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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Last Call for Calendar and Quick Stocking Stuffers Class

Come join us for our last Sharing Creativity and Company class in 2008. Our Calendar and Quick Stocking Stuffers Class is this Saturday.

Too busy to take class? You are welcome to stop by and visit and shop our retired stamp sale.

Saturday, Dec. 6
1 - 4 p.m.
St. Michael's Anglican Church
3800 Popplewell
Richland Hills, TX 76118

You'll pay a $5.00 registration fee and then sign up for as many of the following project kits as you would like. Please bring your favorite adhesive, paper cutter and scissors. Any other supplies that are needed are listed in the project description.


Mini CD Calendar
This calendar is in a 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 inch mini CD case that is included in the project fee. I like this version because it's so compact. Fee: $5



Refrigerator Calendar
This calendar fits into a 3 1/2 x 5 inch magnetic photo frame. We've taught this project for several years so the frame is not included in the class fee. This frame was purchased at Wal-Mart. Note: Due to a computer crash, this is a photo of the 2007 calendar instead of the 2009 one that we'll be teaching. Fee: $5



Pocket/Purse Calendar
This is another style of calendar that has been popular for many years. With this version, you'll learn a variation of the retiform technique. This calendar cover is actually made with one sheet of white cardstock. Bring your own pocket/purse calendar and we'll cut the cardstock to fit your calendar at the workshop. There are several different sizes available at stores like Target, Michael's, and the Dollar store. Fee $2.



Santa Gift Bag
This Santa is made with Stampin' Up's exclusive Top Note Die. Make this project and see several other projects that we've made using the Top Note die. Fee: $3



Christmas Trees Come in All Colors
This tree starts with glossy white paper and Stampin' Up's Pennant die. You'll learn how to use Versamark ink, dye-based inks and a brayer to make this tree. With this technique, you can easily vary the colors in the tree to fit your artist's eye. All supplies are included in the project fee. Fee: $5

Please e-mail me if you would like to register for this class. We'll have a limited supply of additional kits available at the workshop. At last year's class, we sold out of multiple kits so sign up now to reserve the ones you want.

Happy stamping,

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Christmas House Gift Box



I've been stuck in a "no creativity" zone for a few days. Thank goodness it ended with this house that is also a gift box. The roof opens to reveal your gift for your special someone.

I had so much fun using brayers to make the colorful Christmas Tree shown in my Nov. 10 post that I used them again for this house. The house starts with Whisper White cardstock. I stamped the Baroque Motifs swirl with Kiwi Kiss and the small flower from Season of Joy with Rose Red. I then brayered on Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, and Rose Red. The Santa peeking out the door comes from Deer Friends. To create the look of glass in the window, I sponged Rose Red on our vellum cardstock to allow you to "look through" the window.

The roof is from Stampin' Up's exclusive Top Note die. I created the template for the box. It is a variation of the Top Note Santa box shown in the Oct. 13 post. If you would like me to put together a template, please leave a comment and I'll follow up after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 10, 2008

Christmas Trees Come in All Colors



I had a lot of fun making this tree using the Stampin' Up! exclusive Pennant die. It uses two of my favorite techniques, collage stamping and brayering. The tree starts with glossy white paper and the color is brayered on. With this technique you can make your tree in the colors that you like best.

The other thing I like about this tree is that it folds flat for storage.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Holiday Hoopla, Saturday, November 15

Holiday Hoopla is a day when you can make multiple holiday gifts and cards and check out our retired stamp sets, accessories and sample sales. Everyone is welcome to come see what is on sale.

For the workshop, choose your projects and bring some of the supplies for the larger projects. You'll receive your detailed supply list when you register. Deadline for registration is November 1.

Saturday, November 15
Noon to 5 pm
St. Michael’s Church, 3800 Popplewell St, Richland Hills, TX 76118



Season of Thanks $10
I loved making this shadow box for fall. The tall pumpkin is so popular, I put one in this project too. The leaves are quick and simple. Your list of supplies to bring includes a shadow box that is at least 10 x 13 inches and the Season of Thanks Décor Elements available through Stampin’ Up!



O Christmas Tree $10
This tree can be made with or without the star. Your supplies to bring include a small tree (about 9 ½ in. tall) and mini glue dots. You can preorder the glue dots through Stampin’ Up!



