Holiday Hearts gift and Craft Fair

Saturday, December 3, 2011

10:00am until 2:00pm

Old Plank Road Baptist Church, 8964 Old Plank Road, Jacksonville, FL

A fun and fabulous one-stop holiday shopping event featuring jewelry, accessories, health and beauty items, home decor, crafts and much more!!! More than FIFTY vendors will be offering their homemade and trademarked items: something for everyone on your list! EVERYbody, including Dad and Junior, can come and shop! *** Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a needy family, and you'll be entered in a special, higher-value door prize drawing!!! ***Mention this blog post and receive something free!

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WOW...Almost a year!!!

I can’t believe it has been almost a year since I have posted anything. This is really sad because I haven’t really made anything, just too busy.  It has been a good and sad, but busy though.

We have bought our fist home and with that comes packing, small repairs, painting, moving, unpacking, more small repairs, organizing, lots of yard work including a small veggie garden and one large bathroom remodel.

Right after we moved we had a death in the family out of state and all the responsibility of that fell to us. It was a very sad but happy time because we know that Granny is in Heaven with Jesus and we will see her again.

The second sad thing for me was that I gave up being a SU! demonstrator. It was a very hard thing for me to do, but knew that I wasn’t bringing in profit and in order to buy a house I would have to give it up. I still buy (just not as much) and use their products and will hopefully be a demonstrator again really soon.

I have my own craft room now it is the craft/office/guest room (with a Murphy bed and built in shelves).  My husband has given up on calling it the office and has finally given in to it being a craft room, after all he only has a desk with his computer and I have the entire room, including the closet.  Unfortunately since I haven’t been crafting, the room is a bit of a disheveled condition and I can’t (won’t) post any pictures.  I need to design something that has a bit more creative flow than what is happening now, it works just not as well as I want it too.

So my goal within the next few weeks is to work on the craft room to make it more efficient for me to create and then post some pictures.

Thanks for Stopping by and sticking with me this long.

Use it Up #4

It was harder to use the organdy ribbon than I thought it would be and have moved on to something else, Felt Flurries. When I was trying to use up the organdy ribbon I pulled them out to use and have made many things with them recently and I used about half of what I had and am trying to finish using them. I guess another positive would be that I have been able to use almost all of my retired Holiday Treasures designer paper, Ruby Red cardstock, Circle brads and Earth Elements brads and buttons. My next few challenges will probably be about color instead on a particular item, I can use up more stuff that way.

I was inspired by many artists on Splitcoast Stampers by either their work or templates and CASEd (copy and share everything) many designs. Thank you to those whose name I don’t remember.

Vellum paper is a little thin for embossing so I would recommend vellum cardstock.

Gift card holder.

This is a money/check gift envelope. The black line is where the envelope has a slot to put the money/check to hold it in the envelope.

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Crystal Light container

Supplies for all cards:
Baja Breeze cardstock, ink and ribbon
Ruby Red cardstock, ink, buttons and brads (retired)
Old Olive cardstock, ink and ribbon
Whisper White cardstock, ink and embossing powder
Chocolate Chip cardstock
Crumb Cake cardstock
Holiday Treasures designer paper
Vellum paper (vellum cardstock would have worked better)
Petals a Plenty embossing folder
Eyelet Border punch
Scallop Border punch
Circle brads (retired)
Felt Flurries (retired)
Peaceful Wishes (retired)
Many Merry Messages
Big on Christmas

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Upcoming Florida Tax Holiday

The state of Florida is having a sales tax holiday for school supplies up to $10.00 per item August 13 – 15. Because school supply items are included in this sales tax holiday, the below list of items will be tax free during the holiday period. Please note that you must place your order with Stampin’ Up! during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax free. Contact me to place your order.
The following items are tax-exempt during the Florida sales tax holiday:

Item #   Description   Price

100425  2-Way Glue Pen   $3.50
104332  SNAIL Adhesive  $6.95
104331  SNAIL Adhesive Refill  $4.50
100902  Dotto Refill  $6.50
104045  Anywhere Glue Stick  $3.95
104294  Sticky Strip  $6.95
104430  Stampin' Dimensionals  $3.95
103683  Mini Glue Dots  $4.95
103579  Paper Snips  $9.95
105021  White Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen  $3.95
102845  Blender Pens  $9.95
Various  Stampin’ Write Markers (individual)  $3.50
105394  Basic Black Stampin’ Write Journaler  $3.50
110755  Multipurpose Liquid Glue  $3.95


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Can we say procrastination????

Over a week ago I posted the third use it up challenge and have finally gotten around to making some samples. Over the next few days, God willing, I will be continuing the third use it up challenge.

