Author Archives: Karen Fontinelle

Island Oasis Tin Album

In my "stash" I've had these tins I purchased from Stampin' Up! awhile back and finally I got one out and made something with it.  I decided to work with the new Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (#117173) in the Summer Mini, and I had SO much fun with it!  I'm going to order another pack of this paper on my next order!

Island Oasis DSP Tin Album
Island Oasis DSP Accordion Fold Album
Island Oasis DSP Accordion Album

Now I can always go back and do more embellishing on my pages, but for now I wanted it rather generic.  You could add more pages but the tin is pretty skinny so it had to stay fairly small.  And after struggling to get exactly the right shape to have the card stock fit the entire front of the album, I opted for just a strip across the middle!  Much easier!  The paper flower is made with five punched flowers from the Extra Large Fancy Flower Punch #118073 (a carryover from the Occasions Mini so still available!) and one card stock flower on the bottom, all scrunched up individually and then assembled together with a brad and scrunched up once more toward the center.  Really fun!  

If you are interested in this tropical Island Oasis Designer Series Paper and any other great products for stamping and scrapbooking, please click HERE or the Online Shopping button in the upper right corner to go to my Stampin' Up! Online Store.

My Matryoshka

I realize I am one mini catalog behind in showing you these cards, but it was time to play with my own matryoshka dolls.

My Matryoshka Dolls from Kazakhstan 

My Matryoshka stamp set Occasions Mini
My Matryoshka Birthday Card 

The Designer Series paper is the beautiful glittered Sending Love Specialty paper from the previous Occasions Mini  Catalog….but you can see it is not just for Valentine's Day! So if you still have some, get it out and use it!  The stamp set is also from the Occasions Mini, My Matryoshka. We can hope it makes it into the next new Idea Book & Catalog in July!

Find a stamp set in your stash you haven't used in awhile and stamp something for fun today!

  

 

Graduation Easel Card

Graduation Easel Card with Stars
I think if you have stars of some sort….star punches, star stamps, star wheel….. you can make just about any card.  I’ve used them for graduation, birthdays, even baby cards and scrapbook pages.  So if you don’t have stars in your collection, check out the Stampin’ Up! Online Store and see what we have!

Lots of people are looking for graduation cards this month so I thought I would offer this idea.  I’ve loved making these easel cards, so easy and yet looks so good!  On this card I have used the Star Punch #109045 and the Large Star Punch #110710 and the single stamp Happy Grad #117006 in the Summer Mini Catalog.

Graduation Easel Card 

Besides the Real Red, Basic Black, and Whisper White card stock, I also used the Brushed Gold and Silver card stock for this special occasion!

So if you need to make some stamped graduation cards, this one or a similar style is pretty easy.  I hope it provides you with an idea to get started! Sometimes that is all you need to be creative!

 

Assembling Your Color Catcher

I'm getting ready to try out the new Smooch Spritz in the Summer Mini Catalog (page 15).  A great product Stampin' Up! added to go with the Smooch Spritz is the Color Catcher (#121093) to catch the overspray.  This means you don't have to find your own box to spray in or get colored spray all over your table or patio outside!  The Color Catcher comes all folded up and has a few illustrations on how to assemble, but I thought I would take pictures of how I assembled mine.  Not really hard, but at first it might look confusing.

This is what it looks like out of the package:

Color Catcher 

Open it up!
 

Color Catcher 

Open it and spread it out on your table, being careful not to knock over your cup of hot tea!  You can follow the enclosed instructions to see how to lay it out right.
Color Catcher 

Fold up the backside of the Color Catcher.
Color Catcher  

Fold the bottom side flaps up and pull the sides in.
Color Catcher  

The other side.
Color Catcher  

Now you're going to fold the side flap down over the folded up bottom flap.
Color Catcher 

It almost feels like you are doing it wrong, but just fold it and  you will see that those tabs are going to go into the back and one at the bottom.
Color Catcher 

Voila!!  You have a Color Catcher!  And when you are not using it, you can unfold it and store compactly (which is important for most of us stampers, scrapbookers, and crafters!)
Color Catcher  

Now go get your Smooch Spritz, shake it up, and spray away!

Even if you are not a stamper, you can use this for any kind of craft projects where you want a little protection when spraying or maybe some other techniques.  Assembled size 10" x 10" x 10".

Please sign up for my mailing list in the box in the upper left corner!  You can keep up with the latest Stampin' Up! news and products as well as stamping projects and tips!

