Hello Sunshine! Note Card Holder - FREE Tutorial!

Hello crafty peeps! 

It's another rainy, dreary day here in the Old Dominion - time for a little paper sunshine! 

Check out what I created with supplies from the February Paper Pumpkin kit: 

Now if those flowers and that FAB ribbon don't brighten your day, I don't know what will....

WAIT! 

I KNOW! 

How about a FREE downloadable TUTORIAL?!?!

Ok, why not? 

Click this link to download now: 

Hello Sunshine Note Card Holder Tutorial

Here's a peek at the stamped Note Cards and Envelopes inside: 

You guys are always wondering what ELSE you can create with the monthly Paper Pumpkin Kits, aren't you? 

Did you know that when you are one of my personal Paper Pumpkin Subscribers YOU receive an additional 7-8 ideas for EACH months kit? 

Yep, tis true! 

And you don't have to do anything but be my subscriber to receive them. 

These wonderful ideas come directly to you in your email inbox!

Did you know that through March 31st, a 3 month Paper Pumpkin Subscription is ON SALE?

It's normally $59.85 - on SALE for just $55 so you save almost $5 AND you earn a FREE Sale-A-Bration exclusive product with your purchase! 

Click the photo here to purchase and subscribe today! 

Once you make your purchase, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to register your subscription and you'll begin receiving the Extra FREE Tutorials and Ideas from me! 

Something else you should know -

once you are a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber, you will be able to purchase past months Kits (as available) and refills as an exclusive perk! 

Yes, even this month's kit! 

I'm so glad you stopped by today and I hope you enjoy the FREE tutorial! 

I'd love to be able to share all the awesome Alternate Projects for Paper Pumpkin with you in the future!

Be sure to join so you don't miss anything!

NEW Weekly Deals!!

Love the price on the Stars Framelits and the In Color Markers! 

Don't miss out - www.trinitydesignstudio.stampinup.net

Shop Now!

NOEL Gift Box Stack - A TDS Project Pack

I'm always on the lookout for fun and unique packaging ideas, so when I can create something that's decorative as well as functional, that's a big win!

This season, Stampin' Up! has made it easy to make gift boxes in all sizes by offering us the 

Gift Box Punch Board tool.

I recently taught an in-person class that included this nifty tool. 

The three projects we all created together were such a hit that I had to find a way to share them with you at home.
I created a tutorial video for these adorable little boxes and it's posted on my new YouTube Channel Trinity Design Studio

But as I thought about it some more, I couldn't leave you with just a video and a "here ya' go" now figure it out on your own, sooooooo.....

Voila! 

The FIRST ever TDS Project Pack was born! 

Check it out! 

NOEL Gift Box Stack

These Project Packs use the gorgeous Under the Tree Designer Series Specialty Paper from this season's Holiday Mini Catalog. It's strong and sturdy, perfect for box making and the colors of Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green are not only traditional, but easy to coordinate too. 

Project Pack Contents: 

Your Project Pack(s) will contain all the pre-cut pieces for creating your own NOEL Gift Box Stack:

4 - 6" x 6" pieces of Under the Tree Paper, scored, punched and ready to fold and assemble

4 - 1 5/8" pieces of Crumb Cake cardstock

4 - 1 1/2" pieces of Trim the Tree Designer Series Paper

4 - pre-cut letters spelling NOEL using Champagne Glimmer Paper

1 - pre-cut and embossed set of Gift Bow pieces ready to assemble

2 - paper ribbon strips

*You will need your own adhesive and Encore Gold Ink Pad.  

Your Project Packs(s) will be one of either color combination shown, but all will have Champagne Glimmer Lettering for easy coordination. 

All the supplies will be crafting-ready! You just need 1/2 hour, your adhesive and your iTunes (crafting music, mmhm...)
Here's how to order: 

Project Pack Pricing: 

Purchase multiples and SAVE! 

1st NOEL Gift Box Stack Project Pack - $10.00 plus $2.00 shipping

Purchase a 2nd Project Pack for just $7.50 and NO additional shipping fee

Purchase 3, 4 or more Project Packs for just $5.00 each and NO additional shipping fee. 

Purchase 5 Project Packs and receive a 
BONUS "Starry Surprise" 4" Square Box Project Pack 

FREE as my gift to you!

The "Starry Surprise" Gift Box Project Pack is NOT available for purchase separately, but is only available as a BONUS gift when you purchase 5 NOEL Gift Box Stack Project Packs. 