Supplies (all cards)
Pacific Point cardstock & ink         Baja Breeze cardstock & ink     
Bravo Burgundy cardstock            Always Artichoke cardstock & ink
Natural Ivory cardstock                 Whisper White cardstock
Night of Navy ink                          Soft Sky cardstock & ink (retired)
Felt Flurries (retired)                      Gold Organdy (retired)
Tiffany Fancy Fibers (retired)         Natural Rope Twine (retired)
White Organdy Ribbon (retired)     Gold Cord (retired)
Serene Snowflakes                         Holy Family (retired)
Many Merry Messages                   Simple Circles (retired)
1 3/8 Circle Punch                          Scallop Border Punch
Eyelet Border Punch                       Large Oval Punch
Wide Oval Punch                           Scallop Oval Punch

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Use it Up #3

#3 Organdy Ribbon

I love organdy ribbon. Unfortunately none of it is available anymore through Stampin’ Up. My goal this week is to “use up” my many rolls of organdy ribbon. I think I bought every color and size that was available; some is still in a closed package. The advantage to this challenge is that I will still be able to use the Hodgepodge Hardware I am trying to get rid of. So maybe by the end of the week I will have an empty spot on my shelf and on the dowels that hold my ribbon. At least then I will finally have room for some new product.

Samples to be posted later….


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More Use it Up #2 samples

Here are three more samples of how to use Hodgepodge Hardware. I still have a lot left so you will probably see more of it in the next use it up challenge. My favorite of the three cards is the one with the daisy flowers and the spiral clips as the center. The Hello card was made for my son who is away at camp this week. The one with the butterflies has the versatility of an “oh no, I forgot (insert name here)’s birthday or just because.

Supplies Used (all cards)
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware (retired)
Apricot Appeal cardstock, ink and grosgrain (retired)
Cool Caribbean cardstock (retired)
Taken with Teal cardstock (retired)
Rose Red cardstock
Whisper White cardstock and grosgrain
Wild Wasabi cardstock
Garden Green cardstock and ink
Night of navy cardstock and ink
Marina Mist ink
Bashful Blue ink
Daisy Flower sizzlet
Little Leaves sizzlet
Beautiful Wings embosslet
Square Lattice embossing folder
Scallop border punch
Tag Corner punch (retired)
Simply Circles (retired)
Fifth Avenue Floral

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Music camp is over....now I can go back to my corner.

I had so much fun this past week helping out at my church. Every year our Kids Choir puts on a music camp. It is from grades K-5 and this year we had 58 kids sign up. They learn a complete musical, a musical instrument, and do crafts, all in one week. The finale was last night when we put on a show for all the parents/church.


Now that it is over I can go back to my crafty corner. A little over a week ago I posted the second use it up challenge. Well I haven’t stepped foot in my craft corner since I posted the challenge, so it is being extended until next Tuesday.

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Use it Up #2

#2 Hodgepodge Hardware

As I was trying to finish using my True Thyme (still have some left), I was inspired to pull out my hodgepodge hardware. So this weeks challenge is to use up my/your hodgepodge hardware. The funny thing is that when these came out I thought of all the things I could do with them. Needless to say I didn’t use it as much as I thought I would so I am pulling it out again to use it up and make space for some of the amazing things Stampin Up has in the new catalog. This challenge is a harder one for me to do because I really don’t know how to use some of the things in the sets, plus I am either out or almost out of the brads.
ETA: This may be a longer challenge than I originally intended. Super busy with making props and doing crafts for our church's music camp.

SUPPLIES (for all three cards):
True Thyme cardstock, ribbon & ink (retired)
Natural Ivory cardstock
Mellow Moss cardstock (retired)
Creamy Caramel cardstock & ink (retired)
Fancy Fibers “Bella” (retired)
Taupe ribbon (retired)
Mustard ribbon (retired)
Hodgepodge Hardware (retired)
Cajun Craze cardstock & ink
More Mustard cardstock & ink
Small Oval punch
Gifts of the Earth (retired)
Canvas (retired)
Serene Sunflower (retired)
Grateful Greetings
Autumn Days


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True Thyme Take Two

I have both sizes of cardstock 8 ½x11 and 12x12. I was thinking that one of the best ways to "use up" the 12x12 was to make scrapbook page layouts (coming soon) and boxes. Boxes a super simple to make, if you know what size box you need. This box is a four in box with a three in lift. The lids are a little trickier but still very easy.