        

Mother’s Day Stair Step Card

This was my first attempt at a "stair step" card, and it was very easy to make.  (If I could find the measurements I used I would post them! Maybe later!)  All you really do is fold your card stock in a series of accordion folds.  If you want the side panel like I have on this card, you cut a slit to separate it from the rest of the folds.  Then you just add whatever fanciness you want to each stair step!  On this card I used the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper #113976 and the Stampin' Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die #118138 to make the butterflies.

Mother's Day Stair Step Card
Mother's Day Stair Step Card from the side
 

If you would like to purchase any of the supplies to make this card, just click on the red Order Online button in the upper right of my blog! 

Choo Choo….Who Doesn’t Love Trains?!

I've had a fondness for trains since I was a little girl probably because my grandfather worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and because I'd been to Union Station in St. Louis many times to take or pick up relatives who were traveling.  Trains were still hanging on then as the main mode of transportation.  I can remember standing on the walkway in between the big trains and seeing them pull in under the shed.  Sometimes we got to get on the train with our visitor until the train was ready to leave.  It was the way my family and relatives all traveled back then (and before my time) rather than driving in a car or flying in a plane.

This one little card I made drudged up all those memories!

Choo Choo Birthday Card 

Choo Choo Birthday Card Open 

Supplies:
 
Stamps:  Choo Choo #113982, On Your Birthday #111664, Right on Track Wheel #113838

Ink:  Brilliant Blue, Old Olive, Real Red, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Going Gray

Paper:  Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, Old Olive

Accessories:  Chocolate Chip 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Tag and Small Tag Punches

There are so many cute projects you could make with this Choo Choo stamp set. If you don't mind some cutting with your Paper Snips (they make intricate cutting easier!) you can make the train look 3-D by cutting out some or all of the cars.  Think of what a cute little wall plaque in a frame you could make for a little boy's (or girl's) room!  

If you would like to purchase any of the supplies for your train card, scrapbook page, or project, just go to my Online Store!  You can have fun with this set!

Playing with Presto Patterns Specialty Paper

In the Summer Mini Catalog, Stampin' Up! is offering new Designer Series Paper called Presto Patterns Specialty #117175.  It is plain white, but then you can add ink to it to make the design pop out!  The new Smooch Spritz would also work great with it.

Here is the plain paper:

Presto Patterns Specialty Paper

Here I used my Brayer #102395  and Really Rust ink to cover:

Presto Paper Brayered

Although the design "popped" out as soon as I applied the ink, I also took a paper towel and just wiped the excess ink off the design.  Looks almost the same, just a little cleaner.

Finished Presto Patterns Specialty Paper 

Reminds me of fabric!  It's just like emboss resist, except you don't have to do the embossing first!

Now back to playing!!!

If you don't have a demonstrator and would like a copy of the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog, please email me.

  

Mother’s Day Card

I made this card to share with all the mothers out there.  I made it quickly and easily using My Digital Studio!  Would you believe this began as one of the baby girl designer templates?  I just took out the photo box in the middle of the frame and inserted the Sweet Pea felt elements, changed the color of the ribbon from brown to Pretty in Pink, and added the text!   Hope your children give you a happy day to remember!

My Digital Studio Mother's Day Card
 

Another Build-a-Bear Birthday Paint Can!

Here is the other Build-A-Bear can I decorated for someone.  These are so fun to make.  I think it makes a great gift container for whatever you want to put in it….and then the recipient can still use it afterwards!  I got lots of use out of my Big Shot with these Paint Can projects!

Altered Paint Can front
Altered Paint Can Side
Altered Paint Can back
Altered Paint Can top Butterfly 

I used some retired Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper and ribbons on this project, but I was looking for paper I thought the recipient would enjoy.

Once you start on a project like this, you'll find that it is so much fun just to play with it and your creativity will come!


    

A New Stampin’ Up! Video…..Summer Mini!

I love it every time Stampin’ Up! comes out with a video because I know I will see terrific ideas and products.  This one shows Carrie Cudney and Shannon West, both of the Home Office of Stampin’ Up!, giving a preview of some of the new products in the brand new Summer Mini Catalog.  If you don’t have a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and would like a copy of the Summer Mini just email me at KSFontinelle@gmail.com and ask.


My Digital Studio Cinco de Mayo Recipe Page

Wouldn't this be a fabulous way to compile all your favorite recipes for yourself or as a gift?  Use My Digital Studio to make your pages, insert your recipes, and have it printed in an album!  You can use the designed pages already in the program and put together a recipe book in very little time.  Here is a page I made for today, May 5th, Cinco de Mayo.

This is my favorite guacamole recipe from a local restaurant.

My Digital Studio recipe page Cinco de Mayo 

If you have questions about using My Digital Studio, just ask me!


