Fireflies and Flutterbyes

Two Great Tins Available For a Limited Time!

Two of our tins are now available for purchase. Our turquoise Punch Box tins are perfect for holiday treats and our silver skinny Accents & Elements tins make great CD or gift card holders or cases for mini accordian-fold scrapbooks. Each tin is sold individually so you can buy the exact number you need. These items are only available while supplies last, so place your order today by emailing me or ordering online at http://tarakieninger.stampinup.net.

114673 Turquoise Tin $3.95 - measures approximately 10.5" x 6.5" x 3"

108333 Silver Skinny Tin $1.95 - measures approximately 5.5" x 5" x 1/2"

 

Additional storage ideas for the tempting turquoise tin include: 

Stamping storage ideas:

1. Card kits 
2. Card and recipe swaps
3. Ribbon or ribbon scraps
4. Paper scraps
5. Ink refills 
6. Ink cartridges 
7. Punches
8. SNAIL adhesive and refills 
9. Scissors, paper snips, and Craft & Rubber scissors
10. Two heat tools
11. Glitter 
12. Embossing powder 
13. Project holder: when you have everything cut out for a project, you have all the pieces in the box so that you can take it with you to assemble
14. Beads
15. Buttons
16. Eyelets
17. Marker case, such as for journal pens, blender pens, aqua pens, etc.

Nonstamping ideas/uses:

1. Jewelry box 
2. Pencils, pens, and crayons
3. Candy 
4. First aid box
5. Lunch box: you can use our Crop-A-Dile to punch holes to attach a handle
6. Small sewing items
7. Recipes
8. Hair clips, ponytail holders, etc.
9. Box to hold nails and screws
10. Small tool box
11. Pedicure kit
12. Small toys
13. Sentimental keepsakes
14. Gift box: line it with tissue paper and fill it with homemade cookies for a friend!

November Stampin' Idea: Thoroughly Thankful Page

I'm going to be camera-less for the next few days, so I thought it would be a good time to share some projects with you from the Stampin' Up! website.  This page is from the Stampin' Ideas area.  There's a new Stampin' Idea featured each month.  Visit http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/3636.asp to see more stampin' ideas from previous months.

Stamps Short Order Numbers stamp set Thoroughly Thankful stamp set Paper Baja Breeze card stock Kraft card stock Naturals Ivory card stock Really Rust card stock Chocolate Chip textured card stock  On Board Something Seasonal Ink Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' Pad Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Pad Mellow Moss Classic Stampin' Pad So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker Stampin' Up! Accessories Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon Château Bella RubOns Aqua Painter Sanding Blocks Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions

1. Layer Naturals Ivory card stock on to Chocolate Chip textured card stock page.
2. Tear Kraft card stock and layer on Naturals Ivory card stock.
3. Stamp date in Chocolate Chip ink on top of page.
4. Tie Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon around page.
5. Layer Baja Breeze card stock on to page over ribbon and adhere photograph.
6. Cover chipboard with Really Rust and Chocolate Chip card stock and adhere to page.
7. Stamp leaf images in black StazOn ink on Naturals Ivory card stock.
8. Watercolor leaf images using Aqua Painter.
9. Cut out leaf images and adhere to page.

**You can order any of these products by visiting: http://tarakieninger.stampinup.net & clicking the Shop Now button in the upper right corner of the page.

Bright Hi

Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge #12 was a real challenge!  I rarely use Only Orange because it's just so bright.  Case in point....I've been a demo for just over 3 years now and I've had my Stampin' Write markers for nearly as long.  I pulled off the cap of my Only Orange marker and was momentarily stunned to see a pristine marker tip staring me in the face.  It had obviously never seen the light of day like my other markers!  Though I never would have paired these colors together, this combo has really grown on me.  But to be safe, I think I'll have to stick some sunglasses in the envelope with the card so the recipient isn't blinded!  Thanks for kicking me out of my comfort zone, Stacey!  It's just what I needed.

For fun, I doubled my challenge by playing along with Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #66.

 

 

Stamp sets: eastern blooms, say it with scallops; Inks: versamark, only orange, mellow moss, always artichoke; Cardstock: only orange, mellow moss, always artichoke, whisper white; Embellishments: rich regals buttons, always artichoke grosgrain ribbon; Tools: 1/2" & 3/4" circle punches; Other: embroidery floss (non-Stampin' Up!) 