Click HERE to purchase your Project Packs today! 
NOEL Gift Box Project Packs will be available for purchase through 12/31/14. 


Click HERE to view the Tutorial Video!

I hope you enjoy this fun project as much as I did creating it. There are many more Project Packs in the works for you, so stay tuned here for all of my upcoming projects and tutorial videos!

Happy Creating!
~~Robin

Everything Easter Treats

Like any self respecting parent of a kid who's looking forward to their Easter basket, you're probably wondering right about now if you've gotten enough goodies to fill said basket.
Fortunately for me, Emma at 14 still looks forward to her Easter basket and I get to have fun putting it together and finding little things that make her smile.

You may also be expecting guests for the Easter meal and maybe you're one that likes to put a little treat at each placesetting.
Well, here's a couple of ideas for you that will make you the Mom and Hostess extraordinaire AND won't cost a lot of $$ or take much time.
Got your attention now, don't I?

Here, take a look:

And before you ask, yes, those are Reese's Chocolate Eggs all wrapped up there and Easter wrapped Rolo's in the little basket. Yes, it was a struggle to not eat them all, but I only had a few of the Rolo's so I count it a victory!
Believe it or not, the little basket and the belly band wraps and medallions were created with My Digital Studio. There is a download called "Everything Easter Ensemble" and it's $14.95 when you download it from my Stampin' Up! website. Let me show you how I used it here and I'll give you some details of all it contains at the bottom, ok?
These cute little baskets were so easy to put together. I simply printed them out on a sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock in my ink jet printer. I used Whisper White.
Then, I used my Paper Snips to cut them out and adhered them together with Tombow Multi Adhesive. The handle was attached with Mini Brads and then all I had to do was fill them up! These would be super cute little place cards at your Easter table or even little gifts for your Sunday School class - kids or adult!

Here's a closer look at the wrapped eggs:

I simply printed out the sheets of belly bands and medallions - again on an 8 1/2" x 11 piece of cardstock - and cut them out. I used my Scallop Circle punch for the medallions.
To embellish the belly bands, I cut a strip of White Waffle Paper 2 1/2" wide and then used SNAIL adhesive to attach it to the back of the belly band before wrapping it around the egg. SO easy and very quick!! And look how pretty!

Wouldn't these be such sweet treats to embellish your Easter baskets or just to give to your friends?
Here, take a closer look at what's in the download ensemble kit:
Download includes:
* 5" x 3-1/2" double-sided postcard designer template
* 7-page 11" x 8-1/2" décor designer template
* 9-page 8-1/2" x 11" décor designer template
* 18-piece stamp brush set
* 9 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 30 embellishments
* 1 punch

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Décor templates include basket boxes for favors; belly bands perfect for wrapping eggs, silverware, or napkin rings; table tents; oversized 3-D egg centerpiece (simply score in half vertically and attach multiple together)
* Includes Easter invitation photo postcard
* Elements included individually for use on other coordinating projects
*Imagery coordinates with traditional Everybunny Stamp Set

Coordinating colors:
Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Lavender Lace, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Look at the cute little place cards and that fun Easter Egg center piece! And all you have to do is just print them from your computer! It really doesn't get any easier.
When you visit my website to download this ensemble, the Item # is 129363 and the price is just $14.95 for the whole kit!
And the best part is that you can use it over and over and over again. I like that a lot!
If you don't have My Digital Studio, you can download a 30 Day FREE Trial of it from my website that allows you to use it and learn it totally FREE for yes - 30 Days! Once you have it loaded, you can then purchase any downloads like Everything Easter and use them to your hearts content. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, I'm off now to finish up getting ready for our Easter celebration, let me know what you make with this download, or your other handmade Easter projects - I love your creativity!
~~Robin

Place your order for Stampin' Up! supplies at my Online Store - Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right to get started!

Where's Robin??

I know you've been wondering, but I'm still here.
Have you ever had so much on your plate that you don't know whether you're coming or going? Well, that's been me for the last 3 weeks or so. Between the busy-ness of the end of Sale-A-Bration, Emma's skating and school schedule, my surgery recovery and just life in general I feel like I've forgotten to breathe some days.
I've honestly sat down several times to write a blog post and share some projects with you and fallen asleep in the chair - no joke! But things have begun to slow down and I'm not working much this week because it's Spring Break here. Hey, Spring Break isn't just for the kiddos! HA!