Riding Hood Red Topiary $10
This topiary is the perfect touch for more a more formal Christmas decoration. You’ll make all of the parts for the topiary and will finish adding your flowers at home. Your supply list includes pins, two pieces of foam and a container for your topiary.

We've also received requests to offer the Scrapbook In A Day and Christmas Card Workshop again.



Scrapbook in a Day $45, Bling Kit $5
Make this 8 ½ x 8 ½ scrapbook with 10 pages in one day. Your class fee includes an 8 ½ x 8 ½ chipboard album and any Scrappin’ Kit.

For another look at the Christmas Card Kits, check out our Oct. 5th post.

We're looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 15th whether you're coming to work on a holiday project, checking out the samples for our December class or shopping our sale.

For more information on any of these projects, please e-mail me.

Sharon Cheng
cheng1170@sbcglobal.net
Richland Hills, TX

Monday, October 13, 2008

Top Note Santa



Here is my Santa using the Top Note Die. You can't see it in the picture but he's attached to a bag made of Real Red cardstock so you can add a little treat. He would work just as well on a card.

Sharon
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com

Top Note Purse



I am loving the different ways that you can use the Top Note die. It's an exclusive die that is only sold through Stampin' Up!. You can use this die in many different machines in addition to the Big Shot that Stampin' Up! sells.

The paper is from the Frosty Day Designer Series Paper in the Holiday mini catalog.

Happy stamping,

Sharon
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Scrapbook in a Day Workshop

Come create an entire scrapbook using Stampin’ Up!’s 8.5 X 8.5 chipboard album along with the Summer Home Simply Scrappin’ Kit. You won’t believe the results! We will cover the album as well as complete 10 scrapbook pages!

The first session for this project is a joint workshop with the Christmas Card Workshop in the previous post. It will be held at Central Christian Church on Saturday, October 18th. The Scrapbook will be from 1pm-5pm

Fee: $45 (Includes pre-ordering of the chipboard album and Simply Scrappin’ Kit)

$5 Optional “Bling” kit (includes ribbon, brads, and other embellishment items)

Paid Registrations must be made by Saturday October 11th so we can order your kits for the Oct. 18 class. Deadline for the Nov. 15th class is Nov. 1.

This is a very cute Scrapbook that makes for a great Christmas present.

To register, please contact me at cheng1170@sbcglobal.net.

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/



Sunday, October 5, 2008

Christmas Card Workshop

Blue Snowflake

Welcome Christmas


Christmas Tree


A Very Merry Christmas


Our Christmas Card workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, at Central Christian Church from 11 am to 5 pm. This year you choose the cards you would like to make and how many of each. Each card will be $2. When you register, I'll need to know how many of each card kit you are purchasing.

The event is a come-and-go event. Please be sure to give yourself plenty of time to stamp all of your cards.

We will also be offering a Scrapbook in a Day at the same location on the same day. Check out the Oct. 7th post for more information.

Busy on Oct. 18th and still want to make the cards or Scrapbook in a Day? Register for the same projects on Saturday, November 18.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX
cheng1170@sbcglobal.net

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Birthday Promotion


To help celebrate Stampin' Up's 20th anniversary, SU is offering 20% off selected birthday stamps.

Dates: October 1-31, 2008

When you spend $20 in regular catalog merchandise, you'll qualify to purchase any preselected birthday/celebration stamp sets at 20 perent off. Click here to check out the featured stamp sets in this promotion.

Visit my website for more details on the supplies used in the scrapbook page.

Happy stamping,

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Halloween and Fall Treats



Here are some more Halloween and Fall treats that I have made for several different workshops. If you are interested in making some of these projects, please contact me by leaving a comment. My next class is next Monday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Grapevine. Class fee of $5 includes all supplies.

Notice the jack-o-lantern face? It's made using different punches.

Happy stamping,

Sharon
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Halloween and Fall Treat: Owl Treat Bag



I had lots of fun making different Halloween and Fall Treats this year. This is an owl that I made using the Big Shot and various punches. The face uses the Top Note die to cut the paper and it's folded in half. I used the scalloped edge of the Scallop Envelop Bigz Die as a mask and sponged on Creamy Caramel for feathers. The beak uses the Top Note die and the small oval punch. The eyes are from the Sizzlits Bird and Blooms and the 1 inch and 3/4 inch punches.

