The CCEEers Become Frugal and Repurpose Items

Shirley, the creator of our July challenges for the CCEE Stampers, asked us to use things in our stash that we kept because we just knew we would use it someday.  I used to decorate pads for my friends, but definitely bought more than I have used.  We are all retired now, so there is less use for such items, so this has been gathering dust.  I kept this very clean and classic as I am not sure how I will use it or if I will gift it.  Once I know that, I might decorate it a bit more.

I used a variety of Spellbinder dies and a retired SU set for this creation.

Be sure to visit the CCEE Stampers Blog.  There will be lots of 'repurposing' inspiration.......might get you to use something you have kept for a long time....figuring it would come in handy.....but still sits there gathering dust.

CCEE1307 Flat Back Treat Box

 

Now.....I must admit that I do not usually make a lot of projects with my stamping.  It is not because I don't admire them.  I love to see what others create with various templates and their creative minds.  I don't make them because I generally don't ever use them.  It was different when I was teaching.  I would make treats for the students or for my fellow teachers.  However, now, in retirement with few little ones in my world, I make these projects and then they languish in the stamp cave until they get thrown away.........so that is why you don't see many projects here on my blog.

 

However.......Frances is our hostess this month for the CCEE Stampers Challenge, and she is the Queen of Templates, Projects, and SVG Files.  So it is not unusual for her to have given us a project challenge.  We were asked to make flat back treat boxes.  This was really very easy to make and would be the perfect way to give a treat.  I used the image from MFT, the cloud dies from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, a grass die from Memory Box, ribbon from SU, and a sentiment stamp I believe is from Penny Black or Hero Arts (I am not near my stamps as I type this).

 

Now....be sure to visit the CCEE Stampers Blog to see the fabulous creations the rest of the team created.

The Crazies Go 'Cardless'

 

The Crazies were challenged to create Anything But a Card this week.  Now, I must honestly say that this is not my favorite type of challenge.  I find that I don't use a lot of these projects.  However, I happened to have a mini package of M & M's leftover from Halloween, so I used them for my picture and have since enjoyed them.....so making this ABAC project was worth it as I had some chocolate as a reward!!!

 

Be sure to go the the Crazy4Challenges Blog to see the fabulous non-card creations by the rest of the team.

CCEE'ers Try Special Folds

Okay.....I must admit that when I saw Sabrina's CCEE Stamper's challenge for this week, I may have groaned a time or two.  I tend to avoid unusually constructed and folded cards as I find I do not ever send them out.  However, after making this one, I must admit it was pretty easy and it really is mailable.  AND...most importantly, a recipient will be able to figure out how to open it without my help. 

By the way...the challenge was to do this technique (free standing pop up card) OR a waterfall card.

I used this stamp by Penny Black which I always turn to as I make holiday cards.  The rest of the designs are designer paper or cardstock.  If you would like to try one of these, there is a tutorial on Splitcoast called 'free standing pop up card'.

This is the card folded up.  Ignore the thumb at the left.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the team created using this 'fold/style'....I am sure to be inspired to try this technique again....REALLY!!!!  The CCEE Stamper's Blog is the place to go!!!

Crazy4Challenges -- TAG! You're IT!!!

Silke is our hostess this month, and she challenged the Crazy4Challenges DT to make tags this week.  At this time of the year, I think of beaches and warm, sunny days, and that is where my idea for this tag came from.  I used this whimsical image of toes in the sand, and added dimension to the sand with my Mudd Puddles.  I will probably use this tag on a friend's 'prize' when traveling to the ocean.

Now.....you have been tagged!!!!  So....go to the Crazies Blog to be inspired to go 'tagging' yourself.

Totally Stampalicious Blog Hop and Release

If you are looking for my CCEE Stampers Challenge card, please click HERE.  Would love it, though, if you could check this post out first.

Welcome......

 to the 2nd Stop of  the Totally Stampalicious

APRIL NEW RELEASE and BLOG HOP!

