Tag! You're It!!

Hola Peeps!

It's ABC Toys & Crafts Tuesday!!  Instead of making a card, I decided I'd make some gift tags.  A personalized or hand-made gift tag can add such a wonderful touch to the presentation of a package, don't you think?  So here's the scoop:

MERRIEST CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

I started with a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" base, and trimmed the upper corners to create the shape of a tag.  I chose one of the fun and funky patterns from the K & Company DP pad called Swell Noel - lots of super retro and non-traditional holiday colors and patterns in this pad - LOVE IT!  I punched a border on the contrasting Ocean Tides CS using one of the new Martha Stewart "Punch Around the Page" punches called Eyelet Lace.  I added a bit of sewing with my Janome Sew Mini, and attached that panel to the tag base.  I punched a scalloped circle from Berry Sorbet CS.  I stamped the package from the Penny Black clear stamp set called "Giving & Receiving" - once in Ocean Tides ink, and once in Berry Sorbet ink.  I popped the package up with 3-D Squares, and then popped the bow up again for more dimension.  I then stamped the sentiment from the Giving & Receiving stamp set in Versamark, and then heat embossed it with white embossing powder.  I punched a snowflake using the Martha Stewart Glacial Snowflake punch, added a 3-D Square on the back and a button on the front, and adhered it to the tag base with a glue dot.  Punched a hole with my Crop-A-Dile, added some organdy polka dot ribbon, and voila' -- a gift tag!!

SEASONS GREETINGS!

STAMPS:  Giving & Receiving (Penny Black)
INK:  Versamark
PAPER:  Swell Noel DP (K & Company), Red Hot CS (Poptone), Spring Rain CS (PTI), White CS (Neenah)
ACCESSORIES:  Pinking Shears, Janome Sew Mini, Scalloped Circle Punch (SU), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Crop-A-Dile, Glacial Snowflake Punch (Martha Stewart), Double Loops Punch Around the Page Border Punch (Martha Stewart), 3-D Squares (EK Success), Spring Rain Button (PTI), Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Glue Dots, Organdy Polka Dot Ribbon

WE WISH YOU!

STAMPS:  Giving & Receiving (Penny Black)
INK:  Versamark
PAPER:  Swell Noel DP (K & Company), Ocean Tides CS (PTI), White CS (Neenah), Red Hot CS (Poptone)
ACCESSORIES:  Pinking Shears, Janome Sew Mini, Scalloped Circle Punch (SU), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Crop-A-Dile, Glacial Snowflake Punch (Martha Stewart), , 3-D Squares (EK Success), Scallop 3-Dot Punch Around the Page Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Ocean Tides Button (PTI), Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Glue Dots, White Polka Dot Ribbon (Jilli Bean)




For the most part, all three tags were made the same way.  I've listed the products used for each of them below their corresponding picture - if you have questions about what I did, please feel free to email me.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

WHOO loves you?

I do..... DUH!!!! Did you really have to open the card to find out?

The above sentiment is what I have created to place on the inside of this card, which I generated using the computer.
Ever wonder what happens to your cards after they have been received by their intended recipient?? I doubt they get tossed out. Probably don't get their rightful spot in a frame. I know that my daughters like to keep theirs on display. The recent shampoo gift set (HERE) that I created for Emily posed a particular problem because she didn't know what to do with the little box and tags. Knowing she would never go out and actually purchase a craft magnet, I simply told her to take one off of an ugly magnet and glue it onto the backs of those tags. SIMPLE and what a Clever way to get your artwork up on someone's "Hall of Fame"....
Doesn't every child strive to earn their spot rightful spot? I know I've got a very special "Report Card" on mine right now!

MOVING ONTO "THE CARD".......... First, I have used HERO ARTS (Whoo loves you: apparently this stamp set has sold out, however, Hero Arts has so many other amazing Stamp Sets to choose from. Looking for Owls? There are 5 My Cute Stamp sets that also contain Owls ). Second I used one of the two owls and a little trio of hearts to create my own patterned paper then tied a fun ribbon around the card base.