We went up to NYC for three days earlier this week - we had so much fun last year, we decided to go again. It may become an annual trip for us. I plan to write another post later today and share some photos with you, just have to finish downloading them. For now though, I'll just share this fun Easter project with you.

It's actually a project I'd created last Easter, but when my Dad was diagnosed with his cancer I cancelled the class and don't think I ever shared this project online with you.

This cute basket is made with the Petal Cone Die, Baja Breeze Cardstock and some now retired Designer Series Paper. You could easily substitute the paper though.
You need 3 petal cones cut with the die to make the basket and all three banner pieces to make the handle.
They are all cut down and scored to make the basket bottom and everything is attached with Tombow Multi-Adhesive. (The cutting and scoring are the same as in this post for my Cupcake Basket, you just need to adhere 3 cone pieces instead of two and you don't cut off any of the top scalloped flaps.)
My basket here uses Antique Brads on the handle and Baja Breeze Seam Binding for the side bows. To create the basket filler, I used a piece of 12 x 12 First Edition Designer Paper and cut it at each 1/4" all the way across the paper, leaving an uncut portion across the top. The Fiskars paper cutter is ideal for this. Next, I took 4" portions of the paper sheet and fed the uncut end into my Crimper. When it came out, I cut off the uncut end with my Paper Snips and crumpled up the rest, creating the "shred".

Here's a view of the eggs:

I'd seen something similar online and wanted to do my own so I purchased the brown paper mache eggs and covered them with small torn pieces of coordinating Designer Series Paper. I used a liquid glue/glaze to adhere them, then coated the entire surface with the glaze and let it dry before I embellished them.

Here's another look:

I'm glad to finally be sharing this project with you and I hope you have some time to make one of your own. It's not awfully time consuming and would be a lot of fun to make some of the eggs with your kiddos if they are home like mine on Spring Break.

Have a great day friends and I'll be back later with some fun NYC photos and memories to share.
Happy stampin'!
~~Robin

Sweet Treat Flowers

So I promised this morning that I'd be back with more info on this fun bouquet!
I created it for one of my party hostesses this month with the Mixed Bunch Stamp Set and the Blossom Punch. They were so easy - and delicious - you'll love them as much as she did!

Because my tin bucket was pink polka dot, I chose my colors for stamping the flowers from the Brights Collection. Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo, but I picked the Marina Mist from the Subtles to round them out. I love how easy it is to cross colors from different collections with Stampin' Up!

I stamped the flowers on Whisper White cardstock and punched them out, using Tombow Multi-Adhesive to glue them to popsicle sticks. For the "leaves", I punched more flowers with the Blossom Punch out of Wild Wasabi cardstock and simply glued them on the back of the popsicle stick. For the fun centers, I used Easter wrapped Rolo candies and simply adhered them with a couple of Stampin' Dimensionals.

A little green paper Easter grass in the bucket was the perfect setting for my flowers to grow - dontcha think?

So, if you are lucky enough to be part of my Stampin' Fools, you'll be making a "garden" of your own this Thursday night. And I have another one for my final Sale-A-Bration Hostess on Saturday evening.

Yep, don't forget, Sale-A-Bration is ending on Saturday. It's your LAST chance to get the fantastic exclusive product FREE for any $50 purchase! Plus, it's the LAST chance to purchase our Demonstrator Starter Kit for just $125.00. It's an amazing special on the kit and comes with a wonderfully generous bonus of a pack of Designer Paper of YOUR choice each month for the rest of the year!
Have you thought about giving Stampin' Up! a try? Well, there's no better time and you can enjoy all the benefits of being a demonstrator until July 30 without having to turn in ANY orders at all. You could even go to Convention if you like - plus get an amazing one time only 30% off your Pre-Order of items from the new Catalog that appears on June 1st.
Yeah, it's a pretty good deal, but not if you wait too long. You can visit my website at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net to find out more details or to simply sign up. It's that easy!
Don't let this be you:
I've already welcomed several new members to my team during Sale-A-Bration who are just "trying it out". You can too, so contact me, ok?

Have a great evening!
~~Robin

Just a Peek!

"Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?"

I don't know about you, but I'd love my garden to grow like this!
Here's just a quick sneak peek of a project I made at the beginning of March for one of my party hostesses. She loved it and I know you will too!
I'll be back later this afternoon to show you the rest and share details!

XOXO!
~~Robin

At Rainbow's End

Happy Friday stampers!