Card made using the set called  Stinkin' Bobble Farm

We have  FOUR BRAND NEW STAMP SETS from our fabulous Bugaboo line by artist Jodie Mackrell!!  They are AVAILABLE NOW at Totally Stampalicious!

Card made using the set called Gus and Stella Love

As always we'll be giving away PRIZES as well to THREE lucky Hoppers!!!
1st - Prize - All 5 New Sets 
 2nd Prize - $15 Gift Certficate
3rd Prize - $5 Gift Certificate 

 All you have to do is Hop along with us and leave your comments along the way and maybe YOU could be a WINNER!!!!

Card made using the set called Gus Hunter.

 We also have an incredible promotion going on...so even if you don't get a prize you can still be a WINNER!! It's the Stampalicious Dessert Menu
 Level 1 - Vanilla Ice Cream - Buy 5 Get 1 Free
 Level 2 - Strawberry Shortcake - Buy 8 Get 2 Free 
Level 3 - Triple Layer Chocolate Cake - Buy 11 Get 3 Free

Tag made using the set called Kitchen Chickens.

You are going to have to imagine that the heart is colored RED.  Didn't notice my mistake until scheduling this post and I just don't have the time to photograph it, etc. again.

Now you really must travel on to Stacy's Blog to see what fabulous creation(s) she has to share with you.

  Here is the entire line-up in case there are any glitches along the way!!

Totally Stampalicious

Joanne

Stacy

Angel

Kendra

Dawn

Jessie

Laurie

Lynda

Becky

Joycelyn

Vicki

Sue

Anything But a Card with Totally Stampalicious

Welcome to another Totally Stampalicious Monday Challenge.  This week the challenge was clear.....Anything But a Card.  Well, since Easter is coming up in a week, I thought I would use the sweet lamb from the Moo-velous Set to make a tag for my treat package.  The sentiment is not from Totally Stampalcious, but comes from an Easter set from Mark's Finest Papers.

I used a solid coffee fold down bag as my base.  I used my circle Nesties to cut a window in both the front and back.  I decorated the front window, again using my Nesties.  I then put a piece of heavyweight transparency in to cover the 'windows'.    I made my tage with my oval and scalloped Nesties.  I filled it up with jellybeans and then finished it off with a yellow gingham bow which will actually slide off if the recipient wants to sneak some out and then repackage it.

Now ...you really must take some time to visit the Totally Stampalicious Blog to see what I am sure are going to be FABULOUS projects.

Going 3-D with Totally Stampalicious

The Totally Stampalcious DT was challenged this week to make 3-D gift packaging of some sort.  My 'treat' package holds two hot chocolate K-cups.  I thought it was the perfect match to  the set I used which is called Poppi Cocoa which had the perfect sentiment for this 'treat'.

Be sure to visit the Totally Stampalicious Blog as I am sure there will be 'treats' for you to see.  We would love for you to play along with us as well.



Sweet Treat Despite Photo Frustration

This is a recycled project today.  The challenge for theh Crazy4Challenge team was to make some type of gift packaging.  I decided to use this acrylic box that came with some stamping item I purchased and make a decorative sleeve for it.  I used a newly released set from Totally Stampalicious for the image and sentiment.  I added some bling and some green ribbon.  For purposes of this picture, I put some peppermints inside, but I actually intend to decorate some nuggest of chocolate to give as a gift.....but....if I buy the chocolate too early, I'll be snitching a piece now and again....not good for my health or my weight.  So I keep the peppermints around for photos as they don't tempt me in the least.  These are probably a year or two old!!!!

Now, be sure to stop by the Crazies Blog to see the fabulous packaging by the other DT members.......and check out the wonderful work of our newest DT member, Dawn Easton.

I must apologize for my picture.  I do okay with cards, but with anything acrylic I just can't get a good picture.  This is much cuter and crisper in real life.