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Monday, September 15, 2008

I just love the Bella Designer Paper!

I just love the Bella Designer Paper. The colors are beautiful with the flower designs. I used my Big Shot (so nice) with the Bigz Top Note die cut. I used the Upsy Daisy Stamp set. I stamped the flowers with Regal Rose Ink and 'kissed' the tops with the Rose Red Stampin' Write Marker. I then embellished with Regal Rose Ribbon. It's fun to case a card and change the colors. I enjoyed making this card!

Post by Joni Lawrence

Monday, September 8, 2008

Pictures from Convention 2008 in Salt Lake City

If you'll scroll all the way down to the bottom of this screen, you'll see the slide show that I added of some pictures from Stampin' Up!'s 2008 convention.

Happy stamping,

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 7, 2008

There’s A New Big Shot In Town with SU Exclusive Dies


Stampin’ Up has teamed up with Sizzix to offer the Big Shot machine with SU exclusive dies. They are kicking off this partnership with a Special Edition Starter Kit that can be shipped directly to your home.

Special Edition Starter Kit
Big Shot Die Cut Machine
Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Mat
2 SU Exclusive Bigz Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note)
1 SU Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack (Birds & Blooms)
1 SU Exclusive Decorative Strip (Join in the Cheer)
Decorative Strip Cutting Pads and Extended Spacer Platform
$195.95 OR $259.95 with Doctor’s Bag

I’m adding these specials for my customers who order the Special Edition Starter Kit by Sept. 30.

Purchase the $195.95 kit and receive a $19.95 die of your choice, one hostess stamp set and $20 in hostess awards

Purchase the $259.95 kit and receive a $39.95 die and a sizzlits $4.95 die of your choice, one hostess stamp set and $35 in hostess awards.


The Big Shot is a sturdy manual die cutting machine used to die cut materials for use on crafts, home décor projects, and even clothing--it's a big deal! You'll love what the Big Shot machine, a 6-time winner of Creating Keepsakes Reader's Choice Award for best die cutting equipment and dies, can do for you.

From sewing to quilting to home décor, the Big Shot is the perfect tool for many types of crafting. Use our Stampin' Up! exclusive dies to create die cuts and stencils with our artwork and designs for all your craft needs.

The Big Shot works with ALL competitive dies, and the steel rule dies can cut through an impressive list of 50 different materials including fabric, foil, and chipboard.It's important to note that there are different types of dies.

Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies. These steel ruled dies cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper.

Sizzlets dies. These dies are small and detailed, often creating scored or perforated details. These dies cut through thin materials, and multiple sheets are not recommended.

Check out the online brochure.

Big Shot Approved Materials
Cut through the following 50 materials using steel rule dies and your Big Shot machine. Please note the maximum thickness of several materials.

· Brass (.055) · Light weight steel · Aluminum (.016) · Tin (.008) · Aircraft plywood (1/64") · Basswood (1/16") · Balsa (3/32") · Paperwood · Mat board (adhesive or none) · Chipboard · Fabric · Silicone · Foam with chipboard (.1) · Corrugated pad · Adhesive-backed cork · Fine sandpaper (.00) · Strene · Extra thick template plastic · Template plastic · Plastic canvas (7 mesh) · Bubble wrap · Sheet foam · Friendly (jewelry) plastic · 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax) · Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber · Ruffleboard · Static cling vinyl · Warm & natural batting · Fusible fleece · Quilt batting · Adhesive and non-adhesive flexible magnet · Heat n' shrink plastic · Adhesive and non-adhesive felt · Pop-up sponge · Shiny self-adhesive and non-adhesive paper · Iron-on fabric · Poly foam adhesive and non adhesive · 3-D illusionary plastic · Glow in the dark adhesive and non adhesive · Suede paper · Funky fur · Personal Embossing Plastic (PEP) · Shaggy plush felt · Canvas · Vinyl flooring · Shelf lining · Placement · Embossing rubber · Thin leather · Gasket material

Another Reason to Make Things


I received this great e-mail from Jody Moore and wanted to share the information. I’ve always enjoyed crafts and now I have another reason to keep making things!

