World Cardmaking Day - Operation Write Home


Welcome!! Happy World Cardmaking Day! I hope you're enjoying the fabulous hop hosted by Operation Write Home!
Ready to get your Holiday cards started? No? ;-) Well, you'll have lots of ideas if you tour the fantastic blogs participating today! Be sure to click the link above to find your inspiration...


Bringing a little bit of Joy!

I make cards for our Troops because its a small way I can give back to those who serve our country... Operation Write Home cards will carry a message between two distant hearts this holiday season - and they will be there the rest of the year too with cards for all occasions! I hope you'll support OWH, if not in making cards (Christmas Deadline is October 31st!) then please donate and help send these cards out on their mission, and spread the word about this great organization!

Thank you for hopping today, Enjoy!
~angie



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OWH Blog Hop - Card Recipe

Thank you so much for taking part in the fabulous World Cardmaking Day Blog Hop hosted by my favorite organization - Operation Write Home! There are so many great cards posted, I hope you'll get a chance to see them all!

My card:

I started with my standard Operation Write Home card base, which I print in bulk. You can download a pdf HERE. I print these out and cut the 8.5x11 sheet in half to give me two card bases - one landscape (like above), one portrait. I got the digital version of this many moons ago, but I like it because it has the logo, the website, and a small thank you. Operation Write Home receives thousands of cards, and it makes the shippers lives a bit easier if they are just ready to pop in a box to send out! Your card needs to have OWH info on the back of the card, so you can use my pdf or you can get a free stamp from OWH, or purchase stamps made for this purpose. See the other card guidelines HERE.

RECIPE:
Onto the card base, I layered a 4 x 5.25" sheet of Stampin' Up! Old Olive card stock. 
On top of that is a 3.75 x5" sheet of Stampin' Up! Cherry Cobbler card stock.
On top of that is the white layer which was embossed using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder (Stampin Up! #119976).
I then layered some more Cherry Cobbler with a scrap of Jolly Holidays designer paper (Stampin' Up! retired) the dimensions are 3.75x2" red, 3.5x1.75 designer paper.
The stamped design is from the Season of Joy set (Stampin' Up #110384) one of my favorites. I stamped it in Old Olive classic ink and layered it onto another piece of Cherry Cobbler. Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.5" white stamped piece, 2.5 x 2.75" red.
Now, if you stop here its a pretty cute card! Traditional layered look with lots of texture, the sentiment stamp has lots of festive phrases... Cute! ((if I do say so myself ;-))
But I wanted to add a little something more, so I got out my Pennant Parade stamp set (Stampin' Up! #122742) and my coordinating Petite Pennants Builder punch (Stampin' Up! #122361).
I stamped the polka dot pennant onto some white scraps, then I stamped using some of my kids alphabet stamps the letters J, O, and Y onto each pennant.
These were punched out using the larger side of the paper punch, and I attached them with adhesive and some dimensionals to the Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (Stampin' Up! #111368), after I had wrapped (and glued) it to the card.
To finish it off I attached some half-peals from a retired kit, you could use the darling Basic Pearls (Stampin' Up! #119247) as well.



Its a pleasure to support OWH, they are a very passionate and creative group of people!  I highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a service project or good place to send donation$!

Just reading the stories from the heroes families who receive these cards, the effect a simple thing like a greeting card can have on a child or spouse or parent of one of our service members - that's inspiring!
I am proud to support our troops through Operation Write Home I hope you will support them too!

Happy Crafting!
~angie
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Count Down to Candy