MFP 12 Days of Christmas -- Post It Pad

Speedy the Cat at Mark's Finest Papers likes to get a head start on special Christmas gifts and memories for friends and family. He gathered the design team at Mark's Finest Papers to bring you 12 days of exciting paper crafting gift ideas to get that holiday mojo flowing. The hop runs for 12 consecutive days, starting October 17th!

Begin your holiday hop at Speedy's home base, the Mark's Finest Papers blog and relax with a cup of eggnog (or sprig of catnip, your choice) as Speedy leads you though a short, daily hop. You'll find your holiday paper crafting ideas and supplies at Mark's Finest Papers.

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!

We have four samples each day for our hop! Please visit each of the following blogs for holiday inspiration! Start off tomorrow on the MFP Blog for more inspiration!

Day 12 Post-It-Holder Oct 28

I created my post it note holder to fit the longer type of post it. The wonderful thing about 'doing it yourself' is that you can make the holder whatever size you can imagine, using only a bit of basic math/measurement.  I used the newly released set called CARDINALS IN WINTER for my image.

We have four samples each day for our hop! Please visit each of the following blogs for holiday inspiration! Start off tomorrow on the MFP Blog for more inspiration!

Joanne
Debbie M
Pam

MFP's 12 Days of Christmas -- Acetate Packaging

Speedy the Cat at Mark's Finest Papers likes to get a head start on special Christmas gifts and memories for friends and family. He gathered the design team at Mark's Finest Papers to bring you 12 days of exciting paper crafting gift ideas to get that holiday mojo flowing. The hop runs for 12 consecutive days, starting today! Begin your holiday hop at Speedy's home base, the Mark's Finest Papers blog and relax with a cup of eggnog (or sprig of catnip, your choice) as Speedy leads you though a short, daily hop. You'll find your holiday paper crafting ideas and supplies at Mark's Finest Papers.

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!

We have four samples each day for our hop! Please visit each of the following blogs for holiday inspiration! Start off tomorrow on the MFP Blog for more inspiration!
Lois
Joanne (ME!!!)
Patty
MariLynn

MFP New Release and Blog Hop Day 4

Hello! Welcome to the October 2011 MFP New Releases Blog Hop!

This month's new releases are: Holly Greetings, Christmas in the Country, Snowball?, Country Thanksgiving, Cardinals in Winter, and Ginger Cookies.For your convenience, all these sets are available TODAY at Mark's Finest Papers.

So, do you want to WIN today's Featured Stamp Set: Ginger Cookies? (If you don't want to wait to win, you can always purchase the sets right away! We'll substitute a set from NEXT month's release if today's winner has already purchased this set!)

Ginger Cookies Set Used

For your chance to win: Comment on the following Design Team members' blogs TODAY before midnight EDT. There will be ONE random winner chosen from the comments on today's Blog Hop blogs. That winner will win Ginger Cookies. We will announce the winner's name on tomorrow's MFP blog post.

Emily
Nancyruth
Neva
Faith
Dawn
Marilynn
Patricia
Chrissy
Karen
Pam
Joanne
Markie
Carol
Mark’s Finest Papers

3-D Templates can be FUN!!!!

Hi everyone!

It's Saturday which means the "Crazies" are back with another fun challenge for you all.

Before we get into today challenge, as this week is a sponsored challenge we need to introduce this month's sponsor which is Creations by AR. Adela has some awesome templates on her site which I know the "Crazies" have had fun playing with for our challenge this week. The templates come in all formats: PDF, SVG and DXF so that you can use them with your electronic die cutting machines or cut by hand if you don't have a machine. This week's winner will receive two templates of their choice from Creations by AR.

Adela has also offered our blog readers a 10% discount on all her templates during this challenge so that is from September 17th to September 23rd. All you need to do is use the code: challenge10 when you go through the check out.

Now it is time for our challenge, Barb is back with another fun fall themed challenge for us all! This week all you have to do is create a card or project with a pumpkin on it in some form. It can be a card or 3D project. 