Kelly Lambert, a neuroscientist and psychologist, has written a book called Lifting Depression, which is excerpted in Scientific American Mind magazine (Aug/Sept issue). In it, she describes how depression rates have risen in recent decades and attributes this rise--at least in part--to our convenience- driven society. She has found a connection between three areas of the brain that form what she calls an "effort-driven- rewards circuit."

Modern conveniences don't activate this circuit because it requires work with your hands to trigger it. So, she concludes, diving into "a scrapbook project or knitting a sweater may distract you from the stress in your life and engage your brain in intense ways that are beneficial to your mental health" by changing your brain chemistry even more effectively than antidepressants.

The media so often tell us that the cause of this complex disorder is simple: depression is due to a chemical imbalance that is corrected by taking antidepressants. But, in the midst of a multibillion-dollar antidepressant industry, depression rates are higher than ever. This startling observation suggests that there is more to the depression story than the current antidepressant ads suggest. I searched the biomedical literature and, after conducting relevant research with rodents, came upon a unique explanation of the increased depression rates in contemporary society. Although it is not likely we have experienced significant changes in our brains over the past century, it is clear that our lifestyles have changed dramatically. In our increasingly automated society, we exert less physical effort to obtain life's important resources than our grandparents and great grandparents.

For a brain that evolved to move the body around in complex ways to interact with the world around us, our increasingly effortless lifestyles result in an unengaged brain that receives few reminders that we have meaningful control over our environments. Our brains' interpretation of a lack of control in our increasingly chaotic lives leads to greater stress and anxiety that often culminates in the symptoms of depression. Incorporating physical activity that leads to tangible meaningful rewards in our lives, something I call effort-driven rewards, can act as a form of a mental vitamin that builds emotional resiliency. Even better, tasks that utilize our hands are especially effective considering that a large proportion of our brains' "real estate" is directed toward their movement. Thus, the "chores" that were a necessary component of our grandparent's lives likely lifted their emotions in powerful ways.

The idea that effort-driven rewards activate our brain reward area and motivate us to interact within the context of our environments in interesting and productive ways is the basis of Lifting Depression. The involvement of these physical activities in our more cerebral lifestyles reminds the brain of its relevance in obtaining resources in our daily lives. Knitting a sweater, cooking dinner, working in our gardens and creating a sculpture all activate the effort-driven reward brain circuitry and produce a tangible product that the brain recognizes as valuable. As our brains perceive that we have more control over the environment around us it reduces the chaotic stress that so often overcomes us--building resilience against the onset of depression.

Dr. Kelly Lambert is Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. For two decades Dr. Lambert has divided her time between the classroom and laboratory. An award winning professor, she enjoys teaching courses such as Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Psychobiology of Stress, and Comparative Animal Behavior.

This is really interesting to me because Lisa Holt (another Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator) and I were just talking about this on Friday. We were making and selling cards and crosses. You could make the items with our help or you could purchase them already made. Lisa said that the problem with purchasing them already made is that you missed out on the “therapy” time. I agree. So many people talk about how crafting is their “therapy” time. Now even scientists are agreeing with us.

For more information about the book, here is the link to Dr. Lambert's website.

Happy stamping,

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net

Monday, August 25, 2008

Fresh Cuts Card


I'm loving the new In Colors. I've already had to reorder the Pink Pirouette cardstock twice! And Baja Breeze goes with so many different colors.

One of my stamp club members, Rose, asked me to design a card using the Fresh Cuts stamp set. This is one of the cards that we made during her workshop. I stamped the main image in Always Artichoke and then used sponge daubers to add So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Baja Breeze. I love how the So Saffron and Baja Breeze blend to make a beautiful green. And you can't see it on this card, however, the Pretty in Pink and Baja Breeze make a great soft purple. To make the petals on the flowers stand out more, I used a blender pen and pastel chalks to add a little Rose Red to the ends. It ended up being a relatively quick and easy card.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX

Sunday, August 10, 2008

New Catalog Open House and Retired Stamp Sale


Saturday, August 16th
1pm - past hostesses and stamp club members
2pm - open to all

Central Christian Church
3205 Hamilton, Ft. Worth, 76107

This is an event you won’t want to miss! It’s hard to say goodbye to the old catalog but we are excited to share the new one with you. During this free event, there will be a make-n-take, plenty of door prizes and lots of retired stamp sets for sale.