Perpetual Calendar Class

Do you hate writing birth dates & anniversaries in a new calendar every year?  I have a a solution for you, and a pretty one at that!  Come to my Perpetual Calendar Class and make your own hand-stamped perpetual calendar to use year after year.  Each page is stamped with a different stamp set to coordinate with the month.  November & December pages are featured to give you an idea of how your calendar will look inside.  Choose from a wide variety of Designer Series Paper styles (only 5 shown below as examples) to decorate your cover.  We'll also use an alphabet stamp set to stamp an initial in the large scallop.  These calendars are very popular and they make a great gift, so be sure to stamp one for yourself and several for your friends, family, kids' teachers, etc. 

Saturday, Dec. 13th from 9am-12pm at my house 

$5 class fee plus $10 per calendar

Email me and pre-pay by Nov. 26th to reserve your spot!  Be sure to let me know how many calendars you'd like.

Can't make the class?  No problem - order a completed calendar (or several!) from me for $18 each (plus shipping).  I normally charge $20 per completed calendar, but I am offering them at the discounted rate when you pre-pay by Nov. 26th.    

 

   

CCSS #5 - Reindeer Wishes

The 5th & final card for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm.  Come create assorted cards for the holiday season (2 each of 5 designs). The class fee is $15 for 10 cards or $28 for 20 cards. Fee includes envelopes.

Check out the rest of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack (CCSS) cards here on my blog over the next few days.  

Can't make the class?  No problem!  Order the Class to Go for the same price.  Kit will include all items needed to make the cards minus the stamped images. Just use your own stamped images instead. 

Short on time?  Purchase 20 completed cards (with envelopes) from me for $40.

NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  Email me by Nov. 19th to preregister for the class or to purchase the Class to Go or Completed Cards set.

See Cards 1-4 here:

Card 1 - Jingle All the Way

Card 2 - Starry Christmas

Card 3 - Very Merry Snowman

Card 4 - Kindred Christmas

Card 5:

CCSS #4 - Kindred Christmas

Card #4 in my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack set for Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm.  Come create assorted cards for the holiday season (2 each of 5 designs). The class fee is $15 for 10 cards or $28 for 20 cards. Fee includes envelopes.

Check out the rest of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack (CCSS) cards here on my blog over the next few days.  

Can't make the class?  No problem!  Order the Class to Go for the same price.  Kit will include all items needed to make the cards minus the stamped images. Just use your own stamped images instead. 

Short on time?  Purchase 20 completed cards (with envelopes) from me for $40.

NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  Email me by Nov. 19th to preregister for the class or to purchase the Class to Go or Completed Cards set.Check out the rest of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack (CCSS) cards here on my blog over the next few days.  

 

CCSS #3 - Very Merry Snowman

The 3rd card for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm.  Come create assorted cards for the holiday season (2 each of 5 designs). The class fee is $15 for 10 cards or $28 for 20 cards. Fee includes envelopes.

Check out the rest of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack (CCSS) cards here on my blog over the next few days.  

Can't make the class?  No problem!  Order the Class to Go for the same price.  Kit will include all items needed to make the cards minus the stamped images. Just use your own stamped images instead. 

Short on time?  Purchase 20 completed cards (with envelopes) from me for $40.

NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  Email me by Nov. 19th to preregister for the class or to purchase the Class to Go or Completed Cards set.

CCSS #2 - Starry Christmas

This is the 2nd card we'll be doing at my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm.  Come create assorted cards for the holiday season (2 each of 5 designs). The class fee is $15 for 10 cards or $28 for 20 cards. Fee includes envelopes.

Check out the rest of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack (CCSS) cards here on my blog over the next few days.  

Can't make the class?  No problem!  Order the Class to Go for the same price.  Kit will include all items needed to make the cards minus the stamped images. Just use your own stamped images instead. 

Short on time?  Purchase 20 completed cards (with envelopes) from me for $40.

NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  Email me by Nov. 19th to preregister for the class or to purchase the Class to Go or Completed Cards set.

Top Note Season of Joy

I was asked to prep a make-and-take for an all day cropping event that's being held this weekend by a local church-based women's crafting group.  Though most of the ladies are scrapbookers, it would have been a little difficult to come up with a scrapbook page design (& size) that was suitable for everyone.  So, I opted to design a Christmas card instead, figuring that everyone could use one of those.  Here's what I came up with using the Top Note Bigz Die with my Sizzix Big Shot die-cut machine and some of our gorgeous Ski Slope Designer Series Paper.  The greeting will be stamped on the inside of the card.  I really love the layout of this card and how some projects just seem to come together so effortlessly (believe me, not all of them do!). 

