Stamping with Aly!

Used Stamp Set Sale Update

I've sold a lot of the retired stamp sets, but there are still stamp sets, wheels and accessories to choose from at 60% Off!!!!! This discount is only for today and tomorrow, so be sure to go to www.alystamps.com/usedstamps and get your order in right away!

The following items are still available, pictures and prices can be viewed at www.alystamps.com/usedstamps:

• Build-A-Flower Accents & Elements
• Lily Pad Wheel
• Dilly Dally Friends Jumbo Wheel
• Make It Count Stamp Set
• Office Accoutrement Stamp Set
• Year after Year Stamp Set
• Inspired By Nature Stamp Set
• Thanks a Ton Stamp Set
• So Much Stamp Set
• Forever in My Heart Stamp Set

There are also a couple items in Pending Status - if you have not paid for an item yet, please get the payment to me right away. If it's not received by December 2nd, these items will go back on the "For Sale" List.

Holiday Extravaganza Day 5: Christmas Ornament

Welcome to the 5th Day of Aly's Holiday Extravaganza!

Today I'm going to show you how to make an ornament with coasters, felt flurries and a few additional accessories! Hang it right on your tree, give it as a gift - or use it as a gift topper, tying it to the top of a present for decoration that also serves as a mini gift!

I'm working with plain coasters, they are sold at multiple places, but I found that American Coaster Company gives the best deal, less then .01 cents a piece, you just need to buy in bulk. You can also just collect pup coasters from restraunts and alter those! It doesn't matter if there's writing on it when you're covering them up anyway.

Here's the finished ornament:

And here's how to make it!

Step One: Trace two coasters on the WRONG side of your selected Designer Series Paper (the side you don't want to show on the coaster). I used "Holiday Treasures":

Step Two: Use Paper Snips to cut out the traced shapes:

Step Three: Apply Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive to ONE side of TWO coasters and adhere the circles to the adhesive, RIGHT side facing up:

Step Four: Use the Sanding Block to buff the edges of each of the coasters and burnish the Designer Series Paper into the coaster:

Step Five: Adhere a Large, Baja Breeze Felt Flurry to the front of one of the coasters with Crystal Effects/ place the Mat Pack underneath the coaster and poke a hole with the Paper Piercer through the center of the flurry:

Step Six: Set a Red Rhinestone Brad through the center of the snowflake. Use the Paper Piercer to continue piercing holes in the tips of each of the snowflakes and set Silver Brads through each of them:

Step Seven: You will now have two halves that look like this:

Step Eight: Cut out the largest Scallop Circle from Sizzix Bigz Die "Scallop #2" out of Riding Hood Red Cardstock:

Step Nine: Adhere this Scallop Circle to the top coaster using Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive and Sticky Strip as needed in areas (mainly over top of where the brads come through):

Step Ten: Adhere the back coaster to the Scallop Circle using Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive:

Step Eleven: Here is what your layers will look like when your done:

Step Twelve: Use the paper piercer to pierce holes in each of the scallops:

Step Thirteen: Use the Crop-A-Dile to set a Pewter Eyelet through the ornament. Flip it to the other side, and set a Pewter Eyelet over where the 1st Eyelet closed. It won't go all way in (see picture below - that's normal) but when you squeeze it shut with the Crop-A-Dile, it will become flush with the chipboard. This way, you have a finished eyelet on both sides of the ornament:

Step Fourteen: String a piece of Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon through the eyelet, tying at the top:

Step Fifteen: Place another piece of Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon under the already strung one:

Step Sixteen: Tie this piece in a bow:

And your ornament is done!

FINISHED FRONT VIEW:


FINISHED BACK VIEW:

Today's Shopping List:
You can order all of these items directly online by going to www.alystamps.stampinup.com and clicking "Shop Now" in the Upper Right Hand Corner!! 

• 111348 Riding Hood Red Cardstock - $5.50
• 113698 Big Felt Flurries - $12.95
• 112469 Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper - $9.95
• 104336 Silver Brads - $6.95
• 109110 Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads - $10.95
• 104310 Crafter's Tool Kit - $39.95
• 108362 Crop-A-Dile - $29.95
• 108432 Pewter Jumbo Eyelets - $9.95
• 111365 Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon - $6.95
• 104294 Sticky Strip - $6.95
• 110755 Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive - $3.95
• 101055 Crystal Effects - $6.25
• 103301 Sanding Blocks - $3.50
• 103579 Paper Snips - $9.95
• 113439 Big Shot Die-Cut Machine - $99.95
• 113469 Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die - $19.95

Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day!!!!
To be entered to win the free give-away of the day, you must reply to this post and include your name and e-mail address. If you reply to a different post and/or don't include both your name and e-mail address, you won't be entered!! The winner will be posted tomorrow.

Yesterday's Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day Winner is...
Pam Furlong!!!!
Pam, e-mail me to claim your free mystery prize!!!!

Holiday Extravaganza Day 4: Cookie Pail

Welcome to the 4th day of Aly's Holiday Extravaganza!