Be sure to join us for this fun event!

Never Before Seen Promotion


From August 11 through September 30, Stampin’ Up! is providing never-before-seen savings on brand-new stamp sets: 15% off select new, die-cut stamp sets from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog--no additional purchase necessary. Select items are listed in the table below:

Item Description  Sale Price 
111690 Snow Swirled    $21.21
111586 It's a Stretch $20.36
111544 Putt Putt (avail Aug 18) $21.21
111626 Eastern Blooms $18.66
111672 Pocket Silhouettes $16.11
111710 Upsy Daisy $16.11
111556 Under the Stars $25.46
111644 Heard from the Heart $19.51
111570 Contempo Alphabet $34.81
109381 Felicidades Siempre*   $15.26
*From Celebrando Creatividad

The card uses the stamp sets, Upsy Daisy and Frames with a Flourish.

Riverton Campus


When we were in Salt Lake City for convention, we took a tour of Stampin' Up's Riverton campus. Here is a view of the building as you enter the campus.


This is the atrium as you come through the main entrance. The tables that you see around the atrium is where the employees eat their lunch. What a beautiful place this is.


This is the area in the warehouse where they make the boxes. You can see the conveyors for the boxes as they make their trip through the warehouse.

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Enjoy Card and Why I Don't Like Naked Cardstock



After making about 100 of the Brocade Basic cards to swap, I just had to switch to a different design. My brain was screaming for some variety. So I came up with this Enjoy card. It was fun playing with one of the new In Colors, Baja Breeze. I just love how it looks with Mellow Moss and Chocolate Chip.

Supplies
It’s Beautiful Jumbo Wheel
Lovely Labels Stamp Set
Polka Dot Background Stamp
Tres Chic Background Stamp
Mellow Moss Jumbo Cartridge
Mellow Moss Classic Stampin’ Pad
Baja Breeze Classic Stampin’ Pad
Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Pad
Baja Breeze Cardstock 8 ½ x 5 ½ in.
Mellow Moss Cardstock 4 ¼ x 2 1/8 in.
Chocolate Chip Cardstock 4 ¼ x 1 in.
Whisper White Cardstock
Handle for Jumbo Wheel
1 ¼ in. Circle Punch
1 3/8 in. Circle Punch
Mellow Moss Ribbon (I used taffeta on some cards and grosgrain on the others)

Step 1: Wheel It’s Beautiful on the Baja Breeze cardstock.

Step 2: Using Mellow Moss, stamp Polka Dot on the Mellow Moss cardstock

Step 3: Using Chocolate Chip, stamp Tres Chic on the Chocolate Chip cardstock.

Step 4. Using Baja Breeze, stamp Enjoy on Whisper White cardstock. Punch out using
1 ¼ in. circle punch. Mat with 1 3/8 in. circle punched from Chocolate Chip cardstock.

Step 5. Adhere Chocolate Chip, Enjoy and ribbon to the Mellow Moss cardstock. Attach to Baja Breeze cardstock.

You might ask, why did I stamp the Chocolate Chip cardstock? If you have taken a class from me, you know that cardstock that isn’t stamped looks too plain to me. To my eye, it looks naked. I think that is because I painted and quilted before I started teaching rubber stamping. When you paint, you start by painting the background to give it color and texture. When you quilt, even plain muslin has a texture. Then you quilt to add another layer of texture to your piece. So that’s why folks who have been with me know that there is no naked cardstock in my projects.

Note: I have reformed a little over the years. I don’t feel the need to stamp cardstock that is being used as a mat any more...

I leave for convention tomorrow in the early morning. I'm looking forward to sharing what I learn with everyone when I return.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX

Monday, July 28, 2008

Brocade Basics Card Instructions



I ended up tweaking the Brocade Basics card as one of my swap cards for convention. The Drop & Swish technique was new to me so I decided to post the instructions for this card.

