3amStamping Pad

Last Chance - May Specials

Today is the last day to take advantage of the great specials.  Click on the links at right so you don't miss out.

If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, please click on the link at the right.  My subscribers will be getting a special announcement in their inboxes tomorrrow morning!

Easy Multi-Photo Frame

When I was cutting out my covers for my 1-Hour Photo Album, I happened to space the cuts fairly evenly on the piece of On Board Long Board (#114320) I was using with the Top Note Bigz Die (#113463).  Totally unplanned, but it looked so neat, that I had to use it!  Save your scraps!

These are pictures from my grandson David's birthday party this year.  I used the "Time to Party" stamp set (#111702) with a Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad (#100908) and Sage Shadow (#100040) aand Really Rust (#100073) Stampin' Write Markers for the images.

The frame backing is a 5-1/2" x 12" piece of Really Rust Card Stock (#107099) and the embellishments and photo mats are Blush Blossom Card Stock (#107082 for 12x12, or #103318 for 8-1/2x11).  Scraps of Sage Shadow Card Stock (#101563) were used for the embellishment layers.

The embellishments are attached with brads:  Earth Elements (#106955) on the top circle image, punched out with the 1-3/8" Circle Punch (#104401) and layered with the Scallop Circle Punch (#109043); small Fire Square Rhinestone (#109112) on the Happy Birthday tag, punched out with the Small Tag Punch (# ) and layered with the Tag Punch (# ); large Fire Square Rhinestone (#109112) on the Party Time square, punched out with the 1-1/4" Square Punch (# ) and layered with the Scallop Square Punch (# ).

Before I started, I spritzed the frame with the Sage Shadow Marker in a Color Spritzer Tool (#107066).  This gives a nice speckled effect.  I also used the Piercing Tool from the Crafters' Tool Kit (#104310) to punch the holes through the chipboard.  The Hammer flattened the legs neatly on the back.

You can use the Chocolate Chip Craft Stampin' Pad (#101816) for better fade resistance if your frame will be hung in a brightly  lighted area.

To order any of the items I used for this frame, click on the Online Ordering button at right to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Easy Photo Template for 3-D Pop-Up Ball

You can make your own template for cutting out photos to fit on your 3-D Pop-Up Photo Ball.  Use a scrap of card stock or cardboard and cut an extra panel.  The long dashed lines show where to cut to get a panel segment that matches the sides of the photo ball.  Once you've cut it out, you can trim away part of each side to get the size of the template for cutting out your photos.

If you want an extra mat for your pictures, cut out the second panel segment and trim away a larger strip on each side.  This will be your photo template and the first one will be your mat template.

Use this handy tip in case you file your mats in a safe place, like I do, and then can't find them (that's what I do).

Check back for more examples of the 3-D Ball Pop-Up Bigz XL Die (#116759).  If you haven't gotten one yet, click on "Online Ordering" at right, then "Shop Now."  I will send you a free package of the recommended size of rubber bands if you order by the end of May.

Cutter Kit - Rotary Cutting Tool

The next blade in the Cutter Kit (#106958) is the rotary cutting tool.  It's the one with the scissors icon on it.

The rotary cutter opens out of the cover that protects the blade.  This makes a handy size for cutting.  You can cut one sheet of paper or card stock with it.

I like making a wavy edge for a page border.  I do this free-form (without any guide).  One thing I learned is to use the large cutting mat (#101087) and start your cutting stroke on the mat, rolling it onto the paper, then continuing off the paper to the mat in one smooth motion.

You can also cut straight edges using a thin, rigid ruler.  Metal works best.  You can cut out a picture or coupon from the middle of a newspaper or magazine page with a ruler and the rotary cutter.  Roll it slow and steady, using even pressure, to get the best result.

To order, click on the Online Ordering button at right to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Memorial Day Observed

Memorial Day Thanks Card

Several of my colleagues are posting patriotic cards and pages to their websites today, so I thought I'd like to do my part, too.

Today is the day to remember all those serving our country: past, present and future, and to express our appreciation for all they have done.  Thank you to our fallen and their legacy.  Thank you to all those serving apart from us.  Thank you to those who will take up the calling in the future.

