DogGone Delightful Stampin'

Mix-It Up Mondays . . . A Pizza of a Box!

 

Hello Fellow Stampers :-)

 

Coming to you today with a "late" Monday post.  It was such an incredibly hectic weekend, and I needed to have some down time yesterday; so I didn't quite pull of the project I had planned for today and had to post this up late to "get caught up."  LOL  Oh my!  Too much going on for sure! 

 

Have you played with the incredibly CUTE new Pizza Boxes in the new Holiday Occasions Catalog?  O M G!!  Just too much fun!  So these adorable little boxes are perfect for so many options.  The inside of the box is a shiny "mess resistant" surface, just perfect for cookies and other treats that would otherwise stain or leave a "greasy" spot on regular cardstock or cardboard.  The outside of the box is a wonderful cardboard matte finish which gives you so many options to decorate and play.  And did you know the box is the PERFECT size to fit 3" x 3" notecards?  Ahhhh -- that explains the new 3" x 3" envelopes showcased right above them on the same page -- LOL    (just teasing you!) 🎃  There are so many things I want to do with these cute boxes; but let's start with the upcoming Halloween holiday and I'll show you something fun I did (too much trolling on Pinterest again -- just couldn't pass up all the ideas I saw!!).  Here we go!!!

 

 

Now, as I said, the outside of the box is a wonderful matte cardboard that is sturdy and easy to work with.  I have seen so many folks just wrap these boxes with a belly band, or cover the top with a basic 3" x 3" cover of some sort.  But what about coloring the box itself?  I chose to sponge this box in Archival Basic Gray.  Now one tip I'll give you -- sponging is great!  But can be blotchy.  I tend to forget about our wonderful new Sponge Brayers.  Give that a try and you'll find your sponged color is smoother and more even.  Whatever look you are going for -- hand sponged or brayer sponged - I can assure you there is no wrong way!

 

Then I decided to stamp right on the box!  Whoo hooo `

Now I have really fallen in love with the Spooky Cat stamp set; especially those adorable 2-step stamping potion bottles!  Aren't they cute?

I've been having a lot of fun creating different color potions inside my bottles - today's is an ALL In Color collection - Peekaboo Peach, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist.

I opened my drawers and looked at my ribbons, and realized I had forgotten about our wonderful Fine Woven Ribbons, and how much I love all the new In Colors.

It seems like I reach for Lemon Lime Twist a lot -- and tend to go to Rich Razzleberry or something else, and forget all about Berry Burst, Fresh Fig, and all the others too!

 

Peekaboo Peach

Berry Burst

Lemon Lime Twist

 

(sorry this picture is fuzzy)

The other thing I realized when sitting down to play with this design, is how much I reach for my layering circles.

I decided it made sense and really some fun to keep it "square" and put my die cut square on the diagonal!  Fun and interesting too!

The Stitched Shapes Framelits square is cut from Shimmery White cardstock - one of my favorites; and bordered with a scalloped Layering Square Framelit.

Set over a Lemon Lime Twist Banner with dimensionals, I criss-crossed my Berry Burst ribbon to look like a second-layered banner (use your Fast-Fuse); and then laid in a criss-cross of Mini Black Sequins at a diagonal with glue dots.  With the square popped with dimensionals, it makes a nice eclectic collage.

The Shimmery White piece is stamped with the cute bottles; and then deciding I needed LOTS of bubbles, I found a nice little bubble image in the Seaside Shore stamp set, and went to town -- haha.  The bubbles were stamped on the box background and then added to the bottle stamping.  Then I took a Blender Pen and added some "watercolored" color above each bottle for lots of fun.  I mean, who knows what's cookin' up in this Witch's kitchen -- LOL 

 

The Witch's hat is stamped on Shimmery White with Archival Basic Black and fussy cut - now this past Saturday when we fussy cut this hat in class for a different project, I told my gals to snip that cobweb and hanging spider right off -- too much trouble!  But tonight I left them in and very carefully cut around that cute spider.  I LOVE this hat!!  LOL

The sentiment is punched with the Classic Label Punch and matted with Berry Burst.  Also popped with dimensionals, it's the perfect finishing touch for my little collage.  A few perfectly placed Black Rhinestones (my new "pearls" - LOL), and this is the perfect little treat holder for a friend on Halloween!  And I know just who I'm giving it to!  😉

 

You MUST try these adorable little boxes.  I'm planning on showcasing them again with somemore fun ideas, so stay tuned!  And if you haven't gotten your package of boxes yet, hurry over to my Online Store today.  They were backordered but are back in stock, so don't wait!!