 

 

BUILD-A-BEAR Paint Can

The other day I showed you some Build-A-Bear gals I had made.  Well, they were going on the sides of gallon paint cans that I decorated as a gift container.  It is so much fun to use the Big Shot (#113439) and an assortment of dies to do projects like this!  Be sure to check pages 194-202 in the current Stampin' UP! Idea Book & Catalog for information on all the Big Shot products as well as in the mini catalogs.

 Some of the Designer Series Paper is Tea Party from the current catalog and some may be retired.  The ribbons are assorted ones I had on hand.

 

PaintCanHaley
 

PaintCanSide 

PaintCanBack
CanFlowerTop 

 

It is easy to do these paint cans.  I used Stampin' Up! Glue Sticks on both the can and paper to adhere.  The rest of the decorations were adhered with whatever was appropriate, either Tombow Multi, Mini Glue Dots or Stampin' Dimensionals.  You do need two sheets of paper, preferably Designer Series Paper since it is thinner than card stock.  You can make your own pattern by using copy paper first, just fitting around and really indenting where the handle things are on the paper.  Then use a hole punch of the appropriate size to punch where you see the "indentation" in the paper.  Cut a slit to slip over the handle.  Easier than it sounds.

This really is a fun project, once you get the paper on the can VERY SIMPLE to decorate to any theme, and plenty of room for a gift inside.  Try it!!  Let me know if you have questions!

 

 

 

 

 

Great Scrapbooking Ideas

To get National Scrapbooking Month started off right, Stampin' Up! has a video with Carrie Cudney for you to view.  It features some of the new products in the Summer Mini Catalog and some ways to use the free Designer Brads you can receive by purchasing select stamp sets in the Stampin' Up! Scrapbooking Month Promotion.  We always enjoy seeing Carrie Cudney present at Convention or Regionals or in online videos and see her wonderful ideas.  Hope you enjoy it, too!  Just click on the photo below to go to the video on the Stampin' Up! website.

Stampin' Up! National Scrapbooking Promotion 

 Copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2010

After you watch the video, if you would like to order any of the items in the new Summer Mini and get an early start on the new products just go shop at my Online Store or contact me if you like.  And if you would like to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and start your own business, let me know and I can tell you how easy it is to sign up and what you will receive!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

What a way to start off the month of May!  The new Summer Mini Catalog is available today with all its fantastic products!

Summer Mini! Click to see inside!

AND

Today kicks off National Scrapbooking Month!  To celebrate, Stampin' Up! has a special for you!  Just purchase My Digital Studio (our digital papercrafting solution for making cards, scrapbook pages, calendars, many other projects)  or any of the following stamp sets and receive a FREE package of Designer Brads.  Just check the information below!


Take your scrapbooking to a whole new level with Stampin' Up!
During National Scrapbooking Month, May 1-31, get a 
FREE package of Designer brads with the purchase of My Digital Studio (item 118108) or any of the following stamp sets:

Page  Description  Wood-Mount Item  Wood-Mount Price  Clear-Mount Item  Clear-Mount Price 
81 

Extreme Elements 

115181  $26.95  —  — 
119 

Framed with Love** 

114389  $27.95  —  — 
128 

Certified** 

113706  $27.95  —  — 
129 

Circle Circus 

115778  $28.95  —  — 
12* 

Elements of Style 

118611  $27.95  120045  $19.95 
13* 

Momentos 

119910  $27.95  120105  $19.95 
13* 

Éléments de style 

119900  $27.95  120099  $19.95 
14* 

Rough Type 

118659  $26.95  120072  $18.95 
22* 

Sentimental Journey 

118513  $23.95  120075  $17.95 
25* 

First Day 

118521  $23.95  120051  $17.95 
25* 

Camino a la Escuela 

120152  $23.95  120154  $17.95 

*From the Summer Mini Catalog
**A Last Chance stamp set!

Choose from the following Designer brads with qualifying purchase:

Page  Description  Item 
179 

Flower Designer brads 

112579 
179 

Filigree Designer brads 

112577 
179 

Circle Designer brads 

112571 
179 

Star Designer brads 

112572 


If you are interested in any of these products, you can shop online right now by clicking on the red Online Store button in the upper right of this page.

Good News and Bad News: Last Day for Occasions Mini Catalog! (April 30)

The bad news is that the Occasions Mini Catalog comes to an end today Friday April 30th!  So if there are certain items you want, you have to get them today.  Some items may reappear in the Idea Book & Catalog in July, but we don't know all the ones that will and you'll have to wait until July.