Front View

This second picture shows you the side view.  I did not have any candy in the house to fill it with, but there are actually three pockets (front, back and middle) in which to place some treats.  The template I used is called 'The Three Pocket Caddy'.  I used the PDF version and I must say that it was easy to put together and decorate.  I will definitely play with more of Adele's templates. The stamp set I used is a newly released one from Mark's Finest Papers called Boo to You.  A really fun Halloween set it is. Now be sure to visit the Crazies Blog which is sure to have all sorts of 'treats' for you to see.



3-D.......TS Monday Challenge

Our challenge this week for the Totally Stampalicious Challenge Team was to create some type of 3-D project.  I went down to the stamp cave, intent on doing another project.  However, my eyes were drawn to this red and white tin I have had there awaiting some use.  I decided to make a slip decoration to go over it.  I can use the tin for a gift certificate or some deeelish candies for a gift.

In the picture to the left you can see how easily the two pieces come apart.  The greatest thing about this is that the recipient will be able to reuse it for something of their choosing or to present a gift to someone else.

I used Totally Stampalicious's Winter Wishes set from the Bugaboo Line.  Stella just cracks me up everytime.

We hope you will stop in at the TS Blog to see the fab creations by the rest of the team AND to see how you can play along with us.

Speedy's Friends and Crazy4Challenges

Colleen is the hostess for the Speedy's Friends Challenge this week.  She asked us to make a collage card and gave us a link to use for a tutorial.  I must admit to veering off the straight and narrow path and doing a different version of a collage card.  Sorry, team!!!

I used a variety of floral iimages along with a sentiment from various sets by Mark's Finest Papers.  I love the flowers, but really do wish I had a softer touch with the sponging.  That is a weak area for me, but I keep trying!!!

Now be sure to visit the Speedy's Friends post on the blog to see the fab collages by the rest of this fabulous team of stampers.

Silke continues as our April hostess for the Crazy4Challenges.  This week she challenged us to make an Easter gift .....a box, package, basket...or such.  I used a template provided by our sponsor....

It is actually a template for a box to hold sets of cards, but I will be using it to hold some Dove Chocolate for a gift.  The image I used is by QKR Stampede and is a digital image.  She seems to be the Minnie Pearl of Bunnies.

Be sure to check out the Crazies blog to see some fabulous packaging ideas.  I am sure you will be dazzled.

A Challenge and a Boxing Day Sale

Totally Stampalicious is having a Boxing Day Sale for ONE DAY ONLY!

They are offering

15% OFF EVERTHING IN THE STORE!

Simply use code

BOXINGDAY

in the coupon section at the checkout to receive your discount!

SHOP HERE NOW!
*****Sale ends 12:00 midnight (EST)*****

If you're in the mood to create, head on over to the Totally Stampalicious Blog to play along in the

RECYCLE IT Challenge!

You just never know when you could win a prize!

My recycling project was done with a fabulous box which came with some absolutely deeeee-lish chocolate-covered strawberries sent by a dear SCS friend. I am savoring the treats and decided to reuse the box.  Thought I might be able to actually fit some cupcakes in the box as a prize.

I used the digital version of Cupcake JJ as I needed her to fit to a specific size.

Now let's see what you can recycle and use in a new creation!!!!

Have a great day!!!

Calendar Girl

Betsy at Innovative Stamp Creations gave us a challenge this month. We were to create a calendar. Ideas were shared, and then we all went our way. You will be amazed at the various calendars created. Mine is on the very CAS side. I did not put all 12 pages of the calendar here on the blog, but I think you can surely get the idea from the 6 I did post. All images are by Innovative Stamp Creations, and they were bound together with a borrowed Bind It All. I found the  template for the calendars from a blog called My Paper Secret  found HERE.  The simplicity of her design also influenced my CAS style on this project.
Now you are going to want to see the calendars created by the rest of the team. Please use the Creative Architects links on my sidebar to the right to find your way around.