Using scalloped "Nestabilities", I cut out a circle & a square, glued them together. Third, I stamped the sentiment "Whoo loves you in grey and stamped the second owl Twice (once onto the white square, then onto an orangish scrap of paper which I cut out and adhered using foam squares, over the first owl. Notice that I don't waste my time trying to cut out his feet or curly Q). Fourth, I glued a strip of magnet to the back of my tag, added a little clip in which I threaded a piece of string through and tied it around my ribbon. FINITO...

Click on the BLINKIE below to be linked directly to ABC Toys & Crafts, where you will receive a 15% DISCOUNT on your entire purchase by using this CODE:

GCD1009

Hugz,
Justine (visit my blog: HERE)

Martha and Spellbinders What a pair!

HERE are 2 cards I made with the Martha Stewart edge punch and the Spellbinders Nestabilities.

With the Above card I used the Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Squares large set and the Classic Squares Large Set. The border was created with the Martha Stewart Scallop 3 Dots Punch around the Page set. I only used the Border Punch on this card. The 3 Dots Punch is one of my favorite sets and is very versatile, a must have for anyone.

This Card was also made with the Scalloped Square and classic Square Nestabilities and the Border was created with the NEW Botanical Scallop Border Edge punch.

Below you will find a fun and cool way to use up all that old Scrapbooking paper and create very colorful cards.

Who says you have to stamp a lot to make a great card.

I find that with the amount of cards I have to make for family & friends, I don't have the time to make every card a masterpiece. But here is a simple and easy way to make a holiday card POP!

Go through your Scrapbook holiday papers and choose a couple of different papers that you love and cut them into 4" x 5 1/4" (you can get 6 sheets out if a 12x12 piece of paper). Now choose a 8 1/2"x11" card stock color that matches the scrapbook pattern you choose. Cut the Card stock into 8 1/2"x5 1/2 and now you fold it in half and you now have your base card. Now use a white to stamp your greeting, cut to desired size and mat with the same color that you used for the base card. I left an edge at the bottom of the mat so that I can use one of my Martha Stewart Border Punches on it. Find matching Ribbon, Assemble and walla! a great Holiday card for sending in the mail.

With the holidays fast approching there is no time like the present to get all those holiday cards done.

Happy Stamping!

Julie

Trouble

I am so late today! I just got in early this morning from California- so that is my excuse but I do apologize as I like my posts early.

So this little cutie is a Shirley's 2 Girls image and I always laugh at this one. That darned cat, mine like to chew on the lights when they are on the floor- are they crazy or what? The image is colored with copic markers and then a little sparkle added with stickles. The little ornament is the Hero Arts set for Christmas

Sorry it is short but I gotta catch up. Heidi

Stamp; Bad or Good Cat, Hero Arts ChristmasColoring: Copic markersMisc: embellishments in picture: MS branch, ornament punches.

Vintage Christmas Joy!

Hello there! Today I am showcasing Christmas Joy from Crafty Secrets! Today I am just using the ornament and the sentiment! I am using another stamp, but that's just for background! And I'm using Stampin' Up! paper as my dp. I can't STOP using this paper!

Anyway, this is just another way to use that wonderful Christmas Joy set! So versatile!!!! They are all versatile! And if vintage scares you, you can still use these sets in a more traditional way!
Have a great day!
Erin

New Boy In Town!!

Hi Peeps!

So what do you think of my new blog banner?  It's a new kit done by Zoe Pearn and I got it at Sweet Shoppe Designs.  Amazing digital kits, and really cute blog wear, for sure!!  I like to change things up every now and then, so this popped up at the perfect time!

On to much cuter things than blog banners.  Every other month, I get a box full of amazing goodies from Julie Foote, the owner of ABC Toys & Crafts.  Let me tell  you that the boxes I've received over the past few months have been unbelievably full to the brim with some of the cutest and most fun products I've ever worked with.  If you're familiar with my blog, you know I struggle with the "vintage" or "shabby chic" look.  I love looking at it, drooling over it, admiring it - but simply cannot get comfortable with recreating that look for myself.  It mostly has to do with the smudgy edges of things, the distressing, and the non-linear shape of things.  Just can't do it and be happy with the end result.  So this month's box had a Crafty Secrets set inside called "Baby Boy."  Even though I struggle with most things vintage, I decided that I didn't necessarily have to create a vintage card with a vintage image.  Do I?!!  Nope, I don't!  So here's what I did.