P.S. I apologize for not posting the rest of the cards from my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack.  Look for those over the next few days.  Don't want to miss a post?  Then subscribe to my blog via email.  You'll receive an email every time I post a new blog entry.

 

Stamp set: season of joy; Inks: old olive, real red; Cardstock: old olive, real red, whisper white, ski slope DSP; Embellishments: real red grosgrain ribbon, silver brads; Tools: sizzix big shot, cutting pads, top note bigz die, 1-3/4" circle punch, crafter's tool kit  

Wanna recreate this card?  Order Stampin' Up! from me online anytime at http://tarakieninger.stampinup.net.  Simply click the Shop Now button in the upper right corner of the page.

CIC#30 - Close as a Memory

This week's Color Inspiration Challenge is based on a duvet from Bed, Bath, & Beyond.  Kristina Werner sure knows how to pick some eyecatching inspirational pieces, doesn't she?!!  I have been hoarding my Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware for quite some time, so aren't you proud of me for using not one, but three pieces from my kit?  It's also been awhile since I used my Close as a Memory stamp set.  It's so nice to break out those old favorites, don't you agree?

 

Stamp set: close as a memory; Inks: old olive, certainly celery; Cardstock: old olive, certainly celery, sahara sand, whisper white; Embellishments: certainly celery wide grosgrain ribbon, styled silver hodgepodge hardware 

CCSS #1 - Jingle All the Way

I am offering a Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm.  Come create assorted cards for the holiday season (2 each of 5 designs). The class fee is $15 for 10 cards or $28 for 20 cards. Fee includes envelopes.

I'll be showcasing the Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack (CCSS) cards here on my blog over the next few days.  This is Card #1. 

Can't make the class?  No problem!  Order the Class to Go for the same price.  Kit will include all items needed to make the cards minus the stamped images. Just use your own stamped images instead. 

Short on time?  Purchase 20 completed cards (with envelopes) from me for $40.

Email me by Nov. 26th to preregister for the class or to purchase the Class to Go or Completed Cards set.

Mr. & Mrs. 8x8 Page

In my previous post, I showed you a kid's birthday card made with the Crazy For Cupcakes stamp set.  Now I'm sharing a 8x8 anniversary/wedding page using the same set.  Hopefully this illustrates the versatility of the stamp set.

 

Stamp sets: crazy for cupcakes, so swirly, together forever; Inks: basic black, stazOn black, sage shadow, pretty in pink, ruby red, silver encore pen; Cardstock: pretty in pink, basic black, whisper white, brushed silver; Embellishments: pretties kit, pretty in pink taffeta ribbon; Tools: ticket corner punch, stamp-a-ma-jig 

Happy Birthday Benton!

We celebrated our friend Benton's 4th birthday on Tuesday night.  Here's the card I made for him using the Crazy For Cupcakes stamp set.  I normally wouldn't have put these colors together, but I used my color coach to match some colors with tempting turquoise and actually love the combination.  Please ignore the spot in the upper right corner of the photo.  Apparently there's something on the inside lens of our camera and we have to send it in to be fixed.  Luckily it should still be under warranty.

This card is part of a challenge issued by my upline Julie.  The challenge is to create a card and another project (either scrapbook page or 3-D item) using the same stamp set to show the versatility of a single set.  Check back tomorrow for a look at my scrapbook page!

 

Stamp set: crazy for cupcakes; Inks: basic black, tempting turquoise, taken with teal, certainly celery, apricot appeal, versamark; Cardstock: tempting turquoise, taken with teal, certainly celery, whisper white; Embellishments: rich regals brads, certainly celery grosgrain ribbon; Tools: circle punches

Thank You Pillow Box

I used my new Pillow Box Sizzix die in my Big Shot to create this cute mini treat holder.  I love how quickly it goes together.  The paper is from our Georgia Peach Designer Series Paper pack.  Pretty!

 

Stamp sets: happiness always, all holidays; Inks: regal rose, kiwi kiss; Cardstock: kiwi kiss, regal rose, georgia peach DSP; Embellishments: soft subtles buttons; Tools: sizzix big shot, cutting pads, pillow box die, 1-3/4" circle punch, paper snips

JCI #10: Flight of the Butterfly

The bracelet in Stacey's Jewelry Color Inspiration Challenge #10 reminded me of the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set.