The good news is that there are some items from the Occasions Mini Catalog that WILL still be available for order after the catalog period ends today!!

These products will appear in upcoming catalogs and are available for ordering:

Item # Description Price
116519 Charming STMP $19.95
117690 Vintage Vogue WM $23.95
118598 Vintage Vogue CM $17.95
118882 Vague vinatge WM $23.95
119109 Vague vinatge CM $17.95
118091 Tiny Tags WM $22.95
118592 Tiny Tags CM $16.95
117535 DÉCOR ELEMENTS F IS FOR FOX CHOCOLATE $4.95
117536 DÉCOR ELEMENTS G IS FOR GIRAFFE CHOCOLATE $4.95
117529 DÉCOR ELEMENTS IS FOR BLACK $1.95
117541 DÉCOR ELEMENTS L IS FOR LION CHOCOLATE $4.95
117542 DÉCOR ELEMENTS M IS FOR MONKEY CHOCOLATE $4.95
117544 DÉCOR ELEMENTS O IS FOR OWL CHOCOLATE $4.95
117528 DÉCOR ELEMENTS SCALLOP FRAME BLACK $6.95
117549 DÉCOR ELEMENTS T IS FOR TURTLE CHOCOLATE $4.95
117552 DÉCOR ELEMENTS W IS FOR WHALE CHOCOLATE $4.95
118072 PNCH CRNR PINKING HEARTS $9.95
118870 PNCH CRNR SCALLOP TRIM $9.95
117191 PNCH LG 2 STEP BIRD $15.95
118073 PNCH LG FANCY FLOWER $15.95
117649 PNCH MD BRDR PINKING HEARTS $15.95
117190 PNCH MD JEWELRY TAG $10.95
117193 PNCH SM SMALL HEART $5.95
117310 SZX BIGZ L MINI MILK CARTON $32.95
118138 SZX EMBSLTS BEAUTIFUL WINGS $11.95
117332 SZX EMBSLTS SCALLOPED HEART OF HEARTS $11.95
117335 SZX TI PERFECT POLKA DOTS $7.95
120435 HEART TREAT CUPS $2.95


The bad news is these products will not be featured in upcoming catalogs:

 116772   RECIPES BY DESIGN   $24.95
 118139   DS FOLK FLOWERS -SHELLI SIGNATURE COLLECTION   $12.95
  117597   DS PAISLEY PATTERNS 2-STEP   $14.95

The good news is if you want to order any of the above available items PLUS some new items from the Summer Mini Catalog (which starts tomorrow May 1st), you could combine those items on an order tomorrow.  Just be sure something you want from the Occasions Mini is on the carryover list or you will miss out.

The bad news is these fabulous items from the Occasions Mini ARE NOT available as they are sold out:

117161: Sweet Pea Designer Series paper stack

117266: Sweet Pea stitched felt

117236: On Board Heart Book

The good news is Stampin' Up! has a Clearance Rack, so don't forget to check it when placing your orders online because there are some great deals to be had and you can put these items on your order.

The bad news is today is the last day for the Two-Step into Spring Special…get that new Awash with Flowers stamp set EARLY before it appears in the new Idea Book & Catalog in July….plus get 20% off select two-step stampin' sets from our current catalog.

Item  Page  Description  Discount Price 
113824  94 Greenhouse Garden  $20.76 
113734  98  Fifth Avenue Floral  $19.96 
111578  101  Flower Fancy  $29.56 
113258  112  Trendy Trees  $14.36 

The good news is these items from the Holiday Mini (the previous mini catalog) are available for order!

Holiday Mini Carryover Products

 Item #  Description  Price
116794 Ornament punch $15.95
116806 Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint $5.95
116854  Frost White Shimmer Paint $5.95
116807  Platinum Shimmer Paint $5.95
116829 Décor Elements Blocks $9.95
116824  Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder Petals-A-Plenty $7.95
116821 Stampin' Up! Holiday Windows Magnetic Movers & Shapers  $29.95
116819 Stampin' Up! Table Setting Bigz XL die $42.95
116820 Stampin' Up! Embosslits Merry die $11.95
116823 Stampin' Up! Sizzlits Merry Details die $5.50
116822 Stampin' Up! O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL die $42.95
118140  Stampin' Up! Tree Decorations Sizzlits die $5.50
118108 My Digital Studio $79.95
116519 Charming stamp set  $19.95

The BEST NEWS is that Stampin' Up! always has  great products to help you unleash your creativity!  Just click HERE to do your Online Shopping 24/7 (but before 11:50 pm MT tonight! for the Occasions Mini!)  Contact me if you have any questions or need any help ordering.