A little early, but getting in the Spirit!
I came across this craft project in one of my (many) crafty newsletters, How Does She?, and I just couldn't pass it up, once I researched the costs... The supplies were offered at PickYourPlum.com - they post crafty deals once a day, in limited supply, at a pretty good savings. (enabler alert: You may want to sign up :-) Anyhow, I got a set of 3 unfinished wood blocks, and the vinyl lettering and numbers for a fantastic price of $16 including shipping (they usually offer flat rate shipping if you buy one set or a few, nice!) But I must warn you, sell outs are pretty common, so check first thing and buy if you like it. If you think on it and come back, chances are it will be sold out. ANYHOW... I decided this would be easy and the kids would get a kick out of it, so over the weekend we decided to make it: a Halloween Count Down.
Image from PickYourPlum.com
 When the box arrived, and we opened it up, the kids were so excited about the project - because I mentioned we would get to use sandpaper! Saturday morning came, and before I could even get out of bed the boy was asking if it was time to do the project. "Sandpaper - do we get to do the sandpaper today Mommy?!?" I barely got some coffee in me, the sandpaper from Daddy, and we were OFF! Note: the kit actually came with nice smooth blocks, my original idea had been to sandpaper the edges of the paper for a distressed look, but the boy was so excited to sand the wood that I went ahead and let him:

Nothin' like sandpaper to get the Grrr out!
The blocks are 3.5" squares, and the long rectangle is 3.5" x 7" long. I cut my spooky paper to about 4 inches and wrapped the edges over on most of the sides, cutting the last side to a 3.25 square to finish. The rectangle is actually wrapped on 3 sides with a 12" sheet cut to 7.5" and then the last side 3.25x6.5", with the ends covered in a couple 4 inch pieces.
I had some scraps of the retired Designer Paper "Cast -a-Spell" which worked for the blocks, and for the larger rectangle I used a scrap of Island Oasis. Also used were some various scraps in Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie. I used the Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere everything. Once the blocks were covered, we tried sanding the edges, but I also thought that a dab of ink to it would add a little extra as well. The kids loved both these techniques, and did pretty good for the first time -though they were a bit heavy handed with the inking!
Note: If I were to do it again, I might try another method I saw for covering the blocks : paint the blocks a solid color all over, and adhere just squares of paper to the center of each side. That gives a very nice look, but I didn't want to break out the paint with my helpers today (they get a little carried away with paint projects!). You could also embellish the sides with stickers or spooky enhancements!
After the blocks were all "spookified" we applied the vinyl letters and numbers that came with the kit. These were very easy to apply - just place, rub, and remove the transfer sheet. They even gave you a hand with that: the numbers for each block came in a row, so you don't have to figure out the right combination to give you working digits on your countdown. To make your own, you could also use stamps, or number/letter stickers, maybe some embellished chipboard pieces, or you could print them and cut the shapes to fit or use a paper punch. (Psst: you'll need 0,1,2,3,4,5 for the first block; and 0,1,2, 6,7,8 for the second - your 6 needs to be in a font/style that will allow it to be used upside down as a 9)  Many different methods to achieve the cute factor in this type of project!
Inked to perfection by my own little goblins <3
This was a really fun craft outing for me AND my kids. I loved seeing them learn new techniques, and admiring their growing craftiness. They thought the count down was awesome, but were a little sad to see such a BIG number there when we set it up in our living room. It will be fun to watch their excitement grow as the number get smaller and smaller... Here comes Halloween!!
 
 
The fabulous deal I got on these blocks has expired, and a quick google search of similar offerings did not yield any good results. I did find a LOT of ideas on creating your own countdown for just about everything: birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, school events or dance recitals... If you can go to it, you can count down to it! Just pick a theme and craft your own special count down!
 
 
Take heart, given the above mentioned crafting options for the numbering and sentiment, you could just get your own set of blocks and create a countdown. My local craft stores seem to carry wood blocks, and many other craft sites online do too. BUT, if your feeling Thrifty as well as Crafty:
Lowes carries a 4"x4"x8' lumber piece, it could be cut to MANY blocks, I know they will make a few cuts at no charge - have your measurement ready (by my calculations it will take 17 cuts, you may have to play your Please-help-the-crafty-lady-with-no-saw card :-). You can get 12 4x4x4" blocks, and 6 4x4x8" rectangles out of the 8 foot piece. These blocks will require more hard work than just buying pre-made blocks: cutting if you don't have it cut for you, and definitely sanding to soften the cut edges... but the cost is only about $8 for 6 complete sets of these counting blocks ( two 4" squares, and an 8" rectangle - $1.33 a set!!) ... They also have 2x2x8' lumber - which looked to be about half the price if you want a cute petite set of countdown blocks. Quite the steal for the DIY crowd!
 
