2021 - 2022 New Annual Catalog Card Swap

 Recently, I participated in a card swap with other Stampin' Up demonstrators.  Have you ever swapped cards with other paper crafters?  I'm always amazed that Stampin' Up crafters create cards using the same crafting materials, maybe even the same stampset, and yet our cards are always so different.  That just shows how creative you can be with Stampin' Up products.

This time we created cards using the items found in the recently released 2021 - 2022 Annual Catalog.  I chose to participate in two groups -- each trading 10 cards.  Below are the two cards I made for the swap.  

The first card uses the Count On Me stamp set (# 155647) found on page 83 of the catalog and the Picture This die set (# 155559) found on page 164.  Using a pencil, I lightly traced the die on to a sheet of Basic White card stock to create a stencil. Using the penciled circles as a guide, I stamped different images in a few of the circles. Stampin' Blends were used to color the images.  Bumblebee cardstock was used for the base card.  Then, I sandwiched the Basic White card stock containing the colored images between the card base and the Cinnamon Cider card stock with the cut circles. Using the archived Stampin' Up balloon punch and a piece of scrap, I punched out a balloon.  In addition, I stamped the sentiment onto a small circle which was matted to a scalloped circle. Some dimentionals were used for height.   Finally, I added a few miscellaneous embellishments for the circles that didn't have an image and added a small cord bow.  

The second card uses the Daisy Garden stampset (# 155079) found on page 107.  Other demonstrators had used a special technique cards where the card is stamped in black and white and a small part of the stamped design is punched out and colored with Stampin' Blends.  I really wanted to try the technique and thought this stampset would be perfect.

It wasn't difficult to create, but making 10 cards required a little more organization.  Even though you try to assure that the punch cuts at the same place for each card, just a tiny movement can cause each punched circle to be slightly different.  Using a die would have been easier, but I didn't realize that until after all ten cards were cut and colored.  

Just Jade card stock was used for the card base, Bumblebee card stock was used for the mat and Basic White for the stamped image.  These colors helped me choose a Bumblebee trinket as an embellishment.  Brown ribbon was used for contrast (using the Bumblebee plaid gingham ribbon seemed too busy).  

By the way, the other cards submitted by the Stampin' Up Demonstrators were each unique and beautiful. Using these cards in a display at my classes will be a great way to show off what can be made using the Stampin' Up stamp sets and dies found in the 2021 - 2022 Annual Catalog.  I can't wait for the next card swap!

Paper Pumpkin August 2021 Hope Box

This month’s Paper Pumpkin Kit is titled “HOPE BOX”.  It contains materials to make nine cards and coordinating envelopes. It includes uplifting sentiments and a decorated box to hold the things that give you hope.  The Paper Pumpkin kit became available to purchased on July 11th, with the offer closing on August 10th.  

Yesterday, I read an article in a local newspaper that reminded me that it was 20 years ago that our world changed.  And now, once again, there seems to be a feeling of hopelessness that surrounds our country. We need to know that our world will be better...we will get through this.   

The article also mentioned that the Nature Coast Volunteer Center has launched a 9/11 Cards and Letters to First Responders Project.  This year, the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack has been designated as National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Florida organization is collecting cards to be sent to those who run into the fires, who keep us safe both day and night, who give us HOPE for the future, just as they did 20 years ago.  So, if you have a card or two, or can make a card or two, that say “Thank YOU” for giving Hope when it seems to be hopeless, please forward them to a local First Responders location in your area.  If you live in Florida, you can also send the cards to:  

Nature Coast Volunteer Center

2804 W. Marc Knighton Court Key #4

Lecanto, FL 34461.  

(For more information call:  813-469-9597)  

In the next few days, please fill your HOPE BOX with things that make you hopeful, and send a thank you card to those who protect you and give you hope.

— Janice

Silver to Silver Elite Blog Hop Fun Folds July

Welcome to the Blog Hop presented by the 

Silver to Silver Elite Stampin' Up Demonstrators 

HAVING FUN WITH DRAPERY FOLDS

Our topic for the month of July 2021 is Fun/Fancy Folds.  As you hop from one Demonstrator to the next, you will see a variety of card folds and learn various ways to fold your cardstock and Designer Series Paper (DSP).  These techniques will make the cards fun to create, exciting to send, and delightful to receive.  

The fold style I've chosen is called "Drapery Fold".  And of course, when you see the folds, you can understand the name.  Usually, the card is made of four folds of various length cut at an angle which shows the reverse side of the paper.  For this reason, it's best to use a double sided DSP, such as those offered through Stampin' Up.   I have turned the DSP to be at the bottom so the folds show the reverse side (blue) at the top.  Often, the card is made so the end of the folds are towards the bottom.  I love this fun fold style as you can create different cards using the same technique.  

The card shown above was created in horizontal (5 1/2 by 4 1/4 inches) format.  The DSP was cut to size 11 X 4 inches as I was planning to use a mat (note the white mat).  However, you can choose to cut the DSP longer so you don't have to mat.  

Create fold lines by scoring at 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 inches.  The picture below shows the reverse side of the DSP I used and provides the cutting and scoring information.   

Fold the DSP at the scored lines being careful not to tear.   You can make the card horizontal (as in this case) or vertical, by varying the angle and corner length. 

Next, line the DSP along your cutter so the 3 inch crease line is at the cut line and the other end of the DSP corner is on the 1 inch mark.  When you cut this line, a diagonal will be created.  Varying these measurements can create various lengths of the drapery, which will provide different looks of the card.  

