Fleece Blankets

Here are the 3 fleece blankets that I made for my kiddos this year. They are from JoAnne's and all are the no-sew fleece blankets kits. My two oldest got the larger size, and my youngest got a smaller size. These are so super soft, and also so super easy to do. I actually have been so busy and didn't start these until the night before! They took me about an hour each to get them done. Note to self: finish making all the handmade gifts before Christmas Eve!!!

Of course, we weren't counting on my mother-in-law to end up in the hospital for the holiday either. She is on the road to recovery, and hopefully will be home soon, but it sure did change our holiday plans!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jen

Gift for Baby Erika

My sister is expecting her third baby girl, Erika, in April of next year. She will be my 6th niece!!! So for Christmas, I sent this baby gift down to her in Florida.

I crocheted her a baby blanket, matching booties, and beanie type cap all for baby. I choose white with yellow accents for baby Erika since I'm sure they have tons of pink and purple allready! Plus I wasn't sure what she was having when I started making this set.

New babies are so exciting! I just wish I knew how to make things like this when I was having my children!

Happy Crocheting!
Jen

Countdown to Christmas

I acutally made this Christmas Countdown Calendar last year for my nieces down in Florida. I sent it down to them this year for a gift. It uses a chipboard square and Stampin' Up! paper. The scalloped circle numbers have little magnets on the backs of them and attach to washers that are glued on the front. There is an envelope on the back of the calendar to store the extra numbers. The bottom of the calendar has snow flurries and some pretty pearls. I hope they enjoy using this for years to come!

Happy Holidays!

Jen

Gift Card Holder

This is a gift card holder that I made for my brother. It has a gift card to Sonny's inside. I had a hard time figuring out what to get him for Christmas this year. But I know that this is something that he will actually use and enjoy! This last winter when we were down visiting Florida, we all went out to dinner at Sonny's. You would not believe all the ribs that boy can eat, lol!

The outside of the tin is decorated with designer paper, and a scallop punched circle with silver embossing. The inside also has more paper.

Now I just have to get it down to Florida in time for Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Jen

Birthday Whimsy Frog

Here are some projects that I have made for my daughter's birthday. We are having her 8th birthday party this next Sunday at a local park that has a sprinkler and an awesome playground for the kids to play on.

I used my adorable frog stamp from Whimsy Stamps, and it fits perfectly in the birthday theme for their challenge blog.

I have made her a card using all Stampin' Up! cardstock. I used some colors which I am really not used to using: Brilliant Blue, Rose Red, Garden Green, and More Mustard. They go perfectly with Stampin' Up!s new designer paper called Tall Tales! I fauxed stitched on the green layer, and connected the dots with my white gel pen.

Then I made her a matching corner bookmark using the directions on my last blog post. Doesn't it look cute with her name on it? I just used a Rebecca sticker for that part.

Lastly, I made her a matching little notepad that has the matching designer paper, and another Rebecca sticker.

For her gift, we will be giving her the High School Musical 3 DVD, which I think I will wrap with some matching paper, that is, if I can part with it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jen

Don't Forget: If you click on the smaller picture, it will bring up a larger picture for you to view!

Don't Forget Bookmark

Instructions

Don’t Forget bookmark

1. Scallop bottom edge of Old Olive textured card stock (3-7/8" x 4") using Scallop Edge punch. Mark top center point. Measure 2" down on right side and mark; repeat on left side. Score diagonal lines from center point to each 2" point. Fold score lines and adhere ends in back.

2. Adhere Old Olive Patterns Designer Series paper (3-7/8" x 3-1/4") to top of Old Olive textured card stock, folding corners around back of bookmark.

3. Stamp elephant image in Jet Black StazOn ink on Naturals White card stock. Watercolor image with Going Gray and Rose Red ink using blender pens. Punch out image using 1-3/4" Circle punch, and adhere to Metal Edge tag.

