3amStamping Pad

Exploring Hodgepodge Hardware - Part 2

 
Today's Hodgepodge Hardware project features the small flower brad in Styled Silver (#111325).  I love using brads to replace the "O" in stamped words - it looks so neat!  Just make sure your brad fits into the image.

The small brad is 3/8" in diameter and is just slightly larger than the "O" in "Go Green."  Fortunately there is enough space between the letters that nothing else is covered.

Try a box of Hodgepodge Hardware yourself and see what else you can do!  To order, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Create a Cute Baby Onesie with your BigShot

My designing friends at Stampin' Up! created this really adorable baby onesie using a sewing machine and the BigShot Die-Cut Machine (#113439) with just two dies!  What a great summer outfit for baby!

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• None

Card Stock & Paper:

• None

Ink & Color:

• None

Accessories & Tools:

• 109067 Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon
• 113439 Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
• 113483 Stampin' Up! Pennant Bigz XL die
• 113469 Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die
• 1" wide elastic
• Sewing machine and thread
• Baby onesie
• Fabric

Directions:

1. Die cut 12 large pennants from fabric using Big Shot and Pennant Die.  Cut 1" elastic the circumference of the onesie plus 1".  Gather pennants for extra fluff and sew to elastic (sewing machine with stretch stitching works easiest).  Overlap ends 1/2" and stitch together.  This makes a skirt to go over the onesie.
2. Die cut seven small scallop circles from fabric using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Fold over five scallops and sew to collar of onesie using hand stitching or sewing machine and thread.
3. Die cut 10 small scallop circles from fabric using Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Bigz die. Gather the circles across three of the scallops on the same double-thread. Tie off.
4. To create ribbon rosette, tie a knot in the end of Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, then tie a new knot every three inches. Run a needle and thread through each knot to gather the ribbon into loops and tie off.
5. Tack ribbon to flower, then sew entire piece to onesie.
6. For the shabby chic look, wash and dry.

Design © Stampin' Up!

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Exploring Hodgepodge Hardware - Part 1

Hodgepodge Hardware comes in two flavors: Styled Silver (#111325) and Styled Vanilla (#112454).  Each kit contains 200 pieces, so you get 10 of everything plus 100 matching mini brads to hold the five frames.  They may be embellishments, but they're tools, too, that you can use to dress up your projects.

I used the Raised Dots Designer Label Frame in Styled Vanilla on this card, which was designed to be a Fall holiday greeting.  Here is the frame in close-up:

 

I stamped the greeting on a scrap of card stock (the same color as the card front before it was treated to the Sunset technique), then punched it out with the Designer Label Punch (#107590).  The label fits neatly inside the frame!  Because of the Styled Vanilla finish, I needed to adhere the label with Crystal Effects (#101055) or Multipurpose Adhesive (#110755), rather than Mini Glue Dots (#103683).

Try a box of Hodgepodge Hardware yourself and see what a great tool it is!  To order, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Flower Folds Die-Cut Idea

I just got my Stampin' Up! Flower Folds Bigz XL Die (#115970) this week and had to try it out!  This card is, naturally, quick & easy.  I wanted a monochrome effect to do something different, so I chose a Soft Suede and Kraft combination with Whisper White accents.

 

Supplies Used:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 118601 Well Scripted Clear-Mount Stamp Set (yes, I really, really love the clear-mounts!!)
• 118490 Clear-Mount Block H

Card Stock & Paper:

• 102125 Kraft Card Stock
• 115688 Soft Suede Patterns Designer Series Paper

Ink & Color:

• 115657 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 115970 Stampin' Up! Flower Folds Bigz XL Die
• 113439 BigShot Die-Cut Machine
• 113478 Extended Cutting Pads
• 117630 Extended Premium Crease Pad
• 114348 Basic Jumbo Grommet
• 114340 Kraft Corduroy Buttons
• 114616 Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon
• 102300 Bone Folder
• 116631 Paper Piercing Tool
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 103683 Mini Glue Dots
• 104430 Stampin' Dimensionals

Note that the Flower Folds Die-Cut area is longer than 12", so you will have to cut one of the flowers from an extra piece.

The large flower is 4-3/4" wide, as I've attached it, so you will need an oversized envelope for mailing.  You can make a custom envelope by folding a matching piece of Designer Series Paper around the card and adhering it together.  You'll need extra postage for mailing, too, because the button makes the envelope bumpy.