Let us all give thanks and remember.

Matchbox Magic - Shadow Box

Several of my fellow demonstrators have used the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890) to create mini shadow boxes that frame small photos.  I've been making one, but technical difficulties have prevented me from showing you what it looks like.  I will post it as soon as I have the problems resolved.

To make, you only need to cut the "drawer" part.  Insert the photo after assembling, attach a ribbon hanger and you're done!

You could also cut the cover part from a Window Sheet and use that for a clear cover.  Be sure to secure the open ends so it doesn't slide off!

Try it and send me a picture!  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach the picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Recipe Album Stamp Camp Deadline Today at Midnight

You can still sign up for the Recipe Album Stamp Camp until midnight tonight.

A Recipe Album can even be - just recipes!

To sign up, click on the button below.

For more details, click here.

Recipe Album Stamp Camp Deadline

You can still sign up for the Recipe Album Stamp Camp.  I've extended the deadline to tomorrow, May 21st.

To sign up, click on the button below.

For more details, click here.

Cutter Kit - Distressing Tool

The Cutter Kit (#106958) is a handy gadget that gives you four different blades in a compact size.  I put mine in the front pocket of my Crafters' Tool Kit (#104310) so I always know where it is.

The first blade I want to talk about is the distressing tool.  This gadget has seven slots that all will "shave" the same and give you the same effect no matter which one you use.

To use, run the edge of your paper or card stock through one of the slots.  You can get a shaggier look by running it through several times.

You will get "fluff" from you paper with this tool.  Shave some extra fluff from scraps and you can make flocking in any color or color combination you want.  Add texture to your stamped images with a little 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425) and paper fluff on top.

Try fluffing up your cards and pages and let me see.  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Matchbox Magic - Thoughtful Tiny Tissue Box

I've been loving playing with my BigShot Die Cutting Machine and my Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890).  A lot of my fellow demonstrators have, too, and have come up with some seriously adorable things to do with it.  I saw this idea from my colleague Cindy Rio of Kodiak, Alaska, who thought of it as she was reaching for a tissue.  She also suggested it would be a cute "pick-me-up" gift for a co-worker who wasn't feeling too well: one emergency stash tissue fits perfectly inside.

You can fit two of the triple-ply tissues in the matchbox, but it's a squeeze.  If you're going to do that, squeeze some of the air out of them.

I used the Word Window Punch (#105090) to make the slot for the tissue.  The tags are from the Matchbox Die.  "Take care of yourself," from the Sweet Little Sentiments Level 1 Hostess set, is the perfect sentiment for this kind of gift and is stamped with a Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad (#111837).  I attached the tag through the box cover with a Pretty in Pink Flower Designer Brad (#112583) so it would slide out of the way and expose the tissue.  The box is cut from Pale Plum Card Stock (#101658).  I used a scrap of Pale Plum to cut the small tag.  The cover is cut from Perfect Plum Patterns Designer Series Paper (#112158), as is the large tag.  I always try to use both sides of any sheet of Designer Series Paper.

A couple of tips:

• I punched extra Word Window slots from the scraps and adhered them across the back of the tag to add a little lift when you put the brad through.  This makes it easier to rotate the tag.
• When you assemble the box, put a little SNAIL (#104332) adhesive in the corners to hold them while you fold and adhere the ends.  Use Sticky Strip (#104294) to hold the sides and ends - it holds up under a lot of stress!

To order, click on "Online Ordering" at the left, then click on "Shop Now."  If your order totals $150.00 or more, you may choose the Sweet Little Sentiments set for Stampin' Rewards!  Feel free to contact me with any questions and stay tuned, I have hardly begun my own plan of Matchbox Magic projects!

Help! Ugly Power Strip Needs Makeover!!

I have to make more room at my stamping class table, so I'm moving my power strip off the floor.  It will be put on top of the table so the Ott-lights and other cords don't tangle with the chair legs and attendees' feet.  However, this power strip (an antique of its kind) is in desperate need of a makeover, as you can see.  The photos below show it from the top and the side.