 

 

Hope you all had a wonderful Monday!! 

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

Save

Case-Out Thursdays - Painted Harvest Artistry

Good Morning Fellow Stampers ~

How is everyone today?  I'm looking forward to this week winding down (today is my "Friday" this week).  I feel like it's been a loooong week in some ways and I'm looking forward to the weekend, and am hoping for some down time!!

I received some wonderful comments on yesterday's blog post regarding Stampin' Up! Knock-Offs, a number of those via email in direct response to your in box receipt of the daily blog post.  Thank you so much for engaging in the discussion.  I'm glad the topic was one of interest for everyone.

I have been so inspired this week by so many wonderful "works of art" in my Facebook forums and elsewhere.  I love seeing all the creativity and certainly it inspires me. I hope you spend time perusing Pinterest and other blogs, etc., to find inspiration for your creative juices as well.

 

Today's CASE-Out is inspired by our wonderful Artisan Design Team here at Stampin' Up!  We have such a wonderful and creative team that brings us so many wonderful ideas every month.  This month's focus was the Painted Harvest suite of products - certainly one of my favorites!  So I'll share the sample with you that we're going to CASE; and then I'll show you how easy it is ~ you don't have to feel overwhelmed if you see something that feels more detailed or complicated!

 

Painted Harvest Bundle -

Pg. 49 - Holiday Occasions Catalog 2017

 

I'm going to change things up just a touch on my CASE today to fit my own aesthetic.  Remember, when we CASE, we don't necessarily have to copy every little detail of the sample.  You can take the idea and make it your own - by either changing just a few elements, or taking the general idea and going in a whole new direction.  Today, we'll be somewhere inbetween!  So a few things that the original artist used that I am not -- e.g., watercolor paper has been replaced with Shimmery White; White Doilies have been replaced with Foil Snowflakes; the Layered Leaf Dynamic textured impressions embossing folder will be used for the background on the card rather than the complicated Leaf Punch layering showcased above; different choices for ink colors and designs from the Painted Autumn DSP collections.  All of these touches can change the look of a project.  Ready?

 

  

Design Colorology

 

Peekaboo Peach

Tangerine Tango

Crushed Curry

Early Espresso

Lemon Lime Twist

Old Olive

 

Stamps, and Ink, and Paper . . . Oh, My! 

 

Stamps: Painted Harvest [#144783 - photopolymer]**
Paper:   Kraft Cardstock (6"x 12" strip to cut Mini Treat Bag; 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" - cardbase); Shimmery White (Two 5" x 5" pieces for circles; and scrap for fussy cut sunflower); Basic Black / Early Espresso (your choice) (4" x 5-1/2" - card front layer); Very Vanilla (3-3/4" x 5-1/2" - card front layer; 5-1/4" x 4" - inside of card layer); Painted Autumn DSP (1-1/4" x 10-3/4" strip for bag belly band; 1-1/4" x 5-1/2" strip for card front; 1-1/4" x 5-1/4" strip for card inside); Crushed Curry (5-1/2" x 1-1/2" strip for scallop); Tissue Paper for treat bag
Inks:  Archival Basic Black [#140931]; Peekaboo Peach [#141398]; Tangerine Tango [#126946]; Crushed Curry [#131173]; Early Espresso [#126974]; Soft Suede [#126978]; Lemon Lime Twise [#144086]; Old Olive [#126953]; Crushed Curry ink refill [#131158]; Cajun Craze ink refill [#119790]
Other: Stitched Shapes Framelits [#145372]; Mini Treat Bag Thinlits [#137547]; Seasonal Layers Thinlits [#143751]; Leaf Punch** [#144667]; Layered Leaves Dynamic TIEF [#143704]; Foil Snowflakes - Gold [#144642]; Jute Twine [#144625]; Glitter Enamel Dots [#144200]; Touches of Nature Elements [#144216]; Sponge Daubers [#133773]