SUPPLIES:
True Thyme cardstock & ink (retired)
Cranberry Crisp cardstock, ink & ribbon (retired)
Chocolate chip ink
Fancy Fibers “Bella” (retired)
Ribbon Originals “Alpine” (retired)
Confetti Vanilla 12x12
Tag Punch, small & large
Peaceful Wishes (retired)
All Year Cheer (retired)

SUPPLIES:
True Thyme cardstock (retired)
Chocolate Chip ink
Confetti Vanilla cardstock
Bravo Burgundy cardstock & ink
Bravo Burgundy mulberry paper (retired)
Vintage Brads (retired)
Copper Embossing Powder (don’t remember when or where I got it but not available with SU)
Square Lattice embossing folder
Many Merry Messages
Holy Family (retired)

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USE IT UP #1

#1 True Thyme
As I was looking through my cardstock I realized I had a full unopened pack of True Thyme cardstock. This was the first time I had ever been exposed to the “retiring list” and felt like I had to have even more because it would NEVER be available again. So I bought plenty. I have even given away an entire pack and still had one. I did learn from this and haven't bought huge quantities of any retiring consumable products since. I loved this color when it was available. It is such an earthy green. I pulled it out and started working. I made the following Christmas cards and showed my husband Steve. Boy did that through a wrench in the works. He told me “I really like that color.” AAAAAGGGGHHHH, now I don’t want to use it anymore. But I will make myself keep using it this week until it is mostly gone.

If you choose to participate with me, you can use anything you have as long as the primary color is True Thyme. The only other thing I ask is that if you are going to participate and post a link to your project(s), that it be Stampin Up Only (SUO).

SUPPLIES:
True Thyme cardstock & ink (retired)
Fancy Fibers “Bella” (retired)
Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain (retired)
Riding Hood Red cardstock & ink (retired but coming back 7-1-10)
Early Espresso cardstock & ink (coming 7-1-10)
Natural Ivory cardstock
Square Lattice embossing folder
Lovely as a Tree
Cardinal Christmas
Tag Punch

I admit it;

I am a hoarder…of craft supplies.


As I have been trying to make myself only use current items from Stampin Up, I have realized that I have way to much retired stuff that I just can’t seem to part with. Some of which hasn’t even been opened yet, like Vintage Violet Cardstock and Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon. Not to mention all of the retired stamps. And for different reasons I just can’t make myself buy more supplies when I have SO many unused. So I have created a goal for myself. I will be trying VERY HARD to use up what consumable products I have before I buy anything new. And yes there is a lot of NEW stuff I want from the 2010-2011 Stampin Up catalog.

Now I know I am NOT the only one who hoards their stuff, so I thought I would make it fun. I think that I am going to create weekly challenges to “USE IT UP”. Don’t worry because you can use ANY of your supplies that you already have. Remember the goal is to “USE IT UP”. Feel free to play along and even post a link to your project.


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They're here!!!

My Stampin Up catalogs have finally come. Well to be honest they have been here since Thursday. I just haven't had time to announce it. Would you like a free copy? Contact me to find out how.

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Jill

Sewing on Cards Part #2...

This is the second installment of sewing on cards. I hope that this will help someone else in their efforts to do what appears to be a developing trend. I learned a lot and hope that my mistakes will be used to the benefit of others. When I first decided to make these I knew I wanted to sew on them. I was totally oblivious as to how to do it. So I decided to do it as if I weren’t going to sew on them. I punched various sizes of circles, in various cardstocks (textured and crimped) and using my SNAIL I put a very small amount of adhesive on the backs to hold them in place. I left them overlapping on purpose because I wasn’t really sure of what I was doing or how it was going to end. I started sewing on the overlapping circles and went all the way across. I left plenty of overhanging thread, again because I didn’t know how it was going to end up or how I was going to tie it off.

 

This is where I really learned the error of my ways. I had to then take my paper piercer and remove the thread from the overlapping circles, cut the circles level with the card base and somehow tie up the loose ends.

I tried to first tie them and cut very close (right side), then I tried applying some SNAIL adhesive to the thread and tucking it behind the circles (left side), then I went with my Tombow Adhesive and applied a small amount onto the first threaded puncture hole at the edge of the card base (not shown).

I learned some very important and time saving things and they are…
*Trim the overhang from the card base first.
*Backstitch to secure the edges.

Here is the finished project. It was a lot of work but worth it. This is a cast party invitation for the cast of “J-Force”. This is the drama that the kids will be doing at music camp this year. Music camp is a week long program offered at my church for kids during the summer. They learn a musical, an instrument and do crafts. Then at the end of the week they perform the musical and demonstrate the instrument by playing the song they learned. It is an amazing experience and the kids work really hard. This year one of the other “drama moms” suggested a cast party. I was asked to make the invitations, which I jumped at.

Supplies:
All Year Cheer (retired)
Tempting Turquoise cardstock
Old Olive cardstock
Pumpkin Pie cardstock
Brights Collection textured cardstock
Crimper
¾” to 1 3/8” circle punches
Itty Bitty circle punch

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Sewing on Cards Part #1...

I have noticed a trend with the Stampin’ Up catalogs for the last two years (09-10 & 10-11). In both catalogs there are so many projects that have sewing on them.