I will be placing it in the middle of the table (which is covered with a black cloth) with the cord extending out the lesser-used end.  I'll update you with a photo of the table in all its "glory" after I get it arranged. In the meantime, please send me any ideas you have.  I'll have one of my groups pick the best one and you'll win a prize.

E-mail suggestions with the subject line Classroom Cleanup Contest to mary@3amstamper.com by June 1st.  The prize is a free tutorial ($4.95 value) and a featured contributor post with both Facebook and Twitter special announcements.  Honorable mention entries may also be featured in a post.

Archer is a registered trademark of Radio Shack Corporation.

Make a Recipe Album with a Twist

Some of my favorite kinds of photos are the grandkids as infants and toddlers with messy faces.  I've put the first messy face photo I ever took into this sample page from my Recipe Album Stamp Camp project.

When I was thinking about making my sample page with recipes, I had a 3am Brainstorm (it was actually 3:30, but - the same hour):  Use the recipe card to as a journaling block and write the journaling like a recipe!

This page uses the "From the Kitchen of" Stamp Set (#114964) solely.  I also used Tangerine Tango (#111349)  and Kiwi Kiss (#111353) Card Stock (both are in the In Color Assortment #111347), Very Vanilla Card Stock (#101650), Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Pad (#104315), Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad (#102277), Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad (#111834) with a Sponge Dauber (#102892), and the 1-1/4" Circle (#104403), Scallop Circle (#109043) and Scallop Square (#112081) Punches.  The square and rectangle mats were cut with the Paper Cutter (#104152).

I've given 8-1/2" x 11" item numbers because it's easier to cut the 8-1/2" x 8-1/2" squares for the album.  You don't have to "shave" anything off the edges if you do a flay layout.  I trimmed about 1/16" to 1/8" from the right side and the bottom because I'm going to put two pages back to back in the page protector that comes in the album.  Otherwise, this layout works great.

If you are near Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, California, on the 30th of this month, you can sign up for my Recipe Album Stamp Camp.  It'll be a lot of fun - you'll take away an album ready to add photos and recipes!

You can see more information here.

Micro Album Surprise

There is an incredible amount of space for micro scrapbook pages in the Matchbox (see my post of 5/9/09).  You can make it easier to use with a small accordion-fold strip.

The strip is a piece of Designer Series Paper 2-9/16" x 11-1/4", scored at 1-7/8" to create the accordian folds.  I punched out scraps of card stock with the Scallop Square Punch (#112081) and tinted the scallops with a Stampin' Write Marker.  The box will hold at least another strip of the same size since the micro pages are nice and flat.

I will be exploring more ideas for the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890) in future Sizzix on Saturday articles.  Be sure to check back.  If you have ideas for the Matchbox you'd like to share, feel free to post them in the comments link below.

To order your own Matchbox maker, click on the Online Ordering button at right to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.

Crafters' Tool Kit - Tweezers & Accessory Pockets

The final pieces of the Crafters' Tool Kit (#104310) I'm going to discuss are the tweezers and the storage pockets.

The tweezers are cross-locking, which means you pinch or squeeze them open, then relax your grip when they are holding the object you want to pick up and place.  The tweezing portion is at an angle, so it makes placement of tiny objects much easier to control.  These tweezers have a nice, strong grip, too, so you can pick up thicker and heavier objects than other tweezers.  If you haven't tried these tweezers, and you are near the Santa Rosa or Sonoma County, CA area, give me a call and come try them for yourself.

Pockets in the tool kit are so handy!  There are two inside mesh pockets that have some ease to them, so you can store fairly thick items in them.  One of the mesh pockets is dedicated to the Cutting Pad, Piercing Pad and Piercing Template.  The other can hold lipstick, keys, or a Mini Storage Container like those that hold Metallic Eyelets (#105319) or Bead Duos (see page 180 of the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog), etc.  I keep my Embossing Buddy (#103083) in it.

The outside pocket has a nice deep gusset, so you can really pack it like a small purse.  I keep my Cutter Kit (see a future Tool Time on Tuesday article) and a Hobby Blade with Refills (#102449) in it.  This saves me from digging around in my shelves and drawers when I want to use them.

If you need to order a Crafters' Tool Kit, click on the Online Ordering button at right to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.