If you'd like to make this or a similar project and earn some or all of the products used, let's plan a workshop together.  Give me a call at (707) 695-3571 or e-mail me at mary@3amstamper.com and let's chat.  I look forward to tailoring the project to you!

What Is Hybrid Scrapbooking?

Hybrid scrapbooking refers to albums or pages created in digital papercrafting software such as Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio (#118108) and embellished with traditional items such as die-cuts, brads or buttons and ribbon, etc.  Creating albums from individual pages works best for hybrid scrapbooking because the complete printed photo albums don't leave you much room.

With My Digital Studio, you can design your page, including the embellishments you're going to add after it's printed and use it as a template for your hybrid work.  You get to place your photographs where you want and not have to print them out separately.  That saves you a lot of time and printing!

You can also print a page of stamped images or frames made from resizing punches that you can cut out and attach to your hybrid page.  And think of doing a journaling block or a title on a separate page that you can layer.  The added titling benefit is that you can lay it out to line up exactly as you want and know that it will print out perfectly!

To order your own copy of My Digital Studio (#118108) and see what hybrid scrapbooking can do for you, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Punches Plus Template Card

I thought you'd enjoy seeing a quick & easy All-Occasion card idea using the Punches Plus Classy Brass Template (#109539), which was featured in this week's Tool Time.

I dry-embossed the center circle using the Light Table (#102888) and Stylus (#100663) after I stamped the frame image.  The Light Table made it much easier to line up the circles.  I turned the layer over to pierce the holes around the frame with the Paper Piercing Tool (#116631), then used the Piercing Template and Piercing Pad from the Mat Pack (#105826) to make the border.  Tip: Do the raised piercing last, otherwise you can crush your holes and have to re-pierce.

Supplies Used:

Stamp Sets & Wheels:

• 119122 Vintage Labels Clear-Mount Sale-A-Bration Stamp Set (free with $50 order)
• 118486 Clear-Mount Block C
• 118487 Clear-Mount Block A
• 115624 Cornelli Lace Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel

Card Stock & Paper:

• 105124 Apricot Appeal
• 115316 Rich Razzleberry
• 102795 Gable Green

Ink & Color:

• 115655 Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad
• 115658 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories & Tools:

• 115610 Bermuda Bay 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
• 103661 Stampin' Around Jumbo Handle
• 102888 Light Table
• 100663 Stylus
• 109539 Punches Plus Classy Brass Template
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 116631 Paper Piercing Tool

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Classy Brass Templates Can Do So Much!

I love brass templates for dry embossing, but Stampin' Up!'s Classy Brass Templates are so much more versatile.

I've posted the Punches Plus Classy Brass Template (#109539) because it's typical of the newer brass templates.  This one also coordinates with most of the Stampin' Up! Punches and gives you a piercing template besides.

For Dry Embossing:

Line up the image on the front of your card layer and secure with masking or painter's tape.  I've used Dotto (#103305), but it stains the brass and is hard to remove (it works great on paper and plastic, though!).  Turn the card layer over and rub gently with a scrap of waxed paper.  Gently rub your Stylus (#100663) or Empressor Stylus (#100716) over the layer to locate the image, then trace around the edges, creating a raised image.  This will work for either light or dark colored card stock and you don't need a Light Table (#102888).  The Light Table works great to add a dry embossed image to a stamped layer, but the layer needs to be of lighter colored card stock so the light will show through.  The table allows for easy image placement.

For Stenciling:

Place the imge on your card layer and secure with masking or painter's tape.  Cover the nearby openings with tape or paper.  Use Stamping Sponges (#101610) or Sponge Daubers (#102892) to apply ink around the image.

For Paper Piercing:

Place your card layer on top of the Piercing Mat (the spongy one) from the Mat Pack (#105826).  I always place the included Cutting Mat underneath to protect my table.  Line up your image and poke holes with the Paper Piercing Tool (#116631).  Use the design from either side, depending upon the effect you want.

To order your own Classy Brass Templates and the tools to use with them, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Easy Applique Quilt Square

Did you know the BigShot Die-Cut Machine (#113439) cuts fabric?  It does - beautifully!  This appliqued quilt square was made from die-cut fabric pieces stitched to a cloth square.  You can frame it for a fabric art piece, or use it in quilting, to decorate a purse or tote, photo album cover, or a scrapbook page!

