Mocha Memories

New Year - New Rewards - New Ideas

Happy New Year!!

It is a new year with new resolutions and new goals.  My daughter asked me just this evening why January 1st is such a big deal.  I explained how it is the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, but more importantly that most of us use this time to set goals and resolutions to better ourselves and our lives.  This brings me to one of my goals for the new year.

I have been so blessed with my Stampin' Up! business this year and blessed to get to know so many new people both local and long distance.  This year I wanted to have a way to thank all of you that have allowed me to continue doing what I love.  As of today, I have started a reward program for all of you that have done exactly that.  There is nothing to keep track of - I will do all of that for you.  You can just keep purchasing as you have and you will be on your way to a FREE stamp set (any price) from me.  Please take a second and check out the details HERE.  If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me.  This is for you!

New Year - Check. New Rewards - Check.  New Ideas - Well, new to me.  I was browsing through one of my magazines during some down time and noticed a headline - Letterpress Coasters!  The article was about a company that creates beautiful, colored pressed coasters, but my wheels were turning. 

Yep - it works!  I checked the thickness of the coasters I had on hand and noticed they were only a little thicker than the watercolor paper and the same consistency.  I simply ran the coaster through the Big Shot just like the directions instruct you to with one exception.  I did not use any tabs on the Multipurpose platform instead of Tab 1.

I decided to go one step further and add some color to the coaster with my Real Red Craft spot.  I even tested the coaster with water and the ink did not run.  I have to admit that I did run my heat gun over the ink for a few seconds before testing.  Are those wheels turning?  I hope so!

Be Inspired by Life,

• Ink: Real Red Craft Spot (Brights Craft Stampin' Spots 119718)
• Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Lots of Love Letterpress Plates (120983), 4" Coasters

Scallop Tag Boxes to Give Away

We all loved the rag purses created with the Clear Square Scallop Bigz Die.  Pull those dies back out so that we can create another scallop box just like the ones we created yesterday.

Need a refresher on how to create these boxes?  Check out the instructions HERE.  Just like the previous boxes, they were scored and cut between the second and third scallop.  The only difference is that I created an insert to keep the ribbon and the tags separated.  The insert is a piece of Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper cut to 2-3/8" x 3-7/8".  Score this paper at 3/4", 1-1/2", and 2 1/4" and fold to create the divided sections. I also had to adjust the Window Sheet cover for this larger box.  I cut my Window Sheet to 2-3/8" x 3-7/8".  I then scored 3/4" from each of the ends.

I stamped the front image of the tag first, punched it out and THEN stamped the sentiments on the back so that everything is lined up. Notice that the sentiment is created by simply inking up ONLY the "To:-From:" portion of one of the stamps.  The easiest way to stamp the front image of the tags is to ink up the image with your Baja Breeze ink pad.  Using a Kleenex (or your finger) wipe off "dec. 25" and ink up just that portion with your marker.

How fun!  I can't wait to see what you all create!

Until tomorrow,

• Stamps: Tags Til Christmas (120847-Wood, 121169-Clear)
• Ink: Real Red (100052), Baja Breeze (111833)
• Cardstock: Baja Breeze (111352), Whisper White (100730), Candy Cane Christmas DSP (120809)
• Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die (115950), Medium Window Sheets (114323), Decorative Label Extra Large Punch (120907), Crop-a-dile (108362), Personal Cutter (104152), Sticky Strip (104294), Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286), Real Red 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119763)

No-Measure Boxes - How Easy!

I love to make boxes but hate all of the measuring and precise cutting when I need alot of them.  I have the answer.....

"scalloped boxes" created from any of the scalloped squares that you can cut out with the Big Shot. 

I used the larger square of the Scallop Square Duo Bigz Dies from the Holiday Mini on my first attempt at these little boxes.  I started by running some Baja Breeze cardstock through the Big Shot to create the base.

  I then scored each side between the second and third scallop using my Personal Trimmer. 

I then cut flaps on opposite sides of the square as pictured below.

Place Sticky Strip on each of the flaps and you have the base of your box - NO MEASURING.

These boxes are now ready to fill and are the perfect size for some little scallop images to adorn cards or small presents.  I even put some Stampin' Dimensionals on the back of each one so they are ready to use!

Depending what you put inside your box, you may need something to help keep everything in place.  I decided that I would cut some SU! Window Sheets to act as a cover.  For my box, I cut my Window Sheet to 1-1/2" x 2-1/2".  I then scored 1/2" from each of the ends and folded the ends down to create a cover for my embellishments. Finally, the bow holds everything in place.

Try these and experiment with where you score your box.  For example, if you score the square between the first and second scallops, you will make a larger based box with shollower sides.

Tomorrow we will experiment with a different sized square scallop all together.

Be Inspired by Life,

• Stamps: Tags Til Christmas (120847-Wood, 121169-Clear)
• Ink: Real Red (103133), Garden Green (102272)
• Cardstock: Baja Breeze (111352), Whisper White (100730), Candy Cane Christmas DSP (120809)
• Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die (120903), Medium Window Sheets (114323), Scallop Square Extra Large Punch (119884), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Personal Cutter (104152), Sticky Strip (104294), Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286)

Handyman Ornaments

I was browsing the galleries when I first bought my Big Shot through SU! to get an idea of ALL the incredible things that I could create.  I came across a picture from Joan Hajek that really caught my eye.  She used some 'silver hardware tape' and her Big Shot to create some very unique ornaments.  I loved them so much that I had to go to Lowe's and look around for some 'tape'.