Tuck a Little Surprise Inside

This little box goes together much easier and quicker than it looks.  Its finished size is 2" x 2-3/4", so it will hold tiny treats delightfully.  It's made with the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890), shown on page 16 of the 2009 Occasions Mini Catalog, and stamped with Matchbox Messages (#113800), shown on the facing page 17.

It will make a great "Box Full of Love" when you include micro scrapbook pages (1-7/8" x 2-5/8") with mini portraits of loved ones inside.  Keep the micro pages very simple - a 1-7/8" x 2-5/8" piece of card stock for a mat (plus you can journal on the back), and a 1-3/4" x 2-1/2" picture.  Use Rub-Ons or a piece of Window Sheet to embellish, if you wish.  Just keep the micro page as flat as you can.

The match box is 3/4" high, so there's a good 5/8" depth inside for your micro pages.  You can easily fit 4 or 5 inside.

Tip: Assemble your box and cut a scrap the size of the mat, then fit it inside.  You may have to adjust your measurements, depending on the materials you use.

This is a sample of one of the micro pages going inside:

The matchbox is made with Kraft 12 x 12 Card Stock (#107070) for the slip case (cover) and Pixie Pink 12 x 12 Card Stock (#107105) for the box (drawer).  The photo is mounted on a scrap of Pretty In Pink Card Stock (#106546 for 12 x 12 or #100459 for 8-1/2 x 11) and embellished with tiny flowers from A Perfect Day Rub-Ons (#111277).  The box cover was stamped with Pixie Pink Classic Stampin' Pad (#105212).  The embellishment was stamped on a scrap of Whisper White Card Stock (#106529 for 12 x 12 or #100730 for 8-1/2 x 11) and punched out with the 1-1/4" Circle Punch (#104403) and layered on Pixie Pink punched with the Scallop Circle Punch (#109043).  Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (#109068) is adhered around the cover with the embellishment attached with a small Pink Rhinestone Brad from the Fire Circles Rhinestone Brads (#109110).

To order any of the products listed, click on "Online Ordering" at right, then click on "Shop Now."

Special Offers (through 5/30/09 only):

Order the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890) and receive instructions for a making paper-saving template to use with 12" x 12" materials.  The tutorial is a $2.95 value.

Order the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890) and Matchbox Messages Stamp Set (#113800) and I'll send you the tutorial plus a supply of pre-cut Designer Series Paper pieces to get you started.

3-D Pop-Up Ball Special Ends Today

This is the last day for my special offer:

Purchase the 3-D Pop-Up Ball Bigz XL Die and I will send you, absolutely free, a handful of the correct size rubber band (about 60) as soon as I receive word that you've placed your order.  This will let you get started as soon as your die arrives.

You will need the Extended Cutting Pads (#113478) for your BigShot if you don't already have them.  I also recommend the Extended Premium Crease Pad (#117630), which just became available.  If your order all 3, I will also send you a free set of quick-reference cards, annotated with tips ($5.95 value), to help you get the most out of your Pop-Up Ball Die. 

Click on "Order Online," then "Shop Now" and order item #116759 (3-D Pop-Up Ball Bigz XL Die) to get the free rubber bands; add #113478 (Extended Cutting Pads) and #117630 (Extended Premium Crease Pad) to also receive the reference cards.

This offer expires today, May 9, 2009.

If you have problems placing your order, or if you have any questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call me at (707) 542-3696.

Getting Started Scrapbooking - Tip 1

One of the ways I start my scrapbooks is to decide what event I want to do.  I pick out the photos I want to use, then put them in some sort of order.  You can order your photos in many ways.  Some of them are:

• Chronologically - a page, layout or group of pages per day or whatever time period you choose.
• Categorically - a page, layout or group of pages for each part of the event.
• Preferentially - a page, layout or group of pages for each of your favorite things about the event.

I am scrapbooking my very first cruise in a kind of chronological fashion.  As you can see, we went to Bermuda, courtesy of Stampin' UP!  This is my title page:

I decided that I wanted the whole scrapbook to reflect the colors of Bermuda.  I chose 12" x 12" card stock in Bashful Blue (#106535), which is reminiscent of the sky, and Gable Green (#107109), for a soft reminder of the foliage.  The 12" x 12" size makes 4 pages for the 6" x 6" album, my favorite kind because you can do so much so quickly! And you can use it as the focus of a larger page if you change your mind later.