 
To finish off the count down blocks, the samples I've seen wrapped up the pieces with a nice thick ribbon and a bow at the top. Unfortunately, my ribbon stash has mysteriously dwindled down to almost nothing (want to get in on my ribbon share?! more details HERE ) and I thought my small ribbons needed a little help! I added a tiny witch hat made from paper, with a buckle accent and coordinating ribbons.
Happy Crafting!
~angie
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Festive Fridays Petals-a-plenty

Its that special Friday again -- a FESTIVE FRIDAY!

Festive Friday is a Blog Hop happening the second and fourth Friday of each month, showcasing Christmas cards.
If you're joining me directly, don't miss the beginning of the hop over at Terri's Blog. If you've joined me from Brendas blog, You're hoppin' along just fine! There is a link to all the fine blogs at the end of this post, and I heard that there's blog candy to be had from a few of our friends! (info for mine is at the end of the post also, AND visit the rest of the hop to get in on some more!)

This week I went back to finish off my stash of these retired gorgeous snowflakes, I used them on a few cards back HERE but there are a couple left... I love them! Also used on this card: the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder (#116824), Ridinghood Red and Cherry Cobbler card stock, Tiny Tags (#118091) and coordinating Jewelry Tag punch (#117190), some stash ribbon, and Clear Brads (#113144).

 
Please enjoy the inspiration on the hop and continue over to Becky at BC Designs, the Holidays are just around the corner!

I'd like to offer my blog followers some festive candy: a kit to make your own set of cards
with a nice card keeper box. The kit includes all the paper and accessories needed for 12 cards and a box,
you need only provide some adhesive and assembly!
Share your favorite holiday card theme in a comment below (mine is Snowflakes! :-)
and I will pick a random winner and announce it on this blog.
BLOG CANDY for Blog Followers - comment for a chance to win!
*** LAST WEEKS WINNER -- MELISSA at A Creative Journey ***
Congratulations and Thank You!
Please email me your information at
midnightcrafter at gmail dot com
and I will get your fun package out asap!






Have a Festive Friday!
~angie
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Q&A Simply Scored Tool

 Q&A


Q:What is the new Simply Scored tool in the Holiday Mini?

Simply Scored Product


A: That’s a great question! Over the last 20 plus years, Stampin’ Up! has earned a reputation for high quality products, and the Simply Scored Scoring Tool is a great example of the thought and
detail that makes our products stand apart from the crowd. The product team at Stampin’ Up! sure had their thinking caps on when they designed the new Simply Scored Scoring Tool. They covered all the bases to make a tool that is functional, simple, and goes the extra distance to give you value!

The Basics

The Simply Scored tool fits 12” x 12” paper as you would expect. It has full rulers across the top edge and down the left side that are marked at every 1/8”. Plus, there is a centering ruler along the top edge. The sturdy, yet lightweight, construction of the Simply Scored tool comes from built—in reinforcements that prevent the scoring surface from bowing when you are scoring. There are also nine non—skid feet so it doesn’t slip around when you are scoring your card stock or Designer Series Paper. The stylus is included with the Simply Scored tool and has its own handy storage spot that it clips into so you won’t lose it. The stylus is ergonomically shaped and features a comfort grip so you can score the 100 boxes your daughter wants for her wedding without any problems.

Keeping it Together

Life is always simpler when everything has a place. With the Simply Scored tool, the smart details are built in. How many times have you lost accessories to your tools rendering them useless? That won’t happen with this handy tool! The top edge of the Simply Scored has a secret compartment for holding an extra stylus, extra place markers, bone folder, or other essentials like maybe chocolate! The ergonomically designed stylus is included with the Simply Scored tool and has its own handy storage spot that it clips into. The stylus has two tip sizes so you can choose which you prefer depending on how hard you press. Not only does the stylus score easily and smoothly, the refined steel tip gets even smoother with use rather than wearing out like plastic tools.