I know it's kind of late to be sharing St. Patrick's Day ideas with you, but since I'd designed them last month for my Stampin' Fools, I thought I should at least pass them on!

Besides, you might have these supplies laying around just begging to be used!
First, here's the card:

I used Wild Wasabi for my 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" square card base. It's layered with a piece of 4 1/8" x 4 1/8" piece of Basic Black cardstock and the top layer is Glossy cardstock cut at 4" square.

I used the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set with Wild Wasabi and Lucky Limeade ink to stamp the grassy border along the base. I love that the classic ink AND markers dry on contact with Glossy cardstock. It's so easy to use!

The rainbow was so simple - I used these five Stampin' Write markers: Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight and Real Red. I used the side of the brush tip and just stroked a "swoosh" of color in an arc pattern from where the pot of gold would be to the card's top edge. Once that was done, I used my 2 Way Glue Pen and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to add the bling!

Next, I constructed my pot of gold:

For the pot, I used the 1 3/4" Circle Punch and trimmed off the top to be flat. I punched two pieces with the Word Window punch. One was glued across the top of the "pot" and the other was cut in half and adhered to the back of the "pot" to make the feet. I used my White Signo Gel Pen to draw a couple of accents on the pot, but of course, it needed one last thing - GOLD!
So I took my Circle punch from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack and punched out a bunch of gold pieces from a scrap of Brushed Gold cardstock. They were layered on another piece of Brushed Gold cardstock that was punched out with the Scallop Circle Punch.
The whole pot was popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals on the card front.
Here's the inside panel:

Just simply stamped with the Happy St. Patrick's Day A La Carte stamp from the Occasions Mini. Cute and easy!

Next, here's an easy treat you can make up for the little leprechauns in your life:

I used the Small Cello Bags and filled them with Lucky Charms Breakfast Cereal and a Gold covered Chocolate coin. The topper was made with some Rainbow striped DSP from the Just Add Cake package. I cut out a top note shape and simply folded it over the top of the bag and closed it with SNAIL adhesive.
The medallion was made in My Digital Studio and I printed out multiples on a sheet of Whisper White cardstock. Each was punched out with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch and layered on a piece of Wild Wasabi that was punched out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch. A little Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added and I attached it to the treat bag with some Stampin' Dimensionals.

So, there you have it, nothing too hard, pretty generic supplies and you can whip up these fun treats in no time. But here's a warning - it's hard to not eat the Lucky Charms cereal once you've opened the box. Just sayin'.

Have a fun St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!
If you live in my area, stop by the Bristow Chick-Fil-A on Rt. 28 by the Super Target. From 11am - 2 pm, I'm participating in a fundraiser for the St. Baldricks's Association. It's an organization that raises money to find a cure for children's cancers.
There will be lots of opportunities to donate at the event tomorrow - a portion of your food purchase goes back to St. Baldricks, there are items available for a Silent Auction and I'll have a card table set up where you can donate any amount over $1.00 and make a card to send to a kid with cancer at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. When you donate and make a card, you'll get a coupon for a FREE Mini Card Class from me as a Thank YOU for participating!
Hope to see you there!
~~Robin

Kool K-Cup Kaddy

I am one lucky gal.
Did you know that I am blessed to have two Keurig Coffee Brewers in my house? Yep, one in the kitchen and one in the studio.
Good coffee is always just a few steps away! ha!

I also have been spending a little more than a little time on Pinterest lately. Which means that I actually have to MAKE some of the projects I've been pinning like a fiend!
And I have - remember the Sweethearts Topiary?
And the Sweet Sale-A-Bration Note Tote?
Yep, both ideas found on Pinterest.

Well, here's another one that I found and LOVED because of my coffee obsession and I've put my own spin on it:

Whoa! You say - that's cool! Yep, just what I said when I saw it at the end of January. I even made one for one of my February Hostesses and the first gal that booked from her party.
Proving that Pinterest is really useful and not just a time waster!

The original design/template for this K-Cup Caddy came from Lori Tecler, a stamp artist in California. Her design was originally for a 2 K-Cup holder, but I thought it would be cute to make it a foursome! Here's the link to her original template - K-Cup Caddy Template

Here's another look at my design for this cute caddy:

I used the Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper and Pool Party Cardstock as my starting point. I added some Lucky Limeade Ruffled Grosgrain Ribbon for an accent and punched the handle with my Modern Label Punch.
(if you do this double caddy, be sure to only punch through one side at a time so you don't risk damaging your punch!)