**Buy this as a bundle and save 10% - Photopolymer - Item #146021

 

[Since we have 2 projects today, we'll look at each separately]

 

"CASE-Out" Design Guide

1. Cut your 6" x 12" strip of Kraft cardstock using the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits.  Use the large and the smaller pieces to create the outside of your bag - and keep the jagged edges pointed the same direction on your paper.  If you line things up just right, the die will fit side-to-side just perfectly and go through your Big Shot.  Score all your fold lines; and put the bag together with Fast Fuse.  If you have forgotten how to put together your Mini Treat Bag - watch the how to video HERE.

2. Cut a "belly band" for your bag from the Painted Autumn designer series paper (I used the Early Espresso chevron pattern) sized 1-1/4" x 10-3/4".  Wrap the band snuggly around the bag so that it overlaps in the back; crease nicely around the edges and attach at the back with Fast Fuse.  Wrap and tie a piece of Jute Twine around the center of the Belly Band (use Glue Dots to hold in place to tie your bow).  "Fray" the tails after you have tied your bow for a neat effect.

3.  Cut a circle from Shimmery White cardstock using the 2nd largest Stitched Shape circle.  Using your AquaPainter and Crushed Curry ink refill, spray the cardstock with a nice layer of water and then drop a nice round of color onto the paper - let it "swim" across the paper creating a marbled effect.  Allow to dry.  Tip:  You can use your Paper Piercer to help hold down the circle and keep it flat while it dries.

4.  Once the circle is dry.  Stamp the sunflower images from Painted Harvest, the broader image first in Peekaboo Peach; the detailed image second overlaying it in Tangerine Tango.  Do this around the circle about 3 times, overlapping off the edges.  Stamp the "Your Kindness" sentiment in the center over your stamping in Archival Basic Black ink.

5.  Attach your circle to the "back side" of a Gold Foil Snowflake (this is a lovely off-white color on the back that we want to use here) using SNAIL.  Attach dimensionals on the back and pop on the front of your Treat Bag straddling and centered over the belly band.

6.  Add some yellow Glimmer Enamel Dots to finish it off.

7.  Stamp a piece of white tissue paper with the sunflower image in the same ink colors; adding the center in Crushed Curry for this stamping.  Tuck your gift and tissue paper inside your very pretty gift bag.

 

 

1. Score your Kraft cardstock at 4-1/4", and fold [Reminder:  Fold "inward" on your bump - bump goes to the inside - to get that nice clean professional look].  Use your bone folder gently so as not to "crack" your cardstock.  Note:  Kraft 12" x 12" cardstock was retired this past May; but SCORE!!  You can currently purchase it in a wonderful cardstock pack in the Holiday Occasions catalog - Item #144622 - don't miss this chance to stock up on 12" x 12" Old Olive and Kraft cardstocks!!

2. Run the 3-3/4" Very Vanilla cardstock through the Big Shot using the Layered Leaves Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (TIEF).  Lightly sponge the textured surface with a sponge dauber and Soft Suede ink.  Technique Tips:  Spritz both side of your cardstock lightly with water first before using a Dynamic TIEF; this helps the fibers of the paper stretch with the deep impressions of the folder.  Your sandwich for the Big Shot will be as follows:  Platform, Embossing Folder (with cardstock piece inside), one cutting plate on top only.  NOTE:  You cannot use both cutting plates with a Dynamic TIEF - it is too thick and you will ruin your folder and your Big Shot.

3.  Adhere your Very Vanilla piece to the 4" x 5-1/2" Basic Black (or Early Espresso - your choice) cardstock piece, lining up the right-hand sides together, and allowing a nice strip to show down the left-hand side (see pic above); then attach to the cardbase front, again lining everything up down the right-hand side, and allowing a nice strip to show on the left.