 

Best of all, it uses those odd scraps that you'd usually throw away!  The directions and pattern, designed by Stampin' Up!, are ready for download here.  A list of supplies used is included.

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

My Next Favorite Thing

My next catalog purchase is the Stampin' Up! Flower Folds Bigz XL Die (#115970) for the BigShot Die-Cut Machine (#113439).  This die is on page 201 of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog.  (If you don't have your own copy, feel free to look in the Online Store).  I've seen so many cute ideas made with it that finally decided to get one for myself.

With all the different materials the BigShot uses, Flower Folds die cuts can be used for so many things.  It's designed to make 4 flowers suitable for layering, but you could use each flower by itself.  At Convention, I saw an adorable brooch made with the die and fabric!  I've got a ton of other ideas to do with it, so keep checking back to see (www.3amstamper.com)!

New Projects Every Month in my Newsletter

I've expanded my monthly newsletter to include at least 3 projects, complete with directions.  These projects will not be available anywhere but in my newsletter.  Don't miss out!  Take a few seconds to join my mailing list and receive your own copy every month, direct to your in box!  Just click on the link at left.

Choosing the Right Scissors for the Job

I love Stampin' Up!'s scissor collection.  These are my favorites and I use them every day!

Craft & Rubber Scissors (#103179):

These scissors have a short, thick blade; comfortable, right- or left-handed grip handles; and can cut through a variety of thicknesses and textures.  I used to use them to cut through the rubber when I mounted my stamps (I'm so glad they're now die cut!).  You can also cut through aluminum, twine, ribbon, Texture Cuts Wood Sheets (#116309), Sticky Pages (#114300) and many other materials.

The 1-3/4" blades may be sharpened when they get dull.  These scissors are easiest to use and most comfortable on your hand when cutting out shapes such as stamped images, circles, etc.

Paper Snips (#103579):

Ideal for snipping, these scissors are small and have very thin, sharp blades.  They come in a protective sheath.  Use these to cut into tiny areas or to snip the ends of thin ribbon such as Taffeta or Organdy. 

The tips of the 2-1/2" blades are sharp and pointed, so they will let you cut all the way to the end.  When these scissors get dull, they need to be replaced.  The blades are too thin for sharpening.  Be aware that your hand may get tired if you cut too many small shapes at one time, so be sure to rest in between.

Craft & Paper Scissors (#108360):

These are deluxe, high-quality crafting scissors with 3-3/4" thick, sharp blades and ergonomic grip (right-handed only, sorry).  The long, heavy blade is perfect for cutting ribbon or card stock as well as other materials.

Use these when you need to make a crisp, straight cut, such as trimming an image mat to size.  The Craft & Paper Scissors work best with straight lines or with fabric and ribbon.  The thick blades may be sharpened when they get dull.  You may want to keep a pair just for fabric (top quality sewing scissors) as well as one for everything else.

Cleaning Tips:

All these scissors work best when they're cleaned of adhesive.  They can easily be cleaned with a spray of Stampin' Mist (#102394) on both sides of the blades.  Open up the scissors on a paper towel, spreading the blades as far as they'll go.  Spritz both sides and let them sit for a minute.  Gently wipe off the adhesive with a dry paper towel.  Repeat if the adhesive is particularly stubborn, or use a commercial gummed label remover.

Ribbon Cutting Tip:

When you're cutting ribbon, make sure you are holding the end taut.  If the end is loose, you'll get a distorted cut that you may not want.

How to Get Your Own:

To order your own scissors, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Showcase Your Flock-Directions

I've got a few tips for working with the On Board Books in die-cut shapes, so I thought I'd post the directions for you with the tips worked in.  These can be adapted for whatever shape you like.  The large picture and list of supplies is in yesterday's article.

