Amazing, but it is the last day to order from the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog… click here to view it online for a limited time.  And remember, I am offering these 6×6 books below (one free for each $75 online order) FULLY FINISHED with all accessories for one more week (click here full details).

If you are reading this via email, you will have to view the article on the web to see the video.  Below are the books shown and you can download the instructions under each photo:

CLICK HERE to Download the photo instructions
for the Gently Falling Book

CLICK HERE to Download the photo instructions
for the Christmas Lodge Book

Enjoy the video on the construction of the book, be sure if you like the sets that you order them today… in case they are not picked up in the new catalog (coming out in July 2012)–this might be your last chance!  If you like the designer papers, remember they have never carried over into the next catalog in the past, so stock up!  As for accessories, click here for the flyer on which accessories will continue to be available.

Here’s another sample using the ‘Pines & Poinsettias’ stamp set… this one holds a gift card, sneakily tucked away under the front cover!

I love the natural colors… more than the traditional red & green.

I did a step by step photo tutorial to explain how it was put together, but it is basically folding in the front flap inside and then punching a slit and then tacking it down.  I’ll show you in the next four photos…

1. Fold in the front flap of the card and then open it
2. With the front flap open, punch a slit with the Word Window punch (you’ll have to punch it in the middle and then slightly to the left and then slightly to the right to make it as wide as you need)
3. Glue the sides down and make sure you don’t put glue in front of the slit or your gift card will get stuck (LOL!)
4. Press the front flap closed and you can see that you can fit a half of a gift card in it.  You will cover the gift card with a front panel (in this case, the red layer).

The cutting measurements and links to buy the accessories are below.  And right now (as this article is being published) there is a special going on in the ‘Clearance Rack‘ on my online store, up to 80% off select products… which means you have permission to take a moment and buy yourself some Christmas presents!

Pines & Poinsettias stamp set* (#123762 wood, #123764 clear)
*This is a limited edition Holiday Mini Catalog set (available only until Jan. 3, 2012
Accessories:
5 ½ x 8 ½  Crumb Cake cardstock #120953
5 ½ x 1 inch Early Espresso cardstock #119686
2 ½ x 3 ½ Vanilla cardstock #101650
2 ¾ x 3 ¾ Cherry Cobbler cardstock #119685
3 ½ x 3 ½ inch Cherry Cobbler cardstock #119685 for punching
3 x 3 Vanilla cardstock #101650 for stamping
1 3/8th inch jumbo circle #119860; 2 3/8th inch Scallop Circle #118874; Word Window punch #119857; Crumb Cake Classic Ink #121030, Sponge Daubers #102892, Glue Dots, Dimensionals™, Spice Cake Designer Buttons #124113, Very Vanilla 1/8th inch Taffeta Ribbon #119960
——-Sizzix ———————–
Sizzix Embossing Folders –
   Northern Flurry folder #120902
   Finial Press folder #115963
Sizzix Die Cutting Machine #113439, two clear cutting pads

This ‘stair step’ card made with the Christmas Lodge set is simple and pretty–and a major WOW in the 3D Christmas card department.

If you are reading this via email, you won’t be able to see the fabulous video that I created to show you how it was made.  BUT you can download the photo step-by-step instructions for this card (below).  If you are reading this via email, you can view the video in the article online here.

NEW– for a limited time, you can get the kit of supplies (pre-cut cardstock and embellishments) for this AND three other projects FREE for your $75 online order (Americans only, sorry!).  In fact there are a few different projects to choose from. Read all about this offer and get the project sets and required accessories HERE.

I am SO going to miss this designer series paper!  Before April 30th, I’ll be stocking up on the Springtime Vintage papers, you should too.

Since this was one of the stamp festival projects, I have the step by step photo instructions for download (image left).

Set(s): Nature Walk
(Wood #121925, Clear #121997)

Accessories:
5 ½ x 8 ½ Very Vanilla Cardstock
3 x 4 DSP Springtime Vintage #121782
1 x 4 Baja Breeze cardstock
4 inches & 10 inches of Chantilly Crochet Trim #118480
3 ¾ x 2 ¾ Baja Breeze cardstock
3 ½ x 2 ½ Very Vanilla cardstock
Black StazOn #101406
Old Olive, Baja Breeze, and So Saffron marker
Two 3 inch pieces of Pear Pizzaz Seam Binding Ribbon #122330
Vanilla Rosettes #118774
Scallop Trim Border Punch #118402
Vintage Wallpaper embossing Folder
Sizzix Multi-purpose platform & cutting plates
4 inches Sticky Strip, Glue

Don’t you just LOVE this box?  My downline Jackie made a set of stationery inside a gift box (pocketbook) similar to this at the holidays and it was the inspiration for the card/gift set for our SAB Festival.  The Springtime Vintage designer series paper will retire at the end of this month with the end of the Occasions Mini Catalog, so order yours now.

I have included the step-by-step photo instruction PDF on how this was made.  The ‘box’ part is made from a 9×12 piece of Designer Series paper and two 11 x 1 inch strips for the handle.  The 3D flower (awesome isn’t it?) is made with a half sheet of cardstock and the Flower Fun Bigz L Die (an exclusive Stampin’ Up! Sizzix Die) [#121812].

