Great Googly Ghouls

If you've followed my blog for awhile, you already know that I love Halloween.  And if you're new, well now you're going to see!

Swapping is one of the highlights of any Stampin' Up! event.  For one of my organized swaps at convention, I decided to use the new Googly Ghouls stamp set. 

Boocu

There is a witch, a mummy, little frankenstein, spider, and bat in this stamp set.  The fun thing is, you can add our new googlies (adhesive-backed googly eyes) to all of them!  They are just too cute!

Boocard

The Designer Series Paper I used is also from the Holiday Mini catalog.  It is called Howlstooth & Scaringbone.  Don't you just love that name?

Boocards

You can see that I mixed & matched the pattern papers for my cards.  But this paper isn't just for Halloween......tomorrow, I'll share a masculine card with you featuring this paper and you can use it for any occasion!

And while we are on the subject of Halloween, a spooktacular offer was announced at convention and I just squealed with delight when I saw it!

Howloweentray

During the month of August, all new demonstrators—and recruiting demonstrators—will receive a FREE Howl-o-ween Printer’s Tray project kit!

B1LP_Spooktacular_ProjectKit_Aug0112_NAThis boo-tiful kit contains all the bits and pieces to create a super spooky Halloween decoration—you won’t want to miss out on this exclusive offer!


So if you are thinking about signing up as a demonstrator, contact me for complete details.  I'd love to have you join my team.

MelissaSignature

 

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Stamp Club Projects

SeptemberClubProjects

At stamp club last month, members made these three projects.

Vampireowl

The first project was the anti-bacterial soap holder inspired by Erica Cerwin.  She has great instructions on her blog on how to make the box.  I used the Owl and Bitty Bat punches to create the vampire bat.  The fangs were cut free-hand and I used a red marker on the tips.
Vampireblood
SeptemberSBpage

The 12" x 12" scrapbook page also features the Owl punch....I used it to create the spooky ghosts.  The pumpkins were created with the Ovals die and the big shot with Pumpkin Pie card stock.  I sponged the edges to make them stand out a little better.


Halloweentesttubes

The final project was this adorable test tube holder.  The test tubes have been collecting dust in my closet for a couple of years.  I know I'll probably get questions regarding where to purchase them....I got them in a bulk buy from another demonstrator, but if I find a new source, I'll let you know.

Lisa Somerville has several patterns for test tube holders on her blog.  I used the Wicked Cool stamp set, the Spider Web embossing folder, Raven lace trim, and Nite Owl Designer Series paper to really make this project pop!

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack on my Stampin' Up! website.  There are many items for sale at drastically reduced prices.  It's a  great time to get your hands on some fun stamping supplies.

Happy Stampin'

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Holiday Stamp-a-Stack

A downside to being a Doctor of Chiropractic is that you know when something is really wrong with your own body.  A few weeks ago, I started having trouble with my right elbow.  I've had minor problems with it in the past and have jokingly called it "stamper's elbow."  However, this time it was bad and I knew that I had an ulnar nerve entrapment.  I also had a Stamp-a-Stack coming up and was worried that I would not be able to cut card stock for my guests.

With some rest and therapy, I was able to help my elbow pain.  However, I didn't want to irritate it more by cutting tons of paper.  You'll see that the cards I designed for this class are super simple.  Almost all of my guests were finished within 1 hour.  We made 2 each of 4 designs.  The other card was featured in this previous post.

Holidayminiswaps

The picture above may give you some indication of why my elbow was hurting.....so, the first card was a simplified version of one of my recent swap cards.

Postcard2

Stamp Set:  Christmas Postcard

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Kraft (sponged around edges)

Paper:  Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Accessories:  Sticky Strip, Champagne Glass Glitter, Sponges

Joycard

The finished size of this card is 3" x 6".  The main question everyone asked is if we have envelopes to fit this size of card.  The answer is "yes!".  Item # 107286  Small Open-End Envelopes. 

Stamp Set:  Word Play

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive markers

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big Shot, Ovals Originals die, Dimensionals

Spookycard 

And I just had to throw one Halloween card in the mix.  My customers LOVED the Spider Web embossing folder, but are wanting ideas for using it at other times of the year.  We decided it would be good for an "Over the Hill" birthday.  If you've got a creative idea, share it by adding a comment at the end of this post.