First, of all there are so many cute images in this clear set.  My mind was swimming with ideas, but I ultimately decided to use the little paper boy baby as my main image.  I stamped him on white cardstock with Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  I colored him with my Copics - just wanted his cute little pink body to be a subtle pop, so I used the lightest red - R0000.  I outlined him in the lightest blue (B0000) and gave his little feet a shadow using my Lyra colored pencils and Gamsol.  Easy peasy!

I stamped the little wood pull toy image on the ric rac strip (created using my EK Success Zig Zag border punch).  To create the little ric rac circle frame around the main image, I used my Scalloped Circle Nestabilities and Inverted Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, layering one inside the other, and running it through my Cuttlebug all at once (I usually use a bit of repositionable tape to keep them in place), and that look of ric rac is what resulted.  Isn't it too fun?!!  A little bit of ribbon, a cute little button, and some last minute stitching on my Janome Sew Mini, and I have myself a darling little baby boy card that I think any new mom would be thrilled to pieces with.  Might just have to hang on to this one for my new grandbaby in May!  Hehehe

CARD PRESCRIPTION:

STAMPS:  Baby Boy (Crafty Secrets)
INK:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)
PAPER:  Baby Boy DP (Paper Studio/Hobby Lobby), Bashful Blue CS (SU), White CS (Neenah)
ACCESSORIES:  Bashful Blue Ribbon (SU), Bashful Blue Button (SU), Zig Zag Border Punch (EK Success), Glue Dots, 3-D Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Janome Sew Mini, Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, Inverted Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Copics, Lyra Colored Pencils, Gamsol

That's it for me today!  Thanks so much for stopping by - it means so much to me that you do.

Smallest Book Mark Ever!!

I totally flipped when I saw that ABC Toys & Crafts was carrying this particular Nestabilities die set (Labels #7 - HERE). Was it purposely made to make little mini books? I dunno, but I can tell you that I made several little books while designing today's project. Speaking of books, I specifically purchased this Crafty Secrets stamp set (BOOK LOVERS)with this very idea in mind. Don't you just love when the ideas in your head come out the way you envision them?

The little sheep was stamped with Versa Mark then heat embossed in black. I then shaded him with markers. THE BOOK, started off with a brown base, creased down the center. You cannot see it but I did Heat Emboss the Beautiful "ONCE UPON A TIME" sentiment included in this stamp set. The recipient will be able to see it. I then layered a smaller cream rectangle with inked edges. Using the largest die, I layered two pieces of patterned paper into the Cuttlebug at once to save time. I then inked, distressed the edges and sponged my pages for a more worn appearance. I slid the ends of the pages along a Copper ink pad. Using my stylus, I rolled the pages and tacked them down starting at the spine.

The bitty Book Mark was a tag that came with the patterned paper. I cut the other pointed end off and stamped my sentiment in the center. The hole was already there so I just wrapped a piece of scrap ribbon through it........

Let me know what you think.

ABC Toys & Craft Specials

25% off all Shirley's 2 Girls Stamps
&
15% off your entire order until 12/31/09
use this code
GCD1009

All of the highlighted items below can be purchased at ABC, click on each one to shop NOW
............Supplies I used............
Stamps: Crafty Secrets(book lovers)
Cardstock: Stampin Up (always artichoke, confetti, naturals white)
Patterned Paper: Foo La La
Ink:Tsukineko : (Copper ink, Versa Mark, Momento Tuxedo Black) Tim Holtz distress ink, Stampin Up markers
Ribbon: American Crafts
Tools: Spellbinders (Nestabilities Labels 7)
Hugz,
Justine

And the WINNER is...

The winner of the Martha Stewart Stamp & Punch Cupcake is...

Terri Scott

Terri Congratulations!!!

I will be contacting you to get your information so I can get the punch out to you.

Check back often to see if I have listed more Blog Candy!

Christmas Critters!

This is last friday's post, created by Heidi, but I thought I would showcase it once again because the Ornament Border punch buy Marth Stewart is back in stock. Don't miss out on this fabulious punch to create beautiful cards for the holidays.

