Contest Winners!

Using an online random number generator, I'm happy to announce that Alicia is the winner of the $25 gift MLO certificate...and since I reached my goal, a 2nd random number picked Carol to receive a special goodie bag at my MLO Christmas in July class.

My July class has sold out, but my August class is now open for registration. Come and make SIX gifts for the people in your life that make you happy! Click on my picture to take you to my MLO site for the August class details.

Stamp Set Storage

Kirsten asked me yesterday in our MLO class how I store my stamp sets and how I convert my rubber stamps mounted on wood blocks for use on clear stamp blocks. I store all of my stamps in CD cases alphabetically. (Some larger stamp sets require more than one CD case, and Kirsten also suggested using DVD cases for those larger sets.) I use a label maker to put the name of the stamp set on the spine of the CD case, and I also make 2 copies of the entire stamp set - one to slide into the front of the CD case and the other copy to put in a file so I know which stamps I have very quickly. (Big Lots is where I buy my CD cases. Remove the black plastic insert carefully to make room to store the stamps in the CD case.)

The top picture shows my Making Memories Embellishment Center that stores my stamp sets in CD's. This center will hold 104 CD's! That's 13 CD's in each of the 8 larger square compartments. The second picture can be found on the Michael's website. That's where I bought two of these centers. They're $80 each, but I used my WONDERFUL 50% off coupons and my dear husband went with me so he could use a coupon and I could use a coupon -- now, that's love!

Here is the technique for converting rubber stamps mounted on wood blocks for use on acrylic stamp blocks:

Place one stamp into your microwave oven and microwave in intervals of 4 seconds to see how much time on HIGH is required to warm the wooden block and soften the glue. After the ideal time in the microwave is determined, the rubber stamps will remove easily from the wood block. Next - take facial powder with a puff (or any other powder) and lightly rub and coat the sticky backing on the stamp with the powder until it is just slightly tacky. Now you're ready to use your stamp on any clear stamp block! Occasionally, you may need to re-apply the powder. If the stamp sticks to your CD case, place in the microwave to soften. Recently, I've been keeping the protective tan backing that comes on Stampin' UP! sets and store my stamps on that backing in the CD case.

I have to thank my SSF (Stamping Sister Forever) - Katie Duzmal - for sharing these storage and stamp conversion ideas with me!! Once she told me about this revolutionary concept, I was working night and day on my vacation to get my sets converted! I felt such a sense of accomplishment and it is wonderful to be this organized -- at least on this one wall in my house - hehe!

Hope this frees up some space so you can buy even MORE stamps sets!

Since this post, Carol wrote and said:

What to do with the wood blocks?

KT's Response:
If readers have any ideas for uses with the wood blocks let me know, but I'm going to donate them to the RAFT (Resource Area for Teachers) - it's a non-profit that recycles unwanted items and sells them back to teachers and non-profits for pennies on the dollar so they can do fun and educational activities with them in their classrooms. My son worked there as a teen, so I know what good things they are doing to help in this world!

Card for a Friend in the Hospital

I made this card in my card club quite awhile back. This was an idea from Katie Duzmal - a super talented friend and also a member in my card club. Katie was elated when she happened to find designer paper that perfectly matched the design in the sail stamp of this boat! Don't you just love a find like that?!! This card turned out to be the perfect one to give to another wonderful friend who I visited in the hospital last week -- a friend who can't wait to get out of there! Just seeing handmade cards makes her happy - just like me, too! She is quite a card maker herself and is what we call a handmade "Card Worthy Friend"-- someone who really appreciates all of the time you put into a card and tells you how much it means to them to receive one. I really cherish my CARD WORTHY FRIENDS!

This card uses the Swirls Cuttlebug folder. The clouds were created by ripping computer paper and sponging blue ink over the paper. The anchor punch is from Martha Stewart and was a must have! Oh, I am running out of space for of all of my must haves! The anchor punched out on the front of the cards was used on the inside for a little accent of color. The sayings were done on my computer.

Christmas in July Class at MLO

My July 19th class, featuring unique Christmas in July projects, has already sold out! Thank you to everyone who made that happen....it will be repeated in November and a sign up sheet has been started for that class. All five projects will be on display at Memories Live On starting tomorrow.

HOWEVER, I did put a new and FREE Christmas in July file on my MLO website to download. Just click on my picture above to download the pdf. For those of you attending my June class at MLO, you will get a sample of this project included with your class kit!

August Class Projects

WOW!! Quick Gifts for the Ones You Love!