 

  

Here's my 4-1/4 inch square card for the challenge.  I used the scallop edge punch to create the square scallop border and dyed my pretties flower directly using my tangerine tango ink pad and a sponge dauber.  I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to align the 2-step butterfly images perfectly.  You can earn the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set (or any other stamp set from the Fall-Winter Catalog Sampler) FREE this month, in addition to the usual hostess benefits, by hosting a $350 workshop.  Email me to book your catalog or in-home workshop!

Stamp set: flight of the butterfly; Inks: chocolate chip, tangerine tango; Cardstock: chocolate chip, tempting turquoise, whisper white; Embellishments: white gel pen, bold brights brads, tangerine tango striped grosgrain ribbon, pretties kit; Tools: paper piercer, mat pack, scallop edge punch, sponge dauber, stamp-a-ma-jig 

Tutorial: Applying Decor Elements

This mini tutorial is meant to illustrate how easy it is to apply Stampin' Up!'s vinyl Decor Elements to your wall or other appropriate surface.  Please read the instructions that come with your Decor Elements for more detailed information. 

1) Prep: Make sure your wall (or other surface) is clean and dry.  Lay the vinyl on a flat surface grid side up and lightly rub the applicator tool over the entire piece, which transfes the vinyl to the transfer sheet (bottom) side of the Decor Elements.  Decide on placement of your vinyl, taking measurements if needed.

2) Start with your vinyl element, either the entire sheet or part of a sheet (as seen in this example with a large chocolate chip polka dot cut from one sheet in the Spot On I set).

3) Slowly peel off the grid backing sheet, leaving the vinyl element on the transfer sheet. 

    

4) Stick the vinyl element to the wall, transfer sheet side up.  Rub the applicator tool over the vinyl element to adhere it to the wall.  Slowly peel off the transfer sheet.  Smooth the element to the wall with your hand. 

      

5) Repeat with any remaining vinyl elements.

Note: I could not find my applicator tool at the time I needed to adhere my vinyl elements, so I used a Pampered Chef kitchen scraper instead.  A credit card or hotel room card would likely work as well.

Order $20 or more worth of Decor Elements during the month of November and I'll send you a FREE applicator tool!

Spot On Decor

Fall is certainly a time for change and there's been plenty of change in my life lately too.  I'm sure you noticed my new blog banner.  I was itching for a fall look to my blog and found the cutest fall-themed digital scrapbooking elements to put it together.  I don't really do digital scrapbooking, but it was really fun and easy and I love the result.  So, how do you like my new banner?

Another change of note is that I redecorated Mia's room over the weekend.  She's had the same decor in her room since we moved into this house nearly 6-1/2 years ago.  I figured it was time for a change and she was ready to pick out her own bedding, etc.  Plus, Mia brought home her 1st quarter grades and they were excellent, so I figured it would serve as part reward too.  Though she wanted a Hannah Montana or Camp Rock bedding set, I told her that she couldn't pick something that was so theme-y (is that a word?!!).  I told her that she would get tired of it before long.  So we compromised on a brown & pink Bobby Jack monkey bedding set instead.  Once she picked the bedding, I knew it would work well with our new Spot On I Decor Elements vinyl .  I figured that I would attempt to just leave off the certainly celery rub-ons since I only wanted pink & brown. 

Imagine my surprise when the Decor Elements arrived and I discovered how they were packaged.  The picture in the Decor Elements brochure is a little misleading.  It shows a bunch of dots & circles in 3 colors overlapping in a single strip, so I assumed it would arrive this way.  Wrong, the colors are actually on separate sheets!  Here's how it looks in real life (the backing is still on, so the dots appear faded):

  

With the Spot On I set, you'll receive four sheets measuing 1-1/4 x 2 ft: 2 pretty in pink, 1 chocolate chip, and 1 certainly celery.  You can apply them in circles and dots as packaged or cut them apart and apply them as polka dots like I did.  These were super easy to apply.  In fact, Mia helped me put them on.  By the way, I took a scrap piece of pretty in pink cardstock to Lowe's to pick out the perfect shade of pink paint.

     

And now for the final result & photos of the room.  Even though I have a few finishing touches to add to the room (rug, pictures, decorations, etc.), I'd better show the photos now while the room is still clean!