Today I am going to share a very quick and simple project - an altered pail perfect for displaying or giving Christmas Cookies! There are quite a few different vendors that carry these pails out there - if you go to google and type in "Clear Paint Cans" you will get a wide variety of sites to explore. You can hunt for the best price and quickest delivery time!

Here is the completed pail:

And here's how to make it!

Step One: Adhere a 2 1/2" strip of Designer Series Paper around the pail. I used "Frosty Days" from the Holiday Mini Catalog, and Sticky Strip for the Adhesive:

Step Two: Tie a piece of 1 1/4" Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Striped Grosgrain Ribbon around the pail so that it covers the seam between the paper and the pail - tie it in a bow:

Step Three: Cut out the large scallop from the "Scallop Circle #2" Sizzix Die out of Very Vanilla Cardstock and adhere to the top of the tin with SNAIL Adhesive:

Step Four: Cut out a circle slightly smaller than the scallop with a Coluzzle from Riding Hood Red Cardstock. Stamp it with stripes in Riding Hood Red Classic Ink - I used the stripes from the "Dad's Day" Stamp Set. This set is on our Dormant List, so it's not in our current catalog but is featured online and still available for purchase. Adhere it to the scallop with SNAIL Adhesive:

Step Five: Use the Coluzzle to cut out an even smaller circle from Very Vanilla Cardstock:

Step Six: Rub on the cookie greeting from "Season of Cheer" RubOns - I like to use the "Empressor Stylus" to transfer the image with the most ease:

Step Seven: Apply Stampin' Dimensionals to the back of the circle - you want a lot so that it is sturdy and stable:

Step Eight: Adhere the circle to the top of the lid:

And your tin is done!

Today's Shopping List:
You can order all of these items directly online by going to www.alystamps.stampinup.com and clicking "Shop Now" in the Upper Right Hand Corner!! When you spend $20, you can receive ALL of the Rub-Ons used at a 20% Discount!!!

• 112843 Season of Cheer RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 113099 1-1/4" Riding Hood Red/Vary Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon - $8.95
• 104332 SNAIL Adhesive - $6.95
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals - $3.95
• 113469 Scallop Circle #2 Sizzix Bigz Die - $19.95
• 113439 Big Shot Die-Cut Machine - $99.95
• 113057 Frosty Day Designer Series Paper - $9.95
• 104294 Sticky Strip - $6.95
• 100716 Empressor Stylus - $10.95
• 101650 Very Vanilla Cardstock - $7.50
• 111836 Riding Hood Red Classic Ink - $5.25
• 111348 Riding Hood Red Cardstock - $5.50
• 102264 Coluzzle Starter Kit - $19.95
• 111076 Dad's Day Stamp Set - $22.95

Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day!!!!
To be entered to win the free give-away of the day, you must reply to this post and include your name and e-mail address. If you reply to a different post and/or don't include both your name and e-mail address, you won't be entered!! The winner will be posted tomorrow.

Yesterday's Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day Winner is...
Susan McMillen!!!!
Susan, e-mail me to claim your free mystery prize!!!!

Holiday Extravaganza Day 3: Christmas Mini Gift Tote

Welcome to the 3rd Day of Aly's Holiday Extravaganza!

Today I'm going to be sharing with you an adorable mini tote perfect for a small Christmas Gift! One of my downline, Jen Rios Raner, shared the template for this mini tote at our November Team Time and I just fell in love with it! I tweaked the design a little bit so it wouldn't be a complete copy, but I'm certainly not the brains behind the project!

Here's the completed Mini Tote:

And here's how to make it!

Step One: Cut a Kraft Medium Sized Envelop in half along the 5-3/4" side:


Step Two: Add some SNAIL to the side of the envelope that doesn't already have sealer. Lick the seal and adhere it to itself, securing the envelope half shut:


Step Three: This is what you'll have when it's sealed:

Step Four: Use your paper cutter and scoring blade to score 1/2" in on the 3 sealed sides of the envelop - NOT on the top. Make sure they are VERY crisp - as crisp as you can get them without tearing the envelope. This is what it will look like:

Step Five: Stamp both sides of the envelope. I used the Poinsettia image from "Season of Joy" and Bravo Burgundy Classic Ink:


Step Six: Attach Mini Glue Dots to the centers of each of the poinsettias:

Step Seven: Adhere Silver Micro Beads to the Mini Glue Dot centers:


Step Eight: Turn the 1/2" score lines into sides of the bag, giving them good creases and adhering the pointed tabs down to the bottom of the bag with Mini Glue Dots or Sticky Strip:


Step Nine: This is what it will look like when you're done folding the sides of the bag in:


Step Ten: Stamp the Christmas greeting - I used the one from "Best Yet" - a Level 1 Hostess Exclusive - in Silver Encore! Ink on a piece of Bravo Burgundy Cardstock. Punch it out with the Designer Label Punch:


Step Eleven: Adhere the punch out to the front of the bag with SNAIL Adhesive. Place a Styled Silver Designer Label Hodgepodge Hardware Piece around the Burgundy punch out and secure in place with Silver Brads:


Step Twelve: Punch 1/8" holes in both sides of the bag, holding both layers together. But be sure to fold the side OUT and AWAY from the punch - you don't want to punch through 4 layers, only the top 2!