4. Punch flower from Rose Red textured card stock using Trio Flower punch. Punch hole in center of flower using 1/16" Circle punch, and attach Silver brad. Adhere flower to tag with Mini Glue Dot, and adhere tag to bookmark using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

5. Tie Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon around bookmark.

Bridal Stationery Set

Here are the rest of the pictures of the stationery set that I made for the bridal shower this weekend. There is a total of 20 thank you cards with matching stamped envelopes. A RSVP that has designer paper inside to match. A mini legal pad notebook. And a post it note holder. And I packaged it all up inside a 9x13 cake pan. Who can't use one of those? I hope she likes it!

Happy Stamping!

Jen

Butterfly Thank Yous

Here are some more of the Thank You cards that I made for a bridal shower gift. I can't wait to show you the finished project, I am so excited to give it to her!

I made a total of 20 thank you cards with matching envelopes for the bride. All of the cards use the Eyelet Border Punch (#113692 $15.95 from Stampin' Up!). I think it adds such a pretty touch to the bottom of the cards, and it's so very simple to do!

I also used the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Dies on some of the cards. They make the prettiest little butterflies. Now most of you know that I still do not own my Big Shot machine that I so desperately want, but this is another die that I have just used with my Cuttlebug! So easy! The Beautiful Butterflies die is #114507 and is just $21.95. I can't wait to make more projects with it!

Cased Delicate Dots Thank Yous

I needed a gift for a bridal shower that I am attending soon, and wanted to make something homemade for the bride. So while I was blog surfing one night I came across Patty Bennett's blog - she is awesome! I cased these Thank You notes using the Delicate Dots Designer Paper that you could get for during during SU's SAB that they recently had. And since I had two packages sitting here in my craft room unopenend I thought they would be perfect to give to the bride! I also stamped a set of matching envelopes and will be making her more stationary items, such as a journal and RSVP to go along with the set.

As you can see, I did change up the cards a little bit, using what stamp sets and ribbon that I had, but they still follow her basic idea. She used the little note cards that you can buy from SU!, but I used whisper white cardstock and made regular sized cards.

I will show you the rest that I made tomorrow!

Stamps: Oval All, Thank You Kindly

Paper: Whisper White, Delicate Dots DP

Ink: Certainly Celery

Ribbon: Ribbon Bundle (SAB), Whisper White Grosgrain, Whisper white Organz, Retired Ribbon, White Satin

Punches: Large Oval, Scallop Oval, Eyelette Border,

Butterfly Bigshot die, Dimensionals

Bookmarks

My Mother-in-Law asked me to help her make some bookmarks for the ladies in her Bible Study Class. They were studying about a lady in the bible, I can't remember who now, and the red ribbon symbolizes something special, so it had to have a red ribbon on it.


I choose the designer paper called Walk in The Park from Stampin' Up! It has such great colors in it! You can see the front of the bookmarks here in the first photo. The saying is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13." The stamp for this came from Verve Stamps.



The backs of the bookmarks were stamped with the hostess set called God's Beauty, also from Stampin' Up!

I think they turned out beautiful and I hope all the ladies at her Bible Study like them also.

My daughter and I are going to make some of these for her dance teacher's thank you gifts this week!

Happy Stampin!

Jen

School Days Lunchbox!

What child wouldn't love this for a gift to hold all of their treasures! I know mine would! Here are the directions from Stampin' Up! on how to make this wonderful item. Of course, all the supplies (except for the lunchbox) can be purchased from my Stampin' Up! website!


School Days lunchbox

Paper:
Card Stock Whisper White 8 1/2X11
Card Stock 12 X 12 Textured In Color 08-09
Card Stock Baja Breeze 8 1/2 X 11

Accessories:
Coluzzle Cutting System Starter Set
Punch 1/2 Inch Circle
Stampin Dimensionals
Ribbon Grosgrain Striped Baja Breeze 5/8 Inch
Rub Ons School Days
On Board Essentials

Instructions
1. Apply number Rub-Ons around edge of lunchbox and “My name is” Rub-On to top of lunchbox using stick included in packaging.

2. Apply alphabet Rub-Ons to Kiwi Kiss textured card stock (6-3/4" x 1") using stick included in packaging. Adhere card stock to Riding Hood Red card stock (6-3/4" x 4-3/4"). Round corners of Riding Hood Red card stock.