Stamp Set:  Wicked Cool

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  Wicked Fun Specialty, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black

Accessories:  Big Shot, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Raven Lace Trim

Happy Stampin'

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Craft Fairs ---Part 3

To prepare plenty of handmade items for a craft fair, you need to be ready to make a commitment of time, as well as money.  Keeping your designs simple will enable you to mass produce your items in a relatively short amount of time.  As I stated in my covered legal pad video, even the non-embellished legal pads have sold very well for me at craft fairs. 

All the items you make should be high-quality, unique gift items.  I find that most of my craft fair customers are searching for gifts for teachers, co-workers, kids, the postman, etc.  They want something inexpensive, but impressive.  When you are thinking of projects to make, consider what you would like to give and receive at the holidays. 

Some items to consider:

  • Greeting Cards
  • Coasters
  • Candles
  • Magnets
  • Candy gifts
  • Altered Office Supplies
  • Home Decor Pieces
  • "Soups" and "Poops" (see below)
  • Bookmarks
  • Mini Scrapbooks
  • Games for kids
  • Paper Dolls

As far as how many of each to make, that will depend on the size of the show that you are doing.  If it is a show that I am not familiar with, I try to make 6-12 of each item....not too many and not too much.  If you sell out of an item, you can display a sample and take orders to make more.  I always love it when that happens!

You'll also want to take into consideration the type of show that you will be participating in, and what price points those craft fair customers tend to expect.  I have one show that I always sell out of items that are priced at $5 or less.  At another show, I can't give those same items away.  Those customers want items priced at $20 or more.

It can be challenging to determine a price on your handmade items.  Many times, we as crafters tend to undervalue our work.  However, if you price your items too high, it will be difficult, if not impossible to move your items.

A common pricing strategy that I often hear is to double the cost of your supplies.  You might also want to consider giving yourself an hourly wage.  I'm going to use the example of the covered legal pads again. 

  • I purchased 12 junior legal pads and 12 RSVP pens for $8.89.....that means that each set costs me approximately 75 cents.  Add on the paper and adhesive costs, and the total cost to make each covered legal pad comes to $1.75 without embellishments.
  • Using the double supply cost strategy, I would charge $3.50 for a simple covered legal pad, and up to $5 for a heavily embellished legal pad.
  • It takes me approximately 7 minutes to make one of the simple covered legal pads.  I give myself an hourly wage of $20 an hour (33 cents/minute).  Using this strategy I would add the $2.33 wage to the supply cost of $1.75 to come up with a total cost of $4.08.

I will generally use a combination of both strategies to set my prices.  I will sell the simple legal pads this year for $4 each and the embellished legal pads will sell for $5.

A tool that I use to keep track of the cost of my consumable supplies is the cost analysis spreadsheet available on SUDSOL.  It is definitely worth the price of membership to have access to this resource.  SUDSOL is a website for Stampin' UP! demonstrators that are business-minded and you can sign up for a free trial by clicking below.

SUDSOL - Your 24/7 Upline

Buy items such as legal pads & pens while they are on sale.  Always be on the lookout for a bargain!  You may also want to check out sites such as Freecycle to see if you can find items to alter.  Today's project is a great example of how to use your recycled items to create a great gift that people will want to buy.

  Craftfairproject 

Soups & Poops

Snowmansoup


Snowmansoupcu

For this project, I filled an empty Starbucks frapuccino bottle with cocoa mix and topped it with mini marshmallows.  I cut a square of the Candy Cane Designer Fabric with the Big Shot and Scallop Square die.  The fabric covers the lid and was tied with a 1" x 12" strip of fabric.  The cute tag was made using the Candy Cane designer series paper and A Cute Christmas stamp set.

You can do an online search for snowman soup recipes and you'll find lots of good cocoa recipes and poems that will work for this project.

An item that sells good for me during the months of September and October is pumpkin poop.  You can also find poems online for snowman poop, reindeer poop, and more.  All of these are quick,easy, and make great gifts.