4.  Using the Scallop edgelit out of the Seasonal Layers Thinlits die set, cut the long edge of the 5-1/2" x 1-1/2" strip of Crushed Curry.  Line up and overlay the 5-1/2" x 1-1/4" strip of Painted Autumn DSP using SNAIL, Scallops showing to the left; then adhere your layered strip to the front of the card, scallops to the left, allowing the layers to the left to show as well. (see pic above)

5.  Cut a circle from Shimmery White cardstock using the largest Stitched Shape Circle framelit. Stamp the sunflower image from the Painted Harvest stamp set, using the same Peekaboo Peach and Tangerine Tango color layers (stamp this slightly up and to the left side of the circle); stamp the center flower image with Early Espresso ink.  Stamp the sentiment using Archival Basic Black ink across the bottom cetner of your circle.  Stamp a second flower on a piece of scrap Shimmery White cardstock and fussy cut it out.

6.  Stamp the layered leaf images on Shimmery White cardstock, the background image in Lemon Lime Twist, and the detailed image overlay in Old Olive.  Punch with the Leaf Punch.  I made about 4 leaves.

7.  Add SNAIL to the back of your fussy cut sunflower and attach the leaves at random.  Then add dimensionals to both the fussy cut sunflower and the Stitched Shape circle.  Attach the circle to the front of your card, and the fussy cut flower overlapping it up and to the right.

8.  Using glue dots, add several leaf shapes from the Touches of Nature Elements wood set.  Slide this under the leaves and circle and just layer them in.  Because everything is popped with dimensionals, they should fit right in with what is already there.

9.  Put a little water and just a couple of drops of Cajun Craze ink refill in your AquaPainter.  Allow the liquid to fill in your brush, and using the edge of the lid, flick droplets of color carefully across your circle and sunflower/leaf centerpiece.  You don't need to go crazy here -- just a little will add some great texture and realism.

10.  Add some green Glitter Enamel Dots to finish it off!  Gorgeous!!!

11.  You can add a 4" x 5-1/4" Very Vanilla piece on the inside of your card to stamp and write; and I added a 1-1/4" x 5-1/4" strip of my DSP down the left-hand side of that inside piece to coordinate to the outside front of the card.

 

  

 

That's our CASE-Out today -- I think we dialed the right combination on the suitcase for this one; and I think it's both beautiful and fun!  I hope you agree.  Please let me know in your comments today!!  And I hope you have had some fun today too!!  You can order all your Painted Harvest supplies in my Online Store - don't wait!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

Save

Just Ask Wendy ~ Stampin' Up! Knockoffs!!!

 

Hello Fellow Stampers ~

How is everyone today?  It's a gorgeous week here in Colorado . . . and we're certainly enjoying these unexpected warm days, as I'm sure Winter is right around the corner.

 

 

Today I want to address a topic (and a question that was posed to me over the weekend) that EXPLODED on the scene last week.  It became such a hot topic so fast, that Stampin' Up! addressed it head on in the Demonstrator weekly bulletin.  It has to do with fake's or knock-offs.  Specifically, Stampin' Up! stamps, dies, and other items that have been replicated and copied and are being sold for pennies compared to the real thing.  "So what do Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Stampin' Up! all have in common? They make quality products that some not-so-nice people want to replicate (poorly) and sell for their own benefit."

Some of you may be familiar with the logo I posted above.  I had not been familiar with this until last week when this conversation first began in one of the private forums I'm a member of.  I have done a bit of research since and am shocked at what I have found.  Some of you may be familiar with e-commerce sites such as e-Bay, AliExpress, and Alibaba.  I have not been happy with e-Bay tactics for several years now; but I was not aware of the other sites.  Guess I don't get out much -- LOL  The names alone should give you some insight as to where these sites originate from.  In fact, most of the knockoffs out there are coming straight from China.  They are poorly made and very inferior products that you would not want.

 

Does everyone recognize this stamp set?  We know it as Beautiful You and it was introduced by Stampin' Up! in the 2017 Spring Occasions catalog and is currently being sold in our 2017-2018 Annual Catalog.

Buuuuuuut . . .  did you know that the image I posted above is NOT Beautiful You?  In fact, the image I posted above is straight off the Aliexpress online site.  Here is their listing . . .