I found some metal tape at my Lowe's that would do the trick.  You can find this kind of tape in the section with duct work.  It is used to seal the seams of ductwork.  As this is created out of a very think sheet of metal, it is sturdier than you would expect.  Simply run your Join in the Cheer Decorative Strip and the tape through your Big Shot with the metallic side up (so that your words do not come out backwards).  I immediately became concerned that I would never be able to remove the backing from the tape without complete destroying the words, but this is not a problem.  Do however, try to keep the sentiments close to the original shape so that your letters will come out 'straight' on the ornaments.  Now simply cut the words apart keeping some of the flourish on each word.

I then added these gorgeous words to ornamentsthat coordinated with the SU! On Board Trinkets as this is what my tree is decorated with this year.  This made a very easy and cost effective way to personalize my tree.  These would even make great gifts to others who are just starting out with very limited decorations.  Speaking of last minute gifts, I will show you how to create bookmarks with a gorgeous personal touch next time.  Until then....

Be Inspired by Life,

 

Reduce my Ribbon Use

I just love the Riding Hood Red Striped Ribbon in the current SU! Holiday Mini Catalog.  I have used it on my candy jars, my tree, my ornaments, and I still want to use it on my wonderful holiday packages.  WHOA!!!  I also wanted to use it on some Christmas cards this season, so I decided that I needed to find a way to minimize the amount that I used.

To create the faux ribbon wrap on my card, I used two pieces of ribbon and a SU! Build-a-brad decorated with some DSP.  The bottom piece of ribbon was cut slightly larger than the Top Note die so that I would be able to tuck it under each edge.  The top piece of ribbon was cut approximately the same size as the Top Note die so that I would have some room to decoratively cut each end.

I stacked the ribbons making sure that the smaller ribbon was centered.  I opened the prongs of the Build-a-brad and slid the center of the ribbon stack under the prongs.  You may have to work with the edges of the ribbon a little bit to get them to slide completely under the edges of the prong.  I then pushed the prongs back together and......

VOILA!  I have a cute ribbon wrap with minimal ribbon use.  So use ribbon, ribbon and more ribbon on your cards, but always look and see if you can create the same look with a more efficient use of your supplies! 

Be Inspired by Life,

 

Card Supplies:

• Stamps: Winter Post
• Ink: VersaMark, Real Red Marker, Chocolate Chip
• Paper: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red
• Accessories: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Build-a-brad

Owl-fully Cute Treat Bag

WHOOO!! I have recently added a newsletter feature to my blog.  I will include a synopsis of my tips for the month, a special project or product highlight and answers to readers' questions in each issue.  So sign up and ask away regarding any SU! products or any of the projects featured here on Mocha Memories.  I can't wait to hear from you. 

I am sure you are wanting to know more about my next Halloween treat bag.  So here it is....

There are several different renditions of this owl candy topper, so I thought that I would join in on the fun.  SU! Punches, a medium cellophane bag and the Top Note Die are all it takes to create this sad little fellow!

Try your hand with this little guy and make someone smile!

Be Inspired by Life,

 

• Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie (105117), Whisper White (100730), Chocolate Chip (102128), Close to Cocoa (101341) 
• Accessories: Medium Flat Cellophane Bag (102757), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1" Circle Punch (109046), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), 5-Petal Flower Punch (109041),Top Note Die (113463), Big Shot (113439)

Big Shot Boo Too!

If I used my Big Shot for Thanksgiving, I really needed to step back a holiday and give you a simple treat idea for Halloween! No gluing, no ink, no cutting!

I can't take credit for this idea as it has been floating around SCS, but it was too simple to pass up.  Simply use your Big Shot and the Scallop Envelope Die to cut out some Ghostly Greeting designer paper.  Place a Ghiradelli Chocolate inside and tie it up with a ribbon.  No need to tape the sides.  EASY PEASY!!!

Treats this cute deserve a special treat container.  I found this adorable trifle bowl at Wal-mart and knew that I would need it for a project.  I had a few Chills & Thrills rub-ons left so I decided that this would be the perfect project to combine the two. 

I knew that I wanted to use black cardstock around the top, but my cardstock was not long enough to fit all the way around.  Instead, I cut the cardstock in half and used it as the perfect opportunity to add some ribbon.  As the bowl is slightly slanted in, I only used mini glue dots along the top edge of the cardstock to adhere it to the bowl. 

Add some rub-ons to the bowl itself, more ribbon, chocolate treats, and you have the perfect little center piece for a small table next to your front door.  If you like treats, check out some owl-fully cute treat holders on Wednesday.  Until then....

Be Inspired by Life,

Thanksgiving with my Big Shot

My hostess gals and I had a blast this past week sharing ideas for Thanksgiving.  It may sound early, but planning really helps keep the holidays under control.  This month, we created one of those cute scallop envelope boxes that I have seen floating around.  Place a stack of cookies in the box and you have the perfect snack box for your guests.