Step Thirteen: String 1/4" Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon through the holes on each side of the bag to make handles:


And your Christmas Mini Tote is done!

Today's Shopping List:
You can order all of these items directly online by going to www.alystamps.stampinup.com and clicking "Shop Now" in the Upper Right Hand Corner!! And TODAY ONLY, all items are 20% off!!!!!!  To take advantage of the 20% discount, you'll need to e-mail me at alystamps@gmail.com, as it will not be deducted through the online shopping cart.

• 10384 Season of Joy Stamp Set - $26.95 - $21.56 TODAY ONLY!
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots - $4.95 - $3.96 TODAY ONLY!
• 104332 SNAIL Adhesive - $6.95 - $5.56 TODAY ONLY!
• 107297 Kraft Medium Envelopes - $6.50 - $5.20 TODAY ONLY!
• 105214 Bravo Burgundy Classic Inkpad - $5.25 - $4.20 TODAY ONLY!
• 105123 Bravo Burgundy Cardstock - $5.50 - $4.40 TODAY ONLY!
• 111325 Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware - $29.95 - $23.96 TODAY ONLY!
• 109028 Bravo Burgundy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon - $4.95 - $3.96 TODAY ONLY!
• 100391 1/8" Handheld Punch - $8.95 - $7.16 TODAY ONLY!
• 107590 Designer Label Punch - $15.95 - $12.76 TODAY ONLY!
• 110733 Silver Bread Duo - $9.95 - $7.96 TODAY ONLY!
• 111604 Best Yet - HOSTESS EXCLUSIVE - FREE with a $150 Order OR Workshop!

Free-Giveaway of the Day!!!!
To be entered to win the free give-away of the day, you must reply to this post and include your name and e-mail address. If you reply to a different post and/or don't include both your name and e-mail address, you won't be entered!! The winner will be posted tomorrow.

Yesterday's Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day Winner is...
Danene DiSalvo!!!!
Danene, e-mail me to claim your free mystery prize!!!!

Holiday Extravaganza Day 2: Clear Pouch

Welcome to the 2nd Day of Aly's Holiday Extravaganza!

Today I'm going to be sharing with you a clear pouch that you can use to give Christmas gifts! Add some paper shreds to make the gift inside a surprise if you're giving a smaller, higher valued gift. If you are just giving some Christmas Cookies or Candies, you can just put them right in the pouch so that the recipient can see them right away. Or, you can add tissue paper to the inside for another touch. It would also make a great addition to a stocking stuffer. The choice is yours!These pouches can be purchased at www.clearbags.com

Here's the completed pouch:

 

And here's how to make it!

Step One: Cut out all of the chocolate snowflakes from the "Old Saint Nick" Rub Ons:

Step Two: Separate your 1st RubOn, you'll have a scrap piece of paper to throw away, and then the RubOn will be on a clear transfer sheet:

Step Three: Lay the snowflake where you want it on your project:

Step Four: Rub the image on. I used the stick that came with the RubOns because I had a lot of my supplies packed up for an event when I was working on this, but I actually prefer to use the "Empressor Stylus" - the rolling tip prevents scratching and transfers the image very nicely:

Step Five: Carefully peel back the transfer paper, being careful to not pull up any of the image. If the image starts to lift, lay the transfer back down and rub again:

Step Six: This is what your completed transfer will look like:

Step Seven: Repeat steps 2-5 with all remaining snowflakes, here's what your pouch will look like when you're done:

Step Eight: Pop the sides of the pouch in so that it's secured shut, then tie the 1-1/4" Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon around the pouch.

Step Nine: Cut a piece of Kraft Cardstock slightly narrower than the Small Tag Punch. Run the strip up and under the punch so that you can extend the length of the tag:

Step Ten: Adhere the Kraft tag to a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock that has been cut slightly narrower than the Large Tag Punch:

Step Eleven: Run the strip up and under the punch so that you can extend the length of this layer as well:
 

Step Twelve: Rub on "Season's Greetings" from the "Season of Cheer" RubOns to the Kraft Tag:

 

Step Thirteen: Attach the tag to the pouch so that it snug up to the ribbon. I put 3 Mini Glue Dots along the top of the tag, and a couple Stampin' Dimensionals on the base of the tag:
 

And your pouch is done!

Today's Shopping List:
You can order all of these items directly online by going to www.alystamps.stampinup.com and clicking "Shop Now" in the Upper Right Hand Corner!! When you spend $20, you can receive ALL of the Rub-Ons used at a 20% Discount!!! If you place your order for these items on November 28th, you can receive everything at a 20% discount, and the RubOns at a 40% Discount!!! To take advantage of this savings, you'll have to e-mail me directly at alystamps@gmail.com.