 

 

 

Are you as shocked as I am?  Let's take a moment and analyze what we see here --

1.  The name has been changed - Aliexpress calls their set "Dancing Girl"

2.  The set is advertised as "transparent clear silicone"

3.  The item sells for $2.30 - FROM CHINA

 

O M G!!!  First - what a blatant copyright infringement.  Changing the name does not change the fact that they have copied Stampin' Up! artwork, and stolen their privileged property.

Secondly, let's talk about "transparent clear silicone."  Silicone is an ingredient in a lot of the products we use every day - lubricants, the seal caulking you put around your windows and doors, other types of adhesives, molds, rubber products, etc.  Does that sound like something that would make a good high quality stamp - much less one you'd like to have in your stamp room? 

On the other hand . . . Stampin' Up! perfected the use of "photopolymer" in making its line of photopolymer stamps.  I won't go into the science of it, but basically photopolymer is "a light-activated resin that changes its properties when exposed to light.  Photopolymerization is a widely used technology, used in applications ranging from imaging to biomedical uses."  You will find photopolymers used in dentistry, in medical products such as hearing aids and surgical masks, and it is widely used now in the 3D-Printing world (you will find this product in our labs here at Lockheed Martin).  It is much safer, stronger, lasts longer, and as we all know, creates an incredible "sharp image" stamp.

 

Now, tell me , what would you rather have?  A $2.30 silicone stamp from China that will most likely have cancer-causing carcinogens?  Or do you want the high quality $28.00/$39.00 stamp set made by Stampin' Up! right here in their own factory in Utah, United States of America [by the way - Beautiful You is actually a red rubber set that you can buy in clear mount or wood mount]?  Remember, you get what you pay for!!!

 

 

Yes, Hey Chick! has also been "knocked off."  Here is what Stampin' Up! shared with us yesterday . . .

 

"It's unfortunate, it's illegal, and it's something we'd like to see stopped. As some of you are already aware, a few low-quality knockoffs of Stampin' Up! products have been surfacing on e-commerce sites like e-Bay, AliExpress, and Alibaba.  We wanted to say thank you to those of you who have already reached out to us about this issue and let you know we're currently working to resolve it.  Please help us put an end to this problem, and continue watching out for—and notifying us of—any fake Stampin' Up! products. You can send all comments related to this issue to [email protected]."

 

Yup, even our beautiful new Birthday Delivery has been copied.

 

Folks, I would ask you to stay vigilant!  Do not frequent these sites; do not buy from them.  These are not the only products Aliexpress is selling; they sell lots and lots of other "fake" Junk (as I call it), including dies, embossing folders, poor quality yarns, clothing, cell phones, computers, etc., etc., etc.  I am sure you understand that if it's being made in China and sold on this site for a few dollars, you're wasting your money.  Even $2 for something that will break or be worthless upon its arrival is a waste of money.

 

Support your local and "Made In America" businesses.  NEVER buy from these "fake" sites; and when you see a blatant "knock off" report it immediately to the originating company -- I can tell you I saw knock offs for My Favorite Things and several other US stamping companies that I follow online.  I was appalled and saddened.

 

I hope I have answered the question posed to me over the weekend, and that I have brought a serious matter to light for all of my followers.  Just Ask Wendy is YOUR forum -- and I'm pleased to address or answer any question I can regarding our little craft world.  Talk to you soon! and Happy Hump Day!

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

Save

Terrific Tuesdays Roundup . . . Filled With Fun!

 

Good Morning Fellow Stampers !!

 

Half way thru October . . .  Only 68 days until Christmas!!  Eeeeeeeek . . . . .   

 

It's time to "round up" the Stampin' Up! deals and promotions for this week.  And some exciting news on the horizon . . .  so let's take a look . . .

 

PAPER PUMPKIN’S SEASON OF STYLE: PART TWO

 Take a look at the marketing picture above . . . my October Paper Pumpkin box arrived yesterday . . . and it looks EXACTLY like the box on the left - YUMMY!!  And what is it full of??  The most wonderful shaker Christmas card project!  Ooooooo (squeal) - I'm so excited !!  Paper Pumpkin’s Season of Style is in full swing, and I don't want YOU to miss another minute of it!!  The October and November kits and are a coordinated set; but you don't have to have both to enjoy the fun.  And I'll let you in on a little secret:  If you missed signing up for the October kit, but you get signed up by October 20th . . . you can grab the October kit out of the Online Store as an eligible PP Subscriber!!  AND you'll get the soon coming November kit (a wonderful coordinated kit for gift giving solutions). 

