 2014 (It’s gonna take me till April to type 2014 on the first try…) I have the cover of page of the calendar and January…

First, the cover page:

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I love that quote, “Live the Life You’ve Imagined”.  I’m reminded often that my response to situations is what makes my circumstances good or bad.  And, that is the most critical in determining my happiness or what I get out of different situations…  I don’t have to be an observer of life, but can LIVE it.  And, am excited about this prospect in 2014…

This cover page was created with one of my favorite sets:  Tape it.  And, I use Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, So Saffron, Baked Brown Sugar inks and the Pistachio card stock for the backing.

And now for January:

This little snow man I received FREE from the SU Convention.  Which I’m happy about, cause I’m not sure I would have bought it. It seems a little weird to live on Maui and do lots of stuff with snowflakes, snowmen, and such other winter scene icons…  So, it was fun to play with a set I don’t normally use.  This particular one is called Snow Day.  And, because I am on Maui, and because of the cheerful demeanor of this snowman, I wanted to make sure he was bright and cheerful…  So I stamped his body in Smoke Slate and did his hat in Tempting Turquoise and buttons in Melon Mambo…  This is SURE to banish winter blues and ring in the new year with a smile!!

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So, this blog tour will have 3 stops.  Besides my calendar, you will have the privilege of seeing Anne’s and Cheryl’s calendars as well.  They will publish on the first of every month for 2014… ENJOY!!

Click for:

Anne’s Calendar (The Maui Stamper)

Cheryl’s Calendar (Create with Cheryl)

Dec22

Last minute Christmas treats

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I had to share these darling little envelope bags. A friend of mine gave this as a favor at our club Christmas party… Alice is truly talented…
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It was made from an envelope.

I needed a quick project so this is what I made…  (truthfully, was gonna copy hers but the cutting was too detailed for me for as fast as I needed it to be.  Alice is a master.)

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You seal the envelope.Then score 1″ from the edge on 3 edges…

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On the edge that isn’t scored, you cut it off so it is open.  Since I stamped directly on mine I stamped it while it was still flat. Now since this was my first attempt, I realized I should have masked off the edge…  oh well.  This is the Snow Day stamp set. I love it.
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Then you fold it up…
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Basically this consists of making the innie folds into outie folds…  and then glue the little triangles down.

I scalloped the edge of the bag with the scallop punch and used some of the silver ribbon to tie it closed…

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You can fillnit with anything. Its good for those last minute cash gifts that you need something cute to put the money in…  Thanks, Alice for the inspiration…

Dec14

Best of Snow

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Welcome back to the Best of Tour!!  This week we are focusing on the Best of SNOW.  Trying to create something with this set was a bit difficult in 80 degree Maui, but here is my best attempt… (and, I do genuinely feel sorry for you folks caught in the storms and hope you are safe, but, I gotta say, “nee-ner-nee-ner”)

Anyway, I wanted something simple and serene, so this is what it is:

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I love the new Smoke Slate color.  And I’m finding that I use it ALL THE TIME.  I especially love the textured 12×12 paper…which is what used here…

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The Frosted Finishes embellishment is perfect for this card… I think it was made for the best of snow…  It does make it a bit bulky to mail, but it is so totally worth the bling it adds to the card…

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So, there you have it!!  Thanks for stopping by!!  Now you are off to Deb to see what she has done… perhaps she has had the weather to help inspire her…

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Nancy Amato          http://stampinallnight.blogspot.com
Melissa Bolinger      http://www.stampinup.net/blog/2089191
Jackie Bottomley     http://www.jackiebottomley.blogspot.com
Susan Carlson         http://www.stampinmomoffour.blogspot.com
Tamra Davis             http://www.thecardladies.com
Sherri Eddleblute      http://www.sweetestdesigns.blogspot.com
Lynn Embrey            http://www.possibilitiestamperstudio.com
Kathy Hamrick          http://www.countryroads.typepad.com
Crystal Kondo           http://www.card-ed.com
Deb Lehigh               http://thestampinhut.typepad.com
Anne Matasci            http://www.MauiStamper.wordpress.com
Andi Potler                 http://www.absolutekreations.com
Michele Reynolds      http://www.inspirationink.typepad.com
Sharon Tisdale          http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/coveredbridgesstamper/blog
Janet Wakeland        http://www.remarkablycreated.com

Dec7

Spread a Little More Joy….

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Welcome back to the LAST installment of the Best of Blog Tour….  In January, the tour will change to a PIN-Worthy tour…  It will be fun.

This month’s tour focuses of Spread the Joy and Monster Maniacs.  Both sets were drawn and submitted by demonstrators (well, Spread the Joy was an SU employee, but not a designer).  They are fun to see and I’ve had tons of fun playing with them.

So, if you’ve read my blog in the past, you will know that I have an infatuation with Spread the Love.  Did a whole series.  For this posts, I recycled an idea that I had made in cards… and formatted them for gifts!!  And, what perfect timing… you can whip up several of these and they are perfect for teachers… friends… and they come together as fast as a card does.

 

 

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These are just the 5×8 junior legal lpads and a postit that have been decorated with paper.  The post-it includes a velcro closure.  The cardstock just attaches to the back of the junior pad and folds around to the front.  I included a pen to make it a gift-set.

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My participation in craft shows has taught me that cellophane goes a long way in selling items.  So, I make it a point to try to package all my gifts.  Even though it is nothing big, having the items in cellophane is the icing on the cake when it comes to creating gifts…  People seem to really like it.