I stamped the backgrounds with Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad (#100814), using the retired Kind Thoughts stamp set.  The medallion image is now available in two sizes of Decor Stencils, the smaller Kind Thoughts Flourish Stencil image (#116572) would look great as a substitute.

I also matted my photo with Tempting Turquoise card stock (#102067), then stamped the title with a Cameo Coral Classic Stampin' Pad (#103035).  I covered a chipboard "C" from OnBoard Lots of Letters (#109082) with Cameo Coral Craft Stampin' Pad ink and embossed it with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (#101930) to capture the sparkle of the Bermuda sand.  Then I added souvenir embellishments with the sandy-colored River Rock Double Stitched Grosgrain (now retired) and Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (#109067).  Kraft Taffeta Ribbon (#109068) would substitute for the River Rock ribbon very well.

What are the ways you organize your photos to get started?  Please share in the comments below.

To order any of the products given above, click on "Online Ordering" at right.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.

Quick Card with Piercing Template

You saw the card front being made in yesterday's post, now here is the finished product.

As you can see, I used both faux stitching and eyelets in the design and tied it all together, pun intended, with Red Gingham Ribbon (#104827).  The rest of the materials are:

• 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" Pale Plum Card Stock (#101658, or in Soft Subtles Assortment #105568)
• 5-1/8" x 3-7/8" Ruby Red Textured Card Stock from Earth Elements Assortment (#108697) You can also use 5-1/4" x 4" layer to good effect.
• 5" x 3-3/4" Apricot Appeal Card Stock (#105124, or also in Soft Subtles Assortment #105568)
• Ruby Red Stampin' Write Marker (#100075, or in set of 12 Earth Elements Markers #105539, or in case of 48 Many Marvelous Markers #105541)
• Copper Eyelets from package of 200 Metallic Eyelets (#105319)
• Say It With Scallops stamp set (#111678)

I find the stamp set so versatile, as well as easy to use!  As a bonus, Say It With Scallops is the 2008-2009 set designed exclusively to benefit  Ronald McDonald House Charities.  $2 from each copy of this set goes to RCMH.  The set retires June 30th, so be sure and order yours today.  Click on "Online Ordering" at the right.

Now that you've seen the results of using the paper piercing and eyelet-setting template, why not give it a try?  I'd love to see your designs and would be happy to post them here.  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you use all Stampin' UP! products (current or retired), and are a newsletter subscriber, you'll be eligible for my monthly contest and I'll automatically enter you.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Crafter's Tool Kit - Piercing Template

The piercing template is a 4" x 4" square ruler, piercing guide and eyelet setting guide - all in one!  Use it with the piercing tool to create faux stitching or other piercing effects in your projects.

In this example, I've pierced a corner pattern about 5/8" in from the corner edges.  I'm using the wider guide section for a faux stitching effect.  The closer-spaced guide section makes great patterns, too.

Always use the foam piercing pad when you're working with the template so you protect your table.  I also use the cutting mat underneath it if I'm piercing through thick material such as chipboard, or if I'm piercing for therapeutic reasons (like hammering, but pointed).

The piercing template is also an eyelet-setting guide, which you can use to align a row of 1/8" or 3/16" holes as well.

In my example, you can see where I've marked the positions for the eyelets in the upper right.  You can also see the pierced corner in the lower left.

Check back in a few days to see my completed card.

To order a Crafter's Tool Kit (#104310), click on the "Online Ordering" button at the right.  If you order a Tool Kit between now and May 23rd, I'll send you an assortment of exclusive colored 1/8" eyelets (approximately 100 or so, value over $3.00!) absolutely free.

Manhattan Flower Debossed - New View

Last week I promised you I'd try for a better picture of the debossed side of the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions embossing folder (#114517).  You can see the debossing in this photo:

There, much better, isn't it?

You can see the "recipe" for this project here.

To order, click on the Online Ordering button at right.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 542-3696.  And you may always leave comments below.