• 112844 Old Saint Nick RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 112843 Season of Cheer RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 113099 1-1/4" Riding Hood Red/Vary Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon - $8.95
• 102125 Kraft Cardstock - $7.50
• 111348 Riding Hood Red Cardstock - $5.50
• 105934 Tag Punch - $15.95
• 108264 Small Tag Punch - $15.95
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots - $4.95
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals - $3.95

Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day!!!!
To be entered to win the free give-away of the day, you must reply to this post and include your name and e-mail address. If you reply to a different post and/or don't include both your name and e-mail address, you won't be entered!! The winner will be posted tomorrow.

Yesterday's Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day Winner is...
KAREN BURGESS!!!!
Karen, e-mail me to claim your free mystery prize!!!!

Holiday Extravaganza Day 1: Santa Letters Book

Welcome to the 1st Day of Aly's Holiday Extravaganza!

Today I'm going to be sharing with you a 5x5 Chipboard Book that is perfect for Christmas! The idea behind this book is that you get it out every year and have their kids write their letters to Santa in it! That way, it can become it's on scrapbook type keepsake, allowing you to cherish those precious childhood moments! If you don't want the kids to write directly in the book, you can have them write their letters on paper that is smaller than 5" x 5", and adhere them into the book when they're done.

Here's the completed album:

And here's how to make it!

Step One: Use the Spiral Punch to punch into a scrap piece of cardstock, and then place the cardstock on the Spiral Edge of the Notebook, there will be a gap:

Step Two: Cut your Designer Paper that you want to cover your book into two 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" squares - one for the front and one for the back. I used "Ski Slope" from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Hold the Designer Paper over the book, and make a mark where the gap in the scrap piece of cardstock and the album begins. I used a White Gel Pen here so that you could see it, but you'll want to use a pencil when completing it on your own:

Step Three: Use a pair of Paper Snips to cut a notch along this line, about 1/2" in:

Step Four: Put the Spiral Punch in so that it starts not at the edge of the Designer Paper, but where the cut notch is. This will make it so that when you cover the album, you don't have the gap like that scrap piece of cardstock had:

Step Five: Continue to punch all the way down the Designer Series Paper. When you're done, cover the album cover with Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, using the wide end and spreading evenly.

Step Six: Place the Designer Series Paper over the album, using a Stylus to get the spiral edge pressed down correctly and smooth:

Step Seven: Repeat the previous steps for the other side of the album so that both the front and back are covered. Then use a sanding block to buff the edges of the album and burnish the cardstock into the chipboard.

Step Eight: Select another piece of Designer Series Paper, I used "Holiday Treasures" and cut it into a strip. Tear the edges and use the Spiral Punch to make entryways for the Spiral Binding:

Step Nine: Use a sponge and Classic Chocolate Chip Ink to ink up the torn edges, then adhere it to the book:

Step Ten: Rub on "Dear Santa" from "Season of Cheer" RubOns to a piece of Confetti Cream Cardstock. Tear it out and sponge up the edges with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and a Stampin' Sponge. Adhere to the album with SNAIL Adhesive:

Step Eleven: Rub on "Wish List" from "Word Flurries" RubOns and the lines from "Chateau Bella" RubOns to a piece of Kraft Cardstock. Use the Spiral Punch along the edge to make it look like notebook paper. Wad up the paper with your hands to add wrinkles for a distressed look:

Step Twelve: Use Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and a Stamping Sponge to ink up the edges and make it look aged. When your done, adhere it to the book with SNAIL Adhesive:

Step Thirteen: RubOn the sleigh image from "Old Saint Nick" RubOns to a piece of Designer Series Paper. I used "Holiday Treasures." Punch out with the Designer Label Punch (you will crop some of the image, that's OK) and sponge the edges with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and a Stampin' Sponge for an aged look. Adhere to the book with SNAIL Adhesive.

Step Fourteen: Use a Sanding Block to rough up a Designer Label Hodgepodge Hardware piece from the Vanilla Set. You want metal to start to show through.

Step Fifteen: When you're done with the sanding, sponge over the hodgepodge piece of Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and a Stamping Sponge. Put Mini Glue Dots behind the tabs and adhere it over the sleigh RubOns on the book. Use Wire Cutters to cut off the backs of 2 brass brads (from Vintage Brads) and adhere them over the holes in the hodgepodge with Mini Glue Dots. We're doing this so that you don't see the backs of the brads inside the book:

Step Sixteen: Use the Photo Corner Punch to punch out a large Photo Corner from a piece of Old Olive Cardstock. Sponge the edges with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink and a Stampin' Sponge. Set Brass Brads (from Vintage Brads) in the punch out, and mount to the book with Stampin' Dimensionals:

Step Seventeen: Sponge up a red felt snowflake from "Little Felt Flurries" with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink to make it look aged. Use Linen Thread to sew a Chocolate Chip button from Earth Elements Buttons to the center of the snowflake:


Step Eighteen: Adhere the snowflake to the book with Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive:

Step Nineteen: Rub the Santa Face from "Old Saint Nick" RubOns to a piece of Confetti Cream Cardstock. Tear out the image and sponge up the torn edges with a Chocolate Chip Classic Inkpad and a Stampin' Sponge. Adhere cardstock to the book with Stampin' Dimensionals:

Step Twenty: Set Pewter Jumbo Eyelets with a Crop-A-Dile on both the cover and back of the book. String a piece of the 1-1/4" Very Vanilla/Rind Hood Red through the sides of the Pewter Jumbo Eyelets:


Step Twenty One: Tie a bow on the side of the book to hold it shut:

Step Twenty Two: Tie misc. Ribbons on the Spiral Binding. I used 1" Chocolate Chip Stitched, 5/8" Old Olive, Riding Hood Red Taffeta and Twill Tape:

And your book is done!