• Using BigShot Die-Cut Machine, cut out Scallop Circle #2 and Little Leaves from Sage Shadow Card Stock, Sweetest Stem from Blush Blossom Card Stock and photo place holder Circles #2 from Whisper White Card Stock.
• Tip: If you want a contrasting photo mat, use the card stock piece with the circles cut out of it to trace around your photo.  Cut along the inside of the pencil mark.  Trace the circle cutout on coordinating card stock with a thick pencil and cut along the outside of the mark.  This will give you a nice thin mat that will fit inside the scalloped circle.  You can save your extra pieces as templates.
• Trace chipboard bird face down on reverse side of Chocolate Chip Patterns Designer Series Paper.  Trace bird face up on Chocolate Chip Card Stock.  Cut both out.
• Adhere Designer Series Paper to face of bird with Anywhere Glue Stick.   Sand edges with Sanding Blocks.  This evens up the edges and camouflages those slight mis-alignments that can happen - sometimes you just don't want to use glitter!  If you want to hang your picture with ribbon or string, or make a book or banner, punch the hole through with the Crop-A-Dile.
• Sponge edges of Sweetest Stem (and photo mat if it matches) with Cameo Coral Classic Stampin' Pad.  Sponge edges of Little Leaves and Scallop Circle with Sage Shadow Classic Stampin' Pad.
• Layer photo or placeholder on mat, then on Scallop Circle.  Adhere to front of bird.  If you are hanging your picture with ribbon or string, or making a book or banner, punch the hole through the added layers with the Crop-A-Dile.
• Adhere Little Leaves and Sweetest Stem with glue stick, tucking the stems under the scallop circle and leaving the tops loose.
• Place Corduroy Button at base of stems and mark holes with Paper Piercing Tool.  Remove button and gently punch through.  Also punch hole through for eye in bird's head.  Attach Chocolate Chip Sending Love Brad and flatten prongs.
• Use both Piercing Pad and Cutting Mat from Mat Pack under the chipboard to protect your work surface.
• Tint Linen Thread with Cameo Coral Stampin' Write Marker.  "Sew" button on top of leaves and stem by threading through holes.  Tie in bow.
• Adhere card stock bird to back.  If you are hanging your picture with ribbon or string, or making a book or banner, punch the hole through the backing with the Crop-A-Dile.  I am hanging my pictures with hook-and-loop mounting tape, but poster mounting tape should also work.

Try out your own version of this project and share your artistry!  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you are a newsletter subscriber, include the list of supplies used and you'll be eligible for my monthly contest.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Showcase Your Flock

Not that my family's for the birds (or at least not most days), but I got this idea to frame their pictures with the bird shape the minute I saw the Occasions Mini Catalog.  The On Board Books in die-cut shapes (Bird #117238, Heart #117236, Scallop Circle #118306) really sparked my imagination!

These books are meant to be a flip book.  With the ball key chain, you can easily add extra pages.  There are 8 chipboard shapes all punched and ready.  But you can use them for so much more!

The holes for the chain will let you make a banner to show off photos, celebrate an occasion, or highlight your rubber stamp art.  Or, like I'm doing here, you can use the shapes as individual frames. and hang them up.  When I'm finished, I'm going to have a flock zipping across my wall.

Supplies Used:

Card Stock & Paper:

• 112164 Chocolate Chip Patterns Designer Series Paper
• 102128 Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• 101563 Sage Shadow Card Stock
• 103318 Blush Blossom Card Stock
• 100730 Whisper White Card Stock

Ink & Color:

• 102532 Sage Shadow Classic Stampin' Pad
• 103035 Cameo Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
• 100074 Cameo Coral Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories & Tools:

• 117238 On Board Book, Bird
• 113469 Scallop Circle #2 BigShot Bigz Die
• 114256 Circles #2 BigShot Originals Die
• 114513 Stampin' Up! Sweetest Stem Embosslit Die
• 114511 Stampin' Up! Little Leaves Sizzlit Die
• 113439 BigShot Die-Cut Machine
• 104045 Anywhere Glue Stick
• 103301 Sanding Blocks
• 102892 Sponge Daubers
• 104199 Linen Thread
• 114340 Kraft Corduroy Buttons
• 117272 Chocolate Chip Sending Love Brads
• 116631 Paper Piercing Tool
• 105826 Mat Pack
• 108362 Crop-A-Dile (if punching holes for banner or book)

I chose colors that go with my decorating scheme and will be alternating Creamy Caramel (#102514) with the Sage Shadow Scalloped Circle.  When you make your own flock (or set of hearts or scalloped circles), you'll probably want different colors.  Don't know where to start?  Try picking a Designer Series Paper pattern that you like (pages 160 to 163 of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog or various pages in the Occasions Mini Catalog), then card stock colors to coordinate with it.  The coordinating colors are listed below the design title.