Here's a close up of my embellishment:

I used the Morning Cup stamp set and colored the cup images with Stampin' Write Markers in Pool Party, Lucky Limeade and Wisteria Wonder. The image was punched out with my 1 3/4" Circle Punch and edged with my 2 Way Glue Pen and some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. It's popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals over a piece of the textured polka-dot paper from the Sweet Shop pack. I punched it out with my Fancy Flower Punch. The whole piece was added to the front of the caddy with more Stampin' Dimensionals.

Now, I KNOW you want to make one of these too - so here's a few of the products I used to create mine:

#119850 1 3/4" Circle Punch $16.95

#118073 Fancy Flower Punch $16.95

#125408 Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper $12.95

#120489 Morning Cup Stamp Set (clear mount) $16.95

You can find all these products and everything else I used for this project in my Online Stampin' Store. It's open 24/7 so it's convenient for you!

Have fun making your Kook K-Cup Kaddy! I think I'm gonna go make another Kup of Koffee!!
Happy Stampin',
~~Robin

Place your order for all your Stampin' Up! Supplies at this link here: Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right to get started!

Sweet Sale-A-Bration Note Tote

**Post Update! I didn't anticipate the requests for the template for this project. I've added a link to the .pdf file on Google Docs in the description below! Thanks for the response!

So, how was your holiday weekend??
Mine was very full and very fun and even very relaxing!

Friday night, we took Emma to see Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows at the 2nd run theater. Mark and I had seen it back in December on a date night, but she really wanted to see it so since it was at the cheap theater, we decided to go.
We absolutely LOVE to go to the movies, but we absolutely HATE to pay for the way overpriced tickets and concessions. When we go to a big chain, we use discount coupons and go to matinees. We joined the theater "club" and earn points to use on tickets and popcorn, and have sometimes been known to bring in a few snacks in my purse. Gotta save some $$ somehow, right??
Anyway, about 2 years ago, we discovered a discount 2nd run theater near our local college campus and it's awesome! Tickets and popcorn every day are just $4! Tuesdays are $2 for movies! That means for less than the price of regular theaters tickets only, we can all three see the movie and eat popcorn with a soda. That gets a "Two Thumbs Up" in my book!
By the way, Sherlock Holmes was FANTASTIC! Great story, fast paced, really well acted. We loved it!

On Saturday, I held my first Open Studio Stamp Time and had 5 wonderful ladies here stampin' and using My Digital Studio and having a ball. Check out the photo at the bottom of this post. Susie was trying to make friends with Jean. It was pretty funny.
This event is going to be a regular occurance on my calendar, so check out my Events page for the next one!

Sunday was my monthly Trinity Design Stampers Team meeting. I welcomed 15 of my downline team and one guest into the studio for a fun three hours of stamping and business sharing. I love having my team together - we share so much fun together and everyone comes away with ideas and inspiration for all aspects of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Here's the project I created for them all to complete. It's a sweet little note tote that uses some of our awesome Sale-A-Bration products!

The tote is made of Peach Parfait cardstock and is decorated with the Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper that's only available for FREE with a $50 order through March 31st. The ribbon is Baja Breeze Seam Binding and is accented with one of the Sale-A-Bration Printed Brads that's available in set with 2 rolls of lovely organdy ribbon. Yep, that's also FREE with any $50 order!
The template for this project can be found at this link here: Robin's Note Tote Project

Here's a photo of the back of the tote:

I used the Decorative Label Punch to create the handle space. It was punched through the layered cardstock and designer paper.
Here's a close up of the little 3" x 3" love notes and envelopes:

I used the Fresh Vintage stamp set that is yet another FREE selection with any $50 purchase through March 31st!
Confetti White cardstock, Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait and Crumb Cake ink and two punches - Postage Stamp and Word Window completed these lovely cards.
Want to know the best part??
If you like this stamp set, designer paper and brad, you can earn ALL three of these products FREE in a special bundle for Hostesses between now and March 31st!
That's in addition to all your other Hostess Freebies too!
It's such a fantastic deal - I'd love to work with you on a fun party so you can have these goodies to play with!
Just contact me via e-mail at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com
or through my website at www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net to find a date on my calendar that's perfect for you!
But don't wait too long, my calendar is pretty full and we only have until the end of March to schedule it!

Susie thinks its a dog-gone good idea! haha!