Now I have to admit that I have had a sewing machine for over ten years now and have used it probably four times. After researching it and getting my courage up, I decided to drag it out of it hiding spot in the top of my closet and put it to use. I followed the instruction book for the most part, but decided I needed something that I could reference more quickly and easily than the book. So I made reference sheets.

I decided which materials I would sew the most of and came up with cardstock to cardstock, designer paper to cardstock and textured cardstock to cardstock. (I will be testing and making ribbon samples at a later date) I am very forgetful at times, especially if I don't use the information alot, so I made notes on the base. I noted which stitch, the tension, and stitch width and length. It was so worth the few hours I spent in advance to have a quick and easy reference in the future.

The best advice I can give is that when you are testing your tension is to use two different colored threads so you can distinguish between the top and bottom threads.

The next best advice is to go for it. Pull out the sewing machine or clean the dust off of it and put it to use. After all it’s only paper and you can use scraps.

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Vacation Bible School

This week is VBS at my church. My posting will be sporadic at best since I will be busy in the evenings this week.

I am in the process of working on some invitations. When they are complete I will post them.

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Quick and Easy Father's Day Project

I saw this in Family Fun magazine and thought I can do that. This is a very fast, very easy and kid friendly too. Casey and I made this in about thirty minutes. I followed the directions given but after doing the project, I got to thinking that this would be so cute for any occasion really. Instead of covering the box, you could make your own in any size. Change the paper and tag and you could make it for anything.


Imagine a birthday celebration with this. You could fold and tape (non-permanent) money together. What a surprise that would be to the child as they pull more and more money out of the box. If you did this you probably would not tape it down on the inside of the box.

What about an “over the hill” card. For instance Steve will be 40 this year; I know that’s not THAT old but it is an example. I would cut the number 40 out several times using the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine #113439 and the exclusive Stampin’ Up medium sizzlit die Timeless Type Junior Alphabet #115951. I would stick them to a piece of cardstock, with the message, and roll it into the box.

There really are a lot of possibilities with this box, more than I thought when I first saw it.

Supplies:
Basic Black Cardstock #106532
Brushed Silver Cardstock #100712
Summer Sun Cardstock #107097 (while supplies last)
Sticky Strip #104294



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Sneek Peek #1

I was so excited to get some of the new Stampin’ Up products. I really love the new catalog and can't wait to share it with you. I have spent a lot of my free time lately looking through it. I am having a hard time deciding what I want to buy first.

I have always liked the vintage look and when I saw the Newsprint DSP, I had to have it. I also believe that you can never have too many sentiments, so I had to get the Level 3 Hostess Set Occasional Quotes. Want the set? Contact me to find out how to get it free.

Supplies:
Stamps: Level 3 Occasional Quotes, Upsy Daisy, Medallion, Extreme Elements
Paper: Very Vanilla and Basic Black Cardstock, Newsprint DSP
Punches and Die Cuts: Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Scallop Oval, Lg. Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Top Note Die Cut and Beautiful Butterflies Die Cut
Misc. Supplies: Pretties Kit, Library Clips, Black Embossing Powder, Hemp Twine, Dimensionals

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The Final Goodbye...

This is the last of my products that I am trying to us up. And the timing couldn’t be better because I have some new goodies to start using.

I was in need of a gift box for my most wonderful husband when I stumbled across this Tie Box Template by procrastistamper. I knew immediately that I was going to make one. What better way to give a “Father’s Day Tie” without giving a Father’s Day tie. This would be perfect for just about any gift, golf balls and tees, movie tickets, chocolate, etc... I can't tell you what I am putting in it, just in case he reads this.

Retiring Products Used (While Supplies Last):

Bella Bleu Designer Paper #113974 (lid)
Horizontal Punch #105089 (tag)
Tag corner Punch #107215 (tag)
Earth Elements Brads #106955 (tag)

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A Fond Farewell...

Today’s cards showcase some of the retiring items from Stampin’ Up! This was really, really hard for me to do because I have a tendency to hoard my stamping supplies. When I purchased it I loved it and in some cases that is still true but in others, not so much. Not so much, because it isn’t in style, my style has changed or I just don’t like it anymore. I decided to thin out my supplies starting this year with the retiring list. For the rest of the month or while supplies last, I will be trying to use up my retiring products.

Retiring supplies used…
Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper #113976
Summer Sun Cardstock. Sorry this is Sold Out but not to worry there is an awesome replacement coming (Daffodil Delight)
Summer Sun Classic Ink #100537
Cameo Coral #107098 (12 x 12 is all that is left and while supplies last)
Cameo Coral Marker #100074
Bold Brights Brads #106957
¾” Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon #115608
Wings of Friendship #114308
Warm Words #115108
Embrace Life #114958

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