3. Tie Baja Breeze 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon around front of card stock.

4. Apply “School days” Rub-On to Whisper White textured card stock, and cut out using Coluzzle Cutting System. Apply small star Rub-On to Kiwi Kiss textured card stock, and punch out using 1/2" Circle punch. Apply dotted star Rub-On to Riding Hood Red textured card stock, and cut out. Adhere small star to dotted star using Stampin’ Dimensionals. Punch circle from Baja Breeze card stock using 1-3/4" Circle punch. Adhere layered stars to circle using Stampin’ Dimensionals. Adhere Baja Breeze circle to Whisper White circle. Adhere layered circle to chipboard scallop circle, and adhere to Riding Hood Red textured card stock using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

5. Adhere layered card stock to front of lunchbox.

6. Round corners of second piece of Riding Hood Red textured card stock (6-3/4" x 4-3/4"), and adhere to back of lunchbox.

Happy Craftin!
Jen

Mini Magazine Holder and Set of Cards

Isn't this just the cutest? This is called a mini magazine holder. And I made a set of 3x3 notes to go inside. This would make the perfect gift or just to keep for yourself!

I followed Becky Robert's directions to make these, and you can find them here: http://inkingidaho.blogspot.com/2008/08/mini-magazine-tote-tutorial.html


It took me a few times to get it right, but I think it came out very cute. I used some of the new Raspberry Tart Designer Paper from Stampin' Up! on both the box and the little cards. This paper will be available in the new catalog that is coming out on January 19th!!!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

More Christmas Gifts

I thought I would share with you one of the gifts that I made for my boys this Christmas. This is a Tic-Tac-Toe game, made in a sports theme. I purchased this class kit from LeeAnn over at http://www.flowerbug.typepad.com/. Stop on over at her blog and take a peek at all the great projects she has! Her tic-tac-toe game is made up all Christmasy, but I decided that I wanted mine to be in a sports theme for my boys. This will give them something to do for a little while on our long drive to Florida!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: white

Ink: Black Stazon, Real Red, Brilliant Blue

Accessories: Glossy Tile, Sharpie Marker for Grid, Blue Ribbon for edges, Mini Glue Dots, Felt pieces for back of tile, Glass Marbles, Circle Punch, Crystal Effects, Felt pop ups for backs of marbles

Stamps Used: Just Baseball, Just Basketball, Sporting, Just Football (see, I just knew I would use all of these sets, so I bought the bundle when it was on sale! so glad I did!)!!!!!

Happy Stampin!

Jen

Pencil Gifts

As you can see by today's gift, I made pencil holders. I actually ran out of pencils while making these and added a pen to one of them. These are for my nieces and nephews this year. Instead of candy or junky little toys, I decided to give them pencils. What an exciting Aunt I am right? It's better than toothbrushes now!

Not all of these us Stampin' Up! supplies. But I just wanted to share a picture of them all together. I hope the kids like them, and use them!

Here are the directions for making the pencil holders:

-Cut a piece of card stock 6.5in x 6.5in
-Stamp as you like- wheels would work great for this!
-From one edge of the cardstock measure and score at the 1in mark.
-From the same edge measure and score at the 3.75in mark.
-Tape the stamped side of the 1in fold.
-Tape the non-stamped side of the center panel at the very bottom.
-Fold into a pouch.
-Use your crimper to crimp the bottom inch or so.
-Use your slit punch to cut a “U” shape in the top.
-Decorate!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

More Teacher Gifts

Here are some more of the gifts that we made for Becky's dance teachers this year. I think she has like 4 different teachers! But she loves to dance! She is only 7 years old, and this is her 4th year of taking ballet and dance.

These cute little containers are called Sour Cream Containers. Don't they look like the little containers you used to get with sour cream in them? I think so! These will be filled with candy treats for her teachers instead of sour cream!