 

     

Note: even after decorating one wall with the Spot On decor elements, I still have some pink & brown dots left (which I plan to apply to some decorations in the room) as well as an entire unused sheet of certainly celery dots.  Check back tomorrow as I'll be posting a photo tutorial on how to apply Decor Elements. 

Order your Decor Elements from me today - either shop online here or email your order to t.kieninger@comcast.net.  Click the Decor Elements brochure link in my left sidebar to see all of our gorgeous designs!  You can see a few of my other Decor Elements posts here.

Happy Birthday Zac

We helped our friend Zac celebrate his 2nd birthday last night.  Here's the card we gave him.  Seth wanted to do a brilliant blue elephant and he actually stamped it himself.  I stamped another elephant in tangerine tango, cut out the ear, and drew polka dots freehand using my versamarker.  I popped it up with a dimensional to give it a 3-D effect.  I asked Seth to pick another color and he chose kiwi kiss, so I used that as a layer behind the elephant.  By this time, Seth was bored, so I finished the card myself.   

Stamp sets: family phrases, wild about you, dilly dally party; Inks: brilliant blue, kiwi kiss, tangerine tango, versamarker; Cardstock: brilliant blue, kiwi kiss, tangerine tango, whisper white; Embellishments: earth elements brads; Punch: wide oval; Tools: stamp-a-ma-jig

November Promotions

Country Living Holiday Collections Stampin' Kit: November 1 - December 31

Invite the warmth and coziness of the holidays into your home with Stampin' Up!'s Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit. This kit has everything you need to create beautiful handcrafted ornaments.  $49.95

The Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit includes the following products:

• Holiday Collection stamp set (six stamps)
• Four 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut chipboard
• Eight 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 4 double-sided designs)
• Four 12" x 12" sheets of Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 2 double-sided designs)
• Two 12" x 12" sheets of Whisper White card stock
• 25 yds. Silver Metallic cord
• 10 yds. 3/8" Whisper White taffeta ribbon
• Pretties Kit brads (20)
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (1/2 oz.)
• Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive
• Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Spot
• Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot
• Uninked Stampin' Spot
• Whisper White Craft Ink refill

Create dazzling ornaments and memories that will last a lifetime! Contact me today to place your order because this offer is only good through December 31, or while supplies last.

 

Hostess Incentive Promotion: November 1-30, 2008

Host a $350 or more workshop and choose one stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler for FREE! Choose from any of the stamp sets below--up to a $31.95 value!

 

Item #	Description	Retail Value
111564	Flight of the Butterfly	$31.95
112911	Vuelo de la mariposa (Spanish Flight of the Butterfly)	$31.95
111676	Puns from the Past	$27.95
111660	Just Jawing	$25.95
111624	Dreams du Jour	$18.95
111700	Thank You Kindly	$13.95
111714	Wow Flowers	$12.95
112955	Flores llamativas (Spanish Wow Flowers)	$12.95
111600	Bella's Bloom	$12.95

 

Rub-Ons Promotion: November 10-30, 2008

Spend $20 and qualify to purchase any Rub-Ons assortment at 20 percent off ($8.76 per package; regularly $10.95):

 

Item #	Page #	Rub-Ons Description
111416	178	Chateau Bella
111417	178	Word Flurries
111414	178	Hidden Garden
111277	178	A Perfect Day
110283	179	Take Note
111806	179	Chills & Thrills
111804	179	Chit Chat
111415	179	Greatest Moments
111805	179	School Days
110282	179	Anchored
112844	11*	Old Saint Nick
112843	17*	Season of Cheer
110283	39**	Hidden Garden Blossoms

*From Holiday 2008 Mini Catalog; **From Celebrando Creatividad

Check out my left sidebar for links with more information on these November promotions!

Tutorial: Scallop Circle Punch Medallion

There are times when I want a border for my circle punches that isn't scalloped.  For instance, on some guys cards, the scallop circle can look a little too cutesy.  So, here's a tutorial for turning that scallop circle shape into a medallion.

1.  Start with a scallop circle-shaped piece of cardstock.

2.  Insert the scallop into the 1/4" square punch so that the corner of the square window is centered on a scallop and punch.  

3.  Here's a photo which shows where you should be punching on the scallops. 

 

4.  Continue until all scalloped edges are punched.  Here's the resulting medallion....

And now for an example on a card.  If you want your medallion to look a little more whimsical or spooky, vary the square punch placement on each scallop so the notches are off-center.  I did this on my Halloween card below.