 

What are you waiting for?  Two coordinating kits means you will have everything you need to complete unique holiday cards and gifts,  getting that handmade holiday touch without the fuss.  Sign Up TODAY!!!!

• Remember, the October and November kits coordinate but they also stand alone. You DO NOT need both kits to create a complete project.
• To receive November’s kit,  you must subscribe at paperpumpkin.com by 11:50 PM (MT) on November 10.

 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND . . .

One of my most favorite sales and obviously one of yours!  Stampin' Up! has brought back the Buy 3 / Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper sale, by popular demand!  So here we are!!  You love our designer papers as much as I do, so now is the time to stock up!!  Buy three packages of select Designer Series Paper and get one FREE during the month of October! This sale includes Designer Series Paper from both the annual and holiday catalogs, including select Specialty and Designer Series Paper Stacks!  See the papers that are included below.  

 

 

 

THE STAMPIN' BLENDS ARE COMING . . . THE STAMPIN' BLENDS ARE COMING!!

Say hello to a new world of colorful creativity!  I am so excited today to be able to officially announce that after almost two years of research and development, Stampin' Up! is releasing their new alcohol markers to the general public on November 1st!! 

 

Meet Stampin’ Blends, artist-quality alcohol markers in 12 exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors. Each color (except Ivory and Bronze) has a light and dark shade marker, available individually or in a combo pack.  To cover all the blending bases, you can also purchase a limited-time 16-card project kit and stamp set with beautiful line-art images.  So get ready everyone . . .  November 1st is right around the corner, and you don't want to miss out on these wonderful new markers.  More details are coming soon! 

  

 

And as that wasn't enough fun, . . . We’re also having a Stampin’ Blends Giveaway!  Beginning today and running through October 31, 2017, you can share, like, or comment on Stampin’ Up!’s Stampin’ Blends Facebook post for the chance to win a Stampin’ Blends Marker Collection or a Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack. Reach out to your customers and make sure they know this is their opportunity to win free Stampin’ Blends!  View complete rules and details here.

Want to start planning your November 1st purchase?  Take a closer look HERE (or click on the Image Below):

 

BE MERRY -- AND CHEERY!!

 ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT - and then this exclusive stamp set will be gone!  Many of you have already taken advantage of filling that minimum $300 order and snapping up this fabulous set.  If you are still waiting, or need help, Contact Me today to learn how you can earn this stamp set before it is gone!  You won't want to miss out, I can assure you!

 

 

 

Let's check out the details for this fabulous promotion ~

 

• The promotion period runs from September 1 through October 31.
• The Merry Patterns Stamp Set will not be available after 11:50 PM (MT) on October 31.
• In order to qualify, the merchandise total must reach $300 before shipping and handling.
• There is no limit to the number of times you can earn the Merry Patterns Stamp Set, but you can only earn one set per qualifying order.
• Customer orders placed through me, workshop orders, and online orders placed by you through my online store qualify.
• The Merry Patterns Stamp Set is in addition to Stampin’ Rewards!

 

Have wonderful Tuesday everyone!!

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mix-It Up Mondays ~~ Test Tube Treat Holder

 

Good Monday Morning Fellow Stampers :-)

 

Well, here we are after a rather hectic weekend of classes, pumpkin festivals, and fun!  Whew!  I'm worn out just from the weekend - LOL.  I've also been struggling with getting through some Fall deep cleaning around the house, and trying to start getting caught up on some projects that have been lying far too long.  And the reality is that we have passed the middle of October (Yikes!), and I'm starting to panic just a little bit because there is a lot I'd like to get done for Christmas gifts!!!  So it is definitely going to be busy around here at DDS Studios.  On top of which, I've been  struggling with keeping the "crud" at bay -- so it doesn't help when you have days you just don't feel good.  I'm hopeful the D3 and the Emergen-C are doing the trick!!