Susie and Jean

Happy Stampin' everyone!
~~Robin

Place your order for Stampin' Up! Supplies at this link here: Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to get started!

Simple Songbird Tile

If you're anything like me, you have a lot of pieces for unfinished projects laying around. I have all the best intentions when I order something or make an 'amazing' find in a store. You know what I mean - you get a brilliant flash of inspiration that compels you to 'Add to Cart' the very thing you need to make that project in your head a reality.
Yeah, if you're crafty at all I know it's happened to you at least once.
And then reality hits.

Your perfect idea, your recently purchased 'finishing touch', your blank canvas just sits there staring at you because you either don't have the time or don't make the time to even get started on that brilliant idea that caused you to separate your money from your wallet.
Yeah, you know.

So recently, I discovered a small item - just a drop in the bucket really - and determined to just do something with it.
It's this Chocolate Songbird Decor Element that oh, by the way, retired in the last catalog.

I had a few tiles left over from this project HERE and decided that I could simply rub the decor element piece on to one of them. I added about a yard of the Marina Mist Striped Grosgrain ribbon in a big floppy bow and called it done.

Now, won't this cute little 6" x 6" tile look lovely sitting on my mantel this spring? Yep, I think so too.

You know, there's a bunch of smaller sized Decor Elements in our catalog this year. A lot of them will fit on a 6" x 6" tile or even a bit larger size. I encourage you to check them out. You can create a similar quick and easy project for your mantel or bookshelf or even as a gift, in just a few minutes.

Promise me something though?
Don't buy it and then stick it on a shelf or in a cabinet or closet.
Just do it.

And hey, if you're looking for a solution to the TIME excuse, map out 4 hours on your calendar this Saturday (2/18 from 10 am - 2 pm) and head on over to my studio for some Open Studio Stamp Time.
You bring your unfinished projects, ideas and your consumable supplies and you can have full access to my tools, stamps, inks and what's left of my pea brain to pick.
I'll have some snacks, drinks and chocolate to keep you going and it's all for just $5. Or Free with a $30 order.
RSVP to let me know you're coming and I'll make sure you have table space especially for you!

Happy stampin!
~~Robin

Place your order for Stampin' Up! Supplies AND Decor Elements at this link here: Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to get started!

Sweethearts Topiary - Evidence of Pinterest Addiction!

First, one of my downline (who dropped to have a baby of all things!) encouraged me to start a blog to share my artwork. I thought "why not"? and have been blogging ever since.
Then, someone dragged me kicking and screaming onto Facebook - and now I really enjoy posting to it.
Next, at a friends encouragement, I got a Twitter account - and sadly, I still don't really get it. Does that make me a 'Twit'? A social media 'fail'?

But NOW, there's this new, addictive time waster called Pinterest! Aiyiyi!
I'm not sure, but this could turn out to be the biggest hit to my time management skills in my entire life! Don't know if you've discovered the joys of pinning and repinning on Pinterest yet, but lemme tell ya - think long and hard before you take the plunge. Like a friend on Facebook said she's "found the rabbit hole called Pinterest."

All that being said, I have found some REALLY cool stuff on Pinterest and one of them was an awesome Sweethearts Candy Heart Topiary Tree. It's probably the best thing you can do with that candy - hot glue it all over something instead of eating it - and it sure looks pretty when you do.
I knew as soon as I saw - and Repinned the photo, I'd be making one of my own. Are you ready for it?
Ok, here goes:

Now honestly, how FUN is that??
I bought a white styrofoam cone at a local craft store and got busy hot glueing those little hearts in neat rows all over it.
The ceramic pot came from the same store - they were on clearance 3 for $1! Score! And the best part is that when I glued the bottom row of hearts on, I was able to drop them down a bit to cover the edge of the cone meeting the pot.

I purchased three regular sized bags of the candy and ended up opening all of them to get the colors and decent word prints I needed. There's probably a full bag worth left over, so I'm gonna try something else with them.
The entire project took about 3 hours from start to finish - yes, really! It's not rocket science people, just some tedious gluing. There's a couple of spots - 3 I think - that I had to use a kitchen knife to trim a heart to make it fit in place, but it's almost impossible to tell where they are. Just know that in advance if you do this with your kids.