Instead of using a cutter, you can use a ruler (straight edge) and pencil to draw a cutting line and then use scissors to cut along the line.  Just be sure to have the 3 inches left for a base and 1 inch left at the other end to close the fold.  

Once the folds are created, glue between the folds to secure them.   If you are matting the card,  place the folded DSP on the base card (and mat) to determine the size and placement of the sentiment you choose to stamp. Stamp either on the mat or the base card prior to attaching the DSP.  

If using a mat, place the ribbon between the mat and base. Glue the mat, to the base card. Then glue the folded DSP onto the mat. 

If a mat is not used, place the ribbon around the folded DSP and then attach to the base.

The outside of the card is completed by adding three gold bumblebee trinkets.  

As mentioned previously, you can use the Drapery Fold style in many formats.  Below are two cards using the 6x6 Christmas DSP paperback, Tidings of Christmas. The cards are shown in vertical and horizontal formats.

Have fun using this folding technique!  

DSP Paper used:

*****The 12 X 12 Beauty of the Earth DSP. #155841 shown in the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog, page 130.

            Note:  This package contains several beautiful pages of DSP which will be used in my future posts.  To see those posts, search for:  Beauty of the Earth on the right side of this blog.

*****The 6x6 Christmas DSP package, Tidings of Christmas  #155718, is shown in the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog, page 133.
 

Thank you for posting comments.    

To move to the next blog, select from the link below:

Janice Piechowiak	Creating Treasures with Janice
Linda Moore	Moore Fun Stamping and Creating with Linda
Nedine Hunter DuPree	Craft Lounge Creations
Libby Fens	libbystamps
Kelly Taranto	The Late Night Stamper
Karen Egan	Crafty Karen Designs
Tricia Butts	Tricia's Stamping Creations
Eva Dietz	Homemade with Heart - Stampin' with Eva
Diane Marie	Creative Stamping
Cathy Rocca	FromTheStampStudio
Sue Kremer	NorthStarStamper
Tracy Byers	Cards, Crafts and Stamps with Tracy
Laurie Bradshaw	Craft Coach Laurie
Nancy Reynolds	Stampin' With Nutsy
Xenia Stanford	Heritage Stamp Arts

 

Hurricane Preparation

 Tropical Storm Ella Was a Warning!

If you have ever experienced a hurricane coming through your hometown, you know how important preparation can be to make it through the aftermath.  

My family and I lived near Charlotte, NC, when Hurricane Hugo came through. We didn't know what to expect and as we were about 150 miles from where it made landfall, we expected rains and some wind but not much more.  Well, we had over 18 trees demolished in our backyard and our town didn't have electricity for almost two weeks.  It was an experience we won't ever forget.

Having lived through this, and lucky that our home wasn't damaged severely nor our family harmed, I'm more aware of the necessity of preparation.  So here's my thoughts and recommendations.  Of course, check your local weather services for more in-depth recommendations and local rules and regulations.

1.    When you hear that a hurricane is forming (even if it's 400 miles away), fill up your cars/trucks with gas.  Gas will only become more expensive as the storm comes closer.  And the lines will become longer with possible shortages.

    Why get gas if you're not likely to have to go anywhere?  Gas station pumps use electricity to pump the gas.  The stations use electronic cash registers.  Emergencies occur.  If someone in your family needs to get to the hospital, you don't want to run out of gas on the way. Gas stations may be closed. And gas won't go bad, so why not get it first thing?

2.    Get cash.  I can't recommend how much money you should have, as that depends on your spending.  But I will say, not only gas stations but also grocery stores use electronic cash registers.  This means IF they are open, cash will be KING.  In fact, you should have dollars, not just twenties.  You may not be able to get change back on your purchase.  We found some stores were open but since they couldn't accept debit/credit cards, only cash could be used for purchases.

3.  Purchase water.  Water is so important and you really don't realize how much you go through in a couple of days.  About a day before the storm comes, fill up the bathtubs with water.  DON'T take a bath in it until after the storm is gone and you are back to normal.  Water in the tub can be used to flush toilets (bet you forgot that one!) and provide water to pets, plants, and washing dishes.  

4.  Set up your flashlights with NEW batteries.  Again, nothing is worse than having a bunch of flashlights and the batteries are low or not working.  Put the batteries INTO the flashlights and test them.  This is really hard to do when it's pitch DARK, so do it before the storm is close.  I don't recommend candles as so many accidents occur...kids, dogs, etc.

5.  Charge your phones.  Then use one phone at a time.  Don't have your entire family checking their phone or all of them will cease working.

6. Purchase a complete First Aid Kit.  If possible, get a wind-up radio, clothes drying rack,  bug spray, and Clorox/disinfectant.

7.  Obtain you insurance information and important papers in a water tight box.  Have them handy so once the storm is over, you can check your home and surroundings and if necessary contact your insurance agent.  If you're asked to evacuate, there's no time to run around the house checking storage and desk drawers for those important papers.  Also, don't forget to include shot records of your pets.

8.  When it comes time to clean-up, DON'T start using tools with which you aren't familiar.  Hospitals and 24 Care Centers are filled with accidents due to saws and axes after a storm.  And if you're trimming your trees and bushes, please make sure your children and pets are FAR, FAR away from you.  And don't let them play in the leaves and bushes as many snakes and bugs have taken to these to hide.

I'm sure you can think of many more recommendations.  But these are the ones I think are most important even for "little" hurricanes and storms.  Stay safe!