If you would like some directions on these, you can see step-by-step directions with photos on Splitcoast Stampers here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/sour_cream_container/

You could make these very Christmasy also by using Christmas paper and stamps! Perfect quick and easy gift!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

Dance Teacher Thank Yous

We made several sets of these for my daughter's dance teachers this year. The cards are all 3x3 in size, and all fit inside the cute little box along with 3x3 envelopes. They are all thank you cards. Of course, the paper and stamp set are allready retired from Stampin' Up!, but you could do this with any desinger paper and stamp set that you have. I am trying to be good this year and use up some of the tons of stuff that I have in my craft room before buying more!!!

I challenge you all to go in your craft room or closet, and make something with those items that you have been hoarding for a long time!!!!! I would love to see what you all come up with!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

Western Coasters

These are called tumbled tile coasters. I purchased them at Home Depot last year. They weren't very expensive at all. And I had gotten a whole box of them. I stamped the western image on the front with my Black StazOn ink and then after it was dry, I sprayed on a coating of acrylic sealer. I had made a whole bunch of these last year and still had a few left, so I decided to give them as Christmas gifts also this year!

I have been using one on my computer desk for the last year, and it still looks good. The stamp set I used is called Wild Wild West. It is a retired set from Stampin' Up! and is very hard to find. I am lucky that my Mother-in-law happens to own this set and let me borrow it to make these! Thank you Margaret!!!

You could make these with just about any stamp set! Oh, and I almost forgot, I put a piece of black felt on the backside of the tiles to prevent them from scratching your surfaces!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

George and Terra's Birthday!!!!

Today happens to be my Father-in-laws and Sister-in-laws birthdays! And my Christmas card Stamp-A-Stack is today also! What a busy day! I will be sharing out SAS later tomorrow, but for today I wanted to show you what I made for Terra's birthday gift.

This is a CD holder made with Certainly Celery designer paper from Stampin' Up! And also a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set, Heartspeak. Inside this cute little envelope is a CD/Movie that I put together with all the pictures of their wedding put to some lovey music! I hope they like it. I was crying just watching it myself!!! I can't believe how easy it was to put it all together!

Please stop back tomorrow to see all of our wonderful Christmas card creations!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

Sparkly Ornaments Packaging!!

I have received some questions about my pretty little sparkly ornaments. So here are the answers to your questions. The colors that I used for my reinkers were Purely Pomegranate (retired SU), Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, and Perfectly Plum. I matched the color of reinkers that I had with the colors of the Fine Cosmo Glitter (also from SU). I think they came out pretty well for the first time making them.

Since I was in such a rush to post pictures of them, you didn't get to see how I finished them up and packaged them. So I am sharing those photos with you today. I made a 12 x 12 box and top following Robin's directions here: http://robinlea.blogspot.com/2008/11/novembers-club-project.html. She was my total inspiration for trying the ornaments and packaging them up in the boxes.

I attached some satin pomegranate ribbon (also retired SU), that I had left from last year. Some of the ornaments have the silver cording. I put some of the Christmas rubons on some, as you can see in the photo, some came out a little crooked!

Then I attached a top note die gift tag, which I made in my previous technique video, which you can find a link to on the right hand side of my blog under technique videos!

Hope this helps! I hope some of you try this fun project! I will be busy packaging them all up today and preparing for my Christmas SAS tomorrow afternoon! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy Stampin!
Jen

Sparkly Ornaments!!!

These are just the most sparkly things I have made in a long time! I was just so excited to share them with everyone that I didn't even take the time to put the tops back on them, or attach a pretty ribbon to the top. You'll just have to imagine that on there!! lol!!

These were clear ornaments that I purchased at The Dollar Tree after Christmas last year. So I actually got a package of 3 ornaments for only $.50! I got several packages!! I have just been waiting to make these. We will be giving these as gifts this year to our family, (along with some handmade lotion - more to come on that next week!).

These were very easy to make, a little messy, but lots of fun! They use Stampin' Up! Reinkers and Glitter. You can see the directions that I followed on this blog:

http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2006/12/how_to_make_a_g.html?cid=141341316#comment-141341316

Hope you all are getting your holiday crafting and card making underway! Please let me know if you need help with anything!

Happy Stampin!
Jen