Here's the topper I created for my topiary:

I used the Large Scallop Punch for the base and glued two of them back to back around an extra long toothpick. They were edged with Dazzling Diamonds glitter before I added the hearts. The large heart was punched out of the Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper with my Large Heart punch and glittered before gluing down. All the rest of the hearts were cut out with my Fashionable Hearts Embosslit Die and my Big Shot. I used Wisteria Wonder, Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight and Pretty in Pink.
After attaching all of the hearts, I tied some Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon and Pretty in Pink Scalloped Polka Dot Ribbon around the toothpick at the base of the scallops and inserted the whole thing into the top of the topiary.

Here's a look at the little banner:

I just used the Candy Conversations A La' Carte stamp with Stampin' Write Markers in the same colors I'd used for the hearts and stamped it on Whisper White. It's cut at 1" wide and I used the 1" Square Punch to trim the ends. After curling it a bit, I added some Dazzling Diamonds around the edges, a small piece of Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon and some hearts, then hot glued it to the topiary.

This was really a fun project to make and not so hard that I wouldn't make another one someday. And for me, the lazy crafter, that's sayin' something!

Hope you enjoy my topiary - let me know if you make one too and if you make it different!
Stamped joy,
~~Robin

A Special Gift for Some Special Friends

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know how I feel about the wonderful friendships I've formed through my Stampin' Up! business. It really, truly is the BEST by-product of being part of this company. There are special people in my life now that I NEVER would have even crossed paths with outside of Stampin' Up! These folks are ones that I couldn't imagine NOT having in my life now. And it's all because we share a love of beautiful, handcrafted from the heart art.

At our Leadership Conference last month, I made a few gifts for some of these special people so I thought I'd share it with you guys today.

Each of these beautiful ladies received this necklace in a pouch I made from the Petite Pocket Die and my Big Shot.
The necklace itself was purchased at Forever 21 (I can't wear the clothes there, but I sure love the jewelry!). I transferred the pendant from the chain it came with onto this multi-strand cord necklace that brought out the black engraved words in the pendant. It was attached to a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock that slid down into the decorated pocket.

The pocket itself was created with Island Indigo cardstock and decorated with a piece of Twitterpated Designer Series Paper. I used Tombow Multi Adhesive to assemble all the seams and layers.

I used Crumb Cake cardstock and Gold Brads for the envelope closures and they were tied up with some Linen Thread. The bow was made of Crumb Cake Seam Binding and was attached with Mini Glue Dots.

This was a fun and quick project to create and I think all my friends loved them!

Want to make a few of these cute pockets yourself?
Well, you can find all the supplies you need in my Online Stampin' Store!

#123121 - Petite Pocket Die - $42.95

#125406 - Twitterpated Designer Series Paper - $10.95

#122332 - Crumb Cake Seam Binding - $6.95

#104199 - Linen Thread - $4.50

#104337 - Gold Brads (200) - $6.95

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with another new project for you, so be sure to visit again, ok?
Stamped blessings,
~~Robin

Place your order for Stampin' Up! supplies at this link here: Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to get started!

Sweet Valentine Treats!

It's coming!
Just 10 short days and we'll be celebrating all things LOVE.
I don't know about you, but I'm excited about a couple of things - the chocolate and the dark chocolate!
HeeHee!

Really though, I enjoy Valentine's Day because it gives me a chance to show a little something extra to the special people in my life. I've found that it doesn't have to be something elaborate to put a smile on someone's face. In fact, sometimes it's the sweet little touches that make the day special.

Here's a couple of cute, quick ideas that might help you put a smile on your Valentine's face this year!

This tiny treat pouch was a cinch to make with our Pillow Box die and the Big Shot. I used a piece of Melon Mambo Patterns Designer Series Paper (their are four designs to choose from in that pack!) and simply cut it out with my Pillow Box Die. If you do this, be sure to use the Crease Pad with the Die so the fold lines crease only and don't cut through.
I inserted 3 pieces of wrapped chocolate - Hershey Nuggets I think - and folded in the ends. A piece of Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon was tied around the middle in a double knot to hold the ends in place. It can be easily slipped off to get to the treat inside.
I made the tag with the new Framelits Labels Dies. The greeting, from the Got Treats stamp set, was stamped on a piece of Whisper White cardstock in Melon Mambo ink before being cut out with the right size Die. I punched out a tiny heart from Silver Glimmer Paper and adhered it to the bottom of the tag, then punched a hole in the top so I could tie the tag on with some Whisper White Baker's Twine.
So simple! You could make a bunch of these in no time flat!