Today's Shopping List:
You can order all of these items directly online by going to www.alystamps.stampinup.com and clicking "Shop Now" in the Upper Right Hand Corner!! When you spend $20, you can receive ALL of the Rub-Ons used at a 20% Discount!!! If you place your order for these items on November 28th, you can receive everything at a 20% discount, and the RubOns at a 40% Discount!!! To take advantage of this savings, you'll have to e-mail me directly at alystamps@gmail.com.

• 108495 5" x 5" Art Journal - $6.95
• 108341 Spiral Punch - $10.95
• 110755 Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive - $3.95
• 103301 Sanding Blocks - $3.50
• 112994 Ski Slope Designer Series Paper - $9.95
• 112469 Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper - $9.95
• 102835 Confetti Cream Cardstock - $9.50
• 102125 Kraft Cardstock - $7.50
• 100908 Chocolate Chip Classic Ink - $5.25
• 111417 Word Flurries RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 111416 Chateau Bella RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 112844 Old Saint Nick RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 112843 Season of Cheer RubOns - $10.95 - $8.76 with a $20 order!
• 113697 Little Felt Flurries - $13.95
• 113099 1-1/4" Riding Hood Red/Vary Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon - $8.95
• 112454 Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware - $29.95
• 108432 Pewter Jumbo Eyelets - $9.95
• 109857 Mini Library Clips - $12.95
• 108362 Crop-A-Dile - $29.95
• 111849 Chocolate Chip 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - $8.95
• 105245 Twill Tape - $5.95
• 109054 Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon - $7.95
• 111365 Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon - $6.95
• 103981 Earth Elements and Neutrals Buttons - $6.95
• 104199 Linen Thread - $4.50
• 109042 Photo Corner Punch - $15.95
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots - $4.95
• 104332 SNAIL Adhesive - $6.95
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals - $3.95
• 101610 Stamping Sponges - $3.50
• 109109 Vintage Brads - $8.95

Free Mystery Giveaway of the Day!!!!
To be entered to win the free give-away of the day, you must reply to this post and include your name and e-mail address. If you reply to a different post and/or don't include both your name and e-mail address, you won't be entered!! The winner will be posted tomorrow.

Retired Stamp Set & Accessory WebStore

I've got my WebStore up and running for Retired Stamp Sets and Accessories!!!!

The 60% off Sale will begin on Wednesday, November 26th.  And run through Monday, December 1st.  But I only have ONE of each item, so you'll have to act quickly! I might even be all sold out by December 1st!

While the sale doesn't begin for 2 more days, you can go to the website now and start looking around at what you want!! The address is: www.alystamps.com/usedstamps.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Holiday Extravaganza

Virtual Stamping Night Part 1

Twice a year, I put on a "Virtual Stamping Night" for my Team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. We have a BLAST!!!! They are given a challenge every hour on the hour from 6:00 - 10:00 pm, and have 45 minutes to complete a card using the challenge. Then they have 15 minutes to upload it and post it to our Yahoo Group, sharing it with everyone, before another challenge is given!

Then at our next Team Time, they all bring their cards with them that they made that evening, if they live out of state or can't make it they mail them in to me so that we have them all there -- then everyone at the Team Time votes on their 2 favorites from each category. The top 3 Team Members with the most votes each get a $10 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate!

I don't participate in the challenges on that night because I don't want to influence their designing - I like seeing what they come up with on their own! Then after the evening is over I make up my interpretations of the cards and share them. I thought I would also share them here this time around!

There are 4 challenges during the night, so I'm going to share 2 now and 2 in a few more days.

The 1st Challenge I'll share was an Inspiration Challenge. I showed them this photo, and they had to create a card based on how this photo inspired them:

The thing that drew me to this photo was the leaves on the tablecloth. I just loved the coloring -- the Amethyst is not a typical Thanksgiving color by any means, but I just loved it!

Here was my interpretation of the photo:
 

SUPPLIES:
Cardstock: Almost Amethyst, More Mustard and Really Rust. Whisper White and Chocolate Chip Textured.
Ink: Basic Brown and More Mustard
Stamps: Holidays & Wishes and Fall Flair (Level 2 Hostess)
Sizzix Components: Sizzix Machine, Standard Cutting Pads and Leaves #2 Die
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, More Mustard Brads (Earth Elements Assortment) and 1" Double Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

The 2nd Challenge I'll share was a Supply Challenge. I gave them a Supply and they had to create a card using that supply:

I LOVE glitter. I'm not a fan of the mess it makes, but I love what it adds to a card. But it's funny, even with all of the different types of glitter we carry, I always come back to Dazzling Diamonds. It just seems to be what I always use!