A Marked Difference

One of the most unique features of the Simply Scored tool is the row of little holes at every 1/8” interval for included place markers. The 1/8” groove spacing gives you the ultimate flexibility, unlike others that have a varying assortment of width or pre-set measurements. The markers are great for saving time when scoring multiple projects and for more complex designs and projects. Allowing you to set once and forget measuring again and again. If you ever need more markers, just contact me, as we have them available as a separate purchase as well. Don’t forget, when you purchase this product at a workshop, you are helping a friend to earn free products. Or have you own workshop by ordering all your supplies at once and earn free shopping rewards.

Simply Scored – Simply the Best!

Imagine you are creating a bunch of tri-fold cards for Christmas or as gifts for teachers. Simply pop the place markers in at your desired scoring measurements. Then you can easily slip one card after another into the corner of the Simply Scoring tool for precise alignment and score to your heart’s content without having to measure and re-measure. Because the scoring groves fall at every 1/8”, you can make the projects you want without having to reposition the card stock or go through convoluted calculations required by systems with irregular scoring groves. And the final difference? Me! Yep, I come included with the purchase of the Simply Scored tool. Don’t worry, you won’t need to provide room and board. My point is that Stampin’ Up! provides me with great training and resources so I can be your personal expert. All that comes included with the affordably-priced Simply Scored tool — now that’s a deal worth getting! Give the Simply Scored tool a try. I think you’ll love the simplicity and details that make it simply the best!


Simply Scored #122334
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up!
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Festive Fridays Snow Swirled Layers

Its that special Friday again -- a FESTIVE FRIDAY!

Festive Friday is a Blog Hop happening the second and fourth Friday of each month, showcasing Christmas projects.
If you're joining me directly, don't miss the beginning of the hop over at Terri's Blog. If you've joined me from Brendas blog, You're hoppin' along just fine! There is a link to all the fine blogs at the end of this post, and I heard that there's a bit of blog candy to be had! (info for mine is at the end of the post also, AND visit the rest of the hop to get in on some more!)

There was a beautiful hop for the Labor Day holiday to celebrate the return of Fall Fun, and I was inspired this week by one of the cards posted by Wanda Cullen. I loved the layout and cooled it off for a winter holiday card:

I used Early Espresso and Old Olive, a slip of the great Letters to Santa Designer Paper, my Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, and some Hemp Twine (I wish I had some of the Early Espresso Bakers Twine - next time :-). I stamped and fussy cut the snow Season of Joy tree, and stamped the sentiment from the same set in Marina Mist. The snowflakes  are from Snowflake Set #2, die cut in Marina Mist. The star embellies are from the stash.


 
Please enjoy the inspiration on the hop and continue over to Becky at BC Designs, the Holidays will be here before you know it!

I'd like to offer my blog followers some festive candy: a kit to make your own set of cards with a nice card keeper box. The kit includes all the paper and accessories needed for 12 cards and a box, you need only provide some adhesive and assembly! Leave me a comment sharing about when you start on your Holiday Cards, and I will pick a random winner and announce it on Monday here on the blog.
BLOG CANDY for Blog Followers - comment for a chance to win!





Have a Festive Friday!
~angie
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School Supply Cake for Back to School Night

I have been terribly busy with back to school this year, I joined the PTA and let me just say: WHEW! Lots to Do! I didn't really get a chance to do anything extra special for bubs teacher for the first day and I saw this tutorial on Tip Junkie which I thought would be a fun gift for Back to School Night. I strayed from the supply list a bit in creating this, and I admit its not as flowery as most "cakes" that are made, but I think it came out good - and most importantly his teacher Loved it!


School Supply Cake

I posted more photos and info on Facebook, but the tutorial linked above is really easy to follow.The supplies are going on clearance (if not already!) so stock up and gift a teacher you love with some stuff! These would be great for Teacher Appreciation day/week, or for their Birthday (ok, maybe :-), or you could tuck it away and gift it next year for a special Back to School gift.

Happy Crafting!
~angie
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