Here's a non caloric treat for you:

I used our new Skinny Cello Bags for this one, inserting two Valentine pencils into the bag. The topper was made with both sets of the new Framelits Dies - Hearts and Labels. I stamped the bicycle image from the Take it to Heart stamp set on a piece of Whisper White cardstock in Real Red ink. It's cut out with the Hearts Die and then glittered around the edges with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.
Next, I cut out two pieces of Real Red cardstock with the right size Labels Die. These were adhered around the top of the sealed bag with Tombow Multi Adhesive.
I tied a bow out of the White Organza Ribbon and adhered it to the front Red label then adhered the heart piece over it.
Again, simple, easy and sweet!

I hope these simple ideas have inspired you in your Valentine treat making this week. I really enjoyed designing them and I'm anxious to make more for some special people in my life. I just hope I can resist the open bag of chocolate long enough to fill the treat pouches. Be strong, Robin!!

Happy Saturday everyone - go stamp something fun!
~~Robin

Place your order for Stampin' Up! supplies at this link here: Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to get started!

Don't forget about Sale-A-Bration! Free products for each $50 you spend!

Leadership Secret Sister! Twitterpated Gift Ensemble

Note: I started this post last Wednesday morning (1/25), but Blogger was acting up and I lost most of my text that I'd spent a half-hour writing. So instead of throwing my computer out the window in frustration, I walked away intending to finish it when I returned, but well, my week kind of got away from me.
So just pretend it's last Wednesday, ok? haha!

Good morning stampers!!
It's appropriate to show you my Twitterpated Gift Set that I made for my Secret Sister at leadership today.
Wanna know why???
Because I'm a little Twitterpated this morning!
I woke up to discover that my Stampin' Fools put me over the top last night for earning the Hilton Head trip! Isn't that a great way to wake up??
Next stop - Fiji!! WooHoo!!

Now, let me show you the gift set, ok?
We had optional Secret Sisters at Leadership in my upline, Jan Wakeland's RemARKable Dreambuilders group. We had a list of things to create for our sister based on their likes. This bag and box are just part of what I made for her.

The bag is a simple kraft cubby bag that I decorated. I first attached a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock that I'd stamped all over with the floral spray from the Bordering on Romance stamp set.
Next, I adhered a piece of Twitterpated Designer Series Paper to it. I chose the stripes as a contrast to the florals and waffle paper ruffles.

The Whisper White Waffle paper was cut into 1" strips and adhered with SNAIL adhesive to the bag front. I simply hand pleated it along the adhesive. I cut a length of Riding Hood Red Pleated Satin Ribbon to cover the top edge and wrapped it around the Designer Paper, hiding the edges. It's attached with Mini Glue Dots.

The flowers were punched out using the new Blossom Punch from the Occasions Mini. I punched them out of different designs of the Twitterpated Designer Paper then sprayed them with a little Stampin' Mist to wet them. I scrunched them all up in a ball to dry, then smoothed them out a bit and added the Antique Brad to the center of the flower. It was attached over the ribbon with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here's a close up of the Kraft Box.
I actually opened up the seam of the box and used my Vintage Wallpaper Textured Embossing Folder to emboss the sides of the box. I sponged it all over with Riding Hood Red ink to make the embossing stand out. Because of the size restrictions of the box in the machine, it left a blank corner, so I took a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock and embossed it to use in covering the blank corner. I punched the edges with my Eyelet Lace Border Punch before adhering it with Tombow Adhesive.

I added a piece of Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon around the belly of the box and added another paper flower to cover the seam.
The design on the top of the box was a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock, again embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder and sponged a bit with matching ink.
I cut a piece of DSP with one of the Framelits Labels Dies and stamped an image from the Apothecary Art stamp set in Pear Pizazz ink before using another Labels Die to cut it out. I cleaned the stamp and inked it again in Riding Hood Red, stamped on a scrap of Whisper White and punched it out with the 1" Circle Punch. All pieces were sponged with Crumb Cake ink and then popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

My secret sister was Kathy Hamrick - who gave me some super cute things AND chocolate too! I hope she liked her gift set. There were some project inside it as well, I'll show you those later this week.

As always, you can order all the supplies (except the bag) from my Online Stampin' Store. And remember, Sale-A-Bration is in full swing, so that means for each $50 in merchandise you purchase, you get a FREE product from the exclusive Sale-A-Bration Brochure! LOVE FREE stuff!

Happy Stampin' friends!
~~Robin

Place your order for your Stampin' Up! supplies at this link here: Robin's Online Stampin' Store
Simply click the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to get started!