Here was my card for this challenge:

SUPPLIES:
Cardstock: Brushed Silver and Whisper White. Basic Black Textured.
Ink: Jet Black StazOn and VersaMark
Stamps: Holidays & Wishes and Cheers to You
Stampin' Write Markers: Sahara Sand and Going Grey
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Silver Elastic Cord and Silver Embossing Powder.

That's it for now! I'll share more later :) If you would like more information about joining our Team and being able to participate in our next Virtual Stamping Night, contact me!

Baby Bib Thank Yous

We have started getting a few baby gifts from people, so I wanted to get some Thank You cards done up to have on hand! We don't know what we're having yet (December 9th!!!), so I just wanted something generic. Once we find out I'll make more with the right gender/colors!

Fellow Advisory Board Member, Patty Bennett, came up with an ADORABLE bib design using the Scallop Sizzix Die, so I just HAD to use her idea for these Thank Yous! She had done a Baby Boy card as a gift card, so I changed up the stamps to make it a gender neutral card that could serve as a Thank You.

Here's what I came up with:

SUPPLIES:
Cardstock: Barely Banana
Ink: Barely Banana Classic Ink and Close to Cocoa Craft Ink
Stamps: Nursery Necessities and Short & Sweet
Sizzix Components: Sizzix Machine, Standard Cutting Pads and Scallop Circle Die
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder and Paper Piercer
Notes: Only the sail boat is embossed with Clear Embossing Powder (over the Close to Cocoa Craft Ink) -- the "thank you" is just stamped on regularly.

December Card Kit of the Month

Featured Set: Crazy for Cupcakes
Featured Accessory: Red Bead Duo

You’ll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design – so you will receive all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total. You will also receive 2 additional full color samples of “alternative” cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit! In addition, you’ll receive detailed, step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs. This month’s card kit items are listed below, and the price of the Card Kit is $15.

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by December 10th. You will receive your kits by the end of the month.

Special Offer for December! Purchase the Card Kit and receive the Coordinating Set, “Crazy for Cupcakes” and the Featured Accessory, “Red Bead Duo” at 20% off!

Special Note: You'll want to be sure to get Crystal Effects to go along with this card kit! It plays a big part in making the cupcakes look real with the lacquered look it gives. Here's a close up to see what I mean:

The Card Kit ($15) Includes:

• 6 Pieces of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Baja Breeze Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" Real RedCardstock
• 6 Pieces of 3-5/8" x 4-5/8" Whisper White Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" Close to Cocoa Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 2" x 3" Baja Breeze Cardstock
• 12 Pieces of 1-3/4" x 2-3/4" Whisper White Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 4" x 5-1/4" So Saffron Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 2" x 3" Real Red Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" So Saffron Cardstock
• 6 Pieces of 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" Baja Breeze Cardstock
• 6 - 5 1/2" Pieces Baja Breeze 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
• 6 - 1" Pieces of Red Gingham Ribbon
• 12 - Whisper White Envelopes
• Step by Step Instructions to complete 4 different card designs using the kit pieces

Add-On Products:

• Real Red Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)
• So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)
• Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Marker ($3.95)
• Blender Pens ($9.95)
• Baja Breeze Classic Ink Refill ($2.75)
• So Saffron Classic Inkpad ($5.25)
• Jet Black StazOn Inkpad ($7.95)
• Crystal Effects ($6.25)
• Crazy for Cupakes Stamp Set ($23.95) $19.16 with the purchase of the Card Kit
• Red Bead Duo ($9.95) $7.96 with the purchase of the Card Kit

Other Optional Purchases:

• Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95)
• SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95)
• Paper Snips ($9.95)

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $3 shipping charge.

If you would like to order Add-On Products and/or Other Optional Purchases, you'll need to send me an e-mail to alystamps@gmail.com or call me at 585.360.2667 so that we can get them ordered for you and the discount can be properly applied.

To purchase the December Card Kit of the Month ($15 plus $3 shipping) Click Here:

If you want to receive Card Kits of the Month Automatically on a Monthly Basis, you might want to consider purchasing a subscription - you get a discount!! To order a Subscription by mail, simply print and mail in the below form:

To purchase a Card Kit of the Month 3-Month Subscription online using a secure checkout ($40.50 + $9 shipping) Click Here:

 

To purchase a Card Kit of the Month 6-Month Subscription online using a secure checkout ($72 + $18 shipping) Click Here:

Are you a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?? You can purchase a December Card Kit of the Month File Pack for just $5! You can also subscribe to receive Monthly File Packs EARLY and AUTOMATICALLY!!! Visit the "Stamping with Aly! Demonstrator WebStore" for more information/to purchase by clicking here (www.alystamps.com/store).

20% off RubOns!

From today through November 30th, you can get unlimited RubOns at 20% off when you spend $20!

Here is a list of RubOns we carry and the discounted price:

Here is the full flyer, to enlarge it, just click on the image:

Christmas Bonanza PDF File Now Available!

I am pleased to announce that the Christmas Bonanza PDF File is now available for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators!