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Tearless Tearing with The Tearing Edge

The Tearing Edge (#102930) is a great tool for the "shabby chic" look as well as for projects that need an even ragged edge.  It is serrated on both sides, with the peaks closer on one side than on the other.  This gives you two different edges.

You will need to be careful because the edges are sharp!  I recommend keeping The Tearing Edge in its plastic sleeve to avoid nicks on your fingers.

To use this tool effectively (and safely), I find you need at least 1/2" of paper or card stock to grip.  Running a damp paintbrush along the Tearing Edge on the paper you want torn will make the tearing easier to do.  You will need to dampen the paper, especially if you have less than 1/2" available to grip.  I use an Aqua Painter (#103954) for this technique because it gives even dampness along the line I want to tear and saves me time and effort.

To order either or both of these tools, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Valentine Treats in a Jiffy

Need a ton of Valentine's for your child's class or your work unit?  Want to do something different and special?  Try the Love Bots on page 17 of the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog.  There are 30 easy-to-assemble and easyk-to-personalize treat boxes in each package: #118081 Love Bots-Boy and/or #118080 Love Bots-Girl.

 

I found some candy hearts in small packages (they called it the "classroom pack") that fit perfectly inside the 3" x 3" box.  I left the samples open to give you an idea of how they go together.  A sheet of clear round stickers is included in each package to close the filled box.

Tip: Write or stamp before you start assembling, while the box is flat.  I used #111610 Calendar Alphabet & Numbers on mine.

To order your own instant Valentines, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" to get to the online store.  If you have questions, feel free to email me at mary@3amstamper.com or call (707) 695-3571.  And you may always leave comments below.

Aid to Choosing Your Clear-Mount Block

My friend Michelle Laycock of Laycock Designs (who did my site design for me) created this template to help you decide what block you need to order with your Clear-Mount stamps.  I was lazy and ordered the whole Block Bundle (#118491), but you might not want all nine sizes (even though you save almost $10 over buying them individually).  Click the button to download the template.  You may print it on vellum or transparency to use to pick out the block size you need: just lay it over the image in the catalog to get the right size.

I must say, I love my Clear-Mount stamps!  They take up so much less room and are easy to place.  If you need exact alignment, you still need to use the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (#101049).  I used both methods for this card:

 

You can also use the round Sweet Treat Cup (#116802) and fill it with actual small jelly beans or other treats!  I will be using this design in an upcoming class next month, so check back in a week or so.

Simply Easy Surprise Box

Do you need a super-fast gift or treat?  Try this quick & easy Mini Milk Carton!  You can fill it with tiny treats that you can pour in (M & M's, Skittles, Jelly Bellies, or Cinnamon Hearts, etc.) and your gift recipient can easily pour out!

The finished size is 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" x 3-1/4."  The photo makes it seem larger than it really is.  Here's all you need to make it as shown:

Stamps & Wheels:

• 112476 Bella's Border
• 118590 Tiny Tags (Clear-Mount)
• 118487 Clear Mount Block A
• [or use 118091 Tiny Tags Wood-Mount]

Card Stock & Paper:

• 100475 Cameo Coral Card Stock
• 102316 Naturals White Card Stock

Ink & Color:

• 103035 Cameo Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
• 100814 Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pad
• 101199 Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Around Cartridge

Accessories & Tools:

• 109038 Tempting Turquoise 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
• 109857 Mini Library Clip
• 113439 BigShot Die-Cut Machine
• 113476 Premium Crease Pad
• 117310 Stampin' Up! Mini Milk Carton Bigz L Die
• 102971 Stampin' Around Handle
• 117190 Medium Jewelry Tag Punch
• 108362 Crop-A-Dile
• 101227 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
• 104294 Sticky Strip
• White embroidery floss or thread (available at sewing, craft or dry goods stores)

How To:

1. Cut out a Mini Milk Carton from 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" card stock.
2. Wheel design along carton base.
3. Fold carton according to directions that come with the die.  Adhere sides, base and half of top (the side opposite the spout) with Sticky Strip.
4. Punch 1/8" hole in top close to spout.  Tie ribbon through hole and knot.  (For those of you not bow-challenged, you can tie a bow.)
5. Stamp tag images and punch out with matching punch.  Punch hole in top with 1/16" circle punch.  Thread floss through tag and ribbon knot and tie off.
6. Attach library clip as shown.