Cheers, Julie - owner ABC Toys and Crafts

Happy Friday! I am off work today and I am actually running behind on my posting! Is that kind of funny? I typically load them the day before but figured since I was off I could do it this morning and here I am .............. LATE. But I am here, so I will share my creations. This first card just came together so easily and is definately one of those cards you can duplicate over and over. The stamp set is Christmas Critters by Penny Black and I just got it from Julie over at ABC Toys and Crafts. I colored that little critter with copics, the grosgrain is SU and then I used the snowflake cuttlebug folder to emboss the top layer. Do you see it? That wonderful border punch- that is the MS christmas ornament one. It is fabulous and it also makes confetti because all those little ornament punches are left over!

Oh and don't forget 25% off Shirley's 2 Girls stamps through the end of November! 15% off your orders if you use GCD1009 through end of the year. And then, do you want BLOG CANDY- check out what Julie is giving away here at ABC Toys and Crafts AGAIN.

Stamps: Penny Black Christmas Critters
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Misc: MS ornament border punch

Joyful Snowman

As soon as I saw this little snowman I knew I had to have him and was so glad when he arrived from Julie here at ABC Toys and Crafts. I colored him with my copic markers, I loved the idea of the polka dots because I thought they went so well with the snowman. I then wanted sparkly snowflakes so I punched them out and then 1. I spritz the first one with glimmer mist (candy apple) and the other one I used glue dots to attach all the sparkles. Added a few fir branches and done. Do you see my border punch again- so cute. And all those little ornaments lying on the ground are made when you use the punch, like instant confetti!

I hope you all have a blessed day!

Heidi

Stamps: Share the Joy

Misc: MS punches , copics, Glimmer mist

BLOG CANDY...Yes again!!!

Don't forget about the Blog Candy!

Martha Stewart

Stamp & Punch Cupcake Set

Once again I am happy to announce another Giveaway!

This is the NEW Martha Stewart Stamp & Punch set called Cupcakes, be one of the first to try it out.

For this giveaway there will be a few things you have to do to qualify:

1. Comment on this post.
2. Create a post on your blog mentioning ABC Toys and Crafts with a link to this giveaway.
3. Email me at abctoysandcrafts@comcast.net subject: blog giveaway. Include your link to your blog (this will be the proof of post, your ticket for the drawing and a way for me to contact you if you win.) I will not use your email for anything else but to contact you if you are the winner.

Drawing end Friday, November 13th at 11:59pm Central standard time and the winner will be announced on November 14th, 2009.

Penny Black - Toadily COOL!!!!!

Hello there! Today I am showcasing "Toadily" by Penny Black! This set is SO cute!!!! When I saw the little frog strumming his guitar, I came up w/ the perfect card! A lily pad!!!! And this card came together SO easily!!!!

The flowers are from an old retired punch, but I just put them on here for color. I drew the lily pad freehand, but made it so that it would fit in a regular size envelope in case I need to send it to someone!

I had to make this 3-D because I LOVE 3-D and I knew that I could not make it as real if it was flat! So, at least this can give you some inspiration and give you a jumping off point!

You can get your own Toadily set HERE!

Julie is having another blog candy giveaway! Look at the post below for information! I hope you win!!!!

And now until Dec. 31st, 2009, if you shop at the store, you can use discount code: GCD1009 and get 15% off your entire order!!!! You can only use this code once, so go crazy and get that discount!

Have a "toadily" fantastic day!
Erin

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!!

Hey Chickies!!

It's another ABC Toys & Crafts Tuesday share! Today's card features Penny Black's clear stamp set called "Giving & Receiving." I've been seeing all these circle sentiments all over stamp land, but I don't own any, so I made my own. The sentiment - We Wish You A Merry Christmas - came with the set, only it's actually meant to be wavy. I bent it and attached it to a block that had Tack N Peel adhesive on it, which gave it that little extra oomph to keep it in place (just ONE of the MANY benefits of clear acrylic stamps - LOVE THAT!) I inked it up, and stamped it onto my circle panel (cut out with my Classic Circle Nestabilities) three times, leaving a bit of a gap between stamps. Then I stamped the tree image with Versamark onto the green designer paper, and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I cut it out and popped it up using 3-D Dimensional Squares, and added some Red Self-Adhesive Rhinestones for extra zing and bling. I added Citron Self-Adhesive Rhinestones in the gaps between the sentiments. Then I cut out another panel, using the same designer paper as the tree, using my Labels One Nestabilities, and placed it behind the circle panel. A few buttons here, a little ribbon there, and you've got yourself another fun and funky Christmas card! I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. It's big - 5" x 7" - but that's okay, right?!