 

Start by cutting 4 scallop envelops out of Sage Shadow using your Big Shot.  I found that I could only cut out 2 envelops at a time to ensure that the creases did not cut through the card stock.  Using the Premium crease pad also helped (Bottom to top: clear plastic, 2 shims, die, cardstock, premium crease pad). 

I punched holes into 3 of the 4 envelope tops using my double rectangle punch.  Since I am OCD, I decided to mark my punch with a marker so that my holes and ribbon would be the same height all the way around the box.

Don't fret - rubbing alcohol takes these marks right off.

Using Sticky Strip on the side flaps of the envelopes, adhere the four envelops together.  I found that laying them on a flat surface and lining up the side flaps gave the best results.

I also used Sticky Strip on two opposite bottom flaps to create the bottom of the box.  The biggest challenge here is to keep the box square.  Not a problem if you have your handy dandy SU! grid paper.  I simple lined up the sides with the dark center lines of the grid paper as I pushed the bottom down to seal.  PERFECT SQUARE!

I adhered alternate patterns of Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper to the sides.  I then thread the ribbon through the holes and tied to the front of the box (unpunched flap).

The sentiment was created with the Cute & Curly Stamp bundle and the Best Yet hostess set.  I used my Chocolate Chip marker to ink up 'to You'.

Punch out, adhere with Stampin' Dimensionals and you are ready to make someone's Thanksgiving a little more special!

Be Inspired by Life,

 

Stamps:  Cute & Curly(112966), Best Yet (111604) 

Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Sage Shadow (101563), Autumn Vine DSP (112995) 

Ink: Really Rust (102549), Chocolate Chip Marker(100071) 

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon (111367), Scallop Envelope Die (113462), Curly Label Punch (112966), Big Shot (113439), Premium Crease Pad (113476), Double Rectangle Punch (105088), Sticky Strip (104294)

Top Note Tote - 3D Thursday #7

I mentioned last week that I was having too much fun with my Big Shot and I had several projects in the works.  I have most of them completed now, but I could not wait to show you my FAVORITE!  TA DA.....

Strolling through Wal-Mart, I spotted a Pumpkin Pie tote that was just screaming to be altered and I knew just what to do.  I used my Big Shot to cut out a mask of the Top Note die using ordinary Contact paper. I placed the mask on the tote and rubbed the edges of the Contact paper to make sure that they were secure.  I then used a fabric paint brush and some Tulip Soft Matte fabric paint to create the focal image.  

(Note: If you can not find these fabric brushes, make sure that the brush is like a stipple brush to create a nice even layer.  Also, paint from the edges of the mask out to minimize bleeding.  Two coats of the fabric paint is also recommended.)

I then used my Big Deal alphabet set and very vanilla craft ink to monogram my tote.  To help fill the space and really give it that 'fall' look, I added some Flower Fusion felt flowers and Earth Element buttons sewn together with SU! linen thread. 

And of course, what is a tote without ribbon?!?  I tied some Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon around the handles to help unify the brown components of the bag.  For durability, I used  Fray Lock on the edges of the ribbon.

I am a mother of four, so I KNOW this tote will need a little cleaning every now and then.  The tote and fabric paint are washable, but I doubt that the felt flowers will do well during scrubbing.  What to do?  I decided that I would sew snaps onto the backs of the flowers and front of the tote so that I could take them off while cleaning or replace them entirely.  GENIUS!  Well maybe not genius, but it was a good idea!

Inspired to create a fall piece, create a tote, play with your Big Shot?  I hope so!

Be Inspired by Life,

Purse for a Princess - 3D Thursday #6

Three cards in a row and I just couldn't find the time to make another card.  Mention a craft project and I will not sleep so that I can have enough time. 

So it is another 3D Thursday and I had to PICK which project I would show you today.  Yes, I have been having so much fun with my Big Shot that I have made several projects, but alas I can only post one today.

I have a six year old SU! demonstrator-in-training.  Every time I make a card, she MUST also make a card.  There are even times that she is the person that prods me into stamping that day.  Just like any true card crafter she has her favorite accessories.  Glitter is on the top of her list, but I cringe every time she begs to use it so it 'goes missing' quite often.  Felt flowers and scallop punches are her next favorite accessories to create with.  I decided that I wanted to make her a small pouch to keep her favorite pieces together and handy.

I used brown craft felt and my Big Shot with the SU! exclusive Scallop Envelope Bigz die to cut the body of the purse.  The sides of the purse were sewn with crochet thread for a bigger impact.  Using my Crop-a-dile, I set silver eyelets on the sides of the purse so that I could create a sturdy Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon handle.  I embellished the opening with her favorite Flower Fusion flowers and gave it a little extra bling with an ice rhinestone brad.  To keep her 'purse' closed, I used heat set fabric velcro. 

We then filled the bag with 'her stash' of embellishments.  Now everything that she loves to use to 'complete' her cards is at her fingertips.  Create a purse for your princess or the princess in you, but most importantly....

Be Inspired by Life,