Gift Packages -- Totally Stampalicious

The challenge for the Totally Stampalicious Blog this week is to create some gift/treat packaging.  I used a tutorial on SCS to create a 2-5-7-10 box.  I tweaked it just a bit, but stayed true to most of the measurements and directions.  I used the stamp set from Totally Stampalicious called Let It Snow Stella.

I hope you will join us in creating some packaging for a gift or two or three for the holidays OR for any occasion for that matter.  Be sure to visit the TS Blog to get details on how you can play along with us.

Innovative Stamp Creations -- Celebrates Gift Giving

(IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE TOTALLY STAMPALICIOUS BLOG HOP, PLEASE GO TO THE PREVIOUS POST by clicking HERE)
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Now to today's post from
 Innovative Stamp Creations

Betsy gave the Creative Architects a challenge.  She wanted us to use any of ISC's Christmas images/sentiments to create a gift card holder.  Now as many of you know, there are all sorts of gift card holders out there.  I decided to make one that I find fairly simple.  This is a picture of the front of my holder.

Now I will give you some basic instructions on how to do this.  This is not anything I invented or devised, so thanks to whoever I may have gotten my original inspiration from.

First you must cut a piece of cardstock to the dimensions of 12 X 5.  Then using a scoring tool, score the short side at 1.5, 4,5, 6, 7.5, 10.5.  You will then cut one of the 1.5 ends off.  It will look like this when you are done this step.

You will now turn over and place red sticky tape very close to the side edges of the valley fold and at the inside edges of the valley peaks.  Unfortunately I don't think you can see my tape since I was using red cardstock.  DO NOT put tape down at the 'bottom of the valley".  When turned over this will be where your gift card will be inserted after some other step.

Now peel the backing off the tapes and pinch one side to the other so that when finished and turned over, it looks like this.

You will notice that mine had some punch marks.  This is what you must do to provide an opening for the gift card.  I used an oval punch and made a fancy border.  You could use Nesties....really anything you want, even plain ole' scissors........Now your basic gift card holder is complete and you can decorate it at will.  I punched the corners of the flap (the 1.5 inch section left).

Now you can decorate it as much or little as you want.  This is what mine looks like inside from a couple of angles.  I apologize for the white velcro...that's all I had....but I would replace it with a magnetic closure or a cream colored velcro when using it.

Decorate your covers both front and back.  My front you already saw.....and here is my flap side.

Then the last step is to place your gift card inside and close it all up.

Hope this helped you get some idea on how to make a gift card holder.  I am sure that you can find a much better tutorial on SCS, but not everyone is registered there, so this will give you the basic idea.

And....now you will want to visit the blogs of the other Architects to see what they created.  Theirs were posted yesterday, but mine was postponed a day because I already had two other blog posts for Thursday.  Here are the links to their blogs.  You might have to go down a post or two.

ISC blog
Joanne (me!)
Julie
Karen
Kathy

Have a fabulous day!!!!

CCEE Challege and Stampin B's Challenge Cards

Stampin B's Challenge #74
Hostess - Brenda
Challenge - Use a charm.

This entire card was based on the spider charm.  I used an image and sentiment from a set that will be released from the Speedy the Cat Designer Collection called Broom Rides.  It will soon be available from Mark's Finest Papers.  The spider border was made with an EK Success punch.  I used a Cuttlebug web embossing folder on the background, did die cutting with my Nesties, and added some ribbon and brads.  Now be sure to visit the Stampin B's Blog to see the work of the rest of the team and to find out how YOU can play right along with us.

CCEE Challenge -- CCEE1035
Hostess - Frances
Challenge - Make a bookmark

I must admit to being somewhat challenged in the bookmark category.  It is probably because I do all my reading on a Kindle due to my peeper problems.  Have no use for bookmarks.  However, after final making one I liked, I think I will keep it for a cookbook.  The stamps used are by Verve.

I added a small picture of the bookmark being used in a cookbook.  Sometimes a picture can explain how something works better than words.

Now be sure to visit the CCEE Blog to see the creations of the rest of this fabulous team AND to find out how YOU can play along with us.