Supplies:
Cut Ruby Red cardstock 8 1/2 x 5 1/2
Cut Always Artichoke cardstock 3 x 4 1/4
Cut Kraft cardstock 2 7/8 x 4 1/8
Punch out 1" circle in Always Artichoke
Punch out 1 1/4" circle in Ruby Red
Scrap of Whisper White cardstock
Circle Coluzzle
Paper Snips
Sponge
Ruby Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Always Artichoke Classic Stampin' Pad
En Francais background stamp
Brocade Basics stamp set
White acrylic paint
One of those plastic sample credit cards you get in your junk mail



Step 1: Apply a bead of white acrylic paint across a little over half of the long edge of the credit card. Pull the card and paint across your piece of kraft cardstock. Pull from different directions until you have about 75% of the kraft cardstock covered in a thin layer of white acrylic paint. Let dry.



Step 2: Stamp Brocade Basics stems and leaves in Always Artichoke and the flower in Ruby Red. Overstamp both the Ruby Red cardstock and the kraft cardstock with En Francais using Ruby Red.



Step 3: Sponge on Always Artichoke across the bottom and Ruby Red lightly around the top two thirds of the kraft piece of cardstock. Sponge Ruby Red on on the Ruby Red cardstock.



Step 4: Stamp the Brocade Basics flower and stem on a scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock. Cut out the bottom half using the smallest circle on the circle coluzzle. Silhouette cut the rest of the flower out with your scissors. Adhere to the Always Artichoke and Ruby Red circles.

Step 5: Adhere all the pieces. I like using a thin mat like you see with the Always Artichoke because it really brings your eye to the stamped piece in the center. If you look at expensive paintings, you'll notice that many of them have a thin mat that you will barely notice until you look more closely. If you leave out the thin mat or make it larger, to my eye, it takes away from your stamping.

Have fun with this technique. I'd love to see your pics of what you do with the Drop & Swish technique. If you'll send your pics to sharon@sharoncheng.com, I'll work on posting some of the best examples when I get back from convention.

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Crop-A-Dile Instructions


The Dusty Stampers classes last week were so much fun. These classes are a great way to use your stamps and supplies that might be getting a little dusty from not being used. The July bonus project was this little box. One of the items that we used was the Crop-A-Dile to punch through two layers of corrugated paper and to set a jumbo eyelet.

To set the jumbo eyelet, I looked at the instructions that are on the back of the package. This is something that is easy to lose so I thought I would post the instructions here. Also, on my newer model, the eyelet setter is marked to show you which side goes on the top of the eyelet and which side goes on the bottom. If you don't have those markings, the top of the eyelet goes on the same side as the smaller hole punch. If you'll click on the instructions, a larger image will appear so you can read them more easily.




Visit my online store to get your supplies for this project.  Remember that when you purchase $25 or more in product, you are eligible for my Rewards Program.

Creatively yours,

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX
My Online Store

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Brocade Basics




I'm teaching this card using the Brocade Basics stamp set on July 26 and July 27. I tend to go "in mourning" when the retiring stamps list comes out. So I made this card to say goodbye to one of my favorite background stamps, Weathered. There is nothing like it for making a weathered finish.

You'll learn two different techniques with this card. The Drop & Swish technique is a quick and easy way to make a unique background. We'll also talk about how to make your own custom "stickles" to add just the right touch to your project. Check out my website for times or e-mail me for more information.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Christmas Card Workshop


Get a jump on making Christmas cards this year! We will be creating 10 cards - 5 each of 2 different designs. The card on the left is one of the two designs. We will have refreshments and door prizes as well! Be sure to invite your friends for a fun evening of stamping!

Thursday, July 24th
6 to 9pm
Central Christian Church, Ft. Worth
OR
Friday, July 25th
6 to 9pm
St. Michaels Episcopal
3800 Popplewell, Richland Hills

Fee: $30
Early Bird Special: $25 if registered by Saturday, July 11th
Your registration fee includes a $5 gift certificate (to be used the evening of the workshop).
Please bring your own adhesive

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

New Decor Elements



Check out Stampin’ Up!’s new line of self-adhesive vinyl elements. While many people might first think of decorating their walls, take a look at what someone did with their scooter!