Pumpkin poop group


I am attaching two files here, so that you can easily make your own poop.  The first is the template to make the box, and the second is a sheet of the pumpkin poop poems that will fit perfectly inside your box.

Download mini_pizza_box_template.pdf

Download pumpkin_poop_poem.pdf

Pumpkin poop close-up 



This is a close-up of the inside of the box.  I bought the small packages of candy corn at Wal-Mart.

The box is made from Basic Black cardstock and measures about 2-1/2" square.  I layered 2-1/4" squares of Ghostly Greetings DSP on the lid.

The pumpkins and the pumpkin faces were created with Sizzix dies and the Big Shot.  I added the wiggly eyes for fun.

On Wednesday, I'll have another great project for you and more craft fair tips.  Be sure to subscribe to receive email updates, so you don't miss anything.

Happy Stampin'

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More Legal Pads

Third time was a charm.  Here is the video on the covered legal pads. 

Jr. Legal Pad Cover Paper Measurements

  • Cover:  8" x 11.5", scored at 5.5", 6", and 6.5"
  • Front Cardstock Layer:  4-3/4" x 7-3/4"
  • Front Designer Series Paper Layer:  4-1/2" x 7-1/2"
  • Top of Legal Pad Designer Series Paper:  1" x 5"
  • Designer Series Paper for RSVP pen:  1" x 3-3/8"

Instructions-001

Christmaspostcardlegal Christmaspostcardcloseup

Here is another legal pad cover for the Holidays.  I used the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and the Christmas Postcard single stamp.  Both of these items will be available to order September 1st.  The corners of the front panel are accented with the new antique brads.

GCKlegalpad GCKcloseup

This legal pad cover features a few of my favorite new items from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog.  I used the Playdate Designer Series Paper, the Greeting Card Kids stamp set, and Brights Designer Buttons.  I like to have a few items for sale that would be nice for teachers and I think this fits the bill.

Wickedcoollegalpad Wickedcoolcloseup

If I do any shows before Halloween, I like to throw in a few spooky items and they usually sell like hotcakes.  For this legal pad, I used a combination of products from the big catalog and the upcoming 2010 Holiday mini.  The Wicked Cool stamp set, Bat punch and large scallop circle punch are from the big catty.  You'll be able to purchase the Nite Owl designer series paper on September 1st when the Holiday Mini goes live.

I'll be back on Monday with another great craft fair idea and I'll be discussing what to make and how to price your items. 

Happy Stampin'

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Got More Treats

Last Friday was the Got Treats Stamp-a-Stack.  I've already shared the cupcake card, so it's time for you to see the other 3 cards.

Gotlove
 

This card would be great for an anniversary or a fun wedding/engagement card.  It uses the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, and a little bit of the Play Date designer series paper.

Gottreatspumpkin

I am soooooo holding back on sharing all of my Halloween projects with you, but I was able to sneak this card in.  Wouldn't this stamp image be perfect on the Pumpkin Poop boxes?  I've got your wheels turning, don't I?  The designer paper is called Wicked Fun Specialty and it features black flocking.  Some of the black circles are fuzzy....love it!

Gotmerry

And last but not least, GINGERBREAD MEN!!!  Something about these little guys just makes me smile.  The large stamp image is from the Got Treats stamp set, but the smaller gingerbread man image is from a Holiday Mini stamp set called Jolly Bingo Bits.   The designer paper is called Jolly Holiday.

On all of the cards, I used the 1-3/4" circle punch and the 2-3/8" Scallop Circle punch.  I just changed the layouts and the designer paper choice to fit the occasion.  Most of the stamp images were inked with markers. I just love it when you can create many different cards with one stamp set and a limited number of supplies.

To order any Stampin' Up! products, be sure to visit my Stampin' Up website.

Got treats

Got Treats Stamp Set (Set of 10)

119114     $24.95 Wood Mount

120627     $17.95 Clear Mount

 


 

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A New Look

I didn't listen to my own warning and spent the whole day playing with My Digital Studio.  The dishes are piled high in the sink, the laundry hasn't been touched, and my project for today did not get finished.  However, I did squeeze in some new blog graphics and I'm sure you've noticed the change.  I can't wait to share the next blog banner with you....it is cool!