For complete details on the Christmas Bonanza Event, refer to this post.

The Christmas Bonanza PDF File for Demos includes: Colored Photos and detailed step by step instructions for 15 Christmas Projects!!! The file is 12 pages long with supply lists, dimensions and all!

Here's a small sneak peek at the file pack:

 
To purchase this PDF File ($15) use the link below:

Wonderful Shoebox Swaps!!!

Another fun thing we did at our Oktoberfest Stamping Retreat Weekend was Shoebox Swaps!!! Everyone brought with them the supplies for each of us to make their project, we set them up around the lodge and had a ball putting them together.

I can't share allll of the things we did (because let's face it, that's just a perk of being a Demonstrator on our Team!) but I will share SOME!

Marsha King provided this wonderful project for us:

Kriss Huels led us in this adorable little Peppermint Patty Holder!

Jen Burgess is the creator of this pretty card:

Dawne Flammger designed this little book!

Christine Luce provided us with the materials for this adorable card!

OK, I think that's about all I can share!!! There were lots more -- but next time YOU can join us and make them for yourself!!!!

A NEW Class a la Carte: Fill the Forget Me Not Keeper

I am pleased to introduce a NEW Class a la Carte to my Menu!

Classes a la Carte is a way for YOU to pick the classes YOU want to take - and HOW you want to take them, no matter where you're located!!! With several options for each class, you're sure to find one to meet your needs!

The Fill the Forget Me Not Keeper is a class where you will make cards for twelve categories (Thank You, Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, Congratulations, Get Well, Sympathy, Love, Baby, Friendship, Hello, Feminine and Masculine) and personalize an adorable box to store them in! When you’re done, you’ll have an assortment of beautiful cards at your fingertips, ready at a moment’s notice!

Here's what the completed Forget Me Not Keeper looks like:

And here's a glimpse at each of the 12 cards that you will make to put inside it!

And here's a peak at just ONE of these 12 cards in full (you have to participate in the class to see them ALL!)

Here are your Class Options:

Fill the Forget Me Not Keeper Standard Class a La Carte: $59 per person. Includes a Forget Me Not Keeper ($14.20 value), Chit Chat RubOns ($13.01 value), all of the consumable supplies to complete 24 cards (2 each of 12 designs), 24 envelopes for each of the finished cards and instruction/studio time for the entire class. This class takes approx. 6 hours to complete, so will need to be scheduled for a full day or TWO evening sessions.

To hold a Class a la Carte, I need just 5 participants – you and 4 guests over the age of 18.

Each guest will be responsible for paying for her own Class Fee 2 weeks in advance from the scheduled class time.

Classes a la Carte allow you the flexibility to take the classes that YOU want, WHEN and WHERE you want to take them. Of course, my studio is always open if you would like to come here for the class, or, you can hold it in your home, place of employment or any other location you choose at no additional charge.

While the Class Fees are due 2 Weeks Prior to the Class, the cancellation deadline is also 2 Weeks Prior to the Class. Any cancellations that are received after this 2 Week mark will not receive a cash refund. You will, however, still receive the Product Base for the class, as it will have already been ordered for you.

To schedule this Class a la Carte for you and your friends - just contact me!

Fill the Forget Me Not Keeper Class a La Carte On the Go: Includes a Forget Me Not Keeper ($14.30 value), Chit Chat RubOns ($13.01 value), all of the consumable supplies to complete 24 cards (2 each of 12 designs), 24 envelopes for each of the finished cards, printed step-by-step instructions with full colored photos of each of the projects to complete them on your own and shipping. Price: $64 (only available in the US).
To purchase this class option, click here:

Fill the Forget Me Not Keeper Class a La Carte File Pack for Demonstrators: Includes 3 documents: 1 PDF Class Cost Breakdown, 1 Editable Word Class Ad Flyer and 1 13-page PDF Instruction File containing full colored photos and step-by-step instructions for each of the 12 cards, the tabs and the box. Price: $13
To purchase the file back, click here:

Oktoberfest 2008 - Part 2 - DISPLAYS!

OK so I edited the photos quicker then I thought...

These are all photos of handmade gifts and door prizes I gave out at Oktoberfest Weekend!

Halloween Pails: I got these tins in the Target $ Spot, the Halloween M&Ms came from there as well. The designs on the tins are the Halloween Chills & Thrills RubOns (20% off this month with a qualifying order!) The Tags are done with the Eat Drink & Be Scary Stamp Set.

Fall Candles: I purchased these candles in the Target $ Spot as well. I covered them with the Juntos Designer Series Paper in the Spanish Catalog, used the Coluzzle for the circles and adhered Chocolate and More Mustard Ribbon to the candles.

Thanksgiving Pails: I purchased these pails in the Target $ Spot as well (my favorite place to go for surfaces!) Only they were $2.50 instead of $1. Still a cheap surface! All of the stuffings came from different craft stores. The ribbon around the handles is our Alpine Ribbon Originals from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Then the words on each of the pails each came from the Season of Thanks Decor Elements - all 3 are 1 Decor Element, I just cut them to make 3 pails.