 

So we're off and running into another week, and it's time for a little "Mix-It Up Monday" fun!!  Whoo hooo -- and with Halloween right around the corner, I think we need some treat gift holders, what do you think?  🎃 

 

  

I adapted this adorable box that I found elsewhere to fit our Stampin' Up! Test Tube holders.  There are much larger test tubes out there (namely, at Michael's), and the original templates I was looking at fit those perfectly.  Since our test tubes are a little smaller (and cuter by the way - LOL), I had to do some testing and make some changes for this box to work.  So I sat down and said, okay, how do I want this to look, and did some test runs changing my score lines and folds around until I found just the right fit.  This holder sets the tubes all the way down in the box just shy of the top of the tube so that I can put a little ribbon decor on it and it will sit nicely in place.  If you make the box shorter, which you can, then you have to think about some sort of stabilizer inside the box to hold the tubes up; otherwise, they will fall over.  So I kind of like doing it this way a little bit better.  Don't need the extra step.

 

 

 Today's little box is cut from Cajun Craze cardstock.  I contemplated doing it in Basic Black, but it seems like we make so many of our "base" backgrounds from white, vanilla or black.  And our Spooky Nights DSP has some wonderful colors in it - perfectly set off with a bolder background color.

By adding a back panel to the box, you create a little bit extra "steadiness" to the box, as well as a place to add a sentiment and decor - I LOVE decorating boxes!!

I will provide a tutorial on this box next week - my gals are making this treat set at the "Spooky Fun" Halloween Class this weekend . . . so my online followers have to wait just a little bit, because they get first dibs!!  LOL  But don't worry, I'll put together a simple PDF tutorial that will go out in my DDS Nibbles Newsletter next week.  Be sure you're signed up!!

 

 

 

 The panels are from the wonderful Spooky Night DSP.  I really love this small polka-dotted pattern on the black.  And don't you love how the Cajun Craze sets it off?

There is lots of fun "fussy cutting" from the different DSP designs on this project, as well as stamped images - yeah!  Great fun when you're just sitting and watching TV.  The Jack-O-Lanterns are cut from the DSP; the adorable orange cat is punched from the DSP with the Cat Punch.  The owl is stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock, and fussy cut out;  I used a Crushed Curry Stampin' Write marker to color in here and there.

Now I will pause to note that you do not have to "fussy cut" the Jack-O-Lanterns from the paper.  The framelits in the Patterns Pumpkin Thinlits die set match up perfectly - but I was being Type A - I didn't want the vanilla edge around the pumpkin for this project- so there you have it!!  LOL

 

I think what I love the most in today's project is the fabulous sentiment from the Spooky Cat stamp set.  The "outer" sentiment is stamped in Pumpkin Pie on Very Vanilla, then punched out easy peasy with the new Everyday Label Punch.  Then I stamped the center sentiment (from the same stamp set), on Cajun Craze cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink (it stains my photopolymer less that's why I prefer it), and then lined it up and punched it out with the Classic Label Punch.  It's popped in the center of the "outer" sentiment with mini stampin' dimensionals -- it fits perfectly!  Love it!

A few Black Rhinestones finishing touches complete this cute project, along with die cuts from the Seasonal Tags Framelits and the Patterned Pumpkin Thinlits.
 

 

Our adorable little Test Tube Treat Holders are perfect for so many things and I was thrilled when I saw them in the Holiday Occasions Catalog.  Think hot cocoa, M&M's, bath salts . . . anything you'd like!

Today's set of tubes holds sprinkles and red hots to decorate the top of some Autumn or Spooky cookies or cupcakes.  How fun!!

I tied a piece of the Vintage Crochet Trim around the top of each tube, so that when it sets in its spot in the box, it peaks out and looks cute cute cute!!

 

 I hope you enjoyed my Test Tube Treat Holder box today.  Won't you let me know in your comment today?  As always, I'm only an email away ([email protected]) if you have any questions about today's design or about Stampin' Up! products.  All of the products for today's project are located in the supply table below.  Just click and it will take you to my Online Store to place your order today!!

 

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!! 

 

Until Next Time . . .

 

 

 

Save