For my nod to the Monster Maniacs, I used it to create the “FEBRUARY” in my little easel calendar.  These are also very popular gifts for people…  And, they are FUN to make…

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I generally don’t like to buy line-art stamps cause it takes time and energy to get them colored.  And, the solid images are just so much faster when doing multiple cards.  However, coloring these monsters was a BLAST.  I do enjoy coloring…

So, for December, I thought it fun to show  you some little ‘gifties’ for your Christmas List.  And, receiving a thoughtful, hand-created gift is just a wonderful treat.

Now you are off to see what Deb has for you:

 

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Nancy Amato           http://stampinallnight.blogspot.com
Melissa Bolinger      http://www.stampinup.net/blog/2089191
Susan Carlson         http://stampinmomoffour.blogspot.com
Crystal Kondo           http://www.card-ed.com
Deb Lehigh               http://thestampinhut.typepad.com
Anne Matasci            http://www.MauiStamper.wordpress.com
Audra Monk              http://thecraftyyogi.blogspot.com
Maria Pane               http://www.stampinandscrappinwithriri.blogspot.com
Andi Potler                http://www.absolutekreations.com
Michele Reynolds     http://www.inspirationink.typepad.com
Pam Staples             http://www.sunnygirlscraps.com
Janet Wakeland        http://www.remarkablycreated.com
Dec5

Christmas Goodies

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I wanted to share with you some goodies I made for my next craft fair… little M&M sleeves. With an ornament topper. I love those skinny cello bags.

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A couple of options to choose from. Makes it fun. These are perfect for the kid’s Christmas party. Cause why make only a few when you can make a ton?

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And, if you are bored on Sunday, swing by the Maui High School gym. Between 9-2.  Finish up your Christmas shopping. 

Nov23

Goodie bags…

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This will be the last of the sneak peeks because tomorrow is the Maui Stampers’ Craft Fair!! Its finally here…

These little goodie bags have been part of nearly every craft show I’ve been in since the beginning…  they make super great gifts..

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Inside they have a set of 5 note cards and a post it pad. They also have a pretty pen…

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They have continued to be a popular item. So come early to pick up yours.

And one new item I made:
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Super cute growth chart. The brilliance in this is that your height marks are independent of a wall. So you can paint, move houses, switch rooms for the kids… and it can go with you. Your memories are transportable…

Anyway… see you tomorrow!  Don’t miss it…cause the Maui Stampers’ Craft Fair is only once a year…

Nov22

mini-card sneak…

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Here is the next installment of the sneak peeks for the Maui Stampers’ Craft Fair…  a couple of sets of 3×3 minis!!  Now, I must apologize for two things.  First of all, I failed to post a sneak last night.  I was tired.  And secondly, the picture for this one isn’t the best.  And, I didn’t realize it until I already had everything put away.  So.  It is what it is.  I will make it up to you… promise.

 

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These are a couple of mini note card sets.  One is a set of 4 of the same cards that say, “Hello Sweet Friend” (left side) and the ones on the right are all birthday cards, but have different images.  They come packaged in a little muslin bag and are PERFECT for yourself of gift giving.  The cards are designed to put on packages, or tuck away in a purse, lunch box, or wallet of an unsuspecting recipient.  They’re glorious!!  Hurry on Sunday to get your minis!!

Nov20

Believe

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Here is another item that will be at the Maui Stampers Craft Fair. (This Sunday.). The believe banner. Just perfect for he Christmas Season.

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I love the neutral look and the combination of burlap and bling. I love it so much I think I’m gonna redesign my Christmas decor this year. (I needed to do something different anyway…)

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I only have a couple of these, so shop early! It will come with the jute to hang it. I just couldn’t get a nice picture with it hanging.

I think I’m gonna hang mine with a garland in the entry way to the kitchen. Where are you gonna put yours?

Nov19

Sneak Peek to Maui Stamper’s Craft Fair!

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Well, we are in the home stretch…the Second Annual Maui Stamper’s Craft Fair is THIS COMING SUNDAY, November 24.  9am-2pm at the Kahului Masonic Lodge.  Come join us!!

Here is a peek at one of the items I will have for sale… back by popular demand… the easel calendar

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These darling little calendars are perfect  atop a desk or counter… they are just a little bit of fun to bring a smile to everyone…  Pick one up (or talk to me about getting a refill) at the Maui Stamper’s Craft Fair.  Or pick up several for gifts…

IF you prefer making your own calendar, I’m having a class on making these.  Saturday, Dec 7. Let me know if you need more information regarding this class.

And, stay tuned…

OH.  I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that the Holiday Sale through Stampin’ Up! starts TOMORROW.  Stop by my online store to take a look at the sale items.  Some are only available tomorrow, so plan accordingly!!

Stay TUNED…

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Nov16

Best of Christmas

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Welcome back to the next best of tour! We are featuring the Best of Christmas. And I am certain this will get you in the holiday mood…

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I just love this little nativity scene. I remember when it originally came out. I loved it. Its a little smaller this time around which makes it perfect for a window card.

And I just got my Endless Wishes stamp set…which is where the wording is from for this card… it is perhaps my favorite Christmas set this year. And that is with my little “difficulty” in using snowflakes in Hawaii… 
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The deco label die with soft suede… completes the card! Super easy super fast. Can make a whole slew of these for your whole card list….

Oh. I did a bad thing… I colored this with the now retired watercolor pencils. Sorry. But they are my favorite pencils… and I still use them.  So. Sorry. But not really.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by! You are off to Deb Lehigh to see what she has for you!


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