Christmas Pail: Then this is my Christmas Version of these pails (the green ones from Target as well).  I used the Jingle All the Way Decor Element for this one. The Ribbon on the handles is the Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Striped Grosgrain Ribbon from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Jingle Frames: I did 2 versions of this frame, the silver one was for me to keep and then the black one was a door prize. Both use Ski Slope Designer Series Paper from the Holiday Mini Catalog, Jingle all the Way Decor Elements and the Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Striped Grosgrain Ribbon from the Holiday Mini Catalog. The "stuffing" items are from various craft stores.

Thanksgiving Frame: I was inspired at Convention to make this one. The paper is all Juntos Designer Series Paper from the Spanish Catalog. The ribbon is the Chocolate Chip 1" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and the words are from the Season of Thanks Decor Elements. All stuffing came from local craft stores.

Spooky Frame: This adorable Spooky Spider Decor Element was an exclusive element for the month of October. The paper in this frame is from the Ghostly Greetings Designer Series Paper, the buttons are the Earth Element/Neutral Buttons and the ribbon is Tangerine Tango 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon.

Snowflake Mirrors: These mirrors didn't photograph very well, but I'll share them anyway! They already came with the holes pre-drilled in them. I bought them at a local craft store. They both use Old Saint Nick RubOns from the Holiday Mini Catalog (on sale at 20% off this month with a qualifying purchase!) The Rhinestone centers are clear rhinestones from the Pretties Kit that were moved from their brad base. The top frame uses the Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Striped Grosgrain Ribbon from the Holiday Mini Catalog. The bottom frame uses the Bashful Blue 1" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

Rainbow Ribbon Jar: I purchased the jar from Target. The scallop background is the Scallop Sizzix Die and Whisper White Decor Element Sheets. The "R" is with the Serif Essentials Sizzix Die and Chocolate Chip Decor Elements Sheets. It's filled with all SU! ribbon.

Diffuser Reed Bottles: I purchased these Diffuser Reed Bottles at Target and altered them all a bit differently. The 1st one was done with Juntos Designer Series Paper, Flower Fusion, Chocolate 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretties Kit Rhinestone and Hidden Garden RubOns (20% off this month with a qualifying purchase!). The 2nd one used a Ginormous Flower Decor Element, 1" Rose Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and a Pretties Kit Rhinestone. The last one used Flower Fusions, Chocolate 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pink Pirouette 1-1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon and a Pretties Kit Rhinestone.






Hope you enjoyed all of these project ideas!!

Oktoberfest 2008 - Part 1

Our Team's annual Oktoberfest weekend was last weekend! We had a BLAST, as always -- and I thought I would share some photos with you!!!

To attend Oktoberfest, you have to be a member of The Heartfelt Stamper's Team -- that's the one and only requirement! It doesn't matter where you live, either - we have Demonstrators on our Team that aren't in the area fly in for this fabulous retreat!! Since we're able to keep the cost of the event so low, it's easy to purchase the plane ticket!

Our next retreat weekend is our Spring Break Retreat -- to be held April 3rd - 5th. If you want to join us, be sure to become a Demonstrator on our Team before then!!

We were blessed with a BEAUTIFUL location and facility that was just PERFECT!!! I hope to continue to have these retreat weekends there every April & October. The lodge was in Onanda Park on Canandaigua Lake in Canandaigua, NY.This was the lodge that we stayed in - Gorham Lodge. The entire downstairs was huge stamping and eating space with an huge kitchen, the entire upstairs was bedrooms and bathrooms!

This was the beautiful view we had looking out the windows of the lodge:

Somehow, the SU! Banner got hung in the kitchen.....

I had our Team Mission Statement put on a display board, we had it out at the event and talked about it during our Team Time:

We did LOTS of Stamping!!!! Of course... that's the whole POINT of the weekend!

On Saturday during our Team Time, we played Stampin' Up! BUNKO and had a lot of fun with it! We played in teams, here were the different tables:



LOTS of prizes were given out to BUNKO Winners!!!

We also took a Team Photo on Saturday after our Team Time! Not everyone was there, but we did get 18 out of 56!

Sunday was Shoebox Swap Day!!! We set up stations all around the lodge and went around making everyone else's projects!!!

I'll share some stamping project stuff soon! I still have to edit all of those photos :)

Country Living Stamping Kit

Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to bring you this beautiful Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit.  Invite the warmth and coziness of the holidays into your home with simple and elegant Holiday decor. 

This kit has everything you need to create beautiful ornaments with a handmade feel.  It includes the exclusive Holiday Collection stamp set, four 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut chipboard, eight 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 4 double-sided designs), four 12" x 12" sheets of Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 2 double-sided designs), two 12" x 12" sheets of Whisper White card stock, 25 yds. Silver Metallic cord, 10 yds. 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Pretties Kit components (20 pieces), Stampin' Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (1/2 oz.), Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive, Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Spot, Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot, and Whisper White Craft ink refill.

All this for just $49.95! Item No. 114447. 

Contact me to place your order, or visit My SU Website to place an online order.