Since my project is incomplete, I'm going to bring back an oldie but goodie.  This is my pumpkin poop project from last year.  I hope you like it!

Pumpkin poop group


I am attaching two files here, so that you can easily make your own poop.  The first is the template to make the box, and the second is a sheet of the pumpkin poop poems that will fit perfectly inside your box.

Download mini_pizza_box_template.pdf

Download pumpkin_poop_poem.pdf

Pumpkin poop close-up 



This is a close-up of the inside of the box.  I bought the small packages of candy corn at Wal-Mart.

The box is made from Basic Black cardstock and measures about 2-1/2" square.  I layered 2-1/4" squares of Ghostly Greetings DSP on the lid.

The pumpkins and the pumpkin faces were created with Sizzix dies and the Big Shot.  I added the wiggly eyes for fun.

These boxes would make a great school treat for your children and they are very easy to create.






Well, that is it for Halloween week.  My blog will soon be in full swing for the Holidays.  I've got tons of projects and card ideas to share with you.  Be sure to subscribe to the blog using the sign up box on the left so you don't miss any of the updates.

And here is my final My Digital Studio addition to the blog......a new signature!

Pumpkinsig

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Going Digital

WARNING:  My Digital Studio may cause you to ignore your family, responsibilities, and personal hygiene. 

Perhaps that warning is a little harsh, but I would seriously like to stay in my pajamas for a weekend and do nothing but play around with this program.  I have YEARS & YEARS of digital photos stored on my computers that have never seen the light of day.  My digital studio is helping me bring them out for everyone to see. 

Stampin' UP! has already released a few additional downloads for purchase on the website, including a Pumpkin Patch stamp brush set.  I loved this stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog, but I had already spent too much and one more set was not in the budget.  However, I was able to load it onto MDS for just $5.95.  They also have the Cast-a-Spell DSP, which from my previous postings this week, you can probably tell that I like this paper.  Now I can use both anytime!

And did you know that you can purchase the downloads to use with your existing software, such as photoshop?  Check out my websitefor all the downloads available.

So, here is what I created with my new downloads....

Halloween pages-001 Halloween pages-002
  
These pages took me less than one hour to complete, and get this.......my stamp area isn't a mess!!!  Now, I think that is a great bonus.

The top page I made from scratch and the bottom page was based on a template.  I just had to change the colors and DSP, then add the pumpkin stamp and journaling.  So simple!

I have one more Halloween project to share with you this week and it's a goodie.  Check back tomorrow for your final treat!

Stoutsiggy[1]


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Twick or Tweet

Halloweenbite

Here is a quick & easy card for Halloween.  I made almost 100 of these for the Stampin' Up! regional in Cincinnati last month, so I should know, right?

The card base is Basic Black cardstock with an Old Olive layer.  I used a thin strip of the Cast-a-Spell DSP layered onto Basic Black and tied with Old Olive grosgrain ribbon at the bottom of the card.

The image was stamped with Basic Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I only colored in the dog and used a Creamy Caramel marker.  The "bite" was created with the scallop oval punch.

The Twick or Tweet stamp set is so cute and can be ordered anytime on my Stampin' Up! website.  Here is a look at all the images included in this set.

Twickortweet

I hope you are enjoying Halloween week.  Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a scrapbook layout made with My Digital Studio.  You are going to be amazed at what that program can do.....trust me!

Stoutsiggy[1]

 

 

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My Digital Studio Card

Here is the first card that I made with the new My Digital Studio program.  I'm currently working on the certification program and playing around with the program to learn as much as I can.  There is definitely a bit of a learning curve with this program, but I do find it more user-friendly than Photoshop.

Halloween-001

I think the best thing about this program is that is comes with nearly 60 stamp sets pre-loaded, as well as lots of designer paper, embellishments, and more.  I would not have been able to make this card as shown with the materials I have on hand---I don't own this stamp set and I definitely don't "sew".

My Digital Studio is available on my Stampin' Up! website for $79.95.  I will be offering training classes soon and I'll keep you posted on those.

Tomorrow, I'll be featuring a hand-stamped card using the adorable Twick or Tweet stamp set.

Stoutsiggy[1]


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