Here’s the link for the brochure on the SU website. Decor Elements Brochure

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, Texas
My Website

Monday, June 23, 2008

Unfroggetable


This is card that I received from another demonstrator in a card swap. She used the Unfroggetable stamp set and the coordinating wheel, Lily Pad. It looks like she colored in the frog with green galore and the lily flowers with a white gel pen. Many of the stamps sets that become popular after they retire from SU have several things in common with this stamp set. They are line drawings that are timeless and have a specific theme that is fun to collect and not easy to find. If you collect frogs, then you know that cute frog stamps can be hard to come by. So I'll go out on a limb with Unfroggetable and say that it will become one of those collectible stamp sets that people will pay mucho dinero for in a few years.

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX
My Website

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Touch of Nature



This card uses the retiring stamp set, A Touch of Nature. The butterfly was stamped in Stazon Black and colored in with SU's watercolor crayons. I like how the ferns were stamped on this card. If you look closely, the ferns were first stamped in Always Artichoke for a tone-on-tone look on the Always Artichoke cardstock. Then the same image was overstamped in Very Vanilla craft ink. While the first layer of ferns in Always Artichoke is barely visible, that is one of the reasons why this card has such depth.

Sharon Cheng
www.sharoncheng.stampinup.net
http://scandcompany.blogspot.com/

Dilly-Dally



I love this card! It is such a creative way to use the Dilly-Dally Friends Jumbo Wheel and Year after Year stamp sets. While we don’t know if this wheel will retire, the Dilly-Dally stamp set is going. Usually that means the coordinating wheel goes too. This is such a simple way to make a card. Both the wheel and flowers were stamped in black. Then random images were colored in with markers. Believe or not, I enjoy simple cards too!

Sharon Cheng
Richland Hills, TX

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Bud Basics


Stampin' Up! has posted their retiring stamp sets. These stamp sets will be available through August. You can access the list through my website. The link is on the left at the top of the page.

As always, when the retired list is posted, I go into mourning about some of my favorite stamp sets that are going away. Of course, I’m also getting excited about the new favorites that are coming with the new catalog. This year, I thought it would be fun to post some cards that are retiring on my blog. I’ll CASE (copy and share everything) the card for you. For the cards I received in swaps, I’ll give you my best guesses about how the card was put together. Please check out my blog regularly as I’ll be posting these cards until the end of the current catalog.

The first card I’d like to feature is one that uses the pastel chalk blending technique. Outline stamps work the best for this technique. For this card, I’ve used the Bud Basics coordinating wheel, Basics Outline.

The images are stamped with Basic Black on Whisper White cardstock. I used eye shadow applicators to apply the chalk. You dampen the applicator with the blending solution, rub it across the pastel color of your choice and apply it to the paper like you would put eye shadow on. To blend the two colors, apply the lightest color first and then add the darker color. Start at the center of the flower and pull the applicator away from the center. Use lighter pressure as you pull away from the center. Again, it’s similar to how you would blend a darker color eye shadow on your eyelid. This technique takes a little practice. However, it gives your projects a soft, blended look.

For the largest flower, I stamped one extra image, colored it, cut it out and curled the petals with my fingers. I then placed it on the card with a stampin’ dimensional. Notice how I placed the flower so that the petals alternate with the image below to make the flower look fuller.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Stampin' Up June Promotions


Fresh Cut Laser Cut Card

I had so much fun working with this new laser cut card by Stampin' Up! I stamped the front with the new Fresh Cuts stamp set and sponged on various colors. The scalloped front was made using our corner punch. The half pearl on the front from the Pretties Kit gave it just the right touch.

SU is featuring this new stamp set and coordinating cards in a June specials. These are new products that will be offered in the new Fall/Winter catalog.

Customers: Purchase the sneak peek Fresh Cut stamp set for $21.95 (111634) and add on the coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes (111882) for just $5 (Normally $8.95).
Hostesses: Hold a $400 workshop, and receive the Fresh Cut stamp set and coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes FREE.




Carousel Note Card

Now that the Occasions mini catalog is ending, I wanted to be sure to make a card using Carousel Notes. It was easy to dry emboss and paper pierce this card using the Classy Brass Pick a Petal Template. The small white circle on the right uses the Circle of Friendship stamp set that is featured in this month's eScape bundle.

eScape Bundle (item 113700)

Love Notes assortment p. 167 $8.95
Circle of Friendship stamp set p. 143 $17.95
Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad p. 165 $5.25
Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon p. 191 $7.95
Total (non-bundled regular price) $40.10
eScape Bundle price $30.00