STAMPS: Giving & Receiving (Penny Black)
INK: Pure Poppy (PTI), Versamark
PAPER: Gumdrop Green CS (Poptone), Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Pretty In Pink CS (SU), White CS (Neenah), December Details DP (Bella Blvd.)
ACCESSORIES: Classic Circle Nestabilities, Labels One Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Pure Poppy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (PTI), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Buttons, Scrapper's Floss, 3-D Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Red Self-Adhesive Rhinestones (Hero Arts), Citron Self-Adhesive Rhinestones (Hero Arts)
*********

There are some other fun events going on at ABC Toys & Crafts right now that I wanted to share with my peeps.

*First - Julie's giving away one of the brand spankin' new Martha Stewart Stamp & Punch Cupcake Sets as blog candy. Check out the ABC Design Team Blog HERE for all the details on that very generous give-away - contest expires on November 13, 2009.

*Second - Julie's such a generous gal that she's offering a "Good Customer" discount - 15% off your entire purchase if you use the Discount Code GCD1009 at checkout. Only good one time and offer ends December 31st, 2009. You must create an account for the code to work. Julie carries some amazing products (including Copic Markers), and her service is second to none - check out her store HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Gelato Anyone?

"Woolies" are one of the most recent crazes in the paper crafting world. These fun embellishments are so simple to use, yet add a powerful "Wow Factor" from their recipient. Check out all of the little details (rhinestones, stitching & a button).

The patterned paper & the woolie are from Basic Grey's "Lemonade" line. The paper comes in a 6"x6" pad of 36 sheets!! The ice cream cone is mounted on a fun frame that I created using scraps. I used one of the new Martha Stewart corner punches (Loops), then heat embossed a "snow flake" image from a Penny Black stamp set (Crystalline). The pink frame was created by double layering Nestabilities Dies (label one set) by Spellbinders. Lastly, the "Sweet Wishes" sentiment is from My Cute Stamps (sweet chocolate stamp set).

ALL OF THE PRODUCTS THAT I USED ON THIS PROJECT
(EXCLUDING REGULAR CARDSTOCK)
CAN BE PURCHASED AT

Click on any of these to begin shopping NOW
Hugz,
Justine
visit my blog: CARDiology
............Supplies I used.............
Stamps: My Cute Stamps (Sweet Chocolate), Penny Black (Crystalline)
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Stampin Up (certainly celery, pretty in pink, turquoise), Basic Grey (lemonade 6x6 paper pad)
Tools: Spellbinders (Nestabilities Label One), Martha Stewart (Loops corner punch)
Embellishments: Basic Grey (lemonade woolie)

Pointsettia Christmas

Brrrrr is it cold where you are? We got up on Friday to 25 degree! I am hoping today will be warmer..... I guess I am looking for a last "who Rah!"

So, today's card is made using the Hero Arts Poinsettia Circle. I saw this stamp and was not sure if I would use it and it is awesome. Think about how much you use your nestabilities........ well this is the ideal stamp to use with them. It fits perfectly and then you have a perfect background paper! I don't think that you can see it well but I added thick stickles to that one pointsettia and then stuck a brad in there.

Ok, now stay warm and I will see you back here on Friday!
Heidi

Crafty Secrets Christmas Joy!

Hi there! Today I am showcasing a new set that I received Christmas Joy by Crafty Secrets! This set is just so cute! You can find it in the ABC Store under Crafty Secrets clear stamps!

For this card, I used the little bird, pine that the bird is standing on, and the sentiment. The postage stamp stamp is one I picked up while out shopping. I see myself turning to this Christmas Joy set a lot! There are so many cute images to work with! And you don't even have to make it vintage! I tried to stay away from vintage here. Did I succeed?

Well, Christmas is in the air! If you're making your Christmas cards this year, you will want to go to the ABC Store and stock up on all your goodies to make your fabulous holiday cards! There's a sale going on too! Purchase $50.00 and receive $10.00 off your order!!!! When you're checking out, use code: NOV5010. This sale ends Nov. 8th so get over there and take advantage!!!!!!

Have a great day!
Erin