August 23^rd, 2009

TWO SESSIONS – Pick One:

11:30 am to 1:30 pm OR 2 to 4 pm

Fee: $25

Here’s a SUMMER SPECIAL that will surely make you smile! Join me and make SIX quick favors or small gifts for the special people in your life. Come to this class and create 2 variations each of 3 different paper crafts that will surely be a delight to everyone! Use these gifts for your table settings, party favors, or as small presents to show someone how much they mean to you. Modify and customize them for any holiday or occasion. BONUS: Learn how to take your favorite 4 x 6” photographs and turn them into a one-of-kind treat package. Chocolates are included!

Sign up early as classes do sell out. Call Memories Live On at 446-9901.

Paper Crafts and Baking!

I just had to share the baking and paper craft talents of a wonderful baker who made this "Happy Meal" for Father's Day out of cupcakes, brownies and cookies. It combines two of my favorite past times on the planet: cooking and paper crafting! I belong to a cooking club and this creation would surely give my cooking club buddies a big smile ;-D To get the instructions with FREE templates along with the terrific pics that show how it's made, simply click HERE. It's probably not any healthier than a real Happy Meal, but it sure is clever - and you know how I love clever! I was thinking they could be modified for a 4th of July party/BBQ - oh, how I wish there were more hours in a day...

Update on My Sister's Birthday Card

Update on the post below: My sister and I made cards last night using her Music Expressions SU stamp set, and we decided to add some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (SU) to the swirls on the stamped image. When you see the card in person, the gitter really MADE THESE CARDS POP!

My Sister's Birthday Card

We're celebrating a bunch of family birthdays tomorrow night and I just made this card to give my sister. I borrowed her new set called Music Expressions by Stampin' Up -- she loves music and the color blue -- I hope she'll like it ;-D

I stamped the image twice - once on white and once on brown card stock. I cut out the violin on the brown card stock and attached it to the card using foam tape to give it some added dimension. This is a great technique to highlight any element in a black and white stamped image. I used B21 Copic Sketch Marker for the bird -- to add a little more interest to the overall image.

Stamps - Simple Sayings and Music Expressions (Both from Stampin' UP!)
Punch - Martha Stewart Lace
Printed Paper - Nursery Tales by Prima: 96 sheets at Michael's marked down to $9.99 and I was able to use my 50% off coupon - so 5 bucks total - what a deal!! (Like I need more paper - but I couldn't resist - after all - I needed the blue sheets in the pack for my sister - Justification #10,000!)
Ink - Basic Black and Bordering Blue (SU)
Ribbon - Bride Elegance from Michael's

MAKE YOUR OWN FLOWERS

Make your own flowers with the EK Small Scallop Punch by following these easy steps:
1) Mark the center of each scallop with a dot
2) Cut in between each scallop toward the dot - leave 1/8" uncut by the dot
3) Place a gem, pearl or small circle in the center of each flower
4) Adhere flower to your project using a medium glue dot

CLEAR BAGS/ENVELOPES ARE AT MLO!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY is coming soon to Memories Live On and to get ready, I've designed some holiday projects with our new clear envelopes! Plus, in the spirit of Christmas, I have a FREE download for you with the graphics I used for these snowman kisses and get well projects. (The snowman kisses treat bag was made with the following measurements: 4 1/2 x 10 1/2" piece of glitter dot designer paper scored at the 1", 4", and 6" line.
I used a 1 3/4" square punch for the window opening and the large clear envelope (A7) to hold the kisses.)

To download the graphics, click on my picture above to get the FREE files now on the "MLO Downloads" page!

FREE DOWNLOADS ADDED!

New products have arrived at MLO: The EK line of compact punches and new Anna Griffin papers!

Each month I design new projects for you with the new products carried at Memories Live On...and this month, I've designed 2 projects along with 2 FREE downloads to give you the templates and the sayings for making these quick cards. For the purse cards, I used a 1" punch first then a 1 1/4" punch over the first punch to create the purse handles out of our alligator paper -- ooooh, how I love that gater paper! HINT: Use the punches facing up to get perfect placement. I also used the new EK small scallop punch for the purse closure AND it also makes a beautiful flower!!The download will give you the directions and HOW TO for making your own flowers. Memories Live On has a nice selection of these new EK punches as well as a large selection of pearls and gems for embellishing your purses and flowers. Make a set of these cards for your graduate or make a set of 4 to give as a gift! Just click on my picture to get these FREE downloads - then simply click on the MLO DOWNLOADS tab. ENJOY!

FREEBIE: JUNE SKETCH and SAMPLES

FYI: For Your Inspiration
15 MINUTES TO FABULOUS!

Use this sketch to create your own quick layout or card with professional results. Just gather your paper, pictures and embellishments - then let your creativity soar!