Your order online this month will earn you a ‘Class to Go’ featuring a set of cards and stationery box with a masculine design as well as have the opportunity to purchase ‘grab bags’ of products on special this month.

All the materials (also included in the PDF):
Set(s): Nature Walk (Wood #121925, Clear #121997)
Accessories:
9 x 12 inch DSP Springtime Vintage (Rose Pattern shown)
Scored per diagram included in PDF
Two 1 x 11 inch Rose Red cardstock
Two ¾ x 10 ¾ inch DSP (Rose Pattern)
5 ½ x 8 ½ Rose Red (for die cutting the flower)
9 x1 inch & 6×1 inch Rose Red cardstock (for trim)
Springtime Vintage Big Designer Buttons #122301
Fun Flower Sizzix Die #121812
Sizzix Die Cutter, Multi-purpose platform, cutting pads
Brads Regals #119737 (also Brads Subtles #119738)
Linen Thread #104199
Cropadile #108362, Sticky Strip #104294, Corner Rounder #119871
Dimensionals #104430
Rose Red pad, Sponge daubers

This project is by far the most asked about!

I have provided the PDF step-by-step instructions (left).  And I modified them from the advice I originally gave to those who asked.  You really need Crystal Effects around the edges of each layer (the back is a double layer with a ‘false’ back to hide the ribbon loop).

This one worked fine using mostly glue dots, but I’ve made several since then and glue dots weren’t enough.

MATERIALS: Set(s): Nature Walk (Wood #121925, Clear #121997)
Accessories:
Two 1 ½ x 2 inch Baja Breeze cardstock
1 ½ x 2 Very Vanilla cardstock
1 ½ x 2 DSP First Edition #121878
Very Vanilla strip (for stamping/punching)
Old Olive, Baja Breeze, So Saffron & Sahara Sand markers
Beveled Windowpanes #121881, Crystal Effects #101055, Basic Rhinestone #119246
3” Baja Breeze Seam Ribbon Binding #122331
Trinket Keys #121892, Black StazOn #101406, Jewelry Tag Medium #117190
Chocolate Chip Ink & Sponge Daubers, Glue Dots

I apologize for Feedburner ‘kicking out’ two old posts from October yesterday–that’s not the first time, I know.

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and as a gift to my loyal followers, I am sharing a step-by-step PDF on how to make this lovely vintage distressed Christmas card (click on the graphic below to download the directions sheet).

I’ve had a LOT of fun with the new Distressing Kit that we carry! And it lent itself well to the awesome ‘Christmas Collage’ background stamp (#121279).

And you can’t tell from looking at the card, but after coloring and distressing, I spritzed it with the shimmer mist we now sell.

I have attached the step-by-step instructions PDF on how I did this card and it includes all the supplies that were used as well.

I’ve always loved the double pocket card and have found that designer series paper folds up awesomely!

I have shared a photo step-by-step tutorial of how I made it and also some photos of other double pocket cards that I have made with the ‘Deck the Halls’ designer series paper.  Click on the icon above to download.

For the first time I have done a photo step-by-step on how to make these pins.

In the past I have done a video (seen here) which is about 20 minutes long, but it you need a ‘quicker fix’ feel free to download the step by step (click on the graphic below).

The bells and ‘holly & berry’ images are from the ‘Bells & Boughs‘ stamp set from Stampin’ Up!’s Holiday Mini Catalog which is only available for a limited time!

The materials I used for this project include:

Four 2 ½ x 2 inch Vanilla cardstock  (for stamping the bells)
Four 2 x 3 inch Vanilla cardstock (for stamping holly leaves)
Black StazOn (#101406)
Stampin’ Write Markers:  Real Red, So Saffron, Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, Old Olive
3 ¼ x 2 ½ inch Artichoke cardstock
2 ¾ x 2 inch Designer paper ‘Deck the Halls’ #120810
Basic Rhinestone “Jewels” (#119246), Basic Pearls ‘Jewels’ (#119247)
12 x 2 inch Very Vanilla cardstock (for die cutting the snowflakes)
Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Snowflake Decorative Strip (#120901)
Decorative Strip Spacer Platform #113477
Decorative Strip cutting pads (#113479)
Sticky Strip (#104294)
OTHER:
Mod Podge, 1 ¼ inch pin backs, Rectangle punch, Sponge brushes

Okay, here’s another reason not to miss my Fall Rubber Stamp Festival each year!

This year, the set was ‘Bells & Boughs‘ and all projects featured that and the ‘Deck the Halls‘ designer series paper from the Stampin’ Up! Holiday mini catalog. This was one of the four projects.

I am absolutely in LOVE with the new ‘Crumb Cake’ paper and ink!  Doesn’t it look fabulous with those colors?

I have shared the recipe and step-by-step instructions  below.  Click the graphic below to download:

And just a note, there is a Bundle special going on that includes the ‘Bells & Boughs’ set… check it out HERE.