The new Bigz L Die fits almost exactly on the Standard Cutting Pads (#113475).  I recommend using the Premium Crease Pad (#113476) to get the best fold lines.  Without the Crease Pad, you run the risk of cutting through your folds.

The Mini Milk Carton is so much fun!  I can think of a dozen ways to decorate it.  What about you?  How would you dress up your milk carton?  Put your thoughts in the comments section below so we can all share.  If you don't see the comments link, click on the title and it should show up.

To order what you need to complete this project, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" 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 don't forget to leave your comments below.

Easy to Make Jewelry in a Snap!

I had a dinner party to go to last night and wanted to accessorize with the jewelry in Stampin' Up!'s new Simply Adorned line.  It took me about 15 minutes to make the inserts (including getting out all the supplies and unpacking the chains and charms) and about 15 to put together the necklace and bracelet.  I took so long because I have large fingers and thick nails, so it was harder for me to attach those itty bitty clasps.

Here I am in all my finery:

 

And here are closer looks at the collection.

 

One thing I realized as I wore my creations was that I needed to have higher contrast on the inserts.  Next set, for Valentine's Day, will be much brighter so people can see the images better.

Each Simply Adorned Charm comes with templates so you can cut your inserts to the right size.  The templates and a padding layer in each charm let you know how thick your insert can be.  My rule of thumb is the 5/8" charms can hold 2 "pages" of card stock and the larger charms can hold 3 (or 2 pages and a thin embellishment).  I can't wait to play with them some more!

If you have played with the Simply Adorned line, share your projects!  Email me at mary@3amstamper.com and attach a picture/photo/scan.  Plus, if you are a newsletter subscriber, include the list of supplies used and you'll be eligible for my monthly contest.  To sign up for my newsletter, click on the button at left.

Sweet Treat Cups for Your Valentine

Here is another new product-just in time for Valentine's Day!  I think Stampin' Up! is giving us a Summer Mini Sneak Peek, but we certainly need it for our Valentines!

 

The Heart Treat Cups (#120435) match perfectly with the Full Heart Punch (#113093) and the Sweetheart Stamp Set.  The stamps come in both wood-mount (#120415) and clear-mount (#120780) versions.

The first batch of the cups will be in limited supply, so be sure to order yours right away.  Just click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" 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.
 

Stick It Down and Get a Lift

I use 3 adhesives on almost everything I make: SNAIL (#104332), Mini Glue Dots (#103683) and Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430).  Today's sticky tool is Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stampin' Dimensionals are adhesive foam hexagons that are really, really sticky. They are also 1/16" high, so you can use them to raise an image or embellishment off your project.  The hexagonal shape makes them easy to stack, as well.  I frequently stack Dimensionals double and I've been known to stack them triple, too.  Haven't needed 4 in a stack yet, but you never know!

The hexagons are adhesive on both sides.  I have yet to find one that has dried out like most foam tape does.  At 300 hexagons per package, one package lasts a long time.  I've had some for several years and they are as sticky now as when the package was first opened.

You only need a few Stampin' Dimensionals for any given project.  I usually use one or two for smaller image layers, unless I'm "trapping" wide ribbon underneath.  I only use 4 (one in each corner) for card fronts, unless there's a heavy embellishment that needs extra support.  And don't forget about the "frame" around each sheet!  You can snip the strips to fit or use them has 1/2 Dimensionals.

The best thing about Stampin' Dimensionals is that one can hold just about anything to your project.  Try snipping the legs off a Build-a-Brad (#109108-Antique Brass or #109128-Pewter) and adhering it with a Stampin' Dimensional.  One fits under it perfectly!   You can do the same with the Rhinestone, Jumbo and Designer Brads, using snips from the edges for the smaller sizes.

Tip: Snip the Dimensionals with Craft & Rubber Scissors (#103179) - they are easier to clean, snip closer than the Craft & Paper Scissors (#108360) and don't stick as much as the Paper Snips (#103579).

To order, click on the Order